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Auckland Med. #4
Controcorrente
Non mi piacciono le etichette e sono soddisfatto così, ma mi è servito molto tempo per arrivare a questo punto. Un bastardo per padre, troppi bulli per contarli e una sfilza di pessimi fidanzati il cui interesse nei miei confronti di rado andava al di là delle gonne che porto ogni tanto. Inutile dire che mi è rimasta ben poca fiducia negli uomini.
L’ultima cosa di cui ho bisogno è un brusco, presuntuoso e impetuoso atleta paralimpico non dichiarato che rovini la mia pace conquistata con tanta fatica. Miller Harrison è una grinza nella mia esistenza di cui farei volentieri a meno. Ho un lavoro che amo all’Auckland Med, un capo che mi capisce e un gruppo di amici che mi accetta per quel che sono.
Dovrei lasciarlo perdere.
Ma Miller ne sa qualcosa di cosa significa una vita controcorrente, e quella speranza che credevo di aver sepolto tanto tempo fa minaccia di riaffiorare.
L’ultima cosa di cui ho bisogno è un brusco, presuntuoso e impetuoso atleta paralimpico non dichiarato che rovini la mia pace conquistata con tanta fatica. Miller Harrison è una grinza nella mia esistenza di cui farei volentieri a meno. Ho un lavoro che amo all’Auckland Med, un capo che mi capisce e un gruppo di amici che mi accetta per quel che sono.
Dovrei lasciarlo perdere.
Ma Miller ne sa qualcosa di cosa significa una vita controcorrente, e quella speranza che credevo di aver sepolto tanto tempo fa minaccia di riaffiorare.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2020
157 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Jay Hogan
25 books919 followersHeart, humour and keeping it real.
I am a two times Lambda Literary Award Finalist—2020 for DIGGING DEEP and 2024 for THE ART OF HUSBANDRY.
I have also received the The Romance Writers of New Zealand 2021 Romance Book of The Year Award for OFF BALANCE.
I am a New Zealand author writing mm romance and romantic suspense primarily set in my home country. I write character driven romances with lots of humour, a good dose of reality, and a splash of angst. I’ve travelled extensively, lived in many countries, and in a past life I worked as a critical care nurse and a counsellor. My family love and somehow put up with me, and my gorgeous Cocker Spaniel thinks I spend too much time at my desk but keeps my feet warm.
Join my reader group to keep up with my news.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hogan...
You can also find me at:
https://www.jayhoganauthor.com where you can buy my audiobooks direct at a discount.
https://www.facebook.com/JayHoganAuthor
I am a two times Lambda Literary Award Finalist—2020 for DIGGING DEEP and 2024 for THE ART OF HUSBANDRY.
I have also received the The Romance Writers of New Zealand 2021 Romance Book of The Year Award for OFF BALANCE.
I am a New Zealand author writing mm romance and romantic suspense primarily set in my home country. I write character driven romances with lots of humour, a good dose of reality, and a splash of angst. I’ve travelled extensively, lived in many countries, and in a past life I worked as a critical care nurse and a counsellor. My family love and somehow put up with me, and my gorgeous Cocker Spaniel thinks I spend too much time at my desk but keeps my feet warm.
Join my reader group to keep up with my news.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hogan...
You can also find me at:
https://www.jayhoganauthor.com where you can buy my audiobooks direct at a discount.
https://www.facebook.com/JayHoganAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
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November 29, 2020DNF at 54%. No rating.
It's rare that I read that far into a book and leave it with no rating, but I didn't feel right about rating Against the Grain. Sometimes, Jay Hogan work for me, and sometimes they linger on my shelf for months, half read. This is one of those cases.
In theory, I should have loved Against the Grain. I recently ADORED Off Balance, which featured a chronically ill MC, and I've been fascinated with wheelchair rugby since I watched Murderball all those years ago (I actually re-watched prior to reading this book because I was so excited). But, alas, this book and I weren't meant to be.
When I have issues with a Jay Hogan book, it's always because they start to feel too long and too unfocused. Her books tend to be very long, over 350 pages, and I often wish the editing was tighter so 50 pages or so could have been trimmed off. Against the Grain felt like it meandered for a long time with no direction, and I found my mind wandering for so much in the middle of the book that I totally lost the motivation to pick it back up again.
Would I have been able to read through the whole thing in a non-Covid time? Maybe. That's why I hesitate to give this book a rating. It takes a snappy plot and a very well-written story to hold my attention right now, especially because alone-time is non-existent at the moment. Do I think many readers would enjoy this book, especially if they have read this whole series? For sure.
Not the book for me at this point in time, but I'm not discounting it for the future.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
It's rare that I read that far into a book and leave it with no rating, but I didn't feel right about rating Against the Grain. Sometimes, Jay Hogan work for me, and sometimes they linger on my shelf for months, half read. This is one of those cases.
In theory, I should have loved Against the Grain. I recently ADORED Off Balance, which featured a chronically ill MC, and I've been fascinated with wheelchair rugby since I watched Murderball all those years ago (I actually re-watched prior to reading this book because I was so excited). But, alas, this book and I weren't meant to be.
When I have issues with a Jay Hogan book, it's always because they start to feel too long and too unfocused. Her books tend to be very long, over 350 pages, and I often wish the editing was tighter so 50 pages or so could have been trimmed off. Against the Grain felt like it meandered for a long time with no direction, and I found my mind wandering for so much in the middle of the book that I totally lost the motivation to pick it back up again.
Would I have been able to read through the whole thing in a non-Covid time? Maybe. That's why I hesitate to give this book a rating. It takes a snappy plot and a very well-written story to hold my attention right now, especially because alone-time is non-existent at the moment. Do I think many readers would enjoy this book, especially if they have read this whole series? For sure.
Not the book for me at this point in time, but I'm not discounting it for the future.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
June 2, 2021
3 “maybe we can hold hands through the scary bits” stars
They’d said they loved each other.
That was enough.
That was everything.
Wasn’t it?
Remember how I was loving this book when I was at like 50%? It feels like so long ago, sadly. I have no clue what happened, one second I was absolutely loving this and then it just went downhill and I started really disliking one of the main character.
I’m a really big fan of Jay Hogan. For the longest time (before she released a new book in May that I haven’t read yet) this was the only Jay Hogan book I hadn’t read. There is no big reason for this, I just wasn’t in the mood to read a Jay Hogan book when it came out (if you’ve read her books before, i’m sure you will understand what I mean, her books require a lot of focus and they feel really long while reading them and sometimes my brain just can’t do it) and I never got around to reading it after that. I have no clue why, this book has a main character who is a wheelchair user and I always love reading about characters with disabilities. I only finally read this one because I got an ARC of the upcomming fifth book in the series and I wanted to catch up on the series before I read book 5, which i’m dying to read. I really enjoyed this book, my only problem with the book is that I would have enjoyed it much better if one of the main character wasn’t in it. I was really loving this before the 50-60% mark but then it just started going downhill fast.
Brief summary
Miller is 35 years old, he plays wheelchair rugby and is the clinical gouvernance coordinator at Aukland Med. He’s also very prickly, in the closet and doesn’t talk to many people. One day at work he meets Sandy, who’s 34 years old and the forensic pathology assistant. Miller is a jerk to Sandy at first and Sandy refuses to date him. Miller apologizes, they go on a couple of dates and fall in love.
First, the main trope here was grumpy and sunshine, but make it grumpy and snarky sunshine and I just loved it so much. It was so lovely. I really love a good prickly character who only has a soft spot for his man and his man only. Miller was exactly that.
Second, I really appreciated all the descriptions of wheelchair rugby, that was so damn fun to read about. I really enjoyed the descriptions of Miller as a wheelchair user, who still walks a little. It was really lovely to read about.
Third, it was a little frustrating to read about but I did really enjoy how they both had fears and were both set in their ways and it took them a long time and lots of effort to change. I really enjoyed that it wasn’t effortless. Miller was prickly, closed off and never dated anyone. I loved how he freaked out about dating at first and how he had fumbles. I really enjoyed how dating didn’t come easy to him. Miller’s character was quite frustrating at time, because his hang ups made him really hot and cold but I really appreciated how they made sense with his character and how realistic he felt.
Fourth, I really loved how their dating was awkward at first and how they tried so much to be good and do well but it just didn’t work sometimes, so good and so realistic.
Fifth, now we can talk about my feelings about Sandy. Sandy was one of those out and proud characters who demands that everyone respect him, which I usually love in a character. My problem with him is that he so focused on himself that he never thought about Miller’s needs and what the guy wanted. It was all about getting Sandy what he wants while Miller never got what he wanted. Sandy was definitely way too pushy sometimes, Miller always seemed to feel bad about something when he was around Sandy. At one point Sandy was making Miller feel bad and apologize for everything he did, which was a bit strange to me. I wanted Sandy to be more understanding and stop doubting Miller. Sandy had no respect for Miller and his wants most of the time, he just asked for what he wanted and if he didn’t get it, he threw a tantrum until Miller was forced to apologize and give Sandy what he wants, even if Miller does not want to do it. I was so fucking tired of Sandy calling Miller out and saying how Miller was a bad boyfriend when Miller did nothing wrong. Miller just didn’t do exactly what Sandy wanted so Sandy got pissed
Little rant incoming. Miller was clearly an introvert and didn’t like hanging out with people, he made that very clear. But Sandy always invited Miller out and then got mad at Miller for not wanting to go and Sandy kept saying how it was because Miller doesn’t want to be seen with him, but it wasn’t?? Miller likes to stay at home and not hang out with random people, which is a perfectly normal thing, by the way.
Sixth, there was a side plot with a 17 years old and his father who abused him because he’s gay. I enjoyed it but I felt like it took away from the romance, a lot.
Seventh, this probably won’t bother most people but this book is over 400 pages and there was barely any sex and no descriptive sex scenes. Just such a damn shame to me. I know Jay Hogan can write killer sex scenes too, so this is just sad.
Eigtht, there was way too much happening all the time. I wanted some slower parts where they two characters enjoyed their time together instead of drama every 2 seconds
Ninth, here is a little gif that explains perfectly my reaction so the drama at 80%:
Tenth, I love Jay Hogan but I really don’t enjoy how she keeps having these weird and unrelated to the story crime plots at 90%. They always come out of nowhere. I’m really tired of my main characters almost dying at 90% for no reason. Like seriously, can’t we just keep them alive and safe?
Special mentions to Jay Hogan’s writing which is always lovely and such a joy to read and to the banter between the characters, it was so fun.
And now that i’m all caught up on the series, if you’re looking for me in the next few days, I will probably be lost in my ARC of book 5 in the series.
They’d said they loved each other.
That was enough.
That was everything.
Wasn’t it?
Remember how I was loving this book when I was at like 50%? It feels like so long ago, sadly. I have no clue what happened, one second I was absolutely loving this and then it just went downhill and I started really disliking one of the main character.
I’m a really big fan of Jay Hogan. For the longest time (before she released a new book in May that I haven’t read yet) this was the only Jay Hogan book I hadn’t read. There is no big reason for this, I just wasn’t in the mood to read a Jay Hogan book when it came out (if you’ve read her books before, i’m sure you will understand what I mean, her books require a lot of focus and they feel really long while reading them and sometimes my brain just can’t do it) and I never got around to reading it after that. I have no clue why, this book has a main character who is a wheelchair user and I always love reading about characters with disabilities. I only finally read this one because I got an ARC of the upcomming fifth book in the series and I wanted to catch up on the series before I read book 5, which i’m dying to read. I really enjoyed this book, my only problem with the book is that I would have enjoyed it much better if one of the main character wasn’t in it. I was really loving this before the 50-60% mark but then it just started going downhill fast.
Brief summary
Miller is 35 years old, he plays wheelchair rugby and is the clinical gouvernance coordinator at Aukland Med. He’s also very prickly, in the closet and doesn’t talk to many people. One day at work he meets Sandy, who’s 34 years old and the forensic pathology assistant. Miller is a jerk to Sandy at first and Sandy refuses to date him. Miller apologizes, they go on a couple of dates and fall in love.
First, the main trope here was grumpy and sunshine, but make it grumpy and snarky sunshine and I just loved it so much. It was so lovely. I really love a good prickly character who only has a soft spot for his man and his man only. Miller was exactly that.
Second, I really appreciated all the descriptions of wheelchair rugby, that was so damn fun to read about. I really enjoyed the descriptions of Miller as a wheelchair user, who still walks a little. It was really lovely to read about.
Third, it was a little frustrating to read about but I did really enjoy how they both had fears and were both set in their ways and it took them a long time and lots of effort to change. I really enjoyed that it wasn’t effortless. Miller was prickly, closed off and never dated anyone. I loved how he freaked out about dating at first and how he had fumbles. I really enjoyed how dating didn’t come easy to him. Miller’s character was quite frustrating at time, because his hang ups made him really hot and cold but I really appreciated how they made sense with his character and how realistic he felt.
Fourth, I really loved how their dating was awkward at first and how they tried so much to be good and do well but it just didn’t work sometimes, so good and so realistic.
Fifth, now we can talk about my feelings about Sandy. Sandy was one of those out and proud characters who demands that everyone respect him, which I usually love in a character. My problem with him is that he so focused on himself that he never thought about Miller’s needs and what the guy wanted. It was all about getting Sandy what he wants while Miller never got what he wanted. Sandy was definitely way too pushy sometimes, Miller always seemed to feel bad about something when he was around Sandy. At one point Sandy was making Miller feel bad and apologize for everything he did, which was a bit strange to me. I wanted Sandy to be more understanding and stop doubting Miller. Sandy had no respect for Miller and his wants most of the time, he just asked for what he wanted and if he didn’t get it, he threw a tantrum until Miller was forced to apologize and give Sandy what he wants, even if Miller does not want to do it. I was so fucking tired of Sandy calling Miller out and saying how Miller was a bad boyfriend when Miller did nothing wrong. Miller just didn’t do exactly what Sandy wanted so Sandy got pissed
Little rant incoming. Miller was clearly an introvert and didn’t like hanging out with people, he made that very clear. But Sandy always invited Miller out and then got mad at Miller for not wanting to go and Sandy kept saying how it was because Miller doesn’t want to be seen with him, but it wasn’t?? Miller likes to stay at home and not hang out with random people, which is a perfectly normal thing, by the way.
Sixth, there was a side plot with a 17 years old and his father who abused him because he’s gay. I enjoyed it but I felt like it took away from the romance, a lot.
Seventh, this probably won’t bother most people but this book is over 400 pages and there was barely any sex and no descriptive sex scenes. Just such a damn shame to me. I know Jay Hogan can write killer sex scenes too, so this is just sad.
Eigtht, there was way too much happening all the time. I wanted some slower parts where they two characters enjoyed their time together instead of drama every 2 seconds
Ninth, here is a little gif that explains perfectly my reaction so the drama at 80%:
Tenth, I love Jay Hogan but I really don’t enjoy how she keeps having these weird and unrelated to the story crime plots at 90%. They always come out of nowhere. I’m really tired of my main characters almost dying at 90% for no reason. Like seriously, can’t we just keep them alive and safe?
Special mentions to Jay Hogan’s writing which is always lovely and such a joy to read and to the banter between the characters, it was so fun.
And now that i’m all caught up on the series, if you’re looking for me in the next few days, I will probably be lost in my ARC of book 5 in the series.
December 8, 2020
My new favourite from Jay! All the stars and then some.
Full review tomorrow.
***
Every time I read a book from Jay Hogan I'm reminded of two things:
1 She researches thoroughly and whenever there is a disability or cultural theme in her books, they are 100% given all the necessary attention to detail needed to come across as thoroughly real.
2 Her books transport me into a world where I feel I'm watching real people through a looking glass or as part of a TV show following them through their daily lives.
Here she looks at the world of Paralympic wheelchair sports, murderball aka quad rugby in particular and, as someone who is also an ambulatory wheelchair user, although not as much as when first discharged from hospital, let me say I absolutely believed 100% in Miller's experiences.
Writing about a disabled character when you aren't one yourself, is a gamble, over complicate it and it comes across like you're just reciting your research, don't give it the attention to detail it needs, and it sounds like lip-service.
But with Miller, he was utterly real. His frustrations, his fears that his disability was getting worse and threatening to derail his professional sporting career, and his dawning awareness that he'd met someone that was going to mean he had to come out publicly. They were visceral.
And Sandy, he might just be my favourite of all Jay's characters so far. He's unapologetically out and gender fluid in his outward expression through clothing. He's had to fight hard for his equilibrium and he's been disappointed time and time again by men who've asked him to tone it down at some point in their relationship.
When they meet, it's in a flurry of misunderstanding and bruised egos, but the sparks are flying from the off. Miller is fascinated by Sandy and the pathologist's assistant finds there's more to the Paralympian than his outward arrogance.
There're plenty of guest appearances from the other pairs in this excellent Auckland Med series and I loved seeing Josh and Michael, Reuben and Cam, and Mark and Ed, this friendship group is a strong one and both Miller and Sandy turn to it for help.
I'm not going into the plot, but it's one which will take you on a rollercoaster journey through all the highs and lows of a realistic relationship which has stumbles on the journey to happiness.
Read this book if you love people who've fought hard to be themselves, if you like vulnerable disabled sportsmen who are just finding their feet in the out and proud world, hurt teenagers, family and friends who will move the Earth to help protect the ones they love, and two men who work through a myriad of challenges to find the happiness they deserve.
Another absolutely brilliant entry in this fabulous series from Jay.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Full review tomorrow.
***
Every time I read a book from Jay Hogan I'm reminded of two things:
1 She researches thoroughly and whenever there is a disability or cultural theme in her books, they are 100% given all the necessary attention to detail needed to come across as thoroughly real.
2 Her books transport me into a world where I feel I'm watching real people through a looking glass or as part of a TV show following them through their daily lives.
Here she looks at the world of Paralympic wheelchair sports, murderball aka quad rugby in particular and, as someone who is also an ambulatory wheelchair user, although not as much as when first discharged from hospital, let me say I absolutely believed 100% in Miller's experiences.
Writing about a disabled character when you aren't one yourself, is a gamble, over complicate it and it comes across like you're just reciting your research, don't give it the attention to detail it needs, and it sounds like lip-service.
But with Miller, he was utterly real. His frustrations, his fears that his disability was getting worse and threatening to derail his professional sporting career, and his dawning awareness that he'd met someone that was going to mean he had to come out publicly. They were visceral.
And Sandy, he might just be my favourite of all Jay's characters so far. He's unapologetically out and gender fluid in his outward expression through clothing. He's had to fight hard for his equilibrium and he's been disappointed time and time again by men who've asked him to tone it down at some point in their relationship.
When they meet, it's in a flurry of misunderstanding and bruised egos, but the sparks are flying from the off. Miller is fascinated by Sandy and the pathologist's assistant finds there's more to the Paralympian than his outward arrogance.
There're plenty of guest appearances from the other pairs in this excellent Auckland Med series and I loved seeing Josh and Michael, Reuben and Cam, and Mark and Ed, this friendship group is a strong one and both Miller and Sandy turn to it for help.
I'm not going into the plot, but it's one which will take you on a rollercoaster journey through all the highs and lows of a realistic relationship which has stumbles on the journey to happiness.
Read this book if you love people who've fought hard to be themselves, if you like vulnerable disabled sportsmen who are just finding their feet in the out and proud world, hurt teenagers, family and friends who will move the Earth to help protect the ones they love, and two men who work through a myriad of challenges to find the happiness they deserve.
Another absolutely brilliant entry in this fabulous series from Jay.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
December 3, 2021
Audio - 5 Stars!
Story - 4.5 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
September 3, 2023
I struggled with this one because I really didn't like either character for the first time in this series 😬
For all his talk about how people judged him, Sandy was really judgemental himself. He jumped down everyone's throat as soon as they said anything that could even be slightly misconstrued, never wanting to give them the chance to talk things out so they understood him better, or even got to know him - I have no idea how he made his friends if he has zero tolerance of you if you don't immediately understand his entire being. He struck me as really immature and his go to move was to storm off or end the conversation. I found him really unlikeable when I'd actually really liked him in the previous book, but now I just think he's a giant contradiction and I'm not a fan.
Miller also annoyed me for the majority of the book because it drives me nuts when people downplay their injuries! And then nothing really came of the threats to his health in the end, he only stops playing the sport because the car crash put things into perspective for him. I was expecting something more serious to come from the constant mentioning of him hiding his pain, but nothing materialised which was frustrating.
Also my second-hand embarrassment of large groups making a grand gesture struck with the complaint hearing. I don't know if this is like a phobia or something, but I get so itchy and uncomfortable with scenes like this, like I'd be mortified if it happened to me or if I witnessed it, regardless of what it was being done for! 😂 I'm the same with reading or watching proposals too, it just really makes my skin crawl!! 😂😂😂
For all his talk about how people judged him, Sandy was really judgemental himself. He jumped down everyone's throat as soon as they said anything that could even be slightly misconstrued, never wanting to give them the chance to talk things out so they understood him better, or even got to know him - I have no idea how he made his friends if he has zero tolerance of you if you don't immediately understand his entire being. He struck me as really immature and his go to move was to storm off or end the conversation. I found him really unlikeable when I'd actually really liked him in the previous book, but now I just think he's a giant contradiction and I'm not a fan.
Miller also annoyed me for the majority of the book because it drives me nuts when people downplay their injuries! And then nothing really came of the threats to his health in the end, he only stops playing the sport because the car crash put things into perspective for him. I was expecting something more serious to come from the constant mentioning of him hiding his pain, but nothing materialised which was frustrating.
Also my second-hand embarrassment of large groups making a grand gesture struck with the complaint hearing. I don't know if this is like a phobia or something, but I get so itchy and uncomfortable with scenes like this, like I'd be mortified if it happened to me or if I witnessed it, regardless of what it was being done for! 😂 I'm the same with reading or watching proposals too, it just really makes my skin crawl!! 😂😂😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2022
5 stars audio
4.25 stars story
4.25 stars story
May 26, 2021
4✨
Okay so I hate this cover so much. I truly think it’s awful and that’s probably why it took me so long to read this.
BUT!
I’m so glad I did! I love Auckland Med and Sandy is just guh. So unapologetically living his best life for him and no one else and I love that. Miller was an amazing character and I loved seeing the growth he went through with Sandy at his side. I felt for Geo and the way Miller took him in and protected him was EVERYTHING! Everyone came together and it was amazing getting glimpses of the other couples again.
Plus, Cam in lacy thongs? Totally had me laughing hard! I can’t wait for the next one and we get to see his wedding to Reuben come to fruition.
Okay so I hate this cover so much. I truly think it’s awful and that’s probably why it took me so long to read this.
BUT!
I’m so glad I did! I love Auckland Med and Sandy is just guh. So unapologetically living his best life for him and no one else and I love that. Miller was an amazing character and I loved seeing the growth he went through with Sandy at his side. I felt for Geo and the way Miller took him in and protected him was EVERYTHING! Everyone came together and it was amazing getting glimpses of the other couples again.
Plus, Cam in lacy thongs? Totally had me laughing hard! I can’t wait for the next one and we get to see his wedding to Reuben come to fruition.
January 31, 2024
This wasn't bad and I think a lot of people will enjoy it, but it didn't really capture my interest. Couldn't really get into the plot. It almost felt like not a lot was going on throughout the book but then the last 20% suddenly a lot was going on and everything was quickly resolved.
November 25, 2021
4.5? my favorite in the series by a wide margin
October 4, 2023
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
Sorry in advance for the insane amount of quotes. I couldn’t pick.
Miller Harrison ticked boxes Sandy didn’t even know he had. But handsome was zero excuse for arseholery.
This book deals with a fair few things that are serious and important that I don’t feel at all equipped to comment on, like identity and sexuality, and there’s a good bit of bigotry in the forms of homophobia and ableism as well. I will say though, that these things are handled really well, and I enjoyed it being discussed through an emotional lovestory, and through characters that felt real.
“You can’t park there. It’s a disabled space.” “Accessible, actually.” If he had a dollar for every fucking time someone decided to police his disability, he’d be rolling in it.
It deals with a semi-closeted MC with a disability, who inadvertently (and against his will), becomes a role model for gay and disabled people, when all his life, he’s tried to be invisible and fly under the radar. He also falls in love with a very proud, femme gay man, who enjoys wearing skirts, a little makeup, and in general sometimes presents more as non-binary to the outside world, while he personally doesn’t want to be labeled at all. He just wants to be whatever feels right. You might imagine that one MC who doesn’t want to make waves, paired with one who wants to fight loudly to have the same rights as everyone else, might create some issues, and you would be right. It’s not always smooth sailing, but their connection is really strong, and when they have issues, they talk it out (eventually).
But it taught me that if your own parents can’t be trusted to listen to your story and learn from it, then no one else deserves it from you just as a matter of curiosity. It hurts too much to have it argued or rejected time after time, so I only offer it when I really want to. There might be people who genuinely want to know to improve their understanding, but unless they’re going to be a part of my life, I don’t have to be their rainbow Wikipedia. And they aren’t entitled to that from me any more than they would be entitled to answers on personal questions from a cis, straight person.”
This book was like a complete 180 from the previous one in the series, Up Close and Personal. I believed in the MCs being together, and they had amazing chemistry. And although the themes are serious and it got really sad at times, it’s not horribly angsty or anything. I think what angst is there was needed. Very highly recommend.
“You’ll share your arse and ram your tongue up mine, but you won’t share your potato fritters?”
Ugh, I don’t like the cover though. That’s not a great representation of the Sandy I have in my mind after reading, lol.
She thinks I’m one of those cheerful, twinky, go-shopping-with-your-girlfriend kind of gays, and I am so not that person. I’m six foot three of insecure, gangly, potty-mouthed confusion who struggles to find a dress size to fit.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Rugby player
Disability rep
Wheelchair user
Femme MC (skirts, makeup heels)
Para athlete
Assistant pathologist
Semi-closeted
Coming out
Facial (not a nice day at the spa)
Lingerie
‘Fostering’ a teenager
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Homophobia
Mentions of drunk driving accident
Ableism
Domestic abuse (father/son, side character)
Attempted kidnapping
Car accident (on page)
Injury and hospitalization
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
[…] I am so over babying guys through their puberty of emotional expression.”
“Yeah. Fucking men, right?” Sandy followed his gaze. “Who’d fucking love them?” “Us,” they both said and clinked their glasses.
His eyes rolled so far, the only thing stopping them falling down the back of his throat was the what-the-fuck coming up it.
Sorry in advance for the insane amount of quotes. I couldn’t pick.
Miller Harrison ticked boxes Sandy didn’t even know he had. But handsome was zero excuse for arseholery.
This book deals with a fair few things that are serious and important that I don’t feel at all equipped to comment on, like identity and sexuality, and there’s a good bit of bigotry in the forms of homophobia and ableism as well. I will say though, that these things are handled really well, and I enjoyed it being discussed through an emotional lovestory, and through characters that felt real.
“You can’t park there. It’s a disabled space.” “Accessible, actually.” If he had a dollar for every fucking time someone decided to police his disability, he’d be rolling in it.
It deals with a semi-closeted MC with a disability, who inadvertently (and against his will), becomes a role model for gay and disabled people, when all his life, he’s tried to be invisible and fly under the radar. He also falls in love with a very proud, femme gay man, who enjoys wearing skirts, a little makeup, and in general sometimes presents more as non-binary to the outside world, while he personally doesn’t want to be labeled at all. He just wants to be whatever feels right. You might imagine that one MC who doesn’t want to make waves, paired with one who wants to fight loudly to have the same rights as everyone else, might create some issues, and you would be right. It’s not always smooth sailing, but their connection is really strong, and when they have issues, they talk it out (eventually).
But it taught me that if your own parents can’t be trusted to listen to your story and learn from it, then no one else deserves it from you just as a matter of curiosity. It hurts too much to have it argued or rejected time after time, so I only offer it when I really want to. There might be people who genuinely want to know to improve their understanding, but unless they’re going to be a part of my life, I don’t have to be their rainbow Wikipedia. And they aren’t entitled to that from me any more than they would be entitled to answers on personal questions from a cis, straight person.”
This book was like a complete 180 from the previous one in the series, Up Close and Personal. I believed in the MCs being together, and they had amazing chemistry. And although the themes are serious and it got really sad at times, it’s not horribly angsty or anything. I think what angst is there was needed. Very highly recommend.
“You’ll share your arse and ram your tongue up mine, but you won’t share your potato fritters?”
Ugh, I don’t like the cover though. That’s not a great representation of the Sandy I have in my mind after reading, lol.
She thinks I’m one of those cheerful, twinky, go-shopping-with-your-girlfriend kind of gays, and I am so not that person. I’m six foot three of insecure, gangly, potty-mouthed confusion who struggles to find a dress size to fit.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Rugby player
Disability rep
Wheelchair user
Femme MC (skirts, makeup heels)
Para athlete
Assistant pathologist
Semi-closeted
Coming out
Facial (not a nice day at the spa)
Lingerie
‘Fostering’ a teenager
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Homophobia
Mentions of drunk driving accident
Ableism
Domestic abuse (father/son, side character)
Attempted kidnapping
Car accident (on page)
Injury and hospitalization
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
[…] I am so over babying guys through their puberty of emotional expression.”
“Yeah. Fucking men, right?” Sandy followed his gaze. “Who’d fucking love them?” “Us,” they both said and clinked their glasses.
His eyes rolled so far, the only thing stopping them falling down the back of his throat was the what-the-fuck coming up it.
January 19, 2022
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Against the Grain is the newest standalone in Jay Hogan's Auckland Med series. This is a series I have enjoyed and have fallen in love with all its wonderful and unique characters. This one is by far my favorite of the series and I just loved it so much.
Sandy Williams loves his job at Auckland Med and the close group of friends he's made there. Miller Harrison, player for the NZ Wheel Backs and new employee at Auckland Med, gets off on the wrong foot when he first meets Sandy being rude. Sandy is used to people judging him for his choice in clothing, so he writes Miller off. After another random encounter Miller finds himself entranced by Sandy and wants to get to know him better but also is fearful as he is not out of the closet in his sport or at work. Sandy hid or dulled his shine long enough and although he truly comes to care for Miller he refuses to be forced into a societal norm and stops being true to himself. Will Miller be able to get over his long engrained fears or risk losing Sandy and his new-found true to himself life?
""He lifted his hand to brush across Miller's bright red cheek. 'You're a bit of a puzzle, Miller Harrison. I think I'm going to enjoy getting to know you."
Oh goodness, I loved these men so much. Sandy is amazing a force to be reckoned with. He is strong, kind and proud of who is. He refuses to bow down to the society's expectations of males, in clothing choices and in life. Sandy has to make tough decisions when it comes to Miller and put their feelings to the test, he is in the right and really is the driving force to making their relationship long-lasting.
"Kissing my palm, Mr Harrison? Who knew there dwelled a romantic under all the f*ckery?"
Miller has struggled most of his life with his physical disability and coming out publicly gay has always felt like more drama than its worth until he meets Sandy and that all changes. He is a bit prickly at first but the second he lets those walls down with Sandy he becomes a whole different person. He is charming, and does little things to show he cares that are just absolutely precious. He really has no clue how to have a relationship, but he genuinely tries. It was hard to watch him dig himself into a hole at times and hurt Sandy in the process, but he fights to correct his mistakes and there's no denying how much he loves Sandy.
"I have no words," he whispered in his ear." You're the sexiest man I've ever laid my eyes on, and I'm not sure what you see in me, but I'm so f*cking grateful you decided to give me a chance."
I could read about these two and never get bored. They were just perfect together and honest, pushed buttons, and didn't shy from tough subjects. They joked about the boyfriend handbook because relationships are complicated and only get harder as the feelings grow stronger but these little moments of light-hearted joking helped. Also, I can't not mention how hot as hell their sex life is 🔥🔥 Plus the found family Miller and Sandy have is so heartwarming and the family and friends they have around them and supporting them put a smile on your face.
"You gave my heart a soft place to fall, do you know that? You're a good man, You're sexy as hell, and I couldn't be happier."
Against the Grain is a little on the long side but I didn't really notice it. The book has a lot of drama that both characters are dealing with but it's not anything over the top or unrealistic. Miller is wading through coming out publicly, facing the end of his athletic career, and being in a relationship. Sandy is battling reconnecting with a homophobic parent, trusting Miller with his heart, and problems from judgmental people over his choice of dress. They work hard to balance this new relationship with everything going on in their lives and it's a little harder for Miller whose avoided drama his entire life.
I loved this book so much.. in case I haven't said it enough haha I guess the only thing I didn't love was the cover but I get that it is supposed to be Sandy and it comes close to how I picture him but there's just something about it that I don't like lol 🤷♀️
In the end I can't stop myself from giving 5 stars to this mm romance between two drastically opposite characters who need each other, their found family and their blood families to find a happily ever after.
Against the Grain is the newest standalone in Jay Hogan's Auckland Med series. This is a series I have enjoyed and have fallen in love with all its wonderful and unique characters. This one is by far my favorite of the series and I just loved it so much.
Sandy Williams loves his job at Auckland Med and the close group of friends he's made there. Miller Harrison, player for the NZ Wheel Backs and new employee at Auckland Med, gets off on the wrong foot when he first meets Sandy being rude. Sandy is used to people judging him for his choice in clothing, so he writes Miller off. After another random encounter Miller finds himself entranced by Sandy and wants to get to know him better but also is fearful as he is not out of the closet in his sport or at work. Sandy hid or dulled his shine long enough and although he truly comes to care for Miller he refuses to be forced into a societal norm and stops being true to himself. Will Miller be able to get over his long engrained fears or risk losing Sandy and his new-found true to himself life?
""He lifted his hand to brush across Miller's bright red cheek. 'You're a bit of a puzzle, Miller Harrison. I think I'm going to enjoy getting to know you."
Oh goodness, I loved these men so much. Sandy is amazing a force to be reckoned with. He is strong, kind and proud of who is. He refuses to bow down to the society's expectations of males, in clothing choices and in life. Sandy has to make tough decisions when it comes to Miller and put their feelings to the test, he is in the right and really is the driving force to making their relationship long-lasting.
"Kissing my palm, Mr Harrison? Who knew there dwelled a romantic under all the f*ckery?"
Miller has struggled most of his life with his physical disability and coming out publicly gay has always felt like more drama than its worth until he meets Sandy and that all changes. He is a bit prickly at first but the second he lets those walls down with Sandy he becomes a whole different person. He is charming, and does little things to show he cares that are just absolutely precious. He really has no clue how to have a relationship, but he genuinely tries. It was hard to watch him dig himself into a hole at times and hurt Sandy in the process, but he fights to correct his mistakes and there's no denying how much he loves Sandy.
"I have no words," he whispered in his ear." You're the sexiest man I've ever laid my eyes on, and I'm not sure what you see in me, but I'm so f*cking grateful you decided to give me a chance."
I could read about these two and never get bored. They were just perfect together and honest, pushed buttons, and didn't shy from tough subjects. They joked about the boyfriend handbook because relationships are complicated and only get harder as the feelings grow stronger but these little moments of light-hearted joking helped. Also, I can't not mention how hot as hell their sex life is 🔥🔥 Plus the found family Miller and Sandy have is so heartwarming and the family and friends they have around them and supporting them put a smile on your face.
"You gave my heart a soft place to fall, do you know that? You're a good man, You're sexy as hell, and I couldn't be happier."
Against the Grain is a little on the long side but I didn't really notice it. The book has a lot of drama that both characters are dealing with but it's not anything over the top or unrealistic. Miller is wading through coming out publicly, facing the end of his athletic career, and being in a relationship. Sandy is battling reconnecting with a homophobic parent, trusting Miller with his heart, and problems from judgmental people over his choice of dress. They work hard to balance this new relationship with everything going on in their lives and it's a little harder for Miller whose avoided drama his entire life.
I loved this book so much.. in case I haven't said it enough haha I guess the only thing I didn't love was the cover but I get that it is supposed to be Sandy and it comes close to how I picture him but there's just something about it that I don't like lol 🤷♀️
In the end I can't stop myself from giving 5 stars to this mm romance between two drastically opposite characters who need each other, their found family and their blood families to find a happily ever after.
December 9, 2020
Sandy and Miller their first encounter isn’t the best one.
Sandy is thirty-four, fierce, true to himself, genderqueer, gender fluid, non-binary, wearing what he wants, some days skirts and some days trousers. He has androgyny features, he’s snarky, honest, sweet, and humorous. Miller is mesmerized by Sandy.
Miller is thirty-five, attractive but grumpy, a wheelchair rugby player, a full-contact sport that gives injuries.
So Sandy and Miller meet at Auckland Med. in not the nicest circumstances. They collided literally, Miller in his wheelchair against Sandy his shins. Not knowing Sandy is the RN Forensic Pathology Assistant at Auckland, Miller blows it all away with a lot of grumping. That’s where he meets Sandy’s fire.
The next encounter is much nicer and every next more and more.
Sandy just doesn’t chase guys, Miller seems an exception, even though the guy is the opposite of himself. Miller is a sports guy, with a lot of masculinity, blunt, and to a lot of people mostly closeted.
“One of life’s little gems” That he is!!
So far where it all started, the continuation is where there are obstacles on their journey.
Mild ones and events that can break up their relationship.
If you read any books by this author you know this one will be good.
For me this one was even more than good, it was excellent!
The relationship they start is thoroughly analyzed and developed. Personal events are relevant here, with family, friends, colleagues, teammates, and work. There are also dirty actions ugh.
The further the journey comes the more circumstances, environments, and personalities are developed and revealed.
A beautifully layered, well thought out narrative. Two hot guys with explicit characteristics that made them unique and attractive. I loved them. The diverse side stories were, just like the main story, all plausible.
Sandy is thirty-four, fierce, true to himself, genderqueer, gender fluid, non-binary, wearing what he wants, some days skirts and some days trousers. He has androgyny features, he’s snarky, honest, sweet, and humorous. Miller is mesmerized by Sandy.
Miller is thirty-five, attractive but grumpy, a wheelchair rugby player, a full-contact sport that gives injuries.
So Sandy and Miller meet at Auckland Med. in not the nicest circumstances. They collided literally, Miller in his wheelchair against Sandy his shins. Not knowing Sandy is the RN Forensic Pathology Assistant at Auckland, Miller blows it all away with a lot of grumping. That’s where he meets Sandy’s fire.
The next encounter is much nicer and every next more and more.
Sandy just doesn’t chase guys, Miller seems an exception, even though the guy is the opposite of himself. Miller is a sports guy, with a lot of masculinity, blunt, and to a lot of people mostly closeted.
“One of life’s little gems” That he is!!
So far where it all started, the continuation is where there are obstacles on their journey.
Mild ones and events that can break up their relationship.
If you read any books by this author you know this one will be good.
For me this one was even more than good, it was excellent!
The relationship they start is thoroughly analyzed and developed. Personal events are relevant here, with family, friends, colleagues, teammates, and work. There are also dirty actions ugh.
The further the journey comes the more circumstances, environments, and personalities are developed and revealed.
A beautifully layered, well thought out narrative. Two hot guys with explicit characteristics that made them unique and attractive. I loved them. The diverse side stories were, just like the main story, all plausible.
October 26, 2023
I've given this an A for narration and an A- for content at AudioGals.
Book four in Jay Hogan’s Auckland Med , Against the Grain features a wonderful, ‘grown-up’ romance between two very different men whose willingness to communicate and work at their relationship is so refreshing in a genre that is often fraught with misunderstandings and miscommunication (or no communication at all!) Add in a touch of drama, a coming out story and a look at some important issues around disability and gender, and you’ve got a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable story that is my favourite book in the series so far.
Sassy pathologist’s assistant Sandy Williams (whom we first met in the previous book, Up Close and Personal) has spent his whole life (it seems) fighting to just be himself. He’s unapologetically out and proud, but beyond the fact that he’s attracted to men, he’s not interested in labels and doesn’t see why he should have to fit into any one box. He wears whatever reflects the way he feels on a particular day, be it skirts or jeans, heels or trainers, and anyone who doesn’t like it can just fuck off. It’s taken him a long time to get to this stage and he’s overcome a lot – from the kids who bullied him at school, to boyfriends who only wanted him for the novelty value and never really understood him, to the arsehole father who walked out the day after Sandy came out – and he’s emerged from it all as as someone who knows who he is and is comfortable in his own skin, despite the prejudice he still faces.
Miller Harrison has only recently taken up the position of Clinical Governance Coordinator at Auckland Med, so he doesn’t recognise the tall, totally stunning guy who nearly runs into his chair when he’s exiting the accessible staff bathroom in the ER. He’s had a long day – a punishing training session with the Wheel Blacks wheelchair rugby team has left him with a gash on the arm that needs stitches; then some idiot woman yelled at him for using a disabled parking space, and to top it all, he’s worried about a worsening pain in his hip that might be a warning sign that his intention of making it to a third Paralympics might not come to fruition. So the last thing he needs is some officious arsehole going off at him about which bathroom he’s using and then demanding to see some ID. But even through his annoyance, Miller can’t help being completely bowled over – whoever this guy is, he’s absolutely not Miller’s usual type and yet he’s absolutely smitten.
Book four in Jay Hogan’s Auckland Med , Against the Grain features a wonderful, ‘grown-up’ romance between two very different men whose willingness to communicate and work at their relationship is so refreshing in a genre that is often fraught with misunderstandings and miscommunication (or no communication at all!) Add in a touch of drama, a coming out story and a look at some important issues around disability and gender, and you’ve got a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable story that is my favourite book in the series so far.
Sassy pathologist’s assistant Sandy Williams (whom we first met in the previous book, Up Close and Personal) has spent his whole life (it seems) fighting to just be himself. He’s unapologetically out and proud, but beyond the fact that he’s attracted to men, he’s not interested in labels and doesn’t see why he should have to fit into any one box. He wears whatever reflects the way he feels on a particular day, be it skirts or jeans, heels or trainers, and anyone who doesn’t like it can just fuck off. It’s taken him a long time to get to this stage and he’s overcome a lot – from the kids who bullied him at school, to boyfriends who only wanted him for the novelty value and never really understood him, to the arsehole father who walked out the day after Sandy came out – and he’s emerged from it all as as someone who knows who he is and is comfortable in his own skin, despite the prejudice he still faces.
Miller Harrison has only recently taken up the position of Clinical Governance Coordinator at Auckland Med, so he doesn’t recognise the tall, totally stunning guy who nearly runs into his chair when he’s exiting the accessible staff bathroom in the ER. He’s had a long day – a punishing training session with the Wheel Blacks wheelchair rugby team has left him with a gash on the arm that needs stitches; then some idiot woman yelled at him for using a disabled parking space, and to top it all, he’s worried about a worsening pain in his hip that might be a warning sign that his intention of making it to a third Paralympics might not come to fruition. So the last thing he needs is some officious arsehole going off at him about which bathroom he’s using and then demanding to see some ID. But even through his annoyance, Miller can’t help being completely bowled over – whoever this guy is, he’s absolutely not Miller’s usual type and yet he’s absolutely smitten.
Sandy is also surprised to discover that Miller ticks so many boxes he never knew he had – but being seriously hot is no excuse for behaving like a dick. Sandy – with just a slight pang of regret – consigns Miller to the ‘jerk’ pile.
When, a few days later, they meet again, it seems at first as though this encounter is going to go the same way as the first, until they find themselves laughing together at something totally random, and the ice is broken. Miller asks if he can buy Sandy a coffee by way of an apology and if they can start again, and soon, they’re getting on well and finding lots to talk about, enjoying each other’s company and engaging in a bit of subtle flirting. From there it’s a short step to dating and spending time getting to know each other to see if this thing between them has the potential to go anywhere.
To start with however, their being an item is complicated by the fact that Miller isn’t really out. His family knows he’s gay, but after the car accident that ended his dream of playing for the All Blacks, Miller had to follow a tough regime of healing and rehabilitation and chose to focus on that, knowing it would be hard enough to adjust to living with a disability without throwing an announcement about his sexuality into the mix. As it’s turned out, it’s never really been an issue, as between work and training, Miller has never had time for more than the occasional hook-up. But now, with Sandy in his life, Miller knows he’s got thinking to do and decisions to make.
The relationship progression in this book is superb. Miller and Sandy get together fairly early on (before the half-way point), so what we get is a terrific story about two people who have never really had a stable long-term romantic relationship learning how to be in one and actually working at it. Miller doesn’t have a clue how to be a boyfriend, but he tries hard to do the right thing – which, at times, includes learning when to step back – and shows how much he cares in some truly sweet ways; and for Sandy, being with someone who sees him so clearly and loves him for exactly who he is is wonderfully liberating. They make mistakes along the way, but they realise that what they have is worth fighting for and they talk and work out their next steps together. For a romance novel, it’s a wonderfully mature relationship and I loved their openness and honesty. There’s a big hiccup near the end that threatens to derail them, but it’s not drawn out and more than anything else, serves to show Miller just how much damage being in the closet had done to him, creating an instinct in him to keep his head down and not draw attention. Listening to him confront these shortcomings and then push through his mental barriers and realise he needs to do better if he wants to make a life with Sandy had me giving a (mental) cheer, as did Sandy’s inner strength and his absolute determination to be true to himself at even the most trying of times.
There are a couple of well-rendered sub-plots and a lovely found-family element to the story as well, and fans of everyone’s favourite fabulous “Yoda of sass”, Charge Nurse Cam Wano, will no doubt be delighted to see him again.
Gary Furlong is in excellent form and delivers another thoroughly engaging performance that highlights the emotional connection between the two leads and expertly captures the essence of their personalities. His portrayals of Sandy and Miller are perfect – Sandy’s take-no-prisoners attitude is spot on, as are the insecurities that lie behind it that he works hard to hide, and the little bit of grit in Miller’s tone nicely plays up his gruffness. His obvious bewilderment at the way Sandy so discombobulates him is lovely and perfectly realised, as is the vulnerability he allows himself to show with his partner. The pacing is good, all the characters – principals and secondary cast – are clearly differentiated and easy to tell apart in conversation, and the vocal acting is superb. I know I’ve said this a lot, but I’m very much a listener who likes it best when narrators act the parts they’re playing and Gary Furlong is without a doubt, one of the best when it comes to all those little things that go towards making a real performance, rather than a reading.
Against the Grain was one of my favourite books of 2020, and Gary Furlong’s animated and obviously engaged performance adds another dimension to this already fantastic story. It’s funny, it’s intelligently written and well-researched, it’s tender, and it’s scorchingly sexy; the characters are likeable and very real, and the HEA is well-deserved. Strongly recommended.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
April 15, 2022
4,25
Tutaj już była Jay Hogan pełną gębą, zatem nawet się nie będę rozpisywać, bo jeżeli ktoś jakimś cudem czyta te moje komentarze to wie, że jestem jej wielką fanką 😁
Tutaj już była Jay Hogan pełną gębą, zatem nawet się nie będę rozpisywać, bo jeżeli ktoś jakimś cudem czyta te moje komentarze to wie, że jestem jej wielką fanką 😁
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December 28, 2020I won't finish this also and I think I'll take a break from Jay Hogan's books.
If there is one type of character I genuinely dislike, it's Sandy's type. He's out, proud, doesn't want to be defined. OK, OK, OK. He doesn't like to with someone in the closet, that's his prerogative. Don't go into the guy's house and flirt with him and then say "You cannot be with me unless you come out", don't go to his games if you don't want to be ignored, you get my drift. Then Miller comes out and it becomes "I don't want to be exposed in the media". What? Weren't you pushing for this in a not so delicate way?! You are now with someone who is a public figure, more or less. It has its price. This wishy-washiness and the constant apologizing from Miller for even breathing was off-putting.
As you see, I have no problems with the writing. The writing is fantastic. This is an author that really can bring you into the life of their characters, and it's rewarding. If your only niggles are with the characters' actions, then the writing is good. But it's not enough for me, at this point.
If there is one type of character I genuinely dislike, it's Sandy's type. He's out, proud, doesn't want to be defined. OK, OK, OK. He doesn't like to with someone in the closet, that's his prerogative. Don't go into the guy's house and flirt with him and then say "You cannot be with me unless you come out", don't go to his games if you don't want to be ignored, you get my drift. Then Miller comes out and it becomes "I don't want to be exposed in the media". What? Weren't you pushing for this in a not so delicate way?! You are now with someone who is a public figure, more or less. It has its price. This wishy-washiness and the constant apologizing from Miller for even breathing was off-putting.
As you see, I have no problems with the writing. The writing is fantastic. This is an author that really can bring you into the life of their characters, and it's rewarding. If your only niggles are with the characters' actions, then the writing is good. But it's not enough for me, at this point.
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December 16, 2020A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Against the Grain continues the Auckland Med series, which features the hospital where some of the characters work. Miller and Sandy are new to the series and their relationship does stand alone. Several former main characters from the series are mentioned here, with Cam and Reuben appearing on page, and it’s always a richer experience for me to have all of the background of the series. Hogan often creates interesting characters and Sandy and Miller are both well developed. The men are opposites in many ways and together they clash at first, but then settle into each other.
With cameos from other MCs in the series, and a look ahead to a definite must read coming next for the series, Against the Grain is a good choice for characters taking an unapologetic stand for who they are and a gruff rugby player with a soft spot for the man he loves.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Against the Grain continues the Auckland Med series, which features the hospital where some of the characters work. Miller and Sandy are new to the series and their relationship does stand alone. Several former main characters from the series are mentioned here, with Cam and Reuben appearing on page, and it’s always a richer experience for me to have all of the background of the series. Hogan often creates interesting characters and Sandy and Miller are both well developed. The men are opposites in many ways and together they clash at first, but then settle into each other.
With cameos from other MCs in the series, and a look ahead to a definite must read coming next for the series, Against the Grain is a good choice for characters taking an unapologetic stand for who they are and a gruff rugby player with a soft spot for the man he loves.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
July 10, 2021
4.5 stars
I wasn’t all that captivated with this at first but it developed into greater storyline than I expected. Very informative and thought-provoking details around various types of representation without ever becoming heavy handed. Excellent reading.
I wasn’t all that captivated with this at first but it developed into greater storyline than I expected. Very informative and thought-provoking details around various types of representation without ever becoming heavy handed. Excellent reading.
December 20, 2020
There was a lot that worked in Against the Grain.
- Characters
- Character development
-Relationship development, from their first meeting to navigating a relationship.
-Heat
My only complaint is that this book did start to feel too long. At the halfway point, it began to drag, and the story felt... messy? Unfocused? I powered through because I knew it would pay off, and it did.
All in all, 4 stars for Against the Grain by Jay Hogan.
- Characters
- Character development
-Relationship development, from their first meeting to navigating a relationship.
-Heat
My only complaint is that this book did start to feel too long. At the halfway point, it began to drag, and the story felt... messy? Unfocused? I powered through because I knew it would pay off, and it did.
All in all, 4 stars for Against the Grain by Jay Hogan.
March 20, 2021
Ok. Not amazing, not bad. I didn't like it as much as the other books by this author... But it was enjoyable, hence the 4 stars
December 30, 2020
I've given this an A- at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up
Jay Hogan returns to her Auckland Med . series with Against the Grain, which features a romance between sassy spitfire pathologist’s assistant Sandy Williams (who appeared as a key secondary character in the last book, Up Close and Personal) and Miller Harrison, a member of the Wheel Blacks elite wheelchair rubgy team as well as a new member of staff at the busy hospital. During the course of the story, the author explores some important issues around disability and gender, adds in a bit of gripping drama and develops a warm, sexy and very genuine romance between the two leads, weaving it all seamlessly together to form a very enjoyable, cohesive whole.
After a car accident put paid to his dreams of playing for the All Blacks, Miller fought hard to get his life back on track, and now, ten years later, has competed – with the Wheel Blacks – in two Paralympics and is aiming to make it to a third, and maybe even a fourth. But wheelchair rugby isn’t known as ‘murderball’ for nothing; like any elite sport, it’s incredibly tough on mind and body, and at thirty-five, Miller knows he’s only got a few years left playing at that level and is utterly determined to keep doing it for as long as he can. He’d never really looked beyond professional rugby as a career when he was younger, and he’s just as focused now, having little room in his life for anything but his sport and his job. That narrow focus is the main reason he’s never come out to anyone but his family; after his accident he prioritised his rehab, knowing it was going to be hard enough to adjust to living with a disability without the added drama likely to follow an announcement about his sexuality. But it’s not really an issue, as he doesn’t have time for anything more than the occasional casual hook-up anyway.
Sandy Williams – “six foot three of insecure, gangly, potty-mouthed confusion who struggles to find a dress size to fit” – is out and unapologetically proud. He’s not a great believer in labels; the only one he’ll attach to himself is that he’s sexually attracted to men, but when it comes to gender identification, that’s more or a fluid issue and he’s doesn’t see why he should have to fit into a particular box. He wears whatever reflects the way he feels on the inside on any given day, be it jeans or skirts, heels or Doc Martens, and fuck anyone who doesn’t like it. He’s fought to be who he is almost his entire life; school bullies, an arsehole dad who left the very same day Sandy came out, boyfriends who wanted him only for the novelty value or wanted him to be other than he was – and it’s taken considerable time and effort for him to get to a place where he knows who he is and is comfortable in his own skin.
Sandy and Miller make an inauspicious beginning when, after sustaining a gash to his arm during practice, Miller needs to visit the ER at Auckland Med, where he’s recently taken up the position of Clinical Governance Coordinator. He’s exiting the staff accessible bathroom in the ER and almost collides with Sandy, who – not having seen him before – asks rather sharply to see his ID. Miller’s already had to deal with an insensitive arsehole in the car park who had a go at him for parking in a disabled space, he’s injured, he’s worried about a pain in his hip that might be getting worse, and the last thing he needs is some jobsworth going off at him about which bathroom he’s using. Even through their mutual animosity, the sparks fly like nobody’s business, and thankfully, the misunderstanding is sorted out and they go their separate ways. But not before Miller has become smitten by Sandy’s take-no-prisoners attitude and striking good looks and Sandy… well, he’s surprised to find that Miller ticks so many boxes he never knew he had, but ultimately being seriously hot is no excuse for also being an arsehole, so he mentally consigns him to the ‘jerk’ pile.
Another chance meeting a few days later seems like it’s going to go the same way, until they find themselves laughing together at something totally random and silly, and the ice is broken. A cup of coffee, some conversation and a bit of subtle flirting later, and they’re getting on really well, finding lots to talk about and thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. From there, it’s a short step to an actual date, to spending more time together getting to know each other and then to deciding that they want to see if this thing between them has legs.
The relationship development in this book is stellar, and although Sandy and Miller’s life experience has been very different and they make mistakes along the way, the author clearly shows that these two people are perfectly matched on every level. Miller has never had a long-term relationship at all, let alone one with a man, and doesn’t have much of a clue how to go about it, but he tries hard to do the right thing and the little things he does to show he cares are very sweet. Being in a committed relationship is new to Sandy, too; being with someone who sees him so clearly and loves him exactly for who he is is liberating and wonderful. He and Miller make a point of being honest with each other and talking through things that bother them, and I loved watching the progress of a genuinely adult relationship between two ordinary-yet-extraordinary people who love each other and are prepared to do whatever they need to do to make things work. Their relationship is really put to the test near the end, when a work-related situation threatens to drive a wedge between them, and the way they find their way back to one another is extremely well done.
I’ve enjoyed all the <>b>Auckland Med. books, but this is the best yet. Jay Hogan has obviously done a lot of research into Miller’s disability and his life as a disabled man, integrating this fully into his character so there’s never any suggestion of her just parroting her research or underplaying the problems he faces every day, whether it’s misunderstanding and prejudice of others or his own fears that his condition might be worsening and threatening his future in professional sport. I was engrossed in his journey, in watching him realise how life in the closet has developed an instinct in him to keep his head down and not draw attention, and then watching him push his way through the barriers he’s erected, to realise that if he wants to be with Sandy he needs to do better. The sub-plot centred around Sandy’s relationship with his father, and his struggles for acceptance are equally well-rendered, and I loved his inner strength and the way he is so true to himself throughout the story.
There are a couple of really well-done sub-plots, and a lovely found-family aspect to the story, and I was delighted to see some of the characters from the other books in the series cropping up, most notably the “Yoda of sass” himself, ER Charge Nurse Cam Wano, who can always be relied upon for the snarkiest smackdowns and the biggest hugs.
Funny, warm, poignant and scorchingly sexy, featuring a fantastic cast of characters and a superbly developed romance that arrives at a hard-won, well-deserved HEA, Against the Grain is a compelling and hugely entertaining read. It earns a strong recommendation and a place on my keeper shelf.
Jay Hogan returns to her Auckland Med . series with Against the Grain, which features a romance between sassy spitfire pathologist’s assistant Sandy Williams (who appeared as a key secondary character in the last book, Up Close and Personal) and Miller Harrison, a member of the Wheel Blacks elite wheelchair rubgy team as well as a new member of staff at the busy hospital. During the course of the story, the author explores some important issues around disability and gender, adds in a bit of gripping drama and develops a warm, sexy and very genuine romance between the two leads, weaving it all seamlessly together to form a very enjoyable, cohesive whole.
After a car accident put paid to his dreams of playing for the All Blacks, Miller fought hard to get his life back on track, and now, ten years later, has competed – with the Wheel Blacks – in two Paralympics and is aiming to make it to a third, and maybe even a fourth. But wheelchair rugby isn’t known as ‘murderball’ for nothing; like any elite sport, it’s incredibly tough on mind and body, and at thirty-five, Miller knows he’s only got a few years left playing at that level and is utterly determined to keep doing it for as long as he can. He’d never really looked beyond professional rugby as a career when he was younger, and he’s just as focused now, having little room in his life for anything but his sport and his job. That narrow focus is the main reason he’s never come out to anyone but his family; after his accident he prioritised his rehab, knowing it was going to be hard enough to adjust to living with a disability without the added drama likely to follow an announcement about his sexuality. But it’s not really an issue, as he doesn’t have time for anything more than the occasional casual hook-up anyway.
Sandy Williams – “six foot three of insecure, gangly, potty-mouthed confusion who struggles to find a dress size to fit” – is out and unapologetically proud. He’s not a great believer in labels; the only one he’ll attach to himself is that he’s sexually attracted to men, but when it comes to gender identification, that’s more or a fluid issue and he’s doesn’t see why he should have to fit into a particular box. He wears whatever reflects the way he feels on the inside on any given day, be it jeans or skirts, heels or Doc Martens, and fuck anyone who doesn’t like it. He’s fought to be who he is almost his entire life; school bullies, an arsehole dad who left the very same day Sandy came out, boyfriends who wanted him only for the novelty value or wanted him to be other than he was – and it’s taken considerable time and effort for him to get to a place where he knows who he is and is comfortable in his own skin.
Sandy and Miller make an inauspicious beginning when, after sustaining a gash to his arm during practice, Miller needs to visit the ER at Auckland Med, where he’s recently taken up the position of Clinical Governance Coordinator. He’s exiting the staff accessible bathroom in the ER and almost collides with Sandy, who – not having seen him before – asks rather sharply to see his ID. Miller’s already had to deal with an insensitive arsehole in the car park who had a go at him for parking in a disabled space, he’s injured, he’s worried about a pain in his hip that might be getting worse, and the last thing he needs is some jobsworth going off at him about which bathroom he’s using. Even through their mutual animosity, the sparks fly like nobody’s business, and thankfully, the misunderstanding is sorted out and they go their separate ways. But not before Miller has become smitten by Sandy’s take-no-prisoners attitude and striking good looks and Sandy… well, he’s surprised to find that Miller ticks so many boxes he never knew he had, but ultimately being seriously hot is no excuse for also being an arsehole, so he mentally consigns him to the ‘jerk’ pile.
Another chance meeting a few days later seems like it’s going to go the same way, until they find themselves laughing together at something totally random and silly, and the ice is broken. A cup of coffee, some conversation and a bit of subtle flirting later, and they’re getting on really well, finding lots to talk about and thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. From there, it’s a short step to an actual date, to spending more time together getting to know each other and then to deciding that they want to see if this thing between them has legs.
The relationship development in this book is stellar, and although Sandy and Miller’s life experience has been very different and they make mistakes along the way, the author clearly shows that these two people are perfectly matched on every level. Miller has never had a long-term relationship at all, let alone one with a man, and doesn’t have much of a clue how to go about it, but he tries hard to do the right thing and the little things he does to show he cares are very sweet. Being in a committed relationship is new to Sandy, too; being with someone who sees him so clearly and loves him exactly for who he is is liberating and wonderful. He and Miller make a point of being honest with each other and talking through things that bother them, and I loved watching the progress of a genuinely adult relationship between two ordinary-yet-extraordinary people who love each other and are prepared to do whatever they need to do to make things work. Their relationship is really put to the test near the end, when a work-related situation threatens to drive a wedge between them, and the way they find their way back to one another is extremely well done.
I’ve enjoyed all the <>b>Auckland Med. books, but this is the best yet. Jay Hogan has obviously done a lot of research into Miller’s disability and his life as a disabled man, integrating this fully into his character so there’s never any suggestion of her just parroting her research or underplaying the problems he faces every day, whether it’s misunderstanding and prejudice of others or his own fears that his condition might be worsening and threatening his future in professional sport. I was engrossed in his journey, in watching him realise how life in the closet has developed an instinct in him to keep his head down and not draw attention, and then watching him push his way through the barriers he’s erected, to realise that if he wants to be with Sandy he needs to do better. The sub-plot centred around Sandy’s relationship with his father, and his struggles for acceptance are equally well-rendered, and I loved his inner strength and the way he is so true to himself throughout the story.
There are a couple of really well-done sub-plots, and a lovely found-family aspect to the story, and I was delighted to see some of the characters from the other books in the series cropping up, most notably the “Yoda of sass” himself, ER Charge Nurse Cam Wano, who can always be relied upon for the snarkiest smackdowns and the biggest hugs.
Funny, warm, poignant and scorchingly sexy, featuring a fantastic cast of characters and a superbly developed romance that arrives at a hard-won, well-deserved HEA, Against the Grain is a compelling and hugely entertaining read. It earns a strong recommendation and a place on my keeper shelf.
January 6, 2021
It's a pretty good book overall. I like that Miller is an ambulatory wheelchair user and that it shows a bit of the contradictions of living with a disability (fighting for having aids while trying to blend with everyone else) and how that contrasts with Sandy's experience and life. It's pretty superficial in those struggles, which I don't mind as the book centers more in the relationship rather than any kind activism without truly brushing those concerns aside. It's lighthearted despite the themes it touches, which is something plenty of people can appreciate at this time.
November 20, 2020
This is such a beautifully crafted book with smooth and seamless plot formation, perfect pacing and superb character development. Jay Hogan certainly has the ability to weave a wonderful story that grabs your heart from the very beginning and doesn’t let go until the very end.
The relationship that develops between the very likeable two main characters, Miller and Sandy, is very realistic with fun, laughter, sweet moments, heat filled moments, a bit of drama, miss steps and bumps along the way. Through it all Sandy remains true to himself and Miller emerges from a self imposed compartmentalised life of work and sport out into a life filled with colour. All aided by the fantastic cast of side characters including the couples from the previous books in the series.
Be prepared for some feels to come at you, from tugging at your heart strings to laughing out loud at some of the sassy dialogue.
If I could give this gem of a book more than 5 stars I would, it’s an absolute delight of a story that worked its way into my heart and makes me smile just thinking about it.
The relationship that develops between the very likeable two main characters, Miller and Sandy, is very realistic with fun, laughter, sweet moments, heat filled moments, a bit of drama, miss steps and bumps along the way. Through it all Sandy remains true to himself and Miller emerges from a self imposed compartmentalised life of work and sport out into a life filled with colour. All aided by the fantastic cast of side characters including the couples from the previous books in the series.
Be prepared for some feels to come at you, from tugging at your heart strings to laughing out loud at some of the sassy dialogue.
If I could give this gem of a book more than 5 stars I would, it’s an absolute delight of a story that worked its way into my heart and makes me smile just thinking about it.
March 10, 2021
4 stars!
Oh... this was good! I feel like maybe I didn’t give this series a proper chance. Am thinking of doing a reread. This was definitely my favourite in this entire series.
Some issues raised that I can’t believe we’re still fighting over in 2020! But definitely loved the way the author handled these delicate topics. For that, definitely giving an applause to the author. 🙌🙌🙌
Sandy was definitely the light to Miller’s broody self. I’m quite happy that for all that Sandy is perhaps non-binary but doesn’t really conform to any labels, he wasn’t written like a typical over dramatic twink. He was definitely different and unique and counterbalanced Miller’s stark personality.
I hope we get Geo’s story as well. But he’s possibly too young. Boo... but alas, definitely going to reread this series 😄
Oh... this was good! I feel like maybe I didn’t give this series a proper chance. Am thinking of doing a reread. This was definitely my favourite in this entire series.
Some issues raised that I can’t believe we’re still fighting over in 2020! But definitely loved the way the author handled these delicate topics. For that, definitely giving an applause to the author. 🙌🙌🙌
Sandy was definitely the light to Miller’s broody self. I’m quite happy that for all that Sandy is perhaps non-binary but doesn’t really conform to any labels, he wasn’t written like a typical over dramatic twink. He was definitely different and unique and counterbalanced Miller’s stark personality.
I hope we get Geo’s story as well. But he’s possibly too young. Boo... but alas, definitely going to reread this series 😄
April 1, 2023
Against the Grain - Auckland Med #4
Loved being back with the crowd at Auckland Med who featured in previous books in this series. The wonderful ER Charge Nurse, Cameron Wano in all his fabulousness and his Fiancé Reuben who plays for the All Black Rubgy Team, Michael and Josh, Edward and Mark.
Miller 35, has a terrific family supporting him following an accident in his late teens which left him permanently disabled and having to use wheelchair or canes to get about. He’s been playing on the Wheel Black team of Paraplegic Rugby players. He doesn’t hide the fact that he is gay from his family but he doesn’t announce it to his team or work colleagues either. He job at Auckland Med is Liaison Officer with various work committees to ensure they are up to par or Employment Law, and other matters dealing with the Public.
Sandy Williams is an Assistant to Edward the Pathologist featured in previous book. Sandy is a gay man who, on occasion, like to wear feminine clothing and makeup, depending how he feels on any given day. He loves his job and his work colleagues.
Both these men have issues regarding their relationship with their father, especially Sandy, whose father left the family the day after Sandy came out.
When Miller and Sandy literally bump into each other sparks fly, and not romantic ones. But it was amusing to see how this got sorted out over the following days. Sandy has a terrific line of banter and sarcasm and soon has grumpy Miller salivating.
This one had a lot of stuff happening apart from the MC’s relationship and covered a few serious issues. Homophobic behaviour and abuse from secondary characters, parental physical abuse on a bi teenager, discrimination in the workplace, kidnapping attempt.
All led to an engaging story and well developed interesting characters.
There is one more book available in this series and I like to think there will be more as I’ve so enjoyed the whole series from the keyboard of Jay Hogan
My favourite characters in the whole series have been Cameron Wano and Sandy Williams, both very strong characters, both gay fem men, if that is the correct description of their fabulousness. Loved them. I’d love to see this series made into a movie it would be hilarious and informative/educational.
Recommending the whole series for your enjoyment and that they should be read in sequence.
Loved being back with the crowd at Auckland Med who featured in previous books in this series. The wonderful ER Charge Nurse, Cameron Wano in all his fabulousness and his Fiancé Reuben who plays for the All Black Rubgy Team, Michael and Josh, Edward and Mark.
Miller 35, has a terrific family supporting him following an accident in his late teens which left him permanently disabled and having to use wheelchair or canes to get about. He’s been playing on the Wheel Black team of Paraplegic Rugby players. He doesn’t hide the fact that he is gay from his family but he doesn’t announce it to his team or work colleagues either. He job at Auckland Med is Liaison Officer with various work committees to ensure they are up to par or Employment Law, and other matters dealing with the Public.
Sandy Williams is an Assistant to Edward the Pathologist featured in previous book. Sandy is a gay man who, on occasion, like to wear feminine clothing and makeup, depending how he feels on any given day. He loves his job and his work colleagues.
Both these men have issues regarding their relationship with their father, especially Sandy, whose father left the family the day after Sandy came out.
When Miller and Sandy literally bump into each other sparks fly, and not romantic ones. But it was amusing to see how this got sorted out over the following days. Sandy has a terrific line of banter and sarcasm and soon has grumpy Miller salivating.
This one had a lot of stuff happening apart from the MC’s relationship and covered a few serious issues. Homophobic behaviour and abuse from secondary characters, parental physical abuse on a bi teenager, discrimination in the workplace, kidnapping attempt.
All led to an engaging story and well developed interesting characters.
There is one more book available in this series and I like to think there will be more as I’ve so enjoyed the whole series from the keyboard of Jay Hogan
My favourite characters in the whole series have been Cameron Wano and Sandy Williams, both very strong characters, both gay fem men, if that is the correct description of their fabulousness. Loved them. I’d love to see this series made into a movie it would be hilarious and informative/educational.
Recommending the whole series for your enjoyment and that they should be read in sequence.
December 29, 2020
3.5 stars
I LOVE Jay Hogan and her books -- but this time, I hit a stumble with Against the Grain , the fourth installment to her Auckland Med series. I liked both Sandy and Miller just fine. I enjoyed their first meeting (misunderstanding and snappish! *lol*), which then developed into tentative friendship then romantic one, all filled with cozy moments, flirty moments, and sexy moments.
But I thought in terms of romance, Sandy and Miller became solid pretty quickly. I mean even Miller, who started the book with one feet still inside the gay closet, he came out not long after he acknowledged his feelings to Sandy. It didn't dragged on.
Yes, Miller and Sandy had problems, mostly because Miller was a "relationship virgin" and he had been trying to avoid personal spotlight all his life, while Sandy practically screamed "my life my way" attitude, but they did talk it out. Acted mature about it.
So everything else became things OUTSIDE their relationship. Like Sandy's issue with his father, Miller's inability to quit wheel rugby, and later on, their taking in a teenager who had homophobic father (Geo is Miller's nephew's best friend), oh and the hospital complaint. It felt crowded to me.
This book is not my personal favorite. But Jay Hogan still is. I'm still waiting for her next book 😊
I LOVE Jay Hogan and her books -- but this time, I hit a stumble with Against the Grain , the fourth installment to her Auckland Med series. I liked both Sandy and Miller just fine. I enjoyed their first meeting (misunderstanding and snappish! *lol*), which then developed into tentative friendship then romantic one, all filled with cozy moments, flirty moments, and sexy moments.
But I thought in terms of romance, Sandy and Miller became solid pretty quickly. I mean even Miller, who started the book with one feet still inside the gay closet, he came out not long after he acknowledged his feelings to Sandy. It didn't dragged on.
Yes, Miller and Sandy had problems, mostly because Miller was a "relationship virgin" and he had been trying to avoid personal spotlight all his life, while Sandy practically screamed "my life my way" attitude, but they did talk it out. Acted mature about it.
So everything else became things OUTSIDE their relationship. Like Sandy's issue with his father, Miller's inability to quit wheel rugby, and later on, their taking in a teenager who had homophobic father (Geo is Miller's nephew's best friend), oh and the hospital complaint. It felt crowded to me.
This book is not my personal favorite. But Jay Hogan still is. I'm still waiting for her next book 😊
December 28, 2023
3.75 stars
I liked this story and it was definitely a great addition to the series. We're back to the sports side (mostly) within this circle of friends since the medical side was limited to the politics of the hospital. I seldom encounter characters who dresses fluidly and it's always interesting to hear various people's perspective on the hows and whys of dress choices. Add to that the perspective of someone with a disability and this book became a fountain of information and new learnings. A serious eye-opener.
Sandy and Miller were waaay too HOT together. The only niggle for me was that most of their conversations turn into arguments or difference in opinions and halfway through, it just sort of irked me, especially when pettiness was added to the mix. It's a repetitive back and forth of saying hurtful things and then apologizing after. Understandable though with all the topics brought to the surface. It's a wide spectrum of identities and situations with different challenges and ways to address them.
I liked this story and it was definitely a great addition to the series. We're back to the sports side (mostly) within this circle of friends since the medical side was limited to the politics of the hospital. I seldom encounter characters who dresses fluidly and it's always interesting to hear various people's perspective on the hows and whys of dress choices. Add to that the perspective of someone with a disability and this book became a fountain of information and new learnings. A serious eye-opener.
Sandy and Miller were waaay too HOT together. The only niggle for me was that most of their conversations turn into arguments or difference in opinions and halfway through, it just sort of irked me, especially when pettiness was added to the mix. It's a repetitive back and forth of saying hurtful things and then apologizing after. Understandable though with all the topics brought to the surface. It's a wide spectrum of identities and situations with different challenges and ways to address them.
Read
January 4, 2021This book had a LOT going on. I highlighted so many passages because of the care the author seemed to take with the main characters. They’re both so fully human and complex.
It sort of took a turn about halfway through, shifting from their interpersonal dance to the larger drama of helping someone who needed them. Still, I enjoyed the characters so much that I liked spending more time with them.
It sort of took a turn about halfway through, shifting from their interpersonal dance to the larger drama of helping someone who needed them. Still, I enjoyed the characters so much that I liked spending more time with them.
March 8, 2021
I absolutely loved this marvelous and fantastic addition to this amazing series. It pulled me in from the very first page, and would definitely recommend getting it for yourself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2022
Voto: 4+ su 5 stelle
Anche questo quarto volume della serie rimane a un livello alto di qualità, anche se il mio preferito resta il primo.
Avevamo già conosciuto Sandy dal libro precedente con il suo prezioso aiuto e la sua favolosità, ma non ricordo se avessimo già incrociato Miller, anche se è possibile.
La loro storia tocca tanti temi, la disabilità nel mondo dello sport è solo il primo, ma ce ne sono molti altri, sviluppati con rispetto e realismo. Capire le ragioni e le battaglie di Sandy non è così scontato per Miller e per il lettore, ma è stato un viaggio interessante e arricchente a livello umano.
Anche la presenza del giovane Geo è stata interessante e ha reso più intrigante la trama, che ha tanta carne al fuoco ma è ben sviluppata. Piacevole ritrovare gli amici già conosciuti, che sono un prezioso supporto ai nostri eroi.
La consiglio per continuità in attesa del prossimo.
Anche questo quarto volume della serie rimane a un livello alto di qualità, anche se il mio preferito resta il primo.
Avevamo già conosciuto Sandy dal libro precedente con il suo prezioso aiuto e la sua favolosità, ma non ricordo se avessimo già incrociato Miller, anche se è possibile.
La loro storia tocca tanti temi, la disabilità nel mondo dello sport è solo il primo, ma ce ne sono molti altri, sviluppati con rispetto e realismo. Capire le ragioni e le battaglie di Sandy non è così scontato per Miller e per il lettore, ma è stato un viaggio interessante e arricchente a livello umano.
Anche la presenza del giovane Geo è stata interessante e ha reso più intrigante la trama, che ha tanta carne al fuoco ma è ben sviluppata. Piacevole ritrovare gli amici già conosciuti, che sono un prezioso supporto ai nostri eroi.
La consiglio per continuità in attesa del prossimo.
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