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Power Play
Ryan Talonovich is the star of his college hockey team ... until an accident during practice leaves him confined to a wheelchair. The doctors say he'll walk again but a new season is already underway and he's been replaced on the team, which leaves him feeling alone and betrayed. What's the use of fighting to get back on the ice now?
Then he meets Dante Espinosa, a short track skater on the city's speed skating club. Though he has to work overtime to afford his sport, Dante is hell on ice, and dreams of making the cut on the U.S. Olympic Speedskating Team.
Their love of the ice brings them together, but too many obstacles stand in their way: Ryan's struggle with therapy. The memory of Dante's first boyfriend. Lack of funding to the event, Dante's harassing boss, a skating friend in love with him, and Wil Dietrich, who will do anything to win.
Then he meets Dante Espinosa, a short track skater on the city's speed skating club. Though he has to work overtime to afford his sport, Dante is hell on ice, and dreams of making the cut on the U.S. Olympic Speedskating Team.
Their love of the ice brings them together, but too many obstacles stand in their way: Ryan's struggle with therapy. The memory of Dante's first boyfriend. Lack of funding to the event, Dante's harassing boss, a skating friend in love with him, and Wil Dietrich, who will do anything to win.
347 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
13 people are currently reading
800 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Snyder
302 books567 followersAn author of gay erotic/romantic fiction, J.M. Snyder began in self-publishing and worked with Amber Allure, Aspen Mountain, eXcessica, and Torquere Presses.
Snyder's highly erotic short gay fiction has been published online at Amazon Shorts, Eros Monthly, Ruthie's Club, and Tit-Elation, as well as in anthologies by Alyson Books, Aspen Mountain, Cleis Press, eXcessica Publishing, Lethe Press, and Ravenous Romance.
In 2010, Snyder founded JMS Books LLC, a royalty-paying queer small press that publishes in both electronic and print format. For more information on newest releases and submission guidelines, please visit JMS Books LLC online.
Snyder's highly erotic short gay fiction has been published online at Amazon Shorts, Eros Monthly, Ruthie's Club, and Tit-Elation, as well as in anthologies by Alyson Books, Aspen Mountain, Cleis Press, eXcessica Publishing, Lethe Press, and Ravenous Romance.
In 2010, Snyder founded JMS Books LLC, a royalty-paying queer small press that publishes in both electronic and print format. For more information on newest releases and submission guidelines, please visit JMS Books LLC online.
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November 28, 2016Kindle freebie 11/27/16!
August 7, 2010
This was a really good book, and I'm a big fan of J. M. Snyder. I found the characters staying with me even when I wasn't reading it. The only problem I found was that it ended so abruptly. I really wanted to know what else happened with Ryan and Dante.
November 10, 2010
I really hate books that are written in the present tense and the characters were too cliche to be interesting. I finished reading this book because I always do but in this instance I really had to force myself to do it.
November 18, 2010
I loved reading this book! I loved how Dante 'noticed' Ryan like Ryan wanted him/someone to. The connection between them was nice and comfortable. I did feel like their romance was a little too easy, like they needed a little more drama. They fell in love really fast. Not sure if that was as believable or not, but it worked. There were several scenes that had me laughing out loud. Ryan inside voice is too funny. I really liked Ryan's mom too. I felt bad for Dante and his situation at home, not having the support that he needed. Bobby made me want to gag. I want to be a fly on the wall when Ryan walkes in there with Dante on his arm for the first time. Wil, ugh... If Ryan didn't punch him I was going to. That guy was such dick. I was glad that he went home and daddy's money couldn't buy his way back. I felt horrible for Josey, I wish that her sister would have been able to get her to understand, but I was glad that she still was able to remain friends with the boys at the end. I wish the end wasn't the end ... I wanted to keep reading about the lives that these two were going to start. I felt a connection to Ryan; like wanted to see how his walking and skating turned out. I wanted to finish the journey with him. I wanted to watch Dante move on in his races and see him go to the Olympics. I would love a sequal to this book!!! I want MORE RYAN AND DANTE DAMNIT!!!
I believe that J.M. Snyder did a great job writing this book! I would highly recommend this book! Happy Reading!
I believe that J.M. Snyder did a great job writing this book! I would highly recommend this book! Happy Reading!
January 27, 2010
Probably one of the longest novels in this genre (it's more than 500+ pages) but I found myself enjoying the story. It is very detailed -- I can actually see the speedskating competition in my head. The story also covers both Ryan and Dante's point of view. How they deal with their life: Ryan with the frustration of being confined in wheelchair, how he feel like he cannot fight for Dante ... and Dante, trying to scrape money for the competition (even if that means he have to endure his boss) and how he deals with a homophobe team-mate. It's amazing that the story only covers about a week of their life because so many things seem to have happened. I know that there are a lot of "I love you's" but gosh, they're teenagers, they believe in forever love ;p. Again, I enjoyed it very much.
January 9, 2018
This was a long book (300+ pages)but they were worth it to describe the frustrations of both MC's. It begins with the hockey accident that puts Ryan in a (temporary) wheelchair and ends with the State championships for speed skating, Dante's forte.
They meet at the ice rink. Although Ryan is just po'd in general, Dante sees a kindred spirit. They become fast friends, then lovers. (They've only know each other a few days before they're declaring their love for the other. It may seem like 'insta-love' but these guys are eighteen and nineteen, remember and besides, this is fiction.)
I enjoyed their dialogues and the overall plot. Each had their own story with the ice and never gave up on their dreams, only expanding them to include the other. VERY heart warming, I thought.
They meet at the ice rink. Although Ryan is just po'd in general, Dante sees a kindred spirit. They become fast friends, then lovers. (They've only know each other a few days before they're declaring their love for the other. It may seem like 'insta-love' but these guys are eighteen and nineteen, remember and besides, this is fiction.)
I enjoyed their dialogues and the overall plot. Each had their own story with the ice and never gave up on their dreams, only expanding them to include the other. VERY heart warming, I thought.
October 11, 2020
4 Stars
Ryan has all but given up on enjoying life. After a traumatic accident while playing hockey, he is unable to walk, much less play the sport he loves. Encouraged to go to the rink to watch his team practice so he can work on improving the team's website, Ryan is noticed.
Before the hockey team has use of the rink, speed skaters use the ice for practice. Dante notices Ryan in the stands and wonders why he is there. Instantly drawn to Ryan, Dante approaches Ryan after practice, where he then notices Ryan is in a wheelchair.
This is where their story begins.
I adored Dante and how he was able to bring Ryan hope: hope to stand, hope to walk--hope of a happy life. Dante gives Ryan purpose. It was a beautiful thing to watch.
These boys (19 & 18) come from completely different worlds. Ryan, from an upper middle-class, two parent home and Dante, from a home located in subsidized housing with a hard-working single mother. This never affects their relationship. Their mom's are very different, too. Dante's mom is very pragmatic: work and quit wasting time on your fantasy of going to the Olympics. She hasn't even seen Dante skate. Ryan's mom is overly involved and babies Ryan incessantly. These secondary characters play an important role in the story and give the story more depth.
This is an older book and so if ever republished would needed updating. There's talk of floppy discs and dial-up modems and no mention of cell phones. That just adds to the story's charm.
My only complaint is the abruptness in which the story ended. It is just a personal opinion that I wanted to see more into the character's future. I think readers are spoiled now because so many romances come with epilogues.
I highly recommended this romance for fans of young adult gay romances that focus on sport.
Ryan has all but given up on enjoying life. After a traumatic accident while playing hockey, he is unable to walk, much less play the sport he loves. Encouraged to go to the rink to watch his team practice so he can work on improving the team's website, Ryan is noticed.
Before the hockey team has use of the rink, speed skaters use the ice for practice. Dante notices Ryan in the stands and wonders why he is there. Instantly drawn to Ryan, Dante approaches Ryan after practice, where he then notices Ryan is in a wheelchair.
This is where their story begins.
I adored Dante and how he was able to bring Ryan hope: hope to stand, hope to walk--hope of a happy life. Dante gives Ryan purpose. It was a beautiful thing to watch.
These boys (19 & 18) come from completely different worlds. Ryan, from an upper middle-class, two parent home and Dante, from a home located in subsidized housing with a hard-working single mother. This never affects their relationship. Their mom's are very different, too. Dante's mom is very pragmatic: work and quit wasting time on your fantasy of going to the Olympics. She hasn't even seen Dante skate. Ryan's mom is overly involved and babies Ryan incessantly. These secondary characters play an important role in the story and give the story more depth.
This is an older book and so if ever republished would needed updating. There's talk of floppy discs and dial-up modems and no mention of cell phones. That just adds to the story's charm.
My only complaint is the abruptness in which the story ended. It is just a personal opinion that I wanted to see more into the character's future. I think readers are spoiled now because so many romances come with epilogues.
I highly recommended this romance for fans of young adult gay romances that focus on sport.
Read
September 13, 2019A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Let me start with the absolutely adorable MCs. On the ice, Ryan was confident bordering on arrogant. But in real life, he’s shy, awkward, and not entirely comfortable in his own skin. When hockey is taken from him, he’s got nothing left to bolster his confidence. And then in walks Dante. Dante is beautiful and knows it, but he’s so dang sweet, with just a bit of sass, that he’s not arrogant at all. These guys are drawn to each other from the moment they meet. Not just because of attraction, but because they just click. Dante doesn’t see Ryan’s wheelchair or damaged legs. Or rather, he sees the person behind those things. For Dante, they are just part of Ryan’s whole. And Ryan doesn’t see a poor Latino boy, but rather an extremely talented and kindhearted person.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Let me start with the absolutely adorable MCs. On the ice, Ryan was confident bordering on arrogant. But in real life, he’s shy, awkward, and not entirely comfortable in his own skin. When hockey is taken from him, he’s got nothing left to bolster his confidence. And then in walks Dante. Dante is beautiful and knows it, but he’s so dang sweet, with just a bit of sass, that he’s not arrogant at all. These guys are drawn to each other from the moment they meet. Not just because of attraction, but because they just click. Dante doesn’t see Ryan’s wheelchair or damaged legs. Or rather, he sees the person behind those things. For Dante, they are just part of Ryan’s whole. And Ryan doesn’t see a poor Latino boy, but rather an extremely talented and kindhearted person.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
February 20, 2018
I really enjoyed the deep look into speed skating and the love story between these two heroes. Dante is a great hero and he goes after Ryan in a charming way.
The class difference between Dante and Ryan is skillfully explored.
This is a very New Adult read as Ryan has the anger and lack of appreciation for his mother that you might expect for a young man adjusting to his changed circumstances.
I liked these flawed and engaging characters very much.
The class difference between Dante and Ryan is skillfully explored.
This is a very New Adult read as Ryan has the anger and lack of appreciation for his mother that you might expect for a young man adjusting to his changed circumstances.
I liked these flawed and engaging characters very much.
May 22, 2017
DNF.
Too sweet, too schmalzy. Sorry. I just can't do this to myself.^^
Too sweet, too schmalzy. Sorry. I just can't do this to myself.^^
September 6, 2012
I liked the way this book was written quite a bit. Although present tense narration often irritates me, I thought that it was useful in this case. The beginning did a good job of establishing the breathless, antsy, self-centered, self-conscious, unsure, anxious, even giggly personalities of teenage guys like these -- and I think the present tense narration actually helped with this. It was all gogogo, don't stop even to finish a complete thought, live in the moment, keep moving ahead even though you don't have a clue what's in front of you. It really allowed what felt like honest teenager-ish emotions to shine.
On the down side, there really wasn't too much of a plot here. The whole book was so internal, so what's-going-on-in-their-heads-now, and so let's-live-every-moment-of-their-lives, that there wasn't much room for the passage of significant time or the occurrence of many really significant external events. In fact, the entire book -- from before the first meeting of the two MCs to the end of the book -- takes up less than two weeks. This means that, yes, there's some significant insta-love going on here. It *seems* like they know each other for a long time, because of the sometimes excruciating and relentless detail of the narration, but in fact these two **teenagers** have known each other for less than a week before they are declaring their mutual undying love. Although I liked the effect of the internal focus to the narration, IMHO some of this could have been significantly tightened up in order to give us more story in less space.
I have one other annoying but relatively minor quibble. Specifically, I got awfully awfully tired of the repetition of the phrases "secret flesh" and "hidden flesh". These two terms were used 14 or 15 times over the course of the book. Cmon, people. There's a lot of fairly explicit sexual description going on throughout the story, so do we really need to lapse into an aggravating overuse of silly euphemisms like this??
Over all, though, I enjoyed the read. It's a good example of how present tense narration can be used effectively, and it's an engaging if somewhat overlong exploration of the emotions of teenagers in love.
On the down side, there really wasn't too much of a plot here. The whole book was so internal, so what's-going-on-in-their-heads-now, and so let's-live-every-moment-of-their-lives, that there wasn't much room for the passage of significant time or the occurrence of many really significant external events. In fact, the entire book -- from before the first meeting of the two MCs to the end of the book -- takes up less than two weeks. This means that, yes, there's some significant insta-love going on here. It *seems* like they know each other for a long time, because of the sometimes excruciating and relentless detail of the narration, but in fact these two **teenagers** have known each other for less than a week before they are declaring their mutual undying love. Although I liked the effect of the internal focus to the narration, IMHO some of this could have been significantly tightened up in order to give us more story in less space.
I have one other annoying but relatively minor quibble. Specifically, I got awfully awfully tired of the repetition of the phrases "secret flesh" and "hidden flesh". These two terms were used 14 or 15 times over the course of the book. Cmon, people. There's a lot of fairly explicit sexual description going on throughout the story, so do we really need to lapse into an aggravating overuse of silly euphemisms like this??
Over all, though, I enjoyed the read. It's a good example of how present tense narration can be used effectively, and it's an engaging if somewhat overlong exploration of the emotions of teenagers in love.
October 19, 2011
This is one of those books that I've had for a while and have resisted reading. One of the reasons was the length of the book. And to be honest, that was an issue. I know, very strange coming from me, who always wants more... complains about a book being too short etc. But in this case, it honestly was, in my opinion, too long. In reality the whole book covers only about a fortnight in time. Yes, only 2 weeks or less.
And that does also bring another point up. Insta-love. Yet that doesn't worry me in this case because we are talking about teenagers. At 18 & 19 insta-love is allowed and actually nearly expected.
But it does mean a lot of words to bring a very short relationship in a very short time period to life. And while there are books where you forget how long it is, this was not one of them
Both Ryan and Dante are great characters though. Both these guys have managed to worm their way into my heart. And yes, I would honestly love to have a follow up story with both of them, to make sure their relationship survives the hard yards. But this time, maybe either a much longer time period for that many words, or simply a shorter book.
And that does also bring another point up. Insta-love. Yet that doesn't worry me in this case because we are talking about teenagers. At 18 & 19 insta-love is allowed and actually nearly expected.
But it does mean a lot of words to bring a very short relationship in a very short time period to life. And while there are books where you forget how long it is, this was not one of them
Both Ryan and Dante are great characters though. Both these guys have managed to worm their way into my heart. And yes, I would honestly love to have a follow up story with both of them, to make sure their relationship survives the hard yards. But this time, maybe either a much longer time period for that many words, or simply a shorter book.
June 22, 2010
This book could have been really good if it was about half the length. But it was 580 pages, and the only plot points were Dante's skating, an annoying girl with a crush on him, a homophobe on the skate club and a handsy employer. And Ryan's constant anger. This was not enough to carry 580 pages, so mostly it was just waaaay too mushy, and after awhile I was like "Okay, I get it. Ryan's pissed. He want's to kick Deitrich's ass."
Had this been half the length (or less), it would have been a cute, sweet story about two young boys finding love. But instead I had to fight to finish it.
And it is, in fact, about two teenage boys. Kudos to Snyder for doing the teenage thing so well, but it got really annoying. Everyone in this book acted just the way a teenager should, which equals immature. I did not enjoy 580 pages of teenage angst.
Bottom line: Great idea and decent characters, but just entirely too long. This needed a really strict editor.
Had this been half the length (or less), it would have been a cute, sweet story about two young boys finding love. But instead I had to fight to finish it.
And it is, in fact, about two teenage boys. Kudos to Snyder for doing the teenage thing so well, but it got really annoying. Everyone in this book acted just the way a teenager should, which equals immature. I did not enjoy 580 pages of teenage angst.
Bottom line: Great idea and decent characters, but just entirely too long. This needed a really strict editor.
January 3, 2010
This was the first book i read from this author, and i really didn't know what to expect. It surprised me in a good way. The story carries you a bit by bit, but you are always interested in what will happen next. It wasn't hard to imagine all the looks they gave each other and all the soft touches. I loved the strength exchange between them, when one needed the other gave.
It was a change for me, most of the books i end up reading have a lot of sex in them. This one wasn't completely innocent, but it was about so much more than sex. Honestly I wish I could find more books like it, that win me over with the story and with the connection that is so obvious between characters.
Like I already said, this was my first, but certainly not my last.
It was a change for me, most of the books i end up reading have a lot of sex in them. This one wasn't completely innocent, but it was about so much more than sex. Honestly I wish I could find more books like it, that win me over with the story and with the connection that is so obvious between characters.
Like I already said, this was my first, but certainly not my last.
June 18, 2010
While there were many aspects of this book that I liked eg the way Ms Snyder captured the youthfulness of her protagonists, I can't rate it any higher because it's written in the present tense.
As I read, I felt like translating it all to the more normal past tense. Instead of feeling immediate and in the moment, it felt forced.
I ploughed through to the end to see how she resolved the storyline, but couldn't help wishing the whole time that it had been written "normally".
It turned what could have been a four or five star book to something I wouldn't recommend.
As I read, I felt like translating it all to the more normal past tense. Instead of feeling immediate and in the moment, it felt forced.
I ploughed through to the end to see how she resolved the storyline, but couldn't help wishing the whole time that it had been written "normally".
It turned what could have been a four or five star book to something I wouldn't recommend.
August 16, 2012
Very cute, super sweet story about two young guys, just out of high school who share a love of the ice. One speed skates, the other plays hockey but is recovering from an accident. They end up being just what each other needs at just the right time. They really are too cute together and sometimes almost too sweet. The story is long, and goes pretty slow. Nothing happens very fast here, other than maybe the ending. It is an enjoyable ride though, and I'm glad I stuck with it to see how things turned out.
February 8, 2011
These guys were cute and sweet but it was a really long story where nothing really happened. I guess I was waiting for there to be some kinda of conflict or something but it just kind of coasted along.
The ending left a lot of stuff unresolved like The Bobby situation and Ryans walking situation and a few other little things.
The ending left a lot of stuff unresolved like The Bobby situation and Ryans walking situation and a few other little things.
December 5, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this read. This a coming of age story, but also a overcoming adversity, rich boy/ poor boy story. Ryan and Dante are believable and engaging! If you have any interest in speed skating, this book will appeal to you. YA with a little heat
February 8, 2010
i finish and i like it.story and caracters are interesting , strong ,beautifull,worthy
I understand It's my first Snider book's and it's not the last .
thanks michael
February 14, 2018
I should've DNFed this. It's terrible. Two weeks in the lives of two teenagers in 500 pages. AND. NOTHING. REALLY. HAPPENS. There's bearly a story there. They see each other, they fall in love instantly, MC1 accompanies MC2 to a competition, they get frisky and MC2 wins his competition. 500 pages! We spend most of the time inside the MCs head dwelling on their pasts (how many times do you have to explain that an ex raped on of the MCs and that's why he's scared and doesn't want to speed thing up? I got the first time, no need to tell me over and over again. I usually don't care spending time inside the MCs's head but that usually push the story forward. Here, when something finally happens, we get to relive it through each of the characters minds. And we get exclusive sccop on their fantasies but the STORY. DOESN'T. GO. FORWARD.
I don't have words to describe how terrible this is. An they don't use condoms because. GAH! Should've DNFed it.
I don't have words to describe how terrible this is. An they don't use condoms because. GAH! Should've DNFed it.
July 29, 2018
Could be shorter! A lot of repetitive words and sentence literally in the same paragraph. Sometimes shorter is better.
The subject is really great though! Ice skating, all details, games, competition, and friendship. So good to see other characters like sponsors etc. The story, and main characters are really good. Although Ryan is spoiled and ungrateful brat. Let’s hope Dante will be a good influence on him!
Instalove bothered me a bit, but like other reviewers pointed out, they are teenagers, so it seems legit. Also I didn’t like the way they treated female characters, both moms, and Josey. If boys don’t have guts to be honest in relationships, and express their feelings, and at that age they should, they are not 12 or 13, maybe they should shut the f*** up, not the girls.
Overall it’s really nice story.
The subject is really great though! Ice skating, all details, games, competition, and friendship. So good to see other characters like sponsors etc. The story, and main characters are really good. Although Ryan is spoiled and ungrateful brat. Let’s hope Dante will be a good influence on him!
Instalove bothered me a bit, but like other reviewers pointed out, they are teenagers, so it seems legit. Also I didn’t like the way they treated female characters, both moms, and Josey. If boys don’t have guts to be honest in relationships, and express their feelings, and at that age they should, they are not 12 or 13, maybe they should shut the f*** up, not the girls.
Overall it’s really nice story.
February 9, 2019
A sweet story about coming out and finding young love in the homophobic sportsworld. The story is a slow read because the narrative is a little bumbling. It seems the side characters seems more fleshed out than the main character and there is too many unfinished story lines in the story but in all honesty a sweet story
May 11, 2020
This book was written in such a weird style, it really destroyed my enjoyment of the story. It was in third person, which on itself isn't too bad, but it was written sort of like a newspaper article or some report. You know, like things that happened in some order, put on a paper....but they're just not making you feel anything.
Other than that, it was okay, but I felt like the story finished quite fast and I would at least need a sequel where Ryan walks (and plays again) to be properly satisfied.
Other than that, it was okay, but I felt like the story finished quite fast and I would at least need a sequel where Ryan walks (and plays again) to be properly satisfied.
June 18, 2020
4.25 stars
Great story, great characters, reeeeeeaaaaaaly long story with the tiniest two page denouement I've ever seen. Despite that, I enjoyed both Dante and Ryan -- they're fantastic guys, and they deserve to be happy together. I did get a little tired of the phrase "hidden flesh" -- even in over 400 pages, I think 9 times was a little excessive for that one. Still...it's a good book!
Great story, great characters, reeeeeeaaaaaaly long story with the tiniest two page denouement I've ever seen. Despite that, I enjoyed both Dante and Ryan -- they're fantastic guys, and they deserve to be happy together. I did get a little tired of the phrase "hidden flesh" -- even in over 400 pages, I think 9 times was a little excessive for that one. Still...it's a good book!
February 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this story and finished it while waiting for Phil Collins to come on stage!! Would have liked an epilogue to see the future as I think Dante realised that while the Olympics was a great goal to have, he had what he really wanted with Ryan.
June 3, 2017
3.5~4/5
Cute story about two teenagers falling in love. Despite its length, the book managed to grip my attention though the ending was a bit too abrupt imo.
Cute story about two teenagers falling in love. Despite its length, the book managed to grip my attention though the ending was a bit too abrupt imo.
June 14, 2013
Ci sono alcuni elementi di questo racconto che mi hanno convinto ad assegnargli tre stellette, mentre altri mi hanno lasciato alquanto perplessa.
Tra i lati positivi, senz'altro vi è la resa dei personaggi da parte dell'autrice. Leggendo non ho avuto l'impressione che si trattasse di persone "finte", di meri personaggi usati come marionette dalla scrittrice per portare avanti la trama. Vi è un certo "scavo" psicologico, forse addirittura eccessivo in alcuni punti; veniamo messi al corrente, leggendo, dei pensieri dei vari personaggi. In ogni momento sappiamo cosa provano questi ragazzi alle prese con il sentimento, la passione, la paura... Insomma, non è difficile sentirsi vicini ai protagonisti, ai quali alla fine ci si affeziona. Leggendo alcuni passaggi mi sono sentita di nuovo un adolescente anch'io. Certe emozioni tumultuose, certe palpitazioni, paure... insomma, mi erano familiari.
Altro punto a favore, il sesso narrato non è quello fantascientifico di cui a volte abbondano certi libri a tema glbt. Del resto è così che deve essere: i protagonisti sono due giovani ragazzi, entrambi poco esperti e alle prime esperienze sessuali, almeno per uno dei due. Sarebbe alquanto inverosimile se fin dall'inizio si dimostrassero dei gods of sex... ridicolo, oltre che inverosimile. Sinceramente, soprattutto dopo varie sfumature nere e grigie, sono un po' stanca di leggere di perfomances degne di divinità del sesso celate sotto le mentite spoglie di "semplici" uomini o donne, che spesso riescono a far raggiungere l'apice del piacere senza nemmeno sfiorare il partner di turno... Ok, viva la fantasia, ma dopo un po' diventa davvero ridicolo, invece che sensuale e/o eccitante.
Altro punto a favore, lo sport che fa da sfondo alla storia d'amore di Ryan e Dante. Mi piacciono molto le storie che hanno come protagonisti degli sportivi, forse perché credo che lo sport abbia una forte valenza metaforica: il sacrificio, l'abnegazione, l'antagonismo... insomma, tutti quelli elementi che fanno dello sport un tema interessante se ben trattato. Qui, in particolare, lo sport è un mezzo di rivalsa sociale per entrambi i ragazzi. E poi, lo ammetto: ho un debole per gli sportivi. Non come per i pompieri, però...
Quello che non mi ha entusiasmato per nulla è la ripetizione di alcuni concetti. Confesso che ho faticato a leggere le prime cento pagine, nonostante in generale lo stile dell'autrice non fosse di per sé pesante. In alcuni punti però credo che si sia sfiorato l'ossessivo: insomma, avevo capito che Ryan odia il mondo per quel che gli è accaduto (un brutto incidente durante un allenamento con la sua squadra di hockey, di cui è l'asso) già alla quinta volta che mi veniva detto. Alla decima, in poco più di una quindicina di pagine, credo di aver roteato gli occhi e la simpatia che potevo provare per questo giovane sfortunato ha iniziato a vacillare. Per fortuna ha recuperato da metà libro in poi.
Insomma, nella prima parte del libro, che di solito è introduttiva e serve a farci conoscere (e piacere) i vari protagonisti, sono stata più volte assalita dalla noia e la tentazione di mettere giù l'ebook è stata forte.
In definitiva è un libro che consiglio non solo a chi è interessato a storie con tematiche gay, ma a tutti quelli che piacciono le storie d'amore: se riuscite a superare le prime cento pagine, verrete, in un certo senso, ricompensati da una bella storia d'amore, vera e raccontata con garbo.
E nemmeno la lingua costituisce un ostacolo (lo dico per i lettori italiani): leggendo questo libro, che ho acquistato in lingua originale (non so nemmeno se in italiano esista), non ho mai dovuto ricorrere al dizionario online. Ha uno stile pulito e facilmente comprensibile anche per chi, come me, "bazzica" i libri in inglese relativamente da poco. E poi ho imparato tante cose sull'hockey e il pattinaggio di velocità.
Tra i lati positivi, senz'altro vi è la resa dei personaggi da parte dell'autrice. Leggendo non ho avuto l'impressione che si trattasse di persone "finte", di meri personaggi usati come marionette dalla scrittrice per portare avanti la trama. Vi è un certo "scavo" psicologico, forse addirittura eccessivo in alcuni punti; veniamo messi al corrente, leggendo, dei pensieri dei vari personaggi. In ogni momento sappiamo cosa provano questi ragazzi alle prese con il sentimento, la passione, la paura... Insomma, non è difficile sentirsi vicini ai protagonisti, ai quali alla fine ci si affeziona. Leggendo alcuni passaggi mi sono sentita di nuovo un adolescente anch'io. Certe emozioni tumultuose, certe palpitazioni, paure... insomma, mi erano familiari.
Altro punto a favore, il sesso narrato non è quello fantascientifico di cui a volte abbondano certi libri a tema glbt. Del resto è così che deve essere: i protagonisti sono due giovani ragazzi, entrambi poco esperti e alle prime esperienze sessuali, almeno per uno dei due. Sarebbe alquanto inverosimile se fin dall'inizio si dimostrassero dei gods of sex... ridicolo, oltre che inverosimile. Sinceramente, soprattutto dopo varie sfumature nere e grigie, sono un po' stanca di leggere di perfomances degne di divinità del sesso celate sotto le mentite spoglie di "semplici" uomini o donne, che spesso riescono a far raggiungere l'apice del piacere senza nemmeno sfiorare il partner di turno... Ok, viva la fantasia, ma dopo un po' diventa davvero ridicolo, invece che sensuale e/o eccitante.
Altro punto a favore, lo sport che fa da sfondo alla storia d'amore di Ryan e Dante. Mi piacciono molto le storie che hanno come protagonisti degli sportivi, forse perché credo che lo sport abbia una forte valenza metaforica: il sacrificio, l'abnegazione, l'antagonismo... insomma, tutti quelli elementi che fanno dello sport un tema interessante se ben trattato. Qui, in particolare, lo sport è un mezzo di rivalsa sociale per entrambi i ragazzi. E poi, lo ammetto: ho un debole per gli sportivi. Non come per i pompieri, però...
Quello che non mi ha entusiasmato per nulla è la ripetizione di alcuni concetti. Confesso che ho faticato a leggere le prime cento pagine, nonostante in generale lo stile dell'autrice non fosse di per sé pesante. In alcuni punti però credo che si sia sfiorato l'ossessivo: insomma, avevo capito che Ryan odia il mondo per quel che gli è accaduto (un brutto incidente durante un allenamento con la sua squadra di hockey, di cui è l'asso) già alla quinta volta che mi veniva detto. Alla decima, in poco più di una quindicina di pagine, credo di aver roteato gli occhi e la simpatia che potevo provare per questo giovane sfortunato ha iniziato a vacillare. Per fortuna ha recuperato da metà libro in poi.
Insomma, nella prima parte del libro, che di solito è introduttiva e serve a farci conoscere (e piacere) i vari protagonisti, sono stata più volte assalita dalla noia e la tentazione di mettere giù l'ebook è stata forte.
In definitiva è un libro che consiglio non solo a chi è interessato a storie con tematiche gay, ma a tutti quelli che piacciono le storie d'amore: se riuscite a superare le prime cento pagine, verrete, in un certo senso, ricompensati da una bella storia d'amore, vera e raccontata con garbo.
E nemmeno la lingua costituisce un ostacolo (lo dico per i lettori italiani): leggendo questo libro, che ho acquistato in lingua originale (non so nemmeno se in italiano esista), non ho mai dovuto ricorrere al dizionario online. Ha uno stile pulito e facilmente comprensibile anche per chi, come me, "bazzica" i libri in inglese relativamente da poco. E poi ho imparato tante cose sull'hockey e il pattinaggio di velocità.
January 10, 2013
It's a long book. First of all, hockey fans, not much hockey, sorry! Ryan, one of the protagonist, is a hockey player who can't play because of a nasty accident. When he goes to the rink to see his former teammates, he catches the eye of Dante, a speed skater. Their easy camaraderie and shy attraction soon blossoms into their very first love story. Dante is a bit younger, but more experienced, even if his first lover was a selfish bastard, Ryan just fooled around with one guy, and he's basically as pure as snow.
The book is almost 400 pages long and it covers two weeks in the life of the protagonists, from when they meet until Dante's race, so it's slow. The author does a great job at staying in the hearts and minds of the protagonists, alternating between their point of view from chapter to chapter, writing in third person, present tense. It's a bit exhausting, I have to admit it. There's not really navel gazing, but you're there, almost in real time. I was a bit baffled by the end, because it's very fast, it seems rushed, .
Talking about the characters, Dante is more open and easy going. He's from the poor part of town, he didn't go to college, but decided instead to work in a skaters shop. He tries to support himself and his mother, who isn't very supportive of the way he spends his money on sports, but she seems to accept his sexuality. He's a nice guy, good-looking and practical. He has a goal and he knows he has to compromise to achieve it, so he is patient with his sleazy boss, but he also tries to avoid being an easy target for the skating club bullies, choosing to flee instead of fighting.
Ryan is rehabilitating from his injuries. He can't walk, he is not patient with his therapist or with his mother. He's angry for his shattered dreams, because since when he's on a wheelchair, people seem to look through him, so he pushes them. He treats his overbearing mother poorly, and the more she looks after him, the more he snaps at her. Even if he wasn't always very pleasant, I could understand his anger, his rage, the feeling of injustice and also inadequacy for not being able to stand up - also metaphorically - for himself and Dante.
Dante and Ryan are just discovering what real love is for the first time, so everything revolves around them, they are obsessed with each other, they want to be together always, they want to be close, to crawl into each other and help the other soothe his fears and worries. They talk big, but you can forgive them because they're so young. They've already had to experience the difficulties life has in store for them, but they push and save each other.
It's a very sweet story. Very very long. Too long. Probably.
Recommended? I don't know. Ask me.
The book is almost 400 pages long and it covers two weeks in the life of the protagonists, from when they meet until Dante's race, so it's slow. The author does a great job at staying in the hearts and minds of the protagonists, alternating between their point of view from chapter to chapter, writing in third person, present tense. It's a bit exhausting, I have to admit it. There's not really navel gazing, but you're there, almost in real time. I was a bit baffled by the end, because it's very fast, it seems rushed, .
Talking about the characters, Dante is more open and easy going. He's from the poor part of town, he didn't go to college, but decided instead to work in a skaters shop. He tries to support himself and his mother, who isn't very supportive of the way he spends his money on sports, but she seems to accept his sexuality. He's a nice guy, good-looking and practical. He has a goal and he knows he has to compromise to achieve it, so he is patient with his sleazy boss, but he also tries to avoid being an easy target for the skating club bullies, choosing to flee instead of fighting.
Ryan is rehabilitating from his injuries. He can't walk, he is not patient with his therapist or with his mother. He's angry for his shattered dreams, because since when he's on a wheelchair, people seem to look through him, so he pushes them. He treats his overbearing mother poorly, and the more she looks after him, the more he snaps at her. Even if he wasn't always very pleasant, I could understand his anger, his rage, the feeling of injustice and also inadequacy for not being able to stand up - also metaphorically - for himself and Dante.
Dante and Ryan are just discovering what real love is for the first time, so everything revolves around them, they are obsessed with each other, they want to be together always, they want to be close, to crawl into each other and help the other soothe his fears and worries. They talk big, but you can forgive them because they're so young. They've already had to experience the difficulties life has in store for them, but they push and save each other.
It's a very sweet story. Very very long. Too long. Probably.
Recommended? I don't know. Ask me.
October 31, 2012
Detailed look at the early stages of a budding relationship
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- I liked both of the characters a lot. They struggle with real issues and have their own individual hang-ups, but they’re both very selfless. They’re constantly concerned about each other, each trying to make sure that life is beautiful, happy, and problem-free for his boyfriend.
- The obsession of young people is depicted well. The guys meet and have an immediate connection, and then they can’t stop thinking about each other. Ever.
- There’s an incredible amount of depth in the examination of Ryan’s and Dante’s thoughts.
- The flirting is sweet and tentative and nervous and lovely. Then the progression into physical intimacy is the same way.
CONS:
- The characters are 18 and 19, so I had a little bit of trouble believing in the “foreverness” of the relationship. They might really be soulmates, but aside from the first chapter, which details Ryan’s injury and the immediate aftermath of it, the book covers a time span of about 2 weeks. I couldn’t make myself buy completely into a forever relationship between two people who are so young when all I saw was 2 weeks.
- Ryan treats his mother horribly at times. This is a book about teenagers, sure, and Snyder creates a pretty accurate depiction of teenage isolation, but I wanted to smack Ryan on more than one occasion. His mom is overbearing sometimes, but he can be an ungrateful little jerk. (Dante, on the other hand, loves Ryan’s mom and even gently suggests a couple of times that Ryan should be nicer to her.)
- The writing is a little dense. The exposition is very detailed and contains a lot of sentences that are sort of stream-of-consciousness. Example: “From his room Ryan heard every word, mortified, but in the end she got her way, she always does, and that’s more good news Ryan’s just waiting to tell Dante, that they are definitely staying together, the room has already been reserved, thanks to his mother.”
- The ending is pretty open; there are several conflicts that surface throughout the story that are left unresolved at the end.
Overall comments: This book’s in present tense, which I always find a little weird, but the tone is conversational and relaxed. The characters have a lot of room to develop: there are 350 pages, with a lot of text on each page. Overall I think this is worth reading, but it’s not a quick read: it’s meaty and a little cumbersome.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- I liked both of the characters a lot. They struggle with real issues and have their own individual hang-ups, but they’re both very selfless. They’re constantly concerned about each other, each trying to make sure that life is beautiful, happy, and problem-free for his boyfriend.
- The obsession of young people is depicted well. The guys meet and have an immediate connection, and then they can’t stop thinking about each other. Ever.
- There’s an incredible amount of depth in the examination of Ryan’s and Dante’s thoughts.
- The flirting is sweet and tentative and nervous and lovely. Then the progression into physical intimacy is the same way.
CONS:
- The characters are 18 and 19, so I had a little bit of trouble believing in the “foreverness” of the relationship. They might really be soulmates, but aside from the first chapter, which details Ryan’s injury and the immediate aftermath of it, the book covers a time span of about 2 weeks. I couldn’t make myself buy completely into a forever relationship between two people who are so young when all I saw was 2 weeks.
- Ryan treats his mother horribly at times. This is a book about teenagers, sure, and Snyder creates a pretty accurate depiction of teenage isolation, but I wanted to smack Ryan on more than one occasion. His mom is overbearing sometimes, but he can be an ungrateful little jerk. (Dante, on the other hand, loves Ryan’s mom and even gently suggests a couple of times that Ryan should be nicer to her.)
- The writing is a little dense. The exposition is very detailed and contains a lot of sentences that are sort of stream-of-consciousness. Example: “From his room Ryan heard every word, mortified, but in the end she got her way, she always does, and that’s more good news Ryan’s just waiting to tell Dante, that they are definitely staying together, the room has already been reserved, thanks to his mother.”
- The ending is pretty open; there are several conflicts that surface throughout the story that are left unresolved at the end.
Overall comments: This book’s in present tense, which I always find a little weird, but the tone is conversational and relaxed. The characters have a lot of room to develop: there are 350 pages, with a lot of text on each page. Overall I think this is worth reading, but it’s not a quick read: it’s meaty and a little cumbersome.
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