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Ohana Surfing Club #3
Double Up
Noah and I were like a double-up wave. Together we were stronger and more powerful.
Zayden
It didn’t matter if I was well-behaved or a good son. My parents refused to accept that I wasn’t a sinner when I kissed a boy at fifteen years old. I soon found myself without parents and a home. But fate had other plans for me when desperation had me stealing a surfboard. The owners of the surf shop I stole from took me under their wing and fostered me. It was then that I met the blond boy, so full of love and sunshine, who would become the love of my life.
Noah
I tried hard to be a good son, taking care of my mom whenever she was on one of her drunken binges, which was all the time. But it was exhausting. I needed a break and a job. That was when I met the feral and angry boy with golden eyes. He was desperate for a friend and I wanted to be that friend. His surfing club hired me so that I could finally find my way out from my mother’s suffocation. It was also there that I found someone who would love me without conditions.
Zayden and Noah had been together for five years, loving and supporting each other, through ups and downs. Will they survive the next trial life just tossed at them?
CW: Abandonment, alcoholism, underage drinking and pot smoking, teen sex, homophobia, bullying, explicit language and sex. Not for readers under 18.
This book can be read as a standalone, but like any series, it's always appreciated more if read in order.
This a best friends-to-lovers, bisexual awakening, new adult mm romance.
Please be careful of spoilers, thank you.
Zayden
It didn’t matter if I was well-behaved or a good son. My parents refused to accept that I wasn’t a sinner when I kissed a boy at fifteen years old. I soon found myself without parents and a home. But fate had other plans for me when desperation had me stealing a surfboard. The owners of the surf shop I stole from took me under their wing and fostered me. It was then that I met the blond boy, so full of love and sunshine, who would become the love of my life.
Noah
I tried hard to be a good son, taking care of my mom whenever she was on one of her drunken binges, which was all the time. But it was exhausting. I needed a break and a job. That was when I met the feral and angry boy with golden eyes. He was desperate for a friend and I wanted to be that friend. His surfing club hired me so that I could finally find my way out from my mother’s suffocation. It was also there that I found someone who would love me without conditions.
Zayden and Noah had been together for five years, loving and supporting each other, through ups and downs. Will they survive the next trial life just tossed at them?
CW: Abandonment, alcoholism, underage drinking and pot smoking, teen sex, homophobia, bullying, explicit language and sex. Not for readers under 18.
This book can be read as a standalone, but like any series, it's always appreciated more if read in order.
This a best friends-to-lovers, bisexual awakening, new adult mm romance.
Please be careful of spoilers, thank you.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2023
45 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Courtney W. Dixon
39 books1,080 followersCourtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy hurt/comfort romance, giving her characters challenges, struggles, and sometimes trauma... Fine, a LOT of trauma. Her team teases her about charging her for their therapy bills after reading one of her books.
She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
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She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
Follow Me
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dnf
September 24, 2023dnf @ 46% this writing style is just not for me….😬
January 15, 2023
Content warning read authors note.
Phew there is a lot going on with this book, I have listed tropes and content at the bottom. But even though there is lots of strong content the book is very low angst and no mid way break up so you get a look at two young boys as they grow into men and the challenges they overcome to get there.
Zayden kissed a boy, but in doing that it changed his life, his parents were homophobic god fearing people, and saw Zay’s kiss as a sin, so they kicked him out at 14! Homeless and trying to survive he ended up stealing from the local surf shop which got him arrested and in contact with the owner who ended up changing his life for the better. Going back to school he found Noah a boy he fell for but he was determined to not get hurt again so hid his feelings because he’d rather have a friend than no one.
Noah was friendly and outgoing but behind his smile he was living a nightmare with his mum being an alcoholic and him having to pick up the pieces daily, but when he sees the new boy being picked on by his bully’s he had to help him out. He could see Zay needed a friend whether he wanted one or not! But his persistence paid off and they become best friends, only thing now is that Noah wanted to be more.
So this book has so much real life content, it was so nice to see two boys who struggled through their teens with a friendship that spanned years, it was great to see them grow together, open up emotionally and work thought their own troubles and learn to love each other through it all. This is all about a found family coming together to help young people get back on the right paths and learn to be loved and how to love others. It’s a low angst read but it takes you on a journey through the ups and downs life throws at you.
This is a sweet story that packs a punch with a lovely HEA.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This books tropes and content-
Best friends to lovers
Bi awakening
Found family
Grumpy/sunshine
Opposites attract
Surfers
Found family
Homophobia
Mental health
Bullying
Homeless
Neglect
Alcoholism
Phew there is a lot going on with this book, I have listed tropes and content at the bottom. But even though there is lots of strong content the book is very low angst and no mid way break up so you get a look at two young boys as they grow into men and the challenges they overcome to get there.
Zayden kissed a boy, but in doing that it changed his life, his parents were homophobic god fearing people, and saw Zay’s kiss as a sin, so they kicked him out at 14! Homeless and trying to survive he ended up stealing from the local surf shop which got him arrested and in contact with the owner who ended up changing his life for the better. Going back to school he found Noah a boy he fell for but he was determined to not get hurt again so hid his feelings because he’d rather have a friend than no one.
Noah was friendly and outgoing but behind his smile he was living a nightmare with his mum being an alcoholic and him having to pick up the pieces daily, but when he sees the new boy being picked on by his bully’s he had to help him out. He could see Zay needed a friend whether he wanted one or not! But his persistence paid off and they become best friends, only thing now is that Noah wanted to be more.
So this book has so much real life content, it was so nice to see two boys who struggled through their teens with a friendship that spanned years, it was great to see them grow together, open up emotionally and work thought their own troubles and learn to love each other through it all. This is all about a found family coming together to help young people get back on the right paths and learn to be loved and how to love others. It’s a low angst read but it takes you on a journey through the ups and downs life throws at you.
This is a sweet story that packs a punch with a lovely HEA.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This books tropes and content-
Best friends to lovers
Bi awakening
Found family
Grumpy/sunshine
Opposites attract
Surfers
Found family
Homophobia
Mental health
Bullying
Homeless
Neglect
Alcoholism
January 15, 2023
"Zay and I became a double up wave, and we were each other's wild rides"
Star Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
This was the third book in the series, and by far the best! It was sweet and steamy and a truly emotional read. With this being a coming-of-age book, we get to witness Zayden and Noah's story from when they were young teens right through to their early twenties, and the rollercoaster of a ride those years were. These two are the definition of soulmates, and their relationship was one between two very old souls. There was no relationship drama to be seen, and the only angst was external to their romance. From the very beginning I felt for the MCs and the struggles they had to endure together, Zayden with his homophobic parents kicking him to the streets and Noah with his alcoholic mother. Both of them look to surfing for a way of escaping, and through a love for that, and a chance meeting at school, become best friends and later more. The way they leant on each other constantly through the thick and thin, and their clear love and devotion for one another was so special and real. The author did a wonderful job at weaving a wonderful established love story from a young age, with a well balanced character and story development, and I felt I was truly immersed in the story.
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Lower Angst
❣️ Hurt/Comfort
❣️ Best Friends to Lovers
❣️ Surfing
❣️ HEA
Trigger and Content Warnings: Homelessness, homophobia, parental neglect, drug use, addiction, abandonment, bullying, hospitalization.
Star Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
This was the third book in the series, and by far the best! It was sweet and steamy and a truly emotional read. With this being a coming-of-age book, we get to witness Zayden and Noah's story from when they were young teens right through to their early twenties, and the rollercoaster of a ride those years were. These two are the definition of soulmates, and their relationship was one between two very old souls. There was no relationship drama to be seen, and the only angst was external to their romance. From the very beginning I felt for the MCs and the struggles they had to endure together, Zayden with his homophobic parents kicking him to the streets and Noah with his alcoholic mother. Both of them look to surfing for a way of escaping, and through a love for that, and a chance meeting at school, become best friends and later more. The way they leant on each other constantly through the thick and thin, and their clear love and devotion for one another was so special and real. The author did a wonderful job at weaving a wonderful established love story from a young age, with a well balanced character and story development, and I felt I was truly immersed in the story.
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Lower Angst
❣️ Hurt/Comfort
❣️ Best Friends to Lovers
❣️ Surfing
❣️ HEA
Trigger and Content Warnings: Homelessness, homophobia, parental neglect, drug use, addiction, abandonment, bullying, hospitalization.
January 26, 2023
I was looking forward to reading about Zay and Noah, who feature in the first book of this series, Impact Zone. Unfortunately, like the first book in this series, this book meanders all over the place in the second half after an engrossing first half that kept my interest.
The author begins skipping through the lives of our two MCs. "We've been together five years now..." and I'm wondering, wait, what happened to years two through four? It's just sloppy story telling and it's a shame because Noah's and Zay's story was very heartfelt and full of two boys beating back the odds that kept them down. I don't think it was necessary to bring in various other side characters, although it looks like they were being introduced solely as future book characters themselves. There wasn't anything organic and one guy, whose name escapes me but I think it was Mahlo, was there one minute and then never mentioned again.
Part of the problem of this book is that it parallels the first two books in parts, and the reader is stuck going through what Kel and Anders when through in book one and what Lucy and Mateo went through in book two, except this time through the eyes of the boys. I just didn't care to read what I already knew, but 20 pages or so (maybe more) was just too much. I don't think the author really presented the perspectives of the MC in a unique enough way to warrant going through it all again. So tedious.
Zay's entire motivation as a character comes from some harsh homophobia, and there is one scene in particular where Noah endures some painful bullying from some homophobic assholes in his school, but these parts didn't seem extraneous and did help to propel the story forward (somewhat).
I don't know how it works in Hawaii, but the last 15% or so was so ridiculously unbelievable because of a certain interaction Zay and Noah have with the local social services. I won't spoil it but it's not something I don't think you'd see two 20/21 y.o. being able to do anywhere else.
I picked up the first book of this series to explore a new author, but there just wasn't enough meat in these books to make me want to read her again.
The author begins skipping through the lives of our two MCs. "We've been together five years now..." and I'm wondering, wait, what happened to years two through four? It's just sloppy story telling and it's a shame because Noah's and Zay's story was very heartfelt and full of two boys beating back the odds that kept them down. I don't think it was necessary to bring in various other side characters, although it looks like they were being introduced solely as future book characters themselves. There wasn't anything organic and one guy, whose name escapes me but I think it was Mahlo, was there one minute and then never mentioned again.
Part of the problem of this book is that it parallels the first two books in parts, and the reader is stuck going through what Kel and Anders when through in book one and what Lucy and Mateo went through in book two, except this time through the eyes of the boys. I just didn't care to read what I already knew, but 20 pages or so (maybe more) was just too much. I don't think the author really presented the perspectives of the MC in a unique enough way to warrant going through it all again. So tedious.
Zay's entire motivation as a character comes from some harsh homophobia, and there is one scene in particular where Noah endures some painful bullying from some homophobic assholes in his school, but these parts didn't seem extraneous and did help to propel the story forward (somewhat).
I don't know how it works in Hawaii, but the last 15% or so was so ridiculously unbelievable because of a certain interaction Zay and Noah have with the local social services. I won't spoil it but it's not something I don't think you'd see two 20/21 y.o. being able to do anywhere else.
I picked up the first book of this series to explore a new author, but there just wasn't enough meat in these books to make me want to read her again.
December 11, 2022
Gosh, I just absolutely love Zay & Noah!💙
We fell into each other like the sun and the moon.
“Noah is my family. No one hurts my family.”
“What would I do without you? You’re my everything.”
He looked ethereal. My angel.
“You and me, forever and ever.”
“This, right here… you and me… there are no words. How did I get so lucky, Bae?”
I have been wanting Zay & Noah’s story since Impact Zone
I absolutely love getting to read about their story from the beginning and through the years of their relationship. They are so freaking sweet and perfect for each other.
This is an instant favorite of mine. Both Zay and Noah went through so much growing up, then finding each other, their found family growing…
This is such a beautiful read and if you’re wondering if you should give this book a shot, I most definitely recommend it.
Next I need Levi’s book!
-Best Friends to Lovers
-Bisexual Awakening
-Hurt(from others)/Comfort
-Lower Angst
-HEA
🌊ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR FOR A FAIR & HONEST REVIEW🌊
We fell into each other like the sun and the moon.
“Noah is my family. No one hurts my family.”
“What would I do without you? You’re my everything.”
He looked ethereal. My angel.
“You and me, forever and ever.”
“This, right here… you and me… there are no words. How did I get so lucky, Bae?”
I have been wanting Zay & Noah’s story since Impact Zone
I absolutely love getting to read about their story from the beginning and through the years of their relationship. They are so freaking sweet and perfect for each other.
This is an instant favorite of mine. Both Zay and Noah went through so much growing up, then finding each other, their found family growing…
This is such a beautiful read and if you’re wondering if you should give this book a shot, I most definitely recommend it.
Next I need Levi’s book!
-Best Friends to Lovers
-Bisexual Awakening
-Hurt(from others)/Comfort
-Lower Angst
-HEA
🌊ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR FOR A FAIR & HONEST REVIEW🌊
January 15, 2023
“Our love was like a superpower. Whenever anything went wrong, we lifted each other up and held on tight until the pain went away.”
I have not been shy in sharing how much I love this series. But this story, this is the one I’ve really been waiting for. Kel and his father may have been the ones to bring this found family together, help it grow and provide them all with stability, but Noah and Zayden are the true hearts of them all.
Despite the rejection that each of them has felt from their birth parents, and while that may set some on a path to reject other people, Noah and Zayden have both retained a deep sense of loyalty and love to the people that have chosen them. And the bond they both develop is magical. They have each other's back and bring each other happiness every day.
They may be young, but their life experiences have matured them and set them up for one of the healthiest relationships I’ve seen. It doesn’t mean there aren’t curveballs and life bombs along the way, but through it all, these two have each other. All they have to do is remember to rely on and trust each other.
I have not been shy in sharing how much I love this series. But this story, this is the one I’ve really been waiting for. Kel and his father may have been the ones to bring this found family together, help it grow and provide them all with stability, but Noah and Zayden are the true hearts of them all.
Despite the rejection that each of them has felt from their birth parents, and while that may set some on a path to reject other people, Noah and Zayden have both retained a deep sense of loyalty and love to the people that have chosen them. And the bond they both develop is magical. They have each other's back and bring each other happiness every day.
They may be young, but their life experiences have matured them and set them up for one of the healthiest relationships I’ve seen. It doesn’t mean there aren’t curveballs and life bombs along the way, but through it all, these two have each other. All they have to do is remember to rely on and trust each other.
February 18, 2023
So, funny story:
Once, there was a bookstagrammar who had a weakness for illustrated covers - let’s just call her Anja 💗
She loved sparkly, shiny books with beautiful boys on the covers 🌈 Some would perhaps say that she was addicted to pretty books with pretty boys…. But that’s a whole other story 😉
Anyway, one day she saw a stunning book with two gorgeous surfer boys on the cover 🏄🏻💗 it was more beautiful than anything, she had seen in a long time. It almost made her forget that it was winter ❄️
She didn’t know the author but that didn’t matter. “Anyone who publishes such a beautiful book, has something to say”, she thought to herself.
This turned out to be a really good decision because not only was the book even more stunning in real life - it was also a beautiful story. And now she had found a new author to love 💗
Double Up is the story of Noah (“No”) and Zayden (“Zay Bae”). It’s a story about two lost boys who grow up together, fall in love and commit to making each other’s lives better. If that isn’t the very core of love, I don’t know what is. To make someone’s life better just by being in it.
This is the third book in the Ohana Surfing Club Series and I will definitely need to read the other books as well 💗
The main tropes include:
☀️ Found Family
☀️ Friends-to-Lovers
☀️ Soul Mates
☀️ Coming-of-age
☀️ Bi-sexual Awakening
Plot: ☀️☀️☀️☀️
Steam: ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Angst: 🥹🥹
I really liked this book. It was different from a lot of other books that I’ve read recently.
Courtney W. Dixon definitely has her own unique and valid voice within the MM Romance genre.
I enjoyed taking a trip into this teenage world and finally found out how you spell “brah” which my 11-year-old says all the time! 😉
The first half of the book was definitely the strongest for me whereas it lost a bit of pace in the second half. However, this does not change my overall reading experience 💙🙏🏻
*Please make sure to consult TW before reading the book because there are several triggers 🙏🏻💙
January 18, 2023
Double Up is the third book in the Ohana Surfing Club series. When Zayden kisses a boy his parents toss him out at fifteen. Homeless and trying to survive on the streets, he steals from the surf shop but is caught. That essentially saves his life. He is friended by Noah. The story felt more like a coming of age story to me, low angst, best friends to lovers and bi awakening. Well written with nice pacing. Loved it!
January 27, 2023
Absolutely loved this story!!!!! From beginning to end it makes you want to keep reading! The whole series are well worth the read!!!
Zaydens story is heartwrenching and I could never fathom kicking my kids out because of who they liked however this whole story gives you the side that people dont talk about!!
Great job courtney!!
Zaydens story is heartwrenching and I could never fathom kicking my kids out because of who they liked however this whole story gives you the side that people dont talk about!!
Great job courtney!!
January 9, 2023
This book brought up many contradictions in my mind. This is the first time I have read a story with such young main characters, that is besides the Enid Blyton and Hardy Boys series I read as a child.
Young teens coping with so much responsibility, but were they coping or drowning? Fending for themselves with minimal to no support. Then realising the resilience of youth and understanding and accepting their inner strength to keep surviving.
I was so absorbed in the story of Zayden and Noah and the support they received from Kel and Jon until they grew into a found family of varying personalities. So much was packed into this story without it becoming overwhelming.
I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary review.
Young teens coping with so much responsibility, but were they coping or drowning? Fending for themselves with minimal to no support. Then realising the resilience of youth and understanding and accepting their inner strength to keep surviving.
I was so absorbed in the story of Zayden and Noah and the support they received from Kel and Jon until they grew into a found family of varying personalities. So much was packed into this story without it becoming overwhelming.
I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary review.
October 7, 2023
I saw the stars for this book and was excited to dive in. I barely skimmed the last one hundred and fifty pages it was so bad. I’ve read hundreds of fanfics on ao3 that deserve to be published over this book. Like how’s toy that writing makes me feel more and more deeply than this book could ever manage to do. There are people who don’t have English as their first language who can use the language more beautifully and effectively than it was used here. The writing in this book is garbage and the time jumps are atrocious which is so disappointing because this book has such promise in like the first the pages. After that I could tell I was in for a long ride, but not a fun one. What a waste of time!
December 30, 2022
I love Courtney W Dixon's books. She makes the characters come to live in the pages. Double Up was a magical story about two boys who fall in love and care for each other in their darkest times. Double Up is apart of the Ohana Surfing Club series. If you haven't read the series before then your missing out and should go do that. Noah and Zayden were both Amazing characters and have so much love to give. They both come from backgrounds that are heartbreaking. This is a love story that shows that these boys are lights in the others' darkness. I recommends this book more than you know. There are a few triggers in this book but it doesn't take from the book or storyline in any way. Amazing work Courtney!
December 11, 2022
I love the undercurrent theme of these books with Kel and Anders helping young adults, Zay and Noah both had hard stories. They were both lovely characters, the story spans their ages from fourteen to twenty two so the sex scenes start very mild and eventually get better. There is a lot of story overlap from book 1 and book 2, which meant it felt repetitive at times, just heard from a different perspective. If you read them with a gap then it would be a good recap; this is why I rate the book 3.5 stars. I feel there are a few more characters with possible stories and would definitely be interested in reading more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 15, 2023
4.5 Stars
Zayden and Noah’s story is beautiful, heartbreaking and a lesson to parents about having kids – if you can’t love them for who they are, don’t have them. Even though Zayden isn’t a real person, I desperately wanted to shake his parents and make them understand that religion isn’t just what you can pick & choose to fit in with your soul. If you have a pure soul, like Noah, your interpretation of what you’ve read and learned will be far more open & accepting. If you have a dark soul, like Zayden’s father, your interpretation of what you’ve read and learned will be far more literal & unaccepting.
Zayden, sadly, learns this the hard way and, when he’s found kissing his boyfriend at the beach & subsequently refuses to “stop choosing to like boys” because he doesn’t understand why it’s wrong, and is thrown out of his home. He’s 15 years old, homeless aside from a squat, square building with one room and no windows, desperately trying to keep himself alive by teaching surfing lessons & entering small surfing competitions to earn money for food, etc. He drops out of school, because how can he make money to survive if he’s learning useless things in school. Then his surfboard breaks and, with it, his only source of income. He goes to the surf shop to see about getting a cheap replacement and, against his better judgment, steals a beauty of a board (because he can’t afford it and nobody is in the shop and he just needs to make it!). He’s caught and subsequently arrested as he arrives at his “home”. The officers are gentle and see Zayden’s hostility for what it really is – fear and resignation. Imagine Zayden’s surprise when one of the shop’s owners comes by the police station and offers Zayden a job, a place to live and a family. Zayden’s trust is ruined, but it begins to repair itself slowly but surely when he realizes that his new family are real, honest and loving. They don’t care about Zayden’s sexuality and don’t condemn him for his anger, either.
Noah is used to being a caregiver. His mom is a drunk, sleeping with a parade of men and verbally abusing her son during her frequent binges, accusing him of ruining her life. Money is always short because her job attendance isn’t as consistent as it should be and Noah spends more time making sure she’s eating and getting to work in time than he does taking care of himself. Noah should be bitter and angry, but he’s got a beautiful soul and it wins out over any darkness that may want to claim him. The first time he sees Zayden at school, he goes out of his way to make friends with the sullen and angry teen. Zayden is a year older than Noah, but after dropping out, he’s in the same year as Noah. Zayden tries his hardest to keep Noah at arm’s length, but his joy and inner light render him helpless against Noah’s relentlessness. Noah eventually moves into the apartment above the surf shop with Zayden, working at the shop and tumbling headfirst into pure, honest love.
Their relationship blooms from tentative friends with a shared love of surfing, to best friends, to lovers. After 5 years together, a new hardship is thrown their way, forcing Zayden to be the happy and positive one. Can their love withstand this latest test or will Noah’s joy and Zayden’s tentative happiness be ruined by the injury that won’t leave Noah be?
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Zayden and Noah’s story is beautiful, heartbreaking and a lesson to parents about having kids – if you can’t love them for who they are, don’t have them. Even though Zayden isn’t a real person, I desperately wanted to shake his parents and make them understand that religion isn’t just what you can pick & choose to fit in with your soul. If you have a pure soul, like Noah, your interpretation of what you’ve read and learned will be far more open & accepting. If you have a dark soul, like Zayden’s father, your interpretation of what you’ve read and learned will be far more literal & unaccepting.
Zayden, sadly, learns this the hard way and, when he’s found kissing his boyfriend at the beach & subsequently refuses to “stop choosing to like boys” because he doesn’t understand why it’s wrong, and is thrown out of his home. He’s 15 years old, homeless aside from a squat, square building with one room and no windows, desperately trying to keep himself alive by teaching surfing lessons & entering small surfing competitions to earn money for food, etc. He drops out of school, because how can he make money to survive if he’s learning useless things in school. Then his surfboard breaks and, with it, his only source of income. He goes to the surf shop to see about getting a cheap replacement and, against his better judgment, steals a beauty of a board (because he can’t afford it and nobody is in the shop and he just needs to make it!). He’s caught and subsequently arrested as he arrives at his “home”. The officers are gentle and see Zayden’s hostility for what it really is – fear and resignation. Imagine Zayden’s surprise when one of the shop’s owners comes by the police station and offers Zayden a job, a place to live and a family. Zayden’s trust is ruined, but it begins to repair itself slowly but surely when he realizes that his new family are real, honest and loving. They don’t care about Zayden’s sexuality and don’t condemn him for his anger, either.
Noah is used to being a caregiver. His mom is a drunk, sleeping with a parade of men and verbally abusing her son during her frequent binges, accusing him of ruining her life. Money is always short because her job attendance isn’t as consistent as it should be and Noah spends more time making sure she’s eating and getting to work in time than he does taking care of himself. Noah should be bitter and angry, but he’s got a beautiful soul and it wins out over any darkness that may want to claim him. The first time he sees Zayden at school, he goes out of his way to make friends with the sullen and angry teen. Zayden is a year older than Noah, but after dropping out, he’s in the same year as Noah. Zayden tries his hardest to keep Noah at arm’s length, but his joy and inner light render him helpless against Noah’s relentlessness. Noah eventually moves into the apartment above the surf shop with Zayden, working at the shop and tumbling headfirst into pure, honest love.
Their relationship blooms from tentative friends with a shared love of surfing, to best friends, to lovers. After 5 years together, a new hardship is thrown their way, forcing Zayden to be the happy and positive one. Can their love withstand this latest test or will Noah’s joy and Zayden’s tentative happiness be ruined by the injury that won’t leave Noah be?
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
January 10, 2023
**I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Gay Romance Reviews.**
DOUBLE UP is the third book in the Ohana Surfing Club. It can be read as a stand alone but it's better to at least have read the first one, IMPACT ZONE because these stories happen at the same time but from different perspectives. I did not read the second book in the series but realized that after I started Double Up that I need to go back.
Zayden is kicked out of his home when he was fifteen for kissing a boy. His parents were incredibly religious and thought being gay (or bi-sexual) was the ultimate sin. Zayden kept himself alive for a year living in a small shack and giving surfing lessons. When his board breads he's desparate and finds himself at Ohana Surfing Club he doesn't want to but feels he doesn't have a choice he steals a board. Within days the cops find him and arrest him. When Kel the owner of OSC offers him a deal he jumps on it. Kel and his father Jon show Zayden what a true family can be and he agrees to work and live there. Going back to school and repeating a year isn't what Zay wants but it's what he has to do if he wants to graduate. He becomes friends with Noah and a group of Noah's friends. Zay fights the feeling he has for Noah but when out of jealousy Noah kisses him all bets are off.
Noah is a happy guy and has a huge heart even though he comes from an acholic mother that he needs to take care of. When he should be out with his friends or getting ready for school he's making sure his mom is feed and dressed and he's paying the bills to keep a roof over their head. When he shows up at OSC he needs money and is willing to do whatever. Noah slowly realizes Kel and Jon are the best things that could happen to him. And finding out his best friend is bi changes everything. Could he really have it all with Zay?
I loved that this story is happening at the same time as Ander and Kel's, so you see it from other perspectives. I love Zayden and Noah and getting to watch their story play out. They both carry so much baggage but are able to work through it and actually find and be able to be loved.
Now that I know it exists I need to go back and read Mateo and Lucy's story!
DOUBLE UP is the third book in the Ohana Surfing Club. It can be read as a stand alone but it's better to at least have read the first one, IMPACT ZONE because these stories happen at the same time but from different perspectives. I did not read the second book in the series but realized that after I started Double Up that I need to go back.
Zayden is kicked out of his home when he was fifteen for kissing a boy. His parents were incredibly religious and thought being gay (or bi-sexual) was the ultimate sin. Zayden kept himself alive for a year living in a small shack and giving surfing lessons. When his board breads he's desparate and finds himself at Ohana Surfing Club he doesn't want to but feels he doesn't have a choice he steals a board. Within days the cops find him and arrest him. When Kel the owner of OSC offers him a deal he jumps on it. Kel and his father Jon show Zayden what a true family can be and he agrees to work and live there. Going back to school and repeating a year isn't what Zay wants but it's what he has to do if he wants to graduate. He becomes friends with Noah and a group of Noah's friends. Zay fights the feeling he has for Noah but when out of jealousy Noah kisses him all bets are off.
Noah is a happy guy and has a huge heart even though he comes from an acholic mother that he needs to take care of. When he should be out with his friends or getting ready for school he's making sure his mom is feed and dressed and he's paying the bills to keep a roof over their head. When he shows up at OSC he needs money and is willing to do whatever. Noah slowly realizes Kel and Jon are the best things that could happen to him. And finding out his best friend is bi changes everything. Could he really have it all with Zay?
I loved that this story is happening at the same time as Ander and Kel's, so you see it from other perspectives. I love Zayden and Noah and getting to watch their story play out. They both carry so much baggage but are able to work through it and actually find and be able to be loved.
Now that I know it exists I need to go back and read Mateo and Lucy's story!
February 13, 2023
This is a story of two boys coming together after damaging experiences in their backgrounds leaving lasting impacts on their lives. Zayden was kicked out of his home at the age of 15 for having a boyfriend and getting caught by his mom. He lived on the streets for a year until an event changed his life. He was arrested for stealing a surfboard, but instead of jail time or the foster program, he was taken in by the people he had robbed and given a job, a safe place to live, and people who cared for him.
Noah spent his life acting as the responsible parent to his drunken mother, taking care of the bills, shopping and cooking, cleaning, etc, in addition to his high school classes. He is stressed, but always presents a sunny, upbeat face to his friends and is a very outgoing, caring person,
Zay and Noah meet on Zay’s first day back at school in over a year, repeating his freshman year. Noah shares some classes with him and is determined to befriend the angry, sulky “ new” boy. The two quickly become friends and Noah is also soon taken in by Jon and Kel to get him some relief from the stresses of living with his mother. Over time, a physical attraction between the two develops and grows stronger over the first year. The two are there for each other, trust and share past history, and feel they have found their other half as well as a new family composed of Jon,Kel, and a growing number of more young people fostered into the family unit. Zay and Noah become boyfriends and the story covers five years. Everything does not always go smoothly, but together with their new family they meet the challenges to eventually get their HEA.
Characters are well developed, we keep learning more about them as the story evolves, and I found them to be among characters that will be memorable for me. The secondary characters are interesting and add to the story. The events are realistic,
I enjoyed this book and plan to read the two others in the series. Reading the blurb on the other two, I would have thought this would have been book one, but all can be stand alone although characters do cross over.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Noah spent his life acting as the responsible parent to his drunken mother, taking care of the bills, shopping and cooking, cleaning, etc, in addition to his high school classes. He is stressed, but always presents a sunny, upbeat face to his friends and is a very outgoing, caring person,
Zay and Noah meet on Zay’s first day back at school in over a year, repeating his freshman year. Noah shares some classes with him and is determined to befriend the angry, sulky “ new” boy. The two quickly become friends and Noah is also soon taken in by Jon and Kel to get him some relief from the stresses of living with his mother. Over time, a physical attraction between the two develops and grows stronger over the first year. The two are there for each other, trust and share past history, and feel they have found their other half as well as a new family composed of Jon,Kel, and a growing number of more young people fostered into the family unit. Zay and Noah become boyfriends and the story covers five years. Everything does not always go smoothly, but together with their new family they meet the challenges to eventually get their HEA.
Characters are well developed, we keep learning more about them as the story evolves, and I found them to be among characters that will be memorable for me. The secondary characters are interesting and add to the story. The events are realistic,
I enjoyed this book and plan to read the two others in the series. Reading the blurb on the other two, I would have thought this would have been book one, but all can be stand alone although characters do cross over.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2023
What an incredible journey for these two boys. Neither of them had it easy since they were kids, although they come from different backgrounds, both have had to learn to survive.
Zayden comes from a religious family that didn't know/could/want to accept that he was queer and got kicked out of the house. And he had to learn to survive on the streets until he met Ohana's owners (from the previous books) and found a safe haven.
Noah comes from an indifferent and alcoholic single mother. He is the adult in the house, the one who ensures that the mother gets out of bed every day and works almost like a person. Almost. But despite that, he's a ray of sunshine, and when he meets Zay back in high school, he takes him under his wing.
And so their story together begins, first as friends and then as everything to each other.
We all know that life is not rosy, the majority of those who live on the street do not have a roof, or a job or even a meal And much less are they given a safe haven after having stolen. And we also know that in a family where there are addiction problems, not only the addicted person is sick, but all those close to that person. So yeah, the story is a bit rosy when it comes to the two of them, despite all the problems and obstacles and traumas they have to deal with.
But that's the amazing thing about this story. It talks about perseverance, about not giving up, about even though life seems to hit them over and over again, they know they have each other and can support each other. It talks about when you love and let yourself be loved, life is worth it.
The plot is very well developed, it doesn't lose pace, and it intertwines with the events of the previous books perfectly, but without leaving the focus of attention that is the story of Zay and Noah, which allows read it as standalone, but if you get a chance to read the whole series, it's amazing.
Looking forward to the next book from Courtney W. Dixon!
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
Zayden comes from a religious family that didn't know/could/want to accept that he was queer and got kicked out of the house. And he had to learn to survive on the streets until he met Ohana's owners (from the previous books) and found a safe haven.
Noah comes from an indifferent and alcoholic single mother. He is the adult in the house, the one who ensures that the mother gets out of bed every day and works almost like a person. Almost. But despite that, he's a ray of sunshine, and when he meets Zay back in high school, he takes him under his wing.
And so their story together begins, first as friends and then as everything to each other.
We all know that life is not rosy, the majority of those who live on the street do not have a roof, or a job or even a meal And much less are they given a safe haven after having stolen. And we also know that in a family where there are addiction problems, not only the addicted person is sick, but all those close to that person. So yeah, the story is a bit rosy when it comes to the two of them, despite all the problems and obstacles and traumas they have to deal with.
But that's the amazing thing about this story. It talks about perseverance, about not giving up, about even though life seems to hit them over and over again, they know they have each other and can support each other. It talks about when you love and let yourself be loved, life is worth it.
The plot is very well developed, it doesn't lose pace, and it intertwines with the events of the previous books perfectly, but without leaving the focus of attention that is the story of Zay and Noah, which allows read it as standalone, but if you get a chance to read the whole series, it's amazing.
Looking forward to the next book from Courtney W. Dixon!
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
January 18, 2023
Two young men who have suffered at the hands of those they believe would love them unconditionally, at a very young age, and were forced to grow up quickly. Quickly learn that maybe they are just what the other needs to navigate through life.
We first meet Zay, a teen who found himself homeless after his parents kicked him out because of his s€xuality. He is taken in by Jon and Kel after being caught stealing a surfing board from the Ohana Surfing Club shop and making a deal with them. We get to see Zay slowly come out of his shell with the help of Noah, who is known for his happy and cheerful self, all while hiding what his home life is really like. With a mother who prioritizes a bottle of alcohol more than taking care of her son.
What starts as a friendship between these two, soon turns into a beautiful love story. Where their love is constantly proven with each action they take, where they build each other up, and the support is unconditional. These two meshed together so perfectly and are willing to face whatever life throws at them head-on and with maturity.
I loved how Dixon stressed the importance of empathy, love, a found family, and acceptance. I found Noah and Zayden's love language heartwarming, adorable, and sometimes highly amusing. Seeing the parts where it aligned with the other couple's stories in this series just made it that much more amazing.
If you enjoy MM New Adult Romances full of humor, banter, unconditional love, and support then you should read Double Up!
💧💧💧💧💧/5 🌶🌶/5
🏄♂️MM|🏄♂️Bestfriends-to-lovers|🏄♂️Surfing|🏄♂️Bisexual|🏄♂️New Adult|🏄♂️Voyeurism/Exibitionism
TW: Abandonment, Alcoholism, Underage Drinking & Pot Smoking, Homophobia, Bullying, Homelessness
We first meet Zay, a teen who found himself homeless after his parents kicked him out because of his s€xuality. He is taken in by Jon and Kel after being caught stealing a surfing board from the Ohana Surfing Club shop and making a deal with them. We get to see Zay slowly come out of his shell with the help of Noah, who is known for his happy and cheerful self, all while hiding what his home life is really like. With a mother who prioritizes a bottle of alcohol more than taking care of her son.
What starts as a friendship between these two, soon turns into a beautiful love story. Where their love is constantly proven with each action they take, where they build each other up, and the support is unconditional. These two meshed together so perfectly and are willing to face whatever life throws at them head-on and with maturity.
I loved how Dixon stressed the importance of empathy, love, a found family, and acceptance. I found Noah and Zayden's love language heartwarming, adorable, and sometimes highly amusing. Seeing the parts where it aligned with the other couple's stories in this series just made it that much more amazing.
If you enjoy MM New Adult Romances full of humor, banter, unconditional love, and support then you should read Double Up!
💧💧💧💧💧/5 🌶🌶/5
🏄♂️MM|🏄♂️Bestfriends-to-lovers|🏄♂️Surfing|🏄♂️Bisexual|🏄♂️New Adult|🏄♂️Voyeurism/Exibitionism
TW: Abandonment, Alcoholism, Underage Drinking & Pot Smoking, Homophobia, Bullying, Homelessness
January 16, 2023
Double Up, the third book in the Ohana Surfing Club series by Courtney W. Dixon us yet again another fabulous M/M Hawaiian surfing romance that will leave you swooning and begging for more! Because what can i say…Dixon knows just how to create a story that sucks you in, pulls on your heartstrings, wrecks havoc with your emotions and holds on to you tightly till the very end!
This is the story of Noah and Zayden and let me just say I was 100% there for their emotional packed story! Zay’s story in particular is a heartbreaking one that is all too familiar and I love how Dixon captured all the emotions and heartbreak so beautifully. Having been kicked out but his parents after coming out, Zay has been on his own for a year when finally he gets a chance at a new life thanks to John and Kel Quinn’s compassion. When he finally returns back to school, he soon meets free spirited, larger than life, Noah and a friendship is born that soon develops into so much more.
I absolutely loved Zay and Noah’s relationship and their pure devotion and strength and depth of it love for each other, even at an early age, as both guys were so far behind their age due to their lives circumstances and all they’d overcome at early ages. Once again Dixon captured their story perfectly, and I am almost sad to see their ending because their story was just so captivating and I loved seeing them grow up and evolve together into the men they were meant to be.
Overall if you’re a fan of MM romances with tons of emotions, angst, pain and of course lots of steam and finally love then this is the one for you!
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This is the story of Noah and Zayden and let me just say I was 100% there for their emotional packed story! Zay’s story in particular is a heartbreaking one that is all too familiar and I love how Dixon captured all the emotions and heartbreak so beautifully. Having been kicked out but his parents after coming out, Zay has been on his own for a year when finally he gets a chance at a new life thanks to John and Kel Quinn’s compassion. When he finally returns back to school, he soon meets free spirited, larger than life, Noah and a friendship is born that soon develops into so much more.
I absolutely loved Zay and Noah’s relationship and their pure devotion and strength and depth of it love for each other, even at an early age, as both guys were so far behind their age due to their lives circumstances and all they’d overcome at early ages. Once again Dixon captured their story perfectly, and I am almost sad to see their ending because their story was just so captivating and I loved seeing them grow up and evolve together into the men they were meant to be.
Overall if you’re a fan of MM romances with tons of emotions, angst, pain and of course lots of steam and finally love then this is the one for you!
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January 15, 2023
Double Up is book three in Courtney Dixon’s Ohana Surfing Club series.
Zayden realizes he has nowhere else to go and agrees to let Kel Quinn and his father Jon take him in when he steals from their store, the Ohana Surf Shop. Zay has been living on his own for a year after his parents put him out on the street for being bisexual. Now Zay is returning to school after missing a year, and he hates being behind. Until he meets Noah. Noah is a loving free spirit, and the two boys hit it off. Eventually their friendship turns to love, and the two can’t get enough of one another. They are devoted and in love, but also help each other when they face their problems, this includes dealing with their less than stellar parents. Together, Zay and Noah are strong, so when they face their problems head on, they are determined to succeed together.
I love the relationship between Zay and Noah so much. While some their age might not be able to handle such an intense relationship, Zay and Noah have already been taking care of themselves for a while making them more mature. Everything they face, they face head-on with determination. Their love is so strong, and with Kel’s help, they are bound to succeed. It’s gratifying to see them come out on top despite the obstacles in their path. I love how Dixon stresses the importance of love, empathy, and found family which are things that light the way for Zay and Noah.
Double Up can be read as a stand-alone, but you might want to check out the whole series. Let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
Zayden realizes he has nowhere else to go and agrees to let Kel Quinn and his father Jon take him in when he steals from their store, the Ohana Surf Shop. Zay has been living on his own for a year after his parents put him out on the street for being bisexual. Now Zay is returning to school after missing a year, and he hates being behind. Until he meets Noah. Noah is a loving free spirit, and the two boys hit it off. Eventually their friendship turns to love, and the two can’t get enough of one another. They are devoted and in love, but also help each other when they face their problems, this includes dealing with their less than stellar parents. Together, Zay and Noah are strong, so when they face their problems head on, they are determined to succeed together.
I love the relationship between Zay and Noah so much. While some their age might not be able to handle such an intense relationship, Zay and Noah have already been taking care of themselves for a while making them more mature. Everything they face, they face head-on with determination. Their love is so strong, and with Kel’s help, they are bound to succeed. It’s gratifying to see them come out on top despite the obstacles in their path. I love how Dixon stresses the importance of love, empathy, and found family which are things that light the way for Zay and Noah.
Double Up can be read as a stand-alone, but you might want to check out the whole series. Let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
January 17, 2023
Loved this coming of age story for Zayden and Noah, two people that have found their way to the Ohana Surf Club and discovered found family, acceptance and love.
This is the third book in the series and I recommend at least reading book one as this story has points that run a similar timeline to Kel and Anders story. But I think this can be read alone as well. Zayden and Noah have different backgrounds and tough backstories when they finally meet each other in school. The story follows their progression from friends to boyfriends to a wonderful HEA that is well earned and well fought for. These characters are working through pain and trauma of their past with the help of their found family and the support of one another. I appreciate that the author handled such sensitive topics that the characters face with the care they deserve. I would definitely check the content warning as some tough topics such as homophobia, alcoholism and bullying as well as some others are dealt with in the book. Zayden and Noah are a sweet couple and their story is on the low angst side. They face their share of troubles over the course of the book but they face them together. I enjoyed getting to see them grow up together throughout the book and the sweet side of their story brought a smile to my face.
I can’t wait to see what book comes next in the Ohana Surf Club. There are definitely a good group of characters with some interesting backstories that I hope we get to see told. I received a complimentary copy from GRR and this is my honest and fair review.
This is the third book in the series and I recommend at least reading book one as this story has points that run a similar timeline to Kel and Anders story. But I think this can be read alone as well. Zayden and Noah have different backgrounds and tough backstories when they finally meet each other in school. The story follows their progression from friends to boyfriends to a wonderful HEA that is well earned and well fought for. These characters are working through pain and trauma of their past with the help of their found family and the support of one another. I appreciate that the author handled such sensitive topics that the characters face with the care they deserve. I would definitely check the content warning as some tough topics such as homophobia, alcoholism and bullying as well as some others are dealt with in the book. Zayden and Noah are a sweet couple and their story is on the low angst side. They face their share of troubles over the course of the book but they face them together. I enjoyed getting to see them grow up together throughout the book and the sweet side of their story brought a smile to my face.
I can’t wait to see what book comes next in the Ohana Surf Club. There are definitely a good group of characters with some interesting backstories that I hope we get to see told. I received a complimentary copy from GRR and this is my honest and fair review.
January 18, 2023
Zay kissed a boy and he liked it! Unfortunately, it dropped a bomb in his world because his "God-fearing" parents kicked him out for sinning. Finding himself homeless at 14, he does what he can to survive. That includes stealing from the Ohana Surf Shop. Despair slogs over him like a wet blanket when he's arrested, but when then owner of the surf shop contacts him with an offer to help him out, he accepts the olive branch.
Noah is your typical friendly, outgoing surfer. He uses surfing as an outlet to get away from his alcoholic mom. Noah meets Zayden at school and they find that they have a mutual love of surfing.
Watching Zay and Noah becoming friends, then best friends, then even more was beautiful. I have to think that they truly are soul mates. Twin flames if you will. The way that they go to great lengths for each other, stick together come what may. Together finding a family people who love them for who they are.
Reading their story was extra heartbreaking for me as a parent of a gay son. I fail to understand how you can turn on your child as is referenced in this book. It's rage inducing, nauseating, and honestly baffling.
Always check the TW/CW:
💥Homophobia 💥Mental health
💥Bullying 💥Homelessness
💥Parental neglect 💥Alcoholism
💥BFF-to-lovers 💥Grumpy/sunshine
💥Found family 💥MM
💥Bi-awakening 💥Hurt/comfort
Anywho! Time to wrap this up with the goodies:
Read: 4🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 2🌶🌶
HEA
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Noah is your typical friendly, outgoing surfer. He uses surfing as an outlet to get away from his alcoholic mom. Noah meets Zayden at school and they find that they have a mutual love of surfing.
Watching Zay and Noah becoming friends, then best friends, then even more was beautiful. I have to think that they truly are soul mates. Twin flames if you will. The way that they go to great lengths for each other, stick together come what may. Together finding a family people who love them for who they are.
Reading their story was extra heartbreaking for me as a parent of a gay son. I fail to understand how you can turn on your child as is referenced in this book. It's rage inducing, nauseating, and honestly baffling.
Always check the TW/CW:
💥Homophobia 💥Mental health
💥Bullying 💥Homelessness
💥Parental neglect 💥Alcoholism
💥BFF-to-lovers 💥Grumpy/sunshine
💥Found family 💥MM
💥Bi-awakening 💥Hurt/comfort
Anywho! Time to wrap this up with the goodies:
Read: 4🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 2🌶🌶
HEA
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 9, 2023
M/M romance showing a realistic but sad side of life - wait for the uplifting HEA
Ms. Dixon can write some of the most disconcerting and passionate stories of which “Double Up” is most definitely one. Please read her cautions because in her writing they can feel so real and disturbing. I’ll admit I cried in some parts of this book.
In this series “Impact Zone” seemed to be but one relationship from “Double Up” as this book delves into multiple situations because they all revolve around and make Noah and Zayden the men they become. We are introduced to Zayden Beckett at 15yo, in the ninth grade when he is kissed by Duncan and likes it! Things will not go well for him however and he is brought into contact with Kel and Kel’s father Jon. At school we meet his future love interest Noah Ellis who has his own problems. We get to follow along six years while Zay and No grow from 16yo and 15yo teens to young men. They found their family at the Ohana Surfing Club. So many relationships are covered in this book but it is very easy to keep up with them. I am so happy I read this book but now I’m sad that it is over.
If you like lots of M/M steam along with some touching and often sad stories of maltreatment from people who should love you unconditionally, you should read this book. I think the author did a good job of capturing the essence of teen boys, their angst given these situations. So well done! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.
Ms. Dixon can write some of the most disconcerting and passionate stories of which “Double Up” is most definitely one. Please read her cautions because in her writing they can feel so real and disturbing. I’ll admit I cried in some parts of this book.
In this series “Impact Zone” seemed to be but one relationship from “Double Up” as this book delves into multiple situations because they all revolve around and make Noah and Zayden the men they become. We are introduced to Zayden Beckett at 15yo, in the ninth grade when he is kissed by Duncan and likes it! Things will not go well for him however and he is brought into contact with Kel and Kel’s father Jon. At school we meet his future love interest Noah Ellis who has his own problems. We get to follow along six years while Zay and No grow from 16yo and 15yo teens to young men. They found their family at the Ohana Surfing Club. So many relationships are covered in this book but it is very easy to keep up with them. I am so happy I read this book but now I’m sad that it is over.
If you like lots of M/M steam along with some touching and often sad stories of maltreatment from people who should love you unconditionally, you should read this book. I think the author did a good job of capturing the essence of teen boys, their angst given these situations. So well done! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.
January 15, 2023
Double Up is book 3 of the Ohana Surfing Club. This is a best friends to lovers mm romance.
Zayden is strong and resilient, having to rely on only himself after being kicked out at the young age of 14 by his homophobic parents. He was homeless and desperate when he makes a huge mistake of stealing from the Ohana Surf Shop. But that mistake leads him to a huge change in his life, finding family in Kel. Having missed a year of school, he’s behind a year. This is where he meets Noah and again his life is changed forever.
Noah is a ray of sunshine, a positive light. He hides his terrible family life and alcoholic mother from everyone. He has a ton of responsibilities and pressure on him to care for his mother and pay bills, all while going to school. His life changes when the quiet new kid needs a friend.
This story is one of loyalty, friendship and love. The characters are all ones we have come to love from the Ohana Surfing Club series. It was so interesting to have the storyline we know of, through the experiences and POVs of Noah and Zay.
Noah and Zay are such a great example of true love and commitment. They experience so much loss, neglect, trauma at the hands of their parents but have found family and love in each other and at Kel’s. There is acceptance, kindness and unconditional love that have never had before.
Double Up is a sweet story, emotional and gritty at times. It can be read as a standalone, but most enjoyable as part of the Ohana Surfing Club series.
Zayden is strong and resilient, having to rely on only himself after being kicked out at the young age of 14 by his homophobic parents. He was homeless and desperate when he makes a huge mistake of stealing from the Ohana Surf Shop. But that mistake leads him to a huge change in his life, finding family in Kel. Having missed a year of school, he’s behind a year. This is where he meets Noah and again his life is changed forever.
Noah is a ray of sunshine, a positive light. He hides his terrible family life and alcoholic mother from everyone. He has a ton of responsibilities and pressure on him to care for his mother and pay bills, all while going to school. His life changes when the quiet new kid needs a friend.
This story is one of loyalty, friendship and love. The characters are all ones we have come to love from the Ohana Surfing Club series. It was so interesting to have the storyline we know of, through the experiences and POVs of Noah and Zay.
Noah and Zay are such a great example of true love and commitment. They experience so much loss, neglect, trauma at the hands of their parents but have found family and love in each other and at Kel’s. There is acceptance, kindness and unconditional love that have never had before.
Double Up is a sweet story, emotional and gritty at times. It can be read as a standalone, but most enjoyable as part of the Ohana Surfing Club series.
January 17, 2023
Well Courtney W Dixon has truly outdone herself once again and delivered another unforgettable and unputdownable addition to her Ohana Surfing Club Series) a series you are absolutely not going to want to miss ( especially if you are a fan of M/M romances with all the feels . Double Up is the third installment in this phenomenal series as well as the love story of Noah and Zay who are both so likable and relatable characters, as well as extremely unique and multi layered. I really do not want to give any details away as far as how the story unfolded ( because trust my when I say it’s a emotional rollercoaster in every sense of the word . It’s the type of journey that has the ability to grab onto all your emotions so quickly and pull at your heartstrings in ways you certainly will not be expecting and it’s definitely best enjoyed by going in with a completely open mind . Speechless , on the edge of my seat the whole way through heart beating so fast , mind blowing, angsty , heartbreaking, heartfelt, tragic, second chances , witty banter , humor , ups and downs , romance, love , awesome world building and so much more . Courtney W Dixon really is such a queen when it comes to writing pretty much any trope in romance but especially M/M . Not to mention one of my very favorite authors. So do yourself a favor and read this amazing series
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January 29, 2023
“𝓡𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓪𝓲𝓻𝔂 𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓮𝓼 𝔀𝓻𝓸𝓽𝓮 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼. 𝓦𝓮 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓷’𝓽 𝓼𝓾𝓹𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓲𝓽𝔂. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓮 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮, 𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭 𝔀𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓲𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓫𝓵𝓮.”
🌸🌴🏄 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌 🏄🌸🌴
Double Up by Courtney Dixon, is heart-wrenching book about two teenage boys - Zayden & Noah, who we have previously met in Impact Zone and Pura Vida. We first meet Zayden when he's 15 and just growing into his sexuality. After being caught kissing a boy from school by religious parents, they kick him out. Homeless and struggling he makes an ill advised decision of stealing a surf board. After being arrested and put in jail, he is given a helping hand by the people he least expected to offer him a second chance. He finds himself under the care of local Ohana Surfing Club owners Kel & Jon.
Needing to repeat his freshman year, he is befriended by Noah. Noah is everything Zayden isn't, he's the sunshine to Zay's storms. Noah is also dealing with a bad situation at home however with his alcoholic mother and he feels as though he's drowning.
The love between Zay and Noah is truly adorable and even though life seemed to throw everything at these two. Their love knows no bounds. Double up is very emotional but Zayden and Noah's clouds do have silver linings and their HEA is well fought for. I can't wait for next book in this series.
🌸🌴🏄 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌 🏄🌸🌴
Double Up by Courtney Dixon, is heart-wrenching book about two teenage boys - Zayden & Noah, who we have previously met in Impact Zone and Pura Vida. We first meet Zayden when he's 15 and just growing into his sexuality. After being caught kissing a boy from school by religious parents, they kick him out. Homeless and struggling he makes an ill advised decision of stealing a surf board. After being arrested and put in jail, he is given a helping hand by the people he least expected to offer him a second chance. He finds himself under the care of local Ohana Surfing Club owners Kel & Jon.
Needing to repeat his freshman year, he is befriended by Noah. Noah is everything Zayden isn't, he's the sunshine to Zay's storms. Noah is also dealing with a bad situation at home however with his alcoholic mother and he feels as though he's drowning.
The love between Zay and Noah is truly adorable and even though life seemed to throw everything at these two. Their love knows no bounds. Double up is very emotional but Zayden and Noah's clouds do have silver linings and their HEA is well fought for. I can't wait for next book in this series.
January 17, 2023
This book is the 3rd book in the Ohana Surf Club by Courtney W. Dixon and IMHO, the best one so far! I absolutely devoured that one because the story was intense! We were introduced to Zayden and Noah in the first book and knew a bit about their backstory but this one brought it out in detail and aligned to other events from the first and second book. All the characters in all the books were awesome! I absolutely can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
The story focuses on how Zayden and Noah met and how their relationship developed into something major at the end which I won’t say anything. It started with Zayden, a surfer who really likes kissing other guys. He, however, came from a very religious family so boys liking other boys were totally frowned upon. His mother found out and the family kicked him out.
We also learned that Noah was a “caregiver” at a very young age, taking care of his mother who was having a hard time functioning as an adult/mother. Noah would clean house, cook meals, and go to school. How Zayden survived after being kicked out is something you’d have to pick up the book to read to find out among other things. I’d give it more than 5 possible stars if I could…I would give it 10 stars in my secret book universe.
The story focuses on how Zayden and Noah met and how their relationship developed into something major at the end which I won’t say anything. It started with Zayden, a surfer who really likes kissing other guys. He, however, came from a very religious family so boys liking other boys were totally frowned upon. His mother found out and the family kicked him out.
We also learned that Noah was a “caregiver” at a very young age, taking care of his mother who was having a hard time functioning as an adult/mother. Noah would clean house, cook meals, and go to school. How Zayden survived after being kicked out is something you’d have to pick up the book to read to find out among other things. I’d give it more than 5 possible stars if I could…I would give it 10 stars in my secret book universe.
January 19, 2023
Y'all! I have been twitchy for Noah and Zayden's story since I read Impact Zone! Courtney didn't disappoint me! No and Zay just need to be wrapped up and squeezed and loved on! These boys were absolutely perfect and precious 😭
Once I started this book I STRUGGLED to put it down. Courtney may or may not have caused me to lose sleep with this one.
Zayden discovers he likes boys as a teen and is amazed when his classmates and friends have no issue with him being open with his first boyfriend. He knows he has to hide it from his parents. When his mom catches him, all hell breaks loose and he ends up on his own on the streets. Zay is pretty smart and survives pretty well until he becomes desperate enough to steal. This decision is what ultimately lands him at the Ohana Surfing Club.
Noah is overly affectionate with everyone and is so full of love. When the quiet and broken boy shows up at school, having to repeat his freshman year, he just wants to be his friend.
Y'all! These two are just so sweet and perfect for each other. While they both have a crap ton of struggles, their love wins out in the end.
I can't wait to see what else is in store for the kids at the Ohana Surfing Club!
Once I started this book I STRUGGLED to put it down. Courtney may or may not have caused me to lose sleep with this one.
Zayden discovers he likes boys as a teen and is amazed when his classmates and friends have no issue with him being open with his first boyfriend. He knows he has to hide it from his parents. When his mom catches him, all hell breaks loose and he ends up on his own on the streets. Zay is pretty smart and survives pretty well until he becomes desperate enough to steal. This decision is what ultimately lands him at the Ohana Surfing Club.
Noah is overly affectionate with everyone and is so full of love. When the quiet and broken boy shows up at school, having to repeat his freshman year, he just wants to be his friend.
Y'all! These two are just so sweet and perfect for each other. While they both have a crap ton of struggles, their love wins out in the end.
I can't wait to see what else is in store for the kids at the Ohana Surfing Club!
March 6, 2023
Zayden has a hard time as a teen when he learns that he likes boys and that his parents kick him out because of it. He lives on the street but is able to enter surfing contests to help support himself. When he is caught stealing a surfboard after his breaks, Kel, a kind soul, offers him a home and a job and helps him back into school where he meets Noah. Noah was in a bad spot because of his deadbeat mom, and Kel offered him a job and a home too. Zayden and Noah connect in more ways than one and together, they navigate life as friends and later as lovers.
I really enjoyed this book. I hated that Zay’s parents treated him like that and dismissed him from their lives like he was nothing. My heart broke for him as he had to live and support himself at that age. Noah’s situation was just as bad, if not worse, for being so toxic. Kel was a lifesaver and a true hero that recognized the goodness in the two boys. I liked Noah’s upbeat personality and I loved seeing the MC’s connect the way they did. It was so sweet watching their story unfold, first with the friendship and then as they got closer and then when they become a couple. It was a very enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. I hated that Zay’s parents treated him like that and dismissed him from their lives like he was nothing. My heart broke for him as he had to live and support himself at that age. Noah’s situation was just as bad, if not worse, for being so toxic. Kel was a lifesaver and a true hero that recognized the goodness in the two boys. I liked Noah’s upbeat personality and I loved seeing the MC’s connect the way they did. It was so sweet watching their story unfold, first with the friendship and then as they got closer and then when they become a couple. It was a very enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2023
Zay and Noah are my favourite couple of this series
Zay and Noah have intrigued me because they have appeared in the previous two books as a couple and I wanted their story so I was ready for this book and I have to admit that everything was almost too easy for them in their circumstances. Zay's time on the streets wasn't as hard as I would have expected for a relatively sheltered boy, and Noah's mum was a real burden but he had a home, regardless of how hard he had to work for it.
That being said, I loved them so much, both as individuals and as the most adorable couple. Watching them grow up, and grow together, going from mid-teens to early twenties and completely committed to each other was rewarding. For that alone, I have to give them five stars.
This can be read as a standalone but it will enhance your understanding if you've read the first two books in the series. All three books share characters and timelines so there are some instances where an event is referenced without much elaboration because it has already been covered previously.
Zay and Noah have intrigued me because they have appeared in the previous two books as a couple and I wanted their story so I was ready for this book and I have to admit that everything was almost too easy for them in their circumstances. Zay's time on the streets wasn't as hard as I would have expected for a relatively sheltered boy, and Noah's mum was a real burden but he had a home, regardless of how hard he had to work for it.
That being said, I loved them so much, both as individuals and as the most adorable couple. Watching them grow up, and grow together, going from mid-teens to early twenties and completely committed to each other was rewarding. For that alone, I have to give them five stars.
This can be read as a standalone but it will enhance your understanding if you've read the first two books in the series. All three books share characters and timelines so there are some instances where an event is referenced without much elaboration because it has already been covered previously.
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