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Lonely Hearts #1
His Kind of Love
Joel
Being homeless isn't the worst thing that's ever happened to me, but it's only temporary, or at least that's what I'm trying to remind myself the night I almost get car jacked and robbed. Thankfully, I'm saved by a handsome stranger who offers me a place to stay until I can get back on my feet. It should be unsettling...that he knows my favorite foods, my favorite books, how I want to be touched. I have a thousand questions, but I know better than to ask because I don't want to lose this life or this man.
Gabriel
I'm a patient man.
I'm a rich man.
Above all else, I am a dedicated man.
I've waited and lingered, moving people around like chess pieces on a board until everything lines up just so. The right strings have been pulled, the traps set, but the games have gone on long enough. I am tired of waiting and I'm ready to bring home what's mine.
I've been keeping secrets, and Joel has learned to love my lies, but can he learn to love me as much as I love him in return?
Being homeless isn't the worst thing that's ever happened to me, but it's only temporary, or at least that's what I'm trying to remind myself the night I almost get car jacked and robbed. Thankfully, I'm saved by a handsome stranger who offers me a place to stay until I can get back on my feet. It should be unsettling...that he knows my favorite foods, my favorite books, how I want to be touched. I have a thousand questions, but I know better than to ask because I don't want to lose this life or this man.
Gabriel
I'm a patient man.
I'm a rich man.
Above all else, I am a dedicated man.
I've waited and lingered, moving people around like chess pieces on a board until everything lines up just so. The right strings have been pulled, the traps set, but the games have gone on long enough. I am tired of waiting and I'm ready to bring home what's mine.
I've been keeping secrets, and Joel has learned to love my lies, but can he learn to love me as much as I love him in return?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2018
308 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hawthorne
93 books930 followersWith over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
dnf
June 8, 2018DNF @78%
Oh man...I really wanted to like this book. I LOVE a good stalker book. One where if it was real life you'd be screaming restraining order, change your name and move quickly to a remote island somewhere. And while this was a stalker type story, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
Here is a prime example of where the author revealed way too much in the beginning. The only anticipation there was, was how it would be revealed to Joel and how he would react. We knew key things right from the beginning HUGE SPOILER---> . As a reader, there was no "shock value". I certainly think it would have faired better to have the conflict at the end be revealed to the reader as well as Joel. I already knew it so there was no "Oh Shit" moment for me.
I also greatly disliked Joel's friend Athena. I thought she was obnoxious. I mean who encourages someone to sleep with strangers? And she was just too much "in your face". I just did not like her.
But why did I DNF when I did you ask? Well, SPOILER----> This final conflict was just too much for me. I couldn't read a minute more.
And honestly, I really never felt a connection between Joel and Gabriel. The ILY's come and I'm trying to figure out why they love each other. Well, Gabriel has been watching Joel for some time so I'm sure he's developed something by just watching, but I did not feel anything emotional between them.
Well, c'est la vie...upward and onward.
Oh man...I really wanted to like this book. I LOVE a good stalker book. One where if it was real life you'd be screaming restraining order, change your name and move quickly to a remote island somewhere. And while this was a stalker type story, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
Here is a prime example of where the author revealed way too much in the beginning. The only anticipation there was, was how it would be revealed to Joel and how he would react. We knew key things right from the beginning HUGE SPOILER---> . As a reader, there was no "shock value". I certainly think it would have faired better to have the conflict at the end be revealed to the reader as well as Joel. I already knew it so there was no "Oh Shit" moment for me.
I also greatly disliked Joel's friend Athena. I thought she was obnoxious. I mean who encourages someone to sleep with strangers? And she was just too much "in your face". I just did not like her.
But why did I DNF when I did you ask? Well, SPOILER----> This final conflict was just too much for me. I couldn't read a minute more.
And honestly, I really never felt a connection between Joel and Gabriel. The ILY's come and I'm trying to figure out why they love each other. Well, Gabriel has been watching Joel for some time so I'm sure he's developed something by just watching, but I did not feel anything emotional between them.
Well, c'est la vie...upward and onward.
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September 15, 2022
|| 2.0 stars ||
I loved the unhealthy obsession, the excessive stalking, the extreme possessiveness, and the inevitable betrayal that we got here.
These are things I will always adore, and logically, this book and me should have been a match made in heaven.
However, the whole thing truly just did not work for me. It felt off, and I didn't have a connection to it. I honestly found the story tedious most of the time.
I just genuinely didn't like the writing all that much, I didn't care about the characters whatsoever, the many looooong sex scenes bored me to tears, and I actually ended up skimming quite a lot while reading this book.
The only thing I can truly say I enjoyed here was when Gabriel's many secrets about stalking Joel and being his step-uncle were finally revealed near the end. Joel obviously felt utterly betrayed and he was really really mad.
And well, I can't lie: Gabriel's devastation over losing Joel made me swoon quite a bit. And I liked that Joel stood his ground by actually leaving Gabriel (for a little while, at least).
I would have wished Gabriel fought a little harder to win Joel back, though, because he kind of just gave up, and waited until Joel came back on his own. So, that was.. not so great, again.
Nonetheless, the betrayal thing was still my favourite part of the book.
I loved the unhealthy obsession, the excessive stalking, the extreme possessiveness, and the inevitable betrayal that we got here.
These are things I will always adore, and logically, this book and me should have been a match made in heaven.
“Were you following me again?”
“I told you I wouldn’t do that anymore.”
“Gabriel,” Joel tried to chide. “You’ll never stop, will you?”
“You asked for my love, Joel. This is my kind of love.”
However, the whole thing truly just did not work for me. It felt off, and I didn't have a connection to it. I honestly found the story tedious most of the time.
I just genuinely didn't like the writing all that much, I didn't care about the characters whatsoever, the many looooong sex scenes bored me to tears, and I actually ended up skimming quite a lot while reading this book.
The only thing I can truly say I enjoyed here was when Gabriel's many secrets about stalking Joel and being his step-uncle were finally revealed near the end. Joel obviously felt utterly betrayed and he was really really mad.
And well, I can't lie: Gabriel's devastation over losing Joel made me swoon quite a bit. And I liked that Joel stood his ground by actually leaving Gabriel (for a little while, at least).
I would have wished Gabriel fought a little harder to win Joel back, though, because he kind of just gave up, and waited until Joel came back on his own. So, that was.. not so great, again.
Nonetheless, the betrayal thing was still my favourite part of the book.
“The time I had with you, that I physically had with you, Joel. They were the best days of my life, and I didn’t say it before, but I do love you, Little Red. I love you with a ferocity I’ve never been able to understand, and that won’t ever change. I understand what I did… I know it was wrong. But I can’t allow myself to regret it. If a week beside you and two nights inside of you is all I’ll ever have, I’ll take them gladly and hold onto them for the rest of my days.”
January 15, 2018
* 3,5 stars.*
A modern day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood.
Interesting, a little creepy and I kept picturing Gabriel as the Big Bad Wolf himself, wanted to yell at Joel all the time, "Run...run, Little Red!"
This is definitely not my everyday reads. But soon as I read the early chapters, I'm started thinking about Big Bad Wold and Little Red Riding Hood. Well, Gabriel really did called Joel 'Little Red'. So yeah, the guy is kinda hypnotic, I started to think like him as well. LOL.
Gabriel is a creepy stalker, I mean 'he is a real stalker' that followed every step, every move, he put camera everywhere in Joel's apartment, work place and then his 'temporary room' in Gabriel's room.
Not creepy enough? Also in a bathroom.
But Gabriel is a very handsome stalker. Well, I wouldn't mind if he's looking like this. LOL.
But this is actually an interesting story, with a good writing skill. I found myself enjoying this book, though the story line is not really my cuppa.
But soon as I pictured this a modern fairy tales about Little Red and his very own Mr.Wolf, I enjoyed this.
You'd also probably like this book. So, give this one a try!
A modern day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood.
Interesting, a little creepy and I kept picturing Gabriel as the Big Bad Wolf himself, wanted to yell at Joel all the time, "Run...run, Little Red!"
This is definitely not my everyday reads. But soon as I read the early chapters, I'm started thinking about Big Bad Wold and Little Red Riding Hood. Well, Gabriel really did called Joel 'Little Red'. So yeah, the guy is kinda hypnotic, I started to think like him as well. LOL.
Gabriel is a creepy stalker, I mean 'he is a real stalker' that followed every step, every move, he put camera everywhere in Joel's apartment, work place and then his 'temporary room' in Gabriel's room.
Not creepy enough? Also in a bathroom.
But Gabriel is a very handsome stalker. Well, I wouldn't mind if he's looking like this. LOL.
But this is actually an interesting story, with a good writing skill. I found myself enjoying this book, though the story line is not really my cuppa.
But soon as I pictured this a modern fairy tales about Little Red and his very own Mr.Wolf, I enjoyed this.
You'd also probably like this book. So, give this one a try!
January 15, 2024
Re-read January 14, 2024
May 25, 2018
Unique... kind of stalkerish... but a genuine love. Maybe not quite the best way to go about getting your man but the intention was good !
January 30, 2018
This is sappy as hell. But creepy too. Well, I have a bad day. I prefer something cute and creepy. So Gabriel ticks all of my boxes.
July 25, 2022
3.5 stars ⭐✨
Kinda hot, hella creepy and fucked up and everything that just about defines the purpose of my existence.
sadly I was yawning and skimming thru the last 30% of this book. I feel like I wasn't gelling with the writing, it seemed, at times, kinda impersonal. Like I could feel the characters and yet I couldn't absorb and relish their emotions.
Anyways, the epilogue was everything a clowning, possibly in need of therapy, overstimulated yet emotionally unavailable girl could need.
Kinda hot, hella creepy and fucked up and everything that just about defines the purpose of my existence.
sadly I was yawning and skimming thru the last 30% of this book. I feel like I wasn't gelling with the writing, it seemed, at times, kinda impersonal. Like I could feel the characters and yet I couldn't absorb and relish their emotions.
Anyways, the epilogue was everything a clowning, possibly in need of therapy, overstimulated yet emotionally unavailable girl could need.
October 23, 2022
This is an example of a story that had a lot of potential but ultimately didn’t deliver. Based on Gabriel's obsessive stalking and possessiveness this should've easily been a winner for me.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to connect with either character, nor with what they were feeling. That kind of doesn't make sense, but, I read everything Gabriel or Joel said or did but the emotional impact of (or behind) those things wasn't there. Like, Joel said he was upset when his parents left him when he turned 18 but I didn't feel that sadness. The whole story felt so... standoffish and it was just a wierd reading experience.
Also, I really didn’t like the narrator. His voice did not suit the story at all and his middle school voice for Joel threw me off the entire time. Halfway through the story I stopped listening to the narration but the damage was already done. Joel's voice was locked in my mind and nothing I did could change it. So was the sing-song way in which he said everything.
I am rating this 2 stars because of how annoyed I felt by the end and how disappointing it was overall. This really should’ve been a dnf.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to connect with either character, nor with what they were feeling. That kind of doesn't make sense, but, I read everything Gabriel or Joel said or did but the emotional impact of (or behind) those things wasn't there. Like, Joel said he was upset when his parents left him when he turned 18 but I didn't feel that sadness. The whole story felt so... standoffish and it was just a wierd reading experience.
Also, I really didn’t like the narrator. His voice did not suit the story at all and his middle school voice for Joel threw me off the entire time. Halfway through the story I stopped listening to the narration but the damage was already done. Joel's voice was locked in my mind and nothing I did could change it. So was the sing-song way in which he said everything.
I am rating this 2 stars because of how annoyed I felt by the end and how disappointing it was overall. This really should’ve been a dnf.
June 2, 2020
I almost want to tag this one as humor. It takes two very unique people to make this love story work, and these guys are definitely unique. But it works for them, and Kate Hawthorne made it work for me.
an audiobook copy of His Kind of Love was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
an audiobook copy of His Kind of Love was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
July 23, 2018
Gabriel was too weak. For all of Gabriel's aggressive long drawn out stalker behavior, he caved in and revealed his manipulations too quickly to Gabriel. He also completely wimped out with Joel's mother.
Expected more stalking suspense. Expected more sexual chemistry and tension. Wanted Gabriel to be more alpha and protective over Joel.
Expected more stalking suspense. Expected more sexual chemistry and tension. Wanted Gabriel to be more alpha and protective over Joel.
February 27, 2018
Rating: ★
Cover: Loved it more than the story
****THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILER BECAUSE I CAN NOT POSSILBLY REVIEW THIS BOOK WITHOUT, SO READ AT RISK OF SPOILING****
First off, since I'm a stickler on trigger warnings, there are none, but it does talk about stalking and obsession, so if this is a traumatic for you, read at your own risk.
This is her first book, and overall, she did ok writing wise, but the plot was not good for me. I found it very hard to relate to a 19 year old, and found even more unrealistic that Joel knew what a relationship was and how he just accepted Gabriel after everything was just wrong.
I love the age gap stories, but this was not good for me. I found myself shivering from the idea especially after Gabriel's omission.
Joel finds himself without shelter after a chain of bad luck and ends up in the home, and arms of Gabriel. Gabriel is just ecstatic to have him there, which adds to the ick factor for me. He's older, and after many intimate moments, Joel finds out that Gabriel has been watching him for years. FOR YEARS. A grown man stalking and obsessing over a CHILD, a BOY! She tried to play it off as innocent, a guardian angel form, but come on, Gabriel was quick to jump him once he had him in his house.
The idea just felt wrong to me. I felt as if Gabriel was a perv feaning after him, and waiting for him to get into his clutches. Then we get the big bombshell, he's his step uncle as if this wasn't gross enough.
I'm ok with stalker stories if done differently, this was NOT romantic. This was creepy in my opinion. It made me feel sad for Joel. And don't even get me started on the virgin part, and Gab's reaction. What? Was his cameras not working that night? Did he miss it? It was just weird and I found myself needing a shower to wash this story off me. The sex scenes were repetitive, and there were a lot. The ones after the reveal, I had to skip. Couldn't read them and I actually felt dirty for reading the ones before.
Why did I give one star: Because it wasn't for me. Maybe it works for others, but I don't like the obsessive adult to child dynamic. This might have worked better with a different age gap. The author has potential. She needs to work on her writing so it flows better, and needs a good editor to catch the errors and plot holes. There is a difference between romance and obsession. This just didn't work for me. I hope it does for you.
Overall, obviously I didn't like this book and I had to delete it off my kindle to clear my conscience.
I would never tell anyone not to read, but just know there are things that might trigger you and creep you out. Unless you like that, then more power to you.
I do want to say congrats, and this is by no means meant to belittle the author. It's hard work putting out a book and I commend her for this. This is a me verses the story thing. Personal opinions.
I would read another book by this author if the idea was something I was interested in, but I won't read another age gap by this author because I'll always be reminded of this one.
Cover: Loved it more than the story
****THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILER BECAUSE I CAN NOT POSSILBLY REVIEW THIS BOOK WITHOUT, SO READ AT RISK OF SPOILING****
First off, since I'm a stickler on trigger warnings, there are none, but it does talk about stalking and obsession, so if this is a traumatic for you, read at your own risk.
This is her first book, and overall, she did ok writing wise, but the plot was not good for me. I found it very hard to relate to a 19 year old, and found even more unrealistic that Joel knew what a relationship was and how he just accepted Gabriel after everything was just wrong.
I love the age gap stories, but this was not good for me. I found myself shivering from the idea especially after Gabriel's omission.
Joel finds himself without shelter after a chain of bad luck and ends up in the home, and arms of Gabriel. Gabriel is just ecstatic to have him there, which adds to the ick factor for me. He's older, and after many intimate moments, Joel finds out that Gabriel has been watching him for years. FOR YEARS. A grown man stalking and obsessing over a CHILD, a BOY! She tried to play it off as innocent, a guardian angel form, but come on, Gabriel was quick to jump him once he had him in his house.
The idea just felt wrong to me. I felt as if Gabriel was a perv feaning after him, and waiting for him to get into his clutches. Then we get the big bombshell, he's his step uncle as if this wasn't gross enough.
I'm ok with stalker stories if done differently, this was NOT romantic. This was creepy in my opinion. It made me feel sad for Joel. And don't even get me started on the virgin part, and Gab's reaction. What? Was his cameras not working that night? Did he miss it? It was just weird and I found myself needing a shower to wash this story off me. The sex scenes were repetitive, and there were a lot. The ones after the reveal, I had to skip. Couldn't read them and I actually felt dirty for reading the ones before.
Why did I give one star: Because it wasn't for me. Maybe it works for others, but I don't like the obsessive adult to child dynamic. This might have worked better with a different age gap. The author has potential. She needs to work on her writing so it flows better, and needs a good editor to catch the errors and plot holes. There is a difference between romance and obsession. This just didn't work for me. I hope it does for you.
Overall, obviously I didn't like this book and I had to delete it off my kindle to clear my conscience.
I would never tell anyone not to read, but just know there are things that might trigger you and creep you out. Unless you like that, then more power to you.
I do want to say congrats, and this is by no means meant to belittle the author. It's hard work putting out a book and I commend her for this. This is a me verses the story thing. Personal opinions.
I would read another book by this author if the idea was something I was interested in, but I won't read another age gap by this author because I'll always be reminded of this one.
January 15, 2018
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading His Kind of Love. I've read books that have had stalkers, but never as the actual love interest. I'm happy to say that I LOVED it!
It was intense. Gabriel's love for Joel (Little Red) was intense.
Joel was a sweetheart who wanted someone to love him with his quirky, nerdy flaws and all.
Gabriel, my sweet, extremely intense Gabriel was.. HOT! Lawd! That man knew what he wanted and went after it. He might have went about it in what some would say in a creepy way, but not once did I ever doubt his love for Joel.
The writing was superb, and flowed nicely. This is one of those books that you're sad you've read it because you want to read it again for the first time.
I will definitely be reading future books from this author.
5 big stars!
It was intense. Gabriel's love for Joel (Little Red) was intense.
Joel was a sweetheart who wanted someone to love him with his quirky, nerdy flaws and all.
Gabriel, my sweet, extremely intense Gabriel was.. HOT! Lawd! That man knew what he wanted and went after it. He might have went about it in what some would say in a creepy way, but not once did I ever doubt his love for Joel.
The writing was superb, and flowed nicely. This is one of those books that you're sad you've read it because you want to read it again for the first time.
I will definitely be reading future books from this author.
5 big stars!
May 17, 2019
True rating ... 4.75 stars rounded up to 5 GLORIOUS stars :-D <33333333333333333!!!! I'll be frank - and greedy - I was annoyed this ended LOL!! I want more of Gabriel and Joel <333333!!!!
Though I do think I'll be getting rid of the 4.75 and will just give this book ALL the stars ... 5 beautiful, glorious stars for sure :-D!!!!
Though I do think I'll be getting rid of the 4.75 and will just give this book ALL the stars ... 5 beautiful, glorious stars for sure :-D!!!!
January 19, 2018
Skip it.
July 4, 2024
The story in many ways was frustrating as well as sometimes unbelievable. There were too many secrets here that had no need to even be secrets. Joel is young...somewhere in his early twenties...not much younger than Gaberial who was somewhere in his mid-thirties... but age wasn't the problem. I have no problem with age gap romances, and this wasn't a huge gap by any means. They were both adults and that was all that mattered. People love who they love and if it works for them, it's not my place to judge or care.
The main problem here was that the entire fiasco that was bound to happen eventually, could have been avoided if Gaberial had told Joel the entire truth to start with. I didn't care much for Joel's best friend, Althena either. She "ruled" his life way too much and he happily depended on her to do so. I knew when Joel and Gaberial's family relationships were explained early in the story what was going to take place the longer that Gaberial waited to have the important "talk" with Joel. In spite of all that it had some really good twists, the characters of Joel and Gaberial were interesting, and they certainly were perfect for each other....in spite of the age difference.
I loved reading about the things that Joel collected...old records, old books, and old Bible's. He had a Bible that was 200 years old. He loved reading about family histories. The author could have based the entire story on what made Joel and Gaberial special as people as well as to one another and left Joel's toxic, money hungry mother and stepfather out of the story completely and probably earned the story another half-star. I have the second and the third book in the series. Hope there isn't as many secrets hidden in the remainder of the series.
The main problem here was that the entire fiasco that was bound to happen eventually, could have been avoided if Gaberial had told Joel the entire truth to start with. I didn't care much for Joel's best friend, Althena either. She "ruled" his life way too much and he happily depended on her to do so. I knew when Joel and Gaberial's family relationships were explained early in the story what was going to take place the longer that Gaberial waited to have the important "talk" with Joel. In spite of all that it had some really good twists, the characters of Joel and Gaberial were interesting, and they certainly were perfect for each other....in spite of the age difference.
I loved reading about the things that Joel collected...old records, old books, and old Bible's. He had a Bible that was 200 years old. He loved reading about family histories. The author could have based the entire story on what made Joel and Gaberial special as people as well as to one another and left Joel's toxic, money hungry mother and stepfather out of the story completely and probably earned the story another half-star. I have the second and the third book in the series. Hope there isn't as many secrets hidden in the remainder of the series.
May 16, 2018
Why is there not the option to give more than 5 stars *****10+*****......I went into this knowing it was a stalker book and boy did Gabriel stalk Joel....But damn.....Gabriel truly did look out for Joel......This is a new author for me and I came across the book whilst stalking/following EM Denning.....I will read any book if one of the MC's is called Gabriel....that's my weakness......Joel was such a sweet guy that I loved from the start.....He truly needed someone to see him and love him...His family just didn't care.....Gabriel...Oh boy poor Gabriel...He loved differently but it was his kind of love.....He truly never wanted to hurt Joel just love him in his own way....Not once did I feel creeped out by what Gabriel did....Well ok it might have been a bit creepy....the cameras maybe was a bit too much but Gabriel is just a sweet guy and there's a part that literally ripped my heart to shreds....This book was done amazingly well....I love the authors writing style and everything flowed so well.....I loved Joel's best friend Athena and her brother Adonis...I can't wait for the next one....if it's half as good as this one it's going to be amazing x
November 10, 2019
Although Kate Hawthorne hasn't made this a series, it seems that you could read her books (as of now) in chronological order because they are in the same universe, but I could be wrong. Anyway, I have to say how much I enjoyed this book. I am glad that it was fantasy because very little of what Gabriel did to Joel would be alright IRL. Joel was a sweet, sensitive soul but fortunately, he had a fire inside of him to not be consumed completely by all the shit life threw at him. Talking about consumed though, Gabriel was definitely consumed with Joel. The fact that he stalked him was not cool, but it made for a good story.
November 10, 2019
I LOVED THIS SO HARD! Love. Love. Love this book. I can’t even emphasize just how adorable and cute and disturbing and sweet this book was. So good!
January 16, 2018
This book is getting amazing reviews, so I think this is a case of it's-not-you-it's-me. I had quite a bit of trouble getting into this book. Truthfully, I almost DNF'd, but forced myself to finish because it was an ARC.
The dialogue was stilted and slightly old-fashioned. I think Gabriel was supposed to come off as the sophisticated, possessive older hero, but the only vibe I got from him was a creepy stalker one and I kept telling Joel to run away. And because Gabriel and Joel came together the way they did, with Gabriel orchestrating everything, I never felt a real connection between them. To me it read more like obsession on Gabriel's side and a desire for anyone to love him on Joel's side.
There were other things that didn't work, like Joel's parents showing up out of the blue to create conflict. It felt contrived. I didn't like Joel's friend Athena. I found her over the top and I disliked how she took it upon herself to reveal Joel's past to Gabriel, which wasn't her place at all. And the pacing was odd. I found myself skimming huge chunks.
Anyway. Like I said, this wasn't the book for me, and I feel awful giving a 2-star rating to a first-time author. That being said, don't let my thoughts influence you in any way. I highly encourage you to give this book a shot, because you never know. It might work for you. It appears to have worked for everyone else!
The dialogue was stilted and slightly old-fashioned. I think Gabriel was supposed to come off as the sophisticated, possessive older hero, but the only vibe I got from him was a creepy stalker one and I kept telling Joel to run away. And because Gabriel and Joel came together the way they did, with Gabriel orchestrating everything, I never felt a real connection between them. To me it read more like obsession on Gabriel's side and a desire for anyone to love him on Joel's side.
There were other things that didn't work, like Joel's parents showing up out of the blue to create conflict. It felt contrived. I didn't like Joel's friend Athena. I found her over the top and I disliked how she took it upon herself to reveal Joel's past to Gabriel, which wasn't her place at all. And the pacing was odd. I found myself skimming huge chunks.
Anyway. Like I said, this wasn't the book for me, and I feel awful giving a 2-star rating to a first-time author. That being said, don't let my thoughts influence you in any way. I highly encourage you to give this book a shot, because you never know. It might work for you. It appears to have worked for everyone else!
January 31, 2018
Solid 4 star read. I enjoyed this very much. Reading the reviews, I understand that this book may not be for a lot of readers due to some of the actions of one of the MC’s but if you read a lot of japanese yaoi like me, this level of creepyness for a character is nothing compared to characters I’ve read from a lot of yaoi manga and novels that is out there. I liked the possessiveness and obsessiveness Gabriel had for Joel honestly, mainly because we got to see his thoughts about it and what he thought of the situation he was in as well. I really liked both Gabriel and Joel’s chemistry together and loved the little epilogue at the end. This book ended HEA. I am definitely going to look out for more other works by this author.
April 2, 2018
A Different Kinda Romance!
A scary, sensual, fractured Fairytale romance of Little Red & the Big, Bad Wolf played by Joel & Gabriel. This not your usual sweet, cute romance! It does have a bent happy ending. So Go on and read it...you know you want to!
A scary, sensual, fractured Fairytale romance of Little Red & the Big, Bad Wolf played by Joel & Gabriel. This not your usual sweet, cute romance! It does have a bent happy ending. So Go on and read it...you know you want to!
January 16, 2018
╰⊰⊹ 🌟⊹⊱╮4.5 stars of unexpected goodness.╰⊰⊹ 🌟⊹⊱╮
Enjoy stalker-y books? Crave something different? Then this is the book for you. Definitely NOT what I expected, but in the end it made sense. Joel needed loving, to be seen, to feel treasured.
Gabriel may have had me nervous during the first part of the book, but once his story was told, you could not help but love and admire him.
Both had parallel lives. Both faltered because of one man. But they became better through understanding (never too late), through love (always wanting) and through knowing that beyond it all, the prize was at the end of the rainbow (each other).
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
Enjoy stalker-y books? Crave something different? Then this is the book for you. Definitely NOT what I expected, but in the end it made sense. Joel needed loving, to be seen, to feel treasured.
Gabriel may have had me nervous during the first part of the book, but once his story was told, you could not help but love and admire him.
Both had parallel lives. Both faltered because of one man. But they became better through understanding (never too late), through love (always wanting) and through knowing that beyond it all, the prize was at the end of the rainbow (each other).
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
March 12, 2018
OTT possessive with a massive dose of stalking? Sign me up! Gabe is borderline creepy in his stalking ways that he even has a cam in the bathroom (of his house) and he watches Joel take a bath and play with himself. Gabe also or orchestrated everything in Joel’s life for the past 3 yrs (apartment, chasing away suitors).
If Joel didn’t like him, Gabe would be the villain. Good thing Joel needs Gabe’s kind of love. Teehee!
If Joel didn’t like him, Gabe would be the villain. Good thing Joel needs Gabe’s kind of love. Teehee!
April 18, 2025
Re-read April 15, 2025
August 20, 2020
This book is absolutely ridiculous, I loved it
January 19, 2018
Joel, a vulnerable young man with nowhere to go ends up on Gabriel's doorstep and unwittingly opens the doors to his future. But will that future be rosy or full of fear and disappointment?
Joel has been abandoned and a disappointment his entire life. He has one friend and a job he enjoys but his days are quiet and unassuming and quite simple. He's lonely. A prospect for a date has him excited but quickly turns into a series of unfortunate events leading right to the very person who could ease that loneliness.
Gabriel has been waiting for someone to ease the pain of loneliness for years. When one bedraggled but very dear young man takes his offer of a safe, warm, dry place to stay he's sure that Joel is the one. But Gabriel has secrets. Big ones. Ones that, if revealed, could send Joel running and Gabriel won't take that chance so he hold those secrets as close as he can. Until that choice is taken away from him.
There are quite a few downs and a couple ups in this story. I love Joel's earnestness and his willingness to forgive and love. He has a big heart and is very, very sweet. He's also very trusting and quite naive. Gabriel is generous, full of love, a bit damaged, and also quite earnest. Together they have the potential to be excellent partners.
There is also a huge creepy factor to this story that I have a hard time getting behind. Yes, all's well that ends well, but it doesn't make the situation okay or even healthy. Gabriel needs some serious counseling. The kind of love that I was expecting was BDSM type stuff that might have been a bit much for the sweet, youthful Joel. The instances of self-love hinted at Joel being receptive to a rougher, more specific type of loving. Yet that wasn't the case. What Gabriel's type of love is is actually a bit disturbing no matter how deep the love it comes from is. Athena said it best:
"Joel, listen. There's no denying what he did was shitty, and a lot creepy, and maybe a smidge romantic, but mostly creepy."
2.5 stars rounded up.
Willingly read and reviewed this ARC from the author.
Joel has been abandoned and a disappointment his entire life. He has one friend and a job he enjoys but his days are quiet and unassuming and quite simple. He's lonely. A prospect for a date has him excited but quickly turns into a series of unfortunate events leading right to the very person who could ease that loneliness.
Gabriel has been waiting for someone to ease the pain of loneliness for years. When one bedraggled but very dear young man takes his offer of a safe, warm, dry place to stay he's sure that Joel is the one. But Gabriel has secrets. Big ones. Ones that, if revealed, could send Joel running and Gabriel won't take that chance so he hold those secrets as close as he can. Until that choice is taken away from him.
There are quite a few downs and a couple ups in this story. I love Joel's earnestness and his willingness to forgive and love. He has a big heart and is very, very sweet. He's also very trusting and quite naive. Gabriel is generous, full of love, a bit damaged, and also quite earnest. Together they have the potential to be excellent partners.
There is also a huge creepy factor to this story that I have a hard time getting behind. Yes, all's well that ends well, but it doesn't make the situation okay or even healthy. Gabriel needs some serious counseling. The kind of love that I was expecting was BDSM type stuff that might have been a bit much for the sweet, youthful Joel. The instances of self-love hinted at Joel being receptive to a rougher, more specific type of loving. Yet that wasn't the case. What Gabriel's type of love is is actually a bit disturbing no matter how deep the love it comes from is. Athena said it best:
"Joel, listen. There's no denying what he did was shitty, and a lot creepy, and maybe a smidge romantic, but mostly creepy."
2.5 stars rounded up.
Willingly read and reviewed this ARC from the author.
April 8, 2018
I got about 1/3 through this before I had to stop. The writing seems juvenile, the dialogue feels unnatural, and there are just so many things about Gabriel that should have sent Joel running immediately, not jerking off in his condo every few hours on his first night in the house. Gabriel almost straight out says that he's been stalking Joel, but I have a feeling even if he was like, "I know everything about you because I've been stalking you", Joel would probably just dismiss it. I would have found this more enjoyable & believable if Joel could sense the wrongness of it all as opposed to just being completely oblivious.
June 6, 2018
Stalker alert! UGH! I didn't find it sexy or romantic when Edward did it. I especially didn't find it sexy or romantic when Christian Grey did it. I sure as hell didn't with Gabriel Hunter, either!
I will mostly likely not be moving on in this series.
I will mostly likely not be moving on in this series.
January 21, 2018
Unbelievably amazing
Holy god this is possibly one of the best books I've ever read. The writing is poetic and beautiful, the characters are deep and damaged, and their love is beyond intense. Seriously, unbelievable book. I can't wait for more from this author.
Holy god this is possibly one of the best books I've ever read. The writing is poetic and beautiful, the characters are deep and damaged, and their love is beyond intense. Seriously, unbelievable book. I can't wait for more from this author.
January 23, 2018
I actually really liked this book, I saw it on Sloane Kennedy’s fb page and was intrigued.
Would I be ok if this happened to me in reality! FUCK NO, but did this work... HELL YEA!!!
Well written and well thought out cos stalker books are so not my cup of tea but this well this was well done!!!
Would I be ok if this happened to me in reality! FUCK NO, but did this work... HELL YEA!!!
Well written and well thought out cos stalker books are so not my cup of tea but this well this was well done!!!
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