The Nest

by G.S. Wiley

Jay McIntyre's main goal in life is to keep his younger siblings together and away from Social Services, who he's certain will separate them if they know his mother left two years ago. Juggling two jobs and the responsibility of caring for three children, the nineteen year old's problems are compounded when Jess, his younger sister, begins to rebel and when an old enemy is released from prison and returns to his housing estate. Overwhelmed and at the end of his rope, Jay is finally forced to seek for help from a surprising Police Constable Brendan Cuddy.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Gay, Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2009

About the author

G.S. Wiley is a writer, reader, sometime painter, and semi-avid scrapbooker who lives in Canada.

Visit G.S.'s web site at http://wileyromance.googlepages.com/.

Reviews

[Deeze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite what I was expecting.

This is a lot calmer than I thought it was going to be. The Ex con turning up was not the big drama I was expecting. I guess I've read a few too many American style books.

This had an almost dated feel to it, the local bobby on the beat type thing. But that's not a bad thing.

The story of Jay and Brendan is a slow moving one. The main focus is on Jay and his siblings. I loved watching Jay and Nico together. Zoe was a sweetheart and Jess the typical teenager acting out, but she at least had a reason.

I enjoyed watching Brandon and Jay dance around each other and was rooting for them all the way.

Maybe it's because it was a British setting, but I could totally believe in this story and the characters that were portrayed.

If I had one niggle it would be the School Headmistress I really don't think any headmistress would act so cavalier, especially in front of a police man. It really didn't add to the story, rather it took me out of the story a little.

ETA Same as above

[Erotic Horizon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jay is a young man belaboured with the task of raising three siblings while facing a multitude of issues on the local sink estate that he lives in called The Nest.

Getting the kids off to school, racing from job to job coupled with the fact that he has to make his way in a community where all the boys he grew up with are either trying to make the next big thing or pull a fast one – depending on who he meets at any particular time of day. If all those things weren’t bad enough social services wanting to see his missing mother and a new police officer taking a keen interest in his family is so not what Jay wanted or needed at any point.

Jay has committed himself to his little family, they are his all and despite his wondering mind thinking about his sexuality – he take the breaks that life tosses at him and rolls with them.

When a litany of events start happening all at once Jay finds himself with his back against the wall and has only one option to use to make it through the day - he ask a police officer for help. The police officer in question is new patrol Police Constable, Brendan Cuddy.

Brendan is new to The Nest but he is not fooled about how it works and when a few days later he spots what looks to be an unknown story in flat 28 – he decides to keep a keen eye. There is nothing to be gleamed from any of the occupant from that flat – neither 19yrs old Jay nor his siblings are keen to speak to him, despite this he knows to follow his instinct and keep an eye out.

That however wont be hard because he finds himself thinking of Jay a bit more than even the job demands. One phone call from Jay sets off a chain of events in both their life's and they both have some home truths to face regarding how they play the game of their future.

Here at Obsidianbookshelf.com, I enjoyed reading The Nest. In my opinion, though, the story is more compelling as a coming-of-age tale than a romance. I would have recommended dropping the less-interesting viewpoint of Brendan (even though we'd lose the funny and touching scene where he retrieves Nico from school) and reducing him to another element in Jay's life as Jay grows into his identity as a gay man.

Obsidianbookshelf.com

I read this book a few days ago and to be honest I was going to give the review a miss, but yesterday I saw that Val from Obsidian bookshelf did a review of the book and following her links I found that Kassa also had a review up of this book – I mention both because this book and their review highlight one of the reason why I love blogging – it’s the share and contradiction and contrary nature of why we love or hate the books we do.

This is my first book by this author and I got stuck in right away, for a few reasons. I thought the review from both ladies were spot on and as a reviewer I could see the plus and minuses there. However as a reader I probably would put it somewhere not on the top of my list to buy.

So I am going to give my take on this book as a reader – I live on the side of the pond where this was set, and normally that should not make a difference, but with this book I literally fell in love in with everything about it and the setting is the biggest draw..


Highlights

Setting - Wiley got this aspect of THE NEST spot on. I have not read much romance book set on one of the estates of Great Britain. These estates operate on the basis of “I will support you until I cannot” and this applies to the law, social service even to the man that you just robbed – yup it is an insulated setting and if you are in you are in, however a stranger stands out like a sore thumb and the law is never trusted – even if the law is one of their own. Otherwise know as sink estate Jay would be the exception rather than the norm with his attitude towards his family and his life in general.

The language of this book was also another plus for me – I felt like I was there, the pub, the supermarket with it’s ever watchful supervisor as well as the dialogue between Jay and his siblings. Very descriptive word were used and how the author make note of the small thing was really insightful.

The interaction between Jason and his sibling are one of the more memorable moment for me. Not only was Jay’s two younger siblings curious and lively, but as young as they were they understood the ramifications of not letting on that they were living in a house by themselves. Then there was the older of the three Jess, a teenager going through a Goth phase and lippy with it as well - I thought that area was nicely done.

The books was a little more than a coming of age story because Jay’s life has he had known it so far – has given him a wealth of experience that most people living their whole lives might never get to go through. Sexually that's another matter and he has made a conscious decision to keep the family together so he was prepared to sacrifice something's.

Social and economic issue were touched on as well – Jay and his siblings missing mother, dodging social services, a neglected community including the elderly and of course the community being able to socialise with the law despite the fact that they didn’t trust them. I liked the mix bag of issues that gel together to not only push the book along but cover up a few grey areas.

Wiley added a nice touch with how she introduce the class situation, between the Police and the residents, between Brendan and his love interest and also with the introduction of Brendan's mother.

The books is told from a third person point of view- so at some point I got Jay’s and other point I got Brendan. This worked for me because Jay’s voice is the voice of the person trying to make ends meet, the person trying to hold it together and the person that knows he only has himself to get them through it all.

Brendan's voice is a bit more educated and confirmed by the fact that he has a degree – so his scenes were more open minded, not crafty or underhanded but he could be objective and realistic about a situation where Jay could not as he has never been off the estate and has an insulated view of life. Nice mix I thought.

I particularly like the fact that there was a certain moral value to these people, things like “your mama is a slag’ is never spoken in front of the kiddies and the fact that Jay was very conscious about how far he went with Brendan in his home is also something of note..

There was no sexual scenes and this was also a good call by the author.

Lowlight

Quite a few of the meatier issues were never developed fully - some I was not fussed about and I was realistic enough to know that a book of this length could only develope only so much. However there were a few that were cut off a bit too quickly.

Brendan’s relationship with one of the ambulance staff Rowan was so stilted – I just never got the connection, as well as I never particularly care for him either…

THE NEST had a definite old school feel to it, – but it was like two world meeting somewhere in the middle for me. This was reflected in how the police regarded the residents of the estate and the police car being called a panda, that is certainly not a modern term more late 70’s -early 80’s – on the other hand there is Brendan’s and Rowans open sexuality that is definately a modern thing – because in the 70’s there was no way neither Brendan, Rowan nor Jay could be open about their sexuality on a sink estate.



Bottom Line

If there is one book that fits the bill for a decent discussion this would be it. I came across this book on Goodreads and not alot of complimentary things is said about it – for me that's like waving the red flag. On the AMP site the book is marketed as a contemporary and it is such – no smut not even a little bit.

From the bio Ms. Wiley is from Canada but her grasp of the estate life and the chain reaction of “the system” is so spot on and clear and that makes this book a top read for me – if this book is written from research, it was wonderfully done. I enjoyed this author style and her voice – it’s full of hope but riddled with realities that was a nice balance for me.

When I clicked the last page on this book – I genuinely thought, bloody hell that was some book. It would have been my lose if I had never read this book.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't a bad story. It had good points. However, I'm not sure I'd call it a romance. One of the main characters is actually involved with someone else for 2/3 of the book. The last 1/3 didn't include enough to redeem it. I agree with the reviewer who said this story leaned more toward YA than romance. If I had gone into this story expecting a YA novel (really not my thing) then I would have rated this as a 4 because the characters are interesting and I was into it enough to want to find out how it would end. In this case, marketing it as a romance really wasn't the way to go.

[Anke · Rating 3 out of 5]

First read 2009, 5 stars

Either it was a mistake to read this after The Last Thing He Needs or my expectations and taste changed over the last four years. Perhaps it's both. What in the back of my mind was a bit of a niggle with The Last Thing - this focus of Tommy and Bobby and the kids, at some point I even thought the absence of the dreadful parents was a bit too convenient - well, I have to say, this book would have profited from a slightly narrower story line. As it was, all these secondary characters took away from the main development and the result was that Jason's and Brendan's relationship remained aloof and detached.

[Kassa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not perfect but the writing is evocative and there is so much potential in this story, I really wish this had turned into a meaty, in depth novel. Instead Wiley keeps the story light and almost too easy in spots, but the texture and character given to the story and writing are engaging and inviting. This more of a literary novella with gay characters than a gay romance and it’s not erotica at all. Wiley doesn’t really write erotica – I remember I actually blushed when she wrote “cock” in one of her books, I so don’t associate that with Wiley – and those that are expecting any sex scenes or a strong romance may be disappointed.

The plot revolves around a nineteen year old who has had to take care of his family for the past few years since his mom abandoned them. Forced to grow up at a young age, Jay works two jobs and struggles to provide for his family – 16 y/o Jess, 9 y/o Zoe, 5 y/o Nico – as he deals with the police and old rivals in a low income housing unit. Jay gets unexpected help from a new to the patrol Police Constable, Brendan.

The story itself is rather light even though it tackles some big issues with great potential. There is the main character of Jay who is struggling with two jobs, three kids, and no time for a life himself. Complicating matters is the oldest girl, Jess, who is rebelling in a heavy goth phase and getting into bad company. Both Jay and Jess get involved in some difficult situations involving drugs and violence. On a positive note, none of these issues are depressing or bring down the light, easy flow and pace to the book. On the negative side is that none of these issues are fully fleshed out. Each is hinted out briefly and eventually pseudo-resolved but none are really given the time, attention, and depth they deserve. Their potential is barely skimmed with the easy handed manner in which they are treated. This story is filled with enough material for a much longer book and it’s disappointing that the choice was made to keep the story light and short.

The characterization is similarly skimmed with much more waiting to be explored. The story is told in third person, alternating from Jay and Brendan’s point of views. Jay is a complicated mess from his determination to do right for his family to his elemental fear of failing, his distrust of the police and his neighborhood. All of this combines to give a complex, intricate character that is shown in his day to day life but skims over the emotional road bumps. Even the scene where Jay is explaining to Brendan why his mother left is oddly detached with an almost clinical information dump. This pivotal scene lacks an emotional connection between the men that shimmers beneath the surface. The chemistry between the two is there, but never given full attention. Part of this is that the book also focuses on Brendan’s failed relationship and finally accepting his attraction to the younger Jay. Since the two have so few scenes together, the connection exists in their minds more so than their action and the story ends as soon as the two show a possible future.

So while there are clearly some issues with the story, what shines so brightly is the tight writing, great setting, and true texture in the story. There are small choices such as prose or dialogue that truly immerse the reader in the setting and the cracked sidewalks, depressing jobs, and threads of hope. The secondary characters from the neighbors to the other constables, even Brendan’s mother are interesting and almost given too much space at the expense of the main characters. The book draws you in with the small details, such as the scene with Jay scared for his life contemplating a knife but knowing what it would mean for his family if he got caught. The word choice gives an authentic feel and tone to the story where unfamiliar words or phrases don’t feel awkward and misplaced as so often happens in books.

Although I think this novella has the potential to become a truly stunning book, the story is still well written with great characters, an authentic setting, and the thread of hope and romance. The focus on the characters and how Brendan and Jay meet could set this duo up for a sequel and if so, I hope the issues and characters are fully explored and developed to their limits. I’d recommend this book to those who are looking for a solid story about gay characters, but don’t expect any sex or a lot of romance. I don’t mind but others may so be sure to read this when you’re in the mood for something easy.

[JenMcJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a story with some cynical ideals mixed in with examples of horrid parenting, mistrust under-developed characters and stereotyping with an abrupt ending. One MC, Jay is nineteen, but somehow I never saw him as an adult. The other MC, Brendan is a Constable and seems much, much older then Jay although I am sure that isn't the case, it was how I related the two.

The two MC's rarely spend quality time with each other and the sudden trust Jay finds with a 'copper' is rushed and unrealistic.

It had a potential to be so much more than it was.

This book has a four star heat rating on ARe...not so much. This is almost a YA book with a cautionary tale about shoplifting, not listening, attitude, running with the wrong crowd, drugs, etc...thrown in a time or two. Any potential love scenes (which never occur between the two MC's) are not consummated or described in any way.

[Elisa Rolle]

Setting in a suburban England town, The Nest is an unexpected story. First of all, the blurb is not quite right, hinting to some big bad trouble, really American style, where the big good cop plays the knight in shining armor's role. Instead the style of the story, and the troubles in it, are dry and all too much ordinary, not at all stage effective. The Nest is a story in an undertone, and the two main characters are more ordinary men than heroes. And surprisingly enough, it's almost a sweet romance, with few if nothing sex.

Brendan Cuddy is the new police constable assigned to a poor council estate called the Nest. As the new man, Brendan is seen by all the people who live, and hide, in the Nest, like an intruder, someone you have to not trust, above all by Jay. Jay is a 19 years old guy who is trying to support his younger siblings, two of them under 10 years old, after their mother disappeared 2 years before. Jason didn't say to Social Services that his mother left, since the obviously conclusion would have been for the family to be split up. Instead Jay dropped out of school and now works two job to make the ends meet. He is doing a better job than his mother with his siblings, but it's not the dreamlike family of some romance stories. Jay is not some fabulous older brother that all at once became a perfect parent, he is still mostly a teenager who had to grow faster and sooner. And it's not even the classical teenager who gets himself in some big trouble and needs a good man to help him. As I said, the turning point of the story is not sensational and even the decision one will be quiet and simple, as all the book itself.

So here we have Jay, 19 years old and almost no experience with men, since he has really no time to date or think to something else other than take care of his family, and Brendan, the good constable, who wants only to help. Brendan is not a hero, he probably takes a little more interest in this case since he has a sweet eye for Jay; and really, he doesn't do anything special, if not closing an eye here and there (like with Jay's mother disappearance), and holds out an helping hand when necessary. In the meantime, we have also a proof that Brendan is not exactly a tough and pure perfect hero, since he brings on a fated relationship with Rowan, when he well knows that he is not in love with the man, and worst, he thinks to Jay even when he is with Rowan. But Brendan is not someone who sees things in black and white, and maybe he is also too gentle and caring to clearly say to a man who claims to be in love with him, that him instead doesn't feel nothing... better to let the river flows, than trying to stop it.

Even if it was not what I was expecting, I like the feeling of the book, it was almost like one of those English movies, a la Stephen Frears, about the working class. You usually get to see a movie, or read a book, to see something different from your real life, and so, it's difficult that you willingly decide to see one of those movies, but maybe, one afternoon you are at home doing nothing, and that movie is on the screen, and you stop what you are doing and find yourself glue to the television... You are seeing your life, but, well, it's a good story, and you like it. There are not sensational scenes, there are not big emotional breakdowns, not even the sex, but still, there is something of undefined that draw you to the story... this book is something like that, I can't really find a specific point that made me like the book, it's a continuum thing, a continuum that is not even broke at the end: they are not the characters that lead the story, it's the story that incorporates the characters and makes them move along its placid flow.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002C6B6VM/?...

[blub · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. I found that Jay and Brandon were really likable characters. Although with Brandon it took some getting use to at first.

Jay is an awesome 19 year old kid who instead of living his life like other 19 y.o's; he's is working two jobs to help support his family. He know what's needed and he steps up to the plate so that social services won't tear his family apart. I found this to be quite admirable in this day and age.

Brandon, at first I thought he was a prick since he seemed interested in Jay but ended back in a relationship with an ex in the beginning. However, he broke it off and started pursuing Jay which made him a bit better in my eyes. Most admirable trait about Brandon was that he kept Mrs. Gregory company although she was senile and he looked after Jay and his family without any real ulterior motive.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost stopped reading this at the start because it jumped between characters so much I kept forgetting who was who, not to mention some are called by their last names in some chapters, and by their first names in others.

But once all that settled down and I got used to the writing style, this turned into a decent read. I did have a hard time believing much of the plot. I think that had to do with the lack of fleshing out the characters.

Brendan felt like a broken record with his nagging about Jay's mother.

Ending was a bit simple. But I got into it and enjoyed it after the first third.

[Merith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this story. It's rather the first of its kind that I've read, and there aren't too many out there like it. Oh there's tons of younger boy getting together and falling in love with a (slightly) older man, and even some where the older man helps out the younger in some way or other. But what makes this story unique is, there's no sex. Sex is mentioned, more or less in passing, between Brendan and his ex lover, but the two main characters eventually share kisses, respect and hints that there will be love.

If more stories were written like this, I'd go broke in a week.

[FloJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just cannot understand this book getting 4 flames at ARe. I think just 1 or possibly 2 is more indicative.
Nice enough story if rather implausible.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good m/m romance about a young man struggling to take care of his three younger siblings and keep them out of the hands of Social Services while living on the wrong side of the tracks.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars