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City by the Bay #2
By Degrees
Summary:
Orphaned at eleven and bounced around the foster system, Tim learned young that the only thing he could control was himself. It was a lesson he took seriously, and it's the only thing that keeps him safe from more heartbreak. Conner doesn't understand this desire to control things, but he doesn't need to. He loves everything about his control-freak friend, even the way he quirks just one eyebrow. He has for years.
With Con's arrival, everything starts unraveling in Tim's life. He's questioning his sexual orientation, wrangling with emotions from his past, and fending off questions from Con's well-meaning family. Drowning in a world out of his control, his one hope is to let go and trust that love will save him. But after so many years of burying his feelings, he's not sure it's possible.
Orphaned at eleven and bounced around the foster system, Tim learned young that the only thing he could control was himself. It was a lesson he took seriously, and it's the only thing that keeps him safe from more heartbreak. Conner doesn't understand this desire to control things, but he doesn't need to. He loves everything about his control-freak friend, even the way he quirks just one eyebrow. He has for years.
With Con's arrival, everything starts unraveling in Tim's life. He's questioning his sexual orientation, wrangling with emotions from his past, and fending off questions from Con's well-meaning family. Drowning in a world out of his control, his one hope is to let go and trust that love will save him. But after so many years of burying his feelings, he's not sure it's possible.
223 pages, ebook
First published April 15, 2008
8 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
J.B. McDonald
23 books41 followersJB has been writing fiction of some sort or another since she was eight years old, when she started with the highly acclaimed and illustrated, “Bucky the Bronco and his Missing Horseshoe.” Everyone in the McDonald household heard about it. Most even read it. Then they made the fatal mistake of encouraging it, and before anyone quite knew how it happened, JB declared that she was going to spend the rest of her life writing.
She wrote online for a stretch and warped a good many people. They sent heartfelt thanks and, on occasion, gift baskets. Sometimes they even brought her cheese sauce and wine. They were less appreciative of the gift of the world’s worst porn, which, thankfully, has gone by the wayside.
JB is possessed of a sense of humor that just will not quit, despite how many stick beatings it’s been through. She also has a cheerfully evil laugh that brings terror to many young hearts. She sadly lacks in cooking skills, which is why the gift baskets and cheese sauce are so important. Instead of cooking, or doing anything as time-consuming as eating regularly, she devotes all her time to writing so that she can inflict more horror—that is, fiction—on you, her hopefully devoted fans.
JB can be reached at her website (https://www.JBMcDonaldScribblesHere.w...), as long as you don't get distracted by her ravings or adorable pictures and videos of her service dog, Doc.
She wrote online for a stretch and warped a good many people. They sent heartfelt thanks and, on occasion, gift baskets. Sometimes they even brought her cheese sauce and wine. They were less appreciative of the gift of the world’s worst porn, which, thankfully, has gone by the wayside.
JB is possessed of a sense of humor that just will not quit, despite how many stick beatings it’s been through. She also has a cheerfully evil laugh that brings terror to many young hearts. She sadly lacks in cooking skills, which is why the gift baskets and cheese sauce are so important. Instead of cooking, or doing anything as time-consuming as eating regularly, she devotes all her time to writing so that she can inflict more horror—that is, fiction—on you, her hopefully devoted fans.
JB can be reached at her website (https://www.JBMcDonaldScribblesHere.w...), as long as you don't get distracted by her ravings or adorable pictures and videos of her service dog, Doc.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 30, 2009
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand it is really well written and the emotions come across very vibrantly and realistically for most of the book. I thought it was very well thought out and the descriptions of Eric's emotional distress were compelling...
On the other hand, I did not like Eric and I thought Con was a saint. For two boys that were supposed to be life long (albeit long distance) friends, that friendship must have been very superficial because when they get together they are very awkward and unfamiliar with each other.
The part that really veered the book off course was that it fell back on the crazy stalker theme that just wasn't necessary. Eric and Con had enough problems; really this was just overkill and made it hard to not roll my eyes at times.
The secondary characters, Rick and Jay (and grandma, grandpa and Ed)were very interesting and I found myself wishing to read more about them then Eric at times
On the other hand, I did not like Eric and I thought Con was a saint. For two boys that were supposed to be life long (albeit long distance) friends, that friendship must have been very superficial because when they get together they are very awkward and unfamiliar with each other.
The part that really veered the book off course was that it fell back on the crazy stalker theme that just wasn't necessary. Eric and Con had enough problems; really this was just overkill and made it hard to not roll my eyes at times.
The secondary characters, Rick and Jay (and grandma, grandpa and Ed)were very interesting and I found myself wishing to read more about them then Eric at times
April 9, 2010
This book is amazing (understatment of the century). I very rarely read a book in which I can so relate to a protagonist... Add that to a beauifully written book, with humour and tenderness...if you're making a bet that I will be sending the author a gushing email you'd win :)
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June 5, 2009Even if he now would never admit it, Tim knows that when he met Con for the first time, he found his true love. Problem is that Tim at that time was 10 years old and Con only 12; they still hadn't reached the phase in which someone wonders about being straight or gay, and they had only an year to be together. They were both in boarding school, but then Tim's parents died in a car accident, and Con's father had financial trouble and he went to live with his grandparents. Still they remained in touch, first with letters and then with emails; Con became Tim's internet friend, someone always present, but far enough for Tim to not feel threatened.
Probably Tim was already a troubled boy, being sent in a boarding school at a so young age didn't allow him to form the first important emotional bond in life, the one with your parents. And the the accident and the various foster homes didn't help either. Tim repressed all the feelings of abandonment and sadness and became a control freak. He has to have control in everything, above all in his own feelings; as I said, Tim just met the only person in the world who can find a breach in the walls he built around him, and that person is far from him, he even controls that weak side of him, knowing in every moment where Con is and what he is doing. Tim starts to date women, since it's expected from society, but he knows that a woman has no chance to pull down his barriers and so he is safe with them. This is not a "gay for you" romance, first of all since Tim, deep down him, knows that he is in love with Con, and second since Tim is a full-figured virgin, in any meanings of the word: he has never allowed anyone near him enough to tolerate a physical touch.
But now Con has invaded his space and started to work on that breach. He is in Tim's apartment, in Tim's life again, and he is too huge: not only in the physical meaning of the word, but also to an emotional level. Tim freaks out, he feels his control slip out for his hands. What I like of Tim is that he seems unable to be nasty with Con; he is sharp and edging, but he always tries to do the right thing with the man. True, when Con has to go away for a period, Tim tries to rebuild his walls, but at the same time he tries also to understand himself better and his feelings for Con; when everyone around him already knows that Tim is gay, Tim has still some hope that this is not true, since if he is gay, he is in love with Con and he is in big big trouble.
The book is not so simple that the "little" realization of being gay allows to our hero to happily walk hand in hand toward the sunset (don't get mislead by the cover...). That is only the first step and maybe the simpler, it's only stating the obvious; if till this point the book was almost funny (with sentence like "after a month he was always sure to be more gay than not"...), now it turns in something more complex and moving. Even if Tim is a doctor, he has still huge mental barriers that don't allow him to admit that he needs the help of a specialist; on the other hand Con, even if a real good man, is a firefighter, not a therapist; but he tries to help the man he loves, he tries to be supporting and sympathetic. I really like as he comes out as character, since the reader can really understand that he is not like that, he is not for real an always careful and cautious man, but he knows that he has to be like that for the good of Tim, the man he loves... and when he momentarily forgot, the real Con comes out, with his requests of a puppy (when they are both men with eclectic working hours) or for Tim's to take cooking classes (when the man has already his days full with his job and other bigger problems).
Both characters are wonderfully rendered, but Tim comes out in full force. I was really taken by this man that apparently is aloof and detached, but instead has so much to give: I was almost regretting that it was not allowed to these two men to live their childish love, to grew together and being always happy since that tender age... but probably they would have been not able to realize the beautiful love story that now they are living. By Degrees is a very good novel, that mix romance, eroticism and a bit of drama, but that has also a funny core that always warms even the more angst scenes.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603707743/?...
Probably Tim was already a troubled boy, being sent in a boarding school at a so young age didn't allow him to form the first important emotional bond in life, the one with your parents. And the the accident and the various foster homes didn't help either. Tim repressed all the feelings of abandonment and sadness and became a control freak. He has to have control in everything, above all in his own feelings; as I said, Tim just met the only person in the world who can find a breach in the walls he built around him, and that person is far from him, he even controls that weak side of him, knowing in every moment where Con is and what he is doing. Tim starts to date women, since it's expected from society, but he knows that a woman has no chance to pull down his barriers and so he is safe with them. This is not a "gay for you" romance, first of all since Tim, deep down him, knows that he is in love with Con, and second since Tim is a full-figured virgin, in any meanings of the word: he has never allowed anyone near him enough to tolerate a physical touch.
But now Con has invaded his space and started to work on that breach. He is in Tim's apartment, in Tim's life again, and he is too huge: not only in the physical meaning of the word, but also to an emotional level. Tim freaks out, he feels his control slip out for his hands. What I like of Tim is that he seems unable to be nasty with Con; he is sharp and edging, but he always tries to do the right thing with the man. True, when Con has to go away for a period, Tim tries to rebuild his walls, but at the same time he tries also to understand himself better and his feelings for Con; when everyone around him already knows that Tim is gay, Tim has still some hope that this is not true, since if he is gay, he is in love with Con and he is in big big trouble.
The book is not so simple that the "little" realization of being gay allows to our hero to happily walk hand in hand toward the sunset (don't get mislead by the cover...). That is only the first step and maybe the simpler, it's only stating the obvious; if till this point the book was almost funny (with sentence like "after a month he was always sure to be more gay than not"...), now it turns in something more complex and moving. Even if Tim is a doctor, he has still huge mental barriers that don't allow him to admit that he needs the help of a specialist; on the other hand Con, even if a real good man, is a firefighter, not a therapist; but he tries to help the man he loves, he tries to be supporting and sympathetic. I really like as he comes out as character, since the reader can really understand that he is not like that, he is not for real an always careful and cautious man, but he knows that he has to be like that for the good of Tim, the man he loves... and when he momentarily forgot, the real Con comes out, with his requests of a puppy (when they are both men with eclectic working hours) or for Tim's to take cooking classes (when the man has already his days full with his job and other bigger problems).
Both characters are wonderfully rendered, but Tim comes out in full force. I was really taken by this man that apparently is aloof and detached, but instead has so much to give: I was almost regretting that it was not allowed to these two men to live their childish love, to grew together and being always happy since that tender age... but probably they would have been not able to realize the beautiful love story that now they are living. By Degrees is a very good novel, that mix romance, eroticism and a bit of drama, but that has also a funny core that always warms even the more angst scenes.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603707743/?...
March 27, 2009
It is an odd fact with these m/m books how many people are only children and have both their parents wiped out in one sort of accident or another. I am sure that it is much much more frequent than occurs in real life. I suppose from the author's point of view it A- removes one or more point of potential conflict and B - allows them to explore the ramifications of not 'dealing' with the loss in a timely and appropriate manner. As an antipodean I want to say HOW AMERICAN!
With this book we have the two heroes both having suffered loss at about the same age. Tim's parents are run over and killed by a drunk driver. He is in boarding school at the time, and then has to enter the fostercare system. I found this unbelievable. Parents who can afford to send children to boarding school and are successful (this is implied) in their own lives are going to have a will with guardians appointed. At the very least some sort of plan for continuing his education at said boarding school!
Con's mother had died when he was younger and then his father is sent to prison for embezzlement. He is then raised from age of about 12 by his maternal grandparents. Con's grandmother is a therapist.
So I think what we have here is supposed to be an example of how two boys similar age, similar loss are dealt with in different ways both by the system and by their relatives. So that one emerges 'whole' and the other with mental problems still to be dealt with. Oh - there is a stalker too.! I think this must be the 4th book in a row that has one. Enough already!
Naturally Con soon sorts Tim out and we are left to assume they have an HEA.
Despite all this claptrap I did enjoy this book - hence the 3 stars- the characters were attractive and I wanted them to be happy.
Just one other thing - I know quite a few volunteer fireman and not one of them is a hunk. Even in uniform! So I would like to know where this tradition has come from.
With this book we have the two heroes both having suffered loss at about the same age. Tim's parents are run over and killed by a drunk driver. He is in boarding school at the time, and then has to enter the fostercare system. I found this unbelievable. Parents who can afford to send children to boarding school and are successful (this is implied) in their own lives are going to have a will with guardians appointed. At the very least some sort of plan for continuing his education at said boarding school!
Con's mother had died when he was younger and then his father is sent to prison for embezzlement. He is then raised from age of about 12 by his maternal grandparents. Con's grandmother is a therapist.
So I think what we have here is supposed to be an example of how two boys similar age, similar loss are dealt with in different ways both by the system and by their relatives. So that one emerges 'whole' and the other with mental problems still to be dealt with. Oh - there is a stalker too.! I think this must be the 4th book in a row that has one. Enough already!
Naturally Con soon sorts Tim out and we are left to assume they have an HEA.
Despite all this claptrap I did enjoy this book - hence the 3 stars- the characters were attractive and I wanted them to be happy.
Just one other thing - I know quite a few volunteer fireman and not one of them is a hunk. Even in uniform! So I would like to know where this tradition has come from.
April 22, 2010
I am not repeating the storyline again, the blurb does a good job of it. What it doesn't tell you is that characterisation of the story.
The plot? I think it's doable, but must have sympathetic characters. I like dark characters, I even like a lots of a**hole characters, but I have to be able to feel their pain and understand why they act in a**hole-ways *g*. For Tim's all "I am not gay" struggles and all his hurt past - I didn't feel his pain, but I can tell he's kind of an ass and very selfish. He doesn't think twice hurting Con's feelings and even have zero patience trying to deal with Con's grandparents for Con's sake.
My dislike of Tim basically killed off the story for me. I think Con is wasting his time on an ungrateful friend, to begin with.
As for Tim's struggles, this book is not short and takes it sweet time to detail his problems, however, I feel that it's going around in circle and hiding behind a filmsy "Tim has to be in control" explanation.
The writing is good enough, but some editing is needed to speed it up and get rid of the repetitives.
The plot? I think it's doable, but must have sympathetic characters. I like dark characters, I even like a lots of a**hole characters, but I have to be able to feel their pain and understand why they act in a**hole-ways *g*. For Tim's all "I am not gay" struggles and all his hurt past - I didn't feel his pain, but I can tell he's kind of an ass and very selfish. He doesn't think twice hurting Con's feelings and even have zero patience trying to deal with Con's grandparents for Con's sake.
My dislike of Tim basically killed off the story for me. I think Con is wasting his time on an ungrateful friend, to begin with.
As for Tim's struggles, this book is not short and takes it sweet time to detail his problems, however, I feel that it's going around in circle and hiding behind a filmsy "Tim has to be in control" explanation.
The writing is good enough, but some editing is needed to speed it up and get rid of the repetitives.
July 11, 2023
On the Fence
I'm on the fence when it comes to rating this one. There were things that I enjoyed in this but there were also things that put me off of the story. I did finish it though.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm on the fence when it comes to rating this one. There were things that I enjoyed in this but there were also things that put me off of the story. I did finish it though.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2009
There's a lot about this book that I shouldn't have liked. It's really long for a novel so thin on plot. Tim is, for all intents and purposes, a virgin heroine, a character archetype I really dislike. The book makes strange leaps in logic sometimes—at the beginning, everyone knows Tim is gay but Tim, and the evidence for this seems to be... his collection of Johnny Depp movies?
Ultimately, though, Tim is a really likable character. He's a Doogie Hauser type, in that he's a full-fledged doctor at 26 and one of those characters that everyone says is a genius. I don't know if this is actually true—Tim may be a good doctor, but we never see him with patients. Tim is incredibly naive, almost unbelievably so. I gave him a pass because he's got some serious residual childhood issues, but I still find it hard to believe that he's hardly ever thought about sex (he's had a long string of girlfriends but is still a virgin) and that it doesn't occur to him that he might be gay until his friend Rick is all, "Dude, you're gay."
I did like that when Tim decided he was probably at the very least not completely straight that he started researching. His methods are very scientific: he spends some time Googling gay culture then goes to the gym to determine which bodies he's more often attracted to.
Con is also a very likable character, patient to an almost unrealistic degree, but admirable in that way, also. Tim freaks out about sex, so Con tells him they don't have to have to do it anymore. (Although at this point, they hadn't done much more than dry hump on the couch. Not really "sex," though the author doesn't seem to know this, and more to the point, Tim refers to it once as "intercourse" in a medical context... but, dude, if your pants are still on, it's definitely not intercourse. I don't know why this irritated me as much as it did.)
What this book does do exceptionally well is build the relationship "by degrees." It moves slowly, but it has to, because Tim has so many issues to work through. I also just read a bunch of historicals where the plot hinged on a Big Misunderstanding, so it was nice to read a book where the two main characters actually communicated with each other and worked through their problems.
That said, I have 2 other bits of criticism. 1) Tim? Pretty much a woman with a penis. He seems to experience orgasm in a very womanly way. (I can't explain it better. I, obviously, have no idea what a male orgasm feels like, but I've never seen it described the way it is in this novel, which is basically how a woman experiences an orgasm.) More to the point, apparently crying after orgasm is actually fairly common, but the whole second half of the book is basically based on the fact that one Mighty Orgasm destroys all of Tim's defenses and he completely falls apart. Tim had a crisis coming, you could see it building, but a bad day of work could have set him off, not this one orgasm. 2) Wherefore Rick and Jay? I understand Rick's presence as Tim's older brother adviser type, but I don't get why he's a POV character. I understand Jay even less, as Jay's purpose seems to be to... be amused at Tim's coming unglued and then briefly lusting after Con? There's sexual tension between the two characters, certainly, but they never reference it in their own inner monologues. Con, actually, is the only one who ever even comments on it. And I don't know that it's ever even established that Rick is gay. Either way, none of that goes anywhere at all. Is there a sequel?
But still I devoured this book. Worth it for Con's grandparents, his grandfather in particular, who is hilarious. I was sort of hoping it would be revealed in the end that they had a kinky threesome thing going with Tranny Ed, but alas. (Still, Ed moved with them to CA, which is suspicious.)
Ultimately, though, Tim is a really likable character. He's a Doogie Hauser type, in that he's a full-fledged doctor at 26 and one of those characters that everyone says is a genius. I don't know if this is actually true—Tim may be a good doctor, but we never see him with patients. Tim is incredibly naive, almost unbelievably so. I gave him a pass because he's got some serious residual childhood issues, but I still find it hard to believe that he's hardly ever thought about sex (he's had a long string of girlfriends but is still a virgin) and that it doesn't occur to him that he might be gay until his friend Rick is all, "Dude, you're gay."
I did like that when Tim decided he was probably at the very least not completely straight that he started researching. His methods are very scientific: he spends some time Googling gay culture then goes to the gym to determine which bodies he's more often attracted to.
Con is also a very likable character, patient to an almost unrealistic degree, but admirable in that way, also. Tim freaks out about sex, so Con tells him they don't have to have to do it anymore. (Although at this point, they hadn't done much more than dry hump on the couch. Not really "sex," though the author doesn't seem to know this, and more to the point, Tim refers to it once as "intercourse" in a medical context... but, dude, if your pants are still on, it's definitely not intercourse. I don't know why this irritated me as much as it did.)
What this book does do exceptionally well is build the relationship "by degrees." It moves slowly, but it has to, because Tim has so many issues to work through. I also just read a bunch of historicals where the plot hinged on a Big Misunderstanding, so it was nice to read a book where the two main characters actually communicated with each other and worked through their problems.
That said, I have 2 other bits of criticism. 1) Tim? Pretty much a woman with a penis. He seems to experience orgasm in a very womanly way. (I can't explain it better. I, obviously, have no idea what a male orgasm feels like, but I've never seen it described the way it is in this novel, which is basically how a woman experiences an orgasm.) More to the point, apparently crying after orgasm is actually fairly common, but the whole second half of the book is basically based on the fact that one Mighty Orgasm destroys all of Tim's defenses and he completely falls apart. Tim had a crisis coming, you could see it building, but a bad day of work could have set him off, not this one orgasm. 2) Wherefore Rick and Jay? I understand Rick's presence as Tim's older brother adviser type, but I don't get why he's a POV character. I understand Jay even less, as Jay's purpose seems to be to... be amused at Tim's coming unglued and then briefly lusting after Con? There's sexual tension between the two characters, certainly, but they never reference it in their own inner monologues. Con, actually, is the only one who ever even comments on it. And I don't know that it's ever even established that Rick is gay. Either way, none of that goes anywhere at all. Is there a sequel?
But still I devoured this book. Worth it for Con's grandparents, his grandfather in particular, who is hilarious. I was sort of hoping it would be revealed in the end that they had a kinky threesome thing going with Tranny Ed, but alas. (Still, Ed moved with them to CA, which is suspicious.)
January 30, 2013
I'm going to start with an apology because I'm going to rant.
June 26, 2009
Tim Shelton is a doctor and his childhood friend Conner Lemor is a fireman. After keeping in touch only through phone conversations and the internet for ten years they finally get together in person. Con is moving to the same city that Tim lives in and is staying in Tim's apartment while looking for his own place. Con realizes he's in love with Tim and wants to take their friendship to the next level but Tim is absolutely sure he is not gay.
This was a very emotional book. There are several issues that Tim has to deal with on the road to love and happiness with Con. While at times I was almost going "come on already" I really liked that it was not rushed.
The secondary characters were really well written also. Con's grandparents and Tim's Big Brother Rick and their friend Jay were fun to read. I'm hoping there will be a sequel featuring Rick and Jay.
All said, this was a very enjoyable book. It was more romance than erotic romance and really showcased the friendship and love between Tim and Con.
This was a very emotional book. There are several issues that Tim has to deal with on the road to love and happiness with Con. While at times I was almost going "come on already" I really liked that it was not rushed.
The secondary characters were really well written also. Con's grandparents and Tim's Big Brother Rick and their friend Jay were fun to read. I'm hoping there will be a sequel featuring Rick and Jay.
All said, this was a very enjoyable book. It was more romance than erotic romance and really showcased the friendship and love between Tim and Con.
May 13, 2010
Wow! I myself feel ... repressed (during) after reading this book. The characters are not unlikable but the "Nothing" answers just really get on my nerves.
The emotion are not well described if not described at all. I guess it suits Tim character real well. He's...emotionless and repressed. I personally don't like this "hero" and find him very frustrating and everything.
I don't know where the peak in this story is. Simply because what I expected it to be turn out not. That's when Con get shot! Right in the first few (dozen) pages of the story. It's surprisingly boring. No significant emotion can be gotten out of his "best Internet friend". Why risk your (character) life then?
The emotion are not well described if not described at all. I guess it suits Tim character real well. He's...emotionless and repressed. I personally don't like this "hero" and find him very frustrating and everything.
I don't know where the peak in this story is. Simply because what I expected it to be turn out not. That's when Con get shot! Right in the first few (dozen) pages of the story. It's surprisingly boring. No significant emotion can be gotten out of his "best Internet friend". Why risk your (character) life then?
August 13, 2016
More of a 3.5 read for me.
This was a pretty easy read, with lots of character dialogue.
So. Very interesting happenings with Tim. Although it didn't really make him any less prickly. Really, he needed some redeeming quality that overshadowed everything else. But, I connected with Tim on this level. I understand. I hate being touched and I rarely touch others (other than my husband and kids, which I still have a hard time with but I deal with it.).
Con. Gosh he was just so understanding. Talk about fighting for what you want.
I did really like the secondary characters. Rick and Jay.
I'm going look into more by this author!
This was a pretty easy read, with lots of character dialogue.
So. Very interesting happenings with Tim. Although it didn't really make him any less prickly. Really, he needed some redeeming quality that overshadowed everything else. But, I connected with Tim on this level. I understand. I hate being touched and I rarely touch others (other than my husband and kids, which I still have a hard time with but I deal with it.).
Con. Gosh he was just so understanding. Talk about fighting for what you want.
I did really like the secondary characters. Rick and Jay.
I'm going look into more by this author!
August 3, 2013
Tom annoyed the hell out of me. I get that he had issues...but with a character like that ...please give me something to love about the guy.He was an ass. I don't understand what was it that made Con fall in love with him.
February 24, 2014
I loved Con. I loved the secondary characters. I could not find it in me to like Tim. Tim's behavior towards Con through 80% of the book ruined this story for me.
July 11, 2023
By Degrees
By: JB McDonald
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Worth the great feels!
Well I wasn’t sure what to think going into this book. I was pleasantly wrong and wish I’d never looked a reviews from a decade ago. This book is real life. People struggle and some deal differently and I liked that about Con and Tim it was more transparent. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: Con’s a firefighter; he knows a burning flame when he sees one. But as things heat up between him and his prickly, irresistible roommate Tim, a flood of long-denied emotions threaten to drown that spark.
Tim’s a survivor: out of the foster system and excelling in his medical career, he’s focused on the future he’s planned and fought for since he was eleven years old. Reconnecting with a childhood friend seems like a harmless indulgence to allow himself—right up until Con walks off the plane.
Handsome, laid-back, and very much out, Con is starting his dream job as a firefighter and couldn't be happier. But his old friend and new roommate is wound tighter than anyone should be, especially a man Con is beginning to care about. A little nudge can loosen Tim up; who knows what might be revealed if Con keeps nudging?
Hope and safety are soon hammering it out on the wall Tim’s built to keep his emotions locked away. If that wall finally shatters, Tim's not sure what will be left.
By Degrees is the first in the Lost Boys series. Each book can be read as a stand alone novel.
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕
By: JB McDonald
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Worth the great feels!
Well I wasn’t sure what to think going into this book. I was pleasantly wrong and wish I’d never looked a reviews from a decade ago. This book is real life. People struggle and some deal differently and I liked that about Con and Tim it was more transparent. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: Con’s a firefighter; he knows a burning flame when he sees one. But as things heat up between him and his prickly, irresistible roommate Tim, a flood of long-denied emotions threaten to drown that spark.
Tim’s a survivor: out of the foster system and excelling in his medical career, he’s focused on the future he’s planned and fought for since he was eleven years old. Reconnecting with a childhood friend seems like a harmless indulgence to allow himself—right up until Con walks off the plane.
Handsome, laid-back, and very much out, Con is starting his dream job as a firefighter and couldn't be happier. But his old friend and new roommate is wound tighter than anyone should be, especially a man Con is beginning to care about. A little nudge can loosen Tim up; who knows what might be revealed if Con keeps nudging?
Hope and safety are soon hammering it out on the wall Tim’s built to keep his emotions locked away. If that wall finally shatters, Tim's not sure what will be left.
By Degrees is the first in the Lost Boys series. Each book can be read as a stand alone novel.
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕
July 5, 2023
I went into this with high expectations and for the main story and plot points it didn't disappoint however I just couldn't get past some of the language and words used when talking about and describing a character called "Ed"
This book is clearly set after 2009 with the inclusion of all the video calls and instant messaging the main characters have done so I just don't see the need to ever include slurs as a way to describe a person.
There's even a part in the epilogue where a side character has to correct the main character Conner with the right pronouns
Overall the story is good and Tim and Conner are great together but the inclusion of casual transphobia just ruins the whole book
This book is clearly set after 2009 with the inclusion of all the video calls and instant messaging the main characters have done so I just don't see the need to ever include slurs as a way to describe a person.
There's even a part in the epilogue where a side character has to correct the main character Conner with the right pronouns
Overall the story is good and Tim and Conner are great together but the inclusion of casual transphobia just ruins the whole book
July 12, 2023
From the very first page this story pulled me into a world where emotions blaze and love ignites the soul. The author's skillful storytelling weaves a tale of longing, self-discovery, and the undeniable chemistry between Con and Tim. Their relationship unfolds with a delicious slow burn that had me yearning for every stolen glance and heart-pounding moment. The depth of their emotions and the vulnerabilities they navigate make this book an incredibly heartfelt and captivating read. I couldn't help but be swept away by the authenticity of the characters and the raw passion that emanates from the pages.
July 10, 2023
Read the second edition, which has a much better fitting cover (seeing the emphasis on their size difference the beach cover photo makes no sense). A very slow burn romance matching Tim's slow personal growth with gay awakening and learning to grieve and cope with feelings which he had always repressed. I found it very interesting to follow these developments although I am sure that most people wouldn't have been able to persist as Con did. The minor characters were really good.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
July 11, 2023
An extraordinary M/M romance that captivated my heart from start to finish. The author's ability to create authentic and relatable characters shines through in Con and Tim, whose magnetic connection is both passionate and tumultuous. The slow burn of their relationship adds depth and intensity to the story, keeping me eagerly turning the pages. I was drawn in by the raw emotions and the tender moments that unfolded, beautifully capturing the complexities of love and self-acceptance.
July 13, 2023
I had a great time reading this story. I found the humor in everyone else knowing Tim was gay, and it came as such a surprise to him. This emotional story of abandonment and loss comes full circle when he learns to trust his best friend and soul mate fully.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2023
Connor and Timothy have been best friends since Connor was twelve and Timothy was eleven. For ten years, they've lived in different states but now Connor was coming to stay with Timothy because of his new job. Connor has always had feelings for Timothy but he'll have to go slow or he'll scare Timothy away. I really enjoyed this book.
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May 9, 2022I miss mid-2000s DC Comics fandom.
October 31, 2012
Excellent portrayal of someone with psychological damage learning how to love
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 9/10
PROS:
- The portrayal of Tim’s psychological blockage when it comes to intimacy of any kind is wonderfully done. I can’t remember the last time I read about a character whose struggles in this area struck me as so realistic (yet not over-the-top). And his approach to figuring out whether or not he’s gay is very logical and methodical. It made me chuckle numerous times.
- The sex scenes in this book are some of my favorites I’ve ever read. They’re not particularly graphic or frequent or blowyourmind hot, but one or two of them in particular are PERFECT for the specific situations in which they unfold. Which is to say, they’re perfect for Tim. And his issues. McDonald also doesn’t shy away from the emotional fallout the sex causes, which is painful to read at times but SO well done.
- I loved watching Con struggle with his attraction to Tim when neither of them has figured out yet that Tim is gay. There comes a point where everything Tim says prompts a sexual thought in Con’s mind, and a lot of the exposition describing Con’s struggles is really funny.
- Tim and Con are really comfortable around each other, and McDonald does well to show this in their dialogue and through their actions.
- Several of the supporting characters are well-developed and fun and real. I laughed out loud at a lot of Con’s grandparents’ comments, and I’m looking forward to reading this book’s sequel, In the Rough, because I got just enough of a taste of Rick and Jay to want to read their story too.
CONS:
- There’s a little subplot in this book concerning another character that’s not badly written. However, I read Cameron Dane’s A Fostered Love just a couple of weeks ago, and in addition to the fact that both books are about former foster kids, the subplots in both books are really similar. So I had a sense of déjà vu while reading this one, though if I’d read this first, the déjà vu would have happened while I was reading A Fostered Love. (I’m not accusing anyone of plagiarism or anything; it’s just one of those situations when two things come out at once and are a lot alike: think Armageddon and Deep Impact.)
Overall comments: This is a wonderful story. It has some marked similarities to A Fostered Love, but I don’t think either one is a copy of the other; I enjoyed both stories equally. This is one of the most realistic portrayals I’ve seen of someone struggling with psychological trauma from the past, and again, the sex in this book--not necessarily the descriptions of it, but the exploration of the emotional consequences--is phenomenal.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 9/10
PROS:
- The portrayal of Tim’s psychological blockage when it comes to intimacy of any kind is wonderfully done. I can’t remember the last time I read about a character whose struggles in this area struck me as so realistic (yet not over-the-top). And his approach to figuring out whether or not he’s gay is very logical and methodical. It made me chuckle numerous times.
- The sex scenes in this book are some of my favorites I’ve ever read. They’re not particularly graphic or frequent or blowyourmind hot, but one or two of them in particular are PERFECT for the specific situations in which they unfold. Which is to say, they’re perfect for Tim. And his issues. McDonald also doesn’t shy away from the emotional fallout the sex causes, which is painful to read at times but SO well done.
- I loved watching Con struggle with his attraction to Tim when neither of them has figured out yet that Tim is gay. There comes a point where everything Tim says prompts a sexual thought in Con’s mind, and a lot of the exposition describing Con’s struggles is really funny.
- Tim and Con are really comfortable around each other, and McDonald does well to show this in their dialogue and through their actions.
- Several of the supporting characters are well-developed and fun and real. I laughed out loud at a lot of Con’s grandparents’ comments, and I’m looking forward to reading this book’s sequel, In the Rough, because I got just enough of a taste of Rick and Jay to want to read their story too.
CONS:
- There’s a little subplot in this book concerning another character that’s not badly written. However, I read Cameron Dane’s A Fostered Love just a couple of weeks ago, and in addition to the fact that both books are about former foster kids, the subplots in both books are really similar. So I had a sense of déjà vu while reading this one, though if I’d read this first, the déjà vu would have happened while I was reading A Fostered Love. (I’m not accusing anyone of plagiarism or anything; it’s just one of those situations when two things come out at once and are a lot alike: think Armageddon and Deep Impact.)
Overall comments: This is a wonderful story. It has some marked similarities to A Fostered Love, but I don’t think either one is a copy of the other; I enjoyed both stories equally. This is one of the most realistic portrayals I’ve seen of someone struggling with psychological trauma from the past, and again, the sex in this book--not necessarily the descriptions of it, but the exploration of the emotional consequences--is phenomenal.
December 20, 2014
Definitely a 4.5 book. Personally, it's probably a 5 star book. The 4 stars given above are more about acknowledging this is probably not a story for everyone. So.... who should read this? The people who demand good writing, want more than "brain candy", like well developed multifaceted characters, and/or character studies. Who else should read this? Those that have loved someone with or are themselves: obsessive compulsive, control freaks, socially oblivious, repressed, and / or have various mental health issues especially due to early trauma.
I loved watching Con trying to figure out the puzzle that is Tim. His patience while trying to work his way under Tim's prickly exterior was beautiful. I loved how he would give Tim space but not let him completely withdraw. He attempted to educate himself and help not just bully through with what he thought was best. The sex when they were finally able to get to it was sweet and hot. I loved this story, but I'm fully aware that a lot of it could be due to the ability to relate so thoroughly.
Who shouldn't read this story? Those that: need a lot of action, don't like to wait for the sex to get started, need a lot of emotional drama / angst, prefer not to be patient for slowly unfolding plots, and / or need to be able to easily relate to both main characters.
Due to the excellent writing and obvious care, I think anyone aware of the above considerations would (at the very least) find it a worthwhile read even if it's not their "cup of tea".
I loved watching Con trying to figure out the puzzle that is Tim. His patience while trying to work his way under Tim's prickly exterior was beautiful. I loved how he would give Tim space but not let him completely withdraw. He attempted to educate himself and help not just bully through with what he thought was best. The sex when they were finally able to get to it was sweet and hot. I loved this story, but I'm fully aware that a lot of it could be due to the ability to relate so thoroughly.
Who shouldn't read this story? Those that: need a lot of action, don't like to wait for the sex to get started, need a lot of emotional drama / angst, prefer not to be patient for slowly unfolding plots, and / or need to be able to easily relate to both main characters.
Due to the excellent writing and obvious care, I think anyone aware of the above considerations would (at the very least) find it a worthwhile read even if it's not their "cup of tea".
June 17, 2011
by J.B. McDonald
Rating: ★★★★
I have mixed feelings about this novel - a journey of one man's self discovery supported by a friend from his past, that ultimately leads to love. I must admit, certain parts of this novel made me think 'Get real, that can't be true' until I decided I needed to research as to whether the scenario was totally implausible or not... Well, it's not implausible, and although it generally happens more with women, it can also happen to men. (yes, I'm deliberately being vague as the actual scenario is a major plot turning point, and I don't want to provide spoilers). However, I do think that the time immediately after this turning point was overly drawn out or emphasized, yet I'm not certain as to whether I should or shouldn't feel that, now that I know it can happen. Confused? Yep, me too... So giving it the benefit of the doubt, it's a 4 Star read for me, as I enjoyed the rest of it... :)
Rating: ★★★★
I have mixed feelings about this novel - a journey of one man's self discovery supported by a friend from his past, that ultimately leads to love. I must admit, certain parts of this novel made me think 'Get real, that can't be true' until I decided I needed to research as to whether the scenario was totally implausible or not... Well, it's not implausible, and although it generally happens more with women, it can also happen to men. (yes, I'm deliberately being vague as the actual scenario is a major plot turning point, and I don't want to provide spoilers). However, I do think that the time immediately after this turning point was overly drawn out or emphasized, yet I'm not certain as to whether I should or shouldn't feel that, now that I know it can happen. Confused? Yep, me too... So giving it the benefit of the doubt, it's a 4 Star read for me, as I enjoyed the rest of it... :)
October 9, 2019
I really liked this book. The characters are completely believable and their interactions stay true to who they are. Nothing seems forced to make the scene better. And the romance was well paced; not too fast, not too slow. I liked how this book didn't focus everything on being gay either. Tim coming out was only a part of the story, only the first step. It was much more about relationships and love and working through life problems with someone you trust. After all of that, there was one thing I didn't like about the story, and that's the minor sub-plot with Peter. I feel like if McDonald had made it more a part of the story it could have fit in more snuggly. As it was, it seemed unneeded and over the top, an event solely for the purpose of creating a scene the author wanted, making so it didn't flow with the rest of the story. Beyond that, it's a great novel. I recommend it to anyone who likes romance, homo or hetro. I'm off to see if McDonald has any other books published. :)
October 28, 2014
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4
This story was just ok for me. I liked the depth of emotions this book conveys, I like that it wasn't instant love and GFY. Tim put a lot of heart wrenching thought into what he was feeling and took time accepting that he was gay. After a while though, the struggle felt a little over done. I wanted to say just move on already, lol. I'm glad Tim & Con got their happy ever after, I just wish they could have gotten there with a little less angst. :D
On a side note, although we hear how much larger Con is (almost to the point of annoyance), the cover image depicts them being very similar in height. I hate that.
This story was just ok for me. I liked the depth of emotions this book conveys, I like that it wasn't instant love and GFY. Tim put a lot of heart wrenching thought into what he was feeling and took time accepting that he was gay. After a while though, the struggle felt a little over done. I wanted to say just move on already, lol. I'm glad Tim & Con got their happy ever after, I just wish they could have gotten there with a little less angst. :D
On a side note, although we hear how much larger Con is (almost to the point of annoyance), the cover image depicts them being very similar in height. I hate that.
August 15, 2016
Okay, have to say this right from the start - I hated Tim! I get that people have problems but this guy was completely childish and immature. I felt so sorry for Con and I was actually rooting for him to get fed up and walk out and find someone who actually came close to deserving him cause Tim sure as heck didn't! Of course, this is a listed as a "romance" so that didn't happen but I didn't feel any romance. It has been described in other reviews as a slow-burn but for me it seemed like someone turned on the A/C.
Final thoughts - ok I read it and I can now say I have but I never will again!
Final thoughts - ok I read it and I can now say I have but I never will again!
January 2, 2010
**I just re-read & liked the story much better. I was able to understand Tim's personality, so had more sympathy for his struggles.
Good idea, well written with some great humor & sexy moments. Con was hot, and the family & friends were a lot of fun. Unfortunately, Tim was pretty unlikeable for most of the story. I know he had issues, but his snarky attitude was unrelenting & it made the relationship seem very one-sided.
Good idea, well written with some great humor & sexy moments. Con was hot, and the family & friends were a lot of fun. Unfortunately, Tim was pretty unlikeable for most of the story. I know he had issues, but his snarky attitude was unrelenting & it made the relationship seem very one-sided.
April 19, 2010
Truly wonderful romance that really developed the characters of both Tim and Con. The book did not gloss over the issues that Tim was dealing with, nor did it take the easy route of "love heals all". The book explored the development of Tim and Con's relationship and really showed them working through their challenges. This was a wonderful friends to lovers story, and I'll definitely be reading the companion book to By Degrees, In the Rough.
December 29, 2010
I read this story for second time now, and I believe I have same emotions about the story as before. The plot is good developed with interesting characters, but somehow I just couldn't feel the attraction between Conner and Tim. Conner is real and you can get him... but Tim his cold way of dealing with his personal problems made it just harder to see his feelings as not being forced on him from Connor, Rick or Jay. But the end is sweet and positive, that's great.
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