Be The Air For You

by T.A. Chase

Rock star Rod Hannah is on top of his game, performing all over the world to sold-out arenas. Yet loneliness is a battle he fights along with his long-time addiction to drugs and alcohol. He beat those latter demons three years ago with the aid of his best friend, Hawk McLeod, a doctor who runs a clinic on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico. But when it comes to the loneliness, it’s still a daily struggle for Rod. He’s been in love with Hawk for years, but the timing had never been right for turning their friendship into something deeper and more serious.

Hawk is the person Rod calls in the middle of the night, no matter where he is or what he’s done, and Hawk’s always there for him. Now, when Hawk faces a life-changing crisis and needs him the most, Rod will drop everything to support the man he loves, hoping to show him how perfect they are for each other...

Genres: Gay / Contemporary / The Arts / Interracial / Multicultural

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Erotica, Musicians, Short Stories

57 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2010

About the author

There is beauty in every kind of love, so why not live a life without boundaries? Experiencing everything the world offers fascinates me and writing about the things that make each of us unique is how I share those insights. I live in the Midwest with a wonderful partner of thirteen years. When not writing, I’m watching movies, reading and living life to the fullest.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can 'Be the Air For You' pass the test of time...

I first read 'Be the Air For You' back in 2010 and back then I gave it 5 stars. 2010 for me was early days of reading M/M and I really liked the story and 6 years later what I've discovered is that I still really like the story but what took this from a 5 star read 6 years ago to a 4 star read now was simply years of reading experience that has changed my personal taste. Specifically where I loved the story as it was 6 years ago the me now would have loved a longer story with more of the background between Rod and Hawk rather than just the few indications that are given in the story.

'Be the Air For You' is a friends to lovers story between rock star Rod Hannah and his lifelong best friend Hawk McLoed. Hawk's been there for Rod since they were kids. He's been his friend and his support through it all good, bad, highs, lows and everything in between and over the years Hawk has quietly loved his friend never letting the true depth of his feelings be known, while Rod has quietly returned his feelings loving the one person that he can't imagine not having in his life.

Everything changes for these men when Hawk is faced with a crisis of his own and realizes that if he's ever going to act on his feelings for Rod it needs to be now.

I loved the relationship between these two men. It wasn't insta-love or love at first sight this was a life time of love finally acknowledged. When Hawk let's Rod know that his feelings are shared. Rod maybe scared of losing his best friend if things go wrong, he may be confused why things are changing between them now, he may be a lot of things but what he's not is stupid. He loves Hawk and letting him go just isn't an option.

Did I enjoy 'Be the Air For You' less than the first time I read it...a little bit because I wanted more.

Am I sorry I re-read it...no, it was still a sweet, friends to lovers romance.

Was the story now vastly different from the original release...no, the only notable difference between the story from 6 years ago and now was the publisher and the cover, I cannot lie the original cover was much more visually appealing.

Did either the new publisher or cover factor into my current rating...no, covers and publishers are of no consequence to me when I'm reviewing a book. This one was purely a matter of personal taste having changed.

While I would have liked more story I still very much enjoyed this version and re-reading it was definitely a pleasure. If anything the fact that my only complaint after 6 years and many, many more books is that I need more of this story only tells me that when it comes to the test of time 'Be the Air For You' has passed.

********************
A copy of 'Be the Air For You' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Candice · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 - Unfortunately this story was just a little too bland for me. It may be because of the length and if it was longer, the story could have been told much better.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were many things that I liked about this story! Both MCs clicked for me and I really felt the story flowed well. What it didn't do was grab me and make my heart break or any other emotion for that matter. It was a nice story that dealt with what is a life-altering illness... but, there was so much more the author could have given us. I wish he had because this could have been a GREAT read, instead of just a "nice" read. *sigh*

[Leaundra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Sometimes I like my books nice and neat honestly. I read all kinds of books that have my emotions everywhere and sometimes I need one like this. I thought Hawk and Rod were so sweet together..

[♥Lynn ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rod Hannah is a famous musician coming off a tour. Hawk McLeod is Rod's best friend who runs a health clinic. Hawk has helped Rod through many struggles in life, Rod is now clean and sober, but will have to help Hawk through the toughest problem of his life. Hawk is losing his hearing. Hawk and Rob become lovers and help one another through the trials of hearing loss.

I loved the concept of this story, but like many TA Chase books, this one was too short! We do not get to know the characters as well as I would like. The characters seemed flat as the paper they were written on. Such a beautiful concept just not followed through well at all.

[Kira · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've loved some of T.A. Chase's books, but this short little story was annoying in all of it's blandness.

It just didn't make me feel much anything at all. The potential of the two old friends hooking up lacked the excitement because they had both resigned to the fact that it would eventually happen. The tension coming from one of them losing their hearing was resolved very easily as well. Nothing really changed, even though some of the changes in their lives were undoubtedly HUGE. Or...should've been.

Now I kind of feel robbed of something that might have been good, if given 50 more pages or just...more...something.

Disappointment, yet the writing was good, as always.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and powerful story.

My favorite parts were the bits of desperation when Hawk's been struggling with accepting his progressive hearing loss. It's such a contrast with him normally being so brave and upbeat seeing him at the the moments of losing hope - I cried reading about it.

But I absolutely loved the love and support between Rod and Hawk and the ending was really hopeful and happy!

Wonderful book!

[Natalija · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't say enough about how much I loved this book. It is full of emotions, it's romantic & hot. The relationship between the main characters feels very real. Both of them come off as strong and human: with their strengths as well as weaknesses and together they are just perfect. Wonderful book, highly recommended!

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

So-so m/m romance about a rock star and his best friend, who he's loved for 20 years but done nothing about. Is it time to change that? This just seemed to have a theme or two too many, and I never got emotionally invested.

[ReviewerLarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful books I've read by this author!

[Trisha Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really sweet short story. I loved the dynamics of the relationship and the couple was just perfect. I wish it had been longer, but this author never disappoints, even with a short story.

[Liza · Rating 3 out of 5]

As good as this book was, its biggest fault was its length. It tried to cram a full-length novel drama into under 100 pages. The story and the characters were great, it was just too rushed and so things felt like they were glazed over. Even an extra 20-25 pages would have been great.

[Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant short story.
I think it could have been even better fleshed out in a longer story.
Best friends since kids, they didn't want chance ruining their friendship if it didn't work. A life changed things.

Nice short, but I'd love to see a lengthened version.

[Elisa Rolle]

This is a novella about dependency and the safe shelter love can give to you. At the beginning of the story, it’s Rod who apparently needs Hawk, and it’s a need way bigger than simply material things. Rod is a famous rock star with plenty of possibilities to get laid, and instead we find him alone in his hotel room, and the only thing that can soothe his ache is the voice of Hawk, his childhood best friend, a Native American doctor who is living in a reservation and helping his people, like he helped Rod. It was Hawk who was with Rod while he was trying to rehab, it was Hawk who never forgot who Rob really was, who never changed around him. It’s clear that, even if they are not lovers, Hawk is in all aspect other than sex, Rob’s partner, and that, when Rob will be ready to come home, Hawk will be there, waiting for him.

And until Hawk’s needs are material, like having a new machine for his clinic, Rob can help him from afar, and Hawk has never asked Rob to come home and stay; they have never moved their relationship to the next level since both of them know that, if they do that, they would never been able to stay far from each other for long. But this time, when Rob comes home for one of his brief visits, Hawk is demanding, for the first time in their relationship, he is pushing to get physical. Rob can’t resist temptation, but he is also aware that something is wrong with his friend.

I like the novella, and fortunately it’s less dramatic than expected. True, Rob and Hawk will have some issue, but nothing that love can’t help them overcome. In a way, Hawk’s problem is another prove that Hawk wants Rob despite him being a famous rock star, Hawk sees in Rob the little boy who was his friend, someone who knows him as good as himself. And Rob knows that Hawk will be always near him, since he was the only one to force him to face reality. Right for this reason, since Rob knows that he can be wrong, and being nobody, and no one, in a bit, even if now it’s Hawk who needs him, their relationship is still on the same level. Doesn’t matter that Hawk is not famous, doesn’t matter that he is simply a country doctor who probably would not be able to maintain himself, let alone a family, without Rob’s money, Hawk is still Rob’s pair, same as he was when they were two little kids.

Hawk and Rob’s relationship is a mix of love and friendship, and even if they had other partners in the past, I think that they were always a couple, they were only waiting the right time to become lovers other than friends.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003O86FPY/?...

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friends who stay together through thick and thin are rare, and those who meet as children and stay together over years are even less frequent. In this book Rod, a famous rock star, and Hawk, a dedicated doctor, have been friends pretty much since kindergarten and have already been through a lot – what with Rod’s addictions, various rehab programs, and constant absence. Both men have secretly carried a torch for each other for a long time, yet they have never taken the next step. This is the story of how and why they realize they belong together as far more than friends.

Rod is a successful rock musician, with all the issues that come with stardom. He travels a lot, leaving him lonely in hotel rooms all over the world. He has repeatedly faced addiction to alcohol and drugs – but has finally managed to pull out of that bad habit with the help of Hawk, who was no longer willing to see Rod destroy himself. He has been sober for three years, but the one addiction he can’t get rid of – not that he has ever tried - is his secret love for Hawk.

Hawk is a great guy: supportive, selfless, and a motivated doctor in a reservation clinic Rod helped to set up. He loves Rod to distraction, but has never said anything because he is the settling-down kind, and Rod needs to spread his wings. But now Hawk faces a serious problem and he needs Rod to be there for him because some things are too scary to go through by himself.

If you like stories about two lonely friends becoming lovers, if you think a rock star with wanderlust and a doctor who want a permanent home can make it, and if you’re looking for a read that goes from entertaining to serious and is as heartwarming as it is hot, then you will probably like this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by MLR Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Shira Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll preface this review by saying that I am a huge T.A. Chase fan, and have read most of his books. That said, this was not one of his best. Although it is solidly written, it just fell short of the mark for me.

WARNING: MILD SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

Rod is a mega rock star who has battled addiction throughout his career. Hawk is a doctor and Rod's best friend who is always there for him, encouraging him to stay clean and live a good life. They are both gay, but Rod isn't willing to settle down quite yet, and Hawk gives him breathing room. Much time is spent from Rod's perspective, justifying why the two man haven't ever gotten together, despite a mutual attraction. So when Rod finishes a long tour and Hawk meets him for the last performance, how come they end up in bed together with no angst at all??? This is the crux of my problem with the premise of the story. Yes, I love the "best friends become lovers" plot, but the transition just seemed so abrupt to me. One minute, they're friends, then next minute they are saying "Should we do this," and a minute later (or so it seemed), they're doing the deed. Hmmm.

I really wanted to feel the love in this story, but it was just too short to develop any real depth of characters or relationship. Yes, I was glad to see Rod step up to the plate and help Hawk with HIS problems, for a change (I won't spoil that bit here, but it IS sweet), but I finished this in about an hour and, when it was over, I just sort of shrugged.

I think I'm probably tough on T.A., because when he's on, he is SO on. His stories, when they reach deeper, really connect with me emotionally. This one was a disappointment. I give it 3 stars. If you haven't read T.A. before, check out "Angel's Evolution," which I think is my favorite of his (a 6 star, on my scale!).

[Feliz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rod Hannah is a rock star. His best friend Hawk McLeod is a halfbreed Navajo doctor who runs a clinic in the Navajo reservation. They have been best friends for many years. When Hawk learns he is loosing his hearing, he decides to act on his desire for many years and take their friendship one step further to a sexual relationship. Since Rod has had the same desire for years, they become lovers, realizing they have been in love forever.

This story was sweet, and simply two friends becoming lovers and dealing with one partner's disabiliy. But that was about it. When I finished the book, I couldn't help thinking so what the hell? There were no obstacles to overcome, no inward or outward conflict; the two men simply decided it was time for sex now and wham, there you are. The issue of Hawk's deafness was just a minor problem, dealt with like, okay, you're going deaf? How bad, man, okay, we'll just have to talk in sign language from now on. Let's get a doctor to replace you at the clinic and a dog to help you out with everyday life, I've got the money to pay for it lying around so what? Even the sex scenes were quite matter of fact.
The story had promising elements, but they were just wiped away smooth and clean. Everybody accepted Hawk and Rod, not only their friends, but everybody else, too. I was still waiting for the real story to begin when the book already ended. A bit disappointing.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm ... blame the length of the book, I guess. I like the idea of an aging gay rock star (okay, so Rod is only mid 30 but still :p) with his best friend, Hawk, who is also gay. The one who is always beside him when everything is on the worst situation (his drug addiction, his inability to settle down). It's a sweet premise ... especially when the best friend is now coping with hearing loss and Rod now must make a decision. HOWEVER, since it's pretty short, only 60+ pages, the life of the rock star has never been fully explored. The relationship is only based on Rod's words (this is a 1st person story) and it will be wonderful if it's a full length novel and we read how Hawk stay with him through thick and thin. I believe it will be a great story. Since it's pretty short, it's kinda lacking for me.

[Kristin Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice short story but that was the worst part, it was too short. So many things were part of the plot that none of it received enough attention. Rod's addiction, Hawk's deafness, their 30 plus year relationship. All of these things were touched on and brushed past at a break neck speed to the all to soon end. I would love to see this story revisited and fleshed out into a full length novel.

[Karen K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book - I'm a rock star junkie and though this didn't go into the rock star lifestyle much at all, the characters were fabulous. The only reason it got a 4 - 4 1/2 really - was because it was just too short which meant it moved a little fast. I want to know more about these two lovely, loving men and their beautiful relationship.

[Mountie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully poignant story about best friends who have been friends forever. Life has thrown them a challenge and this story is about how that changes their lives.

What I liked best about this story was how TA dealt with the emotions evoked by this challenge, the shifts within their relationship and how together they become a stronger unified couple.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give it 3.5 if I could... it annoyed me how quickly they were signing for each other. Maybe I misunderstood, but it seemed as if they learned sooooo quickly. Anywho, nice romance between the friends.

[Nene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and Sweet. I love those stories where two guys have been in love for years, but time and circumstances have kept them apart. Rod and Hawk have a wonderful friendship first, that develops into something more when Hawk faces a health crises. Nicely done.

[Janie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a very touching story. I found myself crying so many times while reading it, it was beautiful. I do have to say that stories with a disability always seem to touch me and I love them. Rod and Hawk were wonderful together, I just wish it were longer. Beautiful story!!

[Jam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings towards this book. It was sad and awe-inspiring, for one thing, but it lacked something. I guess the length had something to do with that seeing that this is a short story, and things were happening too fast the story didn't seem to sink in.

[Elizabeth Besenfelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very moving story.

[Sadonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, sucker for musicians. Very cool story and I could read more about these two friends and lovers.

[Sally halliday]

loved it made me cry

[Tamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet enjoyable read about friends to lovers who are going through some tough times.
=======================
1st read - May 7, 2011
2nd read - Jan 7, 2016

[Karina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ok. I really wish that it had been longer and their story elaborated on more.