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Resistance
Ryan's relationship-phobic, preferring to live his life from one anonymous hook-up to the next.
He never remembers a name, and he never goes back for more. But then he meets Jayden, the one-off who won't get out of his head, his life -- or, indeed, his bed. Ryan remains in a denial, however; he has no place in his life for emotion or feelings, despite how much difficulty he finds in keeping away from the gorgeous, confident Jayden.
It's not until Jayden gets a boyfriend, bringing their non-relationship to a sudden end, that Ryan thinks he might have been feeling something all along. Feeling a lot, actually, but it's too late. Jayden's happy with his new man, and Ryan shouldn't want to get in the way of that -- but he's selfish, and he's had an epiphany, and maybe the only way to get Jayden back is to reveal more of himself than he knows how to handle. But is it enough for Jayden to take a risk on a man who, by his own admission, has no idea how to love?
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.
He never remembers a name, and he never goes back for more. But then he meets Jayden, the one-off who won't get out of his head, his life -- or, indeed, his bed. Ryan remains in a denial, however; he has no place in his life for emotion or feelings, despite how much difficulty he finds in keeping away from the gorgeous, confident Jayden.
It's not until Jayden gets a boyfriend, bringing their non-relationship to a sudden end, that Ryan thinks he might have been feeling something all along. Feeling a lot, actually, but it's too late. Jayden's happy with his new man, and Ryan shouldn't want to get in the way of that -- but he's selfish, and he's had an epiphany, and maybe the only way to get Jayden back is to reveal more of himself than he knows how to handle. But is it enough for Jayden to take a risk on a man who, by his own admission, has no idea how to love?
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.
165 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
July 9, 2015
Wow, what was I waiting for with this one, which was released over 3 years ago? No one ever recommended this book to me and it was never on my radar but it was a perfect read for me and I loved it to pieces! It's a 5 star read and I put it on my favorites shelf. It could very well be a fuck yeah 5+ stars book, but I gotta save that shelf for the books that kick my ass and throw me off a cliff like Point of No Return and The Final Line and more recently Training Season.
The synopsis is accurate but I will add that Resistance is filled with ridiculously mind-meltingly hot sex between our MCs. Just off-the-charts. These boys have CHEMISTRY. *fans self* L.M. Turner kicked it in the ass when creating these boys. She also gave them very believable voices and some great angst and secondary characters to work with.
I can absolutely, 100% recommend Resistance to all M/M romance fans looking for some hot M/M skin-on-skin action with a lovely HEA.
September 15, 2019
3.75 Stars
Ryan loved one-night stands because he could be himself. He didn’t do love or relationships and he had no intention of changing the way he was. And for that, he had his reasons. But after meeting Jayden, he was stuck in a dilemma. Jayden did something that no one else could do. He did make Ryan feel but still, Ryan didn’t want to accept until…
Told in single POV (Ryan), 3rd person, it’s a standalone novel. It was an enjoyable read, especially in the second half! It was more emotional and exciting. It’s insta-lust, a quick read, relationship-focused and a bit angsty. At first, I couldn’t understand why Ryan was like that but when he talked about his reasons I felt for him! loved both MCs and even liked secondary characters as well and really would like to read Frankie and Olivia but I don’t think if they have their own story but still, I’m glad for them! overall, I had a good time reading this and hope you enjoy it as well!
Ryan loved one-night stands because he could be himself. He didn’t do love or relationships and he had no intention of changing the way he was. And for that, he had his reasons. But after meeting Jayden, he was stuck in a dilemma. Jayden did something that no one else could do. He did make Ryan feel but still, Ryan didn’t want to accept until…
Told in single POV (Ryan), 3rd person, it’s a standalone novel. It was an enjoyable read, especially in the second half! It was more emotional and exciting. It’s insta-lust, a quick read, relationship-focused and a bit angsty. At first, I couldn’t understand why Ryan was like that but when he talked about his reasons I felt for him! loved both MCs and even liked secondary characters as well and really would like to read Frankie and Olivia but I don’t think if they have their own story but still, I’m glad for them! overall, I had a good time reading this and hope you enjoy it as well!
July 25, 2019
Scene: Str8 female stripper roommate walks in on main character # 1 without knocking first.
Okay, I'd read the book again for just that one part, but I did really enjoy the whole thing. : )
"Oh, hello Random Guy sucking Ryan's cock. Baby, I invited the guys over tonight for movie night. I hope you don't mind."Which she says without even blinking twice. hehe
Okay, I'd read the book again for just that one part, but I did really enjoy the whole thing. : )
July 12, 2013
Just a few 11 things.
1. Why didn't I read this sooner? Why didn't I know this book even existed?! This book is what's been missing from my life.
2. I'm exhausted from staying up well past my bedtime to read this.
3. For real. It's probably perfect. It was for me anyway. I think this book is my soul mate.
4. The characters have oodles of personality, and I wish they were real. Even the secondary ones. So I can smother them in love. Like this:
5. Smoking hot smexy times reside in this book. Like WOAH. My eyes bugged out of my head during the first steam scene. In a really, really, really good way. *clears throat*
6. I loved Jayden. He is endearing as hell, and worked some crazy "how to catch yourself a player" kung fu magic. It was epic. Kept Ryan so off kilter.
7. I also loved Ryan. He is messed up. I like messed up characters that grow into slightly less messed up versions of their former selves. I did think that Ryan's growth was a little expedited at one point, but I rolled with it.
8. I laughed a lot through this. I even chuckled. I don't remember the last time that happened. Jayden and Ryan's interactions are chuckle inducing. The first half of this is pretty damn hilarious.
9. Then shit gets real. Angsty times reside in this book as well. I approve. Honestly, I don't think there was a lot. But I must admit that I like characters to go through some emotional trauma. It's possible I'm the kid on the playground with the magnifying glass over the ant colony.
10. Back to the smexy times, I just want to say that I really liked the descriptions because they were completely lacking flowery nonsense. Instead, we get moments of mushroom stamping, or maybe it was mushroom smearing (is that a thing?). Does it matter? It was hot.
11. My heart is in pieces over the fact that I was prepared to devour the authors backlist when I finished this. This book is 50% of said backlist. I get so sad when that happens.
12. I'm done saying stuff. You should probably go read this now.
4 Stars
1. Why didn't I read this sooner? Why didn't I know this book even existed?! This book is what's been missing from my life.
2. I'm exhausted from staying up well past my bedtime to read this.
3. For real. It's probably perfect. It was for me anyway. I think this book is my soul mate.
4. The characters have oodles of personality, and I wish they were real. Even the secondary ones. So I can smother them in love. Like this:
5. Smoking hot smexy times reside in this book. Like WOAH. My eyes bugged out of my head during the first steam scene. In a really, really, really good way. *clears throat*
6. I loved Jayden. He is endearing as hell, and worked some crazy "how to catch yourself a player" kung fu magic. It was epic. Kept Ryan so off kilter.
7. I also loved Ryan. He is messed up. I like messed up characters that grow into slightly less messed up versions of their former selves. I did think that Ryan's growth was a little expedited at one point, but I rolled with it.
8. I laughed a lot through this. I even chuckled. I don't remember the last time that happened. Jayden and Ryan's interactions are chuckle inducing. The first half of this is pretty damn hilarious.
9. Then shit gets real. Angsty times reside in this book as well. I approve. Honestly, I don't think there was a lot. But I must admit that I like characters to go through some emotional trauma. It's possible I'm the kid on the playground with the magnifying glass over the ant colony.
10. Back to the smexy times, I just want to say that I really liked the descriptions because they were completely lacking flowery nonsense. Instead, we get moments of mushroom stamping, or maybe it was mushroom smearing (is that a thing?). Does it matter? It was hot.
11. My heart is in pieces over the fact that I was prepared to devour the authors backlist when I finished this. This book is 50% of said backlist. I get so sad when that happens.
12. I'm done saying stuff. You should probably go read this now.
4 Stars
September 2, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Should've been longer*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
I actually wished we had gotten more; more about their future. How they managed and all that. Ryan (what is his last name?) (how old?) and Jayden Cobain (how old?) met in a bar. They fuck, and Ryan assumes that's the end of it. However, Jayden isn't about to let him go just like that. He feels something, sees something in Ryan and a possibility that they could be a something together. Ryan, though, has a complete set of rules: no fucking the same guy twice, no relationship, and no emotions, but with Jayden, he can't seem to stop breaking the rules. Can Ryan get his head out of his ass and let Jayden in? Before it's too late?
“You want some more honesty, Ryan?”
“Not really.”
“You’re gettin’ it,” Frankie says, leveling a hard stare at him. “That boy of yours got any sense, he’d keep the fuck away. You’re not worth it.”
“Um…” says Ryan, feeling like he’s been punched in the gut.
Frankie leans over the bar, brings his face closer to Ryan’s, dips his voice low. “Because you don’t think you’re worth it. And until you sort your own shit out, you got no place draggin’ anyone else down with you.”
Overall, the story had potential. It was nice, short, straight forward, not all deep but was predictable. I didn't love the side characters, nor did I love the main characters. I get Ryan and understands why he is the way he is, but he was with too many while Jayden was in the picture, but I did like him. I felt for Jayden, and liked him the most. There's wasn't necessary insta-love, , it still somewhat felt like it. I couldn't really see their relationship, but they were cute. The book should've been longer though. I felt like the end was a bit too rushed and I wanted more closure from the couple.
“I don’t know anything about heartbreak, but I think that was something close, and I know the heart only breaks when you’ve given it to someone else. When you’ve trusted someone to care for it, keep it safe. When you’re in love.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Jayden Cobain.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5/3 stars.
November 18, 2013
Engaging plot +
Steaminess +
Angstiness +
Sexiness +
Angstiness +
Lovable MCs +
Short (too short, dammit) =
Delicious!
Steaminess +
Angstiness +
Sexiness +
Angstiness +
Lovable MCs +
Short (too short, dammit) =
Delicious!
Want to read
September 4, 2015Kindle freebie under new pen name (Lola Carson) today, 9/4/15!
October 17, 2010
This book deserves a better review than I have time to give it just now: the short version is, this is an excellent story. Hot sex, intensely real characters, both funny and touching. If you like meaty, honest stories with real plot but have a hard time with angst turning your story sour, you want this story. Real conflict, real men, real love. Real storytelling skill.
(If you love angst, you will still love this story. Some of us are just picky bitches, and this one is for us especially.)
Sorry, this is a crap review. It's a good book. Stop reading my review and go read this book instead. I promise you won't be sorry.
Especially if you like my stuff. If you like my stuff STOP READING THIS NOW AND GO BUY IT ALREADY.
Merged review:
Read this at the recommendation of Sarah Frantz; not disappointed. Turner is a skilled wordsmith, using POV and even tense carefully (and deliberately) to create mood. Unusual and intense characters, and not your usual plot. Very much enjoyed.
(If you love angst, you will still love this story. Some of us are just picky bitches, and this one is for us especially.)
Sorry, this is a crap review. It's a good book. Stop reading my review and go read this book instead. I promise you won't be sorry.
Especially if you like my stuff. If you like my stuff STOP READING THIS NOW AND GO BUY IT ALREADY.
Merged review:
Read this at the recommendation of Sarah Frantz; not disappointed. Turner is a skilled wordsmith, using POV and even tense carefully (and deliberately) to create mood. Unusual and intense characters, and not your usual plot. Very much enjoyed.
January 10, 2014
01.10.14
2ND TIME AROUND AND IT WAS EVEN BETTER THAN THE 1ST...GOOD GOD THIS BOOK COULD BE MY UNDOING!
This review was posted:
www.facebook.com/slitsread
5 THOSE.KISSES.MELTED.ME.AND.SHATTERED.ME.AND.THEN.PUT.ME.BACK.2GETHER.STARS
WOW WHAT A FREAKING AWESOME RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW
THIS STORY WAS AHMAZING!!! AHMAZING!!! DO YOU HEAR THAT???? AHMAZING!!!!!!
1.ANGST
2.ANGST
3.KISSES
4.THE BLOW YOUR MIND, DONT READ THIS AT WORK SEX SCENES
5.KISSES
6.ANGST
7.THE BLOW YOUR MIND, DONT READ THIS WHILE FOOD IS ON THE STOVE SEX SCENES
8. KISSES
9.HEART SHATTERING, IN A MILLION SHARDS
10. EPIC END, EPIC KISS, EPIC SEX SCENE, EPIC END
I HAVE DETERMINED THAT I AM A SERIOUS KISS SLUT.... I FALL IN LOVE WITH KISSES, I NEED KISSES LIKE I NEED AIR, I BREATHE THEM IN AND THEY MAKE MY HEART MELT, THEY MAKE ME WANNA TURN TO THE PERSON NEXT TO ME (KINDA SCARY WHEN I READ AT WORK) AND HUG THEM, REALLY TIGHT, AND FOR REALLY LONG CAUSE HONESTLY, FUCKITY FUCK, THOSE KISSES FEEL SO RIGHT!!!!!!!!! SO FREAKING RIGHT!!!!!
Exhibit A: The kisses
"The kiss isn't hesitant but it's careful. Jayden takes Ryan's jaw in his enormous hand and tilts his face up, then takes Ryan's bottom lip between his own and kisses him like he's the most delicate thing he's ever had in his hands. And when their lips part and their tongues meet, it's so gentle it hurts, so soft it's terrifying..."
"The kiss is big, epic; it could've gone on for hours. They do slow and exploratory, quick amd sloppy; they do I'm-as-turned-on-as-a-fuck God and I'm-so-comfortable-and-relaxed-I-could-stay-here-forever. They delve deep with their tongues, nip short and sweet at lips. give patterns to chaste little pecks, and spend long minutes on open mouthed hunger."
EXHIBIT B: ANGST
"When I saw you kissing James," he begins, wetting his lips,-"it felt like someone stabbed a white hot knife through my chest. I dont know anything about heartbreak, but I think that was something close, and I know the heart only breaks when you've given it to someone else. When you've trusted someone to care for it. keep it safe. When you're in love."
"I love you you," he whispers, the words almost lost on the breeze. "I fucking love you. Why don't you trust me?'
Exhibit C/D/E: THE SEX, the heart shattering displays and the EPIC end I will not SHARE! YOU JUST NEED TO READ THE BOOK!
The range of emotions that I went through is CRAY CRAY!!! I went through, LUST, LOVE, PERPETUAL STATE OF HORNYNESS, SADNESS, HAPPINESS, SADNESS, WTF, WHERE IS THE HEA, RAINBOWS AND HEA, HAPPINESS
Mare~Slitsread
2ND TIME AROUND AND IT WAS EVEN BETTER THAN THE 1ST...GOOD GOD THIS BOOK COULD BE MY UNDOING!
This review was posted:
www.facebook.com/slitsread
5 THOSE.KISSES.MELTED.ME.AND.SHATTERED.ME.AND.THEN.PUT.ME.BACK.2GETHER.STARS
WOW WHAT A FREAKING AWESOME RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW
THIS STORY WAS AHMAZING!!! AHMAZING!!! DO YOU HEAR THAT???? AHMAZING!!!!!!
1.ANGST
2.ANGST
3.KISSES
4.THE BLOW YOUR MIND, DONT READ THIS AT WORK SEX SCENES
5.KISSES
6.ANGST
7.THE BLOW YOUR MIND, DONT READ THIS WHILE FOOD IS ON THE STOVE SEX SCENES
8. KISSES
9.HEART SHATTERING, IN A MILLION SHARDS
10. EPIC END, EPIC KISS, EPIC SEX SCENE, EPIC END
I HAVE DETERMINED THAT I AM A SERIOUS KISS SLUT.... I FALL IN LOVE WITH KISSES, I NEED KISSES LIKE I NEED AIR, I BREATHE THEM IN AND THEY MAKE MY HEART MELT, THEY MAKE ME WANNA TURN TO THE PERSON NEXT TO ME (KINDA SCARY WHEN I READ AT WORK) AND HUG THEM, REALLY TIGHT, AND FOR REALLY LONG CAUSE HONESTLY, FUCKITY FUCK, THOSE KISSES FEEL SO RIGHT!!!!!!!!! SO FREAKING RIGHT!!!!!
Exhibit A: The kisses
"The kiss isn't hesitant but it's careful. Jayden takes Ryan's jaw in his enormous hand and tilts his face up, then takes Ryan's bottom lip between his own and kisses him like he's the most delicate thing he's ever had in his hands. And when their lips part and their tongues meet, it's so gentle it hurts, so soft it's terrifying..."
"The kiss is big, epic; it could've gone on for hours. They do slow and exploratory, quick amd sloppy; they do I'm-as-turned-on-as-a-fuck God and I'm-so-comfortable-and-relaxed-I-could-stay-here-forever. They delve deep with their tongues, nip short and sweet at lips. give patterns to chaste little pecks, and spend long minutes on open mouthed hunger."
EXHIBIT B: ANGST
"When I saw you kissing James," he begins, wetting his lips,-"it felt like someone stabbed a white hot knife through my chest. I dont know anything about heartbreak, but I think that was something close, and I know the heart only breaks when you've given it to someone else. When you've trusted someone to care for it. keep it safe. When you're in love."
"I love you you," he whispers, the words almost lost on the breeze. "I fucking love you. Why don't you trust me?'
Exhibit C/D/E: THE SEX, the heart shattering displays and the EPIC end I will not SHARE! YOU JUST NEED TO READ THE BOOK!
The range of emotions that I went through is CRAY CRAY!!! I went through, LUST, LOVE, PERPETUAL STATE OF HORNYNESS, SADNESS, HAPPINESS, SADNESS, WTF, WHERE IS THE HEA, RAINBOWS AND HEA, HAPPINESS
Mare~Slitsread
July 27, 2016
This book is so funny!!! It gave me good vibes, that's for sure.
Ryan has a thing for one-night-only relationships, that's his rule, no faces, no names.
But suddenly Jayden appears, and he has a face and a name and oh-my-god-chemistry-chemistry-chemistry! He does not like that, not at all, so he tries to avoid him. But Jayden is as big-headed as him, so he chases Ryan everywhere, and even manages to put Ryan's friends against him.
Sex scenes hot-hot-hot. Dialogues funny-funny-funny. Ryan slap-slap-slap (and laugh). Jayden smile-smile-smile (and kiss). Olivia hug-hug-hug. Frankie love-love-love. Even James was worth it!
Ryan breaks his rule and gives in to Jayden more than once but in some moment Jayden tires and Ryan is aware that it's not right, so he decides to chase Jayden in return.
How will he get Jayden back?
Not a book full of angst, but cute nonetheless.
Ryan has a thing for one-night-only relationships, that's his rule, no faces, no names.
But suddenly Jayden appears, and he has a face and a name and oh-my-god-chemistry-chemistry-chemistry! He does not like that, not at all, so he tries to avoid him. But Jayden is as big-headed as him, so he chases Ryan everywhere, and even manages to put Ryan's friends against him.
"You barely know the guy! Why d'you wanna be his friend?"
She grins.
"Because I want to be a bridesmaid at your beautiful wedding! Can't you imagine it? You're gonna have such gorgeous children. No," she gaps, caught in some kind of insane rupture. "Dogs. Two of 'em. I can sense it."
Sex scenes hot-hot-hot. Dialogues funny-funny-funny. Ryan slap-slap-slap (and laugh). Jayden smile-smile-smile (and kiss). Olivia hug-hug-hug. Frankie love-love-love. Even James was worth it!
Ryan breaks his rule and gives in to Jayden more than once but in some moment Jayden tires and Ryan is aware that it's not right, so he decides to chase Jayden in return.
How will he get Jayden back?
Not a book full of angst, but cute nonetheless.
January 19, 2011
4.5 stars
OH GOD ... I read this book with my heart squeezed ALL THE WAY THROUGH from the beginning to the end!! First of all, I don't even notice that the book is using present tense, until I read several reviews here. Maybe because my native language doesn't recognize present tense, so I never have problem reading present tense.
Okay, that acts as warning ... now move on to the story. I think the story is VERY compelling. It has the right dose of angst, chemistry, an intense push and pull, AND some sort of "mystery". The mystery comes from "what makes Ryan so determine to keep people at arm' length" and "refuse to be in a relationship". His friend, Olivia, kept throwing words like "You shouldn't let the past make you afraid", etc and I wondered what Ryan past is ... and I wanted it so bad for Ryan to tell Jayden (and me as a reader) about what happened in his past.
Ryan is a character I can definitely "mirror" with. His trying to keep himself in "Ryan's Island" and not letting anyone in speaks to me in volume. I know because I don't easily let anyone in as well :). When Jayden came along and he disrupted Ryan's world, I couldn't help to get invested in the two of them. That was why I got pain in my heart and fuzzy feeling in my stomach as I read this because I wanted them to work.
The scene of reconciliation in the rain might be too "Four Weddings and a Funeral" ... or any other romantic movies that maximize rain to add the emotion, but hey, I love THOSE moments in the movies so I definitely love it in this book...
OH GOD ... I read this book with my heart squeezed ALL THE WAY THROUGH from the beginning to the end!! First of all, I don't even notice that the book is using present tense, until I read several reviews here. Maybe because my native language doesn't recognize present tense, so I never have problem reading present tense.
Okay, that acts as warning ... now move on to the story. I think the story is VERY compelling. It has the right dose of angst, chemistry, an intense push and pull, AND some sort of "mystery". The mystery comes from "what makes Ryan so determine to keep people at arm' length" and "refuse to be in a relationship". His friend, Olivia, kept throwing words like "You shouldn't let the past make you afraid", etc and I wondered what Ryan past is ... and I wanted it so bad for Ryan to tell Jayden (and me as a reader) about what happened in his past.
Ryan is a character I can definitely "mirror" with. His trying to keep himself in "Ryan's Island" and not letting anyone in speaks to me in volume. I know because I don't easily let anyone in as well :). When Jayden came along and he disrupted Ryan's world, I couldn't help to get invested in the two of them. That was why I got pain in my heart and fuzzy feeling in my stomach as I read this because I wanted them to work.
The scene of reconciliation in the rain might be too "Four Weddings and a Funeral" ... or any other romantic movies that maximize rain to add the emotion, but hey, I love THOSE moments in the movies so I definitely love it in this book...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2014
3.5--I Can't Decide if I Liked This Book or Not--Stars!!!
I had a hard time with the writing style and the POV that the book was written in.
And Ryan...
I really didn't like Ryan at all.
Ryan is relationship-phobic. As a result of events from his past....he keeps people at a distance, he doesn't let anyone in, he definitely doesn't do love.
While out on the prowl, Ryan meets Jayden and makes him his next conquest.
But Ryan has rules. No kissing, no spending the night, no getting personal and no coming back for seconds.
Jayden gets under his skin though. He's like a mosquito that won't go away. Jayden tried to break down Ryan's walls but for every brick taken down, Ryan builds two more back up until eventually Ryan pushes Jayden away completely.
And as the saying goes..."you don't realize what you've got until it's gone".
Ryan and Jayden were pretty toxic when it came to each other. Ryan in complete denial about his feelings for Jayden. And Jayden seeing someone else, yet still being in love with Ryan.
Back and forth these two went.
IDK, I just never connected to the story or the characters. It definitely had a high steam factor, no complaints there...but it couldn't save the story for me.
I had a hard time with the writing style and the POV that the book was written in.
And Ryan...
I really didn't like Ryan at all.
Ryan is relationship-phobic. As a result of events from his past....he keeps people at a distance, he doesn't let anyone in, he definitely doesn't do love.
While out on the prowl, Ryan meets Jayden and makes him his next conquest.
But Ryan has rules. No kissing, no spending the night, no getting personal and no coming back for seconds.
Jayden gets under his skin though. He's like a mosquito that won't go away. Jayden tried to break down Ryan's walls but for every brick taken down, Ryan builds two more back up until eventually Ryan pushes Jayden away completely.
And as the saying goes..."you don't realize what you've got until it's gone".
Ryan and Jayden were pretty toxic when it came to each other. Ryan in complete denial about his feelings for Jayden. And Jayden seeing someone else, yet still being in love with Ryan.
Back and forth these two went.
IDK, I just never connected to the story or the characters. It definitely had a high steam factor, no complaints there...but it couldn't save the story for me.
August 17, 2013
What a delightful little story! Thanks Ann for the rec. This was funny and heartfelt in turns. Definitely a keeper.
November 9, 2013
hmmmm...well I just started dating Travis Atwood this morning and I think I just broke up with him for Jayden. :)
This was a fun read about Ryan trying his hardest to resist Jayden, but he didn't really stand a chance. I thought Jayden was adorable and I loved the dialogue between him and Ryan. Definitely worth reading!
This was a fun read about Ryan trying his hardest to resist Jayden, but he didn't really stand a chance. I thought Jayden was adorable and I loved the dialogue between him and Ryan. Definitely worth reading!
March 30, 2024
Reread. God, I love this book! And Jayden Cobain is the best name ever!
June 15, 2015
Good lord. This. Was. Good.
So, this is told in third person and I can't stand third person. It makes the narrator sound like an arrogant prick, but guess what? This book was so fucking hot and so damned swoony and just goo inducing that once the boys got down to it, and not just the sex, I totally forgot about the how it was being told and fell for Ryan and Jayden.
I am all gooey and in love from this story. I love that the boys have the instant connection and acknowledge it, though Ryan is so knocked on his ass by it. I loved that Olivia is a mess but still a kick ass chick with a witty sense of humor, even if she can't see the blessing of the boy in front of her who calls everyone, "son". I loved Ryan, even when I wanted to smack him and tear dudes off his jock and shove him back at Jayden. Of course I loved Jayden and his dirty mouth and his way of forcing himself into boys beds who don't to repeats or emotions. GAH! This was so freaking good and romantic.
Another book I bought long ago but have waited far too long to read.
Someone needs to start throwing reminders at me.
September 4, 2015
This is free on Amazon today (9/4/15), under LM Turner's pseudonym Lola Carson: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0147WV58C?i...
My first book by L.M. Turner! I enjoyed it even though parts of it frustrated me. I found myself wanting to grab Ryan (several times) and shake some sense into him. I get that he has a past and he has abandonment issues. Dude, seriously, how many chances do you think Jayden's going to give you? And answering Jayden's call when you're having sex with someone else? Not cool man...
My first book by L.M. Turner! I enjoyed it even though parts of it frustrated me. I found myself wanting to grab Ryan (several times) and shake some sense into him. I get that he has a past and he has abandonment issues. Dude, seriously, how many chances do you think Jayden's going to give you? And answering Jayden's call when you're having sex with someone else? Not cool man...
September 11, 2010
3.5 stars. Really good m/m romance about a bouncer who never hooks up with the same guy twice as part of not feeling and not getting close... until he does hook up with the same guy more than once, which scares him and sends him running. This had me sniffling more than once and I would've rated it higher, but... it's (slightly inconsistently) in third person present, which kept pulling me out of the story.
March 30, 2015
Argh!! Ryan, you almost had me tearing my hair out, you numpty!! Loved Jayden to bits, especially those texts, and the secondary characters were good too. 4.5 stars and I'm now reading
by Lola Carson aka L.M. Turner.
September 18, 2015
Felt high-schooly, didn't get why the sudden change to wanting a replay/possible relationship or why we're supposed to believe the HEA vibe.
Didn't connect to the characters at all.
Didn't connect to the characters at all.
September 19, 2025
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
Very very very fanfiction vibes. We get no indication of where the story is set, save that Jayden moved here (who knows where??? 🤔) from New York. The bar Ryan and his friends work at has no name. We are literally thrown into their lives without any context or depth to their characters' backgrounds or their ages or just anything.
It didn't dawn on me at the the start, but when there was one rather unsavory hook-up, followed by this rushed feeling to Ryan's backstory and the way Olivia was being treated and the random swiftness in which Jayden was even processing Ryan's reluctance to commit, it started to sink in how very little description was being offered about anything, save for their relationship. 🤨
“Ryan‘s breathless. 'What are you doing?'
'It‘s called sweeping you off your feet.'
Ryan‘s stomach jolts. 'It‘s not working.'
'Liar,' says Jayden and kisses him again.”
And yet, their chemistry - the tension was so very intense and wanting! The sex - smokingly hawt.❤️🔥❤️🔥 From sexy to sweet, from dirty to swoony, the way it was written had me weak. The teasing, the flirting, the banter that just rolled off their tongues effortlessly so, the kisses, the one at the bar!!! 'He‘s smiling, a warm, secret smile, something quiet and personal, something Ryan‘s got no choice but to return.' It was hawt, I kid you not. 🪭 🔥 🪭
Ryan was so reluctant to face the fire that Jayden lit up in him that it made their connection so much fiercer and explosive every time they pushed their way into each other's hearts, how he made Ryan feel something he refused to admit. 🥺 Jayden was so smooth, yet effortlessly cool and caring in how he made Ryan feel loved during their moments of intimacy - that caring touch he was so determined to ignore - terrorized by how it warmed him to his core. 🩵
“You‘re like no one I‘ve ever met, he says, because he‘s at least sure of that.”
Jayden's attempts for him to believe that they shared something meaningful and real were truly sweet and earnestly cute - resiliently hopeful to the point that you couldn't help but root for him and hope Ryan would lose his blinded visors and allow the feelings, the confusion, the way his heart‘s starting to contract whenever he thinks of what he could’ve had but threw away and manifest it into something to act upon it. 🥹🥹 My heart hurt when Jayden finally conceded defeat, amidst a painfully uncomfortable phone call that would have broken anyone's spirits.
I was frustrated and annoyed with how Ryan was so quick to judge, let alone his Resistance to breaking his rule of I don‘t do repeats, let alone start a relationship from a hook-up. 😕 When we found out why, I understood slightly, but I wished he could have been more upfront with him before all the mistakes of missed chances and miscommunications and miscalculated choices occurred.
“But there‘s something a hell of a lot like it out there, and it‘s called finding something worth taking a risk on. Finding it and feeling it and holding the fuck on to it.”
I also wasn't much of a fan of the side stories with Ryan's friends. 🙅🏻♀️ I didn't quite see the purpose of Olivia getting so much attention, but I guess it was just a way of showing how we have to learn to let go of our own preconceptions to see the good in those who are willing to be with you - no questions asked. She and Ryan had that tough love friendship that definitely put them in some uncompromising situations and some cut-throat dialogue, which I could have lived without. But maybe when you're each other's ride or die, certain allowances are permissible. 🤷🏻♀️
I wouldn't have minded Jayden's pov, too. Ryan wasn't always a likeable guy to be around, considering the mistakes he made - kinda self-absorbed and deliberately self-sabotaging to a certain extent. 😮💨 But, when Jayden made him confront his fears, walk and talk him through it to see how good it would be for them to be together and admit that what they shared was worth saving, it somehow made it all worth it. The final wake-up call he needed to finally settle down his life and heart with the one person that made him happier and satisfied than any random hook-up could have ever made him. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“I don���t know anything about heartbreak, but I think that was something close, and I know the heart only breaks when you‘ve given it to someone else. When you‘ve trusted someone to care for it, keep it safe. When you‘re in love.”
Very very very fanfiction vibes. We get no indication of where the story is set, save that Jayden moved here (who knows where??? 🤔) from New York. The bar Ryan and his friends work at has no name. We are literally thrown into their lives without any context or depth to their characters' backgrounds or their ages or just anything.
It didn't dawn on me at the the start, but when there was one rather unsavory hook-up, followed by this rushed feeling to Ryan's backstory and the way Olivia was being treated and the random swiftness in which Jayden was even processing Ryan's reluctance to commit, it started to sink in how very little description was being offered about anything, save for their relationship. 🤨
“Ryan‘s breathless. 'What are you doing?'
'It‘s called sweeping you off your feet.'
Ryan‘s stomach jolts. 'It‘s not working.'
'Liar,' says Jayden and kisses him again.”
And yet, their chemistry - the tension was so very intense and wanting! The sex - smokingly hawt.❤️🔥❤️🔥 From sexy to sweet, from dirty to swoony, the way it was written had me weak. The teasing, the flirting, the banter that just rolled off their tongues effortlessly so, the kisses, the one at the bar!!! 'He‘s smiling, a warm, secret smile, something quiet and personal, something Ryan‘s got no choice but to return.' It was hawt, I kid you not. 🪭 🔥 🪭
Ryan was so reluctant to face the fire that Jayden lit up in him that it made their connection so much fiercer and explosive every time they pushed their way into each other's hearts, how he made Ryan feel something he refused to admit. 🥺 Jayden was so smooth, yet effortlessly cool and caring in how he made Ryan feel loved during their moments of intimacy - that caring touch he was so determined to ignore - terrorized by how it warmed him to his core. 🩵
“You‘re like no one I‘ve ever met, he says, because he‘s at least sure of that.”
Jayden's attempts for him to believe that they shared something meaningful and real were truly sweet and earnestly cute - resiliently hopeful to the point that you couldn't help but root for him and hope Ryan would lose his blinded visors and allow the feelings, the confusion, the way his heart‘s starting to contract whenever he thinks of what he could’ve had but threw away and manifest it into something to act upon it. 🥹🥹 My heart hurt when Jayden finally conceded defeat, amidst a painfully uncomfortable phone call that would have broken anyone's spirits.
I was frustrated and annoyed with how Ryan was so quick to judge, let alone his Resistance to breaking his rule of I don‘t do repeats, let alone start a relationship from a hook-up. 😕 When we found out why, I understood slightly, but I wished he could have been more upfront with him before all the mistakes of missed chances and miscommunications and miscalculated choices occurred.
“But there‘s something a hell of a lot like it out there, and it‘s called finding something worth taking a risk on. Finding it and feeling it and holding the fuck on to it.”
I also wasn't much of a fan of the side stories with Ryan's friends. 🙅🏻♀️ I didn't quite see the purpose of Olivia getting so much attention, but I guess it was just a way of showing how we have to learn to let go of our own preconceptions to see the good in those who are willing to be with you - no questions asked. She and Ryan had that tough love friendship that definitely put them in some uncompromising situations and some cut-throat dialogue, which I could have lived without. But maybe when you're each other's ride or die, certain allowances are permissible. 🤷🏻♀️
I wouldn't have minded Jayden's pov, too. Ryan wasn't always a likeable guy to be around, considering the mistakes he made - kinda self-absorbed and deliberately self-sabotaging to a certain extent. 😮💨 But, when Jayden made him confront his fears, walk and talk him through it to see how good it would be for them to be together and admit that what they shared was worth saving, it somehow made it all worth it. The final wake-up call he needed to finally settle down his life and heart with the one person that made him happier and satisfied than any random hook-up could have ever made him. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
September 16, 2010
Resistance is an angst filled emotional ride but worthwhile and fun to read. The story is third person present tense, which is not always a popular choice. The writing is good enough and the characters interesting enough to overcome this for me and the flow eventually settles into a nice pace that keeps the action moving along. There is a lot of navel grazing, woe is me internal whining but this is always offset by characters that are level headed, intelligent, and sympathetic. Overall an engrossing and entertaining read if you don’t mind the present tense choice.
The story revolves around phobic Ryan. Due to his past, he’s terrified of falling in love and relationships so he keeps to a series of one night stands. When he meets Jayden, they have an explosive night of sex which leaves Ryan strangely wanting more. Jayden is not giving up on Ryan that easily and his subtle campaign throws Ryan into a tailspin. Ryan may want more but he’s too scared and keeps running away. There’s only so much Jayden will put up with so Ryan’s friends are determined to get Ryan over his commitment issues.
Although present tense is not a favorite of mine, after the initial awkwardness, the story really picks up and I didn’t notice. The writing is pretty solid with good descriptions and interesting characters. The main character of Ryan is the one with the most issues and spends considerable time whining in his own mind. He’s completely commitment phobic and struggles with a push and pull reaction to Jayden. He’s extremely attracted to Jayden but he’s afraid of what that means and refuses to take a chance. He can be frustrating for readers as he has a truck full of issues that constantly crop up. He clings to his friends in rather dysfunctional ways and rarely takes responsibility for his actions.
Yet the flip side to this is that the cadre of friends and Jayden himself all present a good counterpoint. Ryan’s best friends – Freddie and Olivia – are sympathetic and caring to Ryan but not afraid to call him on his antics. This is a nice addition since they often reflect what I was thinking of Ryan’s actions. The fact that others saw his behavior and tried to help in both shocking and caring ways helps alleviate the frustration I got while watching Ryan sabotage himself over and over. Jayden is a nicely well rounded character who is willing to fight for Ryan but he has his own breaking points. He takes some of Ryan’s behavior but draws a line and doesn’t forgive so easily. Jayden wants a partner and he’s willing to deal with some of Ryan’s issues but wants Ryan to grow up as well. The mixture feels honest and keeps a good balance to Ryan’s angst and internal musing.
Since the initial attraction between the two men is hot sex, there is a high erotic factor included. That’s not bad though as the sex scenes are steamy, enticing, and fun to read. They’re evocative of course but always seem to add another element to the story or characters. Sex is a big motivator for Ryan so the fact that he’s so into Jayden is initially through sex and eventually through emotion. This also is a good choice because it breaks up Ryan’s roller coaster of emotions. Ryan goes through a wide range of emotions from fear, anger, and bitterness to caring, hopeful, loving. He really changes and grows over the course of the story so this makes the angst and self indulgent behavior worthwhile.
For a short novel, Resistance packs a lot into it and ultimately delivers a very enjoyable read. The quick banter and Jayden’s wit especially makes for fun dialogue. All of the characters from the secondary female friends to Jayden and Ryan are an entertaining cast, which makes the story very engrossing. You’ll pick this up and not put it down until you’re done.
The story revolves around phobic Ryan. Due to his past, he’s terrified of falling in love and relationships so he keeps to a series of one night stands. When he meets Jayden, they have an explosive night of sex which leaves Ryan strangely wanting more. Jayden is not giving up on Ryan that easily and his subtle campaign throws Ryan into a tailspin. Ryan may want more but he’s too scared and keeps running away. There’s only so much Jayden will put up with so Ryan’s friends are determined to get Ryan over his commitment issues.
Although present tense is not a favorite of mine, after the initial awkwardness, the story really picks up and I didn’t notice. The writing is pretty solid with good descriptions and interesting characters. The main character of Ryan is the one with the most issues and spends considerable time whining in his own mind. He’s completely commitment phobic and struggles with a push and pull reaction to Jayden. He’s extremely attracted to Jayden but he’s afraid of what that means and refuses to take a chance. He can be frustrating for readers as he has a truck full of issues that constantly crop up. He clings to his friends in rather dysfunctional ways and rarely takes responsibility for his actions.
Yet the flip side to this is that the cadre of friends and Jayden himself all present a good counterpoint. Ryan’s best friends – Freddie and Olivia – are sympathetic and caring to Ryan but not afraid to call him on his antics. This is a nice addition since they often reflect what I was thinking of Ryan’s actions. The fact that others saw his behavior and tried to help in both shocking and caring ways helps alleviate the frustration I got while watching Ryan sabotage himself over and over. Jayden is a nicely well rounded character who is willing to fight for Ryan but he has his own breaking points. He takes some of Ryan’s behavior but draws a line and doesn’t forgive so easily. Jayden wants a partner and he’s willing to deal with some of Ryan’s issues but wants Ryan to grow up as well. The mixture feels honest and keeps a good balance to Ryan’s angst and internal musing.
Since the initial attraction between the two men is hot sex, there is a high erotic factor included. That’s not bad though as the sex scenes are steamy, enticing, and fun to read. They’re evocative of course but always seem to add another element to the story or characters. Sex is a big motivator for Ryan so the fact that he’s so into Jayden is initially through sex and eventually through emotion. This also is a good choice because it breaks up Ryan’s roller coaster of emotions. Ryan goes through a wide range of emotions from fear, anger, and bitterness to caring, hopeful, loving. He really changes and grows over the course of the story so this makes the angst and self indulgent behavior worthwhile.
For a short novel, Resistance packs a lot into it and ultimately delivers a very enjoyable read. The quick banter and Jayden’s wit especially makes for fun dialogue. All of the characters from the secondary female friends to Jayden and Ryan are an entertaining cast, which makes the story very engrossing. You’ll pick this up and not put it down until you’re done.
April 24, 2012
This book ended up being soooo gooood. I was contemplating buying it, then sat on it for a while after buying it. I finally plunged into it and whooo hooooo holy crap sweet hot nibblets.
The thought of a super slutty character totally turned me off at first but I ended up loving Ryan. The book is filled with a crap load of angst, drama and some scorching hot sex scenes. Like rip our clothes off, button popping, biting, hallway wall slamming sex scenes. I would recommend the book just for the sex!
The main characters, Ryan and Jayden were well written. Ryan has some major issues including being selfish, a total slut, a bit of an exhibitionist. He's character you'd love to hate but was it just isn't possible. And Sweet sweet Jayden. Jayden is constantly keeping Ryan on his toes and it's just perfect *sigh* And the secondary characters are likeable!!
This book probably won't be a five star for everyone. Although there is not 'real' cheating BETWEEN the main characters since they were just having flings, but Also, Ryan seems to be a bit of an exhibitionist. There is a scene or two I was 'eh' about, like .
Very hot sex scenes, well written main characters who had a bit of humour and a sweet ending. I coudn't ask for more.
The thought of a super slutty character totally turned me off at first but I ended up loving Ryan. The book is filled with a crap load of angst, drama and some scorching hot sex scenes. Like rip our clothes off, button popping, biting, hallway wall slamming sex scenes. I would recommend the book just for the sex!
The main characters, Ryan and Jayden were well written. Ryan has some major issues including being selfish, a total slut, a bit of an exhibitionist. He's character you'd love to hate but was it just isn't possible. And Sweet sweet Jayden. Jayden is constantly keeping Ryan on his toes and it's just perfect *sigh* And the secondary characters are likeable!!
This book probably won't be a five star for everyone. Although there is not 'real' cheating BETWEEN the main characters since they were just having flings, but Also, Ryan seems to be a bit of an exhibitionist. There is a scene or two I was 'eh' about, like .
Very hot sex scenes, well written main characters who had a bit of humour and a sweet ending. I coudn't ask for more.
March 2, 2011
This is actually an amazing book. Right from the start you really don't know who you're infatuated with more, Jayden or Ryan. While Ryan is unapproachable and kind of an ass, you still feel for him and want to experience his change, and Jayden has such a bright and open personality it's very difficult not to want to know more about him.
Their whole relationship as we get to know it, is basically a game. When one is willing the other is not, but all of it is so charged with emotion (though sometimes not recognized)you're basically sitting at the edge of your bed/couch/chair and waiting to see what happens next.
All of it worked for me, and more, but at one point, near the end, it got a bit too much. It's what made me lose one star and not call the book brilliant. The epilogue is pretty wicked though, and it's very hard not to love Olivia.
Their whole relationship as we get to know it, is basically a game. When one is willing the other is not, but all of it is so charged with emotion (though sometimes not recognized)you're basically sitting at the edge of your bed/couch/chair and waiting to see what happens next.
All of it worked for me, and more, but at one point, near the end, it got a bit too much. It's what made me lose one star and not call the book brilliant. The epilogue is pretty wicked though, and it's very hard not to love Olivia.
March 7, 2015
******************************4.5*************************
Loved,,, if anyone is like me and had this on tbr list for over a year do yourself a favor a bring it up to next. I don't know why I waited so long.
Loved,,, if anyone is like me and had this on tbr list for over a year do yourself a favor a bring it up to next. I don't know why I waited so long.
January 6, 2014
SO what we have here is a slightly edgier rated RR Lifetime Mens Network movie in the making. It reminds me of one of those short LTime 2-hour movies into some other mofo's dramatic life you somehow found yourself watching on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
November 3, 2013
read kindle sample. If this author didn't start out writing J2, I will eat my hat. I don't know if I have a hat. My theoretical hat is safe anyway, because this author *totally* started out writing J2.
... Okay, read full e-book.Jensen Ryan doesn't do relationships, only hook-ups. Somehow Jared Jayden gets past all his reservations and rules. It doesn't hurt that all of Ryan's friends are rooting for him, including Daneel Olivia, Chris Kane Eddie, and Mischa I-forget-his-story-name.
This has more of an emotional arc than The Subtle Build of Perfection, but the length makes the lack of description (both of background and of characters) even more distracting. Jayden and Ryan have some American -- or, frankly, Texan -- speech tics, like "Imma" for "I'm gonna," but in a lot of other places their sentence structure is English (British-English, I mean). But the worst thing for me is that Turner often oversteps the line between "friendly ribbing" and "insulting your friends". A lot of the "snappy" dialogue was just too abrasive for me. I'm also seldom fond of friends-as-yentas and this had a lot of them.
Summary: You can get better J2 for free, and that so many original m/m readers were blown away by this doesn't make me eager to continue looking at the genre.
... Okay, read full e-book.
This has more of an emotional arc than The Subtle Build of Perfection, but the length makes the lack of description (both of background and of characters) even more distracting. Jayden and Ryan have some American -- or, frankly, Texan -- speech tics, like "Imma" for "I'm gonna," but in a lot of other places their sentence structure is English (British-English, I mean). But the worst thing for me is that Turner often oversteps the line between "friendly ribbing" and "insulting your friends". A lot of the "snappy" dialogue was just too abrasive for me. I'm also seldom fond of friends-as-yentas and this had a lot of them.
Summary: You can get better J2 for free, and that so many original m/m readers were blown away by this doesn't make me eager to continue looking at the genre.
July 15, 2021
I'm so going to read this book again someday! I freaking loved everything about it! Humour, angst, likeable characters - both the main and the secondary ones, interesting and captivating plot. Oh, and let's not forget the scorchingly hot sex! Yummy! And when you add to this the wonderfully sappy epilogue, it was impossible for me not to be swept off my feet! I loved, LOVED this book!!
Do I recommend it? Hell, yeah!!
5 stars, no less!
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Re-read on September 6th, 2017 : 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Do I recommend it? Hell, yeah!!
5 stars, no less!
----------------------------------------------
Re-read on September 6th, 2017 : 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
May 31, 2017
4.5 Stars
How has it taken me years to find this book? I blame all of you guys for not pointing me toward it, just so you know.
Funny, sexy, engaging...I read it straight through. And considering I am really not fond of the MC who refuses love trope, I can't believe how much I adored Ryan. Also, objectively, Jayden is kinda stalkery, but I don't even care because that's what it took to get Ryan to give him a chance. Augh, I want more books like this...
How has it taken me years to find this book? I blame all of you guys for not pointing me toward it, just so you know.
Funny, sexy, engaging...I read it straight through. And considering I am really not fond of the MC who refuses love trope, I can't believe how much I adored Ryan. Also, objectively, Jayden is kinda stalkery, but I don't even care because that's what it took to get Ryan to give him a chance. Augh, I want more books like this...
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