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Sagittarius Blues
**OUT OF PRINT**
With a birthday near Christmas, Ryan Foster’s learned to compromise. He loves a straight friend who won’t reciprocate his feelings, and holds a boring job to afford college. At the end of the week, he vents his frustrations through his webcast, "Alone Time with Ryan.” He’s careful not to name names -- particularly since each webisode ends with a mock masturbation session.
Greg Beaumont seeks a fresh start in a new home, but wasn't counting on the holidays being lonely. When gorgeous, young Ryan shows up on Greg’s doorstep, it's a warm ray of light on a cold winter’s day. Greg's attracted, and tempted, but as youth director at the local recreation center, he must conduct his private life carefully. Seducing a college student seven years his junior isn’t the wisest choice, no matter how hot Greg's fantasies are growing by the day -- or night.
When Ryan's ode to December birthdays goes viral, his show becomes an overnight sensation, but with exposure comes consequence, and Ryan’s Sagittarian wits won’t get him out of this one. When he turns to Greg in a moment of need, both men must face the consequence of their passion, making for one steamy winter.
With a birthday near Christmas, Ryan Foster’s learned to compromise. He loves a straight friend who won’t reciprocate his feelings, and holds a boring job to afford college. At the end of the week, he vents his frustrations through his webcast, "Alone Time with Ryan.” He’s careful not to name names -- particularly since each webisode ends with a mock masturbation session.
Greg Beaumont seeks a fresh start in a new home, but wasn't counting on the holidays being lonely. When gorgeous, young Ryan shows up on Greg’s doorstep, it's a warm ray of light on a cold winter’s day. Greg's attracted, and tempted, but as youth director at the local recreation center, he must conduct his private life carefully. Seducing a college student seven years his junior isn’t the wisest choice, no matter how hot Greg's fantasies are growing by the day -- or night.
When Ryan's ode to December birthdays goes viral, his show becomes an overnight sensation, but with exposure comes consequence, and Ryan’s Sagittarian wits won’t get him out of this one. When he turns to Greg in a moment of need, both men must face the consequence of their passion, making for one steamy winter.
114 pages, ebook
First published December 14, 2010
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 22, 2010
Sagittarius Blues is an ok romance that attempts to show a young man finding himself and moving beyond his first crush. The characters are decent but they never truly feel real. I had a lot of problems with the main couple in that they never felt like they should be together. The age difference comes across as quite a bit and the two men never feel equal. The story seems to lecture at places and tries to show growth through consequences but just didn’t really appeal to me unfortunately. The writing is very good in several places and shows why Strauss is such a popular author. I like her writing quite a bit though the stories are sometimes hit or miss for me. This one isn’t either but falls solidly in the middle.
The story starts with our hero, Ryan, struggling with pushing shopping carts through the slush on a chilly December day. Set against the backdrop of the holiday season, Ryan is trying to stay upbeat even though the gifting season is a stretch financially for him and his mom. Compounding the problem is Ryan’s lingering crush on his best friend, Chad. Chad is a friend only but Ryan wants more and can’t quite let go of his feelings. Ryan lets all his frustration and angst about his life out in webcam shows from his mom’s basement. A chance meeting with teen counselor Greg shows Ryan that he may be able to have a new life, but change isn’t easy.
On the one hand this story is a nice romance between older Greg and younger Ryan as they fit together in stops and starts. It shows Ryan growing from his first crush on Chad to being able to appreciate his friendship with Chad and Chad’s relationship with Brooke. Ryan definitely matures over the course of the story and it’s a hard won maturity with problems I think a lot of people can relate to; especially those that have had the so called anonymity of the internet come back to bite them. Ryan is perhaps the best character of the group as he displays genuine emotion and real strength in dealing with his problems. He’s not perfect and that makes him all that much more appealing.
The biggest problem I had is with Greg. He’s a good character as a lonely guy in his late 20’s, a counselor that’s looking to find someone to settle down with. He falls for Ryan’s looks and charm first then worries about Ryan’s immaturity and what that might mean. Unfortunately the dynamic between the two feels off, especially with Greg’s job. Greg comes across as a mentor to Ryan, often gently (and not so gently) lecturing Ryan. This heightens their age difference and I keep seeing Greg as a father figure, which keeps the two from being equal in their relationship. Greg’s comments about Ryan’s reactions, his immaturity and really Greg’s own quickly defensive actions makes him a very off putting and unsympathetic character for me. Greg often feels judgmental and though Ryan is the one asking for forgiveness I feel it should be the other way around.
Ultimately the two just didn’t work as a couple for me, which kills the main plot of the story then. On the plus side Ryan’s friends Chad and Brooke are wonderful and I thought Chad’s reactions to Ryan’s feelings are very thoughtful and respectful. Chad acknowledges their initial fooling around and doesn’t diminish Ryan’s feelings or mock them, instead simply makes it clear that Chad can’t offer a romantic relationship but cares a lot for Ryan. I really quite liked the handling of this and highlights Strauss’ great touch with complex, interesting characters that can have tension without destroying their connection.
I think fans will enjoy this a lot if they can connect and care about the main couple. The supporting cast and problems brought up are all well handled with sensitivity and genuine emotion. The holiday feel is a perfect setting for this time of year and the internet complications are ones that many readers will sympathize with. If you’re a fan of the author, take a chance and see if you like this. It could just be me.
The story starts with our hero, Ryan, struggling with pushing shopping carts through the slush on a chilly December day. Set against the backdrop of the holiday season, Ryan is trying to stay upbeat even though the gifting season is a stretch financially for him and his mom. Compounding the problem is Ryan’s lingering crush on his best friend, Chad. Chad is a friend only but Ryan wants more and can’t quite let go of his feelings. Ryan lets all his frustration and angst about his life out in webcam shows from his mom’s basement. A chance meeting with teen counselor Greg shows Ryan that he may be able to have a new life, but change isn’t easy.
On the one hand this story is a nice romance between older Greg and younger Ryan as they fit together in stops and starts. It shows Ryan growing from his first crush on Chad to being able to appreciate his friendship with Chad and Chad’s relationship with Brooke. Ryan definitely matures over the course of the story and it’s a hard won maturity with problems I think a lot of people can relate to; especially those that have had the so called anonymity of the internet come back to bite them. Ryan is perhaps the best character of the group as he displays genuine emotion and real strength in dealing with his problems. He’s not perfect and that makes him all that much more appealing.
The biggest problem I had is with Greg. He’s a good character as a lonely guy in his late 20’s, a counselor that’s looking to find someone to settle down with. He falls for Ryan’s looks and charm first then worries about Ryan’s immaturity and what that might mean. Unfortunately the dynamic between the two feels off, especially with Greg’s job. Greg comes across as a mentor to Ryan, often gently (and not so gently) lecturing Ryan. This heightens their age difference and I keep seeing Greg as a father figure, which keeps the two from being equal in their relationship. Greg’s comments about Ryan’s reactions, his immaturity and really Greg’s own quickly defensive actions makes him a very off putting and unsympathetic character for me. Greg often feels judgmental and though Ryan is the one asking for forgiveness I feel it should be the other way around.
Ultimately the two just didn’t work as a couple for me, which kills the main plot of the story then. On the plus side Ryan’s friends Chad and Brooke are wonderful and I thought Chad’s reactions to Ryan’s feelings are very thoughtful and respectful. Chad acknowledges their initial fooling around and doesn’t diminish Ryan’s feelings or mock them, instead simply makes it clear that Chad can’t offer a romantic relationship but cares a lot for Ryan. I really quite liked the handling of this and highlights Strauss’ great touch with complex, interesting characters that can have tension without destroying their connection.
I think fans will enjoy this a lot if they can connect and care about the main couple. The supporting cast and problems brought up are all well handled with sensitivity and genuine emotion. The holiday feel is a perfect setting for this time of year and the internet complications are ones that many readers will sympathize with. If you’re a fan of the author, take a chance and see if you like this. It could just be me.
December 12, 2012
A Hearts On Fire Review
*sigh*
This story was difficult for me to rate. It had some good parts, okay parts and boring parts. This is my first time reading Ms. Strauss who has good ideas in this one and I would try something else by her in the future. The immediate future? No.
This story is about a 20 year old man/boy, Ryan who is a Sagittarius and has the blues. He's in love/lust with his best friend, Chad who used him to rub one out a few times but is not gay. (Chad's a jerk, IMO) Chad's so not gay, he's still college and proposed to his 19 year old girlfriend, so take that!
Ryan takes out his life woes, his job, his frustrations and his Sagittarius depression on his webcam.(apparently, it's a struggle for being a "late" baby aka being born in December - sorry can't relate so I'll leave other Sags and Capricorns to lament) The author spent a little too much time on explaining how Sagittarius' view the world. It became too much and distracted from the main point of the story...a romance.
Ryan falls for a customer from his job. Who's super ancient at 28 years old? Holy #$%! I was 28 this year and I wasn't grandfather time, but apparently that is not the case for Ryan's love interest, Greg.
Greg and Ryan? There an okay couple, I guess. The story dragged especially after they got together that I did not really care after awhile. And that issue hurt this story, it tried to cover too many tangents, some serious (GLBT rights), some not too serious(DIY films).
Ryan tries to be mature, Greg tries to advise him to be an adult and psychoanalyzes Ryan, they sort of hide their relationship then Ryan is going sledding with friends.
*shrug*
Maybe since I'm ancient and not a Sagittarius.
What could have made this story better? Losing the filler, sticking to the simple story line, better transitioning between scenes (I had to re-read a number of times to understand how characters switched locations), etc.
Is is a horrible book? Nah.
After reading this, I'm left with a mix of slight frustration, disappointment, curiosity about "Sagittarius Blues" and shoulder shrugs - TWO & A HALF STARS
*sigh*
This story was difficult for me to rate. It had some good parts, okay parts and boring parts. This is my first time reading Ms. Strauss who has good ideas in this one and I would try something else by her in the future. The immediate future? No.
This story is about a 20 year old man/boy, Ryan who is a Sagittarius and has the blues. He's in love/lust with his best friend, Chad who used him to rub one out a few times but is not gay. (Chad's a jerk, IMO) Chad's so not gay, he's still college and proposed to his 19 year old girlfriend, so take that!
Ryan takes out his life woes, his job, his frustrations and his Sagittarius depression on his webcam.(apparently, it's a struggle for being a "late" baby aka being born in December - sorry can't relate so I'll leave other Sags and Capricorns to lament) The author spent a little too much time on explaining how Sagittarius' view the world. It became too much and distracted from the main point of the story...a romance.
Ryan falls for a customer from his job. Who's super ancient at 28 years old? Holy #$%! I was 28 this year and I wasn't grandfather time, but apparently that is not the case for Ryan's love interest, Greg.
Greg and Ryan? There an okay couple, I guess. The story dragged especially after they got together that I did not really care after awhile. And that issue hurt this story, it tried to cover too many tangents, some serious (GLBT rights), some not too serious(DIY films).
Ryan tries to be mature, Greg tries to advise him to be an adult and psychoanalyzes Ryan, they sort of hide their relationship then Ryan is going sledding with friends.
*shrug*
Maybe since I'm ancient and not a Sagittarius.
What could have made this story better? Losing the filler, sticking to the simple story line, better transitioning between scenes (I had to re-read a number of times to understand how characters switched locations), etc.
Is is a horrible book? Nah.
After reading this, I'm left with a mix of slight frustration, disappointment, curiosity about "Sagittarius Blues" and shoulder shrugs - TWO & A HALF STARS
December 16, 2010
4.5 stars
Another gem by the talented Ms. Strauss! Usually I connect primarily with one of the two main characters in a story. Yet as I was reading this story, I found myself switching sides between Ryan and Greg. I completely related to Greg's need to help others in an effort to repay the good Karma he received when he was a troubled young man. His need counsel and tendency to be more serious than the situation calls for is something I have been guilty of many times! At the same time, I found myself in Ryan's head, deeply feeling his need to let go of the weight of responsibility a little bit by publishing his video blog. My heart went out to him when his world started to crumble and he had own up to his actions and face the consequences. Been there, done that. It's a bitter pill to swallow.
I dare say this is the most realistic contemporary Katrina has penned to date. Ryan and Greg could be any two of the dozens of neighborhood characters we interact with in our everyday lives. They are two regular guys, living their lives the best way they know how, while desperately looking for someone to love. The amazing thing is that Katrina created two memorable characters out of these two "ordinary" men by weaving in small details and nuances that made them unique and added layers to their personalities.
When Greg and Ryan first meet, Ryan is still heart broken over the lack of a romantic relationship with his best friend Chad, who is now dating their long-time friend Brooke. Having "experimented" with Chad when they were growing up, Ryan can not understand why Chad is now in love with a woman. Greg is very attracted to Ryan, but he is concerned about the impact coming out of the closet and having a relationship with Ryan might have on his job as a Youth Center Director. All of these emotions and relationship dynamics combine to make this story quite angsty. Not angsty in the "will they won't they" kind of way that we all know ends with a HEA, but angsty at a deeper level. The characters are so real that it seems entirely plausible that things may not work out well. After all, It happens quite often in real life. I didn't realize how emotionally invested I was in their happiness until I read The End and relaxed in the knowledge that Ryan and Greg were indeed happy. Sneaky angst in this one! Then again, Ryan's trademark humor is often LOL worthy and does a great job of breaking the tension when needed.
M/M fans who enjoy contemporary m/m are likely to love this story. Fans of the author will recognize her trademark "gotcha" scenes, where a naughty sounding scene opening turns out to be a unique take on a very ordinary situation. I love these little openings and have come to anticipate them in Katrina's stories. Sagittarius Blues did not disappoint! This is a great story with just enough holiday magic and winter atmosphere to raise your spirits during the coming weeks. Burn some cinnamon candles, prepare some luscious hot cocoa and seat down to enjoy this wonderful m/m treat.
Another gem by the talented Ms. Strauss! Usually I connect primarily with one of the two main characters in a story. Yet as I was reading this story, I found myself switching sides between Ryan and Greg. I completely related to Greg's need to help others in an effort to repay the good Karma he received when he was a troubled young man. His need counsel and tendency to be more serious than the situation calls for is something I have been guilty of many times! At the same time, I found myself in Ryan's head, deeply feeling his need to let go of the weight of responsibility a little bit by publishing his video blog. My heart went out to him when his world started to crumble and he had own up to his actions and face the consequences. Been there, done that. It's a bitter pill to swallow.
I dare say this is the most realistic contemporary Katrina has penned to date. Ryan and Greg could be any two of the dozens of neighborhood characters we interact with in our everyday lives. They are two regular guys, living their lives the best way they know how, while desperately looking for someone to love. The amazing thing is that Katrina created two memorable characters out of these two "ordinary" men by weaving in small details and nuances that made them unique and added layers to their personalities.
When Greg and Ryan first meet, Ryan is still heart broken over the lack of a romantic relationship with his best friend Chad, who is now dating their long-time friend Brooke. Having "experimented" with Chad when they were growing up, Ryan can not understand why Chad is now in love with a woman. Greg is very attracted to Ryan, but he is concerned about the impact coming out of the closet and having a relationship with Ryan might have on his job as a Youth Center Director. All of these emotions and relationship dynamics combine to make this story quite angsty. Not angsty in the "will they won't they" kind of way that we all know ends with a HEA, but angsty at a deeper level. The characters are so real that it seems entirely plausible that things may not work out well. After all, It happens quite often in real life. I didn't realize how emotionally invested I was in their happiness until I read The End and relaxed in the knowledge that Ryan and Greg were indeed happy. Sneaky angst in this one! Then again, Ryan's trademark humor is often LOL worthy and does a great job of breaking the tension when needed.
M/M fans who enjoy contemporary m/m are likely to love this story. Fans of the author will recognize her trademark "gotcha" scenes, where a naughty sounding scene opening turns out to be a unique take on a very ordinary situation. I love these little openings and have come to anticipate them in Katrina's stories. Sagittarius Blues did not disappoint! This is a great story with just enough holiday magic and winter atmosphere to raise your spirits during the coming weeks. Burn some cinnamon candles, prepare some luscious hot cocoa and seat down to enjoy this wonderful m/m treat.
February 23, 2011
SAGITTARIUS BLUES by Katrina Strauss is a present you will want to open again and again.
Ryan is an almost twenty-one year old college student who is in love with his straight best friend. He lives in his mom's basement and does a weekly video blog in which he makes fun of his job and especially his boss.
Ryan's dad died when he was a child and Ryan has had to be the man of the house since then. He goes to college and works part time to help his mother with the rent and other bills. The only time Ryan doesn't act like a responsible adult is during his video blog where he can act like a clown and make fun of everything.
Greg works at the local recreation center and helps counsel some of the kids that come in. He is remodeling his house as a do-it-yourself project and shops at the grocery store where Ryan has a part time job and has admired the younger man from afar.
The two meet after a snowstorm when Ryan is out shoveling walks to earn some extra money before the holidays. The chemistry between the two men is instantaneous, but Greg is wary because of his job at the rec center. Ryan offers to film Greg as he does his remodel and posts the videos on Greg's blog site.
Over the next several weeks, the relationship between the two men grows into a strong friendship as well as mutual attraction. Greg is still reluctant to enter into a sexual relationship with Ryan in part because of his video blog where Ryan ends every week with a pretend masturbation session. He is concerned that should certain people see it, it might jeopardize his job.
This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Strauss and I can say that I will be reading more of her works. I felt that the characters' emotions and reactions were well written. The problems that each character had to work through were real and the ramifications of those actions read true. The story dealt with some real, current issues, but did not come across as an "after-school special".
I think some of my favorite parts were the tongue in cheek intros to several chapters that the author included. After all, who doesn't love a good innuendo? This book made me a fan and if you are looking for a little holiday cheer, SAGITTARIUS BLUES is a choice that you won't regret.
I give this book 4.5 chocolate dipped strawberries!!
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews:http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
Ryan is an almost twenty-one year old college student who is in love with his straight best friend. He lives in his mom's basement and does a weekly video blog in which he makes fun of his job and especially his boss.
Ryan's dad died when he was a child and Ryan has had to be the man of the house since then. He goes to college and works part time to help his mother with the rent and other bills. The only time Ryan doesn't act like a responsible adult is during his video blog where he can act like a clown and make fun of everything.
Greg works at the local recreation center and helps counsel some of the kids that come in. He is remodeling his house as a do-it-yourself project and shops at the grocery store where Ryan has a part time job and has admired the younger man from afar.
The two meet after a snowstorm when Ryan is out shoveling walks to earn some extra money before the holidays. The chemistry between the two men is instantaneous, but Greg is wary because of his job at the rec center. Ryan offers to film Greg as he does his remodel and posts the videos on Greg's blog site.
Over the next several weeks, the relationship between the two men grows into a strong friendship as well as mutual attraction. Greg is still reluctant to enter into a sexual relationship with Ryan in part because of his video blog where Ryan ends every week with a pretend masturbation session. He is concerned that should certain people see it, it might jeopardize his job.
This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Strauss and I can say that I will be reading more of her works. I felt that the characters' emotions and reactions were well written. The problems that each character had to work through were real and the ramifications of those actions read true. The story dealt with some real, current issues, but did not come across as an "after-school special".
I think some of my favorite parts were the tongue in cheek intros to several chapters that the author included. After all, who doesn't love a good innuendo? This book made me a fan and if you are looking for a little holiday cheer, SAGITTARIUS BLUES is a choice that you won't regret.
I give this book 4.5 chocolate dipped strawberries!!
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews:http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
September 15, 2011
On one hand, it's a nice story -- with Ryan (one of the main characters, the younger one) showing the "journey" of growing up. From one college boy having a crush with his best friend, and blasting his employer on the Net, doesn't think of the effect that he makes by doing so, to someone who takes responsibility and matures up.
On the other hand, the other character, Greg, comes as judgmental in the middle of the book. He quickly dismissed Ryan's action as childish and unforgiving, which doesn't sit well for me considering that Greg is supposed to be a teen-counselor. This makes the relationship feels to me as imbalanced - and doesn't charm me what-so-ever.
Might want to check out Kassa's reviews for this one because I think she captured my feeling almost similarly.
On the other hand, the other character, Greg, comes as judgmental in the middle of the book. He quickly dismissed Ryan's action as childish and unforgiving, which doesn't sit well for me considering that Greg is supposed to be a teen-counselor. This makes the relationship feels to me as imbalanced - and doesn't charm me what-so-ever.
Might want to check out Kassa's reviews for this one because I think she captured my feeling almost similarly.
December 22, 2011
3.5 Stars
Parts of this book I liked very much, other parts not as much. The interaction between Greg and Ryan didn't work as well for me as I would have liked.
Parts of this book I liked very much, other parts not as much. The interaction between Greg and Ryan didn't work as well for me as I would have liked.
January 16, 2011
I really like Katrina Strauss and look forward to all her new releases. Because of that built-up good will, I probably liked this more than I would have if it had been an author I was unfamiliar with.
This book just didn't ever come together. I felt that Greg was too harsh with Ryan and that turned me off from his character. I also felt that Ryan's "comedy" podcast was incredibly un-funny and that decreased my enjoyment. The rest of the book had plot points and characters all over the place and it just didn't ever gel. Not my favorite Katrina Strauss book. If this is your first, go read Off the Beaten Path and Sonoran Heat - these are both much better books and will give you a better idea of how good Strauss really is.
This book just didn't ever come together. I felt that Greg was too harsh with Ryan and that turned me off from his character. I also felt that Ryan's "comedy" podcast was incredibly un-funny and that decreased my enjoyment. The rest of the book had plot points and characters all over the place and it just didn't ever gel. Not my favorite Katrina Strauss book. If this is your first, go read Off the Beaten Path and Sonoran Heat - these are both much better books and will give you a better idea of how good Strauss really is.
December 17, 2010
Well it's more a 2.5 Stars. I finished last night and yet I couldn't remember one of the main character's name(Greg.) That is never good. A book(Characters) should be memorable and leave a lasting impression. Unfortunately it fell short and I also found the story to be a little preachy. That said I did enjoy the young Ryan character. I liked his flawed, comedic self. If your a fan of the author I'd say buy it, if not you may want to pass.
December 17, 2010
A very sweet and comtemporary story; showing some of the situations that nowdays young people are living. Katrina show us a young guy trying to find his way in the world, and how he grows himself in the process. It's not a story about gay love. It's a book about relationship, friendship and family and how gay people have to deal with them today.A very recommendable reading.
February 10, 2011
Good holiday m/m romance about a college student whose inflammatory vlog personality has unexpected negative impacts on his life. For some reason, this never really came together for me and I haven't been able to figure out why.
Read
April 17, 2011to-read
May 1, 2011
Lovely story. I enjoyed it immensely.
October 13, 2012
Really cute story. Parts of it seemed rather idealized, but it's a romance. W/E.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews