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Expectations #1
Expectations
EXPECTATIONS depicts the struggle between what we desire for
ourselves and our familial obligations. The struggle is personified by Chris and Matt Taylor, identical twins, who are trying to win their overbearing father’s approval and acquire their trust funds. Love, money, and desire collide as Matt and Chris decide what's really important to them.
ourselves and our familial obligations. The struggle is personified by Chris and Matt Taylor, identical twins, who are trying to win their overbearing father’s approval and acquire their trust funds. Love, money, and desire collide as Matt and Chris decide what's really important to them.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2010
7 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Liz Borino
22 books77 followersLiz Borino transcribes the world inside her head onto the page, and share it with the people who are stuck in the “real world” to makes their lives a little more interesting. Because in her world, heroes fall and stand up again with the help of their partners and friends. Liz’s world is littered with formidable obstacles, which her heroes overcome with a fire of courage and passion. The beauty of love between two men is celebrated. Who wouldn’t want to live there?
When not with her heroes, Liz enjoys exploring cities, working toward social justice, and editing for other authors. Liz is less than three months from obtaining her Masters’ degree in English and published nine books since 2010.
When not with her heroes, Liz enjoys exploring cities, working toward social justice, and editing for other authors. Liz is less than three months from obtaining her Masters’ degree in English and published nine books since 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 23, 2019
I have been going through my slowly-dying Kindle to read books I might lose when the little machine says goodbye at last. This is one of the first free Kindle books I ever got, and it has been sitting there for almost ten years. I don't know if I would've liked it much better in 2010, but after reading it in 2019, I'm thinking I should've just let it go.
I've read one of Borino's recent releases, Lucky Cowboy, and though it wasn't a favorite, it was an okay M/M romance. This book, however, is a mess. It's the author's debut, which makes total sense, because it has about a thousand subplots, senseless twists, and dashes of melodrama that reek of soap opera storytelling and classic "I don't know how to end this." It seems like Borino put all of her ideas from the past 20 years into one rushed novel.
While the book starts fairly simple--two brothers coming out from under their father's thumb after college--it devolves into a total fiasco. Chris starts out figuring out his sexuality and exploring tentative feelings with his longtime best friend, Aiden, and by the end, . And Matt, who I think is a marginally better character, kicks his alcoholism in about two days and finds true love with a sweet but completely bland co-worker who, of course, . There are two more books in this series, but I cannot possibly imagine what more could happen to these characters.
One thing I can't get over is .
As of now, it seems this series is out of print due to the publisher shutting down, and I have to say it might be for the better. Borino's writing has drastically improved, so the past is the best place for this debut.
I've read one of Borino's recent releases, Lucky Cowboy, and though it wasn't a favorite, it was an okay M/M romance. This book, however, is a mess. It's the author's debut, which makes total sense, because it has about a thousand subplots, senseless twists, and dashes of melodrama that reek of soap opera storytelling and classic "I don't know how to end this." It seems like Borino put all of her ideas from the past 20 years into one rushed novel.
While the book starts fairly simple--two brothers coming out from under their father's thumb after college--it devolves into a total fiasco. Chris starts out figuring out his sexuality and exploring tentative feelings with his longtime best friend, Aiden, and by the end, . And Matt, who I think is a marginally better character, kicks his alcoholism in about two days and finds true love with a sweet but completely bland co-worker who, of course, . There are two more books in this series, but I cannot possibly imagine what more could happen to these characters.
One thing I can't get over is .
As of now, it seems this series is out of print due to the publisher shutting down, and I have to say it might be for the better. Borino's writing has drastically improved, so the past is the best place for this debut.
March 20, 2012
Story about a pair of twins (Chris and Matt) and their friend Aiden, starting out in New York after, I guess, business school. The twins have to meet the conditions of their overcontrolling gazillionnaire father in order to access their trust fund money; Aiden is running a dance studio and attempting to ignore his past in Ireland.
Good ideas, bad execution. This is very poorly written. While the plot itself is fairly interesting, and absent a few howlers ("run the gamete") there weren't that many grammar/usage errors, the prose is uninspired and written in such a way as to minimize dramatic and sexual tension. Huge Secrets are kept--or discovered--for about 3 pages, and then the telling is offstage, or no one is really surprised. A character kicks alcoholism more or less offscreen after the problem is built up. Dramatic climaxes just...fizzle. Aiden and Chris work on a huge dance show that...doesn't take place in the book? (there is a sequel; maybe it's there?). A shockingly brutal attack doesn't have many repercussions. And some of the plot points aren't really very believable or don't make a lot of sense, including Matt's career trajectory.
The characters themselves aren't badly developed. The developing romances between Chris and Aiden, and Matt and his co-worker Carley, are sweet. And there is a little twist to the plot at the end that I liked. But overall, this just isn't professional quality writing. I don't know why this got so many 5-star ratings.
Good ideas, bad execution. This is very poorly written. While the plot itself is fairly interesting, and absent a few howlers ("run the gamete") there weren't that many grammar/usage errors, the prose is uninspired and written in such a way as to minimize dramatic and sexual tension. Huge Secrets are kept--or discovered--for about 3 pages, and then the telling is offstage, or no one is really surprised. A character kicks alcoholism more or less offscreen after the problem is built up. Dramatic climaxes just...fizzle. Aiden and Chris work on a huge dance show that...doesn't take place in the book? (there is a sequel; maybe it's there?). A shockingly brutal attack doesn't have many repercussions. And some of the plot points aren't really very believable or don't make a lot of sense, including Matt's career trajectory.
The characters themselves aren't badly developed. The developing romances between Chris and Aiden, and Matt and his co-worker Carley, are sweet. And there is a little twist to the plot at the end that I liked. But overall, this just isn't professional quality writing. I don't know why this got so many 5-star ratings.
January 24, 2012
I initially downloaded Expectations because it was free and I was interested to see what new author Liz Borino could do. After all, everyone starts somewhere and if I could find a new favorite author, I was more than willing to take a few hours and explore the story a bit. It didn’t take me long to get pulled into the lives of twins Matt and Chris Taylor, whose only true desire is to live life on their terms and not be bound by their father’s machinations.
While I’d like to say they all were happy with their lives right from the start, Matt definitely had some issues that kept him from being like his brother who enjoys life as it happens. Together though they share an apartment with Aiden O’Boyle, their best friend from college and roommate of seven years, who initially seemed completely oblivious to the affections of the carefree Taylor. Throughout the story I was compelled to groan, cheer and suffer with these men as pasts and outside forces came to light, threatening to tear themselves and each other apart. Although the ending seemed a little rushed, it did set up nicely for the next installment, What Money Can’t Buy, as well as show us that justice comes in different forms and degrees.
Ms. Borino does a wonderful job of getting us into the characters’ minds and motivations until we can’t help but reach for the next book, anxious to see what these men must face and overcome next.
While I’d like to say they all were happy with their lives right from the start, Matt definitely had some issues that kept him from being like his brother who enjoys life as it happens. Together though they share an apartment with Aiden O’Boyle, their best friend from college and roommate of seven years, who initially seemed completely oblivious to the affections of the carefree Taylor. Throughout the story I was compelled to groan, cheer and suffer with these men as pasts and outside forces came to light, threatening to tear themselves and each other apart. Although the ending seemed a little rushed, it did set up nicely for the next installment, What Money Can’t Buy, as well as show us that justice comes in different forms and degrees.
Ms. Borino does a wonderful job of getting us into the characters’ minds and motivations until we can’t help but reach for the next book, anxious to see what these men must face and overcome next.
April 6, 2012
Having not read the blurb first I picked up this book with the inbuilt expectations of a hot little twincest tale. Eagerly I turned the pages waiting for the romance to begin only it wasn't what I thought at all. It wasn't twins loving each other sexually but loving each other unconditionally.
Okay so slightly disappointed with the lack of smut between them I decided to continue with it anyways. I am so glad I did.
The grammar wasn't perfect in this book as an OCD grammar Nazi these things usually glare out at me. However, the grammar errors mattered less and less to me as the story unfolded. Expectations drew me in, made me care about the twins and everybody connected to them. It made me angry and I shouted at their control freak pig of a father for his lack of care. It made me melt inside when Chris and Aiden admitted their love for each other and it broke my heart for Matt who I knew was suffering deeply with his inner demons.
By the time I came to the end I felt sad that the story was over. I wasn't ready to stop being in their lives. Simply put. I wanted more. So I read it again. Something I rarely do with any book and certainly not an e-book. I wasn't disappointed on the 2nd go around either.
In summary take a chance. Buy the book and fall in love with the guys as I have. You won't be sorry you did.
Okay so slightly disappointed with the lack of smut between them I decided to continue with it anyways. I am so glad I did.
The grammar wasn't perfect in this book as an OCD grammar Nazi these things usually glare out at me. However, the grammar errors mattered less and less to me as the story unfolded. Expectations drew me in, made me care about the twins and everybody connected to them. It made me angry and I shouted at their control freak pig of a father for his lack of care. It made me melt inside when Chris and Aiden admitted their love for each other and it broke my heart for Matt who I knew was suffering deeply with his inner demons.
By the time I came to the end I felt sad that the story was over. I wasn't ready to stop being in their lives. Simply put. I wanted more. So I read it again. Something I rarely do with any book and certainly not an e-book. I wasn't disappointed on the 2nd go around either.
In summary take a chance. Buy the book and fall in love with the guys as I have. You won't be sorry you did.
July 9, 2011
Reviewed by Allie: This is a story about twins who have struggled, through their lives, with wealthy, cold and distant parents. Matthew and Christopher are identical, in appearance, but that is where all similarities end. Matt is a businessman and Chris is a photographer. The men have moved into a loft apartment with their college friend, Aiden. It turns out Chris and Aiden have had an attraction to each other for a long time (7 years) but Aiden, an Irish man now living in New York City, also comes from a damaged background. Aiden’s father was abusive so Aiden has always been very careful with his emotions. This is a story of how the men cope with life, love (Matt meets a very nice woman, Carley), alcohol addiction, abuse and heartbreak. The twins’ father features in this story and his level of evil is hard, at times, to stomach.
I found it hard to get into this story. It was slow. There were a lot of times when I wondered if there was an editor involved in this publication – words were used incorrectly, words were misspelled, the grammar was lost in parts. But the story was alright, overall. I am about to start the second book in the series – What Money Can’t Buy. I sincerely hope this book has a storyline which is more of an attention grabber!
B-
I found it hard to get into this story. It was slow. There were a lot of times when I wondered if there was an editor involved in this publication – words were used incorrectly, words were misspelled, the grammar was lost in parts. But the story was alright, overall. I am about to start the second book in the series – What Money Can’t Buy. I sincerely hope this book has a storyline which is more of an attention grabber!
B-
October 15, 2011
Have you ever had a book that once you started it, pretty much DEMANDED that you not set it down until you are finished? Well, that's what you get when you pick up a copy of Expectations by Liz Borino.
It actually pulls you in so far that as you are reading portions that are emotion filled, you can feel your own heart rate increase, or your palms become sweaty, a tear may slip down your cheek, and you may just find yourself smiling from ear to ear.
Matt and Chris, the sons of a very wealthy and powerful man are doing everything they can to be their own person. While at the same time daddy dearest is doing everything he can to at the very least turn out one son who is just like himself. Both with trust funds that come with "rules", there comes a moment when both Matt and Chris have to look in the mirror and figure out what is most important for their own lives.
After reading this book I come away feeling even stronger about the fact that, well . . Love is Love. It doesn't come with a road map, or rules that must be followed. Love just happens. Love shared between two people, it's beautiful . . no matter the gender make up.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, and would recommend it to anyone willing to open their mind and give it a go.
It actually pulls you in so far that as you are reading portions that are emotion filled, you can feel your own heart rate increase, or your palms become sweaty, a tear may slip down your cheek, and you may just find yourself smiling from ear to ear.
Matt and Chris, the sons of a very wealthy and powerful man are doing everything they can to be their own person. While at the same time daddy dearest is doing everything he can to at the very least turn out one son who is just like himself. Both with trust funds that come with "rules", there comes a moment when both Matt and Chris have to look in the mirror and figure out what is most important for their own lives.
After reading this book I come away feeling even stronger about the fact that, well . . Love is Love. It doesn't come with a road map, or rules that must be followed. Love just happens. Love shared between two people, it's beautiful . . no matter the gender make up.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, and would recommend it to anyone willing to open their mind and give it a go.
September 6, 2016
Dnf. Not my cup of tea.
September 10, 2011
REVIEW- I first got this novel from Liz a couple months back and when she told me it was a homosexual relationship...I was immediately put off this novel, I felt myself avoiding it but when I finally started to read it...I couldnt stop! it took over my life...I was pulled into this amazing love story...that to be honest turned me into an emotional reck...I cried...I took laughing fits whilst crying...I had goosebumps...and I even found myself screaming at my computer screen....yes...this book is EXCEPTIONAL!
Your laughing at me arent you?? Well stop right there because im about to give you reasons as to why I cried...
Matt, Chris and Aiden are no ordinary fictional characters...they all have a dream...they all have secrets....they all have a bad past but...they all have one another to pull through. These three men are truely my heroes! This novel starts out with these three best friends moving into a village loft in New York City after graduating from NYU....Matt the problematic drunk...Chris the guy who helps everyone except himself and Aiden the best friend with a secret that Chis wants to find out...not sound good? hold onto your seatbelts because its about to get crazy...
Chris (my favourite of them all) has a very soft heart...a heart that seems to pump twice as hard when Aidens around...a heart thats about to find a partner...a partner thats been there for seven years...Aiden is the guy with many a secret...the guy that has put up with alot over the years...a guy that is about to turn this story upside down...Matt is the accepting twin brother that has always been there to help chris out... has always put up with alot....and has always a drink in hand...messed up bunch you say? Not compared to the animal in which they call Robert...or better known as Chris and Matts father...this is one character I would be more than happy to punch it the face...read this novel to find out why :)
I was going to tell you more...things like...who gets beaten up...who falls in love...who is planning to have a baby...who gets married...who dances for a living...oh and who out of the three is gay...but I dont want to tease you too much ;)
Overall, this is one extroirdinary read that was written by one amazing author...Liz Borino? you have such a unique gift...do not let anyone tell you different...your novel inspires people...it truely inspired me and told me that although your past may be horribly dark...your future is as bright as you make it...Thanks you for giving me this opertunity to review such an amazing novel...I cant wait to read the second installment!! Bravo Liz ♥
Your laughing at me arent you?? Well stop right there because im about to give you reasons as to why I cried...
Matt, Chris and Aiden are no ordinary fictional characters...they all have a dream...they all have secrets....they all have a bad past but...they all have one another to pull through. These three men are truely my heroes! This novel starts out with these three best friends moving into a village loft in New York City after graduating from NYU....Matt the problematic drunk...Chris the guy who helps everyone except himself and Aiden the best friend with a secret that Chis wants to find out...not sound good? hold onto your seatbelts because its about to get crazy...
Chris (my favourite of them all) has a very soft heart...a heart that seems to pump twice as hard when Aidens around...a heart thats about to find a partner...a partner thats been there for seven years...Aiden is the guy with many a secret...the guy that has put up with alot over the years...a guy that is about to turn this story upside down...Matt is the accepting twin brother that has always been there to help chris out... has always put up with alot....and has always a drink in hand...messed up bunch you say? Not compared to the animal in which they call Robert...or better known as Chris and Matts father...this is one character I would be more than happy to punch it the face...read this novel to find out why :)
I was going to tell you more...things like...who gets beaten up...who falls in love...who is planning to have a baby...who gets married...who dances for a living...oh and who out of the three is gay...but I dont want to tease you too much ;)
Overall, this is one extroirdinary read that was written by one amazing author...Liz Borino? you have such a unique gift...do not let anyone tell you different...your novel inspires people...it truely inspired me and told me that although your past may be horribly dark...your future is as bright as you make it...Thanks you for giving me this opertunity to review such an amazing novel...I cant wait to read the second installment!! Bravo Liz ♥
June 25, 2011
Expectation
Liz Borin
Loved this book! The whole story came together in a wonderful tempo of words. It is a story based around twins, twins who are trying to live their own lives in New York City, away from their domineering father on the West cost.
Three friends get their first loft together after grad school. Matt, Chris – who are twins – and Aiden, an Irish male who came to the US, got his citizenship and his diploma. They had been good friends since they started NYU, and decided to stay together.
Matt drinks because he hates his job, but he has to stay with the company and try to make a merger with his father’s company to get his trust fund of 50 million. He is angry and hurting, but trying to hold it together for his brother’s sake. He loves what he does, he just doesn’t like having to work with some of the companies he has to, and to build the campaigns required of him. So he drinks.
Chris is a photographer, he makes a good living doing what he loves, but knows he will never be with who he loves because of his father’s rules about the trust fund. He has to get married and have a son to get his 50 million. So, being with Aiden is definitely out. Then he decides that he is who he is, and come out to his father, who doesn’t take it well... Chris then finds a way around his father’s trust fund rules.
Aiden is a dancer, he owns his own studio and has taught dance for 7 years now while putting himself through school. He has a past he has been trying to run from for 7 years. He knows who he is, and in a dance one day finds who he loves, and decides to fight for him. He worries about his little sister that he left back in Ireland on their family farm with their abusive dad, it is his one regret.
These three young men grow into their independence and Chris finds that love will see you through the darkest hours of your life time.
The characters are well developed, their trials ring true, and the difficulty they endure sheer their fears away showing the strength of character each possesses.
I loved this book and can’t wait to pick up What Money Can’t Buy and read about the next segment of their left.
Liz Borin
Loved this book! The whole story came together in a wonderful tempo of words. It is a story based around twins, twins who are trying to live their own lives in New York City, away from their domineering father on the West cost.
Three friends get their first loft together after grad school. Matt, Chris – who are twins – and Aiden, an Irish male who came to the US, got his citizenship and his diploma. They had been good friends since they started NYU, and decided to stay together.
Matt drinks because he hates his job, but he has to stay with the company and try to make a merger with his father’s company to get his trust fund of 50 million. He is angry and hurting, but trying to hold it together for his brother’s sake. He loves what he does, he just doesn’t like having to work with some of the companies he has to, and to build the campaigns required of him. So he drinks.
Chris is a photographer, he makes a good living doing what he loves, but knows he will never be with who he loves because of his father’s rules about the trust fund. He has to get married and have a son to get his 50 million. So, being with Aiden is definitely out. Then he decides that he is who he is, and come out to his father, who doesn’t take it well... Chris then finds a way around his father’s trust fund rules.
Aiden is a dancer, he owns his own studio and has taught dance for 7 years now while putting himself through school. He has a past he has been trying to run from for 7 years. He knows who he is, and in a dance one day finds who he loves, and decides to fight for him. He worries about his little sister that he left back in Ireland on their family farm with their abusive dad, it is his one regret.
These three young men grow into their independence and Chris finds that love will see you through the darkest hours of your life time.
The characters are well developed, their trials ring true, and the difficulty they endure sheer their fears away showing the strength of character each possesses.
I loved this book and can’t wait to pick up What Money Can’t Buy and read about the next segment of their left.
December 3, 2010
First of all, I'm not the worlds biggest fan of romance novels. They're not my cup of tea so I wasn't expecting Expectations to be my sort of thing.
I was wrong, by the end of the very first chapter I already found myself interested in the lives of Chris, Matt and Aiden, the three main characters of Expectations.
All three characters the reader will quickly find themselves sympathising with. Matt and Chris especially. The former, stuck in an office job he hates (a position I myself have found myself in) and Chris, not been allowed to be his true self and forced to change his lifestyle, both trying to meet the conditions set by their father in order to obtain their 50 million trust fund.
Liz does an excellent job in building up the introduction of the feared father figure and once he does make an appearance he doesn't disapoint. Rob is just as horrible and nasty as I had hoped, in fact he was even worse than I anticipated and I just couldn't wait to read on and see whether he got his just desserts in the end!
As well as the main storyline of the twins trying to get their trust fund from their father there are also many little sub-plots. Like for example Matt struggling to deal with his alcohol problems and the blossoming relationship between two of the characters. All of which tie together neatly into the main storyline and add a nice bit of depth and interest too an already good story.
In all, Expectations is a great first novel, a book that contains a great cast of characters, a nice storyline and plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested!
I was wrong, by the end of the very first chapter I already found myself interested in the lives of Chris, Matt and Aiden, the three main characters of Expectations.
All three characters the reader will quickly find themselves sympathising with. Matt and Chris especially. The former, stuck in an office job he hates (a position I myself have found myself in) and Chris, not been allowed to be his true self and forced to change his lifestyle, both trying to meet the conditions set by their father in order to obtain their 50 million trust fund.
Liz does an excellent job in building up the introduction of the feared father figure and once he does make an appearance he doesn't disapoint. Rob is just as horrible and nasty as I had hoped, in fact he was even worse than I anticipated and I just couldn't wait to read on and see whether he got his just desserts in the end!
As well as the main storyline of the twins trying to get their trust fund from their father there are also many little sub-plots. Like for example Matt struggling to deal with his alcohol problems and the blossoming relationship between two of the characters. All of which tie together neatly into the main storyline and add a nice bit of depth and interest too an already good story.
In all, Expectations is a great first novel, a book that contains a great cast of characters, a nice storyline and plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested!
July 7, 2011
This story was slow and I found it a little hard to get seriously invested in the characters as a result. The story revolves around 3 college friends who move into a loft together (in NYC). Two are twins, Matt and Chris, and the third is Aiden, an Irish immigrant who is a dance teacher. The twins have known Aiden for 7 years.
All three have had awful relationships with their fathers. As a result Aiden has found it hard to get into relationships. He's bisexual, Chris is gay and Matt is straight. Chris and Aiden reveal their feelings for each other and enter into a relationship with each other. Matt is a businessman and Chris is a photographer.
The twins' father is a mean and cold-hearted businessman who has always tried to control his sons. His ambition is to have one of the sons take over his empire and that son is Matt. Matt is an alcoholic and can barely get through a morning without a drink. The premise is that both sons have to fulfill certain requirements to come into their inheritances.
There are a lot of misused words in this book. Lots of grammatical errors and spelling errors riddle the book. That was somewhat off-putting. I wanted to know how the editor dropped the ball so badly and got away with it! But it wasn't really this that made the book hard to get through. It was just a little slow to get to the point and so it was hard to get into this novel. And the ending was a little too convenient.
Still, I have the second book in this series so I am going to read it. Hoping that it's going to be better since I already know the main characters involved.
All three have had awful relationships with their fathers. As a result Aiden has found it hard to get into relationships. He's bisexual, Chris is gay and Matt is straight. Chris and Aiden reveal their feelings for each other and enter into a relationship with each other. Matt is a businessman and Chris is a photographer.
The twins' father is a mean and cold-hearted businessman who has always tried to control his sons. His ambition is to have one of the sons take over his empire and that son is Matt. Matt is an alcoholic and can barely get through a morning without a drink. The premise is that both sons have to fulfill certain requirements to come into their inheritances.
There are a lot of misused words in this book. Lots of grammatical errors and spelling errors riddle the book. That was somewhat off-putting. I wanted to know how the editor dropped the ball so badly and got away with it! But it wasn't really this that made the book hard to get through. It was just a little slow to get to the point and so it was hard to get into this novel. And the ending was a little too convenient.
Still, I have the second book in this series so I am going to read it. Hoping that it's going to be better since I already know the main characters involved.
July 8, 2011
Summary: Twins Chris and Matt Taylor move into a loft with their long time college friend Aiden O' Boyle after they graduate. The twins are expected to meet requirements put in place by their billionaire dad. Chris must marry and provide a son. Yet he has a secret...he has feelings for Aiden. Matt must work at a marketing company which makes him so unhappy he turns to alcohol. Chris and Aiden see this and tell him to be careful so he starts hiding how much he drinks from them. Aiden also has a secret, but is scared they wont accept him if it comes out. One day Chris finds out by chance since he is taking Aiden's class...dance class that is. Finding out brings Chris and Aiden closer and love blooms while Matt still fights his inner struggles till he meets Carley. Robert Taylor (dad) meets Carley and offers her father money for her to marry Chris as he still does not know that Chris is with Aiden . Soon he will find out about Chris, not to mention that Matt has feelings for Carley.
My Thoughts: At first I was unsure how I would enjoy this book. Then I was drawn in the very first chapter. Liz Borino creates a world were you see what struggles people fight while keeping secrets. Also what happens once you free yourself of that secret. There is M/M relations that shows love and tenderness not raunchiness. The dad is definitely the villain here, I will admit to getting way angry at him. You will be cheering for Matt as he overcomes his demons and hopefully finds his sense of peace in family connection and growing feelings for Carley. This book makes you want to jump into the next immediately.
September 30, 2011
I'll start by saying there were a number of items in this book that I normally don't like. I prefer staying inside one characters point-of-view for longer periods of time in order to develop a relationship with them. I'm not normally a fan of romance, but do read them when one is recommended.
That being said, Liz Borino makes her choices work. I had a bit of a difficult time getting started as the choice of narrative structure bothered me but within twenty pages I'd forgotten the technical aspects and started paying attention to the characters and their problems. Borino doesn't take the easy path, and the choices her characters make are not always sympathetic, but in the end, they ring true and make you feel as if you're reading about real people dealing with very difficult situations. The fact that Borino understands the difficulties inherit with non-traditional relationships and doesn't run away from them or treat a gay couple as if they were nothing more than a heterosexual couple with two male names speaks volumes about the courage and talent of the author. I never once felt as if she was writing just to titillate and she never belittles the reader by pulling her punches.
If you're squeamish about same-sex romance you might want to avoid this book but if you did, you'd be missing out on talented storyteller doing a great job. Were I to make one complaint about the writing it would be that I wanted more concrete setting details to ground the story but honestly, the lack of them didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book.
That being said, Liz Borino makes her choices work. I had a bit of a difficult time getting started as the choice of narrative structure bothered me but within twenty pages I'd forgotten the technical aspects and started paying attention to the characters and their problems. Borino doesn't take the easy path, and the choices her characters make are not always sympathetic, but in the end, they ring true and make you feel as if you're reading about real people dealing with very difficult situations. The fact that Borino understands the difficulties inherit with non-traditional relationships and doesn't run away from them or treat a gay couple as if they were nothing more than a heterosexual couple with two male names speaks volumes about the courage and talent of the author. I never once felt as if she was writing just to titillate and she never belittles the reader by pulling her punches.
If you're squeamish about same-sex romance you might want to avoid this book but if you did, you'd be missing out on talented storyteller doing a great job. Were I to make one complaint about the writing it would be that I wanted more concrete setting details to ground the story but honestly, the lack of them didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book.
May 3, 2012
Expectations is the story of Chris and Matt Taylor, identical twins, who are trying to win the approval of their overbearing father and gain their trust funds. Love, money and desire collide as Matt and Chris find out what’s really important to them.
When I first encountered Expectations, I was a little hesitant about the price tag and the sample didn’t really give me enough to feel confident with the purchase. So I went and asked Liz Borino for a review copy. Now Liz is one of the first indie authors I met and I was scared to death to ask her. I’ll be totally honest, I thought she would say no. Needless to say, I was shocked when I received what would end up being my first ever review copy from an author.
Am I ever glad that I did not pass this one up! It struck a huge chord with me as a reader and I don’t normally read contemporary romance or gay-lesbian romance. The story was amazing and the characters felt real. There are very few books out there on the shelves that can really pull you out of your world and put you in the world of the book and I feel Liz did that. Because you care about the characters, the plot is that much stronger and it adds reaction value. I’m not gonna give anything away here. If you wanna know what the heck I’m talking about, go read it. You’re gonna love it and anticipate the sequel that’s coming out soon.
Thanks to Liz Borino for the review copy. It in no way influenced my review.
When I first encountered Expectations, I was a little hesitant about the price tag and the sample didn’t really give me enough to feel confident with the purchase. So I went and asked Liz Borino for a review copy. Now Liz is one of the first indie authors I met and I was scared to death to ask her. I’ll be totally honest, I thought she would say no. Needless to say, I was shocked when I received what would end up being my first ever review copy from an author.
Am I ever glad that I did not pass this one up! It struck a huge chord with me as a reader and I don’t normally read contemporary romance or gay-lesbian romance. The story was amazing and the characters felt real. There are very few books out there on the shelves that can really pull you out of your world and put you in the world of the book and I feel Liz did that. Because you care about the characters, the plot is that much stronger and it adds reaction value. I’m not gonna give anything away here. If you wanna know what the heck I’m talking about, go read it. You’re gonna love it and anticipate the sequel that’s coming out soon.
Thanks to Liz Borino for the review copy. It in no way influenced my review.
July 3, 2011
I really enjoyed this story. But I do have to let you know that there is a male/male love story in this book. So if you are offended by that you may want to stop here. If you are not please read on and I hope you will enjoy Expectations.
Chris and matt are twins and come from a family that has many expectations on the boys. But if these expectations are met the twins will become very, very rich. They twins may want the money, but they are anything but happy with what they have to do to get it.
Aiden has been very good friends to both Chris & Matt for the last seven years. But when they move in together after college things start to change between Aiden and Chris. Chris and Aiden will be tested in this story; if their relationship can handle this test I think that they can handle anything.
Matt on the other handle is the creator of his own demons. Matt has to struggle to come to terms with himself before he can help anyone else. And Chris will need him more than ever before in this story.
This was a great story of each of these characters finding out who they are and what they really want out of life and putting aside everyone else Expectations. I really enjoyed Expectations and I am looking forward to book 2 What Money Can’t Buy.
http://crazy4bookss.blogspot.com/
Chris and matt are twins and come from a family that has many expectations on the boys. But if these expectations are met the twins will become very, very rich. They twins may want the money, but they are anything but happy with what they have to do to get it.
Aiden has been very good friends to both Chris & Matt for the last seven years. But when they move in together after college things start to change between Aiden and Chris. Chris and Aiden will be tested in this story; if their relationship can handle this test I think that they can handle anything.
Matt on the other handle is the creator of his own demons. Matt has to struggle to come to terms with himself before he can help anyone else. And Chris will need him more than ever before in this story.
This was a great story of each of these characters finding out who they are and what they really want out of life and putting aside everyone else Expectations. I really enjoyed Expectations and I am looking forward to book 2 What Money Can’t Buy.
http://crazy4bookss.blogspot.com/
May 17, 2011
Epectations by Liz Borino follows the lives of three main Characters. Twins, Chris and Matt and their friend Aiden (who is Irish! Nom) Secrets and conforming to parents expectations are tinged through the whole story, each character fighting with their own desires and wants in conjunction with what's expected of them.
I liked these characters, from the first chapter they all had their own voice, i usually find it difficult keeping track of multiple protagonists but Ms Borino sets them all out beautifully drawing you into their lives, sympathising with them, smiling with them, wanting to follow their journey.
Heavily character based with lots of dialogue, something i enjoy reading, Expectations see Matt struggle with alcoholism, the original party boy, his twin Chris and Aiden falling in love, Aiden dealing with his past secrets.
Whilst i would say this is a romance, of sorts, there's no heavy love scenes, something for me i missed. I adore M/M, reading of a burgeoning relationship and manlove, i felt that was missing from this book, there wasn't enough heat. While the plot moved along nicely, the character growth good to read, i missed the spice.
An enjoyable read for those cool spring nights,
An author to watch out for!
I liked these characters, from the first chapter they all had their own voice, i usually find it difficult keeping track of multiple protagonists but Ms Borino sets them all out beautifully drawing you into their lives, sympathising with them, smiling with them, wanting to follow their journey.
Heavily character based with lots of dialogue, something i enjoy reading, Expectations see Matt struggle with alcoholism, the original party boy, his twin Chris and Aiden falling in love, Aiden dealing with his past secrets.
Whilst i would say this is a romance, of sorts, there's no heavy love scenes, something for me i missed. I adore M/M, reading of a burgeoning relationship and manlove, i felt that was missing from this book, there wasn't enough heat. While the plot moved along nicely, the character growth good to read, i missed the spice.
An enjoyable read for those cool spring nights,
An author to watch out for!
June 1, 2011
This story is about identical twin boys, Matt and Chris, the latter gay, who have become emotionally estranged from their wealthy, despotic father. Their father has imposed his own idealistic conditions in order for them to access their somewhat sizeable trust funds; but neither son can or wants to conform to these conditions, the pressure of which sends Matt down the path to alcoholism. I have to admit that, when it became clear that Chris’ love affair with his college friend and housemate, Aiden, was integral (with some graphic descriptions) to the story, I did start to wonder whether or not this book was for me. However, it was very hard not to find these twin boys instantly likeable and not many pages into the book you begin to care very deeply about them. Instead of feeling uncomfortable with Chris and Aiden’s relationship, I was smitten by the depth, tenderness and utmost sincerity of it. The ending is poignant and solid proof that blood really is thicker than water.
June 14, 2011
I just finished reading Expectations by Liz Borino. It was a very well put together story and I was hooked from the very beginning. The characters were loving and very well described. I got a vivid picture in my head of everything that took place. I would definitively say this a book worth reading. I look forward to reading more books by this great author. Thank you Liz for choosing me to read and review your wonderful book.
November 3, 2011
I purchased this book after reading a teaser about it. And OMG! Liz pulled me into the story and I will admit I fell in love with Aiden and Chris, and Matt, as well, once he started to get his life back together.
Liz has a way of creating characters with human flaws and so much realism that you tend to not want to put this book down. It made it supremely difficult when RL intervened and I HAD to abandon it for a time.
I look forward to reading more from this author, and in this series.
Liz has a way of creating characters with human flaws and so much realism that you tend to not want to put this book down. It made it supremely difficult when RL intervened and I HAD to abandon it for a time.
I look forward to reading more from this author, and in this series.
dnf-or-on-hold
July 17, 2013MC1 and MC2 have been BFF for 7 years. And move in together, plus MC1's twin brother.
MC1 didnt know what MC2 did for a living... really.
MC2 didnt know that MC1 has been in a gay relationship for 18 months...
MC1 ends up in one of MC2 dance lessons.
MC2 offers "private tutoring"
They dance, they connect, they held hands on the way home, they get naked... "I love you" ... "I love you too, so much"
DNF @ 12%
MC1 didnt know what MC2 did for a living... really.
MC2 didnt know that MC1 has been in a gay relationship for 18 months...
MC1 ends up in one of MC2 dance lessons.
MC2 offers "private tutoring"
They dance, they connect, they held hands on the way home, they get naked... "I love you" ... "I love you too, so much"
DNF @ 12%
February 24, 2012
The book is surprising because it involves a same-sex couple. However, the romance is so normal and sweet that it does not feel strange, just like a straight couple. There is one violent scene but it was handled with restriction and doesn't offend. Character development was good and you get to understand all the characters and see where they come from. Only problem I had was with the typos, there were enough to bother me.
October 1, 2012
EXPECTATIONS is a character-driven novel, with plot turns that further define the main characters and side turns that bring in secondary characters who add depth to the story. This is a good introduction to an exciting series about men who find it isn’t worth the cost to be someone they are not. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, WHAT MONEY CAN’T BUY.
Please see my complete review on October 5, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Please see my complete review on October 5, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
May 26, 2011
After all the set up leading to a potentially great story the story quickly disintegrates into a mediocre conclusion. I was really anticipating an overall great story and the let down left me miserable. Nice effort, it would have been better with more editing.
September 12, 2011
Loved it! Liz Borino shows that steamy romances exist in many lifestyles, and the families can blend and evolve and strengthen each other, even if not everyone is a traditional couple. Combined with complex characters and a tight, well-paced plot with plenty of conflict, Expectations is a winner!
September 27, 2012
i love this series i cant wait till the next one comes out i totally reccomend this series to any one i love how the characters connect to eachother there is only 5 stars on this but if there were more i would give it 10 stars really great series
March 20, 2011
Loved it!!!!
June 2, 2011
2.5 stars
Want to read
February 9, 2012to read before "What Money Can't Buy"
February 15, 2012
I love all the people in this book. Okay minus Robert.
October 5, 2013
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews