Title: Him
Author: Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
Genre: New Adult / MM Romance
Goodreads

My Rating:

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Blurb

They don’t play for the same team. Or do they?

Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.

Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.

Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend… and a big one to learn about himself.
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My Review

I have to admit I was really afraid to read this book. Hyped or extremely anticipated books tend to disappoint. After Try the one-word title stirred up bad memories and made me even more suspicious. So whenever I finished a book and browsed my Kindle for another read, I always skipped Him. And it was a mistake, because it is PERFECT.

The story has the perfect amount of emotion, angst, humor and sex.

Perfect plot and structure; for example the story of their friendship told in flashbacks is positioned and measured impeccably.

Perfect pace: the authors don’t keep me waiting unnecessarily, but still manage to create tension.

Jamie and Wes are adorable together! And the erotica was pure bliss to read: it’s steamy, emotional, beautiful and fun.

Wholeheartedly recommended!

(Only one tiny remark though: bisexuals don’t have a double chance to find a date or find the ONE. (Tsk-tsk, Wes…))

See my cast and favorite quotes on my Tumblr page!

Title: Sweet Dreams
in Don’t Read in the Closet Volume Four anthology
Author: Eden Winters
Genre: New Adult / Gay Romance
Goodreads

My Rating:

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Blurb

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s Don’t Read in the Closet event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
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My Review

Brandon and Max are merely best friends outwardly, but actually secretly dating for years. They decide to come out after their high school graduation and stop hiding. But it is easier said than to be done. Max is not ready for this yet, and the fact that Brandon has done it so easily and cheerfully confuses him even more. Max dreads coming out, and sees no other solution but breaking up with Brandon.

The story is written from Max’s viewpoint, in third person. It is his story: his confusion, struggle, fears and sufferings are –not fully but – nicely depicted. Yes, his behavior toward Brandon is hurtful and heartbreaking, but I felt for both of them.

I’d love to see into Brandon’s head too. He is wonderful: understanding beyond measure and willing to go back into that closet if it meant he could be with Max again. It’s huge.

The ending is too easy, too quick, but sweet.

Overall, Sweet Dreams can be enjoyable if you are in a forgiving mood and willing to overlook its shortcomings.