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Showing posts with the label santino hassell

Fixing

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This short story collection is set in the series Five Boroughs .  These can probably be read as standalone novellas, but would better read in order with the series.  There are three books included, but for the review purposes we will look at the first story, Rerouted. Chris is trying to move on with his life.  He is trying not to think about his past encounters with both Jace and Aiden.  The couple have a kind of open relationship that leaves room for someone like Chris. Aiden & Jace have been trying to come up with a way to talk Chris into coming back and being with them more.  He has been distant lately, and this is a cause for some concern.  Is  there something wrong? This was such a nice quick read.  Lovely characters I was excited to see again.  Also many visitors from the previous books in the series are present.  I like the fast pace of these books.  I also adore the banter and real world situations that...

Shock value

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This is book #5 in the Five Boroughs series .  This book can be read as a standalone novel.  For read understanding, and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading this compelling series in order. Valdrin AKA Val is Ashton's best friend since childhood.  Val is finding he has sincere feelings for his favorite guy, but he is constantly forced to be in a parental role with him.  He thinks he should try to separate himself from the equation, but Ashton won't let him go easily. Ashton has knows he has been in love with Val since gradeschool.  His family welcomed him more than his own.  Now there relationship is in confused tatters.  Is it possible to get back in sync?  Should he take a chance and admit how he feels? This series is so intense.  Each book with such an amazing story of its own.  I loved these characters right from the get go.  They want the same thing, just have to work it out somehow.  Cameo's by favorites f...

Everyday

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This is book # 4, in the Five Boroughs series .  This book can be read as a standalone novel.  This book also contains characters and situations that may be considered spoilers, so I recommend reading this series in order. Raymond & David's story continues from the 2nd book in the series, Sunset Park.  We get to see more into their lives.  How they are coping with the changes of being together, and the jobs that sometimes, pull them apart. David is trying hard not to rock the boat too much since Raymond is already on the edge.  In this story we see them drift away, come together, and bless the author, we get a solution at the end of the book also. I was pleased that this series would go to the lengths it has.  We see these amazingly complex characters in these everyday situations.  Sometimes the everyday can hurt and push you more than the extraordinary events.  This was depicted well in this book.  I give this story a 4...

In your eyes

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This is the 3rd book in the Five Boroughs series .  This book can be read as a standalone novel.  For reader enjoyment and understanding, since recurring characters may bring spoilers - I recommend reading this series in order. Oliver AKA Oli and Caleb have an amazing night.  Then they must figure out if they can be friends, or are they headed for so much more?  Caleb feels like he is alone wanting a future with Oli. Caleb is so head over heels for a man who cannot talk about the future.  They both stutter when talking about the past.  Can they get together despite secrets, pain and opposing forces? This series just kicks it up with every book.  I found the characters very real and sympathetic.  What is even more gratifying is the HEA at the end.  I cannot wait to see where the author takes us next.  I give this book a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

Pick me

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This is book # 2 in the Five Boroughs series .  This book can be read as a standalone novel.  For reader understanding, and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading the series in order.   Raymond and David became unlikely friends, since they have very little in common.  David works with Raymond's brother as a teacher.  Raymond is lucky to hold a job at all.  Still, Raymond likes having David around. David is hoping to find someone who puts him first.  His friendship with Raymond is unusual given the circumstances, and he finds himself strongly attracted.  Can they be more and still stay friends? This was a great installment to the series.  We got to see our favorite characters.  Has spectacular banter, heat, and realism.  I loved reading about them falling.  I give this book a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

Hold me

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Michael AKA "Mikey" works as a teacher with his best friend, Nunzio at a high school.  They are hoping to make a difference in kids lives.  While he has been going through a lot lately, Nunzio is at Mikey's side. Nunzio has feelings for Michael that he has never acted upon.  They both are afraid to destroy over 2 decades of friendship.  The trust and adoration is there.  Can they learn to go forward as more than friends? Such a very sweet and yet emotional story.  We see what can happen, and not happen when two friends move beyond the casual.  I found this extremely compelling and I am not afraid to say I was hooked and could not put it down.  I give this book a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!