Roommate by Sarina Bowen Review Tour

* * * * *

Wanted: One roommate to share a 3-bedroom house, split the rent, and ideally not be the guy I can’t stop thinking about.

I’m a man with too many secrets, so the last thing I need is a new roommate with a sexy smile and blue eyes that see right through me. Eight years ago, Roderick left town after high school. We’re not friends. I owe him nothing. But back then, I let one of my secrets slip, and he’s the only one who noticed.

Part of me knows I should run far, far away. But the other part wants him to come upstairs and spend the night. But if I let him in, I could lose everything.

Seeking: A room to rent in town. I’m tidy, have no pets, and I will feed you homemade bread.

I should probably add: Gay AF, and has no filter. It’s no wonder my new landlord is so wary of me.

A smarter man would ignore those hot glances from Kieran Shipley. The broody lumberjack wants more from me than another homemade pretzel, but if I push my luck, I’ll end up back on the street.
Too bad I’ve never been smart with my heart ...

Source: advance ebook provided in exchange for an honest review

It genuinely feels like a long-awaited homecoming reading a book that’s set in Sarina Bowen’s True North universe. It was fun to be reacquainted with the Shipleys and branch out to the extended members of the family.  

Roommate is such a tender story of two people finding in the other what’s been missing in their lives. For Kieran who has remained in the small Vermont town of Colebury all his life, it’s the chance to finally explore his sexuality and curiosity. For Roderick, he learns what a healthy relationship should be. His return to Vermont has been anything but happy. He abruptly left an abusive relationship on the other side of the country, drove all the way back home only to be turned away by his parents because they can't accept that he's gay. Roderick may be broke, jobless and homeless but has enough self-worth to refuse to renounce who he is. Luckily, he lands a job at the Busy Bean, Audrey Shipley's and Zara's cafe, where his baking skills will come in handy. At least one thing is looking up for him. Kieran sees it differently, though.

Kieran recognizes Roderick as soon as he shows up. Roderick was out in high school which fascinated the quiet, man-of-few words. He's not exactly comfortable knowing that Roderick will be working alongside him at the Busy Bean, not because he's gay, but because his presence brings back forgotten memories and confusing thoughts. Roderick mistakes Kieran's quietness for dislike which is the opposite of what Kieran feels. Anyway, events transpire in such as way that they end up as roommates which leads to the kind of intimacy that's long been simmering.  Kieran's hardly dated in the last couple of years because he hasn't been interested. Around Roderick, however, his imagination comes to life, and as much as it's a bad idea to get sidetracked from his goals, that pull is just too strong.

Same goes for Roderick who's desperately trying to establish new habits so he won't find himself in the kind of mess that landed him back in Vermont. But Kieran is irresistible. His steadiness, his calmness, his reliability, the way he treats Roderick so respectfully, speaks to him. The sexual tension that's been steadily building leads to the inevitable. What becomes tricky from here on is that Kieran is still new to all this and hasn't come out. He's not ashamed just private. Roderick knowing this is slightly hesitant to let his heart get deeper into whatever it is they have but he's never been one to make the wise, selfless decisions. He's a goner, for sure.

The best quote to describe their respective journeys comes from Roderick - “We’re walking different parts of the same path.” It's such a wise and sympathetic perspective to have, and recognize how much Kieran's struggling with coming out because of his complicated family dynamics. It's also a universal truth that people ultimately arrive at their place of acceptance and contentment in their own way. Yeah, that line made me feel all sorts of sappy, in a good way, of course.

Reading Roommate was easy. Bowen has a smooth way of conveying earnest stories that get to the center of you. Revisiting with the Shipleys and absorbing their joyful vibes is like the best medicine. The family gatherings are always comforting. Bowen also adds a vital piece of detail to Kieran's backstory towards the end that upends all the years of secrecy and lack of communication, and hopefully leads to reconciliation. Kieran and Roderick's story is everything I love about her stories in the True North world - family, hope and new beginnings. Fans will definitely not be disappointed.

~ Bel

Click here to read an excerpt from Roommate! 

What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera

* * * * *

Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it.

Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.

But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?

Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.

Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.

But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?

What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard enough?

What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play?

But what if it is?

Source: advance e-galley provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review


Before I get going I want to put this out there: I am an ardent fan of both Albertalli and Silvera. I love them for all the warm fuzzies and waterworks that their books bring on, and that the two of them have combined their superpowers to write a book together is nothing short of magical!

What If It's Us starts with a meet-cute at a post office of all places. Arthur sees a hot boy walking in to the post office with a large box. For a good-looking guy Arthur is willing to take a little detour and so follows him inside and strikes up a conversation with him. The boy, Ben is returning his ex-boyfriend's belongings and this gives Arthur hope that maybe Ben will be interested in him. Now before you go thinking he's being stalkery, Arthur is the sweetest guy who has only recently come out. He's never had a boyfriend before but his willingness to put himself out there is so darn admirable. Ben who's dated before is the one who's hesitant. Arthur is the kind of guy who believes in fate but before things can go any further they're abruptly separated and all they have is the other's first name. They do eventually find each other (social media to the rescue!) and then they embark on a series of dates, some hits, some misses, getting to know each other along the way. They only have a limited amount of time as Arthur does have to head back to Georgia at the end of the summer. In the meantime, they're going to have the best summer ever.

The story that unfolds is definitely the best of both worlds with Albertalli and Silvera taking us on an adventure as Ben takes Arthur around New York and Arthur learns the ins and outs of dating. What's interesting, too is the parallel subplots happening with regards to their own friends. Arthur's wondering if his coming out has negatively impacted his once close friendships back home and Ben's trying to figure out his own friendships which may or may not include being amicable to his ex. 

There's so much joy in reading What If It's Us. I was expecting to cry because let's face it, Silvera has a history of doing that to us but that wasn't the case this time. This is a heartfelt, coming-of-age story and I was especially touched by the ending. I love it because only is it realistic, it offers such an open and optimistic view of love and life. Their time together in New York has changed them and you can witness that as Ben and Arthur mature into the impressive men they're becoming. You definitely need to add this to your reading list now!

~ Bel

Hello Forever (Hello Goodbye #2) by Sarina Bowen

* * * *

A SINGLE BASKETBALL GAME CHANGES EVERYTHING...


When they were only teenagers, Axel and Caxton were caught making out in the woods at church camp. And afterward, Cax had disappeared from all the youth group activities.

Six years later, Axel is astonished to spot his first love’s face in the crowd of a college basketball game he’s watching on TV—at a school which has just offered him a job. It’s a thousand miles away, in a tiny rural town. But suddenly, he can’t wait to get there.

Cax can’t believe his eyes when Axel appears in the same Massachusetts town where he now lives. And he’s still just as drawn to Axel as ever. But he can’t let himself go there again, because loving Axel will mean giving up everything else he holds dear.

Both men have so much to lose. But as far as their love is concerned, it's Hello Forever.

Hello Forever is a stand-alone novel with no cliffhangers. Readers of Goodbye Paradise will get to check in on Caleb and Josh and their clan.

Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review


Second-chance romances are always a cure for a glum mood which is why I was so happy to crack this one open. (Or is it swipe it open since it's an ebook?) 

Axel and Cax get a chance to become reacquainted again when Axel relocates to the same small town of Henning that Cax now lives in. Axel has moved here for a job though truth be told, also for Cax. When they were teenagers at a church camp they had acted upon their mutual crush. Sadly, they were caught and separated immediately with Axel not hearing from or seeing Cax ever again. He's never forgotten him so when he saw Cax on tv at the college basketball game, he felt that this was the sign he needed to accept the position at Barmuth University. Cax never thought he'd see his first and only love again but their reunion brings a mixed bag of emotions. He's thrilled to have him near but also fearful. Cax has kept his sexuality a secret from everyone and has never come out of the closet. He's never even said it aloud to himself. His strained relations with his father is what is holding him back for fear that his dad would make trouble for him where his family is concerned. As tempted as he is to act upon his feelings for Axel he has to weigh the consequences of doing so. 

I feel that this is another instance of Bowen schooling me, in this case reminding me that "coming out" is not an easy decision for many people. True, toxic people should be removed from our lives but there's a cost. The person stuck in the middle has to consider that cost against their own happiness which is exactly the position that Cax is in. Axel is at the other end of the spectrum. He has always been accepted by his mother, has experienced relationships and sex, and is now in his first professional job testing the waters to see if his sexuality will be an issue at work. It's interesting seeing the contrast in how these two men live their lives. But Axel is a stand-up guy who has waited this long to find Cax again so he won't easily give up on him. He is exceptionally tender and understanding of him even when things get shot to hell later.

Sarina Bowen knows how to draw you into the story at a deeper level. You may think you know what's going on but you don't. Each revelation adds another layer to making the characters whole. Axel and Cax have a lovely chemistry that makes the sexual tension even more pressing. Outside of that, there's a bond that even six years of being apart can't diminish. Hello Forever is about patience, encouragement and the steadfast belief that love wins in the end, especially when you find your way back to each other.

~ Bel

South of Sunshine by Dana Elmendorf

* * * *


What is Kaycee willing to risk for the sake of love? 
And what will she risk for acceptance?

In Sunshine, Tennessee, the main event in town is Friday night football, the biggest party of the year is held in a field filled with pickup trucks, and church attendance is mandatory. For Kaycee Jean McCoy, life in Sunshine means dating guys she has no interest in, saying only “yes, ma’am” when the local bigots gossip at her mom’s cosmetics salon, and avoiding certain girls at all costs. Girls like Bren Dawson.

Unlike Kaycee, Bren doesn’t really conceal who she is. But as the cool, worldly new girl, nobody at school seems to give her any trouble. Maybe there’s no harm if Kaycee gets closer to her too, as long as she can keep that part of her life a secret, especially from her family and her best friend. But the more serious things get with Bren, the harder it is to hide from everyone else. Kaycee knows Sunshine has a darker side for people like her, and she’s risking everything for the chance to truly be herself.

South of Sunshine was one of those books I noticed on the library's display shelf because of its cover. But underneath the endearing title and picturesque cover is a troubling story about how denying your true self can be destructive.

Kaycee is in her senior year of high school and itching to get out of her small town so she can drop the pretence. She has dated guys but mostly to deflect attention away from the fact that she really likes girls. This is a community that hasn't met the 21st century yet. Their narrow minds about different ethnicities and homosexuality keep Kaycee in the closet. When Bren shows up at the high school she's like a shiny, exotic new toy. She's automatically different because she's part Hispanic and she also happens to be gay. Kaycee feels a strong pull towards her but tries her best to deny any of it. 

"Because once again, just like I did last night and like I've done for all these years of denial, 

I think if I ignore it, it doesn't exist. That's what I have to do to survive this town."

~ Kaycee, p. 174

Reading this book was both maddening and eye-opening. Thank goodness Kaycee is a charming and sweet kid, otherwise this read would have been harder. Sunshine is a judgmental town, superficial to the core. You know it's bad when the churches are segregated and then there's segregation within the church based on social status. Here, within this dysfunction, is where Kaycee has to come to terms with who she is. No wonder her head and her heart are a mess! Religious bigotry is one of my few triggers. I can't ever grasp how any institution that should stand for love and caring can be so cruel to those who are at their most vulnerable. The town's bigoted attitude about anything they're unfamiliar with had me in a foul mood so imagine my surprise when Kaycee's mom and her best friend take the story in a different direction by making important revelations! It taught me an invaluable lesson that I don't always know where someone's fears stem from. It's easy to assume that intolerance can be boiled down to ignorance but those two showed me that there's more to that theory. 

"I remind myself that God loves me ..."

 ~ Kaycee, p. 123

That passage from self-awareness to self-acceptance can be intimidating depending on the level of support that is available. Elmendorf wrote Kaycee's gradual coming out so beautifully. She also gives us a glimpse of what coming out means to a teen - the joy it can bring, the toll it can levy, the love it can let in but also the weight of disappointment and hurt when someone you love refuses to acknowledge your truth. I hate that anyone has to even go through this simply because they want to be true to who they are. And it's unfair to have that person carry the guilt for anyone's lack of acceptance or understanding. When it comes to LGBTQ novels, I find it's the coming of age ones like this that I respond to the most. Therefore, I'm so glad I picked up South of Sunshine.  

~ Bel

Honesty by Seth King

* * * * *

A radiant story of first love and self-acceptance for fans of John Green, Jandy Nelson, and Rainbow Rowell

“Maybe we weren’t meant to collide. Maybe we were meant to explode.”

As a closeted teenager in the Deep South with a holy-roller father and the scars to prove it, bookworm Cole Furman has resigned himself to experiencing life and love only within the pages of his favorite novels. But after Nick Flores seems to walk off a page and starts to rewrite his story, Cole finds his dreams spinning into a dazzling – and complicated – reality.

If you have ever found yourself on the wild breathless thriller ride that is young love, Honesty will rip you back again in screaming color.

Seth King is a remarkable writer. He has a gift for describing things, especially feelings, making them jump off the pages and come to life.  Honesty is the fourth novel of his that I’ve read. I dare say it’s his most profound work and it’s by far my favourite!

How does Honesty shine? It’s brutally truthful about what it’s like for a gay teen who has accepted his sexuality but who has to suffer the ignorance of others. It’s achingly blunt about what it’s like to fall in love with someone who hasn’t come to terms with who they are. It’s eye-opening about how expectations can crush someone’s spirit. It makes the reader reconsider every preconceived notion they had about what it means to be gay in a world that isn’t always so welcoming. I consider myself an open-minded person and I was wowed by Cole’s thoughts! Some things he said are just common sense but in King’s descriptive prose, they’re simply enlightening because he’s offering us a broader perspective.

Falling in love for the first time is exciting and scary. In Honesty, those feelings are amplified because neither Cole nor Nick is exactly certain about how to pursue their relationship while also keeping it a secret for Nick’s sake. It’s heartbreaking how badly Nick wants to let go and love Cole but he’s afraid about the repercussions when his family finds out. Cole on the other hand, just wants to love and be loved unconditionally but willingly plays by Nick’s rules in order to keep him in his life. Living in a town where they have to suppress their feelings and monitor their movements leads to a kind of ferocity and intensity that plays out when they’re alone. I was hanging by every word on every page.

On the eve of its release, King published an article about how Honesty was drawn from his real life experience. It’s a story that he has waited to tell at the right time. I’ll admit that that has influenced my perception of this book. I think as an author you’re vulnerable. When drawing from personal history it has to be a frightening undertaking not knowing how that story will be received. I bring this up because King does not hold back as he wraps you up in Cole and Nick’s journey through the highs and many lows of their love affair.

Five stars is inadequate to describe how brilliant and important Honesty is. It's a treasure that joins the ranks of two other books that I hold close to my heart. It will undoubtedly be in my Top 10 of 2016. And considering that there's so much in the news lately regarding the LBGT community, everyone should read this masterpiece and open their eyes and hearts.

~ Bel

Tristant and Elijah by Jennifer Lavoie

* * 1/2

Tristant Whitfield has had a secret crush on straight Elijah Cambridge since the start of high school. He’s okay keeping his distance, but when Elijah starts visiting him at work and bringing his favorite coffee, Tristant begins to wonder if there’s something more there.

Then Elijah uncovers a scandalous old letter from Tristant’s great uncle tucked away in a book, and the two boys begin a journey through journals and letters to discover the real Uncle Glenn and the secrets he hid from his family. And Tristant realizes that Elijah has been hiding something as well.

A secret that just might change everything.

Review:

I had a hard time connecting to either of the characters in this story.  Tristant was a bit of a drama queen. And not in a fun endearing way (yes, that exists).  There were a few times he referred to himself as a drama queen; in a self deprecating way that fell short of humorous because it was so painfully true.  And Elijah just seemed somewhat unavailable to the reader.  I didn’t know enough about him other than he liked horror movies and video games and he was afraid to tell people he was gay.  For me it was all on the surface which made it almost impossible to connect with his character.   

I understood Elijah’s desire to reach out to Tristant.  How could he not?  Here is a classmate that has successfully done the one thing that Elijah is most afraid to do – come out.  What I didn’t understand was Elijah’s romantic interest in Tristant.  They seemed to have no connection other than Elijah’s fear of coming out and Tristant’s great uncle’s diary. 

There were two positive things that stood out to for me.  First, I loved that this story provides young readers with a protagonist that is not only comfortable in his own skin but also has family that supports him 100%.  The second thing the journal.  Tristant and Elijah slowly read Tristant’s great Uncle Glenn’s journal together  What unfolds is a heartbreaking story of a gay young man in the early 1900’s.  I found myself much more engaged with this story.  And although I had an idea of where Uncle Glenn’s story would go I was still on pins and needles.  Honestly, make that story into a novel and I would read it.  Even though I already know how it ends.

This was not my favorite LGBT YA but the fact of the matter is if this story makes into just one LGBT youth’s hands and gives them characters and story to connect to then that is what truly matters.

Nat

When Love Comes To Town by Tom Lennon

* * * *

The year is 1990, and in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland, Neil Byrne plays rugby, keeps up with the in-crowd at his school, and is just a regular guy. A guy who's gay. It's a secret he keeps from the wider world as he explores the city at night and struggles to figure out how to reveal his real self--and to whom.

First published in Ireland in 1993 and compared to The Catcher in the Rye by critics, Tom Lennon's When Loves Comes to Town is told with honesty, humor, and originality.

This is the 20^th anniversary edition of When Love Comes To Town. At first I didn’t realize it was a re-issue. But I’m glad for it as I got the chance to experience a time and place as it was back then, not from memory but as it was happening. The foreword by James Klise provides a stark reminder that this book arrived on the scene before famous people coming out of the closet became the norm. That provided an interesting perspective as I read through one of the best and most touching books on the subject.

Neil truly is just one of the lads. He’s bright, personable, athletic and charming, surrounded by many friends though still feels separate from everyone because of what he is hiding. Lennon does a fantastic job laying out the path that Neil begins on as he gains the courage to be himself. He starts by revealing himself to one of his best friends, Becky. Her reaction and instant acceptance are a surprise and relief to him. Having at least one person know this secret that he’s held so close is like opening a floodgate encouraging him to be braver.

He stumbles upon a gay bar in Dublin where he’s a little out of his element at first but ends up making new friends. As the story progresses, Neil balances between his worlds – his gay friends, the select few who know his secret and the rest of his oblivious family and friends.

When Love Comes To Town is a lovely coming-of-age story that's compassionate, thoughtful and witty. I instantly took to Neil. He's the kind of guy you'd want to be your best friend or brother. He has a wonderful personality that is so welcoming and devoid of pretense. Yes, I know that is odd to say considering how he’s been hiding his sexuality. But he’s such a genuine guy who is trying to come into his own. That’s a struggle every person goes through regardless of sexual orientation. And the story is not just about Neil. It’s also about the people around him who are learning to adjust to changes in their own lives and relationships. Neil’s observations are perceptive.  His willing acceptance of some of his friend's reactions is remarkably generous considering how close-minded they are. 

I highly recommend When Love Comes To Town. It's a brilliant book about self-discovery without a whole lot of angst or overly dramatic elements. It's simply charming, starting out with promise, delivering straight through the end!

~ Bel