RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Better Be True (Harrison Campus #3) by Andy Gallo & Anyta Sunday

Better Be True

by Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday

 Series: Harrison Campus #3 

Publisher: Andy Gallo & Anyta Sunday (Self Published) 

Release Date: August 3, 2020 

Subgenre: M/M Romance 

 Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

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Two friends. One bed. A big Italian Wedding.

Nico Amato is in trouble.

He’s in love with his roommate. Who’s hung up on his ex. This so isn’t part of his summer plans. Luke’s an all-American jock, a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy. The kind of guy who thinks Nico is too much.

That doesn’t stop Nico from pretending to be Luke’s boyfriend, once, twice, thrice . . . A friend does what a friend does to make an ex jealous.

Just . . . How many favors before Luke gives up on his ex?


Lucas DeRosa has a problem.

His roommate pushes every one of his buttons. Every. Damn. One. This so isn’t part of the script. Nico is flamboyant, a tight jeans/purple blazer kind of guy. The kind of guy who thinks Lucas is boring.

That doesn’t stop Luke from pretending to be Nico’s boyfriend again, and again, and again . . . A friend does what a friend does to repay a favor.

Just . . . How many favors before he wins Nico’s heart?


"Better Be True" is a roommates to lovers, fake-boyfriend, slow burn M/M romance with a HEA. This New Adult, college, opposite attract novel can be read as a standalone. The Harrison Campus series can be read in any order. 

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

Better Be True is a delightful slow burn, opposites attract romance by Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday. The third book in the Harrison Campus series, it is easily read as a standalone. 

As with the previous books in the series, this one just grabbed my attention immediately and had me consumed throughout. The characters, the tone, everything works for me. 

Nico and Luke are two college students who have both been dumped and need a roommate for the summer. What follows is a story with one bed, some fake boyfriend moments, and a time limit, as college will be starting again soon. 

These are two men who one would certainly never expect to fall in love. But with some time spent together, they discover how well they connect and in the end, these complete opposites are wonderful together. Basically, it's a fantastic journey from strangers to roommates to fake boyfriends to friends with benefits to more. I love the progression immensely.

Good god, I have to admit that I just adore Nico. He's femme, he's loud and bright, and his ability to embrace who he is is fabulous. 

Their story includes a big, loving Italian family, some good family moments, some funny wedding planning moments, and an ass of an ex who Luke can't get away from. It's a story with fear, confidence issues, and all too much pretending. 

The writing is great, as is the case with all of the books in this series. The characters are intriguing and the dialogue is stellar. Written in alternating 3rd person pov, the men fully come to life, with their emotions front and center. The conflict at the end seemed forced and is annoying, but the rest of the story makes up for it. 

Better Be True is another fun, sweet story in this series. This whole Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday college series is a fabulous. If you enjoy college romances, these books are must reads. 

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Excerpt #1: “Hey.” Nico shut the back door and sat next to Luke, handing him a glass of wine. “Here. It’s a full-bodied zinfandel.” 

“Thanks.” 

More cluelessness. What made the wine full-bodied? 

“Sorry.” 

“For what?” Nico set his drink down and gently rubbed Luke’s back. “I thought things went well.” 

The smooth motion soothed some of Luke’s anxiety. He leaned into the massage. “Clearly I didn’t study the right things.” 

Nico’s hand paused on his back. “You studied to come here?” 

“Just food stuff. I didn’t want to sound stupid.” 

Nico’s hand drifted up and kneaded the tight muscles in Luke’s neck. “That’s . . . really considerate of you. Thank you.” 

Luke tasted his wine, and Nico removed his hand. Once gone, Luke missed the contact. Not that he could ask Nico to keep doing it. 

“Yeah, well it didn’t help. I still looked stupid, and your family thinks I’m an idiot.” 

“Actually, they really like you.”

“You don’t have to be nice.” 

“No, really. If they didn’t like you, you’d know it. Elisa brought home this total dickwad once. Five minutes into dinner, Papà and Nonno started talking smack about him in Italian. Nonna called him a jackass, which is about the second-worst curse word she uses.”

“What did your sister say when this was happening?” 

“I think she was more embarrassed by the guy than by the family. Even she could tell he was being a jackass.” Nico picked up his glass. “You, however, were great.” 

“Right.” 

“I’m serious. You were respectful, but not too meek. You didn’t try to turn any conversation onto yourself, and you offered to help clear the table. That alone earned you Nonna’s seal of approval.” 

“Now I know you’re lying. She almost stabbed me with her fork when I offered.” 

Nico snorted. “I saw that. But it’s not what you think. Guests don’t help.”

 “Elliott helped.” 

“Yeah, but he’s about to marry my sister. If you kept coming home with me, then they’d expect you to help.” 

Nico bit his lip, frowned, and stared into the yard. “But I promise I won’t foist this craziness on you again.” 

The finality of Nico’s promise filled Luke with . . . something. Regret came closest.  “It’s all good. Your family’s great.” 

“They are great, and I love them to death.” 

“But?”

 Nico eyed the back door and leaned in to whisper, “Sometimes they’re a bit much.” 

Luke laughed. “That’s all families.” 

He bumped his shoulder against Nico’s. When Nico pushed back, Luke didn’t move. They sat, pressed together, staring out at the yard. 

Fake boyfriends. 

Fake boyfriends. 

Fake. 

Nico had made it clear he wasn’t ready to date, let alone have a boyfriend. Besides, Luke wasn’t in the right place to date either. 

So why did it feel like jolts of electricity kept zapping between them? 

And why, when the conversation inside had gotten lively, had Luke felt warm and heavy? 

Like he was with family.

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Andy Gallo: 

 Andy Gallo prefers mountains over the beach, coffee over tea, and regardless if you shake it or stir it, he isn’t drinking a martini. He remembers his “good old days” as filled with mullets, disco music, too-short shorts, and too-high socks. Thanks to good shredders and a lack of social media, there is no proof he ever descended into any of those evils. 

Andy does not write about personal experiences and no living or deceased ex-boyfriends appear on the pages of his stories. He might subconsciously infuse his characters with some of their less noble qualities, but that is entirely coincidental even if their names are the same. 

And while Andy leaves the hard sci-fi/fantasy for his alter ego, Andrew, in his mind a touch of the supernatural never derailed a good relationship. 

 Married and living his own happy every after, Andy helps others find their happy endings in the pages of his stories. He and his husband of more than twenty years spend their days raising their daughter and rubbing elbows with other parents. Embracing his status as the gay dad, Andy sometimes has to remind others that one does want a hint of color even when chasing after their child. 

 Join my Facebook group for more of your favorite characters and to meet new favorites: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GalloreousReaders/ 

 Website: www.andygallo.com 

Email: andy@andygallo.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/andygalloauthor 

 Anyta Sunday:

A bit about me: I'm a big, BIG fan of slow-burn romances. I love to read and write stories with characters who slowly fall in love. 

Some of my favorite tropes to read and write are: Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Clueless Guys, Bisexual, Pansexual, Demisexual, Oblivious MCs, Everyone (Else) Can See It, Slow Burn, Love Has No Boundaries. 

I write a variety of stories, Contemporary MM Romances with a good dollop of angst, Contemporary lighthearted MM Romances, and even a splash of fantasy. 

My books have been translated into German, Italian, French, and Thai. 

Contact: 

http://www.anytasunday.com/about-anyta/ 

Sign up for Anyta's newsletter and receive a free e-book: http://www.anytasunday.com/newsletter-free-e-book/ 

Join my Facebook group to chat all things Slow Burn Romance: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SlowBurnSundays/ 

 You can also find me here: www.anytasunday.com 

 For information about new releases and freebies, follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anyta-sunday 

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 GIVEAWAY

BETTER BE TRUE by Andy Gallo & Anyta Sunday.

 Enter for the chance to win one of following prizes: 

One $10 Amazon gift card or

one of three ecopy packages of BETTER BE SURE & BETTER HAVE HEART.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Direct link

RELEASE BITZ & REVIEW - Better Have Heart (Harrison Campus #2) by Andy Gallo & Anyta Sunday

Release Blitz for:

Better Have Heart by Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday

Series: Harrison Campus #2

Publisher: Andy Gallo & Anyta Sunday (Self Published)

Release Date: July 1, 2020

Length:

Print 243 pages, eBook - 60,944 words

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Subgenre:
"Better Have Heart" is an enemies to lovers, slow burn M/M romance with a HEA. This New Adult, college, opposite attract, rich-boy poor-boy novel can be read as a standalone.

They hate everything about each other, so why do they harmonize so well?
Isaiah Nettles wants a chance. A chance to help his family.
The prestigious Gage Scholarship will secure his future. He needs this.
The competition might be hot, but Darren Gage is a golden child.
No way will Isaiah let an entitled rich kid be handed the award.
But what if Darren is more than an entitled rich kid?
Darren Gage wants to be seen. Seen as more than just his name.
The Gage Scholarship will let him shine. He needs this.
Sure, Isaiah is insanely sexy—and right to stand up for himself—but he is the competition.
No way will Darren let just anyone take his legacy.
But what if Isaiah isn’t just anyone?
"Better Have Heart" is an enemies to lovers, slow burn M/M romance with a HEA. This New Adult, college, opposite attract, rich-boy poor-boy novel can be read as a standalone.

A note from the authors:
We want readers to enjoy a good, new adult romance with two MCs who helps each other overcome what’s holding them back from finding love.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Better Have Heart by Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday, starts off very slow. I almost put it down since I wasn't loving it. But I am happy I kept reading. It's a sweet story, with a whole lot of love in it. 

The second book in the Harrison Campus series, it's easily read as a standalone. But the first book, Better Be Sure, is a wonderful book, so don't miss it. 

In this college romance, Isiah is struggling to earn a scholarship, as all his energy is spent trying to help his family financially. Darren, meanwhile, is the rich kid who knows nothing about poverty. He's a good guy though, and his struggles prove that having money doesn't equal a care free life. 

The two men are competing for the same scholarship. Isiah because he needs the money, and Darren because it's a family legacy. The differences in the two men are many and well done. The way the two characters come together, slowly starting to let one another in, is well done. Their obstacles are real, and yet, they can't help but to fall in love. 

The relationship is a slow burn one, with some heat once they connect. I enjoy the way things evolve for the two, despite them being competitors for the scholarship.

Best of all though, is the ending. I had no clue how their conflict could ever be happily resolved, but the author pulls it off wonderfully. 

The writing is good, albeit slow. The third person pov, although alternating, is what kept me a little put off from the writing. A first person pov would have pulled me into the characters more. 

Overall, Better Have Heart is a nice slow burn romance. It's an entertaining college romance that's definitely worth a read. The characters are wonderful and their story is beautiful.

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Isaiah could have laughed. Of course.
Like a king, Darren came to the meeting like he’d rolled out of bed from a good fuck. Cheeks bright, hair damp and teased at the ends, gait relaxed like he was well and truly spent.
It was infuriating on many levels. Like the way President Jenkins didn’t bat an eye and said, “on time.”
Christ.
On time was Isaiah missing his modern jazz performance class, putting on a suit, and walking through the ninety-plus degree heat to get here before the mentors.
On time was turning down a paid yoga session because they had scheduled two hours for this meeting.
On time was ignoring the call from his mom ten minutes before the meeting because Jenkins had delivered him a look.
He glanced at Darren again.
Yeah, Darren coming in like that was infuriating, all right. Especially how Isaiah’s traitorous body responded every time their gazes clashed.
So, Darren might be hot. Okay, insanely hot. But beneath all that, Isaiah was looking at an aristocratic charmer. The type of man who knew all the right names to drop to get his way.
There was a certain amount of jealousy in that assessment, sure, but his frustration stemmed from something deeper than that. It stemmed from the gnawing worry in his gut.
Winning for him meant being that much closer to giving mom a break from two jobs just to keep a roof over her and his siblings’ heads.
For that to happen, he needed a chance. A level playing field. Not Darren waltzing in with a smile to make the judges swoon.

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Andy Gallo

Andy Gallo prefers mountains over the beach, coffee over tea, and regardless if you shake it or stir it, he isn’t drinking a martini. He remembers his “good old days” as filled with mullets, disco music, too-short shorts, and too-high socks. Thanks to good shredders and a lack of social media, there is no proof he ever descended into any of those evils.
Andy does not write about personal experiences and no living or deceased ex-boyfriends appear on the pages of his stories. He might subconsciously infuse his characters with some of their less noble qualities, but that is entirely coincidental even if their names are the same. And while Andy leaves the hard sci-fi/fantasy for his alter ego, Andrew, in his mind a touch of the supernatural never derailed a good relationship.
Married and living his own happy every after, Andy helps others find their happy endings in the pages of his stories. He and his husband of more than twenty years spend their days raising their daughter and rubbing elbows with other parents. Embracing his status as the gay dad, Andy sometimes has to remind others that one does want a hint of color even when chasing after their child.
Join my Facebook group for more of your favorite characters and to meet new favorites:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GalloreousReaders/

Website: www.andygallo.com

Email: andy@andygallo.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/andygalloauthor

 ******************************************************

Anyta Sunday

A bit about me: I'm a big, BIG fan of slow-burn romances. I love to read and write stories with characters who slowly fall in love. Some of my favorite tropes to read and write are: Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Clueless Guys, Bisexual, Pansexual, Demisexual, Oblivious MCs, Everyone (Else) Can See It, Slow Burn, Love Has No Boundaries. I write a variety of stories, Contemporary MM Romances with a good dollop of angst, Contemporary lighthearted MM Romances, and even a splash of fantasy. My books have been translated into German, Italian, French, and Thai.

Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/about-anyta/

Sign up for Anyta's newsletter and receive a free e-book: http://www.anytasunday.com/newsletter-free-e-book/

Join my Facebook group to chat all things Slow Burn Romance:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SlowBurnSundays/

You can also find me here:

www.anytasunday.com

For information about new releases and freebies, follow me on BookBub:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anyta-sunday

_______________________________________________________________

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Book 2 in the Harrison Campus series - BETTER HAVE HEART - Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday are giving away 3 e-copies of Better Have Heart! Must be 18 years old to enter and win; open internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Better Be Sure (Harrison Campus #1) by Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday

 Amazon Link 

 Goodreads Link

Orphan Jackson Murphy just staked his legacy on a bet.

Holy shit, his impulsive ass is in trouble.

Bring a guy to the fraternity formal? Pfft. Easy. Won’t be him getting kicked out of the house.

So what if his luck with guys on campus has been shitty? Ed Knowles is Jack’s winning ticket.

Tall, handsome, hardworking—and he doesn’t go to Harrison. One serendipitous meeting, and sparks—and coffee cups—are flying.

But with every stolen look, every secret kiss, every clandestine touch Ed becomes more than just an answer to a bet.

And these cloak-and-dagger meetings that set Jack on fire? They mask one tiny, enormous obstacle: Ed’s not out.

What does Jack do now?

Hold on to his legacy… or his heart?

--

"Better Be Sure" is a sweet, slow burn M/M romance with a heart-pounding HEA. This New Adult, college, opposite sides of the tracks novel can be read as a standalone and in any order.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Better Be Sure is the first book in the Harrison Campus series by Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday. And I love it all! If you like closeted college romances, add this book to your list.

The story starts with a bet, which is annoying, but is definitely on par for college kids. And of course, is the driving factor for the angst.

Ed and Jack make a great couple, but struggle with a lot of things. Ed's firmly in the closet with no plans no leaving it, setting up for some fantastic angst. They have to deal with their own issues, as well as issues that are forced upon them. There's definitely an antagonist who you'll hate, which also ups the entertainment factor. 

The closeted nature of Ed just makes me sad. His reasons are completely understandable, making it tougher to stomach. I love the way that Ed, a townie, falls for the frat boy, Jack. This is one of those elements I always enjoy in a romance, and it's pulled off in an excellent manner.

The author perfectly captures the college years, reminding me often at how young and inexperienced these young men are. It all feels realistic and genuine. The frat dynamics seem to be accurate and the pressures and stress are definitely well described.

Their relationship deals with virginity, bullying, and family issues, in addition to homophobia, expectations, and self-imposed pressure. One of biggest themes explored is that of loss, grief, and depression.

As for Jack and Ed, I just love them. Separately and together. Jack's an amazing guy who's understanding and wonderful to Ed. And Ed's a sympathetic character who grows a lot by the end. Their story's emotional and memorable.

Better Be Sure is a gripping and impressive romance. It has a lot of heart, and is worth a read. The writing is good, and includes some great secondary characters.

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Better Be Sure (Harrison Campus #1) by Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday

Better Be Sure by Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday

Series: Harrison Campus #1

Publisher: Andy Gallo & Anyta Sunday (Self Published)

Release Date (Print & Ebook): June 1, 2020

Length (Print & Ebook): Print - 242 pages, 

eBook - 60,000 words

Goodreads Link

Subgenre:

"Better Be Sure" is a sweet, slow burn M/M romance with a heart-pounding HEA. This New Adult, college, opposite sides of the tracks novel can be read as a standalone and in any order.

Start reading now: Amazon Link

Orphan Jackson Murphy just staked his legacy on a bet.

Holy shit, his impulsive ass is in trouble.

Bring a guy to the fraternity formal? Pfft. Easy. Won’t be him getting kicked out of the house.

So what if his luck with guys on campus has been shitty? Ed Knowles is Jack’s winning ticket.

Tall, handsome, hardworking—and he doesn’t go to Harrison. One serendipitous meeting, and sparks—and coffee cups—are flying.

But with every stolen look, every secret kiss, every clandestine touch Ed becomes more than just an answer to a bet.

And these cloak-and-dagger meetings that set Jack on fire? They mask one tiny, enormous obstacle: Ed’s not out.

What does Jack do now?

Hold on to his legacy… or his heart?

--

"Better Be Sure" is a sweet, slow burn M/M romance with a heart-pounding HEA. This New Adult, college, opposite sides of the tracks novel can be read as a standalone and in any order.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Better Be Sure is the first book in the Harrison Campus series by Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday. And I love it all! If you like closeted college romances, add this book to your list.

The story starts with a bet, which is annoying, but is definitely on par for college kids. And of course, is the driving factor for the angst.

Ed and Jack make a great couple, but struggle with a lot of things. Ed's firmly in the closet with no plans no leaving it, setting up for some fantastic angst. They have to deal with their own issues, as well as issues that are forced upon them. There's definitely an antagonist who you'll hate, which also ups the entertainment factor.

The closeted nature of Ed just makes me sad. His reasons are completely understandable, making it tougher to stomach. I love the way that Ed, a townie, falls for the frat boy, Jack. This is one of those elements I always enjoy in a romance, and it's pulled off in an excellent manner.

The author perfectly captures the college years, reminding me often at how young and inexperienced these young men are. It all feels realistic and genuine. The frat dynamics seem to be accurate and the pressures and stress are definitely well described.

Their relationship deals with virginity, bullying, and family issues, in addition to homophobia, expectations, and self-imposed pressure. One of biggest themes explored is that of loss, grief, and depression.

As for Jack and Ed, I just love them. Separately and together. Jack's an amazing guy who's understanding and wonderful to Ed. And Ed's a sympathetic character who grows a lot by the end. Their story's emotional and memorable.

Better Be Sure is a gripping and impressive romance. It has a lot of heart, and is worth a read. The writing is good and includes some great secondary characters.

_____________________________________________________________________________

What authors Andy Gallo & Anyta Sunday say about this release:

We want readers to enjoy a good, new adult romance with two MCs who help each other overcome what’s holding them back from finding love.

____________________________________________________________________________

Release Blitz Teaser:

Before the kid could pass, someone bumped him hard enough to knock him off balance. Unprepared for the contact, he watched his much needed caffeine and sugar splatter over the floor.

“Oh fuck, sorry.”

Jack twisted around, a fire in his eye that cooled off instantly. Tall Hot Guy quickly shoved his phone in his pocket, looking totally cute as he gawked wide-eyed at the mess he’d caused. The flush of red to his cheeks had Jack staring. “It’s all right.”

“Oh man, I’m so sorry.” Casting about for a place to put his bag, Tall Hot Guy settled on the counter and started snapping up napkins by the handful. He bent over to spread them on the tiles, and the waistband of his dark blue boxers peeked above his jeans. Jack’s gaze lingered a moment.

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About the Authors

Andy Gallo

Andy Gallo prefers mountains over the beach, coffee over tea, and regardless if you shake it or stir it, he isn’t drinking a martini. He remembers his “good old days” as filled with mullets, disco music, too-short shorts, and too-high socks. Thanks to good shredders and a lack of social media, there is no proof he ever descended into any of those evils.

Andy does not write about personal experiences and no living or deceased ex-boyfriends appear on the pages of his stories. He might subconsciously infuse his characters with some of their less noble qualities, but that is entirely coincidental even if their names are the same. And while Andy leaves the hard sci-fi/fantasy for his alter ego, Andrew, in his mind a touch of the supernatural never derailed a good relationship.

Married and living his own happy every after, Andy helps others find their happy endings in the pages of his stories. He and his husband of more than twenty years spend their days raising their daughter and rubbing elbows with other parents. Embracing his status as the gay dad, Andy sometimes has to remind others that one does want a hint of color even when chasing after their child.

Connect with Andy:

Website: www.andygallo.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/andygalloauthor

Anyta Sunday

A bit about me: I'm a big, BIG fan of slow-burn romances. I love to read and write stories with characters who slowly fall in love. Some of my favorite tropes to read and write are: Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Clueless Guys, Bisexual, Pansexual, Demisexual, Oblivious MCs, Everyone (Else) Can See It, Slow Burn, Love Has No Boundaries. I write a variety of stories, Contemporary MM Romances with a good dollop of angst, Contemporary lighthearted MM Romances, and even a splash of fantasy. My books have been translated into German, Italian, French, and Thai.

Connect with Anyta:

Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/about-anyta/

Sign up for Anyta's newsletter and receive a free e-book: http://www.anytasunday.com/newsletter-free-e-book/

Join Anyta’s Facebook group to chat all things Slow Burn Romance:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SlowBurnSundays/

You can also find Anyta here:

www.anytasunday.com

For information about new releases and freebies, follow her on BookBub:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anyta-sunday

____________________________________________________________

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Better Be Sure (Harrison Campus #1), the authors are giving away 3 e-copies of Better Be Sure and 3 e-copies of a winner’s choice of any Anyta Sunday book. Must be 18 to enter and win, open internationally.

Enter now:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Better Be Sure (Harrison Campus #1) by Andy Gallo

Dreamspinner Press Link

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

A Harrison Campus Story

When the stakes are this high, you better be sure you can win.

Jackson Murphy lost his parents to a boating accident, but they’re never far from his thoughts. He attends the same university as his parents, joined the same fraternity as his dad, and even lives in his father’s old room, along with his adopted brother, Marcus. Life brightens when he meets the man of his dreams.

Edward Knowles trades full-time college for working during the day and community college at night when his father’s factory closes. He intends to stay deep in the closet to keep his job in heating and cooling. But Jack pushes all his buttons.

Jack’s college rival challenges him to bring a date to the upcoming dance. He goads Jack into accepting even though failure means he and Marcus will lose their room and Jack must leave the fraternity.

Jack is falling hard for Ed, but Ed will never agree to go the dance. Ed—not knowing the stakes of the wager—has also made it clear that Jack taking another man will end their romance.

With pressure from friends and enemies alike, will Jack hold on to his legacy… or his heart?

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

If you enjoy closeted college athletes, you should check out Andy Gallo's Better Be Sure.

It took me a while to get into this story; to really connect to the characters. In the beginning, the bet just annoyed the hell out of me. That said, the bet is completely on par for college aged frat brothers. This is absolutely something that would happen, despite it bugging me. Once I remembered that, I really enjoyed the story.

Ed and Jack make a great couple, but struggle with a lot of things. Ed's firmly in closet with no plans of leaving it, setting up for some great angst. They have to deal with their own issues, as well as issues that are forced upon them. There's definitely an antagonist who you'll hate, which is always entertaining.

The closeted nature of Ed just makes me sad. His reasons are completely understandable, making it tougher to stomach. I love the way that Ed, a townie, falls for the frat boy, Jack. This is one of those elements I always enjoy in a romance, and it's pulled off in an excellent manner.

The author perfectly captures the college years, reminding me often at how young and inexperienced these young men are. It all feels realistic and genuine. The frat dynamics seem to be accurate and the pressures and stress are definitely well described.

Their relationship deals with being a virgin, bullying, and family issues, in addition to homophobia, expectations, and self-imposed pressure. One of biggest themes explored is that of loss, grief, and depression. This part is well developed, but seems to be lacking any form of therapy, which seems a little off to me.

As for Jack and Ed, I just love them. Separately and together. Jack's an amazing guy who's understanding and wonderful to Ed. And Ed, he's a sympathetic character who grows a lot by the end. Their story's emotional and memorable.

Better Be Sure is a gripping and impressive romance. It has a lot of heart, and is worth a read. The writing is good, with some fantastic flashbacks and great secondary characters.