Finding Me by Chris Breaux

Amazon Link - Available in KU
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Kye has convinced himself that he has it all. Or at least all he wants. He owns his own business and has a loving family that he created himself. If he is troubled by his lack of a social life, all he must do look at the gay dating scene in his small town to remember why. He wants a partner, not a hookup.

Wealthy, handsome businessman Seth has managed to carve out two different lives for himself. As the heir to his daddy’s fortune, he works in his dad’s business directing the company’s philanthropy department while dating beautiful women. As a gay man, he quietly satisfies his longing for men through a string of one-night stand hookups far away from prying eyes.

When these two meet, both men must decide whether their very different outlooks on life leave any room for love to shine through.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Chris Breaux's Finding Me is a riveting read. 

It all starts with a bang, as Kye is a man with nightmares. Both he and Seth have upsetting backgrounds. They are opposites, with their rich versus poor statuses showing, and being an obstacle between them. There's an instant attraction between the two but they don't have an easy ride ahead of them. 

Kye grew up in foster care, spent most of his life with no family, until finally finding one with some supportive brothers, who add a lot to the story. His experiences include being attacked and abused as a homeless street kid. He's a survivor who I can't help but to admire for his strength. 

And then there's Seth who never had a choice in life. His father rules his every decision, controlling him with his homophobic views. One wants to pull Seth from his life, but he already has major abandonment issues and just can't risk losing his father.

This is a tale with self worth issues, as the two men help one another to find a purpose in life. It's a fast read with easy to love characters. The author includes hate crimes, abuse, and attacks to up the angst. In addition, there's a stalker who adds some danger and suspense. 

Finding Me is a sweet mystery/romance as Kye and Seth both want one another, yet have a long journey to feel worthy of that kind of love. Chris Breaux guides these men to find a true sense of family, and it's a decent read by this debut author.

Forever Better Together by A.D. Ellis

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

After suffering a traumatic childhood, Griffin is given a fresh start with foster parents who help him discover what it’s like to be loved, wanted, and protected.

Quincy has lived a comfortable life with his grandparents and the constantly changing faces of their foster children. Kids come and go and Quincy knows staying friendly yet unattached is best. But when scrawny, scared Griffin moves in, Quincy’s world is turned upside-down.

Griffin and Quincy have a shaky start, but soon they bond as best friends and eventually brothers. The hormone-filled teen years reveal an unanticipated attraction between the two.

Now in college, Griffin and Quincy set out to determine if the sexual tension brewing between them since high school is worth jeopardizing their nearly decade-long friendship. Will they lose everything they’ve found in each other, or will they seize the opportunity to turn their friendship into something even better?

Forever Better Together is an opposites attract, friends-to-lovers story, but it’s slightly more complicated than that.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

From the start, I love Forever Better Together, an AD Ellis romance between two step brothers.

Griffin was taken into Quincy's life as a foster brother. A couple years later, the two best friends become "brothers" when Griffin's adopted by Qunicy's guardians, his grandparents. Oh man, I love books like this. 

Griffin and Quincy are the best of friends. They're supportive of one another, and I enjoy the sweetness of their relationship. But going from friends to lovers is never an easy step.


Of course, there is more to their story than just a happy go lucky romance. Griffin's struggles with things in his past. His birth parents and his experiences in foster care, have left lasting effects on him. This part is emotional and touching. In addition, both men struggle with fears and self doubts.

Please note that although they are technically related, there is never any angst about this. I actually really appreciate this, as the clearly are strongly connected and everyone acknowledges that they're not blood relatives.

And, omg, I absolutely love and adore Momma. You'll be hard pressed to find a better lady.


Forever Better Together is sweet and soothing; a total comfort read. Definitely check out this young adult gem by AD Ellis! Honestly, it's one of my favorite reads of the year.