RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Never Fade Away by E.L. Esch

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Never Fade Away
By E. L. Esch

Cover Designer is Samantha at https://www.amaidesigns.com/

Until death does us part, but it's knocking on our door…

I'd had enough. That's how I found myself in a dingy alleyway with my revolver in my hand. I was sick and dying anyway, and there was nothing I could do about it. Nothing except maybe taking back some shred of control by going out on my own terms.

One deep breath. Two… Three… Four…

Surrounded by the darkness of my own mind, this was the only solution I could see, but before I could do something I’d regret, rock star Anno Goodkind crashed into my life and flipped it upside down.

It was supposed to be one casual hookup. No complications and definitely no feelings. No, the most logical thing to do would be to stuff my emotions down so nobody got hurt. Especially not him. But nobody told me that love didn’t give a damn about logic.

CONTENT WARNING: This story has a HEA but deals with heavy themes of illness, suicide, anxiety, and depression. Reader discretion is advised.

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My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Never Fade Away is an emotional romance by EL Esch. 

Be prepared for a tough read when you dive into this one. It's heavy and a tough read at times. But it's well worth it when you're in the mood for something serious. 

The book explores some tough subjects, including mental illness, suicide,  cancer and addiction. The very first page dives into attempts of suicide. 

Obviously these are some important world wide issues. I appreciate the way the author illustrated them. 

The characters are real, complex, and imperfect. They have to deal with the above issues, in addition to regret, forgiveness, and acceptance. They deal with death sentences, and living for the now. And they deal with falling in love.

There is nothing light hearted about this read. But it's beautiful and ends in a way I didn't see coming. 

Never Fade Away is a riveting novel by EL Esch. This book is raw, gritty, and all consuming. Definitely check it out the next time you're in the mood for a heavy read. 

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“We have to stop meeting like this.”

“Like what? This is literally the first time we’ve met like this.” I stepped out of my car and slammed the door shut behind me. I’d parked in the circular part of the driveway in front of Anno’s home. He stood leaning against his front door, arms crossed, with the dumbest smile on his face.

Seeing him again lit a fire in me I hadn’t felt since the last time. My heart thundered in my chest and my whole body tingled from just looking at him. He was in black jeans and a sleeveless leather biker jacket with silver studs lining the collar. Three decorative belts hung around his hips, all black with various designs embossed in the leather. An array of colored bracelets slid down his tattooed wrist as he waved me over.

He always had such impeccable style. I, on the other hand, typically wore plain-colored tees without any kind of design or logos and basic blue jeans. Anno’s look stirred desires in me so filthy that I had to take a second to cool off before I joined him at the door.

“You cut your hair.” He sounded pleased by this discovery. “It’s hot. Nothing to grab, though.”

His lips curled into the most devious grin I’d ever had the pleasure to see. He exaggerated his lean against the door and lowered his head so he could look up at me through his eyelashes.

I loved his confidence. He knew what he wanted and he had no problem letting me know, but I wasn’t letting him win that easily.

“I thought I was here to look at your deck.” I sidled past him, the whole of my body brushing against his as I opened his front door and invited myself in. I saw the way he side-eyed me with his lips drawn, and the little eyebrow waggle he did as I passed when he thought I couldn’t see.

“You are.” He followed me inside. “This way.” He passed by me unnecessarily close, and his shoulder rubbed against mine.

---

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the Release of Never Fade Away, Eryn is giving away a $10 Amazon Voucher and e-copy of Never Fade Away!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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I’m a huge gamer, a lover of books and art, and have a fascination for lizards and other small critters that borders on an obsession. Which is probably why I already own 3 and have to actively stop myself from getting more.

I began writing because I always loved the idea that words can create entire universes and characters from nothing but a blank page and an idea. Like one day you have an empty Word document and then in as little as a few minutes—boom! You just created a snarky art school graduate with purple hair whose blood may actually be 90% coffee.

I write Male/Male adult romance. My books usually focus on realistic life topics—stuff everyday people go through and struggle with. I like when we as readers can feel connected to the characters we’re reading about. When we can understand their feelings and then suddenly they become truly human.

Please consider signing up for new release information through my newsletter at my website:
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Perfectly Us by Jaclyn Quinn

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

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One summer. Two hearts forever changed.

Alex is magnetic. His vibrant personality and easy smiles draw people toward him. No one would guess he’s secretly hurting.

Shiloh is quiet. His social awkwardness and anxious mind make it hard for him to make connections. He’s always felt different. A little broken.

When these two meet, they recognize something in each other. One hides his pain, while the other wears scars from his. They’re opposites in every way, but like magnets, it’s what brings them together.
What starts as a tentative friendship soon blossoms into so much more, bringing about a summer of self-discovery, healing, soft kisses under the stars, and two imperfect people who learn just how perfectly they fit together.

Perfectly Us is a heartwarming and emotional opposites attract, demisexual awakening New Adult LGBT romance with a guaranteed HEA.
Trigger warnings: anxiety, depression, mention of self-harm and suicide.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Perfectly Us is a wonderful young adult/new adult romance by Jaclyn Quinn. This is one of those books that I can't stop thinking about. 

This isn't a light read, so be forewarned. Anxiety and depression is a  major part of this story, and it's not always an easy read. 

Alex and Shiloh are complete opposites, making for an interesting developing relationship. One has to adore Alex. He's out, proud, and confident. But he has some major family issues. Shiloh's quiet, unassuming, and a loner. And he has some major mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and an attempted suicide. 

I find the movie theater scenes fascinating, as I've never been in the employees' only section. 

The friendship they develop is adorable, and the romance that follows is heartwarming. 

Everything is written with care and compassion, as the depression, anxiety, and self harm are all authentic feeling. The author excels in the character development for these men. I love the way the layers are revealed, with both young men helping the other to heal. And the character growth is wonderful. 

Perfectly Us is a must read when you're in the mood for heartfelt mix of serious, sweet, and hurt/comfort. Everything about this Jaclyn Osbourne read had me mesmerized and quickly turning the pages. This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster that you won't forget.

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Jeff, Karma, and Me by Jere' M. Fishback

Title: Jeff, Karma, and Me

Author: Jere’ M. Fishback

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: February 24, 2020

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 90400

Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQIA+, contemporary, new adult, gay, bi, absent parent, mental illness, campground, Florida, Indiana, college students, multiple partners, coming out

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Synopsis

Twenty-year-old college student, Jakub Mazur, is a loner consumed by feelings of helplessness due to his mother’s unexplained disappearance many years before. He feels he’s not in charge of his

own life, that forces beyond his control will always determine his destiny. But when a summer affair ignites between Jakub and Jeff Brucelli, Jakub tastes both romantic love and self-empowerment.

After returning to school for his third year of college, Jakub suffers another tragic loss; it shakes his faith in his ability to navigate life’s challenges. Is he doomed to suffer at the hand of fate forever?

When Jeff is diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a potentially fatal cancer of the lymphatic system, Jeff’s oncologist says he must endure debilitating chemotherapy cycles, then radiation
treatments. Jakub is devastated when he learns of this, but decides, for once, he will take control of his future instead of behaving like a helpless bystander.

Review 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Jeff, Karma and Me is an interesting book by Jere M Fishback. It's so much more than I expected.

It took me a while to fully care about Jakub, as his behavior at the beginning annoyed me. Yes, he was acting like a typical college kid, but I just didn't like it. I also didn't feel the strong connection between Jakub and Jeff much. But, later, when the angst fully starts, the story really takes off. 

This is a story about childhood issues that shapes a man and how one's behavior can have tragic results It has illness scares, depression, and more. It also includes a good look into the homophobia trends in different parts of the city. But, damn, by 50% in, I was thrilled I continued reading this. It's seriously an emotional and crazy ride at points. 

The health scare part is what truly captivated me. I was super impressed with Jakub at this point and really connected with them as a couple. 

Wow, and in the end, Jeff, Karma, and Me is an impressive read about forgiveness, and being true to yourself. I am thrilled to have read this Jere Fishback book, but I'm not sure who exactly I would recommend it to. 

Excerpt

Jeff, Karma, and Me

Jere’ M. Fishback © 2020

All Rights Reserved

I was twenty years old when Jeff Brucelli walked into my life and turned it upside down. I had just finished my sophomore year of college and was home for summer break, to live with my dad in
the head ranger’s residence in Fort De Soto Park, a county facility fronting Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Dad oversaw the park’s campground, as well as the picnic areas, boat ramps, piers, and beaches. Our house was a two-bedroom, wood frame structure seated on nine-foot pilings, with a screened porch overlooking a placid bayou. The floors were polished oak, and the wood burning
fireplace was built of local limestone. A wooden dock and covered boat slip extended into the bayou, where Dad kept a sixteen-foot Carolina Skiff with a forty-horsepower outboard.

My first morning home, I gobbled a bowlful of cornflakes and chugged OJ from a carton. Then I took a bike ride through the RV section of the campground. The sun had risen two hours before and already the day heated up. Dampness gathered in my armpits while I pedaled along the crushed shell road. Most campsites I passed were waterfront, shadedby live oaks and sabal palms. Native foliage grew between them: sea grape, hibiscus, turkey oaks, and flame of the woods.

Many sites were empty, but at one near the eastern tip of the campground, an RV the size of a city bus hulked. A guy my age sat there at a picnic table, strumming an acoustic guitar. Shirtless and wearing cutoff denim shorts, he was slender and fair-skinned, and his cola-colored eyes narrowed when I approached on my bike.

“Are you staying here?” I asked.

Sunlight reflected in his mop of dark and wavy hair when he nodded and answered in a scratchy tenor. “My folks are serving as campground hosts the next few months. They’re both schoolteachers
and have the summer free, so we’ll be here through August.”

I dismounted and lowered my kickstand. Then I pointed my chin at the RV. “That’s a nice ride.”

“It belongs to my mom’s parents. Grandma’s not well these days, and they don’t use it much, so they lent it to us for this trip. We’re from Indiana.”

I extended a hand. “I’m Jakub Mazur.”

Jeff told me his name while we shook. His palm felt warm, his grip firm.

I explained how I was home for the summer from Florida State University and living inside the park.

“I just finished my second year at IU,” Jeff said. “I’m a journalism major.”

Jeff glanced here and there before he spoke again, this time in almost a whisper. “We’ve only been here a few days, but I get the impression most people in the campground are older—retirees and
the like.”

I rolled my eyes. “You won’t find many college kids here, but we can hang out if you’d like. Got a bicycle?”

Jeff jerked a thumb toward a ten-speed Schwinn chained to a sabal palm.

“Let’s take a cruise,” I said, “and I’ll show you my house.”

Minutes later we rolled westward, side by side, while our tires ground against the road. We passed beneath limbs of ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Up ahead, at an empty campsite, a
great grey heron stood on a seawall, studying a canal in hopes of finding breakfast.

“How long have you lived in the park?” Jeff asked.

“Since I was eight, when my dad was promoted to head ranger. The residence comes with the position.”

“Must be nice.”

I rocked my head from side to side. “The park’s pretty, and fishing here is good, but I never had other kids to do things with. It could get lonely, especially during summer when I wasn’t in school. The days dragged by, if you know what I mean.”

Jeff grimaced. “I spent a summer on my uncle’s dairy farm, when I was thirteen. The nearest kid my age was three miles away, and I thought I’d go crazy from boredom.”

When we reached the house, I pulled two Cokes from the fridge, and we sat on a glider sofa on the screened porch. Above us, a ceiling fan clacked and stirred the air. Out on the bayou’s placid
surface, a half dozen brown pelicans floated while an osprey chattered in a nearby long leaf pine.

“This is sweet,” Jeff said while his gaze traveled here and there. “We don’t have such places back home. Indiana’s nothing but prairie.”

Jeff talked about his hometown of Peru.

“We have about ten thousand people. There’s a courthouse and high school, and it’s only a three-hour drive from Bloomington, so I can come home on weekends if I choose to, but I don’t often. There’s not much going on in Peru.”

I asked Jeff about his family.

“My dad’s a middle school shop instructor, and Mom teaches freshman English at Peru High. They come from large families, so I have aunts and uncles all over Miami County, loads of cousins as
well.”

I shook my head.

“What is it?” Jeff asked.

“My parents were both only children, so I have no extended family or siblings. It’s just me and my dad.”

“Where’s your mom?”

I kept my gaze fixed on the bayou while my stomach knotted like it always did when I had to explain. “She has…mental health issues. About eleven years ago, she disappeared—just packed up her
belongings and left. We haven’t heard from her since.”

“Damn, that had to be rough.”

“My dad nearly lost his mind. Even today, I don’t think he’s fully recovered from the situation.”

We rocked on the glider for a bit without saying anything more until Jeff rose.

“I need to help my folks with servicing restrooms, but after lunch why don’t we do something together, maybe go to the beach and take a swim?”

“Sounds good,” I said while following Jeff out of the front door.

After he climbed aboard his Schwinn, he raked a hand through his hair, and I noticed his slightly oversized nose had a few freckles on it. Then, while he pedaled away, I wondered if I’d found
someone I could share my summer with.

Purchase

NineStar Press | Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Meet the Author

Jere’ M. Fishback is a former journalist and trial attorney. He lives on a barrier island on Florida’s Gulf coast, where he enjoys watching sunsets with a glass of wine in his hand and a grin on his face.

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RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - To Be Honest by SM James

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: To Be Honest (#lovehim series book 2)

Author: S. M. James

Publisher: May Books

Cover Artist: Story Styling Cover Designs

Genre/s: YA LGBT romance

Length: 81,000 words/380 pages

Heat Rating: 1 - 2 flames

It is a standalone story.

Release Date: November 15, 2018

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Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited

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Paperback AU 

Blurb

2400 miles. Four friends. One big secret.

Angus Reid is pretty sure he's being catfished.

After spending the last half of junior year talking online to the guy of his dreams, Angus wants to meet. In person. So when Scotty brushes it off with excuses of not being ready, red flags go up.

Determined to either catch Scotty out, or take a shot at real love, Angus embarks on a summer road trip with his adorkable roommate, Tyler. But as summer stretches on, and mixed messages fly between them, Angus finds his heart torn.

His potential catfisher?

Or his straight best friend?

And while their road trip takes them across the country, Angus is headed for one destination.

Either a happily ever after ... or a broken heart.

All books in the #lovehim series are stand alones. The series number is recommended reading order.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

To Be Honest is a wonderfully refreshing young adult romance. This is the third book in SM James' #lovehim series, but is easily read as a standalone.  

It has all the elements of young love and finding yourself. The teens struggle with their doubts, their feelings and more. All as they take a road trip. We follow along as they deal with their fears, wants, confusion and mistakes.

The author does a fantastic job of incorporating a lot of elements into this tale. Catfishing, homophobia, mental health, suicide, bullying and assault are all addressed in a realistic and honest manner. 

To Be Honest is a great coming of age story. SM James has created a charming, fun and romantic tale. At it's heart, it's a complicated story of young love riddled with fear. I enjoyed every second of it, and I need to go back and read the first book in the series now.

Excerpt

I pull out of the parking lot and Tyler directs me to the campsite. The ground is rough as anything, and it’s lucky it’s summer, because I can just imagine that in winter we would be driving on ice.

“Just here,” Tyler points to a space ahead, confirming it on the map the campsite admin handed us.

It’s reasonably busy and we’ve had to drive a bit further down. There’s forest pushing in all around us and I can only spot two other tents. Not that those monstrous things could be called tents.

“Just do you know,” I say as I put the car in park and follow Tyler out. “If I get killed, I’ll hold you personally responsible.”

“If you get killed, I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

“I’ve got to tell you though, I’m not planning on dying a virgin.”

He throws a smirk at me over the roof. “Don’t worry, neither am I.”

I open the trunk and start shifting some of our stuff into the front while Tyler lays down the back seats. When I climb in, a thrum of electricity passes over my skin and I have to remind myself to cool it. We’re just friends. Tyler slides in after me.

“Here.” He hands me some blankets and we set to work making it comfortable before lying back, heads rested at the opening.

It’s so peaceful. The night is still and quiet, holding the warmth of the day, and the stars stretch out above us endlessly, smudges of silver blurring them together. I fold my hands behind my head as Tyler takes off his glasses and tosses them in the front.

“And that right there,” Tyler says in a nasally voice, pointing through the back windshield of the open trunk. “Is the ubulla majorious.”

I give him the side eye, not sure if he’s joking or not. “Oh yeah, and what’s that?” I point to another cluster.

“The fibrosious enema.”

“And that?”

“Ursulla’s Uranus.”

I snort, rolling onto my side to look at him. “You are so full of shit.”

“I swear.” He lays a hand over his heart. “See? There’s Angusius’s Titianus.”

He finally gets a laugh out of me and I shove his shoulder a little. “I think your brain’s broken.”

“Nope. It remembers everything, remember, Angus?”

“I do remember. Which is why I wouldn’t be surprised if you knew all the actual names of the constellations and were just goofing around.”

He tries to hold back a guilty smile.

We lapse into a comfortable silence, him staring up at the stars, and me staring at everything but him.

I hesitate. “Thanks for not bailing on me.”

“Are you kidding? It was a choice between this and going home. Trust me, it was a no brainer.”

“I’m honored.” I roll my eyes.

He chuckles softly and pokes me in the bicep. Two fingers. Just like the first day we met. “You should be. You’re always my first choice.”

My cheeks heat and my stomach twists painfully. I’m well aware of his teasing tone but somehow my body completely misses it. “I mean, I wouldn’t say you’re my first choice. At least second or third, though.”

“Ho-oh!” He hangs his head back, showing off his long neck. “You’ve wounded me.”

“Need mouth to mouth?”

He cracks up. “I’d probably enjoy it too much.”

He’s teasing. Teasing. But damn it, if I don’t get this flirting under control it’s only a matter of when not if our friendship implodes.

I’m dying to trace my lips over that long, smooth stretch of skin just below his ear.

He rests his head to the side, looking at me, and a chunk of hair flops down in his eyes. “Have you heard from Scotty yet?”

The lust dries up as worry kicks in. “No, actually. I’m trying not to think about it.”

“I’m sure he’s fine.”

“If he’s done something—”

“No. He wouldn’t have. From what you’ve told me it was his choice, you can’t think like that.”

I scrub a hand over my face. “I basically forced it on him though.”

“Hey.” Tyler’s fingers circle my wrist and he tugs my hand away. “Nope. We’re not doing this. You don’t control other people’s choices. Not today, not tomorrow, just don’t.”

“If only it was that simple.” I sigh.

“It is.” He’s so certain I almost believe him. Instead I reach out and pull the back door closed.

“I’m tired,” I say, tucking up my legs. And if my legs are too long for the space, Tyler’s definitely will be.

With the door closed the outside world is cut off. Tyler turns back to the window, looking up at the sky, and for the thousandth time this year, I wish I had someone to share my feelings with. It sounds lame as hell but I could really use a hug. I just want somebody to be my somebody.

And with Scotty gone, I’m further from that than ever.

About the Author

S.M. James writes books for teens about squishy sweet characters. ​While not writing, SM is a readaholic and Netflix addict who regularly lives on a sustainable diet of chocolate and coffee.​​Unapologetically dishing out HEAs for LGBTQ characters.

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Giveaway 

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win one of the following:

$30 Amazon gift card (AU or US only)

2 x paperbacks international (That Feeling When or To Be Honest)

3 x eBooks international (That Feeling When or To Be Honest)

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RELEASE BLITZ SCHEDULE

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

(Watch Me) Save You (Run This Town #4) by Avril Ashton

Amazon Link
Goodreads Link


BLURB

Is love enough to pull two drowning men back from the edge of darkness?

No one will love you. Tek Ng has heard that statement his entire life, and after all he’s been through, he believes it. The tortured reality of who he is wars with everything else in his world. He’s got a fiancée he doesn’t want, a family legacy he wants to escape, and unrequited love so unavoidable he descends into sexual depravity with the last person he should. Tek is drowning, but he’s not sure he wants to be saved.
Quinn Storm hides in his quiet house, afraid of his shadow and his memories. At one time he had a husband and a life, but that was snatched away in a violent attack. Hardly daring to live, Quinn is alive only because he’s too scared to end it all himself. He’s drowning and wants no chance at being saved.
A favor for a friend brings these two men together just in time for Tek to watch Quinn unravel. Quinn quickly becomes the most important thing in Tek’s life, but can he trust Quinn to love him once he realizes what Tek is hiding? Just as they reach for each other, their reprieve is shattered by Tek’s demons, leaving Quinn with the realization that he’s not the only one in need of saving.

Warning: Contains references to rape and sexual abuse/assault.



REVIEW
My Rating - 5 Stars!

Avril Ashton has managed to completely impress me again with her final installment of her Run This Town series, (Watch Me) Save You.


This book overlaps books 2 and 3, (Watch Me) Body You and (Watch Me) Unmask You, but now we get to read about Tek and Quinn. And what a story they have! 
 

Tek is essentially caught in a life he never wanted, as his father is forcing him to live a lie. He's living a life that doesn't fit him and doesn't feel right, as he's being forced to take over his father's human-trafficking business. Thus, he is spiraling and self-destructing as he's facing a future he never wanted. 

Quinn is a man who is just as broken, as his ex left him, he's a mess and hates himself. Quinn is suffering with panic attacks, guilt and shame, as he's stuck in the past, just running from his nightmares. He's also a spectacular contrast between a tough exterior and a man drowning in his past, missing the man he used to be. 

Their story contains murder, complications, rape, abuse, danger, rough sex, attempted suicide, drugs, romance, and human trafficking, of course. 

The sex scenes are superb as they contain pure, animalistic need, lust, desire and desperation. It is hot, emotional, transcendental, and life altering. 

Can I mention how much I love the Tek? The absolute dichotomy of his character is amazing, as he's a cross-dresser who loves feminine things, but is a cold blooded killer. I just love this. And the amazing acceptance of the real him by Quinn is breath-taking. Tek never expected to find someone that would accept him in a wig, dress, stockings, heels, and makeup. This makes some of their scenes so powerful. 

Overall, their story is a spectacular, complicate romance between two men who desperately need to reclaim their lives, say goodbye to their pasts and embrace their futures. It's messy, it's raw, and it's riveting.

Avril Ashton is just amazing, as she has such a beautiful and masterful way with words. Her descriptions are perfect, creating elaborate, stunning moments. Her words are descriptive, alluring and captivating. She is a master of the English language, one that others should study to learn how to write such descriptive and mesmerizing scenes. 

If you love a great, complicated, multi-layered story with complex characters, look no further than Avril Ashton's Run This Town series. (Watch Me) Save You is the final book and it is the perfect ending. 

Upstaged : Opening Act by S.L. Danielson and Cheryl Headford

Amazon


Blurb:
Wannabe singer and band front man Erik Von Nordgren hates snarky brit Asher Berkley with a passion. From the moment he turns up at practice with his twin sister Daisy, who is one of the band the two have hated each other.

Through a series of 'tit for tat' incidents they annoy, frustrate and exasperated each other. The die hard goth with purple eyes and the hard core rocker with dreams of the big time have nothing in common and no need to cross paths. Except to wind each other up.

Until the day that Erik throws Asher in the school pool, when everything begins to change. Erik is so far in closet he's in Narnia and Asher has a dark past and trust issues that stand in the way of any relationship, let alone one with the brash American who hurts him every time they try to get together.

A relationship doomed from the start, or so you'd think.

REVIEW:

First we have Erik, who is in a band.  He and Asher, the new emo kid, instantly hate each other.  And they continually harass each other.

Then we have Erik's best friend Billy.  Billy is in love with Erik, but is constantly hurt by Erik's insistence on remaining closeted.  They had made a pact to keep each other's secret, but Billy wants to be out of the closet now.  And Erik just can't let himself be openly gay.  

The story starts to get complicated as we start meeting some of the other guys.  Don't blink or you might miss one of the couplings of the moment. Seriously, pay attention though.  There is actually a wonderful overall plot to this story.  And the couples that form in the end are super sweet.  

I loved Asher.  My heart freaking broke for him.  He is so darn damaged.  And then Erik repeatedly hurts him.  When they do admit to liking each other, Erik just can't let his feelings show in public.  He constantly denies Asher and damages Asher more.

Honestly, Erik was an ass.  He's likeable because he has his reasons for being an ass.  But, he is an ass.  He is horrible to Asher.  And he repeatedly almost loses Asher.   When it seems like he has finally gone too far, Erik needs some help to win him back.   It actually ends with a very sweet and romantic prom night for all.

This book contained a great story, but sometimes the pace of the story confused me.  I enjoyed it, but I was personally left feeling that the story had so much more potential.  I think it was the writing style was just so fast and jumped around so much.  There were so many people and so much going on.  I think it would have been more enjoyable if the pace was slower and there was a little more "meat" to the story at times.  

The heart of story itself though was really good.  The end was just beautiful.   I would definitely recommend reading this.