The Friendship Equation by J.R. Gray

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

I never thought I’d go to college a virgin, but unless something changes, and fast, that’s what’s going to happen. In comes Harden Hart, my All American boy-next-door best friend with an offer to help in a way I’d never imagined.

The boy who turned everything he touched to gold had a filthy side to him I’d never seen. Oh, and did I mention he’s straight?

We could keep this fun but we had to hide it from both our fathers. We could smile for the cameras, focus on winning the state swimming championship and maintain Harden’s image. Easy enough, right?

Only Harden didn’t want to hide. His addiction to our not-so-private hook-ups put everything at risk with his father’s planned presidential run, and I risked losing my best friend if anyone found out.

But the biggest risk of all—the risk of breaking my own heart by falling for someone who was never mine to begin with.

Maybe love just isn't in the equation.

***The Friendship Equation is a childhood best-friends-to-lovers, bi for you, forbidden sports romance standalone, featuring a dirty-talking boy next door and his sweet virginal best friend. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

The Friendship Equation is a fabulous new adult romance by JR Gray. 

This story is that of two best friends, one of whom is a virgin. 

I was really excited going into this one. Although I enjoyed it, it took me a while to get into it. Later on though, when things get in their way, I became fully invested and loved it. 

This is just one of the those feel good, friends to lovers romance that you can't help but to internally swoon over. Best friends since kindergarten, these two have a bond as strong as one can have. And god, I love these two together. The feelings that develop are just perfect, and it's a fun ride as they fall in love. 

I always enjoy when a political family gets in the way of their child being out. And this one has just that, as Harden's father wants to run for president. This sets up a great dynamic, as the boys have always been best friends, but for appearances sake, Vance knows he's beneath him. 

This is a story with a virgin, some sexual exploration, and best friends to lovers. There's political issues involved, as well as sports, and being separated for the first time because of college. 

As always, the writing is good and the JR's storyline will keep you reading late in the night. 

The Friendship Equation is a wonderful friends to lovers new adult romance. JR Gray does a fabulous job creating a strong friendship and testing these men on the strength of their love. It's a great feel-good story with enough angst to keep things interesting. 

Sea Change (Saugatuck #1) by Amelia C. Gormley

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Goodreads Link

Blurb

One Summer Can Change Everything...

Topher Carlisle's always been the black sheep--literally--in his middle-class family. Biracial, gay, and genderfluid, his family doesn't think he'll amount to much, and he just might believe them.


After a bout of severe depression has put both his academic and financial prospects in danger, he accepts his best friend's offer to stay in her family's summer home while he works to make up the shortfall of his athletic scholarship. But his tendency for self-sabotage is strong and soon a terrible mistake in judgment leaves him homeless.


From the moment he sees Topher, artist Jace Sieger knows that this is someone he needs to capture on canvas. He's no stranger to poor life choices, and he sees something in Topher worth nurturing.


The challenge, though, is chipping through Topher's prickly defenses to reach the sensitive, traumatized soul beneath. With the help of his friends Geoff and Robin, maybe, just maybe, they can convince Topher he's worth something after all, and that a few mistakes don't make him irredeemable.
What starts as a casual vacation fling grows into something that will change both of them forever.


(This novel is a newly-released and retitled second edition. It was previously available under the title Saugatuck Summer.)

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Amelia Gormley's Sea Change is a multi-layered and complex romance. It covers one summer that has so many issues and where so many things happen. 

Topher is a character who grabs at your heart strings, as he's suffered horrific abuse as a child. Topher's family is a train wreck, and he believes the lifetime of insults thrown his way. He has so many fears and he'd love to cut ties with his family as he suffers from a life of anger, grief and cruel words. 


One issue tackled is that of living to work for success or finding a job you enjoy. This is something Topher really needs to evaluate.

Topher learns a lot over this one summer. Most importantly is that decisions have consequences. He deals with having an affair, a one night stand that turns into more, and finds a relationship that teaches him about himself and about life. 

His story is one of strength, survival, forgiveness, sacrifices and support. He learns that everyone has problems and he learns to like himself.


Sea Change is an emotional ride. The writing is accomplished and impressive, with great flow and development. So much happens during this one summer.  It's more life changing for Topher than I could have ever imagined. And it's a reminder that no one is 100% good or bad.

Relay (Changing Lanes #1) by Layla Reyne

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Goodreads Link

Blurb

Captain is not a title Alejandro “Alex” Cantu takes lightly. Elected by his teammates to helm the US Men’s Swim Team, he proudly accepts the role, despite juggling endless training, team administrative work, and helping out on the family farm. And despite his ex-lover, Dane Ellis—swimming’s biggest star—also making the Olympic Team.

Dane has been a pawn in his celebrity parents’ empire from crib to pool, flashing his camera-ready smile on demand and staying deeply in the closet. Only once did he drop the act—the summer he fell in love with Alex. Ten years later, Dane longs to cut his parents’ strings, drop his too-bright smile, and beg Alex for another chance.

Alex, though, isn’t ready to forgive and forget, and Dane is a distraction he doesn’t need on his team, until an injury forces Alex to accept Dane as his medley relay anchor. Working together, their passion reignites. When Dane’s parents threaten reprisal and Alex is accused of doping, the two must risk everything to prove Alex’s innocence, to love one another, and to win back their spots on the team, together.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Relay is an enjoyable second chance romance by Layla Reyne.

I always enjoy a good romance involving athletes, and especially Olympians. Alex's a closeted swimmer on the Olympic swim team. Suddenly, his ex-lover, the press favorite, Dane, is on his team. 

Their reunion is not a fun time for either, as Alex is far from welcoming to his new teammate.

Dane's spent his life as his parent's puppet. He does and says what he's told. He's closeted, as his religious parents would never allow their darling son to be gay. Dane's tired of pretending, living his life according to his parents' plans.

Their story includes some scandal, betrayal and jealousy. People start meddling and careers are threatened. 

Relay's a wonderful reminder that living your truth can help you find real happiness. 

(MF) - The Summer Boyfriend by Christina Benjamin

Amazon Link


Blurb

Can summer last forever? Joy Wright has only two rules. Don't ask questions and don't get attached. So when Hayden Anderson comes into her life with a tempting proposition, she has a decision to make.
The plastic key card with the familiar hotel logo glared back at Joy. The only other item in the envelope was a tiny square of folded yellow paper. She reached for it, unfolding Hayden's unmistakable handwriting. Room 108.
One word.
Three numbers.
Two choices.
Stay or go?
So much hangs in the balance.
The decision could change Joy's entire future.
Surviving this summer romance won't be a walk on the beach.

A Fun, Fast, YA Romance Read, perfect for fans of Kasie West & Jenny Han!
(Note: Suggested reading age 16+ for mature language and content.)

REVIEW
My Rating - 5 stars!


The Summer Boyfriend is a wonderful romance that hooked me from the first page.

Joy and Hayden both carry a whole lot of baggage, both having suffered way to much in their short lives.  They are both in need of learning to let themselves feel again ,as well as trying to discover who they really are.

They are dealing with a controlling father, lost love, carrying on parts of that love into the future, and learning to let go of the past. Their love is all-consuming, and they completely are meant to be together, complimenting each other perfectly.

Don't miss out on Hayden, as he is the perfect book boyfriend!

The Summer Boyfriend is a great read for any YA fans.

Swimming To Freedom by Robbie Michaels

Amazon Link

BLURB

Once, swimming was a labor of love for Brandon. Now it’s just a labor.

When Brandon’s competitive, domineering father decided to cash in on his son’s hobby, he sucked all the joy out of the sport for his son. Now Brandon’s father spends every ounce of his energy training Brandon for one purpose: Olympic gold and with it the chance to experience success vicariously through Brandon.

Brandon falling in love with Tyler, another swimmer, was not part of his father’s plan. Luckily the two young men have Joel in their corner, a straight ally who helps them find time alone. When Brandon’s father finds out about the relationship, his reaction is sadly predictable, and soon, Brandon’s new home is beneath a bridge. He finds peace swimming in the river, but feels fear as wild animals pass by his shelter during the night.

But once again, his happiness cannot last. Torrential storms are threatening to wash away his future—maybe for good this time.

REVIEW - 4 Stars!

After reading the blurb for Robbie Michaels’ Swimming to Freedom, I couldn’t wait to get it.

From the beginning, I could tell I was about to be taken on an emotional ride. Swimming to Freedom centers on Brandon, a star swimmer caught under his father’s tyrannical hands. Brandon’s father controls everything that Brandon does, not allowing anything except swimming, training, and schoolwork.

Brandon has always loved swimming. In the water, he finds the peace and tranquility that he can’t find anywhere else. His father, however, even makes that part of life awful, as he yells throughout practices and meets, and is demanding about Brandon’s training and practice schedule. You can’t help but sympathize with Brandon, who can only dream of hanging out with friends, or being able to call them on a cell phone. Instead he is stuck under the rule of his toxic father.

I love the courage Brandon’s friend Joel develops when he realizes how tough Brandon’s life is. He finds ways to help Brandon escape for a while. It is wonderful to see how passionate he becomes on his mission. Joel is truly an amazing and loyal friend.

When Brandon meets Tyler at a swim meet, he is captivated and can’t take his eyes off him. Tyler is also shocked to find out how strict Brandon’s dad really is. With the help of Joel, Tyler finds even more ways to help Brandon spend time with his friends.

There are many times where I wanted to applaud Joel and Tyler for sticking up for Brandon and finding ways to help him. They are truly the most dedicated, determined and dependable friends ever.

As you would expect, when Brandon’s dad learns that Brandon is gay, he freaks out and kicks Brandon out of his home. This part is just heartbreaking. He is able to stay with Tyler for a short time. But he is then left homeless, dumpster diving for food and sleeping under a bridge. His perseverance alone helping him to survive. He does what he has to do and never complains to anyone. Most people would ask for help, but Brandon just isn’t wired that way. It is inspiring to see how strong of a young man he is.

As for Brandon’s father, wow! He is written so well. As despicable of a man as he is, his reasons for acting this way are well developed. This is a very powerful reminder to never live through your children and their successes.

I love a good story which involves someone getting away from an overbearing father. Brandon’s dad is as controlling as one can get and extremely intimidating. I am surprised with some of the ways Brandon’s friends were able to steamroll over him. It seems like it is too easy at times. Yet, in reality, it isn’t easy. These boys create good plans and then follow through on them perfectly.

You won’t find much romance or sex in this book. Although Brandon and Tyler fall in love, it happens without much description or fanfare. Swimming to Freedom focuses more on what Brandon has to endure with his father, how he overcomes it, and his ability to survive when his dad is unreasonable. The love connection plays a crucial role in the story, and adds to the plot greatly, without being the main focus.

One of my favorite sentiments is when Brandon is told that even though something is in the past, it is now a part of him and will remain with him forever. This is all too true, as everyone is shaped by their past experiences.

Personally, I really enjoy Swimming to Freedom. I find it to be a well written story based on events that are all too present in our society.