This book really didn't do it for me. I got put off in the beginning trying to figure out Brett's dialogue. Then I had trouble believing that Cory was a 15 (almost 16) year old Freshman who was smart enough to get college scholarships. Freshman tend to be younger than that. Other than that, it was sweet seeing the two boys become best of friends while fighting their attraction for each other. ( )

I'm not going to rate this. I was enjoying the slow burn of the relationship and the gentle pace of the story (I'd even got used to Brett's pattern of speech) until the last quarter of the story.

If you don't want to be spoiled don't read any further. I wished I'd been spoiled, though. At the last quarter mark Cory is sexually assaulted, some have called it near-rape, I would say it was rape. It was more graphic than I was comfortable reading. And after that point I struggled to enjoy the story. Had I known of that scene I doubt if I would have read the book at all. Some have said that they drove off into the sunset to get their HEA but I don't think it is possible for either of them without a huge dose of therapy. Plus there were hints that things weren't finished with regard to the rapist.

I will say that I loved the character of Brett even if he did make me scream at my Kindle at times.

This book took a little getting used to, mainly due to the phonetic language that was being used for one character. But once I got used to that, I actually started to appreciate it, as it got me into Brett's head.

Neither of the MC's life has been easy up to the point where they meet. They both have a lot of growing up to do, even though neither of them really had a childhood to begin with. And there are more trials and tribulations along the way for them both.

The story is told from alternate points of view. While I realise some people find this annoying, I actually enjoy knowing what is going on in both of the MC's heads. Especially with everything that was going on and all the history that still had an impact in the present.

So overall this was a great story that I truly enjoyed reading.
( )

Are you ready for an intense, emotionally draining, angsty roller coaster of a ride? Then give this book a try. It’s the story of two men, both in need of attention, acceptance, and love. The slow pace and alternating points of view give a great look at their lives and past history, while letting the growing relationship build almost unnoticed. The voice of this book, due to Brett's accent, is very unique, but may not be for everyone.

Brett has an awful past, a mother who has emotionally neglected him, and he's had to fight for every inch of seminormal life he now calls his own. He wants to protect Cory, but is extremely attracted to him as well. The inner conflict of what to do causes him lots of sleepless nights, and when he pulls away because he thinks he isn’t good enough for Cory, I could have smacked him. But when push comes to shove, although he claims not to be emotional, he gets pretty close.

Cory has suffered as well, his alcoholic father not exactly a model parent. Nevertheless he is sweet and trusting, which will cost him dearly. I really felt for him and hate what he had to go through. He is very much in love with Brett, and it just isn’t in his nature to not forgive. Thank God for that!

If you like emotional roller coasters, if you enjoy seeing two men grow up and learn how to communicate, and if you like your romances to move at a leisurely pace, you will probably like this book. ( )

I liked the first part - liked the different POVs, but once the romance was shaping up it became very, very sappy.
And I have to say it read a lot like m/f with the beautiful, dainty damsel in distress. ( )