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Analyzing Emory
When a family friend offers him the job of resident psychologist at Chicago’s GLBT Center, Kyle Michelson jumps at the chance to reinvigorate his career, move on from his recent breakup, and get his life back on track. Kyle hopes returning to the familiar territory of his hometown will do him good, but meeting Emory Brenner at a club changes everything.
Anything but familiar, Emory leaves Kyle breathless from the start. There’s just one problem: Kyle wants more than a one-night stand, Emory doesn’t do relationships, and neither man can resist the other. Luckily for Emory, he never has to see Kyle again. Or so Emory thinks until he runs into him while volunteering at the GLBT Center.
Kyle makes Emory want things he never thought he could have and chips away at secrets Emory has kept locked away for years. On the surface, Emory’s recovered from his past: he has a job at a record store and a roof over his head. But putting his trust in another person, having a relationship, means opening himself to more pain—and that is a risk he can’t take.
Anything but familiar, Emory leaves Kyle breathless from the start. There’s just one problem: Kyle wants more than a one-night stand, Emory doesn’t do relationships, and neither man can resist the other. Luckily for Emory, he never has to see Kyle again. Or so Emory thinks until he runs into him while volunteering at the GLBT Center.
Kyle makes Emory want things he never thought he could have and chips away at secrets Emory has kept locked away for years. On the surface, Emory’s recovered from his past: he has a job at a record store and a roof over his head. But putting his trust in another person, having a relationship, means opening himself to more pain—and that is a risk he can’t take.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2013
6 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Lily Grace
9 books51 followersLily Grace hails from the Midwest but currently resides in the DC metro area. Her background is in public health and the life sciences and she spends her days working as a health care consultant. When she’s not busy being a nerdy scientist she curls up with her laptop and dreams up romantic stories about beautiful men.
She's a fan of loud rock concerts, cooking, shoe shopping, and strawberry ice cream. She loves love, hates cleaning, and is still amazed that when she decided on a whim to try writing a story a few years back that it would lead to having her works published.
You can contact her at [email protected], find her at http://lilygracetales.blogspot.com, and tweet her at @lilygracetales.
She's a fan of loud rock concerts, cooking, shoe shopping, and strawberry ice cream. She loves love, hates cleaning, and is still amazed that when she decided on a whim to try writing a story a few years back that it would lead to having her works published.
You can contact her at [email protected], find her at http://lilygracetales.blogspot.com, and tweet her at @lilygracetales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 24, 2013
Emory is a 21yr old guy looking for a hook-up at the Spin, Kyle just moved back to Chicago after being gone for a few years and decides to stop in one of his old hangouts, you guessed it, the Spin.
Emory and Kyle are immediately drawn to each other and spend a great night together, but when Kyle asks to see Emory again, he is told clearly, that Emory doesn't do relationships.
But this being a romance the new job Kyle starts as the psychologist at the LGBTQ youth center is just the place he runs into Em again, since he spends much of his time volunteering there.
Emory has been deserted, abused and kicked out by everyone who should have been there for him, and after a few months on the streets the youth center gave him a safe place to be and a new start, he's defensive, prickly, quick to take offense and stubborn about accepting any help.
All that is understandable and doesn't make him any less likable, he has his reasons and he is only 21, Kyle falls hard for Emory, and despite being a psychologist, he is sort of clueless sometimes as to how to deal with Emory. He really should have known better, but he is extremely patient, persistent and loving.
There are a cast of interesting side characters who help the MCs get a clue, the best friend and the older sister, a rescue dog, a baby...
This is not a complicated story, or even angsty, it's a sweet story with a predictable but utterly enjoyable storyline that gave me a nice and fuzzy Sunday read.
Emory and Kyle are immediately drawn to each other and spend a great night together, but when Kyle asks to see Emory again, he is told clearly, that Emory doesn't do relationships.
But this being a romance the new job Kyle starts as the psychologist at the LGBTQ youth center is just the place he runs into Em again, since he spends much of his time volunteering there.
Emory has been deserted, abused and kicked out by everyone who should have been there for him, and after a few months on the streets the youth center gave him a safe place to be and a new start, he's defensive, prickly, quick to take offense and stubborn about accepting any help.
All that is understandable and doesn't make him any less likable, he has his reasons and he is only 21, Kyle falls hard for Emory, and despite being a psychologist, he is sort of clueless sometimes as to how to deal with Emory. He really should have known better, but he is extremely patient, persistent and loving.
There are a cast of interesting side characters who help the MCs get a clue, the best friend and the older sister, a rescue dog, a baby...
This is not a complicated story, or even angsty, it's a sweet story with a predictable but utterly enjoyable storyline that gave me a nice and fuzzy Sunday read.
January 8, 2013
This is a wonderful story. In addition to being a very engaging story with nicely developed characters, it had some of the hottest sex scenes I've read in quite awhile. From beginning to end this book was a great read.
June 26, 2021
Basic plot centres around Emory, a beautiful young man who hasn't had the best start in life,and who uses his stunning looks to entice casual hook ups because he can't commit to or sustain any thought of a long term loving relationship until one night at his favourite club, he meets Dr Kyle Michelson a psychologist, just arrived back to his college town. Sparks fly, they have sex and for the first time Emory sleeps over, something he would normally never do, so panicking the morning after he practically bolts telling himself that however attracted he is to this man, he doesn't do relationships so Avoid any further contact. Flash forward to the LGBTcentre where Emory has been a volunteer helper for years and who walks in as the centres new head psychologist..................!Granted this is a trope that has been covered a lot in m/m romances and this follows true to form. There are very few surprises and there are no guesses from the word go how this will all pan out but don't let that stop you from picking this up. I really enjoyed it and it's all down to Lily Grace, who sets the tone from their very first meeting in the club where the sexual tension is electric and she keeps it sizzling right up to the last page. All the characters are extremely likeable and endearing, Emory and Kyle have great chemistry, the romance is both sweet and hot, just the right amount of conflict and a fab HEA. So it's predictable - who cares when it's as good as this. I liked it a lot!
August 16, 2014
How to rate?
If I had read this book two years ago it would have been a solid 4 stars. Nice MCs, sweet story.
Now...after about 500 m/m books later....been there, read that.
It wasn't really something new or breathtaking. It was predictable.
Still, it was cute, the dialouges good and funny, the writing style didn't ring most of my pet-peeves like overuse of gerunds, terms for the MCs or flowery descritption of the sex (it still has one, the use of "the younger man, the doctor, the psycologist, etc.").
So...actually...still a 4 star book??
I'm going to give it the 4 stars but with the warning. If you have read as much m/m as I have (and I haven't even reviewed all books I've read) this one doesn't contain very much new for you. It still will be a light "feel good" book.
If I had read this book two years ago it would have been a solid 4 stars. Nice MCs, sweet story.
Now...after about 500 m/m books later....been there, read that.
It wasn't really something new or breathtaking. It was predictable.
Still, it was cute, the dialouges good and funny, the writing style didn't ring most of my pet-peeves like overuse of gerunds, terms for the MCs or flowery descritption of the sex (it still has one, the use of "the younger man, the doctor, the psycologist, etc.").
So...actually...still a 4 star book??
I'm going to give it the 4 stars but with the warning. If you have read as much m/m as I have (and I haven't even reviewed all books I've read) this one doesn't contain very much new for you. It still will be a light "feel good" book.
February 1, 2014
Ah yes, my old stomping grounds, Boystown in Chicago IL. Man, I used to love going there in my 20's with my friends dancing and having a grand ole' time. Spin, Hydrate, Sidetrack, Roscoe's, Kit Kat, Lucky Horseshoe, Rehab, Circuit, etc. were the places you could find me on the weekends. So while I was reading this, it brought me back to place where I was carefree and young, it was great. Then, I got bummed because I kept reading "Lakeville", but Boystown is in Lakeview. It grated on my nerves for some reason and that's on me, because I am sure it didn't bother anyone else. The cover is GORGEOUS, it's what held my attention and made me buy it. I know, I know, never judge a book by its cover, but I couldn't help it.
Let's talk turkey here, Emory may think he has his life in order, but in reality he's sad and lonely. But, with his past there's NO WAY he's letting anyone in so he can get hurt again.
Kyle, left NYC when his family friend offered him a job at the LGBT Center in Boystown. He couldn't pass up working with kids/teens again so he went back home. During his first week back, he ends up at Spin and sees Emory dancing.
From there, things get tangled. Kyle hates one night stands, Emory has nothing but. They are complete opposites, but they fit, yet Emory doesn't see that.
I kind of wanted more from Emory though, yeah, we got his past in yelling form, but I wanted him to talk about what happened not to therapist Kyle, but friend Kyle.
I LOVED Ben. That's all. Ben was such a great friend to Emory and he made me smile. I wish I had a friend like that.
Janie, Richard, and Paul were great too. I loved Kyle and Janie's relationship. Made me feel good that Kyle could still call Janie when he needed help.
Let's talk turkey here, Emory may think he has his life in order, but in reality he's sad and lonely. But, with his past there's NO WAY he's letting anyone in so he can get hurt again.
Kyle, left NYC when his family friend offered him a job at the LGBT Center in Boystown. He couldn't pass up working with kids/teens again so he went back home. During his first week back, he ends up at Spin and sees Emory dancing.
From there, things get tangled. Kyle hates one night stands, Emory has nothing but. They are complete opposites, but they fit, yet Emory doesn't see that.
I kind of wanted more from Emory though, yeah, we got his past in yelling form, but I wanted him to talk about what happened not to therapist Kyle, but friend Kyle.
I LOVED Ben. That's all. Ben was such a great friend to Emory and he made me smile. I wish I had a friend like that.
Janie, Richard, and Paul were great too. I loved Kyle and Janie's relationship. Made me feel good that Kyle could still call Janie when he needed help.
September 14, 2015
Hard to put down. Emory is so broken and I'm glad he met Kyle.
He's so patient with Em's stubbornness when he's not on his therapist mood that is. :)
They're really good together, add a nice cute mutt Max in the middle they made a perfect couple.
Unputdownable and really sweet.
Recommended.
January 21, 2013
This is a nice opposites-attract story. Kyle is a psychologist who picks up a younger man, Emory, at a club one night for a one-night-stand. Once it's over, Kyle wants more. He wants to get to know Emory but Emory refuses. He doesn't do relationships and makes this known... often. Life doesn't always go as planned so of course the two men end up bumping into each other over time as Kyle is the new resident psychologist where Emory volunteers. Kyle still pushes for more than one night and Emory continues to pull away. It takes awhile (a LONG while) for the two to finally get it right and begin a relationship.
Nice story, though predictable in a lot of places. I enjoyed all the characters, both main and secondary. I did, however, feel that Kyle's analyzing of Emory went too far in places and I felt that Emory's I'll never be good enough for Kyle got to be a bit much after awhile.
That aside, an enjoyable read.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
Nice story, though predictable in a lot of places. I enjoyed all the characters, both main and secondary. I did, however, feel that Kyle's analyzing of Emory went too far in places and I felt that Emory's I'll never be good enough for Kyle got to be a bit much after awhile.
That aside, an enjoyable read.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
September 12, 2015
Everything about Emory was contradictory and fascinating and surprising.
Kyle couldn’t rid the beautiful man from his mind.
Emory was perhaps the most beautiful man to ever grace Kyle’s sheets, but there was something else about Emory (that) intrigued him. Those soulful eyes—he found himself aching to learn more about what was behind them.
oOo
Emory didn’t have many rules he lived by, but there were a few he never broke:
~ sex is just sex; if you can help it, don’t spend the night;
~ never sleep with the same person twice;
~ and whatever you do, don’t fall in love.
Keeping people at arm’s length made things easier. No muss, no fuss, and absolutely no chance of getting hurt.
Until one day, he met this beautiful man with blue eyes ~ Mr. Sexy Psychologist, Dr. Kyle Michelson.
And since that one night stand with this sexy psychologist, Emory start to break all his own credo one...by...one...and soon make his world turn upside down.
But will this relationship between "no muss, no fuss" guy with dark-abusive-past and "Mr. Used to relationships, not random sex" survive the age gap and the trust issue ?
Will Emory break the wall he build around him to protect his heart from another hurt ?
Will Kyle win Emory trust and love ?
I know some readers said that the issues in this story are too cliche and the plot way too predictable, and I must admit that yes, it's true, BUT....I don't care!
Because I falling for the story since the very first time I read about Emory's "sad" eyes , and at that moment I realized that this beautiful guy has the story to tell and I have the feeling that it would break my heart and I'm gonna fall in love with this beautiful-broken-young man.
There's two scenes from this book that squeezed my heart. First, the scene with baby Clara and the second one is this...
“So nobody wanted you, huh? You were abandoned? People were mean to you?” Emory hugged him close and ran his fingers through the soft gray fur. “I know all about that. We have a lot in common, you and me. I’m going to call you Max, okay? I knew another great dog named Max. It’s a good name for a dog.” Emory pulled Max closer and was rewarded by a sloppy lick to his face. “It’s okay, boy. Life is kinda rough sometimes. But I want you. So you just forget about all the bad stuff that happened in the past. Okay? You’re going to be alright. I’m not going to let them put you down.”
"The dog adoption" scene...
One thing I think quite not right in this story is Kyle....
As a professional psychologist, IMO, should know how to deal with people with abusive past and trust issues like Emory.
But instead of being a professional like therapist, he trapped in his own feelings to "fix" things when what Emory need just someone who "see" him not as some thing need to be fix.
But again, I can't blame Kyle either, because when you love someone so deep, all you wanna do is....to take care of them, make them safe, see them smile and embrace them with your love.
Overall, yes, I love this story and put it on my fave shelf.
Love no need to be analyzed, but to be feel...
April 5, 2013
Review posted on World of Diversity Fiction
If you’re looking for a book without the angst that is a sweet and easy read, where the MC’s are likeable characters then you may want to have a look at Analyzing Emory.
Emory is a young man who has trust issues. He’s someone that doesn’t do relationships he prefers one night stands and Kyle, a psychologist who has never liked one night stands prefers to be in a relationship. They meet at a club and are instantly attracted to each other. Kyle takes Emory home where they have an amazing night together but in the morning there’s a problem. Kyle wants more, he wants to see Emory again and Emory just wants to leave.
The story is simple and predictable but I enjoyed the simplicity of it. Family and friends are secondary characters, they have small but important role in helping these two work things out among them is a baby and a dog, they always give me awwe moments.
Watching Emory learn to trust again was sometimes frustrating and more than once I would have liked to slap him in the back of the head but I like to read about damaged characters battling past demons to find happiness and with the help of Kyle the ever patient and encouraging person in Emory’s life they find their HEA.
January 10, 2013
I liked this story. I liked the character of Ben...lol He didn't hold back the punches. Maybe you can bring back Emory and Kyle for a Christmas story :-)
April 15, 2017
Absolutely wonderful book. This was about REAL LIFE issues and fears. The HEA was hard fought real world happy.
February 3, 2013
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4.5 Kisses!!
This is the first book I’ve read by Lily Grace and it definitely won’t be my last! I really liked the way Ms. Grace got into the heart and soul of her characters and thoroughly enjoyed her descriptive storytelling ability.
I loved the two heroes. Both Kyle and Emory are interesting men who definitely come from two very different backgrounds. Kyle has had a good support system throughout his life. He’s just come out of a relationship and longs to start fresh in life. He decides to get back to his roots and takes a job as the resident psychologist at a local GLBT center. What I liked about Kyle was the never ending patience he had with Emory. He allows Emory to grow and flourish as well as giving him non-ending support and encouragement. Although Kyle is incredibly smart and definitely likeable, he’s not perfect. When it comes to handling himself around Emory, Kyle definitely makes mistakes. One of the things I admired about him was his willingness to learn from them. He fought hard to be with Emory and I found myself really cheering him on in hopes Kyle’s patience would pay off.
As much as I loved Kyle, I adored Emory. Because he was kicked out of the house at a young age for being gay, Emory is a high-school dropout who works at a record store. He’s worked hard for his independence and is determined NOT to hurt again by either allowing people to love him OR falling in love. Although Emory is tries to act like he doesn’t want or need others, he volunteers a lot of his time at the same center that Kyle works at. It was immediately apparent to me that Emory’s bark was much worse than his bite. I loved watching Emory start to slowly allow Kyle into his life. Witnessing him fall totally head over heels for Kyle, even on his own terms kept me totally enthralled with this story. I loved these two men together and enjoyed watching them really make a place for one another in their lives.
Another thing I loved about this book was the pacing of the romance itself. Although there is a strong attraction between them, they really work at making something special between them. This story is a roller-coaster ride of drama, humor, romance and just enough lightness to keep this reader’s attention from the first word to the last page. Heartfelt and beautifully written, Analyzing Emory is a book not to be missed! Highly Recommended!
4.5 Kisses!!
This is the first book I’ve read by Lily Grace and it definitely won’t be my last! I really liked the way Ms. Grace got into the heart and soul of her characters and thoroughly enjoyed her descriptive storytelling ability.
I loved the two heroes. Both Kyle and Emory are interesting men who definitely come from two very different backgrounds. Kyle has had a good support system throughout his life. He’s just come out of a relationship and longs to start fresh in life. He decides to get back to his roots and takes a job as the resident psychologist at a local GLBT center. What I liked about Kyle was the never ending patience he had with Emory. He allows Emory to grow and flourish as well as giving him non-ending support and encouragement. Although Kyle is incredibly smart and definitely likeable, he’s not perfect. When it comes to handling himself around Emory, Kyle definitely makes mistakes. One of the things I admired about him was his willingness to learn from them. He fought hard to be with Emory and I found myself really cheering him on in hopes Kyle’s patience would pay off.
As much as I loved Kyle, I adored Emory. Because he was kicked out of the house at a young age for being gay, Emory is a high-school dropout who works at a record store. He’s worked hard for his independence and is determined NOT to hurt again by either allowing people to love him OR falling in love. Although Emory is tries to act like he doesn’t want or need others, he volunteers a lot of his time at the same center that Kyle works at. It was immediately apparent to me that Emory’s bark was much worse than his bite. I loved watching Emory start to slowly allow Kyle into his life. Witnessing him fall totally head over heels for Kyle, even on his own terms kept me totally enthralled with this story. I loved these two men together and enjoyed watching them really make a place for one another in their lives.
Another thing I loved about this book was the pacing of the romance itself. Although there is a strong attraction between them, they really work at making something special between them. This story is a roller-coaster ride of drama, humor, romance and just enough lightness to keep this reader’s attention from the first word to the last page. Heartfelt and beautifully written, Analyzing Emory is a book not to be missed! Highly Recommended!
February 9, 2013
I'll give this book a 2.5. It was okay, I probably would have liked it more if I had read it when I first began reading m/m romances, but now it just didn't do it for me.
I liked the premise, I liked the first chapter and the complications set up early on, but as I kept on reading i felt more and more let down. The stake's, for either of the characters,, weren't high enough for me to feel it was an exciting enough story. Emory's past, wasn't as awful as I expected when i started reading (don't get me wrong, I don't condone with how he was treated by his family or on the streets, I guess i just wanted worse because it is fiction and because of the title i thought there would be more of a mystery). And then I can't believe how stupidly Kyle kept acting. Yes, i know there's a difference between acting in your profession and acting as a partner, but still I think Kyle should have been better prepared to what to do and say to Emory than he did now.
Despite my niggles, it is a rather cute story with sweet characters,a heap of positive supporting characters, a baby (niece) and a dog - particularly if you haven't already read a huge bunch of cute and warm m/m romance stories with more feel-good than conflict. It just wasn't enough for me, at least not right now.
I liked the premise, I liked the first chapter and the complications set up early on, but as I kept on reading i felt more and more let down. The stake's, for either of the characters,, weren't high enough for me to feel it was an exciting enough story. Emory's past, wasn't as awful as I expected when i started reading (don't get me wrong, I don't condone with how he was treated by his family or on the streets, I guess i just wanted worse because it is fiction and because of the title i thought there would be more of a mystery). And then I can't believe how stupidly Kyle kept acting. Yes, i know there's a difference between acting in your profession and acting as a partner, but still I think Kyle should have been better prepared to what to do and say to Emory than he did now.
Despite my niggles, it is a rather cute story with sweet characters,a heap of positive supporting characters, a baby (niece) and a dog - particularly if you haven't already read a huge bunch of cute and warm m/m romance stories with more feel-good than conflict. It just wasn't enough for me, at least not right now.
January 21, 2013
I adored this story. Kyle and Emory contradict each other a lot, but they both have a need to love and be loved. Making an effort to be together is easier said than done. A hot one-night stand between strangers goes wrong when they find out they actually have to work together in the same place. Kyle is sure of himself, that he wants Emory, while Em is like a rabbit being hunted, skittish and afraid. As their relationship as friends progresses, they have to accept that the feelings between them are more, or lose everything.
There was nothing about this story I didn't like. Ms. Grace writes well, in an engaging manner, and her guys are easy to care for and be interested in. I wanted so badly for them to find their happy ever after. The angst here is both physical and emotional, but you will want to read this. There isn't as much analyzing here as there is the inherent need to understand another in order to form a life together. Like I've mentioned before, easied said than done.
I highly recommend!
There was nothing about this story I didn't like. Ms. Grace writes well, in an engaging manner, and her guys are easy to care for and be interested in. I wanted so badly for them to find their happy ever after. The angst here is both physical and emotional, but you will want to read this. There isn't as much analyzing here as there is the inherent need to understand another in order to form a life together. Like I've mentioned before, easied said than done.
I highly recommend!
January 11, 2013
I really hate rating a book as not very good. Being an eternal optimist, I always hope every book I pick is brilliant, and that I will enjoy it. In this case, I was disappointed. It had some good parts, but also some bad parts...the word "cheesy" comes to mind. It was very predictable. I could tell what would happen 5 chapters before it happened. It was just filled with overused cliches. Suffers abuse - check, gets kicked out and abandoned = check, lives on streets for some time = check, blows strangers for money = check, angsty characters = check, kind prince charming that puts up with all the shit his love gives him = check. I really had high hopes for this book...the cover is pretty, and the initial summary was good, but the book was sorely lacking. It took me 3 days to read, which is an eternity for me. The only reason I finished it was because I paid for it.
April 8, 2016
This is a fun read. You have two main characters who could be considered opposites coming together to make a whole. Emory is afraid of commitment, afraid of making connections and being left. He comes from troubled past and believes one night stands are the only way to keep him from getting hurt again. Kyle wants commitment, he believes in relationships, and was shocked he took Emory home the same night he meet him. The two have lots of problems that they work through and after the initial one night stand thing, the two become friends and remain that way through most of the book. You get to see a bit about them growing closer as friends and I really enjoyed that. For me Kyle did seem to fall in love easily and I did not really understand it at first.
Over all I loved the book. Liked getting to see Emory come out of his shell and Kyle becoming the partner that he needed.
Over all I loved the book. Liked getting to see Emory come out of his shell and Kyle becoming the partner that he needed.
June 8, 2013
2.5 stars. This was a sweet read, but nothing new. There was nothing that made it stand out from the hundreds of other similarly themed stories. It was a little lacking in emotional impact.
January 22, 2013
It felt like a story I've read 100 times. It was fine but didn't have anything which made it stand out. The book is exactly what's in the blurb, just in a bit more detail.
February 7, 2013
A predictable but nice story.
Want to read
January 5, 2013Look at this cover... It's amazing!!
MUST. HAVE!!!!
MUST. HAVE!!!!
December 13, 2014
M/M is at its best when both heroes are strong in their own way and this is a balance Analyzing Emory gets exactly.
On the surface it would be easy to say that Kyle, the psychologist, has all the strengths – and it's true that Kyle is a brilliant hero, a real knight in shining armor. Emory is warm-hearted and generous but he has plenty of spunk. He turns bad experiences into an eagerness to help others which, while uniting him with Kyle in the need to spread goodwill, also marks him as strong as professionally-trained psychologist Kyle in a very real way.
It was impossible not to get invested in these characters, especially with their solid friendship and blazing sexual chemistry. Their relationship isn't hurried or fast, built up over time in a series of small gestures and scenes as we grow to love them.
There is a bit of angst, sure; but it's incredibly refreshing to read a story about someone 'not ready to be in a relationship' who actually means it for credible reasons and sticks to it until they know they can truly trust the other – none of this 'I'm over boys' drama after one bad relationship then melting for the first guy who treats them okay. When Kyle says (internally) that he can wait as long as it takes, he really means it – and we as readers believe it and are rooting for the pair to overcome their troubles.
Although it could be called predictable it was never disappointing – any time you were hoping something would happen, it did. Nothing was set up that wasn't delivered. And there were moments of genius – glimpses of what felt like Lily Grace immersing herself in the story and letting her passion shine through. In the character's musical tastes and Emory's volunteer work at the LGBT shelter especially, there were sparks of passionate interest that I hope Grace gives herself over to when writing her next book. Sometimes naming specific bands can feel like a vanity but Lily Grace picked well. The play list for Analyzing Emory is a perfect balance of those two strong heroes: indie and respectable.
One sour note was the supporting cast who mostly talked over whatever had happened in the previous scenes without adding anything new to the story.
Overall I enjoyed this book and lost myself in the story of two strong men learning to trust and love each other.
On the surface it would be easy to say that Kyle, the psychologist, has all the strengths – and it's true that Kyle is a brilliant hero, a real knight in shining armor. Emory is warm-hearted and generous but he has plenty of spunk. He turns bad experiences into an eagerness to help others which, while uniting him with Kyle in the need to spread goodwill, also marks him as strong as professionally-trained psychologist Kyle in a very real way.
It was impossible not to get invested in these characters, especially with their solid friendship and blazing sexual chemistry. Their relationship isn't hurried or fast, built up over time in a series of small gestures and scenes as we grow to love them.
There is a bit of angst, sure; but it's incredibly refreshing to read a story about someone 'not ready to be in a relationship' who actually means it for credible reasons and sticks to it until they know they can truly trust the other – none of this 'I'm over boys' drama after one bad relationship then melting for the first guy who treats them okay. When Kyle says (internally) that he can wait as long as it takes, he really means it – and we as readers believe it and are rooting for the pair to overcome their troubles.
Although it could be called predictable it was never disappointing – any time you were hoping something would happen, it did. Nothing was set up that wasn't delivered. And there were moments of genius – glimpses of what felt like Lily Grace immersing herself in the story and letting her passion shine through. In the character's musical tastes and Emory's volunteer work at the LGBT shelter especially, there were sparks of passionate interest that I hope Grace gives herself over to when writing her next book. Sometimes naming specific bands can feel like a vanity but Lily Grace picked well. The play list for Analyzing Emory is a perfect balance of those two strong heroes: indie and respectable.
One sour note was the supporting cast who mostly talked over whatever had happened in the previous scenes without adding anything new to the story.
Overall I enjoyed this book and lost myself in the story of two strong men learning to trust and love each other.
October 14, 2015
I really liked the way the relationship between Kyle and Emory was built up. What started as a one night stand when Kyle first moves back to Chicago (left NY and a long-term, but passionless, relationship) becomes something that neither man can walk away from.
Kyle mad me a bit sad, he is such a nice guy and clearly has a lot to offer someone but he is so lonely. His parents were killed 5 years ago so he only has his sister, brother-in-law, niece and 2 "uncles"...he is definitely a relationship guy vs. a one night stand guy.
Emory on the other hand lives life surrounded by massive walls (understandably so once you know his back story), he is the king of one night stands...just a fuck'em and leave'em kinda guy. He breaks all his rules the night he leaves the bar with Kyle.
Turns out they will be working together at the LGBT Center so Emory won't be able to avoid Kyle. What happens next is months of Kyle fighting for Emory...I enjoyed watching Kyle chip away at Emory's walls. Neither man was perfect but they were perfect for each other.
The secondary characters in this one were all great...loved Ben (Emory's BFF) and Janie (Kyle's sister) was a bit bossy & naggy but only in the best ways that a big sister is (:
This was the first book I've read by this author and I'll be checking out more!
Kyle mad me a bit sad, he is such a nice guy and clearly has a lot to offer someone but he is so lonely. His parents were killed 5 years ago so he only has his sister, brother-in-law, niece and 2 "uncles"...he is definitely a relationship guy vs. a one night stand guy.
Emory on the other hand lives life surrounded by massive walls (understandably so once you know his back story), he is the king of one night stands...just a fuck'em and leave'em kinda guy. He breaks all his rules the night he leaves the bar with Kyle.
Turns out they will be working together at the LGBT Center so Emory won't be able to avoid Kyle. What happens next is months of Kyle fighting for Emory...I enjoyed watching Kyle chip away at Emory's walls. Neither man was perfect but they were perfect for each other.
The secondary characters in this one were all great...loved Ben (Emory's BFF) and Janie (Kyle's sister) was a bit bossy & naggy but only in the best ways that a big sister is (:
This was the first book I've read by this author and I'll be checking out more!
January 2, 2018
I enjoyed this book, it is well written, no excess words, flowed nicely. However, I just didnt click into it as much as I wanted to! I would rate about 3.5 but not enough emotion to round up.
I liked the premise - Emory, broken down by all life has thrown at him, eventually coming to accept life's ups with Kyle's help. I really liked Emory's character and could empathise with him and when he did do his panic running away, as befitting his character, it wasnt for long and he did come back to face his demons. I loved Ben, thought he was a great foil for Emory and didnt let him get away with shit. Kyle was the character I couldnt get a handle on. There was nothing wrong with him - supportive, kind - maybe he was too nice! Also a bit dim on how to deal with his pysch skills inside a relationship.
So overall, a nice read,,not too angsty, not overly sugary either.
6.9.15 reread. Not much more to add to original review, but did enjoy Janie giving Kyle grief over his handling of Emory's fragile emotions, enjoyed her character.
I liked the premise - Emory, broken down by all life has thrown at him, eventually coming to accept life's ups with Kyle's help. I really liked Emory's character and could empathise with him and when he did do his panic running away, as befitting his character, it wasnt for long and he did come back to face his demons. I loved Ben, thought he was a great foil for Emory and didnt let him get away with shit. Kyle was the character I couldnt get a handle on. There was nothing wrong with him - supportive, kind - maybe he was too nice! Also a bit dim on how to deal with his pysch skills inside a relationship.
So overall, a nice read,,not too angsty, not overly sugary either.
6.9.15 reread. Not much more to add to original review, but did enjoy Janie giving Kyle grief over his handling of Emory's fragile emotions, enjoyed her character.
January 4, 2013
3 3/4 stars, rounded up!
Emory has rules. Sex is just sex. Never sleep with the same person twice. Don’t fall in love. Kyle is back in Chicago after seven years in New York. The two meet at a bar and Emory asks Kyle why he was staring at Emory. Kyle’s answer is one Emory never heard before and he’s intrigued, but worried. He finds himself drawn to Kyle in a way he’s never been before. Kyle makes Emory feel…exposed.
When they return to Kyle’s loft Emory is disturbed to find the feelings of intimacy causing him issues. He’s not used to affection, only sex. Their encounter is hot and steamy and completely satisfying. Emory is stunned when Kyle asks him to spend the night and even more so when Emory agrees. The next morning is awkward for Emory. He wants nothing more than to get out, but finds himself agreeing to stay for breakfast. Immediately after, though, he bails...
...please see Mr. P's complete review on January 19, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Emory has rules. Sex is just sex. Never sleep with the same person twice. Don’t fall in love. Kyle is back in Chicago after seven years in New York. The two meet at a bar and Emory asks Kyle why he was staring at Emory. Kyle’s answer is one Emory never heard before and he’s intrigued, but worried. He finds himself drawn to Kyle in a way he’s never been before. Kyle makes Emory feel…exposed.
When they return to Kyle’s loft Emory is disturbed to find the feelings of intimacy causing him issues. He’s not used to affection, only sex. Their encounter is hot and steamy and completely satisfying. Emory is stunned when Kyle asks him to spend the night and even more so when Emory agrees. The next morning is awkward for Emory. He wants nothing more than to get out, but finds himself agreeing to stay for breakfast. Immediately after, though, he bails...
...please see Mr. P's complete review on January 19, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
February 9, 2014
I admit I'm a little tired of books with MCs who hook up in the first few pages. I've really come to appreciate the slow build.
So if I had read this book 100 books ago, the beginning probably wouldn't have bored me so much. After their second sex-only hookup, when Kyle and Emory's relationship begins in earnest outside the bedroom, my interest picked up.
Emory has been through a lot. It makes sense that he has a lot defenses in place. I did get tired of his waffling and stubbornness. What more could Kyle do to show he really cared and didn't care about his past? The relationship seemed a bit lopsided with Kyle making most of the meaningful overtures and being so understanding and patient.
Still, I came to care about this couple. It was nice we got to see them live a bit as a couple. The epilogue was just right. Bonus points for Kyle wearing glasses.
So if I had read this book 100 books ago, the beginning probably wouldn't have bored me so much. After their second sex-only hookup, when Kyle and Emory's relationship begins in earnest outside the bedroom, my interest picked up.
Emory has been through a lot. It makes sense that he has a lot defenses in place. I did get tired of his waffling and stubbornness. What more could Kyle do to show he really cared and didn't care about his past? The relationship seemed a bit lopsided with Kyle making most of the meaningful overtures and being so understanding and patient.
Still, I came to care about this couple. It was nice we got to see them live a bit as a couple. The epilogue was just right. Bonus points for Kyle wearing glasses.
January 23, 2017
2.5 stars, really.
Not outright terrible but very amateurish. Felt like the characters were puppets to the author's plot outline. No depth, very shallow, and full of cliches. You knew what was going to happen every step of the way, because it's happened in just too many books before. The characters had no reason to do what they did except it was the cliche thing to do.
To top it off, the author did a lot of telling instead of showing and overused too many rote phrases, like she was copying the words from a number of books she likes.
Not the worst thing ever, but no love, either. Skimmed through to get to the "finish" line.
Not outright terrible but very amateurish. Felt like the characters were puppets to the author's plot outline. No depth, very shallow, and full of cliches. You knew what was going to happen every step of the way, because it's happened in just too many books before. The characters had no reason to do what they did except it was the cliche thing to do.
To top it off, the author did a lot of telling instead of showing and overused too many rote phrases, like she was copying the words from a number of books she likes.
Not the worst thing ever, but no love, either. Skimmed through to get to the "finish" line.
January 13, 2013
Some things were predictable, but I enjoyed the book anyway. I liked the characters, I liked the romance between them, I liked the development of Emory's character, the way he overcame his fears with Kyle's help. A lot of things happening in the book are things common to many romance stories, but the writer managed to give them the right depth for me to feel moved several times, even though I could feel certain things were going to happen already before they did. When a story is well written, I find that I don't necessarily need to be surprised by the events in it for me to enjoy it.
March 10, 2016
This book was amazing! I loved it and I loved Kyle and Emory <3
Many of the reviews call it clique and such but I did not feel that way and I have read over 400 MM books. I loved the characters and the writing was just... the best!
This book make me feel all warm and fuzzy! That is the best way for a book to make me feel <3
Kyle is sweet and patient and Emory, well Emory is precious but doesn't know his own worth.
I love Emory the most out of the characters and I am glad he found happiness. He deserves it. <3
Many of the reviews call it clique and such but I did not feel that way and I have read over 400 MM books. I loved the characters and the writing was just... the best!
This book make me feel all warm and fuzzy! That is the best way for a book to make me feel <3
Kyle is sweet and patient and Emory, well Emory is precious but doesn't know his own worth.
I love Emory the most out of the characters and I am glad he found happiness. He deserves it. <3
February 28, 2013
I thought Kyle and Emory were excellent characters and I felt pulled into their story. I thought the love and emotion was great and the sex was even better. I do however wish the story was longer or there would be a book 2. I'd love to keep experiencing their lives together through Emory going to school, his new job, their wonderful relationship and even possibly them getting married or even adopting kids. Great book!!
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