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Après l'effort
Dix ans après la fin du lycée, Jake Campbell le sportif et Brandon Bartlett l’intello se retrouvent dans leur établissement, mais côté profs cette fois. Quand on pousse Brandon à assister Jake pour l’entraînement d’une équipe de base-ball, les deux hommes se rapprochent beaucoup plus qu’ils ne l’auraient cru. Mais dans un lycée, en salle de classe comme en salle des profs, tout est affaire d’image. Jake et Brandon devront dépasser leurs vieux préjugés pour nouer une véritable amitié... et beaucoup plus encore.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2007
112 people are currently reading
4942 people want to read
About the author
Madeleine Urban
29 books1,105 followersMadeleine Urban is a down-home Kentucky girl who’s been writing since she could hold a crayon. Although she has written and published on her own, she truly excels when writing with co-authors. She lives with her husband, who is very supportive of her work, and two canine kids who only allow her to hug them when she has food. She wants to live at Disney World, the home of fairy dust, because she believes that with hard work, a little luck, and beloved family and friends, dreams really can come true.
Visit Madeleine's blog at http://madeleineurban.livejournal.com/. You can contact her at [email protected].
Listen to Madeleine interviewed by Peter Godbold on the Strictly Confidential Radio Show
MADELEINE URBAN RETIRED
Nov. 17, 2011 - I have made the personal decision to stop writing, for reasons that are important to me, including focusing on my family and my health. Writing and publishing comes with a whole set of expectations and pressures, and I find that it's just too much. While I am sad that this will upset and/or even anger readers, this is the right decision for me.
Abigail Roux will be continuing the Ty and Zane series, and I know she'll do a great job.
Visit Madeleine's blog at http://madeleineurban.livejournal.com/. You can contact her at [email protected].
Listen to Madeleine interviewed by Peter Godbold on the Strictly Confidential Radio Show
MADELEINE URBAN RETIRED
Nov. 17, 2011 - I have made the personal decision to stop writing, for reasons that are important to me, including focusing on my family and my health. Writing and publishing comes with a whole set of expectations and pressures, and I find that it's just too much. While I am sad that this will upset and/or even anger readers, this is the right decision for me.
Abigail Roux will be continuing the Ty and Zane series, and I know she'll do a great job.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 797 reviews
May 28, 2016
Enjoyable. Funny. Steamy. Hot. Cute.
The thing I've noticed in my reviews is that I rarely use "cute" for mf books. But when it comes to MM, no matter their age, no matter how different they are, I always consider the couple to be a cute one. Maybe it's the lacking of drama, super-angst or BS that characterises the fair sex (I swear I'm not a misogynist, but women tend to be very melodramatic, especially in books).
Jake and Brandon finished high school at the same time. They were so different, Jake being the school's superstar and Brandon a nerd. Life brought them together teaching at the same school they studied. They know very little of each other. Some circumstances bring them to work together and soon they start to feel things that surprise them both. They begin from understanding to lust and love. Their relationship's development is written very flawlessly. This is a "make feel good" book.
The only issue I had with this book was the constant change of POVs. I had a hard time figuring who was who. It is a bit distracting. Usually the POVs are put into different chapters. Once you deal with that, the book becomes awesome.
Another issue (my issue, not book's issue) is all the sport talking. I'm European. I don't know anything about baseball and American football [insert Jon Snow meme "you know nothing" here] bwahahaha
We only watch soccer. I'm sure Americans are okay with all the slangs.
I would have liked to read more about them. Halfway through the book I had the feeling that this was part of a series. Nevertheless this was a good read. :)
The thing I've noticed in my reviews is that I rarely use "cute" for mf books. But when it comes to MM, no matter their age, no matter how different they are, I always consider the couple to be a cute one. Maybe it's the lacking of drama, super-angst or BS that characterises the fair sex (I swear I'm not a misogynist, but women tend to be very melodramatic, especially in books).
Jake and Brandon finished high school at the same time. They were so different, Jake being the school's superstar and Brandon a nerd. Life brought them together teaching at the same school they studied. They know very little of each other. Some circumstances bring them to work together and soon they start to feel things that surprise them both. They begin from understanding to lust and love. Their relationship's development is written very flawlessly. This is a "make feel good" book.
The only issue I had with this book was the constant change of POVs. I had a hard time figuring who was who. It is a bit distracting. Usually the POVs are put into different chapters. Once you deal with that, the book becomes awesome.
Another issue (my issue, not book's issue) is all the sport talking. I'm European. I don't know anything about baseball and American football [insert Jon Snow meme "you know nothing" here] bwahahaha
We only watch soccer. I'm sure Americans are okay with all the slangs.
I would have liked to read more about them. Halfway through the book I had the feeling that this was part of a series. Nevertheless this was a good read. :)
March 29, 2018
I don't know, you guys... Maybe if this was the first or only m/m story I had ever read, I might have rated it higher, but 4 years and 1600+ m/m novels later, this story and the writing was pretty underwhelming. Also, the head hopping EVERY. OTHER. PARAGRAPH. drove me bananas.
March 14, 2013
This book was everything I have come to expect from Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban. It was sweet, very sexy, low angst, and a lot of fun. Jake and Brandon were just delicious. However, I don't typically connect to sports books as well as other genres of M/M so I didn't feel quite as invested with this story as I would have liked. Still, it was a great read to break me out of a bit of a slump.
May 26, 2015
4.5 Stars!
I'm a sucker for a good sports read and this was one of the best MM sports reads I've read to date!
It had a delicious slow build between Jake and Brandon, who were once classmates. Never friends but now work at their old high school together.
When Brandon is forced to help Jake out coaching the baseball team they become friends and eventually more.
This one was a very easy read, with little to no angst. The steam really picked up the second half but wasn't necessarily missed in the first half.
Makes me want to go check out the Cut & Run series for sure!!
I'm a sucker for a good sports read and this was one of the best MM sports reads I've read to date!
It had a delicious slow build between Jake and Brandon, who were once classmates. Never friends but now work at their old high school together.
When Brandon is forced to help Jake out coaching the baseball team they become friends and eventually more.
This one was a very easy read, with little to no angst. The steam really picked up the second half but wasn't necessarily missed in the first half.
Makes me want to go check out the Cut & Run series for sure!!
June 28, 2012
If I had known nothing about this book, and had no friend reviews to go on, I would have gotten halfway through the first chapter and given up on it. And that would have been a shame, because it's a very good book.
The best thing anyone could do for newbies coming to this book would be to post a warning - "Many unexpected POV shifts ahead; pay attention to names and be prepared. In the first nine pages, the POV shifts back and forth between the two MC's at least 10 times. Sometimes it's hard to figure out which of them a secondary character is talking to, or where the action is now and which character you are with. Without the advance warning, I went back twice trying to figure out what the hell I was reading, and finally just restarted the whole book from the beginning with careful attention to who seemed to be be on top at that moment. In the version I have, there is no warning in the formatting of POV shifts or of some sudden time shifts from one paragraph to the next. The story would abruptly be hours later without so much as a blank line in between.
Were it not for these issues, this would be a five-star book. The MC's are wonderful, the dialogue is funny, believable, and at times beautifully emotional in a limited number of words that seems wholly natural to the characters. The sex is hot (very hot.) The plot makes sense and is never melodramatic. The climax is marked by a misunderstanding, but it is brief and understated and real. The resolution is sweet.
The further I went in the book, the less the POV shifts bothered me, as I became used to the style. There still were tiny moments of "Oh, that was Brandon not Jake" but the momentum of the book carried me along. I would love to see more of these guys as they perhaps move out of the closet. And I warmly recommend this, with the warning at the top in big letters. Go into this expecting the shifts, and I think most people will highly enjoy the ride.
The best thing anyone could do for newbies coming to this book would be to post a warning - "Many unexpected POV shifts ahead; pay attention to names and be prepared. In the first nine pages, the POV shifts back and forth between the two MC's at least 10 times. Sometimes it's hard to figure out which of them a secondary character is talking to, or where the action is now and which character you are with. Without the advance warning, I went back twice trying to figure out what the hell I was reading, and finally just restarted the whole book from the beginning with careful attention to who seemed to be be on top at that moment. In the version I have, there is no warning in the formatting of POV shifts or of some sudden time shifts from one paragraph to the next. The story would abruptly be hours later without so much as a blank line in between.
Were it not for these issues, this would be a five-star book. The MC's are wonderful, the dialogue is funny, believable, and at times beautifully emotional in a limited number of words that seems wholly natural to the characters. The sex is hot (very hot.) The plot makes sense and is never melodramatic. The climax is marked by a misunderstanding, but it is brief and understated and real. The resolution is sweet.
The further I went in the book, the less the POV shifts bothered me, as I became used to the style. There still were tiny moments of "Oh, that was Brandon not Jake" but the momentum of the book carried me along. I would love to see more of these guys as they perhaps move out of the closet. And I warmly recommend this, with the warning at the top in big letters. Go into this expecting the shifts, and I think most people will highly enjoy the ride.
March 1, 2013
First read in March 2011
I really enjoyed this story!
I can definitely recommend it, but I would have loved an epilogue!
I've decided I need to reread this one, so here it goes.
Update, I have decided to rate it higher a 4.45* for sure, but the ending still feels a bit rushed or incomplete.
Jake was a great sports talent, unfortunately his body took a beating with all the sports and surgeries and now he is a coach at his old highschool and in constant pain from all the abuse his body took over the years.
Brandon was a homeschooled nerd, that didn't start public school until he was a sophomore, he still feels socially inept and unsure around some people, jocks like Jake especially, and Jake feels a bit dim around guys like Brandon.
They both had insecurities and they were both lusting after the other but sure they didn't stand a chance.
Well, guess what? They certainly did stand a chance and it's the start of a great relationship. I actually liked that there is no big reveal and outing, no huge statement to make, they know if it comes out there will be difficulties but they are sure they are going to stick it it together.
Misty the slightly stalker annoying hanger-on of Jake, was annoying and left a wild card at the end.
I really liked this feel good story and still feel it needs a follow -up. :)
ETA I bought it as an audiobook and am listening to it today! I like it, the narrator has a very nice voice.
I really enjoyed this story!
I can definitely recommend it, but I would have loved an epilogue!
I've decided I need to reread this one, so here it goes.
Update, I have decided to rate it higher a 4.45* for sure, but the ending still feels a bit rushed or incomplete.
Jake was a great sports talent, unfortunately his body took a beating with all the sports and surgeries and now he is a coach at his old highschool and in constant pain from all the abuse his body took over the years.
Brandon was a homeschooled nerd, that didn't start public school until he was a sophomore, he still feels socially inept and unsure around some people, jocks like Jake especially, and Jake feels a bit dim around guys like Brandon.
They both had insecurities and they were both lusting after the other but sure they didn't stand a chance.
Well, guess what? They certainly did stand a chance and it's the start of a great relationship. I actually liked that there is no big reveal and outing, no huge statement to make, they know if it comes out there will be difficulties but they are sure they are going to stick it it together.
Misty the slightly stalker annoying hanger-on of Jake, was annoying and left a wild card at the end.
I really liked this feel good story and still feel it needs a follow -up. :)
ETA I bought it as an audiobook and am listening to it today! I like it, the narrator has a very nice voice.
April 24, 2015
My second read wasn't quite as awe inspiring as the first, but I still loved it to pieces!
Review coming when I have time to catch up.
Highly Recmmended!
Review coming when I have time to catch up.
Highly Recmmended!
May 18, 2020
M/M + Sports
Jake the nerd and Brandon the jock both went to high school together. They ran in different circles and probably said less than 5 words to each other. They graduated, left town to pursue dreams, but unfortunate circumstances had them return to their hometown and are both employed at their alma mater, and both are still respectively nerdy and jock-y. However, something is different about both of them since they last saw each other....sexual preferences.
I’ll make this quick. My issues –
1. Not long enough
2. Gaps in story
3. Don’t expect a bow, but some insight on possible plans for their future relationship would be nice. Gay men aren’t received with open arms in the sports world.
4. I don't like the cover....at all. I know, I know, don't judge a book by its cover, but such is the life of a cover hoe :o)
I liked it okay. I think I was more interested in how the men would navigate their relationship, while trying to succeed and advance their career and I didn’t really get that.
Jake the nerd and Brandon the jock both went to high school together. They ran in different circles and probably said less than 5 words to each other. They graduated, left town to pursue dreams, but unfortunate circumstances had them return to their hometown and are both employed at their alma mater, and both are still respectively nerdy and jock-y. However, something is different about both of them since they last saw each other....sexual preferences.
I’ll make this quick. My issues –
1. Not long enough
2. Gaps in story
3. Don’t expect a bow, but some insight on possible plans for their future relationship would be nice. Gay men aren’t received with open arms in the sports world.
4. I don't like the cover....at all. I know, I know, don't judge a book by its cover, but such is the life of a cover hoe :o)
I liked it okay. I think I was more interested in how the men would navigate their relationship, while trying to succeed and advance their career and I didn’t really get that.
November 19, 2014
4 Stars - He was around the corner, and after looking for a bit more accurate, he was the one you wanted. Two lucky birds with one stone!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book has been in my iPad for a while and eventually I figured it was time to read it (before I start with the Cut & Run series by the same two authors). A good decision - happy again, another (strong) 4-star from me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the initial chapters there was a lot about baseball and procedures at the High School where the two main characters worked. I'm a Swedish girl - so what do I know about High School and baseball? Absolutely nothing! The lack of knowledge probably made it feel extra sluggish for me in about half the book. But then became this a delightful read.
This is a romantic and very nicely told story about two very different (nah - according to them) men, just over 30 years, as both live in the "gay-closet". Nobody knows, and certainly not their colleagues at work.
The once popular sports guy Jake and the intelligent nerd Brandon "find" each other ten/fifteen years after High School. Jake is the former sports star from school days who, after many injuries, now become the head coach for the school's baseball team. Brandon is the guy who came back to town and now is the school science teacher. When they were young they lived in different circuits and many of the prejudices remain.
Okay, it took a while but this is a wonderful romantic m/m-story. So sweet, cute and belatedly very steamy and hot. Two passionate men to love. A nice end in the middle of their life with the feeling that these two men will solve everything for their true love is there. Well worth reading.
I LIKE - warmed my heart!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book has been in my iPad for a while and eventually I figured it was time to read it (before I start with the Cut & Run series by the same two authors). A good decision - happy again, another (strong) 4-star from me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the initial chapters there was a lot about baseball and procedures at the High School where the two main characters worked. I'm a Swedish girl - so what do I know about High School and baseball? Absolutely nothing! The lack of knowledge probably made it feel extra sluggish for me in about half the book. But then became this a delightful read.
This is a romantic and very nicely told story about two very different (nah - according to them) men, just over 30 years, as both live in the "gay-closet". Nobody knows, and certainly not their colleagues at work.
"One day I'm gonna get you drunk", Jake promised with a smirk, "and grope you".
The once popular sports guy Jake and the intelligent nerd Brandon "find" each other ten/fifteen years after High School. Jake is the former sports star from school days who, after many injuries, now become the head coach for the school's baseball team. Brandon is the guy who came back to town and now is the school science teacher. When they were young they lived in different circuits and many of the prejudices remain.
‘And Brandon knew without a doupt. He was in love. Oh. Fuch. A. Duck.’
Okay, it took a while but this is a wonderful romantic m/m-story. So sweet, cute and belatedly very steamy and hot. Two passionate men to love. A nice end in the middle of their life with the feeling that these two men will solve everything for their true love is there. Well worth reading.
... maybe not looking exactly as Jake and Brandon are described (no tattoos) - but the loving and tender feeling ...
I LIKE - warmed my heart!
December 24, 2013
2.5 Stars
Well, 2.5 stars surprises me because I love when Urban and Roux team up. But this one was ... ugh. I liked the characters well enough and the romance was sweet, so it wasn't a total bust. But the pacing and switching POVs gave me a headache ... and whiplash.
This one was underwhelming because:
Bottom line: Wish I liked it more.
Well, 2.5 stars surprises me because I love when Urban and Roux team up. But this one was ... ugh. I liked the characters well enough and the romance was sweet, so it wasn't a total bust. But the pacing and switching POVs gave me a headache ... and whiplash.
This one was underwhelming because:
1) It was sloooooooooooow. It felt like the slowest burn ever. The story moved at a snail's pace for me. Slogging through the minutiae of Jake and Brandon's day-to-day lives was painful and, at times, I honestly wanted to give up.
2) Switching POV. I'm actually a fan of alternating POVs. I enjoy getting inside each MC's head space and find it easier to connect with the characters. That said, I like some sort of demarcation when I'm switching POVs. The easiest and most common is to alternate chapters. Fine. I'm down with that. In this book, however, the POV changed by paragraph. Every. Freakin'. Paragraph. My head was spinning. I had to re-read a lot because I couldn't figure out whose head I was in. Grrrrrrrr. Irritating!
3) Juvenile. The banter and ribbing was really sophomoric. The characters acted so immaturely that sometimes this seemed like a YA book. I get that the MCs were in high school but they weren't actually IN high school! Catch my drift? They're supposed to be adults for crying out loud! They graduated ten frickin' years ago. Grow up.
4) Loose ends. What was up with that ending? There were too many issues left unresolved.
Bottom line: Wish I liked it more.
June 5, 2016
This book thoroughly irritated me, most of the time.
The MC's whined too frequently about not knowing if one felt the same way, or if he was even gay - which really worked my nerves for the first half of the book.
In the middle there was just a lot of hot, steamy scenes.
Towards the end, they wouldn't publicly come out, which pissed me off.
Two and a half stars because some of it was actually able to hold my attention. And because I liked the writing style.
I liked the shirt with the slogan -
Co-ed Naked Wrestling: The Mat Is Where It's At
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2012
Such a sweet story! I really enjoyed this one, especially since I read it following a really angsty book. This was just a happy, sweet little story about Jake the "Jock" and Brandon the "Nerd" falling in love. No angst and lots of hot sex.
I must add that the wacky POV shifts were annoying and confusing, but it didn't take away much from me enjoying the book.
I must add that the wacky POV shifts were annoying and confusing, but it didn't take away much from me enjoying the book.
January 17, 2022
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was better than I thought it’d be! I knew going in that this was less than the typical 300 pages I like my books to be in length, but I couldn’t resist. So, I really can’t complain too much that it was too short even though it did feel that way 🙈. I really enjoyed the development of friendship that turned into more. I also liked their banter and affectionate scenes. I actually felt their connection — which for me, says a lot for a shorter book! I just wanted much more closure. I had way too many unanswered questions and would’ve loved to get enough to call it a HEA!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Brandon and Jake’s story. They find themselves teaching at their old high school where they attended as Brandon being the nerd and Jake being the jock. Brandon gets pushed into the position of assistant coach for Jake’s baseball team and they both start to see each other in new lights. They form a fast friendship with the underlying question of if their attraction is truly one sided. There are some reveals, some sexy times, and some sweet moments…and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Brandon and Jake in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good, I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove:Kind of when looking at the timeframe, but more like friends-to-lovers (good development IMO).
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 4 stars. Brandon. I liked him. He was a great balance to Jake. He cared for Jake when others allowed him to be growly and ignore his struggles.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 4 stars. Jake. I liked him too. I liked how he cared for others even when unexpected and how affectionate he was. I mainly liked how he was brave enough for the both of them.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a pretty good place for the couple, but with not nearly enough closure for me. I had many unanswered questions and there isn’t a concrete commitment between the two. I would call this a HFN ending.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was better than I thought it’d be! I knew going in that this was less than the typical 300 pages I like my books to be in length, but I couldn’t resist. So, I really can’t complain too much that it was too short even though it did feel that way 🙈. I really enjoyed the development of friendship that turned into more. I also liked their banter and affectionate scenes. I actually felt their connection — which for me, says a lot for a shorter book! I just wanted much more closure. I had way too many unanswered questions and would’ve loved to get enough to call it a HEA!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Brandon and Jake’s story. They find themselves teaching at their old high school where they attended as Brandon being the nerd and Jake being the jock. Brandon gets pushed into the position of assistant coach for Jake’s baseball team and they both start to see each other in new lights. They form a fast friendship with the underlying question of if their attraction is truly one sided. There are some reveals, some sexy times, and some sweet moments…and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Brandon and Jake in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good, I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove:Kind of when looking at the timeframe, but more like friends-to-lovers (good development IMO).
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 4 stars. Brandon. I liked him. He was a great balance to Jake. He cared for Jake when others allowed him to be growly and ignore his struggles.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 4 stars. Jake. I liked him too. I liked how he cared for others even when unexpected and how affectionate he was. I mainly liked how he was brave enough for the both of them.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a pretty good place for the couple, but with not nearly enough closure for me. I had many unanswered questions and there isn’t a concrete commitment between the two. I would call this a HFN ending.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
December 7, 2010
01/18/13: Revised rating after a couple of years of reading m/m: from 4 to 3.
First: this is a beautiful love story! It was really difficult to put the book down to do the ordinary things in life, because the two main characters, Jake and Brandon, are adorable and the way they fall in love was exciting.
I couldn't give 5 stars because of three issues:
- the point of view is changing from Jake to Brandon from paragraph to paragraph and sometimes it's difficult to understand whose thoughts we are reading;
- there were many things which seemed to be left unfinished, they were not wrapped up, or they were wrapped up in a not so satisfactory way. For example, when Brandon faces Jake over his drug abuse, there's Jake's promise to deal with it in the summer, but then Jake's physical pain because of his career injuries is not even mentioned anymore;
- I thought the jock/nerd theme would be more central to the story, but Brandon is not really a nerd. He's quiet, and brainy and he wears glasses, but he's also athletic, not clumsy at all, and he's a schoolgirls' heartthrob.
The sport theme was not overwhelming, because the book focused mainly on the love between the protagonists. It was really fun to read, but it's like the story remains still to be told. How will Brandon and Jake be able to keep their love hidden from the community they live in? That's the main source of trouble that was just hinted at, but not really explained. It's as if the writers chose the path of least resistance.
I'd easily recommend this story, but I must warn that it may be too fluffly and easy for someone. It's incredibly enjoyable though.
Did I mention somewhere that the sex is hot? Yes, it is!
First: this is a beautiful love story! It was really difficult to put the book down to do the ordinary things in life, because the two main characters, Jake and Brandon, are adorable and the way they fall in love was exciting.
I couldn't give 5 stars because of three issues:
- the point of view is changing from Jake to Brandon from paragraph to paragraph and sometimes it's difficult to understand whose thoughts we are reading;
- there were many things which seemed to be left unfinished, they were not wrapped up, or they were wrapped up in a not so satisfactory way. For example, when Brandon faces Jake over his drug abuse, there's Jake's promise to deal with it in the summer, but then Jake's physical pain because of his career injuries is not even mentioned anymore;
- I thought the jock/nerd theme would be more central to the story, but Brandon is not really a nerd. He's quiet, and brainy and he wears glasses, but he's also athletic, not clumsy at all, and he's a schoolgirls' heartthrob.
The sport theme was not overwhelming, because the book focused mainly on the love between the protagonists. It was really fun to read, but it's like the story remains still to be told. How will Brandon and Jake be able to keep their love hidden from the community they live in? That's the main source of trouble that was just hinted at, but not really explained. It's as if the writers chose the path of least resistance.
I'd easily recommend this story, but I must warn that it may be too fluffly and easy for someone. It's incredibly enjoyable though.
Did I mention somewhere that the sex is hot? Yes, it is!
August 9, 2014
2-2.5 STARS
I liked from the start the premise of this story – two friends in the closet who became more, but even if this story was sweet, it barely hold my attention. Anyway, the think that bugged me the most is the fact that Jake’s POV and Brandon’s POV are changing way to fast, sometimes from paragraph to paragraph. It didn’t help that first 30-35% was very, very slow and bored me to death.
Reading cliché after cliché didn’t help either and the ending was too rushed, left in the air too much. The writing was too repetitive for me and the whole book it’s so poorly edited..
However, I liked some sweet moments between main characters and some steamy moments that are great.
In the end I didn’t care too much about Jake or Brandon, even if they are likeable. Overall, this was just an OK read for me.
I liked from the start the premise of this story – two friends in the closet who became more, but even if this story was sweet, it barely hold my attention. Anyway, the think that bugged me the most is the fact that Jake’s POV and Brandon’s POV are changing way to fast, sometimes from paragraph to paragraph. It didn’t help that first 30-35% was very, very slow and bored me to death.
Reading cliché after cliché didn’t help either and the ending was too rushed, left in the air too much. The writing was too repetitive for me and the whole book it’s so poorly edited..
However, I liked some sweet moments between main characters and some steamy moments that are great.
In the end I didn’t care too much about Jake or Brandon, even if they are likeable. Overall, this was just an OK read for me.
May 6, 2013
A sweet read without undue angst. I liked both the characters, and their relationship. I did think things would have been better without the cheerleading coach, and the drama she brought. She just felt like one of those "evil" female characters too many m/m novels seem to think they have to have. A very shallow, and thin character that didn't add anything to the story. The assistant coaches were fun. I admired how much the main characters were dedicated to the team, and to their students, and never made them play second fiddle to their developing relationship. A great read if you are in the mood for something a bit lighter, and fluffier without having to read something completely sappy, or cheesy.
March 23, 2018
i loved it! loved the style of writing, loved the pov shifts almost every paragraph. i loved knowing what everyone thought, as it happened. even misty's pov. it's become my favorite style of writing, you see this a lot in role play writing, but it hasnt switched into books, until now! its wonderful. thank you for recommending it!
May 25, 2015
4.25 Stars :D
July 15, 2017
4 Stars
With the exception of the jarring pov changes, I basically loved everything else about this story.
The characters were extremely likeable, the slow-burn romance was fantastic, and the eventual smex that followed was even better.
As a teacher, I love reading about fellow teachers when the setting and the experiences they are dealing with ring true to life. So, hats off to the authors for accurately representing the crazy busy, yet mostly rewarding, everyday life experiences of teachers.
Now, all I need is to find myself a fellow teacher to engage in a love-affair as epic and swoon-worthy as Jake and Brandon's.
With the exception of the jarring pov changes, I basically loved everything else about this story.
The characters were extremely likeable, the slow-burn romance was fantastic, and the eventual smex that followed was even better.
As a teacher, I love reading about fellow teachers when the setting and the experiences they are dealing with ring true to life. So, hats off to the authors for accurately representing the crazy busy, yet mostly rewarding, everyday life experiences of teachers.
Now, all I need is to find myself a fellow teacher to engage in a love-affair as epic and swoon-worthy as Jake and Brandon's.
read-sample-didn-t-buy
December 26, 2022Second graders have better writing skills and grammar than what's shown in the sample of this book. Couldn't handle more than a handful of pages.
January 5, 2013
I enjoyed this book immensely. Jake reminded so much of my P. E. teacher in school who I also had a healthy respect for if not slightly overpowering and scary. Just never thought that he may have had a softer side too.
I loved the way the author built up the suspension in the beginning of their relationship with both guys being unsure and second guessing themselves all the time. This would be totally natural in a situation where being gay could be construed as not an option. It is only the process of finding out bit by bit, feeling their way as to whether the feelings they're experiencing personally are also reciprocal. This would so be me too.
I loved the steamy scene on the car bonnet / hood (phew!) and the ending was great too if not maybe a little abrupt. As mentioned in a previous update my knowledge and vocabulary of baseball and the US education system took a crash course with this book. Thank goodness for the built in dictionary in my Kindle. I guess I will just have to write the "British" version using cricket and comprehensive schools - lol!
All in all a great book.
I loved the way the author built up the suspension in the beginning of their relationship with both guys being unsure and second guessing themselves all the time. This would be totally natural in a situation where being gay could be construed as not an option. It is only the process of finding out bit by bit, feeling their way as to whether the feelings they're experiencing personally are also reciprocal. This would so be me too.
I loved the steamy scene on the car bonnet / hood (phew!) and the ending was great too if not maybe a little abrupt. As mentioned in a previous update my knowledge and vocabulary of baseball and the US education system took a crash course with this book. Thank goodness for the built in dictionary in my Kindle. I guess I will just have to write the "British" version using cricket and comprehensive schools - lol!
All in all a great book.
November 19, 2015
Sinceramente, me esperaba bastante más, es una historia corta en dónde al margen de ver el proceso de enamoramiento de Jake y Brandon, no pasa nada... Ni siquiera al final.. Me que quedado diciendo "ummmmmm ehhhh ¿ya está?"
Los personajes son estupendos, muy divertidos, buenas réplicas, dos opuestos que terminan por enamorarse, pero tampoco me ha parecido excesivamente realista... Me estoy haciendo vieja... No puedo decir que no me haya gustado, pero tampoco ha sido una locura.
Los personajes son estupendos, muy divertidos, buenas réplicas, dos opuestos que terminan por enamorarse, pero tampoco me ha parecido excesivamente realista... Me estoy haciendo vieja... No puedo decir que no me haya gustado, pero tampoco ha sido una locura.
dnf-or-hated
September 3, 2015So, three times I've tried to read this. Twice in ebook, once in audio...and I am BORED. So terribly bored.
It's not bad writing, it's not the characters...it's literally only because I am so bored out of my skull.
I'm out.
It's not bad writing, it's not the characters...it's literally only because I am so bored out of my skull.
I'm out.
April 23, 2017
With 'Caught Running' getting 4 and 5 star reviews I was expecting to catch my heart, but there were so many obstacles on the road to allow this happen. Let me begin with the abrupt POV shifts. I usually don't mind the third person POV switches, but this was too much to follow easily. The story was disjointed in the way that I read within a paragraph from Brandon's point of view then all of the sudden it switched to Jake and then back again. It's incredibly annoying to have to read back (in my case to listen back) some parts to try and figure out who thought/said what. This is a huge problem for character's driven story and audio-book (It's not that easy. I can't say to the narrator “Repeat it again, please.“). On the top of that putting distance with the MCs, from time to time, calling them 'the biology teacher' or 'the science teacher' and 'the freshman coach' did this or that, instate of just keeping 'Brandon' and 'Jake'. C'mon this is just a sweet and sexy story about two guys who went to high school together but belonged to different social groups, and how they meet again years later while teaching at the same school. I needed to relax! Okay, relax one place, tense up another. Bring me a memory of the geeky/jock/yummy high school fantasy I've ever had, 'rubbing lightly at first, slowly strengthening the grip of his fingers until the liniment is starting to soak in my skin.!'......“Now!”the freshman coach said.It was frustrating, to say the least. We are also told that there is a female teacher trying to get her claws into the coach, but she goes away after an argument. Problem solved in the twinkling of an eye!
Overall the writing is a bit sloppy and messy in parts. I really tried (hate when I use 'Try' word- start thinking in white) to give my best for these guys, but let's just imagine once an ordinary nonnative reader comprehend it, what would happen if any of my friends with writing skills would find out?
And the last thing I would like to mention is about the audio performance. The narrator made not enough attempt to differentiate the voices of the characters and it took me over a chapter to get used to his fast reading style. Sometimes I could hear the narrator breathing and his process of salivating, which I usually don't hear that on other audio books. At around 60% there was a loud rustling of papers in the background. In addition to the previous the audio, took it a little further away from the story.
All in all, I don't really like when I have to think and decipher what is being written on the page to follow along. It's obvious that this was not my game. I played much better within The Understatement of the Year and Him. Considering that this story was published in 2007 I'm so happy to see the immense improvement in MM author's characterizations and overall plot! Even taking into account this exact collaboration (the start of Cut & Run series was in the following year).
Sorry, but 2.5 stars.
Overall the writing is a bit sloppy and messy in parts. I really tried (hate when I use 'Try' word- start thinking in white) to give my best for these guys, but let's just imagine once an ordinary nonnative reader comprehend it, what would happen if any of my friends with writing skills would find out?
And the last thing I would like to mention is about the audio performance. The narrator made not enough attempt to differentiate the voices of the characters and it took me over a chapter to get used to his fast reading style. Sometimes I could hear the narrator breathing and his process of salivating, which I usually don't hear that on other audio books. At around 60% there was a loud rustling of papers in the background. In addition to the previous the audio, took it a little further away from the story.
All in all, I don't really like when I have to think and decipher what is being written on the page to follow along. It's obvious that this was not my game. I played much better within The Understatement of the Year and Him. Considering that this story was published in 2007 I'm so happy to see the immense improvement in MM author's characterizations and overall plot! Even taking into account this exact collaboration (the start of Cut & Run series was in the following year).
Sorry, but 2.5 stars.
January 19, 2012
This is a book I absolutely loved. The story between Jake and Brandon feels absolutely real. They ignored each other when they were at school, because one was the star of the football team, the other one was the "nerd", the studious one.
Years later they are both back at the very same school, both teaching. The occasion to finally get to know each other comes when Brandon, who is the science teacher, has to take the job as coach for the football team. The more they know each other the more they fall in love and the beauty of this story is that is not rushed, it sound very much like it could happen in reality.
I think I'll re-read this book soon and with great joy.
Years later they are both back at the very same school, both teaching. The occasion to finally get to know each other comes when Brandon, who is the science teacher, has to take the job as coach for the football team. The more they know each other the more they fall in love and the beauty of this story is that is not rushed, it sound very much like it could happen in reality.
I think I'll re-read this book soon and with great joy.
September 29, 2013
Sweet 4.5 stars...
Really BEAUTIFUL, PASSIONATE, REAL and BELEIVABLE story.
I loved Jake and Brandon's tender discovery of themselves, communication (and lack of it), passion and love.
Recommended to all Abi's fans
I had a small issue with transition between POVs but that's minor.
Really BEAUTIFUL, PASSIONATE, REAL and BELEIVABLE story.
I loved Jake and Brandon's tender discovery of themselves, communication (and lack of it), passion and love.
Recommended to all Abi's fans
I had a small issue with transition between POVs but that's minor.
June 12, 2009
I've also read "Cut & Run" by these authors, and I admit I liked this one better. Although it also had the POV-shifting problem, the characters and dialogue felt much more real, more heartfelt. The characters were likable and the relationship...well, it was adorable, if you'll pardon the term!
April 6, 2017
The Blogger Girls
This was one of my favorite books back in 2011 and so I decided to go ahead in 2017 and see if the audio could live up to my memories. Well, it was still really good, but it wasn’t as great as I had made it up to be in my mind. Not sure if that’s because my tastes have changed, or what, but regardless, it was still an awesome story and one I will always recommend. I think the authors matured in their writing in their more recent books. One of my peeves was the constant “the science teacher” in reference to Brandon jolted me after the fifteenth time, and I don’t recall those types of descriptors in future books, thankfully.
The narration, by Jeff Gelder, was key in keeping me entertained. His inflections and his sexy voices of Brandon and Jake were all kinds of awesome. I seriously loved his Jake performance and now I need me a “Jake” in my life. That’s equal parts storytelling by the authors and performance by the narrator.
Still, how can anyone pass up the nerd and the jock storyline? I loved how sweet and romantic these two were and I really appreciated their openness with one another. These two fill you with all sorts of butterflies and you know that they will get that elusive happy ending before the story ever ends. They just work so well together, the respect and adoration is there, and it is all brought to life by the great performance by Jeff Gelder.
This was one of my favorite books back in 2011 and so I decided to go ahead in 2017 and see if the audio could live up to my memories. Well, it was still really good, but it wasn’t as great as I had made it up to be in my mind. Not sure if that’s because my tastes have changed, or what, but regardless, it was still an awesome story and one I will always recommend. I think the authors matured in their writing in their more recent books. One of my peeves was the constant “the science teacher” in reference to Brandon jolted me after the fifteenth time, and I don’t recall those types of descriptors in future books, thankfully.
The narration, by Jeff Gelder, was key in keeping me entertained. His inflections and his sexy voices of Brandon and Jake were all kinds of awesome. I seriously loved his Jake performance and now I need me a “Jake” in my life. That’s equal parts storytelling by the authors and performance by the narrator.
Still, how can anyone pass up the nerd and the jock storyline? I loved how sweet and romantic these two were and I really appreciated their openness with one another. These two fill you with all sorts of butterflies and you know that they will get that elusive happy ending before the story ever ends. They just work so well together, the respect and adoration is there, and it is all brought to life by the great performance by Jeff Gelder.
February 2, 2022
Having read the cut and run series by the same authors, this one fell short for me.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙤.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙤.
November 26, 2016
Listening to the audio book. Good narrator and the story feels better with the narration. Everything I wrote previously remains true. This is the third time I have "read" this book and will probably re read again. It's just one of those feel good stories for me.
Very satisfying re-read for me.
The beginning almost brings me back to High School with the cliques and negative attitudes. The authors capture the feeling of the students as well as the faculty. Interesting how Jake and Brandon have been teachers at their high school for many years without any communication between them. Almost like they were both conscientiously avoiding each other. In steps the administration. Let the games begin!
The maddening slow dance that Jake and Brandon do building up to their first kiss is excruciating. Then the relief that they feel about being able to share their feelings is palpable. So good to feel their heat when they finally do kiss. And again how an they do not consumate their passion but to off to a high school baseball game????
I loved how Troy walked in the house and found Jake mauling Brandon against the wall. He was so cool with it that it really bugged Brandon and Jake as well. Brandon was acting a little "girly" at the end due to Troy's teasing, but it was great that he was so accepting.
I agree with some that the ending was a little abrupt. However Jake and Brandon have been sustaining a relationship for several months. They also have admitted they loved each other, and because of the maneuverings of that bitch Misty realized they have "claimed" each other. The hanging issues are the move to California, the Doctorate for Brandon, any additional fallout at school regarding their relationship and those god-awful statues with the ponytails!
For one of the author's first books, published in 2007, it is damn good.
Very satisfying re-read for me.
The beginning almost brings me back to High School with the cliques and negative attitudes. The authors capture the feeling of the students as well as the faculty. Interesting how Jake and Brandon have been teachers at their high school for many years without any communication between them. Almost like they were both conscientiously avoiding each other. In steps the administration. Let the games begin!
The maddening slow dance that Jake and Brandon do building up to their first kiss is excruciating. Then the relief that they feel about being able to share their feelings is palpable. So good to feel their heat when they finally do kiss. And again how an they do not consumate their passion but to off to a high school baseball game????
I loved how Troy walked in the house and found Jake mauling Brandon against the wall. He was so cool with it that it really bugged Brandon and Jake as well. Brandon was acting a little "girly" at the end due to Troy's teasing, but it was great that he was so accepting.
I agree with some that the ending was a little abrupt. However Jake and Brandon have been sustaining a relationship for several months. They also have admitted they loved each other, and because of the maneuverings of that bitch Misty realized they have "claimed" each other. The hanging issues are the move to California, the Doctorate for Brandon, any additional fallout at school regarding their relationship and those god-awful statues with the ponytails!
For one of the author's first books, published in 2007, it is damn good.
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