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Drop Dead #2
Doubts
This is the second book in the Drop Dead series. However, it can be read by itself (stand-alone). You do not need to read the first book, or any other book in the series to understand this book.
Geo feels like things are finally going his way. He's in a great relationship with the love of his life, and he's just as happy as ever being best friends with his twin brother. Slowly, though, things start to change; his boyfriend messages him less and less, his brother fights with him more and more, and now he has to deal with the fact that a very handsome stranger has just come into his life. Is it even worth figuring out these mysteries, or are the people he cared about most better off dead to him?
This book contains sexually explicit content and not suitable for anyone under the age of 18. This book is approximately 50,000 words, has a happy ending and does not end in a cliffhanger.
Geo feels like things are finally going his way. He's in a great relationship with the love of his life, and he's just as happy as ever being best friends with his twin brother. Slowly, though, things start to change; his boyfriend messages him less and less, his brother fights with him more and more, and now he has to deal with the fact that a very handsome stranger has just come into his life. Is it even worth figuring out these mysteries, or are the people he cared about most better off dead to him?
This book contains sexually explicit content and not suitable for anyone under the age of 18. This book is approximately 50,000 words, has a happy ending and does not end in a cliffhanger.
- GenresM M Romance
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2016
14 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Peter Styles
119 books318 followersHello everyone! My name is Peter Styles. I am a young new gay writer who is in love with reading and writing gay romance. I hope my stories keep you as entertained as much as I like writing them.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 28, 2017
The author states that each book can be read as a stand alone, but I disagree. I think if your gonna read any of the books they should be read in order. There's just too much to miss even if the following books give a good description of what happened in the previous book.
This was a solid addition to this series. Sometimes the 2nd book in a series can fall flat, but that's not the case with this book. I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first one.
This picks up where the last book ended. Lex and Geo are now in a relationship, even though it's a long distance one, and they are trying to find their way through these new developments.
Things aren't exactly going well. Geo and Lex seem to be getting further and further apart emotionally as they already are physically. Geo is extremely frustrated that Lex doesn't seem to be reachable by phone or Skype. Geo makes all the effort to call Lex while Lex doesn't seem to make the same effort. When they do speak it's brief and Lex always seems occupied by other people. One of those people are heard accidently when Geo calls Lex only to have Lex's ass accidentally answer Geo's call. What Geo hears starts a spiral of heartbreak, lies, truths, and some sad discoveries that Lex has been desperately trying to handle on his own.
Another good read for me. xx
This was a solid addition to this series. Sometimes the 2nd book in a series can fall flat, but that's not the case with this book. I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first one.
This picks up where the last book ended. Lex and Geo are now in a relationship, even though it's a long distance one, and they are trying to find their way through these new developments.
Things aren't exactly going well. Geo and Lex seem to be getting further and further apart emotionally as they already are physically. Geo is extremely frustrated that Lex doesn't seem to be reachable by phone or Skype. Geo makes all the effort to call Lex while Lex doesn't seem to make the same effort. When they do speak it's brief and Lex always seems occupied by other people. One of those people are heard accidently when Geo calls Lex only to have Lex's ass accidentally answer Geo's call. What Geo hears starts a spiral of heartbreak, lies, truths, and some sad discoveries that Lex has been desperately trying to handle on his own.
Another good read for me. xx
January 14, 2017
Well. That didn’t last long.
You don’t have to be a genius to extrapolate that all’s not well in love and podcasting in Peter Styles’ Doubts, the continuing saga of Geo and Lex’s long-distance romance. I mean, it’s right there in the title, innit? And phew, is this one angsty.
The author says this book can be read as a standalone, and it can, technically. Far be it from me to contradict him. But now I’m going to contradict him. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this as a standalone read if you’re the sort who wants to get to know your characters from the beginning and have the chance to watch them build their relationship in real time. Some of the juicy bits about how Geo and Lex get together in True Crime are recapped well enough here, but if enough isn’t good enough, then don’t start here. Plus, True Crime is great, so why not start there instead?
With thousands of miles of landscape between Michigan and Texas, it doesn’t take long before the geographical distance begins to wear on Geo and Lex, but it’s the emotional distance that proves to be far more damaging to their relationship. Work, life, things… Everyday and, as it turns out, some not so everyday stuff keeps happening to reinforce that divide, and it’s not long before Lex’s growing radio silence begins to wreak havoc on a psyche that Geo’s parents have already screwed up with their manipulation and emotional abuse. In other words, when you get to the point where you start contemplating the difference between being alone and being lonely, how far off are you really from a half-gallon of Häagen-Dazs and a mix tape of break up songs set on repeat? Or, maybe even starting to feel the pangs of temptation to get with someone who’s hot and also happens to be handy. If you can’t be with the one you love… But, for reasons, that turns out not to be one of Geo’s better ideas.
Which segues, oddly, to my deep and abiding love of Geo and his twin brother, Mark. Their banter is still spot on and just so brotherly and, at times, is downright hysterical. Not to mention there’s quite the new development for Mark in Doubts, which caused some friction between him and Geo. But, not to worry; it isn’t the death knell of their friendship. They’re still each the best family they have, and I really do love everything about them. Peter Styles has done a fantastic job of translating their relationship into something sweet and realistic, and that also creates an emotional connection between them and readers.
The feels are not insubstantial in Doubts. There’s a lot of questioning and second guessing in this installment of the series, actions speaking louder than words, words that need saying but aren’t being spoken. The lack of communication and trust is a huge factor for Geo and Lex, and it all plays out in an unfortunate and rather heart-tugging way. And I must say that even though this book is the very definition of angsty, I loved that there’s also such a healthy dose of realistic issues within the unhealthiness of it all—things that have plagued love-struck couples for eons. Both Geo’s and Lex’s lack of experience with anything resembling a stable relationship keeps their drama from feeling overly gratuitous. Learning to trust and believing that it’s okay to let the person who loves you help carry a little bit of your burden doesn’t come easy. The way they deal with their issues, though… Secrets and evasions and then Geo’s rather epically douchetastic move that was one of those “hm, if only I’d thought through the consequences of my actions” sort of things. These guys are layers and layers of flawed, but they work so well together.
Peter Styles tells a well-crafted story and uses dialogue to great advantage. There’s nothing I love more than good conversation in a book, even if it serves no other purpose than to show how connected and comfortable the characters are with each other. His writing is fresh and fast paced, and the reading of these books has been such a treat. I’m off to Decisions with my mental fingers firmly crossed that it isn’t the final book in the Drop Dead series.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach Reviews
You don’t have to be a genius to extrapolate that all’s not well in love and podcasting in Peter Styles’ Doubts, the continuing saga of Geo and Lex’s long-distance romance. I mean, it’s right there in the title, innit? And phew, is this one angsty.
The author says this book can be read as a standalone, and it can, technically. Far be it from me to contradict him. But now I’m going to contradict him. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this as a standalone read if you’re the sort who wants to get to know your characters from the beginning and have the chance to watch them build their relationship in real time. Some of the juicy bits about how Geo and Lex get together in True Crime are recapped well enough here, but if enough isn’t good enough, then don’t start here. Plus, True Crime is great, so why not start there instead?
With thousands of miles of landscape between Michigan and Texas, it doesn’t take long before the geographical distance begins to wear on Geo and Lex, but it’s the emotional distance that proves to be far more damaging to their relationship. Work, life, things… Everyday and, as it turns out, some not so everyday stuff keeps happening to reinforce that divide, and it’s not long before Lex’s growing radio silence begins to wreak havoc on a psyche that Geo’s parents have already screwed up with their manipulation and emotional abuse. In other words, when you get to the point where you start contemplating the difference between being alone and being lonely, how far off are you really from a half-gallon of Häagen-Dazs and a mix tape of break up songs set on repeat? Or, maybe even starting to feel the pangs of temptation to get with someone who’s hot and also happens to be handy. If you can’t be with the one you love… But, for reasons, that turns out not to be one of Geo’s better ideas.
Which segues, oddly, to my deep and abiding love of Geo and his twin brother, Mark. Their banter is still spot on and just so brotherly and, at times, is downright hysterical. Not to mention there’s quite the new development for Mark in Doubts, which caused some friction between him and Geo. But, not to worry; it isn’t the death knell of their friendship. They’re still each the best family they have, and I really do love everything about them. Peter Styles has done a fantastic job of translating their relationship into something sweet and realistic, and that also creates an emotional connection between them and readers.
The feels are not insubstantial in Doubts. There’s a lot of questioning and second guessing in this installment of the series, actions speaking louder than words, words that need saying but aren’t being spoken. The lack of communication and trust is a huge factor for Geo and Lex, and it all plays out in an unfortunate and rather heart-tugging way. And I must say that even though this book is the very definition of angsty, I loved that there’s also such a healthy dose of realistic issues within the unhealthiness of it all—things that have plagued love-struck couples for eons. Both Geo’s and Lex’s lack of experience with anything resembling a stable relationship keeps their drama from feeling overly gratuitous. Learning to trust and believing that it’s okay to let the person who loves you help carry a little bit of your burden doesn’t come easy. The way they deal with their issues, though… Secrets and evasions and then Geo’s rather epically douchetastic move that was one of those “hm, if only I’d thought through the consequences of my actions” sort of things. These guys are layers and layers of flawed, but they work so well together.
Peter Styles tells a well-crafted story and uses dialogue to great advantage. There’s nothing I love more than good conversation in a book, even if it serves no other purpose than to show how connected and comfortable the characters are with each other. His writing is fresh and fast paced, and the reading of these books has been such a treat. I’m off to Decisions with my mental fingers firmly crossed that it isn’t the final book in the Drop Dead series.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach Reviews
December 31, 2016
Rough patches
Geo and Lex are made for each other but long distance relationships are never easy. They are going through a rough patch. On top of that Mark is being very secretive after breaking up with Katie and has a new gay friend, Andrew. Without Lex, Geo is lonely and Andrew is a great guy so of course Geo is attracted. A lot of upheaval and lies and hurt. Had to read to the end to get some closure, but I'm afraid of what will happen next.
Geo and Lex are made for each other but long distance relationships are never easy. They are going through a rough patch. On top of that Mark is being very secretive after breaking up with Katie and has a new gay friend, Andrew. Without Lex, Geo is lonely and Andrew is a great guy so of course Geo is attracted. A lot of upheaval and lies and hurt. Had to read to the end to get some closure, but I'm afraid of what will happen next.
March 25, 2017
Doubts (Drop Dead, book 2)
By Peter Styles
Four stars
This goofy, angst-ridden sequel to Peter Style’s first “Drop Dead” book continues the story of Geo Durand and his long-distance boyfriend Lex Fletcher. These two twenty-somethings have a successful podcast called “Creep Corner,” which focuses on celebrated true crime stories. They also have day jobs that seem appropriate for millennials: Geo working as tech support for a coffee-machine company, while Lex creates digitally-based art on his tablet for book covers and for private commissions. Geo lives with his twin brother, Mark, and they share a close, bickering relationship.
The basic narrative involves two story lines. Lex seems to be pulling away for some unexplained reason, and Geo grows increasingly disturbed at his boyfriend’s escalating silence. His job life is rendered more awkward because Mark’s ex-girlfriend Katie, with whom both twins have been friends since middle school, also works with him. That’s also the secondary plotline: Mark’s unexplained break-up with Katie and his unwillingness to talk about it with Geo.
I enjoyed this book. It suffers from the problem of many sequels—the success of the story in the first one has to be maintained with a new stand-alone narrative, and it’s not always easy to achieve the immediacy of the original. At times Geo’s struggle over both Lex and Mark’s not trusting him seems a little forced, but the author’s clever prose and banter among the characters kept me smiling throughout. The intertwined plots also reflect a very distinctive 21st-century reality for young people that is wonderfully alien to my generation’s perspective.
Styles isn’t just cranking out his plot; he charms with his characters’ clever words. Geo looks suspiciously at a run-down coffee shop and its occupants, “…the other half wore slouchy beanies that reflected their posture as they huddled over their iPads like burning fires in a cold winter.” Later on, Geo and Mark explain part of their rationale for selling off unwanted things given to them by their manipulative, controlling mother: “By selling this, we’re giving her the one gift we know she wants most of all: disappointment.”
Such wry observations keep the writing fresh, and remind me that this is a new world I’m reading about. My only consistent gripe is the misuse of “I” when “me” would be correct. This just suggests to me that the editor is as young as the author, and has never quite learned this basic bit of grammar. Drives us old folks crazy. But I am not one to knock off stars for editorial issues.
I am both intrigued and concerned, going forward, about Geo’s relationship with his gay father, who sounds truly obnoxious. Part of me is glad that we see a kind of gay man who is not admirable, while another part of me cringes at the thought of gay people living down to the worst stereotypes. Truth is, daddy Durand sounds a little too familiar, and for that reason l want to know more. All in all, “Doubts” is a romance about gay millennials, and as such it offers a fresh perspective on love in our time, spiced with a smart sense of humor. I can’t wait to read the third book in the trilogy in which Geo and Lex deal with Geo’s father: “Decisions.”
By Peter Styles
Four stars
This goofy, angst-ridden sequel to Peter Style’s first “Drop Dead” book continues the story of Geo Durand and his long-distance boyfriend Lex Fletcher. These two twenty-somethings have a successful podcast called “Creep Corner,” which focuses on celebrated true crime stories. They also have day jobs that seem appropriate for millennials: Geo working as tech support for a coffee-machine company, while Lex creates digitally-based art on his tablet for book covers and for private commissions. Geo lives with his twin brother, Mark, and they share a close, bickering relationship.
The basic narrative involves two story lines. Lex seems to be pulling away for some unexplained reason, and Geo grows increasingly disturbed at his boyfriend’s escalating silence. His job life is rendered more awkward because Mark’s ex-girlfriend Katie, with whom both twins have been friends since middle school, also works with him. That’s also the secondary plotline: Mark’s unexplained break-up with Katie and his unwillingness to talk about it with Geo.
I enjoyed this book. It suffers from the problem of many sequels—the success of the story in the first one has to be maintained with a new stand-alone narrative, and it’s not always easy to achieve the immediacy of the original. At times Geo’s struggle over both Lex and Mark’s not trusting him seems a little forced, but the author’s clever prose and banter among the characters kept me smiling throughout. The intertwined plots also reflect a very distinctive 21st-century reality for young people that is wonderfully alien to my generation’s perspective.
Styles isn’t just cranking out his plot; he charms with his characters’ clever words. Geo looks suspiciously at a run-down coffee shop and its occupants, “…the other half wore slouchy beanies that reflected their posture as they huddled over their iPads like burning fires in a cold winter.” Later on, Geo and Mark explain part of their rationale for selling off unwanted things given to them by their manipulative, controlling mother: “By selling this, we’re giving her the one gift we know she wants most of all: disappointment.”
Such wry observations keep the writing fresh, and remind me that this is a new world I’m reading about. My only consistent gripe is the misuse of “I” when “me” would be correct. This just suggests to me that the editor is as young as the author, and has never quite learned this basic bit of grammar. Drives us old folks crazy. But I am not one to knock off stars for editorial issues.
I am both intrigued and concerned, going forward, about Geo’s relationship with his gay father, who sounds truly obnoxious. Part of me is glad that we see a kind of gay man who is not admirable, while another part of me cringes at the thought of gay people living down to the worst stereotypes. Truth is, daddy Durand sounds a little too familiar, and for that reason l want to know more. All in all, “Doubts” is a romance about gay millennials, and as such it offers a fresh perspective on love in our time, spiced with a smart sense of humor. I can’t wait to read the third book in the trilogy in which Geo and Lex deal with Geo’s father: “Decisions.”
December 9, 2016
Great series!
I just finished reading both True Crime and Doubts. Both are thoroughly engrossing and well written. The complexities of the MCs thought processes and interactions were intriguing and sometimes mind boggling. The references to society's fascination with serial killers and murderers in general were eye opening and somewhat depressing but I guess we're all rubber deckers to some degree. The defining difference between the general populations fascination with these sensational murderers was Geo and Lex's obsession with separating solid fact from fiction. Their research into these events gave them the cache to speak with confidence about the possible reasoning behind the killers intentions, or at least to debunk wild rumors.
Their fascination with this genre suited their personalities to a T. Geo and Lex fit together perfectly both in mind and spirit. They had a long journey together building their podcast along with their friendship. Finally meeting face to face after a few years of online working together, they confess their love for one another.
Relationships are never easy and they certainly had some very bad moments of misunderstanding, but in the end they opened up completely to one another and found their happy place.
These were very well written books, thoroughly engrossing with lovable quirky characters and a joy to read.
Well done.
I just finished reading both True Crime and Doubts. Both are thoroughly engrossing and well written. The complexities of the MCs thought processes and interactions were intriguing and sometimes mind boggling. The references to society's fascination with serial killers and murderers in general were eye opening and somewhat depressing but I guess we're all rubber deckers to some degree. The defining difference between the general populations fascination with these sensational murderers was Geo and Lex's obsession with separating solid fact from fiction. Their research into these events gave them the cache to speak with confidence about the possible reasoning behind the killers intentions, or at least to debunk wild rumors.
Their fascination with this genre suited their personalities to a T. Geo and Lex fit together perfectly both in mind and spirit. They had a long journey together building their podcast along with their friendship. Finally meeting face to face after a few years of online working together, they confess their love for one another.
Relationships are never easy and they certainly had some very bad moments of misunderstanding, but in the end they opened up completely to one another and found their happy place.
These were very well written books, thoroughly engrossing with lovable quirky characters and a joy to read.
Well done.
April 20, 2018
I actually started getting into true crime because of these books :D
December 21, 2016
This series should have ended with book one. Geo was such an ass in this one. When he realized his brother was bisexual, Geo actually felt insulted Mark didn't say anything to him. Why? Not everyone is comfortable talking about their sexuality with people close to them. Plus, Mark knew Geo was friends with his ex girlfriend. He was being cautious and considerate. Geo was also out of line for comparing Mark keeping his bisexuality a secret to Lex's "cheating." They are not the same thing. Mark knew how much of a insensitive bully Geo was and didn't want to be judge as harshly as he would have been.
Lex was such a damn mess. I understand his situation was a mess but that didn't excuse him from ignoring Geo. If he wanted Geo to trust him, he should have said something. I also didn't like how Geo bullied Mark into letting Lex stay.
Unless a book comes out specifically about Mark and Andrew, I wouldn't touch this series again. They are the only reason I'm giving this book three stars.
Lex was such a damn mess. I understand his situation was a mess but that didn't excuse him from ignoring Geo. If he wanted Geo to trust him, he should have said something. I also didn't like how Geo bullied Mark into letting Lex stay.
Unless a book comes out specifically about Mark and Andrew, I wouldn't touch this series again. They are the only reason I'm giving this book three stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2016
This is book # 2 in the Drop Dead series. This book is not meant to be read on its own. For reader enjoyment and understanding, please read this series in order intended.
George & Alex's story continues as we check back in to see how they are doing with a long distance relationship. Geo is frustrated, since he cannot seem to get Alex on to respond. He is getting a better relationship with his brother again, which is good.
Lex is afraid to tell Geo the truth. What will happen when he comes clean? Will Geo see that he is not the man he thought he was? They both have secrets that need to be shared.
This series is just getting better with each story. I cannot wait to see where the author goes. I am hoping we see a lot more of these characters.
***I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest & unbiased review.
George & Alex's story continues as we check back in to see how they are doing with a long distance relationship. Geo is frustrated, since he cannot seem to get Alex on to respond. He is getting a better relationship with his brother again, which is good.
Lex is afraid to tell Geo the truth. What will happen when he comes clean? Will Geo see that he is not the man he thought he was? They both have secrets that need to be shared.
This series is just getting better with each story. I cannot wait to see where the author goes. I am hoping we see a lot more of these characters.
***I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest & unbiased review.
December 6, 2016
This is the second book in the drop dead series. I think that this was a good second book because it shows the growing relationship between Lex and Geo. The course of true love definitely does not run smoothly for the two men but I like it that way. The story is realistic after all the two men are engaging in a long distance relationship. The two cannot see each as often as they want to and it leads inevitable to conflict. In this part of the story there is more of Geo's interactions with his friends and his twin brother. I like the characters because they are three dimensional creatures with warts and all. Nothing is perfect but it works out in the end with the characters. There is a HEA. I would recommend this book because it is well written and it has interesting characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
December 15, 2016
Ugh. I hate that I wasted my time reading this book. The first one was cute and, as improbable as it was, I still enjoyed the story of the MCs first meeting. However, this book barely had the characters together. In addition, Geo comes across as a very needy and unlikable character. However, (Spoilers here) Lex does cheat on him. He engages in sexual activity, even if he doesn't have sex with men for money. I would've had more empathy if he admitted that this is clearly cheating. I was wondering how the author was planning to explain this as a misunderstanding or have Lex fess up. Instead, the reader is told this isn't really that bad because he didn't let the man actually have sex with him. Nope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2017
I was so glad to get to revisit a couple I really, really liked. While this was good as a standalone, it's better as a sequel. It becomes that much richer.
You could tell what was going on with the brother, but it still played out well. Predictable, but still enjoyable. Ah, Lex. "I'm not a chicken bigot." I love Lex. He's awesome.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
You could tell what was going on with the brother, but it still played out well. Predictable, but still enjoyable. Ah, Lex. "I'm not a chicken bigot." I love Lex. He's awesome.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
December 18, 2016
A Good Read
I enjoyed reading more about Lex and Geo, also Geo's brother Mark. All though there are bad times ahead, you'll have to read it to find out what happens. It was a good read.
I enjoyed reading more about Lex and Geo, also Geo's brother Mark. All though there are bad times ahead, you'll have to read it to find out what happens. It was a good read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews