Review: An Instant Fave!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 1, 2014
This is a story that I LOVE with a capital L-O-V-E!!  It was deliciously addictive from the very first page and most of it I read in one non-stop sitting.  The two main characters were so engaging and, despite it's short length, a lot happened that I felt quite full after finishing, though of course I wanted it to last much, much longer.  We first meet Liam, around whom the story revolves, as he's running to catch his quickly departing train.  When an injury from years past prevents him from making it in time, he's left cursing his luck and fretting over all of the things now delayed.  Shortly after, enter Jay, a chief object of Liam's obsession, though Liam emphatically insists he isn't gay.  As fate would have it, the two strike up a conversation over a cup of coffee and from there we watch their relationship unfold.Both of these men are perfect for each other and I love the chemistry between them; no awkwardness or incompatibility (despite their many differences) threatening to tear them apart.  The question in this novel is not so much, "Will they stay together?" but rather, "When will the ever get together!?"  Ms. Kaye skillfully builds up their rapport with subtle flirting and amusing exchanges which had me screaming in my head (in a good way) for Liam and Jay to hurry up and cuddle already!  They were that adorable.  I loved how Liam was fiercely protective of Jay and unafraid to stand by him in public, despite their opposite appearances and Jay's outgoing flamboyance.  Jay was hilarious, quirky, and excitable but could also be quiet and subdued.  One reviewer stated that he was simply a stereotype but I wholeheartedly disagree.  His personality was three-dimensional and he fit wonderfully in this story.  I actually thought that the first scene in which we meet Liam's father was more of a stereotype, but that had no lasting negative impact on the book.  The bed scenes were very sexy but not overwhelming; they existed to complement the plot and push it forward, not provide useless filler.  And this story was one where the romantic tension and building up to the romance was just as satisfying as the naughty parts.Overall, the writing was fantastic.  Other than the first scene with Liam's father, which was a little repetitive of a trope common to many other m/m romances, the only thing I didn't like about the writing was that very little contractions were used, so it was a little awkward because the dialouges sounded unnatural to my ear, but maybe that's a more common speech pattern in Australia?  I really, really loved how Ms. Kaye treated Liam's coming to terms with his sexuality and blooming romance with Jay.  In many novels, when a straight male suddenly falls for another guy, there's a little bit of internal struggle over his new orientation but he quickly and easily jumps into the role, especially between the sheets.  Liam, however, felt much more believable and realistic, which was very refreshing to read.  He acknowledges being attracted to Jay, but he also has questions about what it means to just like one guy, whether Jay's effeminate touches affect his orientation, how he's supposed to act in public or in bed, etc.  Jay is lovingly supportive and patient and helps resolve many of Liam's issues.Oh how I wish this book was longer, but it's still a richly satisfying read.  It's definitely one I recommend reading as soon as possible.  It's a sweet romance with little angst that will have you swooning within the first chapter.  Renae Kaye has been added to my favorite authors list and I can't wait to see what she turns out next.