Review: I liked it but I had some issues with it.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 04 17, 2014
I feel like I'm being a party pooper by bringing a 3 star review to a party of super high ratings. While this book was enjoyable, I had some issues with it that I couldn't get past.To start, this book felt both like the middle of a long series and the start of a new series. Now, I know you are saying, "DUH, Heather, that is because it WAS", but let me continue. I have a pet peeve with certain first books in series. When I start a book, I want to read about the couple at hand, not get 1,000 sneak peeks into other books that are coming in the series. I felt like much of the interactions with John's housemates were just that- setting up for their books. I didn't constantly want to know about the sadness in their eyes or what types of guys they were looking for. It became almost distracting for me. While I really enjoyed the tight-knit bond that these housemates had (though the speed at which they became so close didn't really read true to me, but that is another matter), I just felt like my attention was too divided.At the same time, I also felt like I was lacking a bunch of back story about some of the side characters, though this book is billed as a standalone. A lot of the guys from the "Learning to Love" series make appearances and I felt like I was missing something by not having read that series as well.Another issue that I had was with Brett and John's dynamic. Though I ended up liking them together, I felt like John was a little too doormat-ish for my taste. When Brett keeps dicking John over and then coming back to him, I needed some SERIOUS grovelling to make me forgive him for being an insensitive jerk. When John kept forgiving him without a peep, I felt underwhelmed and a little peeved.Also, as you guys may know, I'm a gay-virgin lover (ahem, understatement alert). Give me a gay first-timer and I'm a happy woman! However, I felt like some tension was missing with John and Brett's first few encounters. I could have used more hesitation, more anxiety, more... something. I know that what went down is sort of key to how the rest of the plot played out, but it felt a bit anticlimactic for me.My last complaint is that, honestly, the beginning of the story was a bit... boring. I had trouble getting into the plot and connecting with the MCs.Okay, okay, I got all of my bitching and moaning out. Now, onto the good stuff. As the book went on, I think the plot really picked up and ended up having some nice action that kept the pace moving well. I got into the groove at around 50% and smiled my way through the second 1/2 of the story. I also really liked that one scene with everyone playing truth or dare. I don't know how the scene really fit with the rest of the plot but... DAMN, can I sit in next time, guys??? To be a fly on that wall...I also enjoyed the overall feel of the story, if that makes sense. It is easy reading, a light book despite some moments of angst. It was a nice way to pass my time, even it I don't think it will stick with me later.So overall, a solid "like" read for me and a decent first book in a new series. I think I'll be tuning in for more, especially Alec's story.**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**