Review: Snow Balls by Tara Lain
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 18, 2012
Sometimes it's inconvenient to be ourselves, but, as JJ from 'Snow Balls' by Tara Lain learns, taking what may seem to be the path of least resistance, is, truthfully, the most difficult path one could choose. The deceit and lies necessary to maintain the facade cause more discomfort than ever. Even though he knows in his heart that it's wrong, JJ still tries to pretend to be someone he's not. Predictably, by trying to be what he thinks Ryan wants, he causes an even bigger mess, one that will take a lot to remedy.JJ is such a sweet guy and his friends love him just the swishy way he is. One thing that really tickled me and added to his personality were the expressions he comes up with to express himself such as "Sweet God of desperate gay boys," or "Oh my God of CSI." JJ is a talented young man with an affable personality and tons of compassion. If only JJ could see how they see him then he wouldn't feel the need to hide behind a macho disguise in order to impress Ryan. My contention is that if he and Ryan had the instant connection they seem to, then there would be no need to hide. Ryan would like JJ no matter what. In a conversation with his friend Robby, JJ tells him that Ryan didn't like him, he liked the guy that he thought he was. Robby's reply says it all: "Oh really. When do you get your Academy Award, dear?" - "I didn't realize you were such a brilliant actor that you could disguise your intelligence, sensitivity, talent, and basic goodness while pretending to like football."Ryan has his own problems. It's getting close in the closet and he really wants to burst out, but he's scared and rightly so. He doesn't fancy being shot at again because he is gay. His feelings for JJ are quite compelling and it's hard for him to deny the attraction. Ryan knows that it's not fair to JJ for him and really tries to balance seeing JJ and staying in the closet, but it's not the kind of thing one can balance. Ryan makes a real effort to be open with JJ and include him in his life doing things that he thought JJ would enjoy doing. The problem is, since JJ is pretending to be someone he is not, Ryan couldn't possibly know what JJ wanted to do, so both of them end up being miserable. Eventually, the truth comes out and with it comes a lot of bad feelings. Ryan is shocked to find out that JJ had been acting a part all this time and feels betrayed. When he finally gets to know the real JJ, Ryan realizes that they have more in common than seems apparent and, with both working on it, the relation can become even more intense.Tara's men are always absolutely delightful and atypical, which makes them even more interesting. JJ and Ryan are both gorgeous, but they are also intelligent, talented, creative, and compassionate. They have their flaws, but they find ways to overcome them, which creates not only a fabulous story, but presents a great opportunity to remind us that it's always best to be ourselves. This story can be read alone, but it will be much more enjoyable if read in sequential order. I would recommend this story to everyone who believes love is worth fighting for regardless of the obstacles. Thanks so much, Tara, for adding Ryan and JJ to your 'Balls' series.