Beyond the Surface (The Breakfast Club #1)
****4 Stars****
There was a lot I liked about this story and a couple of areas I was a little unsure of but overall a great start to this series.
I loved the cast of friends at the heart of this series and look forward to their individual books, This is Julian's story and I was a little unsure about him at first with his detached manner until we learnt of his back story and my heart broke for his teen self. Even though he seems to be on the verge of greatness in the world of men's design Julian is a little lost and when things go pear shaped he is left questioning everything in his life.
Nick was a lovely character but I was a little unsure on some of the elements of him, as a firefighter that had survived a great tragedy I felt he would have been grabbing life by the horns a little more but then I know nothing about life as a firefighter in New York. Nick is very much in the closet due to his career and what he thinks his family's expectations of him are, and I loved how he handled the situations when he decides to stand by the truth of who he is.
A fling as young teenagers left its mark on both men so when life brings them back together they are both tentative but soon find a reason to make changes in their lives for themselves and each other. I loved the side story each character had going on within their careers that helped strengthen their relationship. I found Julian a little pushy at times and wanted him to back off but I guess Nick needed the push.
I'm so happy to see Zach's story is next in the series and can't wait to learn more about Marcus too.
Reviewed by Vikki Ryan
On 9/11, firefighter Nick Fletcher’s world changed forever. He's unable to rid himself of survivor’s guilt, made worse by the secret he hides from his family and co-workers. Nick's life is centered around helping burn victims, until he is reunited with the man he’d once loved but pushed away. Now he has a second chance at a love he thought lost forever.
For fashion designer Julian Cornell, appearances mean everything. His love affairs are strictly casual, and the only thing he cares about is making his clothing line a success. A chance encounter with the man he loved long ago has Julian thinking for the first time in years there may be more to life than being seen at the best parties and what designer labels to wear.
When Julian’s world takes an unexpected turn, it's Nick who helps him regain perspective on what matters most in life. Julian, in turn, helps Nick accept who he is and understand he isn’t responsible for tragedies he couldn't prevent. Lost love found can be even sweeter the second time around and after all the years apart, both men learn to look beyond the surface to find the men they are inside.
For fashion designer Julian Cornell, appearances mean everything. His love affairs are strictly casual, and the only thing he cares about is making his clothing line a success. A chance encounter with the man he loved long ago has Julian thinking for the first time in years there may be more to life than being seen at the best parties and what designer labels to wear.
When Julian’s world takes an unexpected turn, it's Nick who helps him regain perspective on what matters most in life. Julian, in turn, helps Nick accept who he is and understand he isn’t responsible for tragedies he couldn't prevent. Lost love found can be even sweeter the second time around and after all the years apart, both men learn to look beyond the surface to find the men they are inside.
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1XoGS9H
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1TcM5kn
Betting on Forever (The Breakfast Club #2)
****4 Stars****
This is the second book in this series based around a group of three friends, I wouldn't say you have to read the first one to understand this story but it would be a shame not to read them in series order.
So this is Zach's story and from the first book we have already learnt he is the shy reserved geeky one of the group that is the butt of a lot of jokes from his friends. Following a challenge by his friends Zach decides to rise to the bet for himself and so attends an IT convention with a whole new agenda. I loved confident Zach, even if we knew it was all an act, it was great to see him strut his stuff.
Sam was quite a deep character I thought and I liked how he and Zach complimented each other. Sam is at a loose end in life following the abrupt end to his Police career and a messy end to a relationship. Until he meets Zach and life suddenly has a focus again.
I loved how the relationship between these two started off a little rocky following some misunderstandings. It was great to see Zach finally grasp life for himself and find the happiness he and Sam deserved. I loved romantic Sam so much.
Another great addition to this series and I really cannot wait for Marcus' story already.
Reviewed by Vikki Ryan
A weekend fling in Atlantic City couldn’t be more out of socially shy Zach Cohen’s comfort zone, but a bet with his best friends forces him to put aside the humiliation he’s hidden for years and step away from behind his computer screens and online world. When he meets Sam Stein, despite their spark, Zach expects nothing more than a night of passion and a kiss good-bye. Yet weeks later, he can’t keep the man out of his head.
After a split-second decision with tragic results ends his twenty-year police career at the same time as his relationship falls apart, Sam Stein is drifting through life. At his best friend’s urging, he agrees to a trip to Atlantic City to clear his head. What Sam doesn’t plan on is meeting Zach Cohen, whose sweet nature and honesty has him thinking maybe he could move forward, until Zach leaves him without explanation, reinforcing Sam’s belief that people can’t be trusted.
Well-meaning friends refuse to let Zach and Sam hide from each other, forcing them to realize their weekend was much more than a one-night stand. Before that can happen, Zach must come to terms with his past and stand up for his own independence, while Sam has to learn to take a chance and believe in himself and people again. All bets are off when dreams become reality, and forever doesn’t seem to be long enough.
After a split-second decision with tragic results ends his twenty-year police career at the same time as his relationship falls apart, Sam Stein is drifting through life. At his best friend’s urging, he agrees to a trip to Atlantic City to clear his head. What Sam doesn’t plan on is meeting Zach Cohen, whose sweet nature and honesty has him thinking maybe he could move forward, until Zach leaves him without explanation, reinforcing Sam’s belief that people can’t be trusted.
Well-meaning friends refuse to let Zach and Sam hide from each other, forcing them to realize their weekend was much more than a one-night stand. Before that can happen, Zach must come to terms with his past and stand up for his own independence, while Sam has to learn to take a chance and believe in himself and people again. All bets are off when dreams become reality, and forever doesn’t seem to be long enough.
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1NbBg1l
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1QGk5Y6
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