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Red+Blue (Opposites Attract #1)

by A.B. Gayle (Goodreads Author)

3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 · rating details · 265 ratings · 73 reviews

An Opposites Attract novel Fresh from backwoods Minnesota, actuarial student Ben Dutoit is ecstatic to land a job with Sydney Sutherland Family Insurance, one of the few companies that offers life insurance to people in the high-risk category. The fact that he gets to work in Gay Central, aka San Francisco, is just the icing on the rainbow-colored cake. Ben sets himself ju...more

ebook, 330 pages

Published May 25th 2012 by Dreamspinner Press (first published 2012)

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May 28, 2012 A.B. Gayle added it · (Review from the author)

Shelves: glbt-romance, gay, lgbt, books-i-wrote

I would like to use this opportunity to give some background to the series "Opposites Attract".

In these books, I will be exploring differences between the protagonists backgrounds and personalities as this is what creates the conflict that all stories need.

So, be warned if that's not the type of book you like, stay away! There will be no murders to solve or car chases. Car crashes maybe....

Full length books will deal with different pairings (or back to back novellas in some cases).

Familiar chara...more

24 likes · like · see review

May 26, 2012 Serena Yates rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

Relationships at work, between boss and employee, no less, are always difficult, frowned upon, and usually there is some rule against them. That seems to make them all the more interesting for some people; the ones who like the lure of the forbidden, live on adrenaline – or just cannot resist the other person. While Adrian isn’t Ben’s direct boss in this story, he is the company owner’s son so the conflict may be less direct, but it is there nevertheless.

Ben is not a hard worker to start with, b...more Relationships at work, between boss and employee, no less, are always difficult, frowned upon, and usually there is some rule against them. That seems to make them all the more interesting for some people; the ones who like the lure of the forbidden, live on adrenaline – or just cannot resist the other person. While Adrian isn’t Ben’s direct boss in this story, he is the company owner’s son so the conflict may be less direct, but it is there nevertheless.

Ben is not a hard worker to start with, but when he suddenly has to take over much of his sick boss’s responsibilities and gets to work with the owner’s son, he has to clean up his act. Losing his job is not an option he wants to think about, and since he has the mental ability to pass the actuary tests and get all his qualifications, he knuckles down and gets them. The romance with Adrian builds very slowly, but the passion is undeniable. Ben never expects anything permanent, but the longer they are together, the more tempting that becomes.

Adrian doesn’t want to take over the company, doesn’t like many of his father’s decisions, and isn’t out. His past, the five years of freedom he had traveling through Europe, haunts him and he is sure he can never be that happy again. In short, he is frustration personified, but controls all of it with an iron fist. The only one who seems to be able to get under his skin and make him feel anything is Ben. Adrian’s inner battle to be honest with himself and others is long and hard, but was interesting to watch.

The twists and turns in this book are as interesting, and some of the drops as sudden, as the up and down of a share price graph. Watching Ben and Adrian as they get to know each other, find out about mutual friends, their ambitions, and struggle through a tough period at work are very realistic. Fighting a nasty female manager Ben thinks is Adrian’s girlfriend and her money-grabbing ideas is a good side story that makes the novel even more complex. If you’re looking for an interesting story set against the background of company policies and the insurance industry, if a slow-building romance between work colleagues is your thing, and if you like some underlying suspense around the economic future of the company as well as the two main characters, you may like this book.

NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on QMO Books.(less)

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Jun 23, 2012 Adara rated it 4 of 5 stars

I like the layout of the story. We get 7 months from Red's (Ben's) POV, then the same 7 from Blue's (Adrian's), and then 5 months from their alternating POV for the rest (majority) of the book. I hope a similar layout will be used for the others in the series. (And we can easily see which characters will be picked up for the future stories of the series. I'm looking forward to Ben's brother Chris's story. He's got some unknown issues that should make for fun reading. Jason & Vincent's story...more I like the layout of the story. We get 7 months from Red's (Ben's) POV, then the same 7 from Blue's (Adrian's), and then 5 months from their alternating POV for the rest (majority) of the book. I hope a similar layout will be used for the others in the series. (And we can easily see which characters will be picked up for the future stories of the series. I'm looking forward to Ben's brother Chris's story. He's got some unknown issues that should make for fun reading. Jason & Vincent's story should be good too.)

Ben is studying to be an actuary at the US economic downturn in 2008/2009. Whether or not his job will still exist the next day is constantly in question. Most of the time he does the "right" thing and studies for his next actuarial exam, but occasionally he still goes out clubbing with his buddy Jason. And Jason doesn't mind having sex with him occasionally either, though they've never been serious. Of course, those are usually the times when his boss, Adrian, finds him in compromising positions. After 2 or 3 of these, Ben gets tired of disappointing Adrian and buckles down.

Adrian is waaaay deep in the closet because his father expects him to take over the family-built and run insurance company started by his great-grandfather. He is expected to take over, marry well, and produce an heir who will also be passed the company. Adrian would much rather take care of his other grandfather's vineyard, but he feels responsible for the jobs of all the people in his West Coast office, which his father lets him manage as long as he "supresses his gay tendencies".

Ben stirs up long-buried emotions of a love lost when Adrian left that lover in Italy after his father had a heart attack, using that as an excuse to call Adrian back to the States to work in the business 8 years ago. And Adrian went, leaving behind the love of his life, who self-destructed and eventually died of AIDS. So there's a lot of guilt there. But Ben works his way under Adrian's defenses when they start working out together and working on a project for a conference.

Things boil over when Ben takes Adrian on a canoe tour of the Great Lakes areas of northern Minnesota (where Ben is from) and into Canadian forests. All the sexual tension they've been working on explodes, and then implodes once Adrian decides he needs to put himself back in his box at the bottom of his closet, tearing Ben up in the same way he did with Antonio many years ago before.

But seeing Ben stand up confidently to his overprotective older brothers gives Adrian some courage to finally stand up to his father. Adrian finally has something worth not backing down over: his and Ben's happiness. But just when Adrian gets his life in order so he can spend it with Ben, Ben (and Jason) disappear and can't be reached. Did Adrian wait too late and lose his chance a second time?

That's 95% of the plot. You can guess the last 5%. =)

I liked both MCs. I don't know that I felt they were "opposites", but they did have some preconceived notions to get past to truly see each other. At their cores, they are more alike than they are dissimilar, even through the 11 year age gap (35/24). Their problems were mostly external or with those preconceived notions of the other. Beyond that, they fit well. I might have given this 5 stars except that I don't feel like I ever completely connected to either MC that well. I definitely connected with Ben more than Adrian, but I'm very similar to Ben in background and temperament. (I don't suffer from the siblings.)

There is an HIV scare in this story, FYI.

I enjoyed the read very much and look forward to the next books in the series.
(less)

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Jul 10, 2012 L-D rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: lawyer-businessman-whitecollar, m-m, series, romance

Actuarial student Ben Dutoit is from Minnesota, but he has moved to the city to find his way and to live a gay lifestyle. He finds a mentor at his small insurance company, Carl Hausfeldt, has a friend with benefits, and is relatively content. When Carl suffers a heart attack, however, and Laurel Marchison the ice queen comes to take over, things start to take a turn for the worse. Luckily it seems that the Boss, Adrian Sydney Sutherland IV, is fair minded and occasionally takes his side.

My absol...more

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 28, 2012 Beck rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series, mm, contemporary, younger-top

I really enjoyed this one. I liked reading about the developing relationship from the POV of both MCs. It is nice to read a book where the author takes the time to allow affection & love to develop at a natural & languid pace. There was some minor angst in the book but the story line definitely wasn't angst-driven. It was simply a story about men coming to terms with their sexuality; their past decisions/choices; & where their future happiness lies. This book isn't fast paced so you...more

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Jun 27, 2012 Kaje Harper rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

Adrian is a thirty-something guy forced back into the closet by emotional blackmail from his father. Ben is an actuarial student from Minnesota, young, gay, and out, who goes to work for Adrian's insurance firm. They have a nice slow-building chemistry, a clean, believable plot, and some good if not very complex secondary characters. This was almost a five-star book for me, and I did feel the emotions, especially towards the end, and enjoyed the hard-won HEA.

But some of the guys' reactions to t...more Adrian is a thirty-something guy forced back into the closet by emotional blackmail from his father. Ben is an actuarial student from Minnesota, young, gay, and out, who goes to work for Adrian's insurance firm. They have a nice slow-building chemistry, a clean, believable plot, and some good if not very complex secondary characters. This was almost a five-star book for me, and I did feel the emotions, especially towards the end, and enjoyed the hard-won HEA.

But some of the guys' reactions to the issue of HIV when it rears its head seemed awfully low-key to me. (view spoiler)

I would definitely pick up another book by this author - I really enjoyed her writing style, and my issues with this book were purely personal preconceptions. In fact, they reflect the fact that I believed and felt for her characters and had a whole image built up of who they were and how I expected them to behave. That shows the talent with which they were created. Oh, and as a Minnesotan? Yeah there were a couple of stereotypes but you know, they're stereotypes for a reason. Come visit and we'll show you guys just like that, you betcha.(less)

8 likes · like · see review

May 27, 2012 Simsala*is getting slow* added it

Shelves: m-m, contemporary

Hey....I didn`t read more than 300 pages to be left with unanswered questions! Where`s the epilogue?

After a rocky start this romance-only story and the characters really grew on me I could even relate to Ben`s youthful impatience and Adrian`s motives to stay deeply in the closet.
But the ending was a disappointment for me (for me!). I expected a flourishing vineyard and a completely different path in life for both men once they decided to stay together but all I got was a r** job in the end...huh...more

10 likes · like · see review

Mar 27, 2013 Elspeth rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: twenty-twelve, kindle, mm, meh, own, not-us

You know those books that aren't bad, but they seem to last forever? Like maybe the author loved their characters a bit too much and wouldn’t let go? This was one of those books. The book was okay up until about 68%, then it started drag on, and on. I finally got the drive to push on last night and finish it, and the book over all was just meh.
I really liked Ben, though the over use of Minnesota slang did get old. I get it that he was from there, but there are only so many times that I can read...more

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 16, 2013 LiveYourLife BuyTheBook rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dreamspinner, whit, a-good-read

4 Stars

This book is basically broken down into three parts so that’s how I’m going to review it. The blurb does a great job of setting up Part Red but the rest of story was a complete surprise to me.

Part Red is told from Ben’s POV. He’s likes his job and his boss. He’s sleeping with a sexy guy who works for his company. Life is pretty good for Ben until he starts to get feelings for his boss, Adrian. Problem is the gorgeous older man is often in the paper or at social events with women so he’s o...more

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Jun 21, 2012 Jess Candela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bingo-challenge, read-in-2012

A.B. Gayle always writes complex characters I can believe in with storylines that make me think. This story was no exception. I loved it, and Ben especially. Although I'm sure he would argue the description, I loved Ben's purity. That wasn't the only thing I loved about him, but it stands out (in part because it makes me giggle to picture how much that would annoy him). ;)

I loved the dual start, and I think it was very effective for the story, and the way it then finished with the alternating th...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Rissa (an M/M kinda Girl!!) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, xxapril-2013, battle-of-the-books, m-m, read-m-m

I won book 2...so obviously I needed to read book 1 first.

This book is told in 3 parts. Part 1 is Red/Ben's POV, Part 2 Blue/Adrian's POV and Part 3 is a mix of both of them. I really enjoyed this...we got to see things thru both of their eyes, apart and then to get both views together and separately. This is my 1st book that had concerns and/or talks of HIV & AIDS. I like how A.B. Gayle brought it into the story and then spoke/told about it in an honest way...yes it's scary and 'dangerous'...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 16, 2012 Fehu rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: genre-m-m-contemporery, roadtrip

Good contemporary story, with a slow paced romance. It's nicely done, there is a story, the characters are appealing and likeable. There is also some good sexual tention between them. I was wondering about the ending since some have writen, the story feels unfinished. Well, there is not much of a HEA but there is one, we don't know what will happen next, if they can make it work but truthfully I was satisfied with how it ended, that it didn't turn into a sugary concotion at the end. Then again I...more

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 19, 2013 Karel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: nomance

Okay, now that I'm sober, let's review this. Pardon me in advance; I'm not used to writing anything positive.

The characters in this book are pretty layered, and in a scale of one-to-ten with one being the depth of my kiddy pool and ten being the tectonic plates under the sea, I'd say this is something of a three.

Much of the writing is focused on their relationship; too much, I think, so that you know only the very basic facts about the characters and even that it can be neatly categorized. They...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Julesmarie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I still have no idea what possessed me to pick this one up.... I hate politics, and anything at all insurance or numbers-related bores me to the point of unconsciousness.

Whatever planets aligned or full moons were out the day I bought this, I have to say I'm glad I read it. I appreciated the gentle introductions to what I needed to know about the characters' jobs in order to understand them, Having The Bitch tell me what an actuary is while Jason mocked her for telling him something he already k...more I still have no idea what possessed me to pick this one up.... I hate politics, and anything at all insurance or numbers-related bores me to the point of unconsciousness.

Whatever planets aligned or full moons were out the day I bought this, I have to say I'm glad I read it. I appreciated the gentle introductions to what I needed to know about the characters' jobs in order to understand them, Having The Bitch tell me what an actuary is while Jason mocked her for telling him something he already knew cracked me up and for a book called Red + Blue, there was delightfully little political discussion of any type.

I'm glad I got to know Ben and Adrian, and was able to read their story. I adored the slow build-up of their relationship and how long it took for them to admit even to themselves how they were feeling about each other. I loved how hot even their first glances were.

I loved the settings also. My brother-in-law is from Minnesota, and so for years I've been hearing about canoeing trips like the one Adrian and Ben took. It was fascinating to get to experience this one with them, and be able to picture more clearly what it must be like.

That being said, though, there were a few things that made me not able to enjoy this as fully as I wanted to at the beginning. I didn't like the way Adrian pulled away from Ben and how he began treating him after they returned from their trip. I understand that Ben being fired was something of a shock for Adrian also, since it was his dad's decision, but it seemed that the way he broke the news was a little too heartless.

And having Ben go back to Adrian begging to be able to be a part of his life--even a secret part--surprised me. Ben had come across to me as much to strong and self-confident a person to ever settle for being someone's shameful little secret.

Adding on top of that Adrian's pathetically cowardly text message, I was to the point where I almost wished Ben would write him off and go find someone who'd actually treat him well.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read. It was very well-written, and it had me engaged and wanting to know more to the point that I stayed up way too late last night.(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 04, 2013 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-m-m

3.5

Although a good book with lots of qualities i like when reading a romance, it has some niggles.

I first read Leather + Lace, and I've red Caught, so I thought it was time to see what Red + blue was about. It's a workplace romance, and I definitely like those, and as such it didn't disappoint. The main characters has a bit of an age difference between them (11 years here if I remember correctly) not enough to entitle it a May/December relationship but enough to make it interesting because in yo...more 3.5

Although a good book with lots of qualities i like when reading a romance, it has some niggles.

I first read Leather + Lace, and I've red Caught, so I thought it was time to see what Red + blue was about. It's a workplace romance, and I definitely like those, and as such it didn't disappoint. The main characters has a bit of an age difference between them (11 years here if I remember correctly) not enough to entitle it a May/December relationship but enough to make it interesting because in your early twenties and later in your mid thirties you are inevitably at different point in life. Adrian is showing his age at the beginning of the story; his hair has turned gray prematurely, and his not as fit as he used to be, due to his drinking problem. It's not instant love either, and we get to see how the attraction and love grows between them.

But ... the book has three parts, the first one told from Ben's POV in first person, which I enjoyed. Then the second part, told from Adrian's POV, first person. Mixing and switching first person POV: is not something I enjoy reading, and it get worse as we get to the third and last part where we get alternating POV:s from both Ben and Adrian but told in third person. Not to my liking at all! Further more Adrian's part was mostly a re-take on the events we already learnt from Ben in part one.

As I've already said I liked the whole workplace romance, boss - employee thing, and then the two of them goes on vacation, canoeing and sleeping in tents for about three, four days, and it last one third of the story. It was too much imo. I even got to think they could skip the sex and just get on home to move the story forward. Of course this part also pointed forward to the troubles to come, but it wasn't enough to keep me interested for such a long period of time.

But all in all it is a readable and quite likable book, and it handles the issue of STI:s and HIV, something I've come to appreciate in fiction, particularly in romance, it gives the genre a glimpse of reality. Actions come with consequences, and sometimes those consequences are more serious than others. And this author even remembered to weave into the story/dialogue how you can't use latex condoms with oil/fat based lubrication (how many times have I not cringed at characters using them with lotion or tanning oil?!). Condoms need water or silicone based lube, or they might break!(less)

1 like · like · see review

Aug 04, 2012 Top 2 Bottom Reviews Interviews and More rated it 5 of 5 stars

http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.com/

Red + Blue is a complex, interesting tale of two seemingly different men on a quest to not only discover themselves, but to take a chance at love. May/December romances are a favorite of mine and when you add a little office romance too, you have a perfect read for a long, rainy day.

What I really liked about the book was: the slow buildup of friendship, attraction and then love between the two heroes. From the beginning, the story starts with an unhurried p...more http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.com/

Red + Blue is a complex, interesting tale of two seemingly different men on a quest to not only discover themselves, but to take a chance at love. May/December romances are a favorite of mine and when you add a little office romance too, you have a perfect read for a long, rainy day.

What I really liked about the book was: the slow buildup of friendship, attraction and then love between the two heroes. From the beginning, the story starts with an unhurried pace, giving this reader plenty of time to really get to know the characters and the lives they lead. Throughout the book, the storyline continues to strengthen as the relationship between Ben and Adrian gets stronger. There is a lot that goes on with the plot itself, and each hero must go through their own personal hell before they can be together, but watching them both grow and evolve as the story progresses is truly a wonderful experience to have.

At the beginning of the book, it is told in first person through Ben’s eyes. It spans several months of his new life in San Francisco. He has a friend named Jason that he casually sleeps with, and he is dealing with earning his keep at an insurance firm. While there, he gets to know his stuffed-shirt, older boss, Adrian and despite himself, Ben finds himself becoming very attracted to him.

Then the book switches to Adrian’s point of view, and we get to experience his life during the same time Ben told his story. Adrian once lived a carefree lifestyle with a man he loved deeply, but once his father had a heart attack, Adrian was almost forced into leaving the life and love he once had, so he can run his father’s company. Because the insurance company is a small one that holds ‘family values’ above all else, he’s forced back into the closet for fear of losing clients because of their refusal to accept homosexuality, and their unreasonable fear that only ‘homosexuals’ spread AIDS. But since Ben has started working for their small firm, Adrian is finding it harder and harder to ignore his respect and attraction for the young man.

The book then switches to 3rd person where it stays this way until the book ends. At first, I wondered if the changing viewpoints would be distracting, but I really found in the end that it did not. I liked getting to know each hero before the story was told and although it was a little unusual, I ended up liking it and I applaud the author for taking a risk and writing it in this way. Also, the book really gets into the fear of contracting AIDS, and what measures a person must take when before, during and after they are tested. I liked that the issue of this disease was not just swept under the carpet, but dealt with in a realistic manner. The story really portrays the fear of having an AIDS scare, and it refreshing to read a book that wasn’t afraid to meet with this difficult subject head on.

Both the characters are very interesting men. I liked both of them and thought that I really thought they were perfect together. Once they really started becoming friends, I could easily see the camaraderie between them by the banter and the obvious respect they had for one another. I also enjoyed the sexual tension that practically sizzled between them, and I really liked watching both characters make big efforts and go that extra mile to possibly have a relationship together. I enjoyed watching both of their dreams of having a more fulfilling life together, actually start to take root and hopefully flourish as time goes by. I thought they really brought out the best in each other, and it was a joy witnessing them work hard for their happy ending together.

Red + Blue is the first book I’ve read by AB Gayle and it definitely won’t be my last. I really enjoyed the author’s easy style of writing as well as the ability to really get to the heart of her characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series and highly recommend this book for those who love slow and steady romance with just the right amount of angst and sweetness to satisfy even the pickiest of readers.

Reviewed By: Gabbi(less)

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Jun 16, 2012 Guilty Pleasures rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: guiltypleasures-gennieg, publishersent

Gennie's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

Red + Blue is the first book I’ve read by author AB Gayle, but I am sure there will be more in the future. This book is about two people finding their place in the world, figuring out how to use their individual voice, while also learning to ask for help along the way. The author chose an unusual style in writing this book, but it really worked for me. The book opens with first person from Ben’s perspective, then switches to Adrian’s first person perspec...more

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Jun 16, 2012 Samington rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: age-gap, businessmen, down-on-the-ladies, evil-exes, friends-to-lovers, in-the-closet, irritating, just-plain-douchebags, just-really-not-good, mf, morality-what-morality, contemporary

Laurel is a bitch (she's referred to as a bitch or as bitchy ten times), a "female," and a "banshee from hell." The narration focuses on her boobs, her "attributes," her dress sense, and, of course, her long manicured nails (twice!) as well as how miserable she makes everybody else in the world, apparently. It's especially egregious since Laurel seemed to just be doing her job: her bitchy acts include introducing herself in a way that Ben, charmer that he is, finds questionable, stopping a gambl...more

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Jul 21, 2012 Anne Barwell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 10, 2013 Mitch rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great read. I enjoyed watching Adrian drop all his walls and let his personality through. He's lived for the past five years as a FAKE Adrian. His father has pretty much guilt tripped him into running a company and hiding all his desires. Pretending to be a straight man and utterly dull.
But then comes Ben. A hunk of muscle redneck guy from Minnesota. Moving to San Fransisco to pursue a more active lifestyle with the LGBT community. He just falls in love with Adrian almost immediately, and it's...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 07, 2012 Addicted2M/M rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mobi-adobe-not-lendable, check-4-more-by-this-author, erotic, features-adventure-travel-roadtrip, features-angst, features-reunited, funny-witty-humorous, gay-for-you-or-out-for-you, i-want-more, m-m-contemporary, made-me-tear-up, re-readable, awww-sweet-warm-fuzzy, pages-under-500-over-300

4 to 4.5

1 like · like · see review

Jul 18, 2012 Hanna rated it 4 of 5 stars

The technical aspect of the book was really great. I had some difficulties with the character development though. The start was very believable, especially the workplace/romance setting. Who hasn't experienced something like this :(

But sadly towards the end, the characters started to behave in a way, that seemed less realistic to me. I believe, that if someone who is in the closet is given the option of staying there, he or she will do it. It is incredible difficult, to me at least, to open up...more

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Mar 19, 2013 Simon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Unusual style of story telling, Red + Blue opens with first person perspective from Ben (Red) and then changes to Adrian's (Blue) perspective of the same time-frame. The novel then changes to third person when the guys get together.
Lovely characters, good plot. I loved the slow build up, the tease until the physicallity of the relationship kicks in. The sex is constrained to the Canadian wilderness chapters, and although I admit to skim reading the sex, it was hot and well written.
One of the thi...more

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Jun 01, 2012 Ijeoma rated it 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book on so many levels. First of all I enjoyed the writing. I found the style to be engaging right from the very beginning and the story line kept my interest all the way through. I also enjoyed the way the different points of view were used to introduce the main characters and I liked the way the relationship between the main characters evolved. Both Ben and Adrian slowly moved from boss/employee, to friends, and then to lovers. Of course the journey wasn't that smooth and there...more

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Sep 01, 2012 Page Crusherz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Cute book, likable MCs. Not the most memorable, but certainly and pleasant, enjoyable read. I like the OFY story line and this was cute.

3 likes · like · see review

Aug 18, 2012 Matthew rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

I had fun with it, but it was very much a woman's gay romance.

I thought the book was very well-written and I do not have any significant criticisms of any of the characters - the men were men and the plot at least somewhat believable, for the most part.

The book, however, reminded me of a chick-flick. It was so sweet in the ending, possibly even mawkish, and in how it manipulated emotions in the mid-part. To be directed at a male audience, it would need less emotion and more sex.

What sex there wa...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Azhureheart rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, romance-mf

I liked the characters, I liked the plot, I loved the slow building of their relationship.

I didn't like the beginning of the second part "Blue" since it seemed to me it could have been more interesting without going back through everything we had already seen from Ben's POV. But it got better and we actually had new material and not just the same scenes from another POV. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it hadn't take me back so far, at a moment I really wanted to know what Jason had, if...more

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Jun 19, 2012 Fangtasia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: betaed

Note: Beta'ed for author, so I was exposed to the story before final editing. My review, though, is on the finished product. It was a pleasure and a privilege to help get this story published.

This is a story of "opposites attract", younger man who's out and proud with older man who's deeply closeted, the always taboo "boss and employee" liaison. But beyond the recognizable tropes, the characters have unique voices, the story is realistic and believable, and the sex hot and tender at the same tim...more Note: Beta'ed for author, so I was exposed to the story before final editing. My review, though, is on the finished product. It was a pleasure and a privilege to help get this story published.

This is a story of "opposites attract", younger man who's out and proud with older man who's deeply closeted, the always taboo "boss and employee" liaison. But beyond the recognizable tropes, the characters have unique voices, the story is realistic and believable, and the sex hot and tender at the same time. As different as the MCs are from each other, it's in the interactions we realize that, below the surface, they are not what they look like and are perfect for the other.

It takes a lot of talent to pull together such a tight narrative, using original techniques like dividing the story in three parts so each main character can tell the story from his POV, then a conclusion in third person. Brilliant way to let the reader into the minds and feelings of each of the guys, without repetitive descriptions. Which is exactly how it happens in real life, no two people experience a situation in the same way, we each have our own perception of what happens around us. And talking about details, never too much or too little. No obvious telling instead of showing. Just enough information about the business and personal background to justify the thoughts and actions of the characters. Just enough description about the camping trip to make it easy to imagine being there, enjoying nature in all its majesty and glory.

Some pretty difficult topics are addressed in this book: homophobia in all kinds of environments, HIV and the effect it has on the individual and the community, the ripple effect of the economic crisis. All were woven into the story, their influence helping shape the plot and characters, without ever getting preachy or arrogant.

The one thing I would have liked to read is an epilogue, maybe a few months in the future, giving me a glimpse of the guys as a couple, sharing a bottle of their own wine with Evelyn and her partner? Still, this is a series so I guess I'll get to see Ben and Adrian again in the future.

If you enjoy a well-written story with mature characters, a clever and relevant plot, and just the right amount of hot sex scenes, this one is for you. Enjoy!(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Jun 16, 2012 Gennie Gee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Red + Blue is the first book I’ve read by author AB Gayle, but I am sure there will be more in the future. This book is about two people finding their place in the world, figuring out how to use their individual voice, while also learning to ask for help along the way. The author chose an unusual style in writing this book, but it really worked for me. The book opens with first person from Ben’s perspective, then switches to Adrian’s first person perspective of the same amount of time, and then...more

2 likes · like · see review

May 28, 2012 Enny rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read this right after one of those insta-~~love~~sex stories so this was exactly what I needed. The first part is told from Ben's POV, the second part from Adrian's and the last part alternates between the two guys and I thought this worked extremely well. We got to see how both of them viewed the same situation which is always interesting and the author added enough new scenes within each narrative to keep it interesting. Another thing I liked was that there was no sex for a long time in the book...more

5 likes · like · see review

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Dreamspinner Press: Red+Blue by A.B. Gayle.	2	21	May 29, 2012 02:22pm

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About A.B. Gayle

Unlike many authors, I haven't been writing stories all my life. I've been too busy living life.
My travels took me from the fjords of Norway to the southern tip of New Zealand. In between, I've worked in so many different towns I've lost count. I've shoveled cow shit, mustered sheep, been polite to customers, traded insults with politicians and need to be forgiven on occasions when I get confused...more

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Red+Blue (Opposites Attract #1)

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