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Spice #1
Confused Spice
"The author beautifully melds the art of cooking with rising romantic desire." - Kirkus Reviews
This delectable tale revolves around twenty-nine-year old Pierre Jackson, who dreams of becoming a renowned pâtissier and chef. He moves from Detroit to Toronto with his handsome fiancé, DeAndre Harris, who has just landed a prestigious job at a major news station in the city. Everything seems to be perfect...until a secret comes to light that throws their relationship for a loop. With everything falling apart, Vijay Khakwani, a gorgeous Indo-Canadian man, moves into Pierre's apartment. When Pierre's messy apron catches his eye, Pierre is propositioned to teach Vijay how to cook, and their neighborly acquaintance gets tantalizingly close.
Meanwhile, Vijay is also battling the odds in his life. He's constantly in between jobs and running into trouble with the law. His mother, a powerful attorney and Toronto socialite, is tired of rescuing her son and just wants him to take some responsibility. She orchestrates an arranged marriage for Vijay, thinking it will cure him of his reckless habits and put him back on the straight and narrow. In a last ditch effort to change his life around, Vijay immerses himself into Eastern spirituality. As he goes through his spiritual journey, it forces him to confront the dark secrets in his family's past.
As Pierre teaches Vijay the art of cooking in their intimate sessions, Vijay shows Pierre the beauty of Buddhism. What will become of the two?
This delectable tale revolves around twenty-nine-year old Pierre Jackson, who dreams of becoming a renowned pâtissier and chef. He moves from Detroit to Toronto with his handsome fiancé, DeAndre Harris, who has just landed a prestigious job at a major news station in the city. Everything seems to be perfect...until a secret comes to light that throws their relationship for a loop. With everything falling apart, Vijay Khakwani, a gorgeous Indo-Canadian man, moves into Pierre's apartment. When Pierre's messy apron catches his eye, Pierre is propositioned to teach Vijay how to cook, and their neighborly acquaintance gets tantalizingly close.
Meanwhile, Vijay is also battling the odds in his life. He's constantly in between jobs and running into trouble with the law. His mother, a powerful attorney and Toronto socialite, is tired of rescuing her son and just wants him to take some responsibility. She orchestrates an arranged marriage for Vijay, thinking it will cure him of his reckless habits and put him back on the straight and narrow. In a last ditch effort to change his life around, Vijay immerses himself into Eastern spirituality. As he goes through his spiritual journey, it forces him to confront the dark secrets in his family's past.
As Pierre teaches Vijay the art of cooking in their intimate sessions, Vijay shows Pierre the beauty of Buddhism. What will become of the two?
264 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2016
2 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
About the author
Mathis Bailey
3 books73 followersMathis was born and raised in Detroit Michigan. He moved to Toronto and completed his education in Journalism from York University. www.mathisbailey.com
Mathis Bailey is the author of Confused Spice, which is his first novel. The story idea came to him when he took a Creative Writing program in Toronto.
He has a penchant for the culinary arts and travel.
Mathis Bailey is the author of Confused Spice, which is his first novel. The story idea came to him when he took a Creative Writing program in Toronto.
He has a penchant for the culinary arts and travel.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 30, 2017
Here is the live show discussion we had with Mathis Bailey the author. I was joined by Michael Reads, ArtBooks Life Denise D. Cooper and Morgan_Gayle to discuss Mathis Bailey's book. You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMk7f...
July 15, 2017
More like 2.5
August 7, 2016
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review
~Full Review to Come
~Full Review to Come
October 4, 2016
It wasn't quite 4 stars, but still an excellent read. This book was a great start to what could be a wonderful series. I sure hope the next book is already in the making because I can't wait to see what happens with Jay & Pierre.
WARNING: Do Not read this book while hungry! LOL! The food was the unspoken 3rd main character. I loved the cooking, food descriptions, and recipes in this book.
More of my thoughts will be in a video coming soon. Link will be placed here.
WARNING: Do Not read this book while hungry! LOL! The food was the unspoken 3rd main character. I loved the cooking, food descriptions, and recipes in this book.
More of my thoughts will be in a video coming soon. Link will be placed here.
February 1, 2017
I enjoyed this debut novel. Looking forward to a sequel!
May 20, 2017
Vijay and Pierre are to very different men that reside in Canada. Pierre attends culinary classes during the night and enjoys cooking Indian cuisine when he is at home. He meets his neighbor Vijay and they hit it off. They become close friends that cook together and talk about their lives. They enjoy each other's company so much but circumstances tear them apart. Is there more to their relationship than just friendship?
I enjoyed Pierre's character the most. I feel that he is a fantastic human being that likes to help their friends feel good about themselves. He is willing to stay up late to help Vijay learn how to cook. He is not pushy and respects that Vijay is trying to find himself. I recommend this book to an audience that enjoys a bit of sensuality, loves a story about complete strangers becoming best friends and an overall great story. I appreciate Mathis for giving us the opportunity to read and review his novel.
-Rebeca
I enjoyed Pierre's character the most. I feel that he is a fantastic human being that likes to help their friends feel good about themselves. He is willing to stay up late to help Vijay learn how to cook. He is not pushy and respects that Vijay is trying to find himself. I recommend this book to an audience that enjoys a bit of sensuality, loves a story about complete strangers becoming best friends and an overall great story. I appreciate Mathis for giving us the opportunity to read and review his novel.
-Rebeca
September 12, 2020
I enjoyed this novel for more than one reason. Ever since meeting the author Mathis Bailey at the Toronto Urban Book Expo, I have looked forward to opening the pages of "Confused Spice." I follow Mathis on social media, and have seen him make major advances with his book: a placement in Chapters/Indigo (huge) and other signings and promotions. I knew the story would be good, and now I can finally understand what makes it such a gem.
Needless to say, I love that the book takes place in Scarborough, Ontario, my hometown. I love the local references, the familiar landmarks, and the contemporary feel to the plot, as though it were happening in real time. I could picture the main characters driving down McCowan, or heading downtown to Toronto to get a bite to eat.
As the title implies, the book is heavy on food appreciation! Author Mathis is a trained journalist and food connoisseur, and both talents are evident in the text. I appreciated the lessons in cuisine, culture, and the details provided through the characters' experiences with cooking, with Indian, Indo-Caribbean, and African-American cultures...and even a glimpse into Buddhism and meditation. It's like a cultural experience getting to know not only the characters, but also their passions, their ethnic traditions, and how they are intertwined into their daily activities, choices, and passions.
Like any good novel, the elements of drama and mix-up within "Confused Spice" were also fantastic--a few scandals, illicit love affairs, high-profile careers, and meddling parents.
Vijay Khakwani and Pierre Jackson mature, evolve, and approach their twenties through the pages of this book. I definitely loved their story lines, individually, and as a unit. With an ongoing hint of romance (but mainly anticipation), all of these elements came together in a very current, and very sophisticated look at a potential relationship and definite friendship.
"Confused Spice" is exactly what is presents to be...a spicy story about two young men who are independently working their way through a confusing and transitional time in life. I believe their positions with work, with love, and with themselves are common for any 30-year-old city dweller who is presented with an exciting environment and plenty of options (both physically and entertainment-wise) to make the process of self-discovery, and finding one's place a complicated one.
They were definitely confused at times. And oh yes, there was definitely some spice!
While the story flirted with the idea of physical encounters, Mathis didn't fill all of the pages with vivid descriptions. That being said, I found myself eagerly turning the pages of the book wondering when, and how, and why Vijay and Pierre would finalllllly kiss, or finally have an encounter of their own.
So while the narrative of Pierre working his way through an engagement and simultaneously advancing in his career as a food blogger is exciting, there was an underlying mood of needing more! Pierre had a great job lined up, a hot and successful fiance (who happened to drive a Maserati, which tells you everything you need to know about De'Andre), and a great personality...but what he was missing was fire. Passion. Reassurance.
Pierre was a good friend, and a loyal boo to Dre, but while making sure everyone else's needs were being taken care of, he spent most of the book longing for comfort of his own. This is what makes his character lovable. A Detroit native who moved to Toronto to follow the dreams of his significant other...Pierre seemed to be the one who had to sacrifice the most, in order to see others around him happy. Fortunately, his family was supportive and loving...and his options were pretty great.
That being said, his fiance/boyfriend Dre seemed too cool for the type of comfort a man like Pierre deserved. While they are together throughout the book, as a reader...there wasn't any sign of hope or wanting the two of them to work things out. Even though Dre presented well on paper (I mean, he drove a Maserati!), he didn't exactly seem like the type of man that would be able to put Pierre's needs first at any point in time. Pierre existed, and Dre navigated the world at his own speed. Power. Success. And drama...(spoiler alert: Dre has an affair with a woman and work and gets her pregnant?!?!)
So that leaves us with Vijay, the character that goes through the most transitioning in the novel, and somehow still leaves the reader with a bit of mystery even as the story concludes. Vijay is a cool dude, drives a speedy Acura around Scarborough, he's thugged out, and very confident in his appeal. He has his pick of any Indian girl in the city, and his mother's success ensures that he'll be able to marry and provide for any one he chooses.
But Vijay is unsatisfied, and for sure confused for the majority of the book. His friendship with Pierre has him confused, as he is drawn to this loving fella that lives across the hall, but yet still needs to fulfil the dreams of his family, his mental prototype of who he "should" be...and ignore the sexual feelings and intimate wishes he has for Pierre.
All of these character developments, plus an awesome and familiar background of Scarborough, Toronto, and the foods, music, and culture that makes this city what is it, are wonderfully depicted in this novel.
I loved it. I loved the growth. I loved the fact that it didn't end "neatly," but that Pierre and Vijay both had some more growing, and exploring, and figuring out life to do (as any 30-year-old would), and it leaves the reader feeling satisfied...but still hoping for the best.
So now I have to look and see what Mathis is up to, and what happens to Pierre in the next novel "Brown Sugar & Spice"...I'm ready to see what happens, and if Pierre and Vijay decide to connect, or grow in new directions.
Well done, Mr. Bailey! A great read!
Needless to say, I love that the book takes place in Scarborough, Ontario, my hometown. I love the local references, the familiar landmarks, and the contemporary feel to the plot, as though it were happening in real time. I could picture the main characters driving down McCowan, or heading downtown to Toronto to get a bite to eat.
As the title implies, the book is heavy on food appreciation! Author Mathis is a trained journalist and food connoisseur, and both talents are evident in the text. I appreciated the lessons in cuisine, culture, and the details provided through the characters' experiences with cooking, with Indian, Indo-Caribbean, and African-American cultures...and even a glimpse into Buddhism and meditation. It's like a cultural experience getting to know not only the characters, but also their passions, their ethnic traditions, and how they are intertwined into their daily activities, choices, and passions.
Like any good novel, the elements of drama and mix-up within "Confused Spice" were also fantastic--a few scandals, illicit love affairs, high-profile careers, and meddling parents.
Vijay Khakwani and Pierre Jackson mature, evolve, and approach their twenties through the pages of this book. I definitely loved their story lines, individually, and as a unit. With an ongoing hint of romance (but mainly anticipation), all of these elements came together in a very current, and very sophisticated look at a potential relationship and definite friendship.
"Confused Spice" is exactly what is presents to be...a spicy story about two young men who are independently working their way through a confusing and transitional time in life. I believe their positions with work, with love, and with themselves are common for any 30-year-old city dweller who is presented with an exciting environment and plenty of options (both physically and entertainment-wise) to make the process of self-discovery, and finding one's place a complicated one.
They were definitely confused at times. And oh yes, there was definitely some spice!
While the story flirted with the idea of physical encounters, Mathis didn't fill all of the pages with vivid descriptions. That being said, I found myself eagerly turning the pages of the book wondering when, and how, and why Vijay and Pierre would finalllllly kiss, or finally have an encounter of their own.
So while the narrative of Pierre working his way through an engagement and simultaneously advancing in his career as a food blogger is exciting, there was an underlying mood of needing more! Pierre had a great job lined up, a hot and successful fiance (who happened to drive a Maserati, which tells you everything you need to know about De'Andre), and a great personality...but what he was missing was fire. Passion. Reassurance.
Pierre was a good friend, and a loyal boo to Dre, but while making sure everyone else's needs were being taken care of, he spent most of the book longing for comfort of his own. This is what makes his character lovable. A Detroit native who moved to Toronto to follow the dreams of his significant other...Pierre seemed to be the one who had to sacrifice the most, in order to see others around him happy. Fortunately, his family was supportive and loving...and his options were pretty great.
That being said, his fiance/boyfriend Dre seemed too cool for the type of comfort a man like Pierre deserved. While they are together throughout the book, as a reader...there wasn't any sign of hope or wanting the two of them to work things out. Even though Dre presented well on paper (I mean, he drove a Maserati!), he didn't exactly seem like the type of man that would be able to put Pierre's needs first at any point in time. Pierre existed, and Dre navigated the world at his own speed. Power. Success. And drama...(spoiler alert: Dre has an affair with a woman and work and gets her pregnant?!?!)
So that leaves us with Vijay, the character that goes through the most transitioning in the novel, and somehow still leaves the reader with a bit of mystery even as the story concludes. Vijay is a cool dude, drives a speedy Acura around Scarborough, he's thugged out, and very confident in his appeal. He has his pick of any Indian girl in the city, and his mother's success ensures that he'll be able to marry and provide for any one he chooses.
But Vijay is unsatisfied, and for sure confused for the majority of the book. His friendship with Pierre has him confused, as he is drawn to this loving fella that lives across the hall, but yet still needs to fulfil the dreams of his family, his mental prototype of who he "should" be...and ignore the sexual feelings and intimate wishes he has for Pierre.
All of these character developments, plus an awesome and familiar background of Scarborough, Toronto, and the foods, music, and culture that makes this city what is it, are wonderfully depicted in this novel.
I loved it. I loved the growth. I loved the fact that it didn't end "neatly," but that Pierre and Vijay both had some more growing, and exploring, and figuring out life to do (as any 30-year-old would), and it leaves the reader feeling satisfied...but still hoping for the best.
So now I have to look and see what Mathis is up to, and what happens to Pierre in the next novel "Brown Sugar & Spice"...I'm ready to see what happens, and if Pierre and Vijay decide to connect, or grow in new directions.
Well done, Mr. Bailey! A great read!
September 14, 2016
Pierre and Jay were both flawed, but that's what made their story captivating. I want to know where they go after this.
March 5, 2017
Plot summary:
The story centres around Pierre, a homosexual, who is dealing with heartbreak after his bisexual boyfriend cheats on him. Stuck in a boring job, Pierre doesn’t find anything exciting to do with his life unless he meets Vijay, fondly known as Jay. Vijay and Pierre are next-door neighbours and soon become good friends. Vijay often calls Pierre over to his apartment to cook for him since Pierre is an incredible cook.
Pierre, however, is attracted to Vijay from the very first day. Vijay, an Indian, on the other hand, is confused about his sexuality. Although he strongly advocates that he is straight, he gradually develops feelings for Pierre and longs to be with him all the time.
The story takes a twist with the entry of De’Andre, Pierre’s fiance who cheated on him. He apologises to Pierre with all his heart and tries coming back into his life. Things become more complicated when Vijay’s mother learns about Pierre’s sexuality and the nature of his relationship with her son. What happens to Pierre and Vijay’s weird relationship in the end? Well, for that, you must read the book!
Writing Style:
The style of writing of the author is entertaining and crisp. It is simple and hence easy to understand. He tries to portray Pierre and Vijay’s relationship in great detail, thus making it look real. You can read the book with pace.
My Perception:
I must say it is a great genre to choose considering the fate of homosexual relationships across the world, especially in India. It is a bold subject and perfectly portrays the feelings of homosexuals. The story in itself is entertaining. All in all, a good read!
Read full review here:
http://www.haloofbooks.com/confused-s...
The story centres around Pierre, a homosexual, who is dealing with heartbreak after his bisexual boyfriend cheats on him. Stuck in a boring job, Pierre doesn’t find anything exciting to do with his life unless he meets Vijay, fondly known as Jay. Vijay and Pierre are next-door neighbours and soon become good friends. Vijay often calls Pierre over to his apartment to cook for him since Pierre is an incredible cook.
Pierre, however, is attracted to Vijay from the very first day. Vijay, an Indian, on the other hand, is confused about his sexuality. Although he strongly advocates that he is straight, he gradually develops feelings for Pierre and longs to be with him all the time.
The story takes a twist with the entry of De’Andre, Pierre’s fiance who cheated on him. He apologises to Pierre with all his heart and tries coming back into his life. Things become more complicated when Vijay’s mother learns about Pierre’s sexuality and the nature of his relationship with her son. What happens to Pierre and Vijay’s weird relationship in the end? Well, for that, you must read the book!
Writing Style:
The style of writing of the author is entertaining and crisp. It is simple and hence easy to understand. He tries to portray Pierre and Vijay’s relationship in great detail, thus making it look real. You can read the book with pace.
My Perception:
I must say it is a great genre to choose considering the fate of homosexual relationships across the world, especially in India. It is a bold subject and perfectly portrays the feelings of homosexuals. The story in itself is entertaining. All in all, a good read!
Read full review here:
http://www.haloofbooks.com/confused-s...
March 25, 2020
Totally FUN and FLIRTY read!
I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in a day...and that was before my 'corona quarantine'. It’s not often I breeze through a book so swiftly; “Confused Spice" is fun, flirty and fabulous so I couldn’t put it down. Pierre’s adventures in love, loss and the culinary arts take the reader on an enjoyable and savory journey through the life of a confused young man trying to find his place in the world and in someone’s (worthy) arms. The author has a talent for evoking all the senses through his writing and it proves to be a truly titillating experience. If you’re looking for an adventure of sexuality and self discovery this one is not to be missed!
I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in a day...and that was before my 'corona quarantine'. It’s not often I breeze through a book so swiftly; “Confused Spice" is fun, flirty and fabulous so I couldn’t put it down. Pierre’s adventures in love, loss and the culinary arts take the reader on an enjoyable and savory journey through the life of a confused young man trying to find his place in the world and in someone’s (worthy) arms. The author has a talent for evoking all the senses through his writing and it proves to be a truly titillating experience. If you’re looking for an adventure of sexuality and self discovery this one is not to be missed!
April 21, 2020
A fun read!
Both Pierre and Vijay are strong and likeable characters. The author’s use of descriptive detail brings the characters’ world to life. He also has a good ear for dialogue. All in all, a fun read.
Both Pierre and Vijay are strong and likeable characters. The author’s use of descriptive detail brings the characters’ world to life. He also has a good ear for dialogue. All in all, a fun read.
August 22, 2017
Wish there had been more of a resolution. The chemistry between Pierre and a Jay was fantastic, and Jay's unwillingness to acknowledge his feelings felt real. I like the friendship between both of them, and food they cooked all sound delicious!
July 5, 2020
Really good debut novel. Can't wait to see how Mathis grows as a writer.
February 13, 2018
I won this debut novel in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Look forward to reading more by Mathis Bailey in the future. Also hope there is a sequel
December 31, 2017
It was a nice breezy read, have to thank the author for that first!
Though I’m not a fan of LGBT romances, the relationship between Pierre and Jay was beautiful and the words portray the emotions as such! You can feel both their views and you travel along with them on their journey. The story moves in a good pace and you can’t stop until you know what happens to them next!
Cooking plays a major part both in the story as well as in the reader’s mind – the way the author has penned will definitely make you crave for more!!
Along with that, a healthy dose of spirituality too. Loved the way how the author had perfectly captured the flavour of India and blended it rightly!! Cute moments of Buddhism, French cooking class will make you smile. And there’s lot of sensuality too.
Pierre being perfect and nice, Jay being confused and human is what makes the story a realistic ride. I didn’t find the ending confusing; the confusing ending is what makes the story unique and stay in your mind!
But there was one missing ingredient, I didn’t know what. Maybe the lack of depth of secondary characters. Else it would have been just perfect! But have to definitely congratulate the debut author for a stupendous effort!! Keep writing Mathis and also don’t stop cooking!! :)
Though I’m not a fan of LGBT romances, the relationship between Pierre and Jay was beautiful and the words portray the emotions as such! You can feel both their views and you travel along with them on their journey. The story moves in a good pace and you can’t stop until you know what happens to them next!
Cooking plays a major part both in the story as well as in the reader’s mind – the way the author has penned will definitely make you crave for more!!
Along with that, a healthy dose of spirituality too. Loved the way how the author had perfectly captured the flavour of India and blended it rightly!! Cute moments of Buddhism, French cooking class will make you smile. And there’s lot of sensuality too.
Pierre being perfect and nice, Jay being confused and human is what makes the story a realistic ride. I didn’t find the ending confusing; the confusing ending is what makes the story unique and stay in your mind!
But there was one missing ingredient, I didn’t know what. Maybe the lack of depth of secondary characters. Else it would have been just perfect! But have to definitely congratulate the debut author for a stupendous effort!! Keep writing Mathis and also don’t stop cooking!! :)
May 28, 2017
3.5. Kindly read my review until the end!
Received a copy from the author exchange for an instagram post and honest review.
I enjoyed over all but there were some aspects I had some issues with. For one, I was not a fan of Vijay's character development. It just lacked depth and his parts in the novel seemed half baked. You could tell Pierre's chapters were much longer than Vijay's. Second, the cheating. Dre physically cheats while Pierre emotionally cheats. So why all the fuss with Dre but Pierre is completely infatuated with Vijay. Third, many of the supporting characters didn't really do much to help build the story: Pierre's friends and acquaintances, Vijay had no other friends, etc..
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy it. Especially at first because it had that light flirty contemporary vibe but it started going all over the place but it did make sense in the end.
I do need to cut the author some slack because this is his debut novel and it was enjoyable and entertaining. I'm being nit picky because the I love Character driven stories. The plot and the setting were great. His writing style is so realistic that you feel like you're right in front of the characters as the story goes on. I do recommend this for people that want to explore the genre. Really great debut and I'm excited to see more books from him!
PS: I really do hope there's a sequel because I wasn't expecting that cliffhanger!
Received a copy from the author exchange for an instagram post and honest review.
I enjoyed over all but there were some aspects I had some issues with. For one, I was not a fan of Vijay's character development. It just lacked depth and his parts in the novel seemed half baked. You could tell Pierre's chapters were much longer than Vijay's. Second, the cheating. Dre physically cheats while Pierre emotionally cheats. So why all the fuss with Dre but Pierre is completely infatuated with Vijay. Third, many of the supporting characters didn't really do much to help build the story: Pierre's friends and acquaintances, Vijay had no other friends, etc..
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy it. Especially at first because it had that light flirty contemporary vibe but it started going all over the place but it did make sense in the end.
I do need to cut the author some slack because this is his debut novel and it was enjoyable and entertaining. I'm being nit picky because the I love Character driven stories. The plot and the setting were great. His writing style is so realistic that you feel like you're right in front of the characters as the story goes on. I do recommend this for people that want to explore the genre. Really great debut and I'm excited to see more books from him!
PS: I really do hope there's a sequel because I wasn't expecting that cliffhanger!
November 25, 2019
For a debut novel from this author, very well done! It was a very easy to follow, free flowing novel that had you wanting more at the end. You wanted to discover more about the characters, you wanted to know what happens when the end of the book comes. This was a romantic novel, normally not my type of read, but had a little whimsical to it instead of a get done and deep romance novel. You take a little journey with the main character Pierre and how he is dealing with the new breakup of him and his ex-boyfriend. Dre, the ex, cheats with a woman in their bed and Pierre is struggling to deal with this and either forgive Dre or continue on a path of being single. That is until the next door neighbor is now in his life. Vijay is a sweet man who just is looking for some cooking lessons and a friend. Soon Pierre is falling for Vijay....
I could write forever but instead you should be reading this story.
I could write forever but instead you should be reading this story.
May 19, 2017
Pierre is gay, African-American, engaged and living in Toronto, and meets Vijay, his maybe bisexual, and hypermasculanized neighbour. They become friends and a lot of cooking happens. Being a middle aged straight white guy I had trouble relating to anything or anyone in this book, but I did find getting inside these two guys' heads interesting (the story is told first person from each of their points of view). The writer perhaps needs a little time to develop, this is a first novel, but there's a lot of potential. If nothing else the world needs more stories that aren't about guys like me :-). I also think this would make a good movie.
May 11, 2017
In taking my new Kindle Unlimited subscription for a run, I stumbled on this nice little gem by this debut author. Confused Spice meshes the love for cuisine and spirituality into a tale of two men navigating their way through a relationship. Be warned don’t read this book when you are hungry. The description of spices and cooking methods was enough to get me excited about the fate of these two men. Despite all the food references, at the core is a good story that explores homesexual perceptions, spirituality and love. This is definitely worth a read if you have a subscription to KU.
May 30, 2020
Really fun read I breezed through. Couldn’t put the book down. I don’t read many lighthearted books with gay leads so it was a refreshing time spent with this book. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
December 26, 2016
I received this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
This is one of the only few m/m romances I've ever read.
Why I Recommend Bumping This Up On Your TBR: It's written in dual POV and the voices are so distinct that it feels like you're reading from two diaries. It's an #ownvoices novel with 2 diverse characters who describe and discuss their races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, spiritual/religious ideaologies, etc. They actually explore a lot about themselves, which makes their romance believable. One of the protagonists experiences sexual attraction towards both women and men (I don't remember for sure if he identified as bisexual but his thoughts and behaviors heavily imply it). It's also a mostly-engaging read.
Why You Might Bump This Down On Your TBR: It was a bit skimmable and I found some of the statements the characters made to be problematic, although they made sense for the kinds of flaws the characters had.
This is one of the only few m/m romances I've ever read.
Why I Recommend Bumping This Up On Your TBR: It's written in dual POV and the voices are so distinct that it feels like you're reading from two diaries. It's an #ownvoices novel with 2 diverse characters who describe and discuss their races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, spiritual/religious ideaologies, etc. They actually explore a lot about themselves, which makes their romance believable. One of the protagonists experiences sexual attraction towards both women and men (I don't remember for sure if he identified as bisexual but his thoughts and behaviors heavily imply it). It's also a mostly-engaging read.
Why You Might Bump This Down On Your TBR: It was a bit skimmable and I found some of the statements the characters made to be problematic, although they made sense for the kinds of flaws the characters had.
October 17, 2016
What a ride this book was! Video review coming soon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
maybe-to-read
December 29, 2016LOOK AT THAT COVER!
FOOD!
A MAN WHO SMIRKS!
FOOD!
Aaannd now I'm hungry.
FOOD!
A MAN WHO SMIRKS!
FOOD!
Aaannd now I'm hungry.
January 21, 2017
I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews