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Boston Boys ##1
A Life Without You
Jesse's like a bar of the tighter Adam holds on, the faster Jesse slips away. Or that's how it feels to Adam. It doesn't help that Jesse has a girlfriend back home and claims to be straight, but there's no way with all the sparks and physical intimacy flying between the two roommates.
When Adam believes he has reached his ultimate happiness, the bedroom walls come crashing down with a visit from Jesse's girlfriend.
Now Jesse has to decide if he can come to terms with his sexuality, while Adam has to learn to accept that Jesse might never be able to crawl out of the closet.
When Adam believes he has reached his ultimate happiness, the bedroom walls come crashing down with a visit from Jesse's girlfriend.
Now Jesse has to decide if he can come to terms with his sexuality, while Adam has to learn to accept that Jesse might never be able to crawl out of the closet.
236 pages, ebook
First published January 13, 2012
14 people are currently reading
1044 people want to read
About the author
Erica Pike
20 books279 followersIf you're interested in my books, you might want to join my Goodreads group: Gay Romance by Erica Pike.
I haven't been writing since I was in diapers, nor have I been an avid reader since I learned my ABC's. I have, however, always been a daydreamer spinning tales after tales. After having exhausted every possible scenario of man-woman love, I started weaving stories of men who love men. I know! So much hotter. This time I wrote it all down.
I live in Iceland with my adorable little twin boys, and I'm happy with what I have. I often say that my real name sounds like Klingon to foreigners so I don’t even bother revealing it.
I've been writing for several years, or ever since reading became an obsession.
I haven't been writing since I was in diapers, nor have I been an avid reader since I learned my ABC's. I have, however, always been a daydreamer spinning tales after tales. After having exhausted every possible scenario of man-woman love, I started weaving stories of men who love men. I know! So much hotter. This time I wrote it all down.
I live in Iceland with my adorable little twin boys, and I'm happy with what I have. I often say that my real name sounds like Klingon to foreigners so I don’t even bother revealing it.
I've been writing for several years, or ever since reading became an obsession.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
January 16, 2018
4 Stars
"I want him to want me as much as I want him. I want him to crave my body at night so much that he won’t be able to sleep until he’s had his release. I want to infuse his mind with my presence until he can’t think about anything or anyone else."
The Drama in this book was so exhausting, so much push & pull. Adam and Jesse are roommates. Adam is gay and Jesse is straight (or he thought) and engaged. The thing is Jesse knew something is wrong with him and he has feelings for Adam but he won’t to name himself as a gay. He’s in heavy denial. And he hurts Adam so so so much. I wanted to slap him over and over and over again. He was so jealous of every one who touches Adam but he doesn’t think just for a sec that being with his fiance what does to Adam! Jesse used him whenever he wants to! So SELFISH! But Adam always put Jesse’s needs before his own and for that he got hurt so bad!
"I bet he wishes he could take back everything that’s happened between us, but he can’t. His body wanted mine. He whispered my name. He wanted me like I wanted him."
Told in Adam’s POV (and I’m so happy for not reading Jesse’s), 1st person. It’s the first installment in the Boston Boys series and it can be read as a standalone. Regardless of the drama, I enjoyed it and hope you like it as well!
"God, I want him. I want all of him – mind, body and soul. He occupies my mind every single minute of every single day…"
"I want him to want me as much as I want him. I want him to crave my body at night so much that he won’t be able to sleep until he’s had his release. I want to infuse his mind with my presence until he can’t think about anything or anyone else."
The Drama in this book was so exhausting, so much push & pull. Adam and Jesse are roommates. Adam is gay and Jesse is straight (or he thought) and engaged. The thing is Jesse knew something is wrong with him and he has feelings for Adam but he won’t to name himself as a gay. He’s in heavy denial. And he hurts Adam so so so much. I wanted to slap him over and over and over again. He was so jealous of every one who touches Adam but he doesn’t think just for a sec that being with his fiance what does to Adam! Jesse used him whenever he wants to! So SELFISH! But Adam always put Jesse’s needs before his own and for that he got hurt so bad!
"I bet he wishes he could take back everything that’s happened between us, but he can’t. His body wanted mine. He whispered my name. He wanted me like I wanted him."
Told in Adam’s POV (and I’m so happy for not reading Jesse’s), 1st person. It’s the first installment in the Boston Boys series and it can be read as a standalone. Regardless of the drama, I enjoyed it and hope you like it as well!
"God, I want him. I want all of him – mind, body and soul. He occupies my mind every single minute of every single day…"
August 27, 2018
August 2018
Sometimes you should just leave things alone. A fave read should just be a sweet memory and that alone, because this reread made me realize how much I really hate Jesse. And because I read this 6yrs ago my taste has grown and my views on things.
So lots of things that bother me, but overall I still really like the book. Its a 4 ⭐️ s (rounded up)this time around.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4.5
Books fall under three catergories for me, the ones I can't wait to read to cause a pants losing, the books I anticipate reading, and the others where the blurb sounds interesting and it gets added to the pile. A Life Without You is one of those where the blurb sounded interesting and I decided to give it a try, well folks I'm glad I said yes to reviewing it because I freaking loved it. It's one of those where I wanna run naked through some fields singing " the hills are a live with the sound ofmusic *awesome*". This book caused a pants losing of epic proportions and I'm so in love with the story.
Adam is in love with his roommate Jesse, but he doesn't want to tell him he's gay because he already lost a roommate because of his sexuality. The only thing thats different is that if Jesse left him it would hurt more than anything else. When a friend dares Jesse to kiss Adam all his secrets come out, and it puts a strain on their friendship. The kiss he shared with Jesse was life changing and he knows that he is in serious love with is friend. If only Jesse will admit that he also wants Adam, judging by the hard piece of length in his pants.
The story unfolds with the boys growing attraction, and the sexual chemistry they share. All isn't well in their room, because Jesse has a girlfriend and he refuses to let her go. Adam is willing to take anything he has to offer, even it kills him to be the fuck buddy, knowing that nothing more will ever come of their relationship.
Jesse is character I love but sort of hate. He has a girlfriend whom he is cheating on, and he has Adam on the side. He wants the security of being the straight boy, but he also wants the chemistry and the love he has for Adam. Then he pulls a douche move by forbidding Adam to be with anyone else, while he cuddles and eventually has sex with the girlfriend. He seems like such a bastard but yet my heart goes out to him, I can just imagine his inner turmoil being faced with the possibility of being gay or just gay for Adam.
Adam I really liked but also found him very passive at times. I understand love and finding your soulmate but he just took way too much crap from Jesse, and because of that he got the shitty end of the stick; just a few too many times. I did love the boys together, talk about sexy as hell and so utterly sweet. It was great to see how they got from point A, to point B.
Overall, Erica Pike has written a fantabulous book and I am so in love with the story. I was all smiles from the beginning to the end, it kept me enthralled and jumping out of my pants. The author is going down as a must read for me, if she keeps writing about beautiful boys such as Jesse and Adam. A Life Without You will also keep you interested with awesmazing supporting characters, and I want more of these fun and sexy boys. All that eyeliner and leather had me hyperventilating over my iPad, and wanting all of them to get together in a serious orgy of limbs and holes (gawd it would have been sexy). I Love This Book!
More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
Sometimes you should just leave things alone. A fave read should just be a sweet memory and that alone, because this reread made me realize how much I really hate Jesse. And because I read this 6yrs ago my taste has grown and my views on things.
So lots of things that bother me, but overall I still really like the book. Its a 4 ⭐️ s (rounded up)this time around.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4.5
Books fall under three catergories for me, the ones I can't wait to read to cause a pants losing, the books I anticipate reading, and the others where the blurb sounds interesting and it gets added to the pile. A Life Without You is one of those where the blurb sounded interesting and I decided to give it a try, well folks I'm glad I said yes to reviewing it because I freaking loved it. It's one of those where I wanna run naked through some fields singing " the hills are a live with the sound of
Adam is in love with his roommate Jesse, but he doesn't want to tell him he's gay because he already lost a roommate because of his sexuality. The only thing thats different is that if Jesse left him it would hurt more than anything else. When a friend dares Jesse to kiss Adam all his secrets come out, and it puts a strain on their friendship. The kiss he shared with Jesse was life changing and he knows that he is in serious love with is friend. If only Jesse will admit that he also wants Adam, judging by the hard piece of length in his pants.
The story unfolds with the boys growing attraction, and the sexual chemistry they share. All isn't well in their room, because Jesse has a girlfriend and he refuses to let her go. Adam is willing to take anything he has to offer, even it kills him to be the fuck buddy, knowing that nothing more will ever come of their relationship.
Jesse is character I love but sort of hate. He has a girlfriend whom he is cheating on, and he has Adam on the side. He wants the security of being the straight boy, but he also wants the chemistry and the love he has for Adam. Then he pulls a douche move by forbidding Adam to be with anyone else, while he cuddles and eventually has sex with the girlfriend. He seems like such a bastard but yet my heart goes out to him, I can just imagine his inner turmoil being faced with the possibility of being gay or just gay for Adam.
Adam I really liked but also found him very passive at times. I understand love and finding your soulmate but he just took way too much crap from Jesse, and because of that he got the shitty end of the stick; just a few too many times. I did love the boys together, talk about sexy as hell and so utterly sweet. It was great to see how they got from point A, to point B.
Overall, Erica Pike has written a fantabulous book and I am so in love with the story. I was all smiles from the beginning to the end, it kept me enthralled and jumping out of my pants. The author is going down as a must read for me, if she keeps writing about beautiful boys such as Jesse and Adam. A Life Without You will also keep you interested with awesmazing supporting characters, and I want more of these fun and sexy boys. All that eyeliner and leather had me hyperventilating over my iPad, and wanting all of them to get together in a serious orgy of limbs and holes (gawd it would have been sexy). I Love This Book!
More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
January 19, 2018
I loved book 3 in this series, so after seeing this one on my feed a couple of days ago, I knew I had to go back and read 1 and 2.
I am not sorry and I did enjoy reading it but.... If I had to read the name JESSE one more time, I would have thrown my Ipa out the window.
OMG.. his name was mentioned about 3 times on every single page !! I used to love that name (This man's Jesse is one of my favs !!) but now.... ughhh.
I also was a bit dissapointed by Adam... obsessed much ??!!
I don't feel like writing a longer review for this one. It was an oke read for me, but I liked book 2 more and 3 is still my fav.
I am not sorry and I did enjoy reading it but.... If I had to read the name JESSE one more time, I would have thrown my Ipa out the window.
OMG.. his name was mentioned about 3 times on every single page !! I used to love that name (This man's Jesse is one of my favs !!) but now.... ughhh.
I also was a bit dissapointed by Adam... obsessed much ??!!
I don't feel like writing a longer review for this one. It was an oke read for me, but I liked book 2 more and 3 is still my fav.
June 5, 2012
What an emotionally draining story. It was beautiful and disturbing, happy and sad, exciting and debilitating, all at the same time. You want Adam to be more understanding at the beginning because Jesse is so very young and just realizing that he is not straight. You want to drop-kick Jesse when his stubbornness to appear straight and continues the “expectation” of others to finish school, marry and have kids…no matter what and even though he does not love his girlfriend back home. Jesse is very unfair to Adam throughout the book, expecting Adam to remain faithful to him even though he has a girlfriend and plans a future with her. Adam is not just in love, he is obsessed with Jesse and ultimately that obsession, with the help of his friend Eric, helps him to realize that what he has with Jesse is one-sided, unfair and unhealthy.
Adam and Jesse were so obviously in love and my heart ached for them. I hoped that Jesse would wake up before it was too late, but of course, where would the drama and story be if that happened? Ultimately, it was Chirpy’s , Jesses girlfriend, unexpected visit that was the catalyst that catapults Adam into realizing that his happy little fantasy future was just not going to happen. He was destroyed and Jesse was an ass…plain and simple.
I was happy when Jesse came stumbling back to Adam and Adam kicked him to the curb. I was so afraid he would fall back into his obsessive love for Jesse. Even though it broke him, he forced Jesse away. It was time for Jesse to suffer…and he deserved it. Had Adam forgave him I would have stopped reading.
At this point you wonder if there is even the possibility of a happy ending for Jesse and Adam. All I will say is yes. It is not easy and doesn’t happen overnight but the ending was sweet and I was left loving both Jesse and Adam and forgiving them both for their youthful idiocy.
Eric was such a great character. I can’t wait to read his story next.
Adam and Jesse were so obviously in love and my heart ached for them. I hoped that Jesse would wake up before it was too late, but of course, where would the drama and story be if that happened? Ultimately, it was Chirpy’s , Jesses girlfriend, unexpected visit that was the catalyst that catapults Adam into realizing that his happy little fantasy future was just not going to happen. He was destroyed and Jesse was an ass…plain and simple.
I was happy when Jesse came stumbling back to Adam and Adam kicked him to the curb. I was so afraid he would fall back into his obsessive love for Jesse. Even though it broke him, he forced Jesse away. It was time for Jesse to suffer…and he deserved it. Had Adam forgave him I would have stopped reading.
At this point you wonder if there is even the possibility of a happy ending for Jesse and Adam. All I will say is yes. It is not easy and doesn’t happen overnight but the ending was sweet and I was left loving both Jesse and Adam and forgiving them both for their youthful idiocy.
Eric was such a great character. I can’t wait to read his story next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2012
This started off so well and then all the drama and tears just got too much for me I literally wanted to scream! Adam geez I desperately wanted to choke some sense into him how many times can you stand to be rejected OMG, thankfully his best friend Eric came to the rescue and finally knocked some sense into him. Then there was Jesse I could rant and rave about what an absolute jerk he was he likes to experiment and have sex with Adam even though he constantly tells Adam he's not gay and doesn't love him.
I gave this 3 stars only because I enjoyed Eric he was a fun and loving friend Adam and Eric would have been so good together.
I gave this 3 stars only because I enjoyed Eric he was a fun and loving friend Adam and Eric would have been so good together.
July 24, 2013
Woooow. I put this one off for... Well... A REALLY long time cuz I knew the cheating would kill me. And oh yes, it was a swift kick in the nuts the way the whole thing played out. Good lord. But Jesse, regardless of his mistakes, was so well written because his struggle was understandable and ages old. Not that I condone how he treated the situation but it did give me the willingness to forgive, understanding. I dated a Jesse in college. Hmph ... Literally the same situation (minus the girlfriend) Virgin from a much smaller town than me and a mom who he was afraid to disappoint .... She after we'd been together for 8 months he cheated on me, in front of me, with my best girl friend... I forgave him, though but it usually colors my opinion of these types of stories. Well I guess after all these years (and he and I were together for 4 yrs after that and he's still my best friend) I see these situations for what they are so I deeply felt for Jesse and am impressed so much by Ms Pike's treatment of these guys. Great work. And even better, making Jesse earn Adam and having Adam get his shit together. Kudos.
November 5, 2016
Me da la risa y no sé cómo puntuar este libro, 2? 3?. Dos chicos en el college, uno gay y otro con dificultades para admitírselo a sí mismo, no digamos a los demás, y criado dentro de una familia muy conservadora. El libro tiene mucho sexo y mucho drama llama, uno de los protagonistas es un verdadero capullo con el otro y requiere de toda tu comprensión y análisis centrándote en lo joven que es y cómo se ha criado. Pero, eso sí, no te aburres, y el drama es solamente amoroso. Varios rolling eyes, preparaos.
Le voy a dar 3 porque no voy a mentir, con alguna levantada de ceja, me ha entretenido muchísimo. Lo mejor ha sido uno de los secundarios, Eric, su libro es el próximo, voy a leerlo... Soy débil.
Le voy a dar 3 porque no voy a mentir, con alguna levantada de ceja, me ha entretenido muchísimo. Lo mejor ha sido uno de los secundarios, Eric, su libro es el próximo, voy a leerlo... Soy débil.
January 24, 2012
Well after all the drama and heartache this ended pretty much perfectly lol.
Throughout this story I've found myself going through a range of emotions, not all of them very nice, towards these 2 guys. lol.
For me a sign of a good book is one I get caught up in and have strong reactions too. Well Jesse and Adam provoked some pretty strong reactions, Mainly wanting to bash them over the head LOL.
I certainly look forward to Eric's story, and hopefully catching up with Adam and Jesse a little LOL.
Throughout this story I've found myself going through a range of emotions, not all of them very nice, towards these 2 guys. lol.
For me a sign of a good book is one I get caught up in and have strong reactions too. Well Jesse and Adam provoked some pretty strong reactions, Mainly wanting to bash them over the head LOL.
I certainly look forward to Eric's story, and hopefully catching up with Adam and Jesse a little LOL.
June 27, 2014
**4.5 Heart Wrenching Stars**
All the way through...but I loved it!!
All the way through...but I loved it!!
did-not-finish
September 10, 2012DNF at 27%
This is beyond upsetting, but since I wasn't able to finish it, I won't rate it. If the 27% I've read is representative of the rest of the book, though, this is definitely a one-star is too good for it kind of rating. I'm not into stories where one MC takes advantage - in a very creepy way - of the other MC's confusion.
I like the past two shorts I've read from this author and now feel that maybe I should just stick to those. God knows they're also cheaper.
This is beyond upsetting, but since I wasn't able to finish it, I won't rate it. If the 27% I've read is representative of the rest of the book, though, this is definitely a one-star is too good for it kind of rating. I'm not into stories where one MC takes advantage - in a very creepy way - of the other MC's confusion.
I like the past two shorts I've read from this author and now feel that maybe I should just stick to those. God knows they're also cheaper.
June 1, 2016
Just perfect for exam weeks.
review to come.
review to come.
January 31, 2012
Done with it and probably not going to do a re-read ever. I liked the other stories by this author and therefore was looking forward to reading this book, but from the beginning I asked myself, what Adam was seeing in Jesse. Besides his looks there was nothing positive or engaging in his character. And don't get me started about his on-and-off with Adam - grrr! The longer I was reading, the more it was getting on my nerves. From some point on I just wanted to know how it ends. The story was wrapped up nicely, but it left me somewhat puzzled - for all this back and forth during quite some time, the turnaround happened rather abrupt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2012
3.5 stars. Good m/m romance about a gay college student who has a crush on his engaged straight best friend and roommate... his apparently bi-curious straight best friend. Emotions definitely run high in this one (and the POV is first-person present), but it worked for me. And I'm very curious to see who the next book will be about!
January 20, 2012
Err it's difficult to rate this book. On one hand I don't like cheating so Jesse was not a MC I was all warm and fuzzy over, i wanted to smack the shite out of him a lot of the time actually, but the writing was good and it kept me interested and wanting to read to the end!
November 16, 2012
Emotional, heart-breaking, happy, passionate......what's not to love! Loved this journey of two people finding their way together.
May 9, 2012
A compulsively readable pageturner. 4 stars for engaging narrative voice, palpable sexual tension, and an intriguing ensemble of background characters.
Adam (gay) and Jesse (question mark) each have serious issues. Both are guilty of bad relationship behavior, and both suffer consequences. There are no innocents here. Adam lusts after his straight roommate in creepy fashion from the moment they meet, Adam's only justification for pursuing Jesse after Jesse has told him he is not only straight but in a committed relationship is Adam's own lust. And he is straight-up rude and nasty to Jesse's girlfriend, whose only crime is having something Adam wants.
Jesse is obviously conflicted. His reactions of fear, shame, and denial rang absolutely true, and he displayed a courage and honesty in the way he dealt with them and with Adam. But he betrayed his fiancee--not by falling for Adam, but by continuing to see her after they had become involved.
The relationship itself is unhealthy in the beginning, which the novel recognizes and takes pains to address.
From these dubious underpinnings, the story takes off on a fast-moving ride of emotion and eroticism. The sex scenes, even the "creepy" ones, are scorching. The first person narrative showcases Adam with all his flaws and tunnel vision, and this makes him both real and human. Adam's best friend Eric steals many scenes, and the group of gay friends with their own side plots make an appealing backdrop.
There are some instances of peculiar word choice, and some typos which should have been caught. On the whole, however, the gifted storytelling pulls the reader easily past minor quibbles. Like its main characters, this book is not perfect. Yet It is absorbing, thought-provoking, and seriously hot, flaws and all.
Highly recommended.
Adam (gay) and Jesse (question mark) each have serious issues. Both are guilty of bad relationship behavior, and both suffer consequences. There are no innocents here. Adam lusts after his straight roommate in creepy fashion from the moment they meet, Adam's only justification for pursuing Jesse after Jesse has told him he is not only straight but in a committed relationship is Adam's own lust. And he is straight-up rude and nasty to Jesse's girlfriend, whose only crime is having something Adam wants.
Jesse is obviously conflicted. His reactions of fear, shame, and denial rang absolutely true, and he displayed a courage and honesty in the way he dealt with them and with Adam. But he betrayed his fiancee--not by falling for Adam, but by continuing to see her after they had become involved.
The relationship itself is unhealthy in the beginning, which the novel recognizes and takes pains to address.
From these dubious underpinnings, the story takes off on a fast-moving ride of emotion and eroticism. The sex scenes, even the "creepy" ones, are scorching. The first person narrative showcases Adam with all his flaws and tunnel vision, and this makes him both real and human. Adam's best friend Eric steals many scenes, and the group of gay friends with their own side plots make an appealing backdrop.
There are some instances of peculiar word choice, and some typos which should have been caught. On the whole, however, the gifted storytelling pulls the reader easily past minor quibbles. Like its main characters, this book is not perfect. Yet It is absorbing, thought-provoking, and seriously hot, flaws and all.
Highly recommended.
May 20, 2012
I really liked this book but holy shit was it angsty. I wanted to punch freaking Jesse in the face and then tell him to find his balls. Jebus Crisp!
That being said, I'm absolutely reading the next one. I can't wait to see if Erika Pike makes me work as hard in the next one as she did in this one.
That being said, I'm absolutely reading the next one. I can't wait to see if Erika Pike makes me work as hard in the next one as she did in this one.
Read
July 4, 2012The next book in this series is Absolutely Eric, but it can be read as a standalone.
dnf
June 10, 2016I read the sample (3 chapters) and wasn't feeling it. Decided not to acquire the book after all.
April 25, 2012
This review was originally written for Hearts on Fire Reviews and can also be found there.
This is my second story by Erica Pike, but if I hadn’t read the first one I probably never would have dared to read A Life Without You, not to mention the cover that really just puts me off.
Jesse and Adam are roommates at college and while Adam is gay, Jesse has a fiancé back home and is adamantly refusing to give up his dream of marriage and kids despite taking it up the ass daily. I did put it a bit crudely, but honestly that is exactly what happens and I did resent Jesse for most of this book. Anyway, at one point the fiancé gets suspicious and visits, causing more trouble than she’s worth really and turns the whole relationship between Jesse and Adam upside down.
It is strange, but that was my favorite part of this book. The emotional side was almost overwhelming and the reason why I initially liked this author’s writing drifted up to the surface. Heartbreak is very real and very difficult to get through and I liked the way this book shined for it. Some people might say it was too emotional, or the guys were too weepy, but for me it felt real and that is why I rated this with four stars.
To be honest, the first half of the book was good, but not all that great. The buildup seemed too long to me and I just didn’t like Jesse at all. He is a cheater and he really does not pick sides, so I should warn all those interested that there is male/female sex in this book, although not detailed or shown, it does happen ‘off screen’. Anyway, I can handle cheating as my track record in reading cheating books clearly shows, but I just couldn’t sympathize with Jesse’s situation. He was not honest and was rather selfish on more than one occasion and if by chance the author had put another more active character in this book I would have easily cheered that guy and Adam on.
Adam on the other hand was a bit pushy, but the guy was in love so I did forgive him. He seemed much more sincere although not always like someone who actually has some self-respect. Still, I liked him and the way the whole fiancé situation affected him, returned this book to the right track for me. My favorite character was a side one, as it often happens it seems. Eric is Adam’s best friend, flashy, mouthy and pushy, he was just a perfect person to lift this story up a bit. I love how he was caring and a great friend while not holding any words back.
In the end, I did really like this book, but it wasn’t as impressive as another short one I’ve read by Erica Pike. It is also not something I can just go ahead and recommend simply because it is a book that pushes a lot of buttons and does drag out a bit at times. Still, I did notice it was a part of a series and I will definitely be on a look out for the next one.
This is my second story by Erica Pike, but if I hadn’t read the first one I probably never would have dared to read A Life Without You, not to mention the cover that really just puts me off.
Jesse and Adam are roommates at college and while Adam is gay, Jesse has a fiancé back home and is adamantly refusing to give up his dream of marriage and kids despite taking it up the ass daily. I did put it a bit crudely, but honestly that is exactly what happens and I did resent Jesse for most of this book. Anyway, at one point the fiancé gets suspicious and visits, causing more trouble than she’s worth really and turns the whole relationship between Jesse and Adam upside down.
It is strange, but that was my favorite part of this book. The emotional side was almost overwhelming and the reason why I initially liked this author’s writing drifted up to the surface. Heartbreak is very real and very difficult to get through and I liked the way this book shined for it. Some people might say it was too emotional, or the guys were too weepy, but for me it felt real and that is why I rated this with four stars.
To be honest, the first half of the book was good, but not all that great. The buildup seemed too long to me and I just didn’t like Jesse at all. He is a cheater and he really does not pick sides, so I should warn all those interested that there is male/female sex in this book, although not detailed or shown, it does happen ‘off screen’. Anyway, I can handle cheating as my track record in reading cheating books clearly shows, but I just couldn’t sympathize with Jesse’s situation. He was not honest and was rather selfish on more than one occasion and if by chance the author had put another more active character in this book I would have easily cheered that guy and Adam on.
Adam on the other hand was a bit pushy, but the guy was in love so I did forgive him. He seemed much more sincere although not always like someone who actually has some self-respect. Still, I liked him and the way the whole fiancé situation affected him, returned this book to the right track for me. My favorite character was a side one, as it often happens it seems. Eric is Adam’s best friend, flashy, mouthy and pushy, he was just a perfect person to lift this story up a bit. I love how he was caring and a great friend while not holding any words back.
In the end, I did really like this book, but it wasn’t as impressive as another short one I’ve read by Erica Pike. It is also not something I can just go ahead and recommend simply because it is a book that pushes a lot of buttons and does drag out a bit at times. Still, I did notice it was a part of a series and I will definitely be on a look out for the next one.
February 24, 2012
4 stars or 4,25 stars
It's the first book I've read by Erica Pike and I was really surprised by this one. Friends to lovers is not really my favorite theme but this one was well done. Even Eric grew on me, but then I was kind of thinking of Paris from Gilmore Girls, after he was introduced, the character at least. This book had good supporting characters which were well developed, had their own personality and not just thrown into the story from time to time. The book had good sexual tension, it made me laugh and then want to hit Jesse or Adam or both. Let's say they grow on you. Chirpy is a good one by the way :)
Why I'm not giving it 5 stars?
Adam was a bit to whiny(I'm sorry but I dislike this 'it's he or no one else' dramatics) and there were a bit to much tears flowing for my taste.
BUT
I'd buy the next one so,yes it's good and I'd recommend it, but you should take the categories I placed it in seriously.
It's the first book I've read by Erica Pike and I was really surprised by this one. Friends to lovers is not really my favorite theme but this one was well done. Even Eric grew on me, but then I was kind of thinking of Paris from Gilmore Girls, after he was introduced, the character at least. This book had good supporting characters which were well developed, had their own personality and not just thrown into the story from time to time. The book had good sexual tension, it made me laugh and then want to hit Jesse or Adam or both. Let's say they grow on you. Chirpy is a good one by the way :)
Why I'm not giving it 5 stars?
Adam was a bit to whiny(I'm sorry but I dislike this 'it's he or no one else' dramatics) and there were a bit to much tears flowing for my taste.
BUT
I'd buy the next one so,yes it's good and I'd recommend it, but you should take the categories I placed it in seriously.
July 15, 2012
I must admit that I didn't really have high hopes for this book when I started, but was I wrong. All through the beginning I kept yelling at Adam to get a clue, but love is love. The second part of the story really drew me in. The emotions felt so real and gripping that my heart was just breaking for Adam. Adam's strength to resist Jesse was what kept this story from being an average read, Adam had his self respect back and he was not compromising that...go Adam! Eric's take charge attitude to take care of his friend also really made this book good, just love Eric. Great read.
September 27, 2013
3,5 stars.
Nice romance about a gay college student who has a crush on his straight best friend and roommate.
The characters were well written and developed. I like reading stories where I get carried away with the emotions and this was one of those.
I loved flamboyant Eric. He was such an amazing friend to Adam in his time of need. Can't wait to read his story. :)
June 10, 2014
4.0 Stars
Geez but this was one emotional roller coaster. It's YA; it's coming out; it's GFY ... in short, it's a trip. But one that I'm happy I took! I loved Adam. (Yum.) Jesse drove me nuts and Jesse's GF ... don't even go there. The emo in me was in hog heaven.
Bottom line: Be prepared for a serious emo ride. Well worth it!
Geez but this was one emotional roller coaster. It's YA; it's coming out; it's GFY ... in short, it's a trip. But one that I'm happy I took! I loved Adam. (Yum.) Jesse drove me nuts and Jesse's GF ... don't even go there. The emo in me was in hog heaven.
Bottom line: Be prepared for a serious emo ride. Well worth it!
November 11, 2014
This book gave me whiplash!! Gah!!! I will review the whole thing after I finish book 2.
April 21, 2012
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Adam has had a hard time keeping a college roommate. Once the roommate finds out he’s gay, they soon move out, leaving Adam alone. Adam is caught off guard when the handsome and very likeable, Jesse, moves in with him. Try as he might, Adam can’t bring himself to tell Jesse he’s gay, preferring to keep it a secret so he can be around Jesse as much as possible. One night after a long night of partying, the truth comes out, and to Adam’s relief, Jesse seems to take the news in stride. But, from Jesse’s questions and by some of the body language that Adam receives from him, Adam starts to believe that Jesse might be attracted to him as well.
With this attraction comes problems. For one thing, Jesse is engaged to be married and has no intention of leaving his fiancée. Jesse wants to have the wife, white picket fence and handful of kids, and being gay or bisexual in Jesse’s mind will not allow him to achieve these things. Even though Adam knows this, he can’t help but hope that in time the feelings that keep growing and developing between them will bring Jesse of the closet so they can someday build a life together. But, as time goes by and when Jesse’s girlfriend arrives, Adam starts to truly understand that Jesse really may never chose to be with him. Will time and a lot of patience from Adam be what Jesse needs for him to come out of the closet and be with the man he truly loves, or will he succeed in pushing Adam away and out of his life forever?
A Life Without You is a wonderful read. As soon as I began this book the characters and fast-paced storyline kept this reader’s attention until I finished the very last word. I experienced every emotion while I read this book. There were times I laughed out loud, fussed angrily at some of the characters’ behaviors and used a tissue or two because of the heartbreak and sadness Adam experienced throughout the story. All in all I really loved this book and I hated to see it come to an end.
The main characters, Adam and Jesse, are not perfect heroes. The story is told through Adam’s eyes and through his point of view, and although I found Adam to be a very likeable hero, he’s certainly not perfect. He has his flaws. He makes mistakes, but the love and devotion he has for Jesse was truly beautiful to see. There were MANY times I thought Jesse didn’t deserve Adam’s love, but in the end, Jesse ends up being a hero worthy of Adam’s love, so in the end, it was worth the heart wrenching journey and the roller coaster ride it took for the two characters to get there.
Unfortunately, there will be some people who will not like this book because there is some cheating involved. Remember, Jesse is engaged to be married and while he’s going through his bullheaded, tormented time of trying to figure out how he needed to live his life, he sleeps with his fiancée while he’s secretly with Adam. Now, normally I do NOT like to read about cheating heroes, but because I loved Adam and understood that Jesse had really allowed his life to get out of control, I was able to overlook it and not allow this to ruin the story for me. I truly hope that people will give this book a chance and not automatically refuse to read it because of the cheating and the whole ‘girl cootie’ aspect of it. Both Jesse and Adam go through A LOT of character development as the story progresses and I loved watching them both change into smarter, mature men.
I also loved the secondary characters in the story. Ms. Pike is really able to make all of her characters live and breathe off of the written page. I’m anxiously looking forward to reading the next book in the series and other books written by this author. If you are looking for a well-written romance with likeable and humanly flawed characters that have to work hard for their happy ending, A Life Without You is definitely the book for you!!
Adam has had a hard time keeping a college roommate. Once the roommate finds out he’s gay, they soon move out, leaving Adam alone. Adam is caught off guard when the handsome and very likeable, Jesse, moves in with him. Try as he might, Adam can’t bring himself to tell Jesse he’s gay, preferring to keep it a secret so he can be around Jesse as much as possible. One night after a long night of partying, the truth comes out, and to Adam’s relief, Jesse seems to take the news in stride. But, from Jesse’s questions and by some of the body language that Adam receives from him, Adam starts to believe that Jesse might be attracted to him as well.
With this attraction comes problems. For one thing, Jesse is engaged to be married and has no intention of leaving his fiancée. Jesse wants to have the wife, white picket fence and handful of kids, and being gay or bisexual in Jesse’s mind will not allow him to achieve these things. Even though Adam knows this, he can’t help but hope that in time the feelings that keep growing and developing between them will bring Jesse of the closet so they can someday build a life together. But, as time goes by and when Jesse’s girlfriend arrives, Adam starts to truly understand that Jesse really may never chose to be with him. Will time and a lot of patience from Adam be what Jesse needs for him to come out of the closet and be with the man he truly loves, or will he succeed in pushing Adam away and out of his life forever?
A Life Without You is a wonderful read. As soon as I began this book the characters and fast-paced storyline kept this reader’s attention until I finished the very last word. I experienced every emotion while I read this book. There were times I laughed out loud, fussed angrily at some of the characters’ behaviors and used a tissue or two because of the heartbreak and sadness Adam experienced throughout the story. All in all I really loved this book and I hated to see it come to an end.
The main characters, Adam and Jesse, are not perfect heroes. The story is told through Adam’s eyes and through his point of view, and although I found Adam to be a very likeable hero, he’s certainly not perfect. He has his flaws. He makes mistakes, but the love and devotion he has for Jesse was truly beautiful to see. There were MANY times I thought Jesse didn’t deserve Adam’s love, but in the end, Jesse ends up being a hero worthy of Adam’s love, so in the end, it was worth the heart wrenching journey and the roller coaster ride it took for the two characters to get there.
Unfortunately, there will be some people who will not like this book because there is some cheating involved. Remember, Jesse is engaged to be married and while he’s going through his bullheaded, tormented time of trying to figure out how he needed to live his life, he sleeps with his fiancée while he’s secretly with Adam. Now, normally I do NOT like to read about cheating heroes, but because I loved Adam and understood that Jesse had really allowed his life to get out of control, I was able to overlook it and not allow this to ruin the story for me. I truly hope that people will give this book a chance and not automatically refuse to read it because of the cheating and the whole ‘girl cootie’ aspect of it. Both Jesse and Adam go through A LOT of character development as the story progresses and I loved watching them both change into smarter, mature men.
I also loved the secondary characters in the story. Ms. Pike is really able to make all of her characters live and breathe off of the written page. I’m anxiously looking forward to reading the next book in the series and other books written by this author. If you are looking for a well-written romance with likeable and humanly flawed characters that have to work hard for their happy ending, A Life Without You is definitely the book for you!!
August 20, 2012
This review was posted at Under the Covers
Adam has always known he was gay. When he develops feelings for his straight roommate, Jesse, things get a little complicated. Especially when said roommate actually might have feelings back. Or at least lust is definitely there.
While Jesse is struggling with his sexual preferences and his feelings for Adam, he chooses to keep whatever relationship they have very private. Taking Adam in the closet with him.
To complicate matters, Jesse is actually engaged to a girl back home. The whole time Adam and Jesse are having their relationship he is actually cheating on the girl. I was not so happy about that although it is obvious that he felt that getting engaged to her was what he was "supposed" to do and not love. I still think he should've ended things with the girlfriend.
I thought when Jesse and Adam were actually together, they were cute and loving and of course very hot. But I did start wanting to beat the crap out of Jesse for putting Adam through so much and Adam for taking it. Adam let Jesse get away with murder to the expense of his own sanity. I might've even been rooting at one point for Adam to get with one of his friends' buddies. Yes, I wanted to give Adam a hug.
Thank God for secondary characters and good friends that are there to help get Adam through what was actually a pretty rough time. I especially loved Eric to pieces and cannot wait to read his story. He was there for his friend, and not only that, he defended him.
In the end Jesse does redeem himself in my eyes but I still would've wanted him to do more groveling.
Adam has always known he was gay. When he develops feelings for his straight roommate, Jesse, things get a little complicated. Especially when said roommate actually might have feelings back. Or at least lust is definitely there.
While Jesse is struggling with his sexual preferences and his feelings for Adam, he chooses to keep whatever relationship they have very private. Taking Adam in the closet with him.
To complicate matters, Jesse is actually engaged to a girl back home. The whole time Adam and Jesse are having their relationship he is actually cheating on the girl. I was not so happy about that although it is obvious that he felt that getting engaged to her was what he was "supposed" to do and not love. I still think he should've ended things with the girlfriend.
I thought when Jesse and Adam were actually together, they were cute and loving and of course very hot. But I did start wanting to beat the crap out of Jesse for putting Adam through so much and Adam for taking it. Adam let Jesse get away with murder to the expense of his own sanity. I might've even been rooting at one point for Adam to get with one of his friends' buddies. Yes, I wanted to give Adam a hug.
Thank God for secondary characters and good friends that are there to help get Adam through what was actually a pretty rough time. I especially loved Eric to pieces and cannot wait to read his story. He was there for his friend, and not only that, he defended him.
In the end Jesse does redeem himself in my eyes but I still would've wanted him to do more groveling.
October 13, 2013
As much as I hated this book I’m still giving it 3 stars. I had a lot of issues with the relationship but overall the book was well written and I try not to take my personal hang ups out with my rating.
Adam is an out and proud college student who falls for his roommate Jesse. Jesse grew up in a small town and has never been exposed to anything outside the traditional man and woman, have three kids and a white picket fence type of lifestyle. He’s engaged to a girl back home but starts a relationship with Adam. Jesse is very possessive over Adam and has issues with him even being friends with other gay men. He doesn’t want anyone else touching or being close to Adam but at the same time he refuses to break up with his fiancé and has every intention of marrying her once he’s through with college.
Adam is willing to take what he can get and I felt like he lost a part of who he was in the relationship. He felt like a doormat accepting the little pieces Jesse was willing to throw his way. When Jesse’s girlfriend comes to visit things come to a head and you see how broken a person can become when they allow their whole world to revolve around one person in hopes they’ll love you back.
The only bright part of the story for me was Eric who stayed by Adams side when he was completely broken. I can’t imagine the struggles that Jesse went through trying to find who he is and what he wants with life but the relationship was so dysfunctional that I have a hard time excusing either one of their behavior.
Like I said, it was well written and my issues are mine but I really wanted to rate this a 1 or maybe a 2.
Adam is an out and proud college student who falls for his roommate Jesse. Jesse grew up in a small town and has never been exposed to anything outside the traditional man and woman, have three kids and a white picket fence type of lifestyle. He’s engaged to a girl back home but starts a relationship with Adam. Jesse is very possessive over Adam and has issues with him even being friends with other gay men. He doesn’t want anyone else touching or being close to Adam but at the same time he refuses to break up with his fiancé and has every intention of marrying her once he’s through with college.
Adam is willing to take what he can get and I felt like he lost a part of who he was in the relationship. He felt like a doormat accepting the little pieces Jesse was willing to throw his way. When Jesse’s girlfriend comes to visit things come to a head and you see how broken a person can become when they allow their whole world to revolve around one person in hopes they’ll love you back.
The only bright part of the story for me was Eric who stayed by Adams side when he was completely broken. I can’t imagine the struggles that Jesse went through trying to find who he is and what he wants with life but the relationship was so dysfunctional that I have a hard time excusing either one of their behavior.
Like I said, it was well written and my issues are mine but I really wanted to rate this a 1 or maybe a 2.
May 12, 2012
Read in January:
I was not sure how to rate this. I guess to some extent I even liked it. About 30% of the book was really good, but the more I read the more I was getting tired of this cheating issue. And I don't know who's more emo in this book - Adam or Jesse. Probably the former, what with But really, did they both have to cry so much? *sigh*
2.75 - 3 stars
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Re-read in May:
Okay, strange thing happened. I read this again just before the release of book #2, and must admit that I liked it much more the second time - probably because I already knew what was going to happen and the cheating thing didn't get to me as much as it did when I read the book several months ago. This time I could appreciate the good writing and found myself really enjoying Jesse and Adam's story. So sue me, but I'm changing my rating to 4 stars.
I was not sure how to rate this. I guess to some extent I even liked it. About 30% of the book was really good, but the more I read the more I was getting tired of this cheating issue. And I don't know who's more emo in this book - Adam or Jesse. Probably the former, what with But really, did they both have to cry so much? *sigh*
2.75 - 3 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Re-read in May:
Okay, strange thing happened. I read this again just before the release of book #2, and must admit that I liked it much more the second time - probably because I already knew what was going to happen and the cheating thing didn't get to me as much as it did when I read the book several months ago. This time I could appreciate the good writing and found myself really enjoying Jesse and Adam's story. So sue me, but I'm changing my rating to 4 stars.
September 7, 2014
There are some things I really loved about this story. So much so I had to go and buy the next in the series right away. That being said I also found a bit was hard to take a times - a lot of whining and gut wrenching heartbreak - maybe I am just a glutton for punishment. I always wonder a bit about books about guys with a lot of crying, whining and emotion junk in them that are written by women - hey don't get me wrong - I LOVE emo filled stories.
Most of all I was really entertained - and that is my main criteria for enjoying a story. I am not one to nit pick about the literary quality of the stuff I read when I am choosing smut, but it's nice if I can find a plot that takes me for a great ride and has some steaminess to make that journey more interesting. (It is loaded with sex scenes and some are really quite hot.)
It's written in first person POV, which I love, but I know that not everyone else does. In this case it made it hard to really understand a lot of the conflict, but that's probably what the author intended anyway. I didn't love the characters - but I liked them enough to find myself caring what happened to them - and definitely cheering for them to get an HEA.
Most of all I was really entertained - and that is my main criteria for enjoying a story. I am not one to nit pick about the literary quality of the stuff I read when I am choosing smut, but it's nice if I can find a plot that takes me for a great ride and has some steaminess to make that journey more interesting. (It is loaded with sex scenes and some are really quite hot.)
It's written in first person POV, which I love, but I know that not everyone else does. In this case it made it hard to really understand a lot of the conflict, but that's probably what the author intended anyway. I didn't love the characters - but I liked them enough to find myself caring what happened to them - and definitely cheering for them to get an HEA.
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