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Theta Alpha Gamma #3
Sweet Young Thang
Thanks to Collin Montes, Theta Alpha Gamma now welcomes gay and bisexual students. Persuading his Uncle Monty, president of the TAG Alumni Association, that the open approach won’t adversely affect TAG’s reputation is Collin’s own first step toward coming out. As long as there are no repercussions, he’ll escape the closet by graduation.
Enter repercussions, stage left: someone rigs the TAG House water heater to launch through the ceiling, then plants a bomb—thankfully unsuccessful—in the fraternity’s basement. Now Collin has his hands full not only trying to convince his uncle that this might not be the work of homophobes, but also dealing with a fratful of brothers worried about their kegger fridge.
Paramedic Eric Dixon can’t stop thinking about the kid he met during a call at his former college fraternity house. The age gap between them is trumped by sexy eyes, so when Eric sees Collin again at the bomb scene, he pursues him. Soon, Eric is dreaming of being a househusband, fighting to keep Collin safe from whoever’s trying to destroy the fraternity, and helping his sweet young thang realize that repercussions sometimes have silver linings.
Enter repercussions, stage left: someone rigs the TAG House water heater to launch through the ceiling, then plants a bomb—thankfully unsuccessful—in the fraternity’s basement. Now Collin has his hands full not only trying to convince his uncle that this might not be the work of homophobes, but also dealing with a fratful of brothers worried about their kegger fridge.
Paramedic Eric Dixon can’t stop thinking about the kid he met during a call at his former college fraternity house. The age gap between them is trumped by sexy eyes, so when Eric sees Collin again at the bomb scene, he pursues him. Soon, Eric is dreaming of being a househusband, fighting to keep Collin safe from whoever’s trying to destroy the fraternity, and helping his sweet young thang realize that repercussions sometimes have silver linings.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2013
25 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Anne Tenino
22 books669 followersCatalyzed by her discovery of LGBTQ romance, Anne Tenino left the lucrative fields of art history, non-profit fundraising, and domestic engineering (in that order) to follow her dream of become a starving romance author. For good or ill, her snarky, silly, quasi-British sense of humor came along for the ride.
Anne applies her particular blend of romance, comedy, and gay protagonists to contemporary, scifi, and paranormal tales. Her works have won many awards; her novel, Frat Boy and Toppy, is frequently referred to as a gay romance classic; she’s been featured in RT Book Reviews magazine; she holds the position of VP of Programming at her local RWA chapter; and she’s achieved bestseller status on Amazon’s gay romance list.
Born and raised in Oregon, Anne now lives in Portland with her family, who have all taken a sacred oath never to read her books. When not crocheting genitalia, growing tomatoes, driving teenagers around, or cooking something obscure, she can be found at her computer, procrastinating. Possibly while also lying on the couch, eating bon-bons.
Check out what Anne’s up to now by visiting her site. http://annetenino.com
Links:
Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
Riptide:
http://www.riptidepublishing.com/auth...
Chicks & Dicks:
http://chicksndicks.blogspot.com
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/AnneTenino
Goodreads profile:
http://www.goodreads.com/annetenino
Anne applies her particular blend of romance, comedy, and gay protagonists to contemporary, scifi, and paranormal tales. Her works have won many awards; her novel, Frat Boy and Toppy, is frequently referred to as a gay romance classic; she’s been featured in RT Book Reviews magazine; she holds the position of VP of Programming at her local RWA chapter; and she’s achieved bestseller status on Amazon’s gay romance list.
Born and raised in Oregon, Anne now lives in Portland with her family, who have all taken a sacred oath never to read her books. When not crocheting genitalia, growing tomatoes, driving teenagers around, or cooking something obscure, she can be found at her computer, procrastinating. Possibly while also lying on the couch, eating bon-bons.
Check out what Anne’s up to now by visiting her site. http://annetenino.com
Links:
Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
Riptide:
http://www.riptidepublishing.com/auth...
Chicks & Dicks:
http://chicksndicks.blogspot.com
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/AnneTenino
Goodreads profile:
http://www.goodreads.com/annetenino
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
July 19, 2013
**3.75 stars**
As anyone who reads my reviews knows, I am a self-proclaimed Anne Tenino fan-girl. Normally, I'm reading her books while alternating between squealing shrilly and rapid-fire quoting gay erotica to my very disinterested husband. Was this book "squeal-worthy"? Maybe a half-hearted squeal, like a mini squeal. I liked it a lot but it had a few little details that irked me.
Let me start with what I LOVED. Anne Tenino writes some of the funniest scenes that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I am obsessed, OBSESSED, with the scenes that involve the whole fraternity. I don't want to get into details and spoil the fun for anyone but anything that gets Danny talking about "sensitivity training"... just pee-your-pants funny. Anne Tenino also always comes up with the most clever little phrases. I consistently find her incredibly quote-worthy.
"He'd entered some kind of hirsute, erotic paradise. Bearadise?"
Another thing that is fabulous about this book (and all of Anne's books) is that the scenes feel real. Thank you Anne for having your characters talk about taking showers before getting rimmed! Am I the only one that cringes when I'm reading a book and the characters are like out dancing, getting all sweaty at a club, eating heavy food... and then they get to the sex and they are rimming each other like it is spic and span back there! I think not! Anne has her characters scurrying off to get clean before action happens. It might sound silly to mention in a review but I like how the author always does that.
Also on the feeling real part, I think that Eric and Collin's relationship felt very authentic. Though they got serious quickly, it didn't feel contrived at all to me. It felt organic and natural. They chemistry was palpable and I loved the way they grew as a couple in a short period of time.
So if this book is so fabulous, why not 5 stars? Just a warning, this is purely personal taste. Here is my problem, and it is a doozy for this book: I hated, HATED, all of the pet names. I honestly cringed each time Eric called Collin "sweet thing" or "sweetness". I couldn't picture him saying it without giving a cheesy wink or leer.
It was a total mood-killer and it was on every... single... page. And I usually don't mind endearments! I don't mind guys calling each other "baby", "darling", "cutie"... it is just "sweet thing" felt mildly creepy and very forced. If he had left off with the "sweet thing" comments, I think this would have gone up at least 1/2 a star, maybe more.
My other little issue with this book is that I didn't love the whole mystery plot line. I honestly don't know how this book would have come together otherwise, but I felt like it took me out of Collin and Eric's relationship a bit. I could have done without it altogether and had the entire book be about Collin's struggle to find his own path, come out, and figure out his relationship with Eric.
What is my final take on this book? It was a very very nice read that just wasn't quite as wonderful as I wanted. However I LOVE Anne Tenino's style and I will remain a devoted fan-girl!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
As anyone who reads my reviews knows, I am a self-proclaimed Anne Tenino fan-girl. Normally, I'm reading her books while alternating between squealing shrilly and rapid-fire quoting gay erotica to my very disinterested husband. Was this book "squeal-worthy"? Maybe a half-hearted squeal, like a mini squeal. I liked it a lot but it had a few little details that irked me.
Let me start with what I LOVED. Anne Tenino writes some of the funniest scenes that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I am obsessed, OBSESSED, with the scenes that involve the whole fraternity. I don't want to get into details and spoil the fun for anyone but anything that gets Danny talking about "sensitivity training"... just pee-your-pants funny. Anne Tenino also always comes up with the most clever little phrases. I consistently find her incredibly quote-worthy.
"He'd entered some kind of hirsute, erotic paradise. Bearadise?"
Another thing that is fabulous about this book (and all of Anne's books) is that the scenes feel real. Thank you Anne for having your characters talk about taking showers before getting rimmed! Am I the only one that cringes when I'm reading a book and the characters are like out dancing, getting all sweaty at a club, eating heavy food... and then they get to the sex and they are rimming each other like it is spic and span back there! I think not! Anne has her characters scurrying off to get clean before action happens. It might sound silly to mention in a review but I like how the author always does that.
Also on the feeling real part, I think that Eric and Collin's relationship felt very authentic. Though they got serious quickly, it didn't feel contrived at all to me. It felt organic and natural. They chemistry was palpable and I loved the way they grew as a couple in a short period of time.
So if this book is so fabulous, why not 5 stars? Just a warning, this is purely personal taste. Here is my problem, and it is a doozy for this book: I hated, HATED, all of the pet names. I honestly cringed each time Eric called Collin "sweet thing" or "sweetness". I couldn't picture him saying it without giving a cheesy wink or leer.
It was a total mood-killer and it was on every... single... page. And I usually don't mind endearments! I don't mind guys calling each other "baby", "darling", "cutie"... it is just "sweet thing" felt mildly creepy and very forced. If he had left off with the "sweet thing" comments, I think this would have gone up at least 1/2 a star, maybe more.
My other little issue with this book is that I didn't love the whole mystery plot line. I honestly don't know how this book would have come together otherwise, but I felt like it took me out of Collin and Eric's relationship a bit. I could have done without it altogether and had the entire book be about Collin's struggle to find his own path, come out, and figure out his relationship with Eric.
What is my final take on this book? It was a very very nice read that just wasn't quite as wonderful as I wanted. However I LOVE Anne Tenino's style and I will remain a devoted fan-girl!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
September 20, 2013
Let me preface this review with saying I usually love any books with paramedics, firefighters, etc. and I love frat boys or just even college men stories. Those elements combined SHOULD have hooked me enough to rate this at least middle of the road. Unfortunately, I couldn’t focus on the book at all for more than ten minutes due to very specific factors.
This is the story of Collin Montes, a Theta Alpha Gamma fraternity member, who has pushed for his fraternity to openly allow gay members. Collin is still in the closet himself due to a contentious, homophobic uncle, Marty, who is the president of Theta Alpha Gamma’s Alumni Association, but he wants to come out as soon as possible. Late in the night one evening there is an explosion at the frat due to a rigged water heater, and a frat member is injured. Enter Paramedic Eric Dixon, an older man and a former Theta Alpha Gamma member, who coincidently enough, used to have a crush on Collin’s uncle, Monty. What follows is a whirlwind romance between Collin and Eric (and I mean that and will get to that later), and a weak mystery plot concerning a vendetta against the fraternity and its members, perhaps particularly Collin.
So first things first, this plot was just ALL over the map and the book was too much of EVERYTHING. Too many characters, too many storyline threads, too much sex, too many pet names, too much creepiness, too much repetition, too much insta-love, too many clichés…the only thing this book didn’t have too much of was a plot that was interesting.
The fraternity brothers would often have meetings or discussions, and I gather many of these moments were to produce laughter in the reader. I just found it all tedious and unrealistic. It didn’t read at all like any college man I’ve really ever encountered, especially not ones in a group frat setting. I’m not saying the author didn’t know what she was talking about or do her research, but it felt all very flat and contrived to me.
The main couple of Collin and Eric drove me BONKERS. If I heard one.more. freakin. time. “Sweetness,”“Pretty Thang,” “Sweet Thang,” “ Pretty Thing,” or “Sweet Boy,” I felt like I was going to slam my head on a counter. And I get that Eric was older, but my God, it was brought up over and over. And seriously, I’ve read insta-love before (and never liked it), but this was overboard, even for me. I think it was the second time they hang out (and maybe even just 2 days) and Eric is already talking love. The next dozens of chapters kept being all “Are you changing your mind?” “No” “Are you OK if I’m not there yet?” “Yep” “Let’s go bareback” “Yes” “No, wait…maybe wait” (next sex scene) “I’m ready to go bareback”. So freaking frustrating!!!! Also the author put way too much sex in this, and it felt at times like page filler. I didn’t feel each time advanced the couple’s standing or the plot. Also, I can’t place my fingertip on it, but for some reason Eric’s photography hobby and taking pictures of Collin creeped me out mildly. Perhaps if he hadn’t come across so clingy, googly-eyed, and insecure IMMEDIATELY after sleeping with Collin, I would have felt better. I couldn’t understand how this man was discussing love so soon with someone he didn’t know at all, and combine that with his neediness and picture-taking, it felt almost like Eric viewed Collin as some younger man object and could freeze him in time with photos. Or I’m rambling and this is all a load of conjecturing crap. Either way, the couple didn’t do it for me at all.
I didn’t care for the mystery, both in the perpetrators or the crimes themselves. It felt distracting and at the same, never felt focused enough to warrant being there. I just wish the characters could have met some other way.
So this is kind of sugar fluff with loads of pet names and endearments, an older man falling in love with his closeted younger man, and a mystery of who is potentially after the fraternity for allowing homosexual members to pledge and become members. Just not for me.
This is the story of Collin Montes, a Theta Alpha Gamma fraternity member, who has pushed for his fraternity to openly allow gay members. Collin is still in the closet himself due to a contentious, homophobic uncle, Marty, who is the president of Theta Alpha Gamma’s Alumni Association, but he wants to come out as soon as possible. Late in the night one evening there is an explosion at the frat due to a rigged water heater, and a frat member is injured. Enter Paramedic Eric Dixon, an older man and a former Theta Alpha Gamma member, who coincidently enough, used to have a crush on Collin’s uncle, Monty. What follows is a whirlwind romance between Collin and Eric (and I mean that and will get to that later), and a weak mystery plot concerning a vendetta against the fraternity and its members, perhaps particularly Collin.
So first things first, this plot was just ALL over the map and the book was too much of EVERYTHING. Too many characters, too many storyline threads, too much sex, too many pet names, too much creepiness, too much repetition, too much insta-love, too many clichés…the only thing this book didn’t have too much of was a plot that was interesting.
The fraternity brothers would often have meetings or discussions, and I gather many of these moments were to produce laughter in the reader. I just found it all tedious and unrealistic. It didn’t read at all like any college man I’ve really ever encountered, especially not ones in a group frat setting. I’m not saying the author didn’t know what she was talking about or do her research, but it felt all very flat and contrived to me.
The main couple of Collin and Eric drove me BONKERS. If I heard one.more. freakin. time. “Sweetness,”“Pretty Thang,” “Sweet Thang,” “ Pretty Thing,” or “Sweet Boy,” I felt like I was going to slam my head on a counter. And I get that Eric was older, but my God, it was brought up over and over. And seriously, I’ve read insta-love before (and never liked it), but this was overboard, even for me. I think it was the second time they hang out (and maybe even just 2 days) and Eric is already talking love. The next dozens of chapters kept being all “Are you changing your mind?” “No” “Are you OK if I’m not there yet?” “Yep” “Let’s go bareback” “Yes” “No, wait…maybe wait” (next sex scene) “I’m ready to go bareback”. So freaking frustrating!!!! Also the author put way too much sex in this, and it felt at times like page filler. I didn’t feel each time advanced the couple’s standing or the plot. Also, I can’t place my fingertip on it, but for some reason Eric’s photography hobby and taking pictures of Collin creeped me out mildly. Perhaps if he hadn’t come across so clingy, googly-eyed, and insecure IMMEDIATELY after sleeping with Collin, I would have felt better. I couldn’t understand how this man was discussing love so soon with someone he didn’t know at all, and combine that with his neediness and picture-taking, it felt almost like Eric viewed Collin as some younger man object and could freeze him in time with photos. Or I’m rambling and this is all a load of conjecturing crap. Either way, the couple didn’t do it for me at all.
I didn’t care for the mystery, both in the perpetrators or the crimes themselves. It felt distracting and at the same, never felt focused enough to warrant being there. I just wish the characters could have met some other way.
So this is kind of sugar fluff with loads of pet names and endearments, an older man falling in love with his closeted younger man, and a mystery of who is potentially after the fraternity for allowing homosexual members to pledge and become members. Just not for me.
November 15, 2016
*2.5 stars*
Even Nick J. Russo couldn't save this audiobook.
I vaguely remembered this story from when I read it in ebook form years ago, but I was not prepared for how much the audio would annoy me. I'm talking nicknames every single page, and annoying ones too, like "sweet baby boy" and "sweet young thang," but said in a serious tone. I couldn't handle it read out loud to me. It was suffocating, and it highlighted the age difference between the two MCs, but in a bad way, not in a sexy way.
I also really struggled with the insta-love this time around. Collin and Eric were so extremely insta-lovey as a couple. Eric was the more intense one of the two, even to go as far as creeping me out a little bit. He was so over-the-top with the nicknames and the lovey stuff that it ended up making me shut down. It made me disconnect from the story.
Now, the story isn't without it's merits. The rest of the frat house boys were hysterical, and I loved all the parts where the frat guys were trying to be all PC and sensitive. That was the best. I wish the author had focused more on keeping this book in that tone. However, the plot became too cumbersome and convoluted, and dragged on too long. I found myself wanting to switch to another audiobook, which is a terrible sign.
While I always enjoy Nick J. Russo's narration, I think this wasn't his best. The MCs' voices were too similar, and I much preferred the narrator's performance in the other books in the series.
A downgrade from my previous ebook rating, which is probably from a combo of changing tastes/getting more picky and actually hearing some of those nicknames out loud. *shutter*
*Audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review*
Listening to the audio version. For my ebook review see here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 24, 2013
2.75
This was okay. Very readable but nothing really stood out for me in terms of either the characters or the storyline. I liked Collin and Eric but there were a few things that didn't work for me here:
I liked seeing Brad/Sebastian and Paul/Trevor. I really enjoy those guys so it was nice to have brief cameos. The frat boys? Love them in all their "sensitive" glory. There are more stories to tell from the frat house and I'll look forward to those but this installment wasn't a favourite.
This was okay. Very readable but nothing really stood out for me in terms of either the characters or the storyline. I liked Collin and Eric but there were a few things that didn't work for me here:
I liked seeing Brad/Sebastian and Paul/Trevor. I really enjoy those guys so it was nice to have brief cameos. The frat boys? Love them in all their "sensitive" glory. There are more stories to tell from the frat house and I'll look forward to those but this installment wasn't a favourite.
August 12, 2013
3.75*
I was a little worried that I wouldn't like this book, the warnings about the overuse of endearments and such made me wary. But I enjoyed book #2 in this series and I usually like Anne Tenino 's stories so I decided t give it a go.
I won't recap the story, it's been done and the blurb is pretty good at explaining it, but I do want to say that I appreciated the situation Collin goes through with his Uncle Monty, I think a lot of us have someone in our life( at some point) who exercises a lot of influence and pressure on us and our decisions, it's pretty damn hard to break from that pattern and do it in a way that is best for everyone, it's not always feasible or possible to burn all your bridges.
Anyhow..the humor is another thing I love about this author, I'm usually smiling and feel entertained when I'm reading her stories.
Eric is a little too good to be true but hey, why not? Collin is a great guy and the frat boys were fun.
All in all an enjoyable entertaining read and since I was warned about all the 'sweet boy/thing/sweetness...etc' I was pretty much able to ignore it and just think Eric is one of those overly expressive guys.
I was a little worried that I wouldn't like this book, the warnings about the overuse of endearments and such made me wary. But I enjoyed book #2 in this series and I usually like Anne Tenino 's stories so I decided t give it a go.
I won't recap the story, it's been done and the blurb is pretty good at explaining it, but I do want to say that I appreciated the situation Collin goes through with his Uncle Monty, I think a lot of us have someone in our life( at some point) who exercises a lot of influence and pressure on us and our decisions, it's pretty damn hard to break from that pattern and do it in a way that is best for everyone, it's not always feasible or possible to burn all your bridges.
Anyhow..the humor is another thing I love about this author, I'm usually smiling and feel entertained when I'm reading her stories.
Eric is a little too good to be true but hey, why not? Collin is a great guy and the frat boys were fun.
All in all an enjoyable entertaining read and since I was warned about all the 'sweet boy/thing/sweetness...etc' I was pretty much able to ignore it and just think Eric is one of those overly expressive guys.
September 24, 2013
Okay...so this book turned out to be annoying. Let me count the ways. Before I do, though, let me say that it did not start out as such. I read the sample, was charmed, coughed up $7.99, and settled in for a nice lengthy-ish read.
Except:
1. The interests, the pov's, the perspectives in this story felt as if they were diametrically opposed. I couldn't reconcile the shifts between Eric and Collin aka Sweetness. I read YA, New Adult and mature works and I enjoy them all so my problem, as will be stated, has nothing to do at all with the fact that the setting for this book was on a college campus. My problem is that the writer tries to write two different books and pair them up. Age differences can be tricky to write, I well understand, but a perspective has to be chosen and fully utilised.
What I mean is that Eric is 36 and Collin is 21. The book opens with Eric and the feeling, the atmosphere, is that of maturity. Then we switch to a college campus with Collin and we have characters behaving as if a frat meeting is a U.N. convention deciding on world war or something. This binary opposition in tone persisted throughout. It created a note of dissonance that I just couldn't get past. Plus, I'm younger than Eric and I find it hard to re-enter a college mindset. It was just jarring for me reading these characters taking a frat so seriously.
2. I never want to read another book with "sweet" anything being the term of endearment. Seriously, the recipe called for a tablespoon of sugar; Tenino went out and bought the cane fields. This is the worst case of overdoing it I have ever come across. Ever.
3. The writing read to me as being self-conscious, self-aware, stiff, sort of wooden. Some books lets me know that someone is weaving/creating a story. Other books and writers allow me to be immersed in a work with no glass pane. I'm there. This one is that of the former. There was too much craft on the page. Too much work, bordering on out and out artifice...especially in the characterisations.
4. The plot was diverting but not compelling and there were times when I was very tempted to DNF when the sweet shit pinged my exposed nerves having long past eroded the enamel.
5. I am completely fine with instantaneous love. I think some things and people and feelings you may just know. Yet the insta-love here creeped me out. I love you's and keys and proposals in a week! Eric came across as somewhat smothering, needy and insecure sometimes. This is the first time in a long time I have read a romance and have been so outside of it. I was actually framing the advsisory conversation in my head. "Sweetie, this isn't exactly healthy..."
Having said all that, and despite the fact that this author's writing never really gels with me and I don't quite like her voice, I am going to read Jock's story when she does write it. The set up is so obvious that it is in fact going to be written and this series will be perpetuated and that too is annoying but Jock intrigues me.
Also, there were some funny moments and a couple cute ones...it's just that it was all way too drawn out and that killed the essence.
Except:
1. The interests, the pov's, the perspectives in this story felt as if they were diametrically opposed. I couldn't reconcile the shifts between Eric and Collin aka Sweetness. I read YA, New Adult and mature works and I enjoy them all so my problem, as will be stated, has nothing to do at all with the fact that the setting for this book was on a college campus. My problem is that the writer tries to write two different books and pair them up. Age differences can be tricky to write, I well understand, but a perspective has to be chosen and fully utilised.
What I mean is that Eric is 36 and Collin is 21. The book opens with Eric and the feeling, the atmosphere, is that of maturity. Then we switch to a college campus with Collin and we have characters behaving as if a frat meeting is a U.N. convention deciding on world war or something. This binary opposition in tone persisted throughout. It created a note of dissonance that I just couldn't get past. Plus, I'm younger than Eric and I find it hard to re-enter a college mindset. It was just jarring for me reading these characters taking a frat so seriously.
2. I never want to read another book with "sweet" anything being the term of endearment. Seriously, the recipe called for a tablespoon of sugar; Tenino went out and bought the cane fields. This is the worst case of overdoing it I have ever come across. Ever.
3. The writing read to me as being self-conscious, self-aware, stiff, sort of wooden. Some books lets me know that someone is weaving/creating a story. Other books and writers allow me to be immersed in a work with no glass pane. I'm there. This one is that of the former. There was too much craft on the page. Too much work, bordering on out and out artifice...especially in the characterisations.
4. The plot was diverting but not compelling and there were times when I was very tempted to DNF when the sweet shit pinged my exposed nerves having long past eroded the enamel.
5. I am completely fine with instantaneous love. I think some things and people and feelings you may just know. Yet the insta-love here creeped me out. I love you's and keys and proposals in a week! Eric came across as somewhat smothering, needy and insecure sometimes. This is the first time in a long time I have read a romance and have been so outside of it. I was actually framing the advsisory conversation in my head. "Sweetie, this isn't exactly healthy..."
Having said all that, and despite the fact that this author's writing never really gels with me and I don't quite like her voice, I am going to read Jock's story when she does write it. The set up is so obvious that it is in fact going to be written and this series will be perpetuated and that too is annoying but Jock intrigues me.
Also, there were some funny moments and a couple cute ones...it's just that it was all way too drawn out and that killed the essence.
March 31, 2016
If I have learned something with this book is that a good fire cures everything!
Eric kind of reminded me of Gus Portokalos with the Windex lol
Your frat buddies are pestering you? let me light you a fire. Bad day with the family? I built you a fire. Someone tried to kill you? Nothing like a raging fire to make you feel better.
I liked this book, endearments and all. Eric was just perfect, maybe my favorite MC of the series so far!
Where can I get an Eric for myself?
October 7, 2023
Sweet Young Thang is the third book in Anne Tenino's Theta Alpha Gamma series. A fun, light hearted story about Collin, a college student and frat bro who finds his fraternity house damaged by launching water heaters, sketchy bombs, and a judgy granddad. Fortunately a hot paramedic arrives to save the day (and his love life). Very cute.
Nick J. Russo does a nice job with the audio.
Nick J. Russo does a nice job with the audio.
July 19, 2013
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
Well, Anne, you've made me do it again. Every time I pick up one of your (long-awaited) books I find myself even more in love than before. I think this time around I really fell in love with this book, simply because it had so many different qualities to love and pinged on so many different emotions from so many different characters. And, it was touching. Anne takes us satisfactorily deep into Collin and then allows us to experience the moments of clarity and insight as he feels them and deals with them.
In this third installment of the Theta Alpha Gamma series, we head back once again to the fraternity that first saw an open gay student with Brad in Frat Boy and Toppy. We meet Collin briefly (if I can remember correctly) as Brad's friend who gives him a pretty big failure of a blowjob, one that acts as somewhat of a catalyst in Brad and Sebastian's relationship.
In Sweet Young Thang we see that experience from Collin's perspective. He is.../was? Brad's best friend but not out himself. He did a pretty good job of pretending to be straight before that, but now he has a good circle of friends at the college that are all gay men. He's the Alumni Liaison for TAG, a position secured for him by his Uncle Monty, the President of the Alumni Association with a heavy hand in current TAG politics -- the biggest of which is the recent change in policy that says that Theta Alpha Gamma now accepts gay students. Of course, it always did, but it was more of a Don't Ask, Don't Tell kind of situation. Brad changed all that. Collin convinced his Uncle Monty to support him in his lobbying to change the policy and in return promises him that there will be no repercussions from those who might be unhappy about the change.
All of that is blown out of the water when someone plants a bomb and sets the TAG house on fire. A frat brother is injured and the house is totally a lost cause. And Uncle Monty starts putting on the pressure to change the policy back. But part of Collin's reasons for lobbying the change so hard were to see his Uncle's reactions in the first place. His whole life has been planned out by his uncle, his prep school, college, classes and degree, including his position in the family olive oil import business after graduation. It isn't until he meets sexy paramedic Eric (who has his own secret history with Uncle Monty), an alum of TAG himself in the bomb fiasco that Collin starts to feel like he finally has someone in his corner. But their relationship is picking up quick and heavy and the pressure from all directions in his life is starting to get to Collin.
This is quite a long novel, but it really doesn't seem like it because it's really jam packed with action and a super quick pace. The only real downtime in the story are the times alone with Collin and Eric, which thankfully are a fair few. Normally, I would probably prefer the story to be less sex heavy and more plot-centric, but Anne Tenino knows how to write sex and intimacy together, while keeping the relationship moving forward and the sex important to plot. And that's all while making it some of the hottest sex I've read this year! Whew, Eric and Collin have a serious connection from the moment they meet and it really shows throughout the book, slowly translating from lust into something real. Even though it's made known several times throughout the book how fast their relationship is moving (a week total over the whole book) this NEVER felt like insta-love. It isn't about the overall time that the couple has in getting to know one another, but about how they spend that time. Eric and Collin go through a lot together and each step along the way they communicate those changes between them, so that you can see them growing together.
All i can really do is urge you to read this book yourself. I know that this book will have a fair few amount of fans excited to read it already, because of the popularity of the series previously. But all I can really say is that I feel like this series gets better and better with each book, and while your preferences for the plot of each will change how you feel about each book (they're all fairly different), I think that Anne's writing has grown in leaps and bounds since Frat Boy…. There are so many great things about this book, a kick ass opening chapter which really introduces us to Eric well and some absolutely pure hilarity from the frat boys:
and
This moment between Collin and Eric pulled it all together for me:
I admit I did wonder a few times if Collin ever went to class! Of course, that doesn't matter, but it does illustrate the enormous pressure I felt for him. Collin has everything bombarding him at once with enormous pressure on him to hold the weight, to deal with it, to figure it out for everyone else. I really felt for him. And it made his time with Eric and their marathon sex chapters not just an expected byproduct of a romance novel, but needed as de-stressing time for him.
So, yes, I definitely recommend this one. I know a lot of you will be reading it anyway, so I'd love to know what you think. Please leave me comments!
Well, Anne, you've made me do it again. Every time I pick up one of your (long-awaited) books I find myself even more in love than before. I think this time around I really fell in love with this book, simply because it had so many different qualities to love and pinged on so many different emotions from so many different characters. And, it was touching. Anne takes us satisfactorily deep into Collin and then allows us to experience the moments of clarity and insight as he feels them and deals with them.
In this third installment of the Theta Alpha Gamma series, we head back once again to the fraternity that first saw an open gay student with Brad in Frat Boy and Toppy. We meet Collin briefly (if I can remember correctly) as Brad's friend who gives him a pretty big failure of a blowjob, one that acts as somewhat of a catalyst in Brad and Sebastian's relationship.
In Sweet Young Thang we see that experience from Collin's perspective. He is.../was? Brad's best friend but not out himself. He did a pretty good job of pretending to be straight before that, but now he has a good circle of friends at the college that are all gay men. He's the Alumni Liaison for TAG, a position secured for him by his Uncle Monty, the President of the Alumni Association with a heavy hand in current TAG politics -- the biggest of which is the recent change in policy that says that Theta Alpha Gamma now accepts gay students. Of course, it always did, but it was more of a Don't Ask, Don't Tell kind of situation. Brad changed all that. Collin convinced his Uncle Monty to support him in his lobbying to change the policy and in return promises him that there will be no repercussions from those who might be unhappy about the change.
All of that is blown out of the water when someone plants a bomb and sets the TAG house on fire. A frat brother is injured and the house is totally a lost cause. And Uncle Monty starts putting on the pressure to change the policy back. But part of Collin's reasons for lobbying the change so hard were to see his Uncle's reactions in the first place. His whole life has been planned out by his uncle, his prep school, college, classes and degree, including his position in the family olive oil import business after graduation. It isn't until he meets sexy paramedic Eric (who has his own secret history with Uncle Monty), an alum of TAG himself in the bomb fiasco that Collin starts to feel like he finally has someone in his corner. But their relationship is picking up quick and heavy and the pressure from all directions in his life is starting to get to Collin.
This is quite a long novel, but it really doesn't seem like it because it's really jam packed with action and a super quick pace. The only real downtime in the story are the times alone with Collin and Eric, which thankfully are a fair few. Normally, I would probably prefer the story to be less sex heavy and more plot-centric, but Anne Tenino knows how to write sex and intimacy together, while keeping the relationship moving forward and the sex important to plot. And that's all while making it some of the hottest sex I've read this year! Whew, Eric and Collin have a serious connection from the moment they meet and it really shows throughout the book, slowly translating from lust into something real. Even though it's made known several times throughout the book how fast their relationship is moving (a week total over the whole book) this NEVER felt like insta-love. It isn't about the overall time that the couple has in getting to know one another, but about how they spend that time. Eric and Collin go through a lot together and each step along the way they communicate those changes between them, so that you can see them growing together.
All i can really do is urge you to read this book yourself. I know that this book will have a fair few amount of fans excited to read it already, because of the popularity of the series previously. But all I can really say is that I feel like this series gets better and better with each book, and while your preferences for the plot of each will change how you feel about each book (they're all fairly different), I think that Anne's writing has grown in leaps and bounds since Frat Boy…. There are so many great things about this book, a kick ass opening chapter which really introduces us to Eric well and some absolutely pure hilarity from the frat boys:
"Big mistake the Alunmi Association made. You should never threaten a fat boy's beer."
and
"Danny," Collin snapped. "Whenever sensitivity is called for in the future, I think you shoal ask yourself, 'What would Tim Gunn do?'"
This moment between Collin and Eric pulled it all together for me:
"Did you feel ashamed?"
Collin felt as if Eric had just dropped his full weight on his chest, denting in his ribcage and making it harder for his lungs to expand.
"No."
Eric kissed his other palm.
"Shit. Maybe. Why would I feel ashamed?"
"I don't know. For not being what your -- what people wanted you to be."
Oh God, now he felt nauseous. "That's so unfair."
Eric smiled sadly. "It's unfair that you felt that way?"
Collin swallowed, nodding…
Collin felt as if Eric had just dropped his full weight on his chest, denting in his ribcage and making it harder for his lungs to expand.
"No."
Eric kissed his other palm.
"Shit. Maybe. Why would I feel ashamed?"
"I don't know. For not being what your -- what people wanted you to be."
Oh God, now he felt nauseous. "That's so unfair."
Eric smiled sadly. "It's unfair that you felt that way?"
Collin swallowed, nodding…
I admit I did wonder a few times if Collin ever went to class! Of course, that doesn't matter, but it does illustrate the enormous pressure I felt for him. Collin has everything bombarding him at once with enormous pressure on him to hold the weight, to deal with it, to figure it out for everyone else. I really felt for him. And it made his time with Eric and their marathon sex chapters not just an expected byproduct of a romance novel, but needed as de-stressing time for him.
So, yes, I definitely recommend this one. I know a lot of you will be reading it anyway, so I'd love to know what you think. Please leave me comments!
November 5, 2021
A bit of love, mystery, suspense and friendship. A great read. The best of the series.
July 26, 2013
Instantly forgettable. The characters had little depth or substance and chemistry was nowhere to be found. This might have worked better as a novella or short.
I reckon this series has reached its sell-by-date. Time to graduate, boys!
I reckon this series has reached its sell-by-date. Time to graduate, boys!
did-not-finish
July 25, 2013I think I made it to about 28%. The whole romance and plot was feeling very contrived and predictable. And the use of the pet name "Sweet Thing" was already annoying me.
July 25, 2013
I was looking forward to revisiting Theta Alpha Gamma and spending some time with the boys. I was so pleased to discover a story involving a relationship with an age difference.
Eric is immediately attracted to Collin but doubts his own reaction. "Besides, he was thirty-six and he had no business jonesing after a twenty-year-old kid who may or may not even be gay. Lecherous old fart.". What I did find interesting was a repeated mention of the age difference as the relationship was announced to various friends, colleagues and family but no really obvious concern or fall out. There was just acceptance, including from Collin himself. The age difference also didn't appear that obvious in how the men behaved - perhaps this was because Collin seemed quite mature (particularly compared to some of the other TAG boys) and he was confident in how he related to Eric.
I loved the way Eric was described, prematurely greying and losing his abs, and not just as a totally buff paramedic. Don't get me wrong, he was obviously hot and sexy, particularly to Collin, but there was a sense of realism and also a relationship built on emotional attraction as well.
What didn't work for me so well was the speed of the relationship and how quickly love developed between Eric and Collin, but that aside, they work so well together and I even liked the endearments.
Collin is still in the closet to his family and friends. He has an interesting relationship with his Uncle Monty who has huge influence on his life right down to his college subject choices and future career in the family olive oil business. Monty is also president of the TAG Alumni Association with a large influence on funds for Theta Alpha Gamma.
The story revolves around solving the mystery of who is trying to destroy Theta Alpha Gamma. Eric and Collin meet when Eric attends the scene of an explosion at the frat house. So while their relationship is growing, Collin is also facing frat house issues and dealing with his uncle who is exerting pressure for the fraternity to change their policy of publicly accepting gay and bi members, blaming this for the arson.
I didn't really get into the frat house politics and thought maybe there could have been a bit less of this in the book and more of the relationship. Plus I must have missed why Eric's knowing Monty from when they were at school was really relevant but all in all, the plot moved at a pretty steady pace, with enough action and drama to keep things interesting.
I did have some favourite funny scenes in the book. It was amusing to see the results of the Sensitivity Training the frat members had undergone - so many hearts in the right place but no idea how to execute! And Collin's 'coming out' to his frat brothers was brilliant."I'm sorry, dude, but I'm not really prepared to handle outing a guy to himself. Fuck, I hope I didn't , like, traumatize you or anything." Plus Eric's mothers reaction to the age difference "Oh, a younger man."...."So, can he just fuck forever? And my education is now complete because I know about the Awkward Turtle!
I love a happy ending and this book didn't disappoint.
3.5 stars
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
Eric is immediately attracted to Collin but doubts his own reaction. "Besides, he was thirty-six and he had no business jonesing after a twenty-year-old kid who may or may not even be gay. Lecherous old fart.". What I did find interesting was a repeated mention of the age difference as the relationship was announced to various friends, colleagues and family but no really obvious concern or fall out. There was just acceptance, including from Collin himself. The age difference also didn't appear that obvious in how the men behaved - perhaps this was because Collin seemed quite mature (particularly compared to some of the other TAG boys) and he was confident in how he related to Eric.
I loved the way Eric was described, prematurely greying and losing his abs, and not just as a totally buff paramedic. Don't get me wrong, he was obviously hot and sexy, particularly to Collin, but there was a sense of realism and also a relationship built on emotional attraction as well.
What didn't work for me so well was the speed of the relationship and how quickly love developed between Eric and Collin, but that aside, they work so well together and I even liked the endearments.
Collin is still in the closet to his family and friends. He has an interesting relationship with his Uncle Monty who has huge influence on his life right down to his college subject choices and future career in the family olive oil business. Monty is also president of the TAG Alumni Association with a large influence on funds for Theta Alpha Gamma.
The story revolves around solving the mystery of who is trying to destroy Theta Alpha Gamma. Eric and Collin meet when Eric attends the scene of an explosion at the frat house. So while their relationship is growing, Collin is also facing frat house issues and dealing with his uncle who is exerting pressure for the fraternity to change their policy of publicly accepting gay and bi members, blaming this for the arson.
I didn't really get into the frat house politics and thought maybe there could have been a bit less of this in the book and more of the relationship. Plus I must have missed why Eric's knowing Monty from when they were at school was really relevant but all in all, the plot moved at a pretty steady pace, with enough action and drama to keep things interesting.
I did have some favourite funny scenes in the book. It was amusing to see the results of the Sensitivity Training the frat members had undergone - so many hearts in the right place but no idea how to execute! And Collin's 'coming out' to his frat brothers was brilliant."I'm sorry, dude, but I'm not really prepared to handle outing a guy to himself. Fuck, I hope I didn't , like, traumatize you or anything." Plus Eric's mothers reaction to the age difference "Oh, a younger man."...."So, can he just fuck forever? And my education is now complete because I know about the Awkward Turtle!
I love a happy ending and this book didn't disappoint.
3.5 stars
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
July 28, 2013
#3 in the Theta Alpha Gamma series, Sweet Young Thang is an overall fun, light contemporary read about Collin, a college student and fraternity brother who finds his frat house under attack by launching water heaters, sketchy bombs, and disapproving relatives. Fortunately for him, he has a hot paramedic on the scene to care for him and carry him back for some hot times by the fire.
Although there’s some drama with the water heater/bomb mystery (which wasn’t so mysterious outside of the motive) and a little drama with Collin struggling with coming to terms with what he wants in life (including whether or not to come out to his family), this is a pretty light, low-angst, romantic story. (I’m not a fan of high angst, so I appreciated the lightness as well the underlying mystery, although it wasn’t too complicated.)
If you like age-gaps, you’ll probably dig Collin and his older, hot paramedic lover Eric who is fifteen years his senior. They have cute chemistry, and it was fun to see responsible Collin, who takes care of so many at the fraternity, now have someone who cares for him and allows him to relax, sleep in, and have hot sexy times.
This book is labeled “New Adult” which I find as a very nebulous term overall, but while reading this, I started to understand that label. Collin, who has tried to live up to his uncle's stiff, unforgiving expectations, is coming to terms with the contradiction with what his family expects vs. who he is and what he wants, a very “new adult” situation.
Recommended if you’re looking for a light, fun, sexy book, especially if you need a light chaser after a heavier read. Because of that, it was a relaxing read for me.
Although there’s some drama with the water heater/bomb mystery (which wasn’t so mysterious outside of the motive) and a little drama with Collin struggling with coming to terms with what he wants in life (including whether or not to come out to his family), this is a pretty light, low-angst, romantic story. (I’m not a fan of high angst, so I appreciated the lightness as well the underlying mystery, although it wasn’t too complicated.)
If you like age-gaps, you’ll probably dig Collin and his older, hot paramedic lover Eric who is fifteen years his senior. They have cute chemistry, and it was fun to see responsible Collin, who takes care of so many at the fraternity, now have someone who cares for him and allows him to relax, sleep in, and have hot sexy times.
This book is labeled “New Adult” which I find as a very nebulous term overall, but while reading this, I started to understand that label. Collin, who has tried to live up to his uncle's stiff, unforgiving expectations, is coming to terms with the contradiction with what his family expects vs. who he is and what he wants, a very “new adult” situation.
Recommended if you’re looking for a light, fun, sexy book, especially if you need a light chaser after a heavier read. Because of that, it was a relaxing read for me.
August 12, 2013
5 Stars - KAPOW!!
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
I do this weird thing where the more I like an author the less likely I am to read all their books. I buy them, of course, then simply have them. I guess I’m saving them up for hard times. I don’t know! Anyway, my whole point in bringing up my strange behaviors is to comment the only author with whom I’ve not done this is Anne Tenino. Again, the why of this is something I don’t know. So, I read Sweet Young Thang, the continuation of the TAG series. Collin Montes is still in TAG and still in the closet despite being at the forefront of changing their rules and regulations to be inclusive of gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning guys wanting to rush their fraternity. They can’t agree on trans members. Collin is being crushed by the weight of his Uncle Monty’s expectations. He’s justifying this by reminding himself his uncle was there for him when his father died. Eric Dixon is a firefighter paramedic and former TAG member. He’s got a job that he finds rewarding regardless of the trials and tribulations of it. He does what makes him happy. When a fire in the TAG house causes the water heater to launch and destroy the stairs resulting in a nasty injury to one of the members Eric is called to the TAG house and meets Collin. Collin is a bit distracted but does manage to notice the sexy firefighter. Eric really notices the sexy frat boy. And of course his partner Val teases him about it later. The work day continues for Eric and dealing with the current state of homelessness the fraternity now finds itself in occupies Collin. Collin feels smothered by his responsibilities. He just wants to relax. That can’t happen and Brad and Sebastian’s place! He tries to lose himself in sex with Toby, but that just isn’t what he wants. Collin just goes to sleep and wakes up to find there is a bomb at the TAG house. When it rains it pours.
Collin and Eric meet again while the police are removing the bomb from the TAG house. They are both aware they are really interested in each other, but the situation doesn’t allow them the opportunity to really get together. Eric convinces his friends to go to the local college gay bar so he can find Collin. It works! They get together for a fantastic weekend of the best sex either of them have ever had. Eric scares Collin when he admits his feelings are getting very deep very fast. The real pressure on Collin comes from his Uncle Monty. Monty wants Collin to organize the perfect Alumni weekend and he feels the fire and bomb are both a result of the inclusive policy. Monty strongly feels the policy should be reversed. Monty also wants Collin to liaise with Sparky Donaldson about the alumni weekend despite the fact Sparky had already canceled a golf game with Collin. At least the frat has found temporary housing at a dorm. Collin and Eric begin to have regular nightly phone calls. It’s really cute! Eric is falling more and more in love with Collin. While working with a male model he has wanted for quite a while he can’t concentrate because he’s worried he’s cheating on Collin. Collin doesn’t even know Eric works with models. Meanwhile Collin has gone to loggerheads with his Uncle Monty about the frat’s inclusive policies. A funding war is brewing between the frat and the Alumni Association. Let me just say when at war you never negotiate with terrorists. There is another quick crisis when Tank’s little brother Jock suddenly transfers to Calapooya and needs to join TAG purely because of its inclusive policies. The brothers are all very proud to be inclusive and sensitive. Finally it’s the weekend and Eric and Collin are able to get together again. After they have a photography session and lots of sex they meet each other’s group of friends. It’s tense but good.
The Fire Marshall, Mike Taggart, has been conducting his investigation into the fire this whole time. Uncle Monty catches wind of the investigation and the fact Taggart is looking into a member of the Alumni Association. The final showdown between Uncle Monty and Collin doesn’t go well. Yes, Monty really is an elitist douche. As it turns out Mike was spot on with his suspicions. Eric gets the scare of his life when he has to go out on a call that involves Collin.
This book was laugh out loud funny. It was also evocative and touching. For me, the ability to make me laugh and then tear up just a few sentences away is one of Anne Tenino’s strengths. I would rather find a way to laugh about a horrible situation than wallow in depression about it. This book had the right balance of over the top ludicrousness without making me wince at its ludicrousness. It was turned up to eleven. The reality was a group of college fraternity guys knowing they want to be better people balanced with, “What would Tim Gunn do?” The TAG guys are sensitive, but they have some real issues implementing sensitivity effectively. Their attempts are hilarious as well as educational. Collin wasn’t the only one dealing with overzealous friends trying to “help.” Mike was a great friend to Eric who also had some issues implementing his attempts at sensitivity.
Parity in well-intentioned but foolish friends wasn’t the only thing Eric and Collin shared. They really had a lot of the same stuff going on just at different points in their lives. It made their relationship work despite the fifteen year age difference. They were both college educated guys with the goal of a stable relationship and an eventual family. What could have been an issue with Collin’s personal wealth was averted with realistic explanations of his childhood and the power his Uncle Monty held over him. It’s also the power Uncle Monty wields that is the real issue of the book. I typically do not like books about the closet. Whereas the closet was an issue it was Collin’s desires to live up to Monty’s expectations that really were the stressors. It’s the reality of any coming of age tale. Collin had to grow up enough to learn to live life based on his own expectations.
The next novel in the series was set up. Jock has some serious problems going on. Toby is the last of the group of friends not yet paired off into a stable relationship. That’s just going to have to change. And, in case you’re curious, Paul is still an ass.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
I do this weird thing where the more I like an author the less likely I am to read all their books. I buy them, of course, then simply have them. I guess I’m saving them up for hard times. I don’t know! Anyway, my whole point in bringing up my strange behaviors is to comment the only author with whom I’ve not done this is Anne Tenino. Again, the why of this is something I don’t know. So, I read Sweet Young Thang, the continuation of the TAG series. Collin Montes is still in TAG and still in the closet despite being at the forefront of changing their rules and regulations to be inclusive of gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning guys wanting to rush their fraternity. They can’t agree on trans members. Collin is being crushed by the weight of his Uncle Monty’s expectations. He’s justifying this by reminding himself his uncle was there for him when his father died. Eric Dixon is a firefighter paramedic and former TAG member. He’s got a job that he finds rewarding regardless of the trials and tribulations of it. He does what makes him happy. When a fire in the TAG house causes the water heater to launch and destroy the stairs resulting in a nasty injury to one of the members Eric is called to the TAG house and meets Collin. Collin is a bit distracted but does manage to notice the sexy firefighter. Eric really notices the sexy frat boy. And of course his partner Val teases him about it later. The work day continues for Eric and dealing with the current state of homelessness the fraternity now finds itself in occupies Collin. Collin feels smothered by his responsibilities. He just wants to relax. That can’t happen and Brad and Sebastian’s place! He tries to lose himself in sex with Toby, but that just isn’t what he wants. Collin just goes to sleep and wakes up to find there is a bomb at the TAG house. When it rains it pours.
Collin and Eric meet again while the police are removing the bomb from the TAG house. They are both aware they are really interested in each other, but the situation doesn’t allow them the opportunity to really get together. Eric convinces his friends to go to the local college gay bar so he can find Collin. It works! They get together for a fantastic weekend of the best sex either of them have ever had. Eric scares Collin when he admits his feelings are getting very deep very fast. The real pressure on Collin comes from his Uncle Monty. Monty wants Collin to organize the perfect Alumni weekend and he feels the fire and bomb are both a result of the inclusive policy. Monty strongly feels the policy should be reversed. Monty also wants Collin to liaise with Sparky Donaldson about the alumni weekend despite the fact Sparky had already canceled a golf game with Collin. At least the frat has found temporary housing at a dorm. Collin and Eric begin to have regular nightly phone calls. It’s really cute! Eric is falling more and more in love with Collin. While working with a male model he has wanted for quite a while he can’t concentrate because he’s worried he’s cheating on Collin. Collin doesn’t even know Eric works with models. Meanwhile Collin has gone to loggerheads with his Uncle Monty about the frat’s inclusive policies. A funding war is brewing between the frat and the Alumni Association. Let me just say when at war you never negotiate with terrorists. There is another quick crisis when Tank’s little brother Jock suddenly transfers to Calapooya and needs to join TAG purely because of its inclusive policies. The brothers are all very proud to be inclusive and sensitive. Finally it’s the weekend and Eric and Collin are able to get together again. After they have a photography session and lots of sex they meet each other’s group of friends. It’s tense but good.
The Fire Marshall, Mike Taggart, has been conducting his investigation into the fire this whole time. Uncle Monty catches wind of the investigation and the fact Taggart is looking into a member of the Alumni Association. The final showdown between Uncle Monty and Collin doesn’t go well. Yes, Monty really is an elitist douche. As it turns out Mike was spot on with his suspicions. Eric gets the scare of his life when he has to go out on a call that involves Collin.
This book was laugh out loud funny. It was also evocative and touching. For me, the ability to make me laugh and then tear up just a few sentences away is one of Anne Tenino’s strengths. I would rather find a way to laugh about a horrible situation than wallow in depression about it. This book had the right balance of over the top ludicrousness without making me wince at its ludicrousness. It was turned up to eleven. The reality was a group of college fraternity guys knowing they want to be better people balanced with, “What would Tim Gunn do?” The TAG guys are sensitive, but they have some real issues implementing sensitivity effectively. Their attempts are hilarious as well as educational. Collin wasn’t the only one dealing with overzealous friends trying to “help.” Mike was a great friend to Eric who also had some issues implementing his attempts at sensitivity.
Parity in well-intentioned but foolish friends wasn’t the only thing Eric and Collin shared. They really had a lot of the same stuff going on just at different points in their lives. It made their relationship work despite the fifteen year age difference. They were both college educated guys with the goal of a stable relationship and an eventual family. What could have been an issue with Collin’s personal wealth was averted with realistic explanations of his childhood and the power his Uncle Monty held over him. It’s also the power Uncle Monty wields that is the real issue of the book. I typically do not like books about the closet. Whereas the closet was an issue it was Collin’s desires to live up to Monty’s expectations that really were the stressors. It’s the reality of any coming of age tale. Collin had to grow up enough to learn to live life based on his own expectations.
The next novel in the series was set up. Jock has some serious problems going on. Toby is the last of the group of friends not yet paired off into a stable relationship. That’s just going to have to change. And, in case you’re curious, Paul is still an ass.
January 24, 2014
So much sugar, and more than a little bit of spice.
Sweet Young Thang is definitely a sugar overload, and I loved every minute of it! Anne Tenino just does it for me, always. This book is hilarious, HOT, and it made my heart go all melty.
Collin (who we met in Frat Boy and Toppy) is working on finishing his college degree. There is a fire at the Theta Alpha Gamma house, and at the scene he meets Eric, an older (and much hairier) paramedic. Adorableness ensues, lots of sexy sex is had, and endearments are horribly abused.
The endearments, they were excessive. I don’t even think I have an endearment pet peeve (I may be wrong). Usually, all the endearment abuse wouldn’t bother me too much. Although, I do think that they need to consider becoming unionized, because they are seriously overworked. The thing is, here it was made worse by the endearment itself. I cringed every time Eric called Collin some version of “Sweet Young Thang.” Just, no. Not my thing I guess.
Moving on.
Sweet Young Thang had me in stitches. TAG is filled with some crazies, and all the interactions that included them were pure comedy. The guys at TAG are beyond hilarious. This book has some of the best dialogue, seriously, the funniest conversations EVER.
If I wasn’t laughing while reading this, then I was busy Awww-ing, or sighing. I know, I know! Mushiness is gross, but I couldn’t help it. Eric and Collin have the cutest fluffy-bunny relationship. And I did, I awww-ed out loud. Repeatedly. I probably should have felt ashamed. Instead, I kept getting distracted by all the sex, of which there was plenty. It’s good and steamy. I mean, this is Anne Tenino. Never doubt her sex scene writing skills y’all!
I need to mention that Collin and Eric’s relationship is insta-luv in hyper-drive. The events in the book take place in a week. A WEEK! That is so freaking quick. BUT, here’s the thing though. It didn’t feel like insta-luv while I was reading. I’m not even sure if I would have noticed how fast everything was moving if the MC’s didn’t continuously mention how much time had passed. Each day they spent together just felt like a really long time. Only, I’m not sure if it actually did. Or, if I just think that because Collin kept thinking that. It’s very possible that I was Jedi mind tricked by Anne Tenino.
I could have done without the whole mystery plot. It was predictable. It didn’t do anything for me. I suppose one could argue that it was needed to bring the characters together initially, and serve as a source of conflict later in the novel. But I’m not capable of being that reasonable. So I’m going to pout over the existence of those mystery/crime elements, because Anne Tenino writes these great character driven stories that don’t need anything extra. At least, not according to me. I would be utterly content reading only about Collin and Eric working out their relationship, growing, and being adorable.
Sweet Young Thang is a feel good story with minimal angst. I definitely overdosed on warm fuzzy feelz. I could not put this book down. It was charming, hilarious, and the characters were wonderful.
This book was like a spoonful of sugar…Mary Poppins approves.
Now, pass me the insulin.
4 Stars
More reviews at The Morning After Romance
Sweet Young Thang is definitely a sugar overload, and I loved every minute of it! Anne Tenino just does it for me, always. This book is hilarious, HOT, and it made my heart go all melty.
Collin (who we met in Frat Boy and Toppy) is working on finishing his college degree. There is a fire at the Theta Alpha Gamma house, and at the scene he meets Eric, an older (and much hairier) paramedic. Adorableness ensues, lots of sexy sex is had, and endearments are horribly abused.
The endearments, they were excessive. I don’t even think I have an endearment pet peeve (I may be wrong). Usually, all the endearment abuse wouldn’t bother me too much. Although, I do think that they need to consider becoming unionized, because they are seriously overworked. The thing is, here it was made worse by the endearment itself. I cringed every time Eric called Collin some version of “Sweet Young Thang.” Just, no. Not my thing I guess.
Moving on.
Sweet Young Thang had me in stitches. TAG is filled with some crazies, and all the interactions that included them were pure comedy. The guys at TAG are beyond hilarious. This book has some of the best dialogue, seriously, the funniest conversations EVER.
If I wasn’t laughing while reading this, then I was busy Awww-ing, or sighing. I know, I know! Mushiness is gross, but I couldn’t help it. Eric and Collin have the cutest fluffy-bunny relationship. And I did, I awww-ed out loud. Repeatedly. I probably should have felt ashamed. Instead, I kept getting distracted by all the sex, of which there was plenty. It’s good and steamy. I mean, this is Anne Tenino. Never doubt her sex scene writing skills y’all!
I need to mention that Collin and Eric’s relationship is insta-luv in hyper-drive. The events in the book take place in a week. A WEEK! That is so freaking quick. BUT, here’s the thing though. It didn’t feel like insta-luv while I was reading. I’m not even sure if I would have noticed how fast everything was moving if the MC’s didn’t continuously mention how much time had passed. Each day they spent together just felt like a really long time. Only, I’m not sure if it actually did. Or, if I just think that because Collin kept thinking that. It’s very possible that I was Jedi mind tricked by Anne Tenino.
I could have done without the whole mystery plot. It was predictable. It didn’t do anything for me. I suppose one could argue that it was needed to bring the characters together initially, and serve as a source of conflict later in the novel. But I’m not capable of being that reasonable. So I’m going to pout over the existence of those mystery/crime elements, because Anne Tenino writes these great character driven stories that don’t need anything extra. At least, not according to me. I would be utterly content reading only about Collin and Eric working out their relationship, growing, and being adorable.
Sweet Young Thang is a feel good story with minimal angst. I definitely overdosed on warm fuzzy feelz. I could not put this book down. It was charming, hilarious, and the characters were wonderful.
This book was like a spoonful of sugar…Mary Poppins approves.
Now, pass me the insulin.
4 Stars
More reviews at The Morning After Romance
August 12, 2013
*le sigh* I'm an Anne Tenino fangirl, I'll admit it.
This was awesome. Totes awesome. I've been hoping that Collin would get his own book and his own HEA ever since reading the first of this series, Frat Boy and Toppy. When this one appeared on Netgalley, I ran to grab a copy (thanks, Riptide, you rock!) and devoured it in a day.
Then, because of all the awesome, I read it again. And snickered and laughed and sighed in all the appropriate places, because Anne Tenino just pulls you right into the action and makes you love her characters, whether they're the heroes or the supporting cast.
I continue to be impressed with the realistic depictions of the intimate scenes, including showers before rimming, and the awkwardness of getting it on the first time. Boy, can she write the sexy times.
The relationship between Eric and Collin also felt organic, despite the rapidity in which they get together and how quickly Eric declares himself. Even the age difference between the two was realistically depicted, though Eric on occasion sounded younger than he was, especially when it came to emotional maturity. However, clever Anne gave an explanation for that as well, one that made sense and was believable.
The plot beyond the romance, with the water heater rocket and the bomb and the culprit responsible for it, as well as Collin finding the inner backbone to stand up to his uncle Monty (a guy you'll love to hate), was seamlessly worked into the book and actually fueled many of the more hilarious moments when all the fratboys are on scene. Danny's "sensitivity training" references had me in stitches to the point where my husband raised an eyebrow and asked me what the heck I was reading. I declined to tell him.
I could endlessly quote from this book, but I will spare you further gushing. Anne Tenino's writing style just works for me. There is an underlying snarky sarcasm, with a lot of self-deprecating humor, that comes through in every sentence, and unless you read slowly to savor this book, you will miss out.
I can hardly wait for the next book in this series. Hats off to you, Ma'am.
I received a free ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return.
This was awesome. Totes awesome. I've been hoping that Collin would get his own book and his own HEA ever since reading the first of this series, Frat Boy and Toppy. When this one appeared on Netgalley, I ran to grab a copy (thanks, Riptide, you rock!) and devoured it in a day.
Then, because of all the awesome, I read it again. And snickered and laughed and sighed in all the appropriate places, because Anne Tenino just pulls you right into the action and makes you love her characters, whether they're the heroes or the supporting cast.
I continue to be impressed with the realistic depictions of the intimate scenes, including showers before rimming, and the awkwardness of getting it on the first time. Boy, can she write the sexy times.
The relationship between Eric and Collin also felt organic, despite the rapidity in which they get together and how quickly Eric declares himself. Even the age difference between the two was realistically depicted, though Eric on occasion sounded younger than he was, especially when it came to emotional maturity. However, clever Anne gave an explanation for that as well, one that made sense and was believable.
The plot beyond the romance, with the water heater rocket and the bomb and the culprit responsible for it, as well as Collin finding the inner backbone to stand up to his uncle Monty (a guy you'll love to hate), was seamlessly worked into the book and actually fueled many of the more hilarious moments when all the fratboys are on scene. Danny's "sensitivity training" references had me in stitches to the point where my husband raised an eyebrow and asked me what the heck I was reading. I declined to tell him.
I could endlessly quote from this book, but I will spare you further gushing. Anne Tenino's writing style just works for me. There is an underlying snarky sarcasm, with a lot of self-deprecating humor, that comes through in every sentence, and unless you read slowly to savor this book, you will miss out.
I can hardly wait for the next book in this series. Hats off to you, Ma'am.
I received a free ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return.
June 26, 2014
2.0 Stars
Looking over my status updates, I can't say I enjoyed this. It was long. And slow. And boring at times. I liked Collin and Eric both but everything just took so freakin' long. There were too many sex scenes (gasp! I know blasphemy but it's true). The mystery was hokey and the bad guy ... um, whatever.
Bottom line: disappointing.
Looking over my status updates, I can't say I enjoyed this. It was long. And slow. And boring at times. I liked Collin and Eric both but everything just took so freakin' long. There were too many sex scenes (gasp! I know blasphemy but it's true). The mystery was hokey and the bad guy ... um, whatever.
Bottom line: disappointing.
April 26, 2016
Oh, how I love an age gap.
Which might be the only reason this one's getting three stars...
No. No, it's not. I mean, it's a cute story, so worth the read if you're in for something of its ilk. Seemed a wee bit overpriced at $4.99, though.
Which might be the only reason this one's getting three stars...
No. No, it's not. I mean, it's a cute story, so worth the read if you're in for something of its ilk. Seemed a wee bit overpriced at $4.99, though.
February 26, 2020
DNF @ 30%.
The plot is pretty ridiculous for this one. I liked that the plots for this series so far have been pretty straightforward and light, so to have an explosion and a bomb was a bit much. I think that Colin and Eric's meeting could have happened in a more realistic, less dramatic way... and with a lot less instalove with the relationship going from zero to sixty in like one chapter.
And seeing as there is so much focus on the frat, the fire, the bomb... it takes away a lot from having room to actually build up character for the characters, so I didn't really feel any draw to them, and therefore my interest in them individually wasn't there, so I really couldn't care about them as a couple.
The plot is pretty ridiculous for this one. I liked that the plots for this series so far have been pretty straightforward and light, so to have an explosion and a bomb was a bit much. I think that Colin and Eric's meeting could have happened in a more realistic, less dramatic way... and with a lot less instalove with the relationship going from zero to sixty in like one chapter.
And seeing as there is so much focus on the frat, the fire, the bomb... it takes away a lot from having room to actually build up character for the characters, so I didn't really feel any draw to them, and therefore my interest in them individually wasn't there, so I really couldn't care about them as a couple.
July 24, 2013
Collin is a college student acting as a liaison to The Alpha Gamma's Alumni Association, which is headed by his uncle, Monty. Having lost his father as a young boy, Collin's life has been steered by Monty's influence. Having found a group of accepting friends, Collin opens up and comes out to them. He hasn't come out to his family or other frat brother because he fears the repercussions, especially in regards to Monty.
I loved this concept. A college boy struggles with coming out with his family and falls head over heels for an older man who happens to be an alumni of his fraternity. There were so many things to be expected from the concept alone. Pair that with what I have come to expect from Anne Tenino and I was definitely eager to get started.
Anne Tenino did not disappoint. She managed to bring all the concepts I have to expect from her to make this a sweet, romantic story that felt real. There were the funny moments, the one-liners and the hot sex. There were also the emotional moments that made the connection between Eric and Collin something viable.
I loved that Eric was older than Collin. His maturity brought a lot to the realness of their relationship. He was instantly attracted to Collin and once they got together it was easy to see how well they complemented each other. He was so happy at finding the right person in Collin. He never faltered in being supportive or understanding, even when Collin over reacted or questioned his intentions.
Collin. Now there's a character. Sweet, with a self-deprecating sense of humor and a heart of gold, he won me over immediately. I remembered him from Frat Boy and Toppy and I was glad to see that he had grown and that he allowed himself to be somewhat open about his sexuality. I admired his pursuit in establishing the clause that welcomed gay and bisexual students to TAG and felt for him whenever he struggled with his feelings about coming out.
I enjoyed the mystery behind the explosion and although I could have done without some of the time spent on that it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story in the least. Of course, I would have been content with having the book centered around Eric and Collin's doubts about their relationship and Collin's struggles with coming out completely. That would have been an even better story.
Although Sweet Young Thang is the third book in the Theta Alpha Gamma series and characters from the previous books make an appearance, it can be read as a stand alone too. It was great to visit with the members of the fraternity. They were hilarious and when the time came for Collin to come out, they were more than accepting. Sebastian was his usual self - arrogant and clueless most of the time. Brad was as always understanding and supportive. There was a new addition to the frat that I'm eager to get to know more about too. Here's hoping Anne brings his story to the page.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
I loved this concept. A college boy struggles with coming out with his family and falls head over heels for an older man who happens to be an alumni of his fraternity. There were so many things to be expected from the concept alone. Pair that with what I have come to expect from Anne Tenino and I was definitely eager to get started.
Anne Tenino did not disappoint. She managed to bring all the concepts I have to expect from her to make this a sweet, romantic story that felt real. There were the funny moments, the one-liners and the hot sex. There were also the emotional moments that made the connection between Eric and Collin something viable.
I loved that Eric was older than Collin. His maturity brought a lot to the realness of their relationship. He was instantly attracted to Collin and once they got together it was easy to see how well they complemented each other. He was so happy at finding the right person in Collin. He never faltered in being supportive or understanding, even when Collin over reacted or questioned his intentions.
Collin. Now there's a character. Sweet, with a self-deprecating sense of humor and a heart of gold, he won me over immediately. I remembered him from Frat Boy and Toppy and I was glad to see that he had grown and that he allowed himself to be somewhat open about his sexuality. I admired his pursuit in establishing the clause that welcomed gay and bisexual students to TAG and felt for him whenever he struggled with his feelings about coming out.
I enjoyed the mystery behind the explosion and although I could have done without some of the time spent on that it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story in the least. Of course, I would have been content with having the book centered around Eric and Collin's doubts about their relationship and Collin's struggles with coming out completely. That would have been an even better story.
Although Sweet Young Thang is the third book in the Theta Alpha Gamma series and characters from the previous books make an appearance, it can be read as a stand alone too. It was great to visit with the members of the fraternity. They were hilarious and when the time came for Collin to come out, they were more than accepting. Sebastian was his usual self - arrogant and clueless most of the time. Brad was as always understanding and supportive. There was a new addition to the frat that I'm eager to get to know more about too. Here's hoping Anne brings his story to the page.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
July 26, 2013
So, the sweet baby etc. endearments in this book nearly drove me crazy. Sometimes it seemed like there were two on each page... Or more. It was just annoying and took away from my enjoyment of the story. As for the rest of the book, the beginning felt kinda jumbled and not clear and I found myself often re reading parts and I felt like it didn't flow well.
At times I also wondered if the rest of the story needed a more tightly written focus, it meandered and I got a little bored.
I think I loved Too Stupid to Live because it was character driven. It was a straightforward and tightly written story that focused on the characters journey and it was a gorgeous love story. Sweet Young Thang just had too much going on.
At times I also wondered if the rest of the story needed a more tightly written focus, it meandered and I got a little bored.
I think I loved Too Stupid to Live because it was character driven. It was a straightforward and tightly written story that focused on the characters journey and it was a gorgeous love story. Sweet Young Thang just had too much going on.
February 6, 2014
This book was a strange experience for me. Something is not quite right when you're reading a romance and all throughout you hope and pray the MC's don't make it and stay far away from each other, especially when they're likable. I can't even blame it on the overuse of every single variation of the word 'sweet' as an endearment on Eric's part. I was prepared for that and surprised myself by how well I was able to ignore it. I just wasn't able to connect with them. Well, more like I couldn't stand them together and skipped most of their one on one scenes. I liked them separately, I liked the mystery surrounding the frat house and I absolutely adored the frat boys. I found them hilarious! Only reason I finished the book.
November 19, 2013
4.5 stars
Review to come...
July 28, 2013
I expected a lot more from this book. The verbose explanations of the twists and turns of the mystery plot had me skimming through much of this book. I didn't feel vested in the characters and really didn't develop any emotional ties to them.
dnf
May 16, 2014DNF
Too many "sweetie"s, "Sweet Thang"s, "sweet cheek"s, etc. used in this, to the point that I had to give it up at 70%. Other dislikes that were not necessarily deal breakers: INSTA insta love, the woobie-fication of Eric and not knowing what the hell was going for the first 10 pages or so.
Too many "sweetie"s, "Sweet Thang"s, "sweet cheek"s, etc. used in this, to the point that I had to give it up at 70%. Other dislikes that were not necessarily deal breakers: INSTA insta love, the woobie-fication of Eric and not knowing what the hell was going for the first 10 pages or so.
August 6, 2013
First things first : I have seen some “Meh” reviews out there for this book on Goodreads. One explanation of the rating is that one of our characters, Eric, calls Collin some version of “Sweet” as pet names often. I suppose some people don’t like pet names, either in novels or in real life. But it did not bother me enough to reduce a star. So this review will not focus on that and that will not affect any type of rating.
Second note : This is book three of Tenino’s series, Theta Alpha Gamma, so if you have not read those (#1 Frat Boy and Toppy) (#2 Love Hypothetically) I would recommend reading them first. Actually, I suggest that you read book #1 to get the best out of this book. I never read the second one, with only 100 pages I did not want to invest the money in that short of a book. I think that you will understand the world better if you read book 1 first.
Basic Plot :
Collin Montes is in his Senior year at college and is the Alumni Representative for his fraternity, Theta Alpha Gamma. Most of his world revolves around either his studies, his fraternity, or family. His sexuality is very much in the closet. Collin wants to come out, but his family, especially his powerful uncle Monty, might not approve. His fraternity has recently changed their charter to explicitly not discriminate against sexual orientation and things start heating up – literally. Now can Collin every come out of the closet and will things turn tragic at the House?
Eric Dixon is a fire fighter para-medic who is on the scene early when his former fraternity house has an explosion. In the mass confusion, one boy stands out: Collin. There is something that is just sweet and compelling about this boy. But could they build a lasting relationship, an out older man and a closeted sweet young thang?
Collin Montes :
What I like about Collin is that he is so relatable. When we saw him in book one, he was sweet on Brad, but was merely a secondary character. But for me, I always wanted to know more about him, he seemed someone who had a large back story to be told.
We learn early on that Collin, while having a rich Uncle Monty who runs the family business, he is not like other “rich boys”. He has his entire future mapped out, from his experience within the frat as well as his studies. His mother has kept him grounded, but with the death of his father at an early age, Uncle Monty has become a father figure. The problem with this is that Monty is a harsh taskmaster, acting as a svengali and shaping Collin’s future for what Monty has in plan.
So, Collin struggles with his self-identity, not just his sexuality and wonders if he can ever measure up.
Collin attempts to please everyone in his life, his frat, his instructors, his family, his uncle, but never really doing what he wants to do. And with all of this comes loads of responsibility he feels he cannot shirk. What Collin needs is someone who will support him.
Eric Dixon :
Eric is the strong, silent type, an older man at 36, comfortable in his life. He has two careers, one is the paramedic with the firefighter, and the other is a side project as photographer. He is someone who other people depend on and while he might look badass, he has a very caring heart. But he’s lonely and ready to meet someone to settle down with and even though Collin is young, he sees in him the qualities to make their relationship last. We see Eric’s attitude when talking about his former boyfriend, Jay:
What I liked about Eric is that he is such a loving, caring person, who in his place, we would want to do the same thing. We all want someone who will be there when we come home, eat a good meal, sit by the fire and make love.
Strong Points :
The humor is the strongest point within this book. The author has such a great way of making me laugh out loud, which our boys in Theta Alpha Gamma do.
I also liked the mystery aspect. While I had an idea of the “who done it” early on, how the plot became unexpectedly twisted and it remained entertaining.
What could be better?
There was quite a bit of sex in this book, which while it did not bother me, toward the end I did skim the scenes. I will mention the “Sweet” thing again, because it bothered other folks, but for me it was fine. Some people also complained of the “insta-love” in this book, but that was not something that bothered me. I met my husband and after a weekend I knew I would spend my life with him. We are still as deeply (if not more) in passionate love together 15 years later.
Conclusions:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and have placed it in my favorites section to be a re-read. It had excellent pacing and kept me interested as I finished it in one sitting. If I had any draw back, it would be a lack of “relationship” building. While there are some “external conflicts” that affect the relationship, neither men have any angsty drama between them.
So, what we end up getting is a humorous, sexy romp through a mystery and end up with truelove. How could that get any better?
Second note : This is book three of Tenino’s series, Theta Alpha Gamma, so if you have not read those (#1 Frat Boy and Toppy) (#2 Love Hypothetically) I would recommend reading them first. Actually, I suggest that you read book #1 to get the best out of this book. I never read the second one, with only 100 pages I did not want to invest the money in that short of a book. I think that you will understand the world better if you read book 1 first.
Basic Plot :
Collin Montes is in his Senior year at college and is the Alumni Representative for his fraternity, Theta Alpha Gamma. Most of his world revolves around either his studies, his fraternity, or family. His sexuality is very much in the closet. Collin wants to come out, but his family, especially his powerful uncle Monty, might not approve. His fraternity has recently changed their charter to explicitly not discriminate against sexual orientation and things start heating up – literally. Now can Collin every come out of the closet and will things turn tragic at the House?
Eric Dixon is a fire fighter para-medic who is on the scene early when his former fraternity house has an explosion. In the mass confusion, one boy stands out: Collin. There is something that is just sweet and compelling about this boy. But could they build a lasting relationship, an out older man and a closeted sweet young thang?
Collin Montes :
What I like about Collin is that he is so relatable. When we saw him in book one, he was sweet on Brad, but was merely a secondary character. But for me, I always wanted to know more about him, he seemed someone who had a large back story to be told.
We learn early on that Collin, while having a rich Uncle Monty who runs the family business, he is not like other “rich boys”. He has his entire future mapped out, from his experience within the frat as well as his studies. His mother has kept him grounded, but with the death of his father at an early age, Uncle Monty has become a father figure. The problem with this is that Monty is a harsh taskmaster, acting as a svengali and shaping Collin’s future for what Monty has in plan.
So, Collin struggles with his self-identity, not just his sexuality and wonders if he can ever measure up.
Collin felt like he’d lived a half a lifetime in the last twenty-four hours. In his sophomore philosophy class (why did they schedule those damn things at seven in the morning? Who really needs philosophy before breakfast?), he’d read something that had stuck with him since: “Each day is a little life.” Who said that? Schopenhauer, he thought.
Collin attempts to please everyone in his life, his frat, his instructors, his family, his uncle, but never really doing what he wants to do. And with all of this comes loads of responsibility he feels he cannot shirk. What Collin needs is someone who will support him.
Eric Dixon :
Eric is the strong, silent type, an older man at 36, comfortable in his life. He has two careers, one is the paramedic with the firefighter, and the other is a side project as photographer. He is someone who other people depend on and while he might look badass, he has a very caring heart. But he’s lonely and ready to meet someone to settle down with and even though Collin is young, he sees in him the qualities to make their relationship last. We see Eric’s attitude when talking about his former boyfriend, Jay:
Eric laughed along with Lincoln. Mandy always had his back when it came to his love life. Thank God, because it had taken him a while to get over that asshole. He should have realized that it was a setup when Jay had said he didn’t know if he could be faithful. Then when he did fuck around, he’d been able to say, “Well, I warned you.” As if that made it all right.”
What I liked about Eric is that he is such a loving, caring person, who in his place, we would want to do the same thing. We all want someone who will be there when we come home, eat a good meal, sit by the fire and make love.
Strong Points :
The humor is the strongest point within this book. The author has such a great way of making me laugh out loud, which our boys in Theta Alpha Gamma do.
Danny stared at him, goggle-eyed, mouth hanging open. “Dude!” He stood up, reaching out to grip Collin’s shoulder. “You mean no one told you you’re gay? Shit man, I’m sorry, I didn’t know…” He turned to Kyle. “What am I supposed to do in this situation? They did not cover this in that sensitivity training class we took fall term. That’s a major oversight, man.”
I also liked the mystery aspect. While I had an idea of the “who done it” early on, how the plot became unexpectedly twisted and it remained entertaining.
What could be better?
There was quite a bit of sex in this book, which while it did not bother me, toward the end I did skim the scenes. I will mention the “Sweet” thing again, because it bothered other folks, but for me it was fine. Some people also complained of the “insta-love” in this book, but that was not something that bothered me. I met my husband and after a weekend I knew I would spend my life with him. We are still as deeply (if not more) in passionate love together 15 years later.
Conclusions:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and have placed it in my favorites section to be a re-read. It had excellent pacing and kept me interested as I finished it in one sitting. If I had any draw back, it would be a lack of “relationship” building. While there are some “external conflicts” that affect the relationship, neither men have any angsty drama between them.
So, what we end up getting is a humorous, sexy romp through a mystery and end up with truelove. How could that get any better?
May 3, 2022
2.6 Stars
AAAAAH ... like Anne Tenino. I love her writing, I love her humour. But her kinks are clearly not my kinks.
The title "Sweet Young Thang" should have been all the clue I needed to guess that there would be a typical sweet bottom involved. Sweet bottoms are not my thing. But not enough. His counterpart is a beary older guy - not my thing. Age gap - not normally my thing. Thick meaty thighs - not my thing. Hairy buttocks - definitely not my thing. Add to this the insta-love. Not my thing. And the cringey endearments (from "snuggle bear" to "sweet thing") - SO NOT MY THING. I almost died of a diabetic shock from all the sweet dripping from the pages. The whole romance did totally not work for me and it wasn't only because of all my anti-tropes. It all went down too quickly.
On the other side there were things i did like and I DID finish the book. I love the frat. I love all those ridiculous, hetero, sensitivity-trained, keg-loving frat-boys. And I like Teninos writing style and her humour. Now the only thing I need to do is get her to write characters I like and a plot that works for me. Sometimes she does. But her she clearly did not.
AAAAAH ... like Anne Tenino. I love her writing, I love her humour. But her kinks are clearly not my kinks.
The title "Sweet Young Thang" should have been all the clue I needed to guess that there would be a typical sweet bottom involved. Sweet bottoms are not my thing. But not enough. His counterpart is a beary older guy - not my thing. Age gap - not normally my thing. Thick meaty thighs - not my thing. Hairy buttocks - definitely not my thing. Add to this the insta-love. Not my thing. And the cringey endearments (from "snuggle bear" to "sweet thing") - SO NOT MY THING. I almost died of a diabetic shock from all the sweet dripping from the pages. The whole romance did totally not work for me and it wasn't only because of all my anti-tropes. It all went down too quickly.
On the other side there were things i did like and I DID finish the book. I love the frat. I love all those ridiculous, hetero, sensitivity-trained, keg-loving frat-boys. And I like Teninos writing style and her humour. Now the only thing I need to do is get her to write characters I like and a plot that works for me. Sometimes she does. But her she clearly did not.
September 30, 2017
3.5 Stars
There is a lot to like in this coming of age romance. Colin is trying to come out but is dealing with old ole boy homaphobia from his uncle and cronies.
The aspects of the book that deal with the mystery and the frat changing its ways are fun.
Eric is a wonderful hero but it is a bit too insta love of his part for the romance to have the depth I would like.
I love how smart Collin turns out to be and I do love they way they are together.
The book gets into a bit of overall the top mayhem but it is a good read.
There is a lot to like in this coming of age romance. Colin is trying to come out but is dealing with old ole boy homaphobia from his uncle and cronies.
The aspects of the book that deal with the mystery and the frat changing its ways are fun.
Eric is a wonderful hero but it is a bit too insta love of his part for the romance to have the depth I would like.
I love how smart Collin turns out to be and I do love they way they are together.
The book gets into a bit of overall the top mayhem but it is a good read.
July 19, 2013
Ok don't just judge the book by it's cover...well for some of you this may be a good thing.. but I digress
Anne Tenino Starts the book way darker than I am used to in her writing but not in a bad way....it actually sets the tone well and is a great introduction to Eric.
I am used to her books being funny light romantic reads. So right away we know we are in for a whole new type of book. It is always good when an author can evolve in their writing while still staying true to the writing style we loved from previous books. We also get a new intro to Collin which is good for those of us who know him from the first book. I was a little cool to Collin because of course in book one he is the guy who sort of comes between Brad and Sebastian and I am loyal to my favorite book couples so like any good friend it means I hate the "other guy" but obviously my loyalty is fickle because I hadn't even finished the chapter before I was invested in Collin's story. This is a sad fact for any of my real friends, I don't think I would be any less easily swayed. Words are my kryptonite I would buy ice in the polar region from Ms. Tenino. Sad but true.
Which brings me to Tenino's side characters. They are second to none she has a real talent for creating interplay between her main characters and their friends that makes me want to just have a drink, sit back and listen all night. As much as I liked the bits between Collin and Eric, I was just as entertained when they were apart and interacting with friends. Every section involving the Frat brothers was way too short for me I want a whole book of just them ..I will wait Ms. Tenino.. is the book done yet...
The frat brothers have the funniest parts in the whole book almost every scene is gold. "What would Tim Gunn say" is Anne Tenino's hilarious literary genius at it's best. There is no way to explain the joke until you read the book so trust me you want to read the book. You know when you watch a movie and you can pick apart every scene -- my husband and I use this as shorthand to mean the movie was not very good if you are watching it and can think about why it could never happen and yet other movies can bend the laws of man and nature and your like "yeah why not - it's freakin' hilarious who cares if it's real". Well that is how "Sweet Young Thang" reads. Some of the set up and plot are a little unbelievable if you stop to pick apart but really you just go with it because it is a really good story who want's to stop and ask if it is real. Yet Ms. Tenino is also good at writing real aspects of a relationship. Yes the sex scenes were hot, that is just a given for her books but I really like all of the reality that comes into play with Eric and Collin. There are so many stupid moments and things that don't line up, I love it when an author writes the intimate moments realistically while still making them sexy.
Another good aspect of the story is we get to visit a little with Brad which I always love when an author interweaves characters we love from previous books but in an organic way so we just get a glimpse of what is happening with them while still staying focused on the main characters of this book.
Ughh Though I really hate, hate, hate the title. I really didn't care one way or the other before I read the book but the age thing and the smoopy use of "sweet thing" and playing up the daddy/boy angle almost killed the love story for me. That just skeeved me out, but I think it is just a personal issue but again it is something that annoyed the heck out of me and yet I read every single word and loved the book so what does that tell you. The other minor flaw was I really didn't care too much about uncle Monty one way or the other. He is Colin's main reason for staying in the closet but the whole time I was just like ehh. I was given this book by the publisher for an honest review so I am trying to be as blunt and honest as possible and yet am still saying that even though this is not my favorite Tenino book it is like me saying apple pie is my third favorite dessert after chocolate and chocolate or complaining because I only found a 5 dollar bill on the ground instead of the 20 I found one time when I was 12. Anne Tenino has become one of my favorite writers and this book just reaffirms that belief.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Anne Tenino Starts the book way darker than I am used to in her writing but not in a bad way....it actually sets the tone well and is a great introduction to Eric.
I am used to her books being funny light romantic reads. So right away we know we are in for a whole new type of book. It is always good when an author can evolve in their writing while still staying true to the writing style we loved from previous books. We also get a new intro to Collin which is good for those of us who know him from the first book. I was a little cool to Collin because of course in book one he is the guy who sort of comes between Brad and Sebastian and I am loyal to my favorite book couples so like any good friend it means I hate the "other guy" but obviously my loyalty is fickle because I hadn't even finished the chapter before I was invested in Collin's story. This is a sad fact for any of my real friends, I don't think I would be any less easily swayed. Words are my kryptonite I would buy ice in the polar region from Ms. Tenino. Sad but true.
Which brings me to Tenino's side characters. They are second to none she has a real talent for creating interplay between her main characters and their friends that makes me want to just have a drink, sit back and listen all night. As much as I liked the bits between Collin and Eric, I was just as entertained when they were apart and interacting with friends. Every section involving the Frat brothers was way too short for me I want a whole book of just them ..I will wait Ms. Tenino.. is the book done yet...
The frat brothers have the funniest parts in the whole book almost every scene is gold. "What would Tim Gunn say" is Anne Tenino's hilarious literary genius at it's best. There is no way to explain the joke until you read the book so trust me you want to read the book. You know when you watch a movie and you can pick apart every scene -- my husband and I use this as shorthand to mean the movie was not very good if you are watching it and can think about why it could never happen and yet other movies can bend the laws of man and nature and your like "yeah why not - it's freakin' hilarious who cares if it's real". Well that is how "Sweet Young Thang" reads. Some of the set up and plot are a little unbelievable if you stop to pick apart but really you just go with it because it is a really good story who want's to stop and ask if it is real. Yet Ms. Tenino is also good at writing real aspects of a relationship. Yes the sex scenes were hot, that is just a given for her books but I really like all of the reality that comes into play with Eric and Collin. There are so many stupid moments and things that don't line up, I love it when an author writes the intimate moments realistically while still making them sexy.
Another good aspect of the story is we get to visit a little with Brad which I always love when an author interweaves characters we love from previous books but in an organic way so we just get a glimpse of what is happening with them while still staying focused on the main characters of this book.
Ughh Though I really hate, hate, hate the title. I really didn't care one way or the other before I read the book but the age thing and the smoopy use of "sweet thing" and playing up the daddy/boy angle almost killed the love story for me. That just skeeved me out, but I think it is just a personal issue but again it is something that annoyed the heck out of me and yet I read every single word and loved the book so what does that tell you. The other minor flaw was I really didn't care too much about uncle Monty one way or the other. He is Colin's main reason for staying in the closet but the whole time I was just like ehh. I was given this book by the publisher for an honest review so I am trying to be as blunt and honest as possible and yet am still saying that even though this is not my favorite Tenino book it is like me saying apple pie is my third favorite dessert after chocolate and chocolate or complaining because I only found a 5 dollar bill on the ground instead of the 20 I found one time when I was 12. Anne Tenino has become one of my favorite writers and this book just reaffirms that belief.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
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