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Elemental Harmony #1
Air and Earth
Elemental Book One
When absentminded video game developer Jay Thurson impulsively follows his intuition westward, he never expects his rideshare to turn out to be a gun-toting madman. In an act of desperation, Jay turns for help to the gift he's long neglected and feared, and leaps from the moving car on a dark and deserted back country road.
Running for his life leads him to the doorstep of Adam Grauwacke, a roadside nursery owner and sometime vegetable farmer, whose affinity for the earth goes far beyond having a green thumb. Adam's world is ordered and predictable, dependable and safe, but despite having his dream farm and business, he’s always felt something is missing. When he welcomes Jay into his home, life seems to click for both men, and together they explore their gifts and their attraction.
But harmony has no value if it is easily won, and a crazed gunman and a volatile ex might be their end if Jay and Adam can’t learn to trust the strength of their bond.
When absentminded video game developer Jay Thurson impulsively follows his intuition westward, he never expects his rideshare to turn out to be a gun-toting madman. In an act of desperation, Jay turns for help to the gift he's long neglected and feared, and leaps from the moving car on a dark and deserted back country road.
Running for his life leads him to the doorstep of Adam Grauwacke, a roadside nursery owner and sometime vegetable farmer, whose affinity for the earth goes far beyond having a green thumb. Adam's world is ordered and predictable, dependable and safe, but despite having his dream farm and business, he’s always felt something is missing. When he welcomes Jay into his home, life seems to click for both men, and together they explore their gifts and their attraction.
But harmony has no value if it is easily won, and a crazed gunman and a volatile ex might be their end if Jay and Adam can’t learn to trust the strength of their bond.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2014
5 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 27, 2014
Okay, first of all, I love the idea of 'elementals' -- that is actually one of paranormal/fantasy themes that is a favorite of mine. I like reading about people controlling an element. So that part of the story, I pretty liked. It was fun reading how Jay became horny during thunderstorm (teehee!) or Adam being able to flourish his vegetables.
As characters, Jay and Adam were likeable as well ... even if they sounded younger to me, than their age of early thirties. I liked that Jay was a bit 'airy' (since his element was air), that he needed to take space to talk about his feelings ... while Adam was more grounded and solid (like Earth!) when it came to feelings. It started pretty good to me.
Unfortunately, the very quick relationship progress turned me off :(. I KNEW going in that there would be insta-love (since dear Sara covered that in her review) so I THOUGHT I would be very much prepared (and managed my expectations), but I couldn't switch off that control in my brain that said "This was moving WAY too fast!!". Especially since the "I love you" and "I want to be with you, move in with me, please" really happened within days. It just derailed my enjoyment half-way through and it never picked it up again *sad face*.
I guess I would probably be okay if they just acknowledge their attractions, but not with the ILY and move in with me thrown in the mix as quickly as that. It's a personal pet-peeve of mine when it came to romance. Some situations might help making me believe in insta-love, like the case of romantic suspense or intense situation, but this one doesn't really have it. Because the whole 'mystery' about Bob the gunman felt like an afterthought and I never really felt the 'threat' coming from him since the bulk of this story was about Jay and Adam's togetherness.
Now, I still want to read the sequel... just because I want to see who can 'tame' (or soothe) Aiden's (Adam's ex) temper and fieriness. I can only hope that it's not going to be another case of insta-love, though.
As characters, Jay and Adam were likeable as well ... even if they sounded younger to me, than their age of early thirties. I liked that Jay was a bit 'airy' (since his element was air), that he needed to take space to talk about his feelings ... while Adam was more grounded and solid (like Earth!) when it came to feelings. It started pretty good to me.
Unfortunately, the very quick relationship progress turned me off :(. I KNEW going in that there would be insta-love (since dear Sara covered that in her review) so I THOUGHT I would be very much prepared (and managed my expectations), but I couldn't switch off that control in my brain that said "This was moving WAY too fast!!". Especially since the "I love you" and "I want to be with you, move in with me, please" really happened within days. It just derailed my enjoyment half-way through and it never picked it up again *sad face*.
I guess I would probably be okay if they just acknowledge their attractions, but not with the ILY and move in with me thrown in the mix as quickly as that. It's a personal pet-peeve of mine when it came to romance. Some situations might help making me believe in insta-love, like the case of romantic suspense or intense situation, but this one doesn't really have it. Because the whole 'mystery' about Bob the gunman felt like an afterthought and I never really felt the 'threat' coming from him since the bulk of this story was about Jay and Adam's togetherness.
Now, I still want to read the sequel... just because I want to see who can 'tame' (or soothe) Aiden's (Adam's ex) temper and fieriness. I can only hope that it's not going to be another case of insta-love, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2015
2.5 stars
So, I guess this was OK. The premise was good and I was looking forward to reading about the elemental aspect. I just couldn't get into it though. It both dragged and felt rushed, if that makes any sense. I started skimming after a while. The writing's not bad although it was a bit boring. I liked the characters well enough. I just didn't feel anything when I read this. There were no emotions; I just plodded along like a good girl until the end. I didn't read the epilogue.
There were parts that annoyed me too. Every time I saw the word horny I couldn't help but think of this:
And when every new chapter started out with "The next morning..." or something like it I thought of this:
I guess it wasn't too bad. I dunno if I'll continue with this series.
So, I guess this was OK. The premise was good and I was looking forward to reading about the elemental aspect. I just couldn't get into it though. It both dragged and felt rushed, if that makes any sense. I started skimming after a while. The writing's not bad although it was a bit boring. I liked the characters well enough. I just didn't feel anything when I read this. There were no emotions; I just plodded along like a good girl until the end. I didn't read the epilogue.
There were parts that annoyed me too. Every time I saw the word horny I couldn't help but think of this:
And when every new chapter started out with "The next morning..." or something like it I thought of this:
I guess it wasn't too bad. I dunno if I'll continue with this series.
November 17, 2014
Traditionally I don’t read fantasy. I am a self-proclaimed lazy reader and I don’t like to get into world building to get into a story. Thankfully, though I picked this up not realizing it had a fantasy/supernatural element, there was no world building to dig through to get to the story.
We meet Jay first, riding in a car in the middle of the night and as he wakes, things are off. His ride share partner turns into a freak of epic proportions and pulls a gun on Jay. It’s at this time, that Jay decides to rely on his gift and get him out of this mess he created. You see, Jay has a gift where he can manipulate air, and while that seems odd, it really wasn’t. Jay’s gift flowed naturally onto the page and it was written very well. I could feel his meditative state as he pulled each molecule, each particle and created the mass of wind that let him escape the crazy that we know as, Bob.
After he escapes, Jay’s trek through the trees in the dark to find the light that would lead him to Adam was touch and go but I felt the attraction Jay had for the dark haired, barrel chested man as he calmed his dogs on the porch and became Jay’s Knight in Shining Armor.
Adam, the man was simply amazing from the moment we meet him and I was thankful we get his POV as well. I loved Adam, just loved him and when he invites the now displaced and alone Jay to convalesce in his home, I was more than ready to see where this would go and how they would find out they both liked one another and could take that next step.
This was a mad case of insta-love but insta love done well with the fantasy element added in. I mean, Adam and Jay both acknowledge the fact that things are moving fast and that they hardly knew one another but… they can’t stop what is happening or what they feel. I liked that dose of reality tossed in the story.
The boys, each have their own gifts; Jay with his blond hair and light coloring can manipulate the air and Adam with his dark hair and coloring can become one with the earth. I like the gifts were more a natural gift than one that was hard to buy into. Maybe it’s because I am a modern hippie who leans toward the side of crunchy granola, but I liked the talks of Pagan festivals, rituals, astrological signs and the feeling that the wonders of Mother Nature herself were also part of the romance.
So, the boys have gifts - they have this attraction and once they know they both fancy boys, one dark and stormy night turns into one hot session on the living room rug. The intimacy with Adam and Jay was intense, it wasn’t only physical but it was spiritual with their gifts and how they could connect. Though both men are timid and a bit afraid of what they can do when they are that close to one another, I love them moments they let go. Those moments were sexy, pretty hot and did I mention sexy? I mean, Adam being all pushy and growly is nothing short of hot and when he turns all mushy for Jay. I was mush right along with him.
The story is paced well. We get bits of Adam’s business partners, Jay’s parents and the ever present Aiden who is Adam’s ex. I didn’t like Aiden in the beginning until I began to wonder if he did feel the connection Adam talked about and once we get to the end, I knew my hunch was right. I can’t wait for Aiden’s story, I bet the green eyed ginger will be a scorcher. *grins*
Air and Earth was a refreshing take on romance with the elements of nature manipulation that I fell for. I fell for Jay and his wandering ways though he rarely left his apartment and his desire to go west. I fell for Adam and his love of his garden and his devotion to Gaia. I even fell for Aiden there at the end and cannot wait to read his story. When is that coming out by the way? *drums fingers* I need his story.
So, I read fantasy and I liked it. I have to say that means something. No, that means a lot.
3.5 stars
We meet Jay first, riding in a car in the middle of the night and as he wakes, things are off. His ride share partner turns into a freak of epic proportions and pulls a gun on Jay. It’s at this time, that Jay decides to rely on his gift and get him out of this mess he created. You see, Jay has a gift where he can manipulate air, and while that seems odd, it really wasn’t. Jay’s gift flowed naturally onto the page and it was written very well. I could feel his meditative state as he pulled each molecule, each particle and created the mass of wind that let him escape the crazy that we know as, Bob.
Breathe in. Exhale. Nudge the little molecules. Wake them up. Agitate them. Breathe in. Exhale.
After he escapes, Jay’s trek through the trees in the dark to find the light that would lead him to Adam was touch and go but I felt the attraction Jay had for the dark haired, barrel chested man as he calmed his dogs on the porch and became Jay’s Knight in Shining Armor.
Adam, the man was simply amazing from the moment we meet him and I was thankful we get his POV as well. I loved Adam, just loved him and when he invites the now displaced and alone Jay to convalesce in his home, I was more than ready to see where this would go and how they would find out they both liked one another and could take that next step.
This was a mad case of insta-love but insta love done well with the fantasy element added in. I mean, Adam and Jay both acknowledge the fact that things are moving fast and that they hardly knew one another but… they can’t stop what is happening or what they feel. I liked that dose of reality tossed in the story.
They were talking like he’d been there for weeks instead of days… things were moving really fast, and he had a feeling, once the rosy haze wore off and he could think clearly again, reality was going to come crashing back in on him… and Adam.
The boys, each have their own gifts; Jay with his blond hair and light coloring can manipulate the air and Adam with his dark hair and coloring can become one with the earth. I like the gifts were more a natural gift than one that was hard to buy into. Maybe it’s because I am a modern hippie who leans toward the side of crunchy granola, but I liked the talks of Pagan festivals, rituals, astrological signs and the feeling that the wonders of Mother Nature herself were also part of the romance.
Destruction, decay, and change are as much a part of life as any other. Mother Nature breaks down the old to provide nourishment for the new. I may hate change more than anyone, but she showed me change is what life’s about.
So, the boys have gifts - they have this attraction and once they know they both fancy boys, one dark and stormy night turns into one hot session on the living room rug. The intimacy with Adam and Jay was intense, it wasn’t only physical but it was spiritual with their gifts and how they could connect. Though both men are timid and a bit afraid of what they can do when they are that close to one another, I love them moments they let go. Those moments were sexy, pretty hot and did I mention sexy? I mean, Adam being all pushy and growly is nothing short of hot and when he turns all mushy for Jay. I was mush right along with him.
Jay was special. Adam didn’t know exactly how, but he’d felt it from the first moment he’d touched him. Jay felt right. Whether it was divine intervention, fate, karma, or random chance that brought Jay to his door, it didn’t really matter.
The story is paced well. We get bits of Adam’s business partners, Jay’s parents and the ever present Aiden who is Adam’s ex. I didn’t like Aiden in the beginning until I began to wonder if he did feel the connection Adam talked about and once we get to the end, I knew my hunch was right. I can’t wait for Aiden’s story, I bet the green eyed ginger will be a scorcher. *grins*
No one can ever say Aiden Flanagan doesn’t leave an impression pretty much everywhere he goes…
Air and Earth was a refreshing take on romance with the elements of nature manipulation that I fell for. I fell for Jay and his wandering ways though he rarely left his apartment and his desire to go west. I fell for Adam and his love of his garden and his devotion to Gaia. I even fell for Aiden there at the end and cannot wait to read his story. When is that coming out by the way? *drums fingers* I need his story.
So, I read fantasy and I liked it. I have to say that means something. No, that means a lot.
3.5 stars
February 3, 2016
A WAY too much sex, too little plot, insta love, paranormal that was glossed over, suspense that wasn't.... that had a good overall plot had we gotten rid of a lot of the sex and added plot.
February 20, 2015
Jay epitomizes his element, air. He’s scattered, moves around a lot, has ADD, and impulsive. He decides to take a trip that ends up going very wrong… then very right.
Adam is the earth. He plants roots and stays solid. In the past he’s run into trouble with relationships but he craves stability.
When Jay stumbles into Adam’s world it’s like the two were searching for one another all this time. They just “fit” together. Adam harnesses the volatile energy that Jay brings into the relationship and Jay provides that spark of light that drives out the depression on days without the sun.
The relationship moves quickly forward, but it isn’t all easy. Jay doesn’t trust the relationship and gets balky toward the end. Adam has a psycho ex who tries to drive them apart (who gets his own book next!). And both of the men are the target of a bizarre fanatic waving a gun.
In the end, however, we see that Jay is the Yin to Adam’s Yang and we have a very Happily Ever After.
**
There are parts of this book that just “wowed” me.
I loved the symbolism of Jay as the Air – his personality, thought patterns, actions… all fit that element to a “T”. Adam was solid, dependable, loving, literally “grounded”, all in line with being Earth.
When the magicky things were occurring – the thunderstorm, the fire, the gunman… these were really fun and very well written. Nicely developed world-building.
The smexy times were very nice, hot, but not overbearing. You could feel their “elements” in play and it was a unique paranormal romance.
There were parts I didn’t love as much:
The ex and the gunman. These were definitely added to give the lovers some external hurdles and I can appreciate what they added to the story but they were done in such a way that they felt a little out of place and not nearly as well-developed as the rest of the story. They pulled me out of the magicky new world we’d created and felt a bit awkward.
The fizzled- out ending. There is a big fire toward the end and there are some pretty major things that happen around this event. When the dust settles and the smoke clears (literally) we get a few paragraphs of re-connection and explanation and then it ends. Now I know there is a book 2 planned and it may take off from the end of this book and make things feel more complete, but as it stands here, it felt unfinished or rushed at the end.
As such, I felt the book either needed to be a bit longer and sort of flesh out some of these weak spots or a bit shorter and edit out some of the internal ruminations and character building to make it feel more balanced.
Overall, I was really intrigued by the world-building and enjoyed the characters and their romance very much and am looking forward to the next book eagerly!
Writing/Editing 4.5
Romance 4
Sex/Heat 4
Storyline 3
World Building/Characterizations 4.5
Overall 4 of 5 hearts!
Adam is the earth. He plants roots and stays solid. In the past he’s run into trouble with relationships but he craves stability.
When Jay stumbles into Adam’s world it’s like the two were searching for one another all this time. They just “fit” together. Adam harnesses the volatile energy that Jay brings into the relationship and Jay provides that spark of light that drives out the depression on days without the sun.
The relationship moves quickly forward, but it isn’t all easy. Jay doesn’t trust the relationship and gets balky toward the end. Adam has a psycho ex who tries to drive them apart (who gets his own book next!). And both of the men are the target of a bizarre fanatic waving a gun.
In the end, however, we see that Jay is the Yin to Adam’s Yang and we have a very Happily Ever After.
**
There are parts of this book that just “wowed” me.
I loved the symbolism of Jay as the Air – his personality, thought patterns, actions… all fit that element to a “T”. Adam was solid, dependable, loving, literally “grounded”, all in line with being Earth.
When the magicky things were occurring – the thunderstorm, the fire, the gunman… these were really fun and very well written. Nicely developed world-building.
The smexy times were very nice, hot, but not overbearing. You could feel their “elements” in play and it was a unique paranormal romance.
There were parts I didn’t love as much:
The ex and the gunman. These were definitely added to give the lovers some external hurdles and I can appreciate what they added to the story but they were done in such a way that they felt a little out of place and not nearly as well-developed as the rest of the story. They pulled me out of the magicky new world we’d created and felt a bit awkward.
The fizzled- out ending. There is a big fire toward the end and there are some pretty major things that happen around this event. When the dust settles and the smoke clears (literally) we get a few paragraphs of re-connection and explanation and then it ends. Now I know there is a book 2 planned and it may take off from the end of this book and make things feel more complete, but as it stands here, it felt unfinished or rushed at the end.
As such, I felt the book either needed to be a bit longer and sort of flesh out some of these weak spots or a bit shorter and edit out some of the internal ruminations and character building to make it feel more balanced.
Overall, I was really intrigued by the world-building and enjoyed the characters and their romance very much and am looking forward to the next book eagerly!
Writing/Editing 4.5
Romance 4
Sex/Heat 4
Storyline 3
World Building/Characterizations 4.5
Overall 4 of 5 hearts!
March 1, 2017
Started out with peril and a hospital scene!
That was great, lots of peril, two hospital scenes, angst and dogs! Definitely a fave. It was slightly slow moving in the middle--the friends were very real and well portrayed but I wasn't as enamored of them as the MCs and author were. But it was an excellent book. I'm eager for the sequel.
That was great, lots of peril, two hospital scenes, angst and dogs! Definitely a fave. It was slightly slow moving in the middle--the friends were very real and well portrayed but I wasn't as enamored of them as the MCs and author were. But it was an excellent book. I'm eager for the sequel.
November 9, 2014
Interesting concept, I wish it had focused more on the fantasy and less on the sex and romance though.
Will have to think about book two, not sure I will continue
Will have to think about book two, not sure I will continue
February 28, 2022
more 2.5 stars
I struggled to finish this one, even though I started to skim parts.
I felt no real connection to either Adam or Jay. Jay's gift was only at the beginning and end of the story while Adams was very vague. I guess I just expected their gifts to be more of a focal point.
Sadly for me the main focal point seemed to be sex. That's when I really lost interest. I also struggled with Jays injury, so serious yet so easily managed without crutches.
But then the epilogue happened and my interest was once again caught. Lets just hope the next book works better for me because curse it I'm tempted lol.
I struggled to finish this one, even though I started to skim parts.
I felt no real connection to either Adam or Jay. Jay's gift was only at the beginning and end of the story while Adams was very vague. I guess I just expected their gifts to be more of a focal point.
Sadly for me the main focal point seemed to be sex. That's when I really lost interest. I also struggled with Jays injury, so serious yet so easily managed without crutches.
But then the epilogue happened and my interest was once again caught. Lets just hope the next book works better for me because curse it I'm tempted lol.
August 29, 2017
Boring and predictable. Some of the characters had no consistency. Forced myself to finish this book.
February 15, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
3.5 stars
So, Jay Thurson really made a mistake when he got in a car with a man he barely knew to travel someplace he didn’t know where he was going. He’s really lucky to make it out of that alive. Of course walking through a wooded area in the dark while injured heading for what he doesn’t know may be a step away from the fire, but he’s certainly still feeling the heat. When an injured man shows up at Adam Grauwacke’s home in the middle of the night he immediately goes to help him. Adam feels guilty for thinking the guy is gorgeous. He’s injured and feels foolish for the situation in which he found himself and what are the odds that the guy would happen to be gay, single, and interested in Adam? Jay is really appreciative of the help he’s gotten from Adam. After taking him to the hospital Adam lets Jay stay at his home to recuperate and regroup before he can make his way back home. Jay feels guilty for his attraction to the incredibly nice Adam because what are the odds a guy like Adam would happen to be gay, single, and interested in Jay? Umm… So anyway, Adam and Jay manage to find themselves in a few intimate situations that are much more intense than either of them have experienced in the past. Adam’s past experience with his ex-boyfriend came close, but it was just never as good.
Both guys know something more is going on. Adam and Jay both have the ability to become attuned to something in nature. For Adam it’s the earth, for Jay, air. When they’re together they find not only do their personalities complement and comfort, but their inherent abilities do as well. They’re an incredibly wonderful fit for each other. Unfortunately, Jay would have to move to stay with Adam, and Adam’s ex really doesn’t want to take no for an answer. It doesn’t help that the crazy guy Jay got in the car with is still looking for him. There are a lot of obstacles in their way, and sadly, not everything survives in the same way it started.
Things change and that is scary. Even good change is scary. Jay and Adam both had to experience a major life upheaval in the process of finding each other. Adam’s was more visceral, more life oriented than Jay’s. Jay was himself like the wind and ephemeral, so when his touchstone, his parents, changed he could clearly see it was okay to find a new touchstone. Jay had to make a lot more changes in his life to accommodate Adam, which was appropriate given Jay was Air. Air finds itself following the shape and path Earth lays out for it, but Earth gets affected as well. Adam made changes for things Jay wanted. Both men changed themselves.
This book was good. An enjoyable read I had no problem picking up. The world building was interesting. Some people have moderate control over a specific element. Some elements do better together than others. The pairing of the elements seem to be loosely based on the Wiccan interpretations of the elements and their influences on life. Whereas the main characters themselves were not Wiccan, there were Wiccan characters in the book. It was a new bit of world buiding in a paranormal book that I found to be refreshing.
I liked the characters, and the world building, but in some ways I felt a lot of time was spent going over the same material over and over. Jay and Adam spent a lot of time not believing their luck that a gorgeous gay man would just fall in their lap like that. Then Jay and Adam spent a lot of time being amazed at how they really fell for each other really fast, and finally Jay and Adam did a lot of thinking about how they were afraid to take the final step into a long term relationship. There were a couple of moments when I just wanted to get back to the crazy guy trying to kill them and away from what felt like some unnecessary and repetitious introspection. Despite that, I enjoyed the story.
I am planning on reading the next book. The crazy ex-boyfriend meets his own personal match.
3.5 stars
So, Jay Thurson really made a mistake when he got in a car with a man he barely knew to travel someplace he didn’t know where he was going. He’s really lucky to make it out of that alive. Of course walking through a wooded area in the dark while injured heading for what he doesn’t know may be a step away from the fire, but he’s certainly still feeling the heat. When an injured man shows up at Adam Grauwacke’s home in the middle of the night he immediately goes to help him. Adam feels guilty for thinking the guy is gorgeous. He’s injured and feels foolish for the situation in which he found himself and what are the odds that the guy would happen to be gay, single, and interested in Adam? Jay is really appreciative of the help he’s gotten from Adam. After taking him to the hospital Adam lets Jay stay at his home to recuperate and regroup before he can make his way back home. Jay feels guilty for his attraction to the incredibly nice Adam because what are the odds a guy like Adam would happen to be gay, single, and interested in Jay? Umm… So anyway, Adam and Jay manage to find themselves in a few intimate situations that are much more intense than either of them have experienced in the past. Adam’s past experience with his ex-boyfriend came close, but it was just never as good.
Both guys know something more is going on. Adam and Jay both have the ability to become attuned to something in nature. For Adam it’s the earth, for Jay, air. When they’re together they find not only do their personalities complement and comfort, but their inherent abilities do as well. They’re an incredibly wonderful fit for each other. Unfortunately, Jay would have to move to stay with Adam, and Adam’s ex really doesn’t want to take no for an answer. It doesn’t help that the crazy guy Jay got in the car with is still looking for him. There are a lot of obstacles in their way, and sadly, not everything survives in the same way it started.
Things change and that is scary. Even good change is scary. Jay and Adam both had to experience a major life upheaval in the process of finding each other. Adam’s was more visceral, more life oriented than Jay’s. Jay was himself like the wind and ephemeral, so when his touchstone, his parents, changed he could clearly see it was okay to find a new touchstone. Jay had to make a lot more changes in his life to accommodate Adam, which was appropriate given Jay was Air. Air finds itself following the shape and path Earth lays out for it, but Earth gets affected as well. Adam made changes for things Jay wanted. Both men changed themselves.
This book was good. An enjoyable read I had no problem picking up. The world building was interesting. Some people have moderate control over a specific element. Some elements do better together than others. The pairing of the elements seem to be loosely based on the Wiccan interpretations of the elements and their influences on life. Whereas the main characters themselves were not Wiccan, there were Wiccan characters in the book. It was a new bit of world buiding in a paranormal book that I found to be refreshing.
I liked the characters, and the world building, but in some ways I felt a lot of time was spent going over the same material over and over. Jay and Adam spent a lot of time not believing their luck that a gorgeous gay man would just fall in their lap like that. Then Jay and Adam spent a lot of time being amazed at how they really fell for each other really fast, and finally Jay and Adam did a lot of thinking about how they were afraid to take the final step into a long term relationship. There were a couple of moments when I just wanted to get back to the crazy guy trying to kill them and away from what felt like some unnecessary and repetitious introspection. Despite that, I enjoyed the story.
I am planning on reading the next book. The crazy ex-boyfriend meets his own personal match.
December 28, 2014
Jay Thurston is a wanderer, always thinking, always moving, he never stays in the same place for very long. On a whim he decides to take a trip and places an ad for a ride share not knowing this is the ride that will change his life forever.
Adam Grauwacke is a farmer, a loner, someone that feels most at home in his garden surrounded by nature and happy in his solace. He takes in stranger that lands on his doorstep broken and bruised not realizing this man will change his life forever.
Jay is Air and Adam is Earth in a story told from the mystical point of view that we are all connected on an elemental level by our energy, that every yin has a yang, the balance of nature is a must. Jay has been restless for as long as he can remember, constantly in search of something, but what? Adam hasn’t been able to maintain a healthy relationship and his last was quite volatile but he craves that stability he could have with the person that is his equal. From the moment they meet, from that first touch, both men are so at ease and comfortable more so than they have ever been in their lives. But there are others like them that are just as clueless about their gift as Jay and Adam are, others that are dangerous because they don’t like that which they don’t understand.
I was really blown away by the amount of detail that was put into this story, this world and these characters McAllister has created. The metaphysical aspect was true to form and the way that Adam and Jay could balance and calm each other when they were together was very well written and conveyed. On that aspect of the book I would have to say I was a little disappointed that McAllister didn’t explain more thoroughly how they came into their talents, training or something along those lines.
A very whimsical story, not an action packed or suspenseful read, this first book of a series is setting the groundwork for the stories to come, introducing readers to this world and how things work in it. It’s an insta-love story as well, but still believable as Adam and Jay are written as two parts of the same soul, they are each other’s balance so it is expected that they would have an instantaneous connection. My only issue with their relationship was the over selling of their sex life. I’m a firm believer of too much sex is not a good thing when writing a book, if it doesn’t add too or advance the story it can weigh it down.
Overall though, I was pleasantly surprised with how good this book was and I anxiously await the next book coming in the spring, Fire and Water.
A final note, I’ve seen several reviews of this book where it was stated that there were too many unanswered questions at the end. My response would be if you read the Epilogue then you know this book was just one part of an explanation of the bigger picture, which will make up this series. I’m very excited to see where the next story goes!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Adam Grauwacke is a farmer, a loner, someone that feels most at home in his garden surrounded by nature and happy in his solace. He takes in stranger that lands on his doorstep broken and bruised not realizing this man will change his life forever.
Jay is Air and Adam is Earth in a story told from the mystical point of view that we are all connected on an elemental level by our energy, that every yin has a yang, the balance of nature is a must. Jay has been restless for as long as he can remember, constantly in search of something, but what? Adam hasn’t been able to maintain a healthy relationship and his last was quite volatile but he craves that stability he could have with the person that is his equal. From the moment they meet, from that first touch, both men are so at ease and comfortable more so than they have ever been in their lives. But there are others like them that are just as clueless about their gift as Jay and Adam are, others that are dangerous because they don’t like that which they don’t understand.
I was really blown away by the amount of detail that was put into this story, this world and these characters McAllister has created. The metaphysical aspect was true to form and the way that Adam and Jay could balance and calm each other when they were together was very well written and conveyed. On that aspect of the book I would have to say I was a little disappointed that McAllister didn’t explain more thoroughly how they came into their talents, training or something along those lines.
A very whimsical story, not an action packed or suspenseful read, this first book of a series is setting the groundwork for the stories to come, introducing readers to this world and how things work in it. It’s an insta-love story as well, but still believable as Adam and Jay are written as two parts of the same soul, they are each other’s balance so it is expected that they would have an instantaneous connection. My only issue with their relationship was the over selling of their sex life. I’m a firm believer of too much sex is not a good thing when writing a book, if it doesn’t add too or advance the story it can weigh it down.
Overall though, I was pleasantly surprised with how good this book was and I anxiously await the next book coming in the spring, Fire and Water.
A final note, I’ve seen several reviews of this book where it was stated that there were too many unanswered questions at the end. My response would be if you read the Epilogue then you know this book was just one part of an explanation of the bigger picture, which will make up this series. I’m very excited to see where the next story goes!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
November 5, 2014
4 star review by Dan
Jay Thurson has known he was different since he was 8. That was when he first discovered he had an affinity for air and could move breezes and even join storms. One day he went too far and couldn’t get back to his body, leading to a coma like state which the doctors were never able to figure out. Two weeks later he awoke and all was ok, but he knew what had happened and has lived his entire life since then afraid of using his power over air.
Jay got a feeling one day that he had to go west. No idea where to, nor any idea of why. He doesn’t own a car, so he answers an ad on Craigslist to ride share with a total stranger named Bob. Little does he know that Bob is some sort of crazy man. Jay doesn’t realize it until he awakens to find they are on a back road instead of the interstate and Bob is mumbling to himself and has spittle on his lips. When Jay asks where they are, Bob pulls a gun on him and to save himself Jay jumps from the moving vehicle.
When Jay escapes into the woods, he finds an animal path with the help of a breeze which shows him the way. He eventually finds himself at Adam’s front door and he slowly realizes the pull to head west has disappeared.
Adam Grauwacke has also known his entire life that he is different. He has an affinity for earth and growing plants and trees. When an injured man appears on his doorstep in the middle of the night, Adam instantly feels a connection.
Thus begins the tale of Air and Earth, or Jay and Adam. As they get to know each other, and discover that they both are gay, their story develops. Somewhere in the mix we meet the jealous ex-boyfriend, Aiden who there always seems to be heat around. I found it a little odd that no one questions it even when there is a forest fire? But maybe that has resolution in the next book!
I really liked this book and recommend it. I loved the first half, but unfortunately somewhere about half way through the book the story kind of becomes a little predictable. Everything after that seems to happen a little too quickly and with not enough detail to really make me ecstatically happy. If the book had an additional 100 pages, I think I would have loved it. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series when we will hear Aiden’s story and hopefully find out more about the bad guy in the shadows in this book’s epilogue!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, blog posts and giveaways!
Jay Thurson has known he was different since he was 8. That was when he first discovered he had an affinity for air and could move breezes and even join storms. One day he went too far and couldn’t get back to his body, leading to a coma like state which the doctors were never able to figure out. Two weeks later he awoke and all was ok, but he knew what had happened and has lived his entire life since then afraid of using his power over air.
Jay got a feeling one day that he had to go west. No idea where to, nor any idea of why. He doesn’t own a car, so he answers an ad on Craigslist to ride share with a total stranger named Bob. Little does he know that Bob is some sort of crazy man. Jay doesn’t realize it until he awakens to find they are on a back road instead of the interstate and Bob is mumbling to himself and has spittle on his lips. When Jay asks where they are, Bob pulls a gun on him and to save himself Jay jumps from the moving vehicle.
When Jay escapes into the woods, he finds an animal path with the help of a breeze which shows him the way. He eventually finds himself at Adam’s front door and he slowly realizes the pull to head west has disappeared.
Adam Grauwacke has also known his entire life that he is different. He has an affinity for earth and growing plants and trees. When an injured man appears on his doorstep in the middle of the night, Adam instantly feels a connection.
Thus begins the tale of Air and Earth, or Jay and Adam. As they get to know each other, and discover that they both are gay, their story develops. Somewhere in the mix we meet the jealous ex-boyfriend, Aiden who there always seems to be heat around. I found it a little odd that no one questions it even when there is a forest fire? But maybe that has resolution in the next book!
I really liked this book and recommend it. I loved the first half, but unfortunately somewhere about half way through the book the story kind of becomes a little predictable. Everything after that seems to happen a little too quickly and with not enough detail to really make me ecstatically happy. If the book had an additional 100 pages, I think I would have loved it. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series when we will hear Aiden’s story and hopefully find out more about the bad guy in the shadows in this book’s epilogue!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, blog posts and giveaways!
July 23, 2015
The first 75% is mediocre. It is very slow, not very interesting, and the characters seem generic even though they have supernatural powers.
The last 25% goes off on a weird tangent. It seems like a sort of supernatural adventure story, but then it turns into a kind of combo hurt/comfort and character study. Only the character isn't that interesting. Jay's key claim to interest seems be that he has ADHD so severe that he can't really manage regular human relationships because he just zones out in the middle of conversations. So Jay promises Adam that he'll move in and then goes home to "pack," and a quite a bit of the book follows Jay's waffling and indecision and Adam's hurt and confusion. The supernatural aspect is barely even mentioned and isn't enough to make it more interesting than watching bread rise.
The last 25% goes off on a weird tangent. It seems like a sort of supernatural adventure story, but then it turns into a kind of combo hurt/comfort and character study. Only the character isn't that interesting. Jay's key claim to interest seems be that he has ADHD so severe that he can't really manage regular human relationships because he just zones out in the middle of conversations. So Jay promises Adam that he'll move in and then goes home to "pack," and a quite a bit of the book follows Jay's waffling and indecision and Adam's hurt and confusion. The supernatural aspect is barely even mentioned and isn't enough to make it more interesting than watching bread rise.
May 18, 2015
Elemental powers are one of my favorite paranormal abilities, and I was super excited when I read the blurb for this. It didn't quite live up to what I was hoping, but it was still moderately entertaining.
Some Favorite Quotes:
the terrifying reality of Bob
Jay wasn't a bunny rabbit and probably wouldn't appreciate Adam going all lumbering, mushy Sasquatch on him this early in the game, even if he was a Sasquatch with good intentions.
Couldn't they have waited until after his existential crisis to have one of their own?
Some Favorite Quotes:
the terrifying reality of Bob
Jay wasn't a bunny rabbit and probably wouldn't appreciate Adam going all lumbering, mushy Sasquatch on him this early in the game, even if he was a Sasquatch with good intentions.
Couldn't they have waited until after his existential crisis to have one of their own?
November 17, 2014
Generally a good book, well written, plot was easy to follow. However, it never really explains the origins of their powers, and their families never trained them. Such as that, lots of unanswered questions. For that reason, 3 stars.
November 12, 2014
Good start to the series. I hope we find a little bit more about the reason behind these powers in the next book.
November 20, 2014
2.5 stars
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