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More Than Friends #7
My Name is Luka
Book 7 of the More Than Friends Gay Romance Series
Each book may be read as a stand-alone. Reading in sequence is not required.
Brad spends his days swinging a hammer and his weekend nights pouring drinks just to keep his nose clean. At only twenty-one, he's already had enough trouble to last him a lifetime. But when he realizes the boy upstairs has new injuries that coincide with loud shouting matches from that apartment, he knows he has to do something to help.
Each book may be read as a stand-alone. Reading in sequence is not required.
Brad spends his days swinging a hammer and his weekend nights pouring drinks just to keep his nose clean. At only twenty-one, he's already had enough trouble to last him a lifetime. But when he realizes the boy upstairs has new injuries that coincide with loud shouting matches from that apartment, he knows he has to do something to help.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2015
36 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 13, 2019
I was craving some Aria Grace and this hit the spot! And I love her in audio, esp if Tim Todd is doing the narration - they're a perfect match.
February 28, 2018
Luka! Poor sweet and innocent Luka, he's so close to finishing high school and turning 18 when he meets Brad. Lukas dad is a horrible abusive Jerk, and Brad does what he can to protect Luka from him. With help from a few friends (from previous books in this series) they are able to keep Luka away from his dad until Luka turns 18. I was glad to see that Brad held his morals and waited till Luka was 18 until anything happened between them, knowing that Luka really needed help and friends before even thinking about starting a relationship. good book.
Audio - I think this was my first time listening to a book narrated by Tim Todd. He did ok. I wanted to laugh every time he did the voice for Luka's dad it just sounded over the top funny. lol. But other than that he did good overall with everyone and I enjoyed listening to this book.
Audio - I think this was my first time listening to a book narrated by Tim Todd. He did ok. I wanted to laugh every time he did the voice for Luka's dad it just sounded over the top funny. lol. But other than that he did good overall with everyone and I enjoyed listening to this book.
March 25, 2016
I received the book, My Name is Luka through the Don’t Buy My Love program for a fair and honest review. This story is told in first person through the eyes of Brad, a twenty-one year old construction worker, and Luka a seventeen-year-old high school student, soon to turn eighteen in a few weeks.
3.5 Stars
3.5 Stars
May 5, 2020
We've met Brad briefly in previous books he's works in construction during the day but tends bar at nights at Ray's where everyone ends up for at least one drink during the story. Luka's a new to the series character whose Brad's upstairs neighbor that has a more than sad homelife. When Brad gets injured on the job and has to be home for a while he discovers that things aren't good upstairs and offers Luca a safe place to run to.
This one was good and Tim Todd did an awesome job with the narration. So far the stories in this series have been ok and I'm having a good time listening to a new to me author, so let the good times roll...
This one was good and Tim Todd did an awesome job with the narration. So far the stories in this series have been ok and I'm having a good time listening to a new to me author, so let the good times roll...
December 29, 2019
Listen to audio book.
February 2, 2016
Note: This book was provided to me by the author through the DBML Program in exchange for an honest review.
When Brad breaks his wrist on the job, he’s forced to endure a few weeks in his apartment. Unused to being at home for more than a good night’s sleep, he’s lounging on the couch watching TV when he hears strange and scary sounds from the apartment above. He waits ten minutes and is just going to investigate when he spots a young man with a cut on his forehead and an accompanying lump to match sitting on the top step of the stairway leading to the apartment above. Brad learns that the boy, Luka, has been shoved around by his father, but Luka begs Brad to just go away and not start anything.
Brad takes Luka to his own apartment where he watches over him while Luka sleeps. This is the beginning of a three-week period in which Brad serves as Luka’s guardian angel while Luka tries to avoid his father as much as possible. At first, Luka’s goal is to graduate high school during the first week they are together, and then his goal is to stay alive until he turns eighteen. That’s when he can legally leave. Thankfully, twenty-one year old Brad is honorable, and he makes Luka’s eighteenth birthday a goal for something more—the goal for when Brad, now head over heels for Luka, will be able to show him everything he’s never learned about sex with another man.
This story has some scary points as Luka’s father is not going to back away from “disciplining” Luka until the day he leaves. There’s also unforeseen repercussions for Brad when Luka’s father accuses him of statutory rape, but there’s many more positives than negatives, and it’s a sweet love story.
On the negative side, I was bothered by two minor plot points—one of which I consider unethical behavior and the other a major secret Brad is apparently going to keep from Luka forever. I’d likely give the story 4 stars, except for those issues that bring it down to 3.5 stars for me. But overall, I am enjoying this series. All of the stories can be read as a standalone, but from time to time, various characters from previous stories play a minor role, as was the case with this story when Vinnie and Chance (More Than Chance) make an appearance.
If you’re looking for something short and sweet, consider this story or one of the others from the series.
When Brad breaks his wrist on the job, he’s forced to endure a few weeks in his apartment. Unused to being at home for more than a good night’s sleep, he’s lounging on the couch watching TV when he hears strange and scary sounds from the apartment above. He waits ten minutes and is just going to investigate when he spots a young man with a cut on his forehead and an accompanying lump to match sitting on the top step of the stairway leading to the apartment above. Brad learns that the boy, Luka, has been shoved around by his father, but Luka begs Brad to just go away and not start anything.
Brad takes Luka to his own apartment where he watches over him while Luka sleeps. This is the beginning of a three-week period in which Brad serves as Luka’s guardian angel while Luka tries to avoid his father as much as possible. At first, Luka’s goal is to graduate high school during the first week they are together, and then his goal is to stay alive until he turns eighteen. That’s when he can legally leave. Thankfully, twenty-one year old Brad is honorable, and he makes Luka’s eighteenth birthday a goal for something more—the goal for when Brad, now head over heels for Luka, will be able to show him everything he’s never learned about sex with another man.
This story has some scary points as Luka’s father is not going to back away from “disciplining” Luka until the day he leaves. There’s also unforeseen repercussions for Brad when Luka’s father accuses him of statutory rape, but there’s many more positives than negatives, and it’s a sweet love story.
On the negative side, I was bothered by two minor plot points—one of which I consider unethical behavior and the other a major secret Brad is apparently going to keep from Luka forever. I’d likely give the story 4 stars, except for those issues that bring it down to 3.5 stars for me. But overall, I am enjoying this series. All of the stories can be read as a standalone, but from time to time, various characters from previous stories play a minor role, as was the case with this story when Vinnie and Chance (More Than Chance) make an appearance.
If you’re looking for something short and sweet, consider this story or one of the others from the series.
February 14, 2016
*Disclaimer: a free copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
“Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul.” - Dave Pelzer
Bradley Hughes, single, works as a general laborer and tends bar on Fridays and Saturdays. Nothing exciting happens much to him until he hears disturbing noises from his neighbors upstairs. When he meets Luka and senses that there is more to his story than he cares to reveal, Brad goes the extra mile to help out.
This is the seventh book in the More Than Friends series but could well stand alone. Characters from other books in the series show up and play significant roles especially towards the latter part of the story. Brad and Luka's voices alternate as the plot unravels.
For me, trying to make sense out of something that does not - whatever explanation is offered - is a futile exercise specifically when it is about child abuse. I cannot wrap my mind around such acts of violence.
Luka is a victim and suffers abuse at the hands of his own father. I felt Luka's dilemma - almost an adult and nearly tasting the freedom he desperately seeks but helpless at the moment. I could understand his hesitation to seek the system for help and i wished there was a better way for minors like him and children in general to be better protected. It is a sad reality that sometimes the system that offers refuge and protection to victims and prosecutes the offenders fails. Unfortunately, it happens. It is not a perfect one - as all human systems are.
Brad's own way of offering assistance is commendable and I too, felt his dilemma. He could only do as much. I admire his kind heart and his self-control, though. He could have let sleeping dogs lie but he took a risk and chose to be involved.
There was a turning point in the story that could have spelled disaster for Luka and Brad. How this was resolved was both comedic and tragic at the same time.
This was a well-written story but not a light read for me. It may have been fiction but it mirrors a dark side of reality that - for the sake of the innocent - begs to be stopped.
“Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul.” - Dave Pelzer
Bradley Hughes, single, works as a general laborer and tends bar on Fridays and Saturdays. Nothing exciting happens much to him until he hears disturbing noises from his neighbors upstairs. When he meets Luka and senses that there is more to his story than he cares to reveal, Brad goes the extra mile to help out.
This is the seventh book in the More Than Friends series but could well stand alone. Characters from other books in the series show up and play significant roles especially towards the latter part of the story. Brad and Luka's voices alternate as the plot unravels.
For me, trying to make sense out of something that does not - whatever explanation is offered - is a futile exercise specifically when it is about child abuse. I cannot wrap my mind around such acts of violence.
Luka is a victim and suffers abuse at the hands of his own father. I felt Luka's dilemma - almost an adult and nearly tasting the freedom he desperately seeks but helpless at the moment. I could understand his hesitation to seek the system for help and i wished there was a better way for minors like him and children in general to be better protected. It is a sad reality that sometimes the system that offers refuge and protection to victims and prosecutes the offenders fails. Unfortunately, it happens. It is not a perfect one - as all human systems are.
Brad's own way of offering assistance is commendable and I too, felt his dilemma. He could only do as much. I admire his kind heart and his self-control, though. He could have let sleeping dogs lie but he took a risk and chose to be involved.
There was a turning point in the story that could have spelled disaster for Luka and Brad. How this was resolved was both comedic and tragic at the same time.
This was a well-written story but not a light read for me. It may have been fiction but it mirrors a dark side of reality that - for the sake of the innocent - begs to be stopped.
November 24, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review....
WOW, this one was an emotional ride for me. Luka, who lived upstairs from Brad with his abusive father, his very very abusive father, I was crying for him within his first chapter, I couldn't imagine living with that kind of abuse, but he didnt have much of a choice for the next few weeks until his 18th birthday.
Brad lived downstairs and an accident at work has him off work for a few weeks with nothin better to do than sit at home and watch t.v. That's all fine and good until he hears the goings on of the things upstairs and takes it upon himself to go check it out. That's where he meets Luka and wants to help him out... Who would willingly let him go back to what he heard and saw...I think it starts off as Brad wanting to help, but that doesn't last long, you can tell they have a pull towards one another, but not much can be done until Luka turns 18.
I don't know why I considered Brad older, but it shocks me every time they say he's only 21. Maybe he's wise beyond his years or acts more mature than any 21 year old I know lol I can say that now, cuz 21 year olds are still just babies haha, I'm so old! When I was 21, I wouldn't have known what to do in that situation but he handles everything really well and I love that when they needed someone to go to for help, they went to Steve and Joey... Steve just seems like everyone's savior. I love it.... Also... that Brad cared enough to go to Lukas graduation... that part had me tear'n up a little bit. How cute was that?!
Of course, they go through a few obstacles with Luka's father, not one to just let him go so easily and he causes quite a bit of trouble, Everything works out beautifully in the end though and I'm so very glad Luka found his little bit of happy. I really hope we see some happy for Trey, I'm really looking forward to seeing whose next!!! Excellent addition to the series! Loved it!
WOW, this one was an emotional ride for me. Luka, who lived upstairs from Brad with his abusive father, his very very abusive father, I was crying for him within his first chapter, I couldn't imagine living with that kind of abuse, but he didnt have much of a choice for the next few weeks until his 18th birthday.
Brad lived downstairs and an accident at work has him off work for a few weeks with nothin better to do than sit at home and watch t.v. That's all fine and good until he hears the goings on of the things upstairs and takes it upon himself to go check it out. That's where he meets Luka and wants to help him out... Who would willingly let him go back to what he heard and saw...I think it starts off as Brad wanting to help, but that doesn't last long, you can tell they have a pull towards one another, but not much can be done until Luka turns 18.
I don't know why I considered Brad older, but it shocks me every time they say he's only 21. Maybe he's wise beyond his years or acts more mature than any 21 year old I know lol I can say that now, cuz 21 year olds are still just babies haha, I'm so old! When I was 21, I wouldn't have known what to do in that situation but he handles everything really well and I love that when they needed someone to go to for help, they went to Steve and Joey... Steve just seems like everyone's savior. I love it.... Also... that Brad cared enough to go to Lukas graduation... that part had me tear'n up a little bit. How cute was that?!
Of course, they go through a few obstacles with Luka's father, not one to just let him go so easily and he causes quite a bit of trouble, Everything works out beautifully in the end though and I'm so very glad Luka found his little bit of happy. I really hope we see some happy for Trey, I'm really looking forward to seeing whose next!!! Excellent addition to the series! Loved it!
January 29, 2016
I received this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review.
In this installment of the More Than Friends series we see Brad again, a part-time bartender from prior books, and meet Luka, his neighbor. Brad is compelled to help Luka after discovering he is being abused by his father. Luka is counting down the days until he can escape his father; he’ll graduate from high school and turn eighteen in a matter of weeks.
The story takes place over a fairly short period of time and while we learn some of Brad’s background, we don’t really get to know much more about him other than he is a kind soul who is concerned for a young man’s well-being. Luka fears his father and has isolated himself at school and socially to keep others from knowing the extent of the abuse he is suffering. Luka is reluctant to accept Brad’s help, not wanting to expose him to possible retribution, but desperately wants to accept the offer of friendship.
The relationship between these two develops slowly as Brad is twenty-one and doesn’t want any appearance of impropriety. After they begin their friendship, the story progresses in a predictable fashion and I wasn’t surprised by the way things played out. I didn’t feel like I learned enough about either of them to be truly invested in the success of a relationship. Did I have empathy for Luka and his suffering? Yes, and I was glad Brad helped him get out of that situation, but what played out with the father’s accusations was expected. The story moved along pretty quickly and was a short listen. The narrator was good and I didn’t have any problem differentiating between the different characters or following along.
This is book 7 in the series, and I have been reading them out of order without any problem in the storyline. I plan to continue reading the others in this series; I want to read Trey’s story.
In this installment of the More Than Friends series we see Brad again, a part-time bartender from prior books, and meet Luka, his neighbor. Brad is compelled to help Luka after discovering he is being abused by his father. Luka is counting down the days until he can escape his father; he’ll graduate from high school and turn eighteen in a matter of weeks.
The story takes place over a fairly short period of time and while we learn some of Brad’s background, we don’t really get to know much more about him other than he is a kind soul who is concerned for a young man’s well-being. Luka fears his father and has isolated himself at school and socially to keep others from knowing the extent of the abuse he is suffering. Luka is reluctant to accept Brad’s help, not wanting to expose him to possible retribution, but desperately wants to accept the offer of friendship.
The relationship between these two develops slowly as Brad is twenty-one and doesn’t want any appearance of impropriety. After they begin their friendship, the story progresses in a predictable fashion and I wasn’t surprised by the way things played out. I didn’t feel like I learned enough about either of them to be truly invested in the success of a relationship. Did I have empathy for Luka and his suffering? Yes, and I was glad Brad helped him get out of that situation, but what played out with the father’s accusations was expected. The story moved along pretty quickly and was a short listen. The narrator was good and I didn’t have any problem differentiating between the different characters or following along.
This is book 7 in the series, and I have been reading them out of order without any problem in the storyline. I plan to continue reading the others in this series; I want to read Trey’s story.
April 29, 2015
This book brought me a short night! I was waiting for it, so when I finally got it, I started right away - and couldn't stop reading.
Things I loved:
Luka! What a great character, trying to survive several more weeks living with his dad, badly abused.
Brad! Great match, although from the way he talked, thought and acted, I thought him to be way older than 21.
Things I didn't love:
The development of the storyline around the father. It became more and more absurd (don't let anyone in law enforcement/forensic lab read this book, they might be seriously miffed)
I found the characterization of the father and what then developed later didn't match up.
That said, I totally loved the book! Shows that a reader can overlook a lot:) I was grabbed from the beginning, followed along the development of their relationship, loved the appearances of the other couples from earlier books, and enjoyed reading til the very nice happy ending.
And yes, I'm looking forward to reading Trey's story.
Perhaps 4,5 stars
Things I loved:
Luka! What a great character, trying to survive several more weeks living with his dad, badly abused.
Brad! Great match, although from the way he talked, thought and acted, I thought him to be way older than 21.
Things I didn't love:
The development of the storyline around the father. It became more and more absurd (don't let anyone in law enforcement/forensic lab read this book, they might be seriously miffed)
I found the characterization of the father and what then developed later didn't match up.
That said, I totally loved the book! Shows that a reader can overlook a lot:) I was grabbed from the beginning, followed along the development of their relationship, loved the appearances of the other couples from earlier books, and enjoyed reading til the very nice happy ending.
And yes, I'm looking forward to reading Trey's story.
Perhaps 4,5 stars
November 15, 2016
When I started my binge listening Aria Grace, I only read the description of 1 book. After that, I one clicked several more (audio & kindle versions). I started Luka without reading the blurb.
Tim Todd has a voice that haunts you! He brings to life the heartbreak, the longing. You can almost feel every bruise, each tear that falls. Long after the story ends, his voice remains. Soothing you, guiding you, leaving its mark in your heart.
Oh my goodness, the words Tim Todd reads. Luka broke my heart. I wanted to wrap him up, love him, protect him. He suffers, he yearns, he stays resilient & strong. Every person needs Brad in their life. Hard working, honest, determined to do the right thing. When an injury changes Brads schedule, his life will never be the same. A chance encounter will push both men to examine themselves, what's right and fight for what could be.
I loved this book! It's filled with love, hate, longing & the determination to protect while doing the right thing. What you want isn't always what is best, and that struggle is clearly portrayed & felt.
Tim Todd has a voice that haunts you! He brings to life the heartbreak, the longing. You can almost feel every bruise, each tear that falls. Long after the story ends, his voice remains. Soothing you, guiding you, leaving its mark in your heart.
Oh my goodness, the words Tim Todd reads. Luka broke my heart. I wanted to wrap him up, love him, protect him. He suffers, he yearns, he stays resilient & strong. Every person needs Brad in their life. Hard working, honest, determined to do the right thing. When an injury changes Brads schedule, his life will never be the same. A chance encounter will push both men to examine themselves, what's right and fight for what could be.
I loved this book! It's filled with love, hate, longing & the determination to protect while doing the right thing. What you want isn't always what is best, and that struggle is clearly portrayed & felt.
February 1, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a sweet story. Luka has been living with his abusive father since mother passed away 4 years ago. He is counting the days until he turns 18 and can leave. Brad is his downstairs neighbor, but isn’t often home. After a work accident he is forced to be home and hears a confrontation between Luka and his father. Brad invites Luka to stay with him after he is hurt. Brad is the first person to show Luka any compassion let alone “see” him since his mother passed. While Brad wants to keep Luka safe, Luka is sure that he will be sent away once he turns 18 and will no longer be wanted. When Luka’s dad meets Brad at Luka’s graduation he begins to cause problems and forces Luka home just to hurt him more. Brad saves him from further pain, but has to deal with the consequences of those actions too. They are both attracted to each other, but wait until Luka turns 18 to not cause any more problems in their lives.
This was such a sweet story. Luka has been living with his abusive father since mother passed away 4 years ago. He is counting the days until he turns 18 and can leave. Brad is his downstairs neighbor, but isn’t often home. After a work accident he is forced to be home and hears a confrontation between Luka and his father. Brad invites Luka to stay with him after he is hurt. Brad is the first person to show Luka any compassion let alone “see” him since his mother passed. While Brad wants to keep Luka safe, Luka is sure that he will be sent away once he turns 18 and will no longer be wanted. When Luka’s dad meets Brad at Luka’s graduation he begins to cause problems and forces Luka home just to hurt him more. Brad saves him from further pain, but has to deal with the consequences of those actions too. They are both attracted to each other, but wait until Luka turns 18 to not cause any more problems in their lives.
September 1, 2016
I am so in love with this short story. I would think that it would have stayed on the surface without enough time to dive into the deeper emotions but I couldn't be more incorrect. Luka was full of intense emotional drama and a sexy romance for the ages.
I was so heart broken by Luka's struggles that his sexuality had brought him. Being judged for your sexuality is one of the issues that just really breaks my heart and I thought this book was told in such a respectful way.
I am excited to move onto the rest of this series and and meet the other characters.
Tim Todd is a new narrator to me and he was fantastic. He told the story in a way that the characters were each represented with different tones, which made it remarkably easy to follow and I was never thrown out of the story due to narration, he kept me deep in it the entire book. Excellent job.
I was so heart broken by Luka's struggles that his sexuality had brought him. Being judged for your sexuality is one of the issues that just really breaks my heart and I thought this book was told in such a respectful way.
I am excited to move onto the rest of this series and and meet the other characters.
Tim Todd is a new narrator to me and he was fantastic. He told the story in a way that the characters were each represented with different tones, which made it remarkably easy to follow and I was never thrown out of the story due to narration, he kept me deep in it the entire book. Excellent job.
February 8, 2016
I was given this book free by the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
Luka is 3 weeks away from his 18th birthday when his father is going to kick him out of the house. His dad is abusive to him, and one day after a beating Luka is found sitting on the stairs by his downstairs neighbour, Brad, who is home after breaking his wrist at work.
Brad offers Luka a safe place to stay until he turns 18.
I loved the relationship between the 2 men. Brad cared for Luka and helped him through.
Although he fell in love with Luka, he did wait until his 18th birthday before anything happened between them.
Another good book in the series.
Luka is 3 weeks away from his 18th birthday when his father is going to kick him out of the house. His dad is abusive to him, and one day after a beating Luka is found sitting on the stairs by his downstairs neighbour, Brad, who is home after breaking his wrist at work.
Brad offers Luka a safe place to stay until he turns 18.
I loved the relationship between the 2 men. Brad cared for Luka and helped him through.
Although he fell in love with Luka, he did wait until his 18th birthday before anything happened between them.
Another good book in the series.
January 2, 2018
Abused and beaten, Luka is counting down the days until he turns eighteen and can leave his father’s home. After another violent attack, Brad a neighbor finds Luka and takes him in for the night. Sparks fly but no action is taken as Luka is still not legal, but that does not stop his father from a vicious attack that leaves Luka bloodied and broken. Brad needs to act quick to rescue the boy who he has fallen in love with. But will Lukas dad go too far and get the police involved? Or will Brad and Luka break away from the black cloud and find a HEA? This book tugged on my heart strings. The depth of the emotions that the characters made this the best book in the series so far.
July 15, 2015
Oh my. My heart spent 3/4 of this book breaking for Luka. It's a sad truth, but 5 his type of scenario happens every day across the globe. I'm so happy that Bad was there to help him. Luka definitely deserves a happy ending. If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, please,reach out for help. No one deserves to be treated the way Luka's father treats him. The love and support is out there, you just need to take that first step.
January 22, 2018
My Name Is Luka, book 7 in the More Than Friends series by Aria Grace. The storyline in this book is about abuse. So it’s dark but very good. This series has great characters and we see many of them again in this story. The main two in this story are Luka a who will be 18 in a few short weeks and Brad the bartender, construction worker who happens to live in the apartment below Luka and his abusive father. This is another great story in a fantastic series.
April 25, 2015
This book is another gem by Aria Grace! The tale is a little darker than her others, as Luka is a teenager who experiences abuse at his father's hand. I couldn't help staying up to find out what was going to happen next. Aria's writing is always wonderful and I can't wait to read the next!
December 20, 2016
Aria is one of my favourite M /M authors. This book is contemporary m/m. My heart breaks for all Luka had to endure. Brad is an unassuming hero. I listened to this as an audio book. I'll be reading more from this series and author.
February 16, 2018
Have you ever wanted a character from another series (by another author) to make a cameo in a book you're reading? Well if I could get 'The Cowboy' from CJ Bishop's books to take care of Luka's father (instead of what happened to him) I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN HEAVEN! GREAT BOOK!!!
January 11, 2020
Very good book. Just wish there was more of it, more background. Very good story. I don't know what it is about M/M romance, but a sweet one gets me every single time. Loved it. Narrarator had a great voice.
August 21, 2020
Power of love
I loved this book just like the others,but I found this book to short I wish it would had been longer beside that when there is evil like Luka’s father well there better off dead
I loved this book just like the others,but I found this book to short I wish it would had been longer beside that when there is evil like Luka’s father well there better off dead
June 17, 2017
Can be read as a standalone. Characters from previous stories make appearance but I don't think it impacts this story.
I listened to the audio version but am reviewing the ebook because I need the page count for a challenge.
I liked how Brad refused to turn away when he realized Luka needed help. Even when he was accused of wrongdoing. I also like how willing Brad's friends were to help. I liked the way the guys developed their friendship before getting physical. I also liked that this story was darker & not as sweet as the previous ones.
I liked the narrator & thought he did a good job.
I didn't like the insta-love, the forensic mess, Luka's refusal to go to the authorities, or the tidy way his father's plot-line was resolved. I felt it didn't match his father's character. I liked that Ben & Luka didn't have sex throughout the book & thought the sex scene at the end was almost gratuitous. Also this is tagged as being over 200 pgs long but the audio is only 3hrs 36min.
February 10, 2018
4,5 stars,
I loved these guys,so sweet and right for each other.
I enjoyed My Name is Luka,just because there is no drama
between the mc`s.believe me there is drama and hurt.
but not in the relationship.
It was a fun and good read,I read it in one night.
and it is nice to see the others,and the family that slowely
is building with each new book.
I loved these guys,so sweet and right for each other.
I enjoyed My Name is Luka,just because there is no drama
between the mc`s.believe me there is drama and hurt.
but not in the relationship.
It was a fun and good read,I read it in one night.
and it is nice to see the others,and the family that slowely
is building with each new book.
February 20, 2018
3.49 stars
September 4, 2018
Okay story; painfully slow narration--tolerable at 1.25 speed.
October 29, 2018
4.0 overall stars
Couple 4.0 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Plot 4.0 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Story 3.75🌟🌟🌟⭐️
Sex 3.75 🌟🌟🌟⭐️
Series 4.0 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Couple 4.0 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Plot 4.0 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Story 3.75🌟🌟🌟⭐️
Sex 3.75 🌟🌟🌟⭐️
Series 4.0 🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 4, 2022
Loved it.
February 2, 2016
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads Don't Buy My Love in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this story. It was cute, short, there were some tender moments, and hot moments, there were a few times I had to ignore plausibility, but hey, it was still a good story!!!
I loved Luka and Brad. Brad was very aware that Luka wasn't 18 yet and therefore off limits. Luka knows this too, but tries Brad's patience at times, which was pretty cute.
I'm not giving away an secrets when I tell you Luka is being abused by his dad. It's pretty brutal at times, and I felt for Luka. I didn't understand why he stayed with his dad for so long. He had saved up some money by working a job after school - don't know how much - but I would guess enough that he could get a very cheap hotel and he would still have his job for income. I understand Luka's abuse plays a role in the story, but again, for me, Luka could have left his father a long time ago. He only had a few weeks at this point until he turned 18 and graduated from High School. If he had just run away, I don't think his dad would have looked for him, so there shouldn't have been any fear for Luka of being hunted down by the police as a truant kid. But hey, if he had done that, he wouldn't have met Brad. I could go on about how Luka could have still left his dad behind after meeting Brad, but I won't keep harping on this.
What I really loved was seeing a lot of the other characters from previous books. What a treat! Love catching up on some old loves.
The basics of the story deal with Luka being abused by his dad, Brad learning about this and giving Luka a place to hide, Brad's apartment which is below Luka's. Luka's dad learns of this during Luka's graduation when Brad is there and sees them together - nothing sexual at all, but... Luka's dad recognizes Brad from the building and since the man isn't dumb, knows where his son has been. Since I want you to be able to enjoy reading this book, I will simply say that through some jerk moves on the dad's part, Brad is in trouble with the police and Steve and Joey (previous book) as well as a few others, help Luka and Brad find their HEA.
The story was well written, a few spelling or word choice errors, but I was able to overlook those for the most part, I just wish this had been edited a little better. But, there is always time to go back and fix those for another edition. Anyway, the story does end HEA, for now - I'm sure we'll see more of these men in a future installments of this series. It was a quick read, not toooooooo angsty, but just the right amount to get you to feel for Luka.
My one wish if I were given one would be for an epilogue, or another chapter. I really wanted to see how Luka continued his life. Did he get another job? Is he going to go to college? What about Brad and Luka together? I wanted to see them together a few months or even year after this whole event so I could see who Luka was without his dad hanging over him. Still a good book, and I wasn't left with a cliffhanger or anything, I just didn't want to the story to end.
While this is a series, you don't have to read them all to be able to enjoy just one. I would suggest your read them all simply because of those I have read, they are good and can give you a good lift at the end if you need one - HEA!!!!
I enjoyed this story. It was cute, short, there were some tender moments, and hot moments, there were a few times I had to ignore plausibility, but hey, it was still a good story!!!
I loved Luka and Brad. Brad was very aware that Luka wasn't 18 yet and therefore off limits. Luka knows this too, but tries Brad's patience at times, which was pretty cute.
I'm not giving away an secrets when I tell you Luka is being abused by his dad. It's pretty brutal at times, and I felt for Luka. I didn't understand why he stayed with his dad for so long. He had saved up some money by working a job after school - don't know how much - but I would guess enough that he could get a very cheap hotel and he would still have his job for income. I understand Luka's abuse plays a role in the story, but again, for me, Luka could have left his father a long time ago. He only had a few weeks at this point until he turned 18 and graduated from High School. If he had just run away, I don't think his dad would have looked for him, so there shouldn't have been any fear for Luka of being hunted down by the police as a truant kid. But hey, if he had done that, he wouldn't have met Brad. I could go on about how Luka could have still left his dad behind after meeting Brad, but I won't keep harping on this.
What I really loved was seeing a lot of the other characters from previous books. What a treat! Love catching up on some old loves.
The basics of the story deal with Luka being abused by his dad, Brad learning about this and giving Luka a place to hide, Brad's apartment which is below Luka's. Luka's dad learns of this during Luka's graduation when Brad is there and sees them together - nothing sexual at all, but... Luka's dad recognizes Brad from the building and since the man isn't dumb, knows where his son has been. Since I want you to be able to enjoy reading this book, I will simply say that through some jerk moves on the dad's part, Brad is in trouble with the police and Steve and Joey (previous book) as well as a few others, help Luka and Brad find their HEA.
The story was well written, a few spelling or word choice errors, but I was able to overlook those for the most part, I just wish this had been edited a little better. But, there is always time to go back and fix those for another edition. Anyway, the story does end HEA, for now - I'm sure we'll see more of these men in a future installments of this series. It was a quick read, not toooooooo angsty, but just the right amount to get you to feel for Luka.
My one wish if I were given one would be for an epilogue, or another chapter. I really wanted to see how Luka continued his life. Did he get another job? Is he going to go to college? What about Brad and Luka together? I wanted to see them together a few months or even year after this whole event so I could see who Luka was without his dad hanging over him. Still a good book, and I wasn't left with a cliffhanger or anything, I just didn't want to the story to end.
While this is a series, you don't have to read them all to be able to enjoy just one. I would suggest your read them all simply because of those I have read, they are good and can give you a good lift at the end if you need one - HEA!!!!
January 27, 2016
A free copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
My Name is Luka was an enjoyable read and you really felt for Luka and all the pain he went through. Luka lives with his very abusive father and is counting the days to his 18th birthday when he’s going to leave home for good, hopefully for something better. One night he meets his neighbour Brad and they form an instant (a bit reluctant on Luka’s part) friendship. Brad’s new mission in life becomes to help Luka and save him from his father.
This book would’ve benefitted from being longer so that you’d get to know the characters a bit more. The book is very concentrated as it is set during a very short time frame with a straightforward story line with no room for anything extra or much of a character development. It felt like both the topic (abuse and the consequences of it) and the characters were too simplified and stripped too much to the core to be really credible.
I also felt that the ending with Luka’s dad (or more accurately – sperm donor, because a dad he was really not) was resolved too quickly and neatly tied in a red bow. This lacked credibility to me. There were too many loose ends that I would’ve seen dealt with and resolved or completely left out of the book. As horrible as it sounds, I would’ve liked to get to know the dad (donor) a bit more and understand him a bit better. For example what
By ending the book this way makes me feel like the focus of the book shifted. It all started with Luka, being alone, hurt and focusing on surviving and planning for the future away from his dad. The book then shifts, in a good way, to him finding Brad and developing a friendship and slowly start to trust him. This for me is as it should be, but then what happened. He turns 18 and has sex – the end …? For me the story is only half done. There are too many loose ends for the story to end there and then.
Still it was a good story, and well worth the read.
My Name is Luka was an enjoyable read and you really felt for Luka and all the pain he went through. Luka lives with his very abusive father and is counting the days to his 18th birthday when he’s going to leave home for good, hopefully for something better. One night he meets his neighbour Brad and they form an instant (a bit reluctant on Luka’s part) friendship. Brad’s new mission in life becomes to help Luka and save him from his father.
This book would’ve benefitted from being longer so that you’d get to know the characters a bit more. The book is very concentrated as it is set during a very short time frame with a straightforward story line with no room for anything extra or much of a character development. It felt like both the topic (abuse and the consequences of it) and the characters were too simplified and stripped too much to the core to be really credible.
I also felt that the ending with Luka’s dad (or more accurately – sperm donor, because a dad he was really not) was resolved too quickly and neatly tied in a red bow. This lacked credibility to me. There were too many loose ends that I would’ve seen dealt with and resolved or completely left out of the book. As horrible as it sounds, I would’ve liked to get to know the dad (donor) a bit more and understand him a bit better. For example what
By ending the book this way makes me feel like the focus of the book shifted. It all started with Luka, being alone, hurt and focusing on surviving and planning for the future away from his dad. The book then shifts, in a good way, to him finding Brad and developing a friendship and slowly start to trust him. This for me is as it should be, but then what happened. He turns 18 and has sex – the end …? For me the story is only half done. There are too many loose ends for the story to end there and then.
Still it was a good story, and well worth the read.
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