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Knobs
Angus Conrad (Gus) McRae is a privileged Charlestonian following family tradition and attending the Citadel, harboring big dreams of a military career. With the infamous Hell Week behind him, he quickly realizes being a Knob (a freshman cadet) is just as tough especially for a man like Gus who must keep his sexuality a secret. Then a sudden dorm reassignment lands him with a roommate in the form of one of the football team's top players working-class jock Stewart Adam (Sam) Morley and life gets increasingly complicated.
Gus can't imagine a man like Sam as gay, yet there s something between them exchanged glances, the occasional innuendo. Sexual tensions rise, leaving them more than friends but less than lovers. Gus and Sam know there's too much to lose and they must keep their attraction hidden. If they fail, they risk destroying their hopes and dreams for a prosperous future in a military world that's not yet ready to accommodate masculine gay men.
Gus can't imagine a man like Sam as gay, yet there s something between them exchanged glances, the occasional innuendo. Sexual tensions rise, leaving them more than friends but less than lovers. Gus and Sam know there's too much to lose and they must keep their attraction hidden. If they fail, they risk destroying their hopes and dreams for a prosperous future in a military world that's not yet ready to accommodate masculine gay men.
200 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2016
5 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Scotty Cade
39 books199 followersScotty Cade left Corporate America and twenty-five years of Marketing and Public Relations behind to buy an Inn & Restaurant on the island of Martha’s Vineyard with his partner of over twenty years. He started writing stories as soon as he could read, but just five years ago for publication. When not at the Inn, you can find him on the bow of his boat writing gay romance novels with his Shetland sheepdog Mavis at his side. Being from the south and a lover of commitment and fidelity, most of his characters find their way to long healthy relationships, however long it takes them to get there. He believes that in the end, the boy should always get the boy.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 1, 2021
[Knobs] – Scotty Cade – (South Carolina)
5
Angus Conrad (Gus) McRae is a privileged Charlestonian following family tradition and attending the Citadel, harboring big dreams of a military career. With the infamous Hell Week behind him, he quickly realizes being a Knob (a freshman cadet) is just as tough—especially for a man like Gus who must keep his sexuality a secret. Then a sudden dorm reassignment lands him with a roommate in the form of one of the football team’s top players—working-class jock Stewart Adam (Sam) Morley—and life gets increasingly complicated. Gus can’t imagine a man like Sam as gay, yet there’s something between them—exchanged glances, the occasional innuendo. Sexual tensions rise, leaving them more than friends but less than lovers. Gus and Sam know there’s too much to lose and they must keep their attraction hidden. If they fail, they risk destroying their hopes and dreams for a prosperous future in a military world that’s not yet ready to accommodate masculine gay men.
This was a book that evoked a slew of emotions. Everything from frustration with the existing mind set to warm fuzzy feelings for the two guys that were as different as night and day…but knew they were absolutely perfect for one another no matter what the school, their families, or society thought or the rules that were placed to keep them apart. I didn’t understand the treatment that all of the lower classman received without provocation or warning from a selected group approved by the academy. I suppose they had an explination but they certainly weren’t forthcoming. I was very impressed that the author didn’t just write a love story about a military academy as well known as it’s sister school, West Point. He traveled to Charleston and was allowed t observe and form this story around his observations. Never once was the reader finding anything reflected his feelings about the policies in place. The public opinions and the government policies concerning gays in the military have changed since this book was written and published. I loved Gus and Sam and the ending was perfect. I did wonder where Mr. Cade was going to take this story but he didn’t disappoint in the least.
April 21, 2016
**1.5 stars**
I am a huge fan of military themed books –and movies, for that matter. I have a special weakness for books and/or movies that deal with boot camp/training. There is something that gets me going about the process. And so, I was looking forward to reading this book, especially because I had never before read anything about cadets or the Citadel. Plus, the cover is gorgeous. Sadly, I was disappointed.
Why I did not enjoy reading this:
I can appreciate a well-researched book and this was very obviously well researched. As I said, I knew nothing about the Citadel but the first 30% provided very in depth information about its history, traditions, and operations. The physical descriptions of the campus were super detailed as well. My complaint is that it felt as if I was reading a brochure advertising the citadel. The descriptions did not blend into the story. Rather, the descriptions became the story. And as much as I liked reading about Hell Week and everything Sam and Gus went through (separately) during it, it got boring.
Sam was a very obnoxious character and I could not sympathise with him one single bit. He was ignorant and discriminatory, often making assumptions without having or being interested in getting the facts. He judged people based on stereotypes and later apologised when he was called out on it. What’s worse, he did it again later. Basically, he’d misinterpret people’s intentions and circumstances and act like an @$$hole because of it.
Gus was a more likeable character and I thought he had a more level head on his shoulders. He was the voice of reason in many of the arguments between them. However, he too threw tantrums and acted like a spoilt brat half the time –mainly when it came to his family. Yes, his family were pretty awful. Yes, he could not relate to them. But then, knowing all of that, he would blow up in anger and storm off in the middle of a conversation or a meal.
I found the writing to be quite dry and repetitive. The plot was dominated by what the characters did . It was all telling instead of showing and it became quite monotonous. I could see the intention –awkwardness and tension build-up before the attraction leads to something. But it was not executed well. They went from Sam disliking Gus, to Gus obsessing over why Sam dislikes him (like there was some unspoken requirement that they needed to be friends), to revealing their attraction to each other, to every conversation being about how they might get caught and how much they want each other. The romance fell completely flat for me. As for the sex scene, it came really late and was not inspiring.
Sam’s attitude towards women was very offensive and I found it very difficult to keep reading the book. Sam was not directly rude towards a female character but his inner monologue painted a nasty picture. A few examples:
”Thanks to you I didn’t have to be alone,” Sam replied coquettishly. Jesus, Sam! Stop this mushy talk. You sound like a girl."
”Just get through the night, Sam. No! Not just the night. You’ve got to get through the semester. Gus is apparently not gay. Man up and stop crushing like a silly schoolgirl."
Of course, it should be noted that Sam had all but painted his own mother as a saint, so I guess it’s not all women that he thinks about in a negative way. But still. It’s been said over and over. It doesn’t do the book or the story any favours when manly men act like ”girls.” It’s gotten old already, come on.
The ending was a HFN. If there is a sequel, I don’t think I will read it. All in all, this was a miss.
Cannot recommend.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
I am a huge fan of military themed books –and movies, for that matter. I have a special weakness for books and/or movies that deal with boot camp/training. There is something that gets me going about the process. And so, I was looking forward to reading this book, especially because I had never before read anything about cadets or the Citadel. Plus, the cover is gorgeous. Sadly, I was disappointed.
Why I did not enjoy reading this:
I can appreciate a well-researched book and this was very obviously well researched. As I said, I knew nothing about the Citadel but the first 30% provided very in depth information about its history, traditions, and operations. The physical descriptions of the campus were super detailed as well. My complaint is that it felt as if I was reading a brochure advertising the citadel. The descriptions did not blend into the story. Rather, the descriptions became the story. And as much as I liked reading about Hell Week and everything Sam and Gus went through (separately) during it, it got boring.
Sam was a very obnoxious character and I could not sympathise with him one single bit. He was ignorant and discriminatory, often making assumptions without having or being interested in getting the facts. He judged people based on stereotypes and later apologised when he was called out on it. What’s worse, he did it again later. Basically, he’d misinterpret people’s intentions and circumstances and act like an @$$hole because of it.
Gus was a more likeable character and I thought he had a more level head on his shoulders. He was the voice of reason in many of the arguments between them. However, he too threw tantrums and acted like a spoilt brat half the time –mainly when it came to his family. Yes, his family were pretty awful. Yes, he could not relate to them. But then, knowing all of that, he would blow up in anger and storm off in the middle of a conversation or a meal.
I found the writing to be quite dry and repetitive. The plot was dominated by what the characters did . It was all telling instead of showing and it became quite monotonous. I could see the intention –awkwardness and tension build-up before the attraction leads to something. But it was not executed well. They went from Sam disliking Gus, to Gus obsessing over why Sam dislikes him (like there was some unspoken requirement that they needed to be friends), to revealing their attraction to each other, to every conversation being about how they might get caught and how much they want each other. The romance fell completely flat for me. As for the sex scene, it came really late and was not inspiring.
Sam’s attitude towards women was very offensive and I found it very difficult to keep reading the book. Sam was not directly rude towards a female character but his inner monologue painted a nasty picture. A few examples:
”Thanks to you I didn’t have to be alone,” Sam replied coquettishly. Jesus, Sam! Stop this mushy talk. You sound like a girl."
”Just get through the night, Sam. No! Not just the night. You’ve got to get through the semester. Gus is apparently not gay. Man up and stop crushing like a silly schoolgirl."
Of course, it should be noted that Sam had all but painted his own mother as a saint, so I guess it’s not all women that he thinks about in a negative way. But still. It’s been said over and over. It doesn’t do the book or the story any favours when manly men act like ”girls.” It’s gotten old already, come on.
The ending was a HFN. If there is a sequel, I don’t think I will read it. All in all, this was a miss.
Cannot recommend.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
June 3, 2016
Sweet coming of age story. I especially enjoyed a look at what life for a first year cadet at the Citadel is like. Sam and Gus made a good couple growing together slowly. The ending left me wanting to read Gus and Sam's post graduation story.
April 24, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews with a copy provided by the publisher / author for an honest review. Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars.)
This was the first thing I’ve ever read from this author, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I liked the premise, and hoped it would be an enjoyable read. What I got, and didn’t expect, was a rocking ride down memory lane. So much of this story was easily identifiable to me from back in my time in the military. I, of course, never went to the Citadel, but darn there were spots that it almost sounded like the twenty year old me speaking.
Enough memory lane. Let’s talk about this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. As the blurb mentions, we have the story of two young men; Angus Conrad McRae, representing the third generation of his prestigious Charleston family to attend the Citadel; and Stewart Adam Morley, a poor kid from the wrong side of the tracks in Detroit who grew up in a single parent home with little money to spare. The interaction between the two is really fun to read. Will they be able to get past their mutual distrust…which is playing hell on their mutual attraction?
Mr. Cade has brought us a tale that seems completely plausible and which seems like it could be taking place right now. The writing was excellent, the editing was close to perfect, and I zipped through the book cover to cover so quickly that I was left looking at the last page thinking “already?”
My only complaint about the book, and it is more an observation than a complaint, is that I really want more! What happens next? We still have a lot of school time in these guys’ futures and it only seems like it will get more complicated! I’m rooting for a sequel at a minimum! Maybe more than one?
I highly recommend this read if you are interested in the interactions of two young men from wildly different backgrounds, set at a very prestigious school where homosexuality is forbidden. I’ll be curious to see, if indeed there are future parts of these two men’s story, if it will bridge the major shift at The Citadel…which now has moved into the 21st Century and even has a GSA.
This was the first thing I’ve ever read from this author, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I liked the premise, and hoped it would be an enjoyable read. What I got, and didn’t expect, was a rocking ride down memory lane. So much of this story was easily identifiable to me from back in my time in the military. I, of course, never went to the Citadel, but darn there were spots that it almost sounded like the twenty year old me speaking.
Enough memory lane. Let’s talk about this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. As the blurb mentions, we have the story of two young men; Angus Conrad McRae, representing the third generation of his prestigious Charleston family to attend the Citadel; and Stewart Adam Morley, a poor kid from the wrong side of the tracks in Detroit who grew up in a single parent home with little money to spare. The interaction between the two is really fun to read. Will they be able to get past their mutual distrust…which is playing hell on their mutual attraction?
Mr. Cade has brought us a tale that seems completely plausible and which seems like it could be taking place right now. The writing was excellent, the editing was close to perfect, and I zipped through the book cover to cover so quickly that I was left looking at the last page thinking “already?”
My only complaint about the book, and it is more an observation than a complaint, is that I really want more! What happens next? We still have a lot of school time in these guys’ futures and it only seems like it will get more complicated! I’m rooting for a sequel at a minimum! Maybe more than one?
I highly recommend this read if you are interested in the interactions of two young men from wildly different backgrounds, set at a very prestigious school where homosexuality is forbidden. I’ll be curious to see, if indeed there are future parts of these two men’s story, if it will bridge the major shift at The Citadel…which now has moved into the 21st Century and even has a GSA.
October 2, 2017
Scotty Cade’s novel Knobs is a fun read, for it thrusts us into a world that many have no concept of—that of the Military College of South Carolina, the Citadel. A knob, in Citadel terminology, is a first year cadet. These first year cadets are subjected to extreme hazing, a Citadel tradition, presumably to toughen them up for future lives, be they military or civilian lives. At times, the treatment they receive seems far too extreme and borders on total harassment, but it serves its purpose. And Cade describes it in such a way that we, his readers, are fascinated by it. He also, with these descriptions, invokes sympathy and empathy for his two protagonists, Angus Conrad (Gus) MacRae—a young man from a rich Charleston family and Stewart Adam (Sam) Morley, a scholarship student from inner city Detroit. Even before these two are thrust together as roommates, with the furtive glances they catch of each other on campus, we know Cade is building a relationship between the two boys. The fact that any romantic fraternizing between cadets is forbidden (and certainly gay fraternizing,) we know there will be conflict. The fun comes in the unfolding and the wondering just how far this will go. This is a gay romance, and it does include graphic gay sex scenes which some may think extreme, but the story itself is engaging, the men are richly drawn, and the setting is engrossing, to say the least. Knobs is a good way to spend a few hours if you are a gay man looking for adventure or anyone else who wants to explore the world of the Citadel.
June 11, 2025
Gus and Sam just want to make it through their time at the Citadel, a military college in South Carolina and enter the military. Sam has been accepted on a football scholarship, Gus is a third generation student from society parents that he really wants to escape. Both share one common secret, they're gay. Their attraction to one another is immediate but not acceptable at the Citadel. When they are suddenly thrown together as roommates things get awkward as they do their best to ignore the chemistry between them. As they become more than friends it's finding a way to maintain the illusion of not being together while finding time to be together. A great story of life on the down low, that deserves a sequel. Can they survive their first year, let alone four years? Can they bring this tired institution into the present?
January 2, 2021
A very good read!!
April 29, 2016
Reviewed by Alexis for QUEERcentric Books
Knobs by Scotty Cade gives the reader an intimate look into The Citadel, South Carolina’s (and the United States’) premier military college. The author opens with some history of the school and its current practices. Here we learn that “Knobs” is the term used by the school to indicate first year students.
Stewart Adam Morley and Angus McCrae, known as Sam and Gus, arrive at The Citadel for their first semester away from home. They’re both twenty, and each comes with a dream. For Sam, a poor boy from Chicago, his football scholarship is giving him a chance for a college education. For Gus it’s an escape from his family’s demands, and a step on his way towards a military career.
INSTANT ATTRACTION BETWEEN A BOY WHO KNOWS HE’S GAY AND ONE WHO’S PRETTY DARN SURE HE IS
Initially there’s eye contact, and an instant attraction between a boy who knows he’s gay and another who’s pretty darn sure he is. Rooming together is a study in unresolved sexual tension. I totally got the lust factor of twenty-year-old young men, and then the falling in love. Close contact breeds quick emotional ties, and the boys certainly had that in spades.
I suppose even the stuttering over their relationship woes—could they survive in this homophobic atmosphere, having to hide who they are day after day?—worked realistically. The writing was flawless, and I enjoyed the history mixed in with the workings of the college.
Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with either character. The story was very focused on them, and I would have like to see some outside influences other than Gus’ family to round out their characterizations. Interactions with coaches, upperclassman, teachers, or anyone else would have given me more perspective not only about the school, but about the Gus and Sam’s daily life.
A SWEET NOVEL OF FIRST LOVE UNDER LESS THAN IDEAL CIRCUMSTANCES
The guys make their relationship work, but there’s uncertainty over whether they’ll make it in the long run. As the story closed, I was left in the lurch, unimpressed by the sweet but lackluster ending. Will there be a sophomore year? Or will this be a singular novel of first love?
Knobs is a sweet novel of first love under less than ideal circumstances. Two new adults come together, bonding in close quarters and over similar desires. Although I was disappointed that the story ended in a HFN, I’ll be watching to see if Mr. Cade treats us to a sophomore year. I hope Sam and Gus make it.
Knobs by Scotty Cade gives the reader an intimate look into The Citadel, South Carolina’s (and the United States’) premier military college. The author opens with some history of the school and its current practices. Here we learn that “Knobs” is the term used by the school to indicate first year students.
Stewart Adam Morley and Angus McCrae, known as Sam and Gus, arrive at The Citadel for their first semester away from home. They’re both twenty, and each comes with a dream. For Sam, a poor boy from Chicago, his football scholarship is giving him a chance for a college education. For Gus it’s an escape from his family’s demands, and a step on his way towards a military career.
INSTANT ATTRACTION BETWEEN A BOY WHO KNOWS HE’S GAY AND ONE WHO’S PRETTY DARN SURE HE IS
Initially there’s eye contact, and an instant attraction between a boy who knows he’s gay and another who’s pretty darn sure he is. Rooming together is a study in unresolved sexual tension. I totally got the lust factor of twenty-year-old young men, and then the falling in love. Close contact breeds quick emotional ties, and the boys certainly had that in spades.
I suppose even the stuttering over their relationship woes—could they survive in this homophobic atmosphere, having to hide who they are day after day?—worked realistically. The writing was flawless, and I enjoyed the history mixed in with the workings of the college.
Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with either character. The story was very focused on them, and I would have like to see some outside influences other than Gus’ family to round out their characterizations. Interactions with coaches, upperclassman, teachers, or anyone else would have given me more perspective not only about the school, but about the Gus and Sam’s daily life.
A SWEET NOVEL OF FIRST LOVE UNDER LESS THAN IDEAL CIRCUMSTANCES
The guys make their relationship work, but there’s uncertainty over whether they’ll make it in the long run. As the story closed, I was left in the lurch, unimpressed by the sweet but lackluster ending. Will there be a sophomore year? Or will this be a singular novel of first love?
Knobs is a sweet novel of first love under less than ideal circumstances. Two new adults come together, bonding in close quarters and over similar desires. Although I was disappointed that the story ended in a HFN, I’ll be watching to see if Mr. Cade treats us to a sophomore year. I hope Sam and Gus make it.
April 22, 2016
Gus—Angus Conrad McRae III—comes from Charleston, South Carolina, and old money, but that doesn’t give him a happy family life. Gus’s father is controlling and has Gus’s future all mapped out. His mother is the perfect social climber. The only normal one seems to be his sister, Emmy. Although Gus has his fears about attending the Citadel Military College, he knows this is what he wants, and it gives him a chance to really feel like he belongs to something special.
Sam—Stewart Adam Morley—comes from Southfield, just outside of Detroit. Needless to say, he’s street smart. At the age of twelve he became the man of the family, helping his mother, who worked, and taking care of his siblings. Sam made the choice to attend a local college even though he had academic and athletic scholarships offered to him. What he really wanted was to attend the Citadel; with a football scholarship it all became possible. Even with his nightmares, Sam honestly believes this is where he belongs.
Both Sam and Gus had an idea of what they were getting into attending the Citadel. They both have hopes, fears and know they have to keep their sexuality hidden. There are times that they have their differences, but they work them out together—you need determination, fortitude and strength to get through the Citadel. I think the whole experience brought Gus and Sam closer together to strive toward a better future and make their relationship last forever.
Scotty Cade’s Knobs is a well written and informative story about the Citadel Military College. It’s also a colorful description of all the events that take place at the Citadel. He created two wonderful MCs in Sam and Gus; we get to learn about their lives and struggles and take an emotional journey with them. I look at the Citadel as being a double edged sword. I don’t agree with some of its tactics but I think, in a way, it can make a person stronger and learn how to be themselves.
Besides the storyline, I have to mention the Dedication, which is written with warmth and love, and the Preface, which gives us a view of the research and reality that Scotty Cade brings to us in Knobs. Mr. Cade, I think you did Sam proud!
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Sam—Stewart Adam Morley—comes from Southfield, just outside of Detroit. Needless to say, he’s street smart. At the age of twelve he became the man of the family, helping his mother, who worked, and taking care of his siblings. Sam made the choice to attend a local college even though he had academic and athletic scholarships offered to him. What he really wanted was to attend the Citadel; with a football scholarship it all became possible. Even with his nightmares, Sam honestly believes this is where he belongs.
Both Sam and Gus had an idea of what they were getting into attending the Citadel. They both have hopes, fears and know they have to keep their sexuality hidden. There are times that they have their differences, but they work them out together—you need determination, fortitude and strength to get through the Citadel. I think the whole experience brought Gus and Sam closer together to strive toward a better future and make their relationship last forever.
Scotty Cade’s Knobs is a well written and informative story about the Citadel Military College. It’s also a colorful description of all the events that take place at the Citadel. He created two wonderful MCs in Sam and Gus; we get to learn about their lives and struggles and take an emotional journey with them. I look at the Citadel as being a double edged sword. I don’t agree with some of its tactics but I think, in a way, it can make a person stronger and learn how to be themselves.
Besides the storyline, I have to mention the Dedication, which is written with warmth and love, and the Preface, which gives us a view of the research and reality that Scotty Cade brings to us in Knobs. Mr. Cade, I think you did Sam proud!
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
July 1, 2016
This is a unique story. I’m not sure if it’s meant to be the beginning of a series – but it feels like it is…
Both of these boys/men, Gus and Sam, come from a background that has told them to deny their sexuality in favor of the “greatness” that will come from being a Citadel graduate. They’re also intimidated by the process of being a first year “Knob” – without being gay on top of it.
The author gives us a harrowing description of what life is like for these guys (and honestly I don’t see the appeal!) their first year at the prestigious military academy. Most of the book – up to the 60% mark – is the boys’ lessons learned and their flirting with one another.
The flirting is a dangerous thing, but they can’t help their attraction – add to it – they’re roommates. Once they finally give in to their attraction, the feelings move quickly in intensity. The question now is – what will happen next?
**
I don’t want to make this a “spoiler” review… so I’ll leave the question out there – what happens after the boys act on their passion for the other. But, I will say this… I really enjoyed the slow burn and the attention to detail. These are 20 year old man/boys and the author does a great job of portraying them as such.
The writing was excellent and I thought the characters were really well developed.
Going all the way up til the end I was thinking this was going to be a 5 star book – but the ending just didn’t leave me satisfied. It’s a HFN – which is fair given the situation – but I’ll be really interested to see if there’s more to this in the future.
4.5 of 5 stars
Both of these boys/men, Gus and Sam, come from a background that has told them to deny their sexuality in favor of the “greatness” that will come from being a Citadel graduate. They’re also intimidated by the process of being a first year “Knob” – without being gay on top of it.
The author gives us a harrowing description of what life is like for these guys (and honestly I don’t see the appeal!) their first year at the prestigious military academy. Most of the book – up to the 60% mark – is the boys’ lessons learned and their flirting with one another.
The flirting is a dangerous thing, but they can’t help their attraction – add to it – they’re roommates. Once they finally give in to their attraction, the feelings move quickly in intensity. The question now is – what will happen next?
**
I don’t want to make this a “spoiler” review… so I’ll leave the question out there – what happens after the boys act on their passion for the other. But, I will say this… I really enjoyed the slow burn and the attention to detail. These are 20 year old man/boys and the author does a great job of portraying them as such.
The writing was excellent and I thought the characters were really well developed.
Going all the way up til the end I was thinking this was going to be a 5 star book – but the ending just didn’t leave me satisfied. It’s a HFN – which is fair given the situation – but I’ll be really interested to see if there’s more to this in the future.
4.5 of 5 stars
April 22, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
In this enemies to lovers story, the author takes two guys from opposite sides of the tracks and adds some instant attraction into the mix. Sam has a chip on his shoulder as large as Detroit. Offered a scholarship when he was a senior in high school, he initially declined because he knew he’d never fit in at the elite military college. Yet, after a year and a half of working his way through the local community college and at the urging of his mother, Sam decides to take the steps to securing his own future by accepting the offer.
Gus’ earliest memories are of his father reading books about the Citadel to him. In fact, he was groomed from the earliest age for this school. Yet, as Gus dreams of a military career – much to his parents’ horror – he sees this as an opportunity to prove that he has what it takes to be a military man.
Arriving on campus, both Sam and Gus must first make it through Hell Week – which is the first week of school where the “Knobs” are torn apart by the Cadre (upperclassmen) before being built back up. For me, I really enjoyed this part of the story where these college students undergo an initiation much like boot camp. Afterwards, the two find themselves assigned as roommates. While the two are attracted to one another, they don’t necessarily make the best first impressions and find themselves barely able to tolerate one another.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
In this enemies to lovers story, the author takes two guys from opposite sides of the tracks and adds some instant attraction into the mix. Sam has a chip on his shoulder as large as Detroit. Offered a scholarship when he was a senior in high school, he initially declined because he knew he’d never fit in at the elite military college. Yet, after a year and a half of working his way through the local community college and at the urging of his mother, Sam decides to take the steps to securing his own future by accepting the offer.
Gus’ earliest memories are of his father reading books about the Citadel to him. In fact, he was groomed from the earliest age for this school. Yet, as Gus dreams of a military career – much to his parents’ horror – he sees this as an opportunity to prove that he has what it takes to be a military man.
Arriving on campus, both Sam and Gus must first make it through Hell Week – which is the first week of school where the “Knobs” are torn apart by the Cadre (upperclassmen) before being built back up. For me, I really enjoyed this part of the story where these college students undergo an initiation much like boot camp. Afterwards, the two find themselves assigned as roommates. While the two are attracted to one another, they don’t necessarily make the best first impressions and find themselves barely able to tolerate one another.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
May 5, 2016
We began the tale as Knobs or undergraduates of the military academy. Mr. Cade’s writing is clear and concise and enables the reader to peer into some unfamiliar rooms of growing up gay in vastly different setting than what most of us are used too. The resulting story produces a wonderfully pleasant account where one can almost hear the sound of leathery boots all marching in tight and snappy unison. It’s nice to see others experiencing a deep attraction to that one individual we once thought was the source of our greatest irritation, (much like our main character Gus), and it allowed me to remember back to my own upbringing and first love. If this was what the writer intended, then it certainly worked for me. If you enjoy a good coming of age story or even a sweetly drafted romance, then Knobs is the book to invest in for your Kindle. I found myself rushing to the ending; though I didn’t really want to get there as quickly as I did. So adorn yourself in your best Dress, Salt and Pepper uniform and fall hopelessly in love, as I did with this lovely romantic tale. P.S., where’s the sequel? Because I for one can’t wait!
April 27, 2016
I enjoy reading Mr. Cade's books. They are typically lighthearted with great characters and a good story. This was much in the same. I enjoyed the insight to the Citadel and how it was explained. I wish there had been a little more of that through out the book since it was something very foreign to me. The book also reminded me even kids who come from privileged families have their hardships to get through. I'm not sure if there will be a second book but I am curious if Gus's accident would come more into play because even though it's mentioned in this book for why he starts school later than the others, there isn't much more to it and it seemed to have an impact on his life. I also like the rift between Gus and his family and could really see that turning into something major. Gus was by far my favorite character and if he is based on anyone, that person is truly amazing. I look forward to more of Mr. Cade's books.
September 27, 2016
I really enjoyed Sam and Gus' journey from adversaries to committed lovers. The fact that they had to take their time and really get to know one another made their declarations of love believable. I would love to see these two again a bit further in the future. Gus is trying so hard to balance his need for autonomy with his love for his family. It would be wonderful to see him declaring his independence along with his love and permanent bond with Sam.
Adult read
Adult read
April 29, 2016
Scotty Cade never disappoints me with his writing. When I saw that he had written a book about the Citadel I was very excited and especially that it involved two attendees falling in love. I read it in a couple of days cause a good book always beckons me to read more. I especially liked that the ending left me hoping for more but if not then a definite happy ending.
July 26, 2016
Enjoyed the story, though it didn't resolve any issues the characters had and it seemed unrealistic that they had no reprocussions from their relationship.
On a separate note, I found the southern tradition of escorting a woman anachronistic. It is rooted in racism and is total sexism. Why celebrate this?!
On a separate note, I found the southern tradition of escorting a woman anachronistic. It is rooted in racism and is total sexism. Why celebrate this?!
September 24, 2016
Knobs is very authentic in its storytelling, its romance and its setting. It's a wonderful gay coming-of-age tale that handles the "forbidden love" angle very well. The characters are well-drawn and likable, and the story of their coming together is exciting. I heartily recommend Knobs.
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