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My Anti-Series #1
My Anti-Valentine
Jaded by relationships gone wrong, Bret throws an anti-Valentine's Day party to celebrate being single and burn his ex-boyfriends belongings. Who needs a commercialized holiday that only serves to make you feel bad about your relationship status, anyway? But not everyone at his party agrees. The cute blond guy who could be a member of a boy band challenges Bret, calling him bitter, and the truth comes spilling out: Bret's low interest in sex has destroyed every relationship he's had and tarnished his view of romance.
Harry is tired of fast hook-ups and meaningless sex, but finding a guy who wants a serious commitment has been a challenge. When he meets the cute hipster throwing an anti-Valentine's Day party, he's immediately charmed. But when he learns Bret is graysexual -- willing to have sex only occasionally in the right circumstances -- he's leery of making promises he can't keep. He doesn't want to break Bret's heart or his own, but can he really walk away from a chance at real love?
This s a novella of approximately 17,600 words.
Harry is tired of fast hook-ups and meaningless sex, but finding a guy who wants a serious commitment has been a challenge. When he meets the cute hipster throwing an anti-Valentine's Day party, he's immediately charmed. But when he learns Bret is graysexual -- willing to have sex only occasionally in the right circumstances -- he's leery of making promises he can't keep. He doesn't want to break Bret's heart or his own, but can he really walk away from a chance at real love?
This s a novella of approximately 17,600 words.
66 pages, ebook
First published January 21, 2017
47 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Jamison
83 books1,001 followersDJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.
DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany
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DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 20, 2017
This is short, funny and sweet. I really like the idea that one of the hero is graysexual. It seems like a such a big deal in romance where by default fictional characters can't keep their hands off each other more than an hour and need to fuck like rabbits, but I guess in real life, there are people who are too busy or not in the mood for sex all the time, ie. Me!
Bret hates Valentine's, the day that reminded him of multiple failed relationship because he is graysexual. Why did people thinks he needs to show his love by having sex constantly? Bret is not totally celibate, but he is rarely in the mood for sex. During the Anti-Valentine's Day party that he organized, he met Harry and they got into a heated debate about love and Valentine's Day.
Harry and Bret simply clicked together and they compliment each other so well. Bret is totally interested, but can Harry dare take a chance at relationship with someone like Bret? Will their relationship doomed to fail?
I think this is an interesting take in romance and I like how they both worked out their relationship and make some compromise. I definitely wouldn't mind picking up a similar theme full length novel if there is any.
Bret hates Valentine's, the day that reminded him of multiple failed relationship because he is graysexual. Why did people thinks he needs to show his love by having sex constantly? Bret is not totally celibate, but he is rarely in the mood for sex. During the Anti-Valentine's Day party that he organized, he met Harry and they got into a heated debate about love and Valentine's Day.
Harry and Bret simply clicked together and they compliment each other so well. Bret is totally interested, but can Harry dare take a chance at relationship with someone like Bret? Will their relationship doomed to fail?
I think this is an interesting take in romance and I like how they both worked out their relationship and make some compromise. I definitely wouldn't mind picking up a similar theme full length novel if there is any.
February 15, 2019
Yikes dot yikes. DNF at around 40%. TW: acephobia/acemisia out the ass.
Edit: ok i was so upset about this book, I ranted about it on a video on my booktube channel: https://youtu.be/W8F8bg3lAwU
This review might be more of a rant than a coherent review just because of how gross it made me feel. I wouldn't recommend anyone read this who is actually ace-spec. (I'm demisexual, for the record).
My first impression of this book was that the ace-spec char didn't know he was asexual, and seemed to discuss things in terms of not liking sex, not wanting sex as often, etc. as if the quantity or quality of the sex he was having was what made him ace. I wasn't sure if the author actually knew what asexuality was, but according to other reviews, this is intentional... the ace-spec char learning about his own sexuality is part of the plot. Which... is certainly a choice.
The only thing these two guys talk about in the first 1/3 of the book is how Bret (ace-spec guy) believes romance is dead and love can't exist without sex, so he's giving up on love entirely because all of his boyfriends have been unhappy with their sex life. Harry (allo-spec guy) tries to argue with him that love is more than just sex until Bret insists "My ex-boyfriends wouldn't agree with you," and tells him that he only rarely has sex, and doesn't like sex. Harry responds by demanding to know intimate details of his sex life, and Brett giving them to him. These scenes felt more like "Dear reader, let me tell you about my ace char's sexuality" but weirdly making it so he's blurting them out to the first guy who asks about them.
Then don't date him, Harry. Leave the room, Brett. You two should not be together!
One very weird thing to note... Bret claims he's never told anyone about his feelings on sex before. Never. Which means that he's been in relationships with people and never told them he wasn't comfortable having sex... which I found really alarming, especially that he walked away from those relationships assuming he must be the problem. What kind of people are in his life letting him believe this?
Speaking of... there are two (ostensibly) allo cis het women who are constantly advertising their "best guy friends" availability and sexuality despite both characters asking them not to do that, and Harry saying he doesn't like other people to know he's gay. So despite how uncomfortable it makes them, these two women keep telling everyone that they're gay, available, and 'desperate' as one of them said. Gross?
This is the point that I stopped because I seriously felt sick.
This book should have ended with Brett getting away from Harry, and the two of them never speaking again. Nothing Harry does is acceptable behavior for just one person speaking to another one, let alone trying to date someone. Interrogating someone about their sex life, wanting to know details of how often they have sex before pursuing them, making a situation sexual after it's clearly stated it is not sexual... gross.
If you want to read a review from an ace-spec reader who made it all the way through the book, here's a good one from someone I respect and trust: https://coreysbookcorner.wordpress.co...
Edit: ok i was so upset about this book, I ranted about it on a video on my booktube channel: https://youtu.be/W8F8bg3lAwU
This review might be more of a rant than a coherent review just because of how gross it made me feel. I wouldn't recommend anyone read this who is actually ace-spec. (I'm demisexual, for the record).
“Um, well ... you do get that you can’t do me, right?”
“Well, yeah, not unless you wanted it. Of course.”
“And I wouldn’t want it,” he said. “That’s kind of the point.”
“But you have sex sometimes?”
Bret lurched off the bed, whirling to face Harry.
“Is that why you’re in here? You think I’ll hook up with you if it’s a one-time thing? No.”
My first impression of this book was that the ace-spec char didn't know he was asexual, and seemed to discuss things in terms of not liking sex, not wanting sex as often, etc. as if the quantity or quality of the sex he was having was what made him ace. I wasn't sure if the author actually knew what asexuality was, but according to other reviews, this is intentional... the ace-spec char learning about his own sexuality is part of the plot. Which... is certainly a choice.
The only thing these two guys talk about in the first 1/3 of the book is how Bret (ace-spec guy) believes romance is dead and love can't exist without sex, so he's giving up on love entirely because all of his boyfriends have been unhappy with their sex life. Harry (allo-spec guy) tries to argue with him that love is more than just sex until Bret insists "My ex-boyfriends wouldn't agree with you," and tells him that he only rarely has sex, and doesn't like sex. Harry responds by demanding to know intimate details of his sex life, and Brett giving them to him. These scenes felt more like "Dear reader, let me tell you about my ace char's sexuality" but weirdly making it so he's blurting them out to the first guy who asks about them.
“I have sex sometimes if I’m in a relationship and if I can get in the right head space. But that’s still if. How many guys do you know who’d want a relationship like that?”
“It’d be really tough,” Harry acknowledged.
Then don't date him, Harry. Leave the room, Brett. You two should not be together!
One very weird thing to note... Bret claims he's never told anyone about his feelings on sex before. Never. Which means that he's been in relationships with people and never told them he wasn't comfortable having sex... which I found really alarming, especially that he walked away from those relationships assuming he must be the problem. What kind of people are in his life letting him believe this?
Speaking of... there are two (ostensibly) allo cis het women who are constantly advertising their "best guy friends" availability and sexuality despite both characters asking them not to do that, and Harry saying he doesn't like other people to know he's gay. So despite how uncomfortable it makes them, these two women keep telling everyone that they're gay, available, and 'desperate' as one of them said. Gross?
"...you’re kind of forbidden fruit.”
This is the point that I stopped because I seriously felt sick.
This book should have ended with Brett getting away from Harry, and the two of them never speaking again. Nothing Harry does is acceptable behavior for just one person speaking to another one, let alone trying to date someone. Interrogating someone about their sex life, wanting to know details of how often they have sex before pursuing them, making a situation sexual after it's clearly stated it is not sexual... gross.
If you want to read a review from an ace-spec reader who made it all the way through the book, here's a good one from someone I respect and trust: https://coreysbookcorner.wordpress.co...
Want to read
October 28, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/28/2019)! 🎁
November 2, 2017
Honestly, I loved this.
The relationship between Harry and Bret was precious, and I really liked seeing them ease into the situation, I liked watching both their process of working things through, figuring out where they stood (individually and with each other) and trying to find their footing from there.
I'm not going to lie, sometimes it kind of made me uncomfortable, because I felt that maybe it was way too much work from both parts (I know relationships do take work, but the way they dealt with things sometimes made me feel exhausted even reading it- and it was a short thing!)
All in all, I'm really glad this story exists: it was fluffy and sweet and honest- and I had lots of fun reading it!
The relationship between Harry and Bret was precious, and I really liked seeing them ease into the situation, I liked watching both their process of working things through, figuring out where they stood (individually and with each other) and trying to find their footing from there.
I'm not going to lie, sometimes it kind of made me uncomfortable, because I felt that maybe it was way too much work from both parts (I know relationships do take work, but the way they dealt with things sometimes made me feel exhausted even reading it- and it was a short thing!)
All in all, I'm really glad this story exists: it was fluffy and sweet and honest- and I had lots of fun reading it!
February 5, 2017
This is the best depiction of asexuality and relationships that I have ever read. The way the author handled both Bret and Harry's feelings was perfect. I highly recommend this book.
June 12, 2018
The center of this romance contends with sex, intimacy and relationships. Bret is asexual through he only gains the term during the course of this story and his past relationships have not worked out due to a lack of communication around sex and cultural (wider and gay) expectations.
Harry is sick of hook ups and wants a long term loving partnership.
They meet at a super cute Anti-Valentine's Day party. And....
Their connection is strong and watching them talk and figure out what makes this book enjoyable.
However, the story isn't long or deep enough to really fully invest to make it a great romance.
Harry is sick of hook ups and wants a long term loving partnership.
They meet at a super cute Anti-Valentine's Day party. And....
Their connection is strong and watching them talk and figure out what makes this book enjoyable.
However, the story isn't long or deep enough to really fully invest to make it a great romance.
October 22, 2020
as an asexual i think i tried to relate to Bret too much. he is graysexual and gay, which i am definitely not. i am aromantic and asexual.
but, i would have thought Bret would have waited more and wouldn't accept having an intimate (read : sexual) relationship this soon. but again, the spectrum is vast and fascinating and i have no right to doubt on someone's sexuality.
he identifies as graysexual, so be it.
yet, i was craving for more buildup for the relationship. more work. more yearning and loving. it was simply too short (70 pages), too fast.
the epilogue didn't make me feel any better. quite the opposite. i felt bad for both characters because it feels like the relationship is unequal. they can't answers the other's need. Harry has a high sex drive and craves for sexual relationships which is the opposite for Bret. if he is in the mood, right headspace and up for it then he would accept.
still, Bret apologizes for not wanting sex as much as Harry. and Harry doesn't really feel loved (even though he says the opposite).
it doesn't seem healthy for me. in the long-run they might just break up for those reasons.
but, i would have thought Bret would have waited more and wouldn't accept having an intimate (read : sexual) relationship this soon. but again, the spectrum is vast and fascinating and i have no right to doubt on someone's sexuality.
he identifies as graysexual, so be it.
yet, i was craving for more buildup for the relationship. more work. more yearning and loving. it was simply too short (70 pages), too fast.
the epilogue didn't make me feel any better. quite the opposite. i felt bad for both characters because it feels like the relationship is unequal. they can't answers the other's need. Harry has a high sex drive and craves for sexual relationships which is the opposite for Bret. if he is in the mood, right headspace and up for it then he would accept.
still, Bret apologizes for not wanting sex as much as Harry. and Harry doesn't really feel loved (even though he says the opposite).
it doesn't seem healthy for me. in the long-run they might just break up for those reasons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2017
Great alternative look at romantic relationships
This is a great short story which focusses on an often overlooked element of the sexual spectrum - asexuality.
Bret was a sweetie who'd been hurt in the past because of his asexual nature but he found the right match in Harry, who had been sick of all the meaningless hook ups.
Together they found a middle ground which worked for them both and discovered love is found in all the little places as well as in the sex.
This is a great short story which focusses on an often overlooked element of the sexual spectrum - asexuality.
Bret was a sweetie who'd been hurt in the past because of his asexual nature but he found the right match in Harry, who had been sick of all the meaningless hook ups.
Together they found a middle ground which worked for them both and discovered love is found in all the little places as well as in the sex.
August 3, 2021
yea, no. not for me.
January 25, 2017
This is the first story I've ever read about an asexual/graysexual character and I found it both enlightening and entertaining. While it's a short story it didn't feel like there was any essential information missing and I loved it.
Bret isn't totally opposed to having sex as long as it's on his terms – it just isn't something he really seems to want or need most of the time. Harry wants a meaningful, committed relationship and he's attracted to Bret but he has to decide if he can handle Bret's lack of desire for sex as frequently as he would like.
These two young men have a lot to work out in order to have a successful relationship but they find that in the end the reward is worth it.
Epilogue's are one of my favorite things in a book and the one for this story is great. It lets us know how Bret and Harry are getting on a year after they first meet. While there isn't a lot of sex in this story what's there is really HOT!
DJ Jamison's stories are well thought out and I can't wait to read more from her.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Bret isn't totally opposed to having sex as long as it's on his terms – it just isn't something he really seems to want or need most of the time. Harry wants a meaningful, committed relationship and he's attracted to Bret but he has to decide if he can handle Bret's lack of desire for sex as frequently as he would like.
These two young men have a lot to work out in order to have a successful relationship but they find that in the end the reward is worth it.
Epilogue's are one of my favorite things in a book and the one for this story is great. It lets us know how Bret and Harry are getting on a year after they first meet. While there isn't a lot of sex in this story what's there is really HOT!
DJ Jamison's stories are well thought out and I can't wait to read more from her.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
June 1, 2017
Very sweet, low-angst story about a graysexual and allosexual figuring out a monogamous relationship.
Initially I was confused because the way Bret describes his sexual history, it sounds more like a low sex drive than asexuality. It bothered me that I didn't see the nuance, and it's frustrating that the distinction isn't made until the frikken epilogue. So Bret has a sex drive -- he's chill with masterbation -- it's just that his lack of attraction toward other people makes it difficult for him to be interested in having sex with them.
I really like that Harry is hesitant to enter a relationship with Bret because he's worried he's making promises he can't keep. Bret is very open about how he got burned in the past by boyfriends who expected sex out of him, and, in turn, Harry's honest about being unsure he can commit to a relationship without expecting sex. Much of the story is them working through this dilemma, and it's great that in the end there's no definitive answer, just an ongoing collaboration between the two to make their partnership work.
There are sex scenes, but there's also a ton of communication before and during to make sure Bret is comfortable with everything that's happening. There's compromises made, but both Bret and Harry are satisfied with the conclusion.
I recommend this if you're looking for a light ace-spectrum romance.
Initially I was confused because the way Bret describes his sexual history, it sounds more like a low sex drive than asexuality. It bothered me that I didn't see the nuance, and it's frustrating that the distinction isn't made until the frikken epilogue. So Bret has a sex drive -- he's chill with masterbation -- it's just that his lack of attraction toward other people makes it difficult for him to be interested in having sex with them.
I really like that Harry is hesitant to enter a relationship with Bret because he's worried he's making promises he can't keep. Bret is very open about how he got burned in the past by boyfriends who expected sex out of him, and, in turn, Harry's honest about being unsure he can commit to a relationship without expecting sex. Much of the story is them working through this dilemma, and it's great that in the end there's no definitive answer, just an ongoing collaboration between the two to make their partnership work.
There are sex scenes, but there's also a ton of communication before and during to make sure Bret is comfortable with everything that's happening. There's compromises made, but both Bret and Harry are satisfied with the conclusion.
I recommend this if you're looking for a light ace-spectrum romance.
Read
February 10, 2019Content Warnings
Note: I do not recommend this book for other ace spec or ace questioning readers.
This book felt very much like a lot of the acceptance narratives I've read. The central conflict was around the ace spec character's gray aceness and low interest in sex, and both characters working to accept that it might be possible to have an ace-spec/allo relationship.
Read my full review on my blog.
Note: I do not recommend this book for other ace spec or ace questioning readers.
This book felt very much like a lot of the acceptance narratives I've read. The central conflict was around the ace spec character's gray aceness and low interest in sex, and both characters working to accept that it might be possible to have an ace-spec/allo relationship.
Read my full review on my blog.
February 19, 2017
First book with graysexual. Interesting and I was glad to see Bret wasn't pushed into things he wasn't comfortable with.
June 21, 2023
3.5*
Rep: greysexual gay MC, gay MC
Bret organizing an anti-Valentine party, even when he has a boyfriend, what an icon~
Ok, so, I have read some reviews from other ace-spec readers and I can see their points on the rep. But I personally, as a grey-ace person, liked it well enough. There was definitely more telling than showing but this was a problem of the author's writing craft more than anything else.
And I actually appreciated Harry's character. Some ace-spec readers mention that some things he said made them uncomfortable and honestly, that's valid. But I personally liked that he wasn't perfect. He said some shit he shouldn't have said or done. But he learned and was willing to change his attitude. There were issues, he wasn't sure if he can date Bret, ect. ... and I actually liked the epiloge. It shows that their relationship was a happy one but still require work and communication on their part and their insecurities weren't magically fixed - which is how any relationships actually work.
However, I kind of agree that this isn't a good rec for ace-spec readers. The rep itself is intented more for educating the allo audience than to make ace-spec folk feel seen.
Rep: greysexual gay MC, gay MC
Bret organizing an anti-Valentine party, even when he has a boyfriend, what an icon~
Ok, so, I have read some reviews from other ace-spec readers and I can see their points on the rep. But I personally, as a grey-ace person, liked it well enough. There was definitely more telling than showing but this was a problem of the author's writing craft more than anything else.
And I actually appreciated Harry's character. Some ace-spec readers mention that some things he said made them uncomfortable and honestly, that's valid. But I personally liked that he wasn't perfect. He said some shit he shouldn't have said or done. But he learned and was willing to change his attitude. There were issues, he wasn't sure if he can date Bret, ect. ... and I actually liked the epiloge. It shows that their relationship was a happy one but still require work and communication on their part and their insecurities weren't magically fixed - which is how any relationships actually work.
However, I kind of agree that this isn't a good rec for ace-spec readers. The rep itself is intented more for educating the allo audience than to make ace-spec folk feel seen.
February 11, 2019
I thought this was absolutely lovely! Bret is totally jaded by relationships and love because he is asexual and made to feel that he isn't worthy. Harry totally finds Bret attractive and enjoys sex, so he struggles with whether or not he could be in a relationship where sex is minimal. I thought this was great. It focused a lot on the building of their relationship with friendship and romance without a lot of intimacy, and I loved how they did not gloss over talking about what they wanted and how to compromise about it. Very enjoyable.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of the bundled series provided by Signal Boost Promotions
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of the bundled series provided by Signal Boost Promotions
March 8, 2019
3.5. Cute quick read. Nice to see characters that realize there is more to a meaningful relationship than sex.
September 26, 2017
Wonderful short story about Bret and Harry and their challenge to find love. Sweet and humorous with some angst, this is a realistic look at a graysexual and a club boy trying to build a relationship.
February 20, 2017
3.5 stars
February 26, 2017
This was a very well written and interesting read about Bret who happens to be an asexual person or gray/sexual, who meets Harry at his anti Valentine's Day party. I kind of understand where Bret is coming from not wanting sex, or wanting any more relationships that revolve around sex. Harry is tired of the one night stand thing, and he's actually very patient with Bret, but not sure if he wants to be in a relationship without physical affection. They soon find common ground and naturally touch my heart. This was a totally charming and heartfelt read. :) I totally enjoyed it.
February 20, 2017
This was a sweet short story that handled a sensitive situation very well. 3.5
March 12, 2017
Cute story about a gray-sexual (type of asexual) who wants love, but isn't all that comfortable with sex and a man who is tired of one night stands. They meet at Bret's Anti-Valentine's party and are attracted to each other, but Harry has to decide if he is willing to forgo sex in order to be with Bret.
Luckily, all it takes is a night out at a club for Harry to realize that Bret means more to him than random hook-ups, and they navigate their way to a HEA.
This is total slow burn, but the sex they do have on page, particularly in the epilogue makes it all worthwhile.
Luckily, all it takes is a night out at a club for Harry to realize that Bret means more to him than random hook-ups, and they navigate their way to a HEA.
This is total slow burn, but the sex they do have on page, particularly in the epilogue makes it all worthwhile.
Read
January 24, 2017I beta read this for the author so no rating from me.
I loved this story! I adored the characters and their interactions.
It's a great read.
I loved this story! I adored the characters and their interactions.
It's a great read.
January 22, 2024
I felt a lot of feelings about this story for how short it was. I felt hurt on Bret's behalf for some of the things Harry said and did on his journey to wanting to be together, but I think I also really appreciated Harry's journey, because it gave them the opportunity to have some of the conversations people have about being with someone on the ace spectrum. And while some of those conversations are hard and hurt, I liked that this short story addressed some of them and how Bret and Harry found a way to be together.
I liked how Bret told Harry how he felt about sex the first time they met, and so how that was never a secret between them. I appreciated how they became friends first, how they would hang out together and both of them felt like they were really dates, not just friend hangouts. I liked how Harry really did take the time to think about how he felt about being in a relationship with someone who wouldn't always want to have sex. I liked how going to the club with his friends showed him that he wanted the connection he had with Bret more than he wanted the easy, casual sex he had been getting until now.
Bret's friend suggesting he look into asexuality when he told her about how he felt about sex was so great. I liked how she gave him this word and how he looked into it and how he struggled with taking on a label like that, but how he talked about how it could also give him access to a group of people who felt the way he did--the way the label gay had. I liked how he found the label of graysexual and how he kind of seemed more confident about setting boundaries by the end of the book than he did at the start, when he really thought there was something wrong with him.
I liked how Bret and Harry really talked through things and how careful and respectful Harry was any time they did anything intimate. I liked how Bret set his boundaries about no tongue during kissing and how he explained what he was feeling and what he wanted when they touched and how Harry talked about taking notes, how he was paying attention. I liked the epilogue and how it showed that a year later, Bret and Harry have found a place that works, how they still sometimes need to talk things through, and how they're both happy in their relationship.
I just really appreciated this story because it was immediately easy, but Bret and Harry did genuinely like each other and chose to try to make things work. I liked how they talked things out and how receptive they both were to each other. I just really liked these two and how their relationship evolved and grew and how they talked about things. This was awesome and I really liked these two <3
I liked how Bret told Harry how he felt about sex the first time they met, and so how that was never a secret between them. I appreciated how they became friends first, how they would hang out together and both of them felt like they were really dates, not just friend hangouts. I liked how Harry really did take the time to think about how he felt about being in a relationship with someone who wouldn't always want to have sex. I liked how going to the club with his friends showed him that he wanted the connection he had with Bret more than he wanted the easy, casual sex he had been getting until now.
Bret's friend suggesting he look into asexuality when he told her about how he felt about sex was so great. I liked how she gave him this word and how he looked into it and how he struggled with taking on a label like that, but how he talked about how it could also give him access to a group of people who felt the way he did--the way the label gay had. I liked how he found the label of graysexual and how he kind of seemed more confident about setting boundaries by the end of the book than he did at the start, when he really thought there was something wrong with him.
I liked how Bret and Harry really talked through things and how careful and respectful Harry was any time they did anything intimate. I liked how Bret set his boundaries about no tongue during kissing and how he explained what he was feeling and what he wanted when they touched and how Harry talked about taking notes, how he was paying attention. I liked the epilogue and how it showed that a year later, Bret and Harry have found a place that works, how they still sometimes need to talk things through, and how they're both happy in their relationship.
I just really appreciated this story because it was immediately easy, but Bret and Harry did genuinely like each other and chose to try to make things work. I liked how they talked things out and how receptive they both were to each other. I just really liked these two and how their relationship evolved and grew and how they talked about things. This was awesome and I really liked these two <3
August 26, 2017
♡☆(¸.•´.•*¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡
Saying no to Valentine's Day.
You hate romance because it's tied to sex, but I want romance instead of only sex. ~Harry
Luck just wasn't on his side. Harry seemed to be the hit it and quit it guy. No one stuck around, and that just hurt. Men wanted sex, not that he minded, but maybe a little staying power would help at times. He was NOT opposed to relationship. Taking his friends up on the party of the season, Harry met the one man who could be right for him.
Bret was having an anti Valentine party.
Bret was different than most guys. They were ALL about sex, he was not. Falling on the gray sexual spectrum made it difficult in finding a partner. And after one too many times losing a boyfriend because of that situation, he held a party against Valentine's Day and all it entailed.
Both men brought so much to the relationship. I liked the struggle they encountered, and I liked the way that DJ as an author shared that struggle. There was no black and white, but mere gray. Harry knew if he was to have this man by his side, he had to be willing to accept ALL aspect of him and know that life would change somehow. And Bret knew if he were to accept Harry into his world, he had to take him, warts and all.
As a side note, many are not familiar with the spectrum of asexuality. It is a widely misunderstood topic and has been pushed under the rug and eyes have been rolled and it has become a non-factor. In my readings, I have discovered that there are so many areas of sexuality not explored. It is so easy to shun that which we have no idea about and move on. I find it better, and easier, to find out about OTHER things rarely mentioned than to be an ostrich with my head in the sand. Check out Asexuality.org and educate yourself.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
Saying no to Valentine's Day.
You hate romance because it's tied to sex, but I want romance instead of only sex. ~Harry
Luck just wasn't on his side. Harry seemed to be the hit it and quit it guy. No one stuck around, and that just hurt. Men wanted sex, not that he minded, but maybe a little staying power would help at times. He was NOT opposed to relationship. Taking his friends up on the party of the season, Harry met the one man who could be right for him.
Bret was having an anti Valentine party.
Bret was different than most guys. They were ALL about sex, he was not. Falling on the gray sexual spectrum made it difficult in finding a partner. And after one too many times losing a boyfriend because of that situation, he held a party against Valentine's Day and all it entailed.
Both men brought so much to the relationship. I liked the struggle they encountered, and I liked the way that DJ as an author shared that struggle. There was no black and white, but mere gray. Harry knew if he was to have this man by his side, he had to be willing to accept ALL aspect of him and know that life would change somehow. And Bret knew if he were to accept Harry into his world, he had to take him, warts and all.
As a side note, many are not familiar with the spectrum of asexuality. It is a widely misunderstood topic and has been pushed under the rug and eyes have been rolled and it has become a non-factor. In my readings, I have discovered that there are so many areas of sexuality not explored. It is so easy to shun that which we have no idea about and move on. I find it better, and easier, to find out about OTHER things rarely mentioned than to be an ostrich with my head in the sand. Check out Asexuality.org and educate yourself.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
February 7, 2019
The three stories in this book are really entertaining. Three couples and three stories, but the characters are intertwined with each other throughout the book. The four main characters are ll introduced in the first book. Harry, Riley, Chris and Brad. Harry is looking for a little more than a hookup and meeting Brett has him all twisted up. Brett is asexual but can tolerate sex, but not often. How these men work through their problems is angsty and you wonder how they will be able to survive a real relationship. The first story is short, but full of hope with a HFN.
The second story is also short, but a fulfilling read. Riley and Brad are friends with benefits, but Riley doesn't realize that Brad really wants a true relationship with love that involves more than sex. Will they be able to put aside their
insecurities to follow through with a love that Riley has trouble seeing?
The third story is the bulk of the book. Riley and Brad take their friends to Vegas for their wedding. Chris feels left out and then Ant walks into the airport. Will Chris be able to let go of his fears and insecurities to listen to what Ant has to say? This story also takes us back into the lives of the other two couples. Harry asks more of Brett than Brett feels he can deliver. Brad takes the readers, Riley and their friends on a colorful and joyful trip into his world as he perceives what Vegas is all about. An Elvis wedding? Perhaps. The reader will have to take take a journey with the colorful, strong and delightful characters as they do their Anti-Valentines thing into a world that just may include love.
We have an HEA for these guys to look forward to. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC Book
The second story is also short, but a fulfilling read. Riley and Brad are friends with benefits, but Riley doesn't realize that Brad really wants a true relationship with love that involves more than sex. Will they be able to put aside their
insecurities to follow through with a love that Riley has trouble seeing?
The third story is the bulk of the book. Riley and Brad take their friends to Vegas for their wedding. Chris feels left out and then Ant walks into the airport. Will Chris be able to let go of his fears and insecurities to listen to what Ant has to say? This story also takes us back into the lives of the other two couples. Harry asks more of Brett than Brett feels he can deliver. Brad takes the readers, Riley and their friends on a colorful and joyful trip into his world as he perceives what Vegas is all about. An Elvis wedding? Perhaps. The reader will have to take take a journey with the colorful, strong and delightful characters as they do their Anti-Valentines thing into a world that just may include love.
We have an HEA for these guys to look forward to. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC Book
May 27, 2018
*I received the book in exchange for an honest review*
This is a very cute novella by DJ Jamison and has an interesting premise. From the beginning we know Bret is greysexual. And this is ‘a problem’ for him because it was ‘a problem’ for his previous partner(s), which is why he is so jaded and annoyed at…well, anything to do with love. Which is also why he is throwing an Anti-Valentine party, where he is planning to burn the stuff his exes have left behind.
Harry, on the other hand, is constantly hooking up but grows ‘tired’ of it. But he has no idea where and how to find the right person for him. So when these two meet at Bret’s party, there is attraction but also distrust, especially from Bret’s side.
And to Bret’s credit, Harry is not sure whether he can do it. Can he be with Bret, someone who could be THE ONE, a person not interested in hookups or even sex most of the time? I liked that Harry was careful. It might have hurt Bret, but at least Harry took some time to think about it and has not rashly promised anything.
And they communicated a lot. I loved that! Harry has never pressured Bret into sex, has never made him feel guilty or ‘wrong’ intentionally. Not being ace, I can’t say whether the rep was good or bad, but the author did her research as it is seen in the beginning, and also in the fact that with the exception of ‘douche-ex-boyfriends’ who left Bret thinking love doesn’t exist without sex, there is never a feeling or idea that something is wrong with Bret. It’s who he is and his friends and Harry accept it.
It’s a short and sweet and feel-good story including a hatred against Valentine’s Day 🙂
This is a very cute novella by DJ Jamison and has an interesting premise. From the beginning we know Bret is greysexual. And this is ‘a problem’ for him because it was ‘a problem’ for his previous partner(s), which is why he is so jaded and annoyed at…well, anything to do with love. Which is also why he is throwing an Anti-Valentine party, where he is planning to burn the stuff his exes have left behind.
Harry, on the other hand, is constantly hooking up but grows ‘tired’ of it. But he has no idea where and how to find the right person for him. So when these two meet at Bret’s party, there is attraction but also distrust, especially from Bret’s side.
And to Bret’s credit, Harry is not sure whether he can do it. Can he be with Bret, someone who could be THE ONE, a person not interested in hookups or even sex most of the time? I liked that Harry was careful. It might have hurt Bret, but at least Harry took some time to think about it and has not rashly promised anything.
And they communicated a lot. I loved that! Harry has never pressured Bret into sex, has never made him feel guilty or ‘wrong’ intentionally. Not being ace, I can’t say whether the rep was good or bad, but the author did her research as it is seen in the beginning, and also in the fact that with the exception of ‘douche-ex-boyfriends’ who left Bret thinking love doesn’t exist without sex, there is never a feeling or idea that something is wrong with Bret. It’s who he is and his friends and Harry accept it.
It’s a short and sweet and feel-good story including a hatred against Valentine’s Day 🙂
September 20, 2019
I feel for Bret in this situation because I feel exactly like him. Being in the asexual scale myself, I understand how he feels. You want that relationship, but too many people put the emphasis on sex. And on Valentine's Day. It's commercialized and if you love someone, shouldn't it be all year round you show them instead of one day?
But I got where Harry was coming from, too. He wanted to be sure he could handle a relationship like that with Bret. It's not that he didn't care for the man, but he didn't want to hurt him by needing something Bret couldn't give. It's a complicated situation. It can work, but communication is a very serious key. It's always a key in any relationship but with this kind, it really is.
The thing I liked, though, is even with feelings being hurt sometimes from tension, they did try to talk. They did try to work. And it's not an easy thing. It doesn't mean there aren't fights, or hurt feelings or doubts and fears that creep up often, but it takes work to make it work and they did that. Even when it was hard, they worked at it. And that makes all the difference sometimes.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
But I got where Harry was coming from, too. He wanted to be sure he could handle a relationship like that with Bret. It's not that he didn't care for the man, but he didn't want to hurt him by needing something Bret couldn't give. It's a complicated situation. It can work, but communication is a very serious key. It's always a key in any relationship but with this kind, it really is.
The thing I liked, though, is even with feelings being hurt sometimes from tension, they did try to talk. They did try to work. And it's not an easy thing. It doesn't mean there aren't fights, or hurt feelings or doubts and fears that creep up often, but it takes work to make it work and they did that. Even when it was hard, they worked at it. And that makes all the difference sometimes.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
February 14, 2018
A really good short, but very raw at times. Harry and Bret start off poorly, with Harry constantly having his foot in his mouth while he watches Bret berate love and it's biggest 'holiday'. But as they move along they really click; flirting, playing, enjoying time and company together. It is the sexuality that makes it so difficult for them. Harry knows he wants sex in a relationship, and is afraid of giving it up for a guy that he likes. Meanwhile, Bret is just learning about his feelings being a part of being graysexual, and is pretty confident that his new label just means 'alone forever'. There is a lot of stress on the sex in their relationship, but I liked how they tried to work it out together. Yes, it is awkward and uncomfortable at times, with lots of talking, fear, and uncertainty, but watching their steadfast resolve to pursue this spark they feel through it was really quite beautiful.
January 29, 2019
When you've had your heart broken too many times and Valentine's day comes around again, what do you do? Host an Anti-Valentine party where you burn all of your old boyfriend's things. Or that's what Bret does. And when his friend shows up with some eye candy, he can't help but get his hopes up.
Harry is tired of being used. He wants a relationship. And now he's stuck at an anti-love fest talking to Bret, an asexual hipster that doesn't believe in love.
With both of them so jaded and unsure, they decide to be friends and see where they stand on the physical stuff later.
This was really sweet and I enjoyed the pace for such a short story. Harry seemed like the more immature of the couple, but I have to admit he surprised me at his support and understanding when it came to Bret's physical needs and self-assurance.
This made for a very cute, fast read perfect for this time of year.
*Arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Harry is tired of being used. He wants a relationship. And now he's stuck at an anti-love fest talking to Bret, an asexual hipster that doesn't believe in love.
With both of them so jaded and unsure, they decide to be friends and see where they stand on the physical stuff later.
This was really sweet and I enjoyed the pace for such a short story. Harry seemed like the more immature of the couple, but I have to admit he surprised me at his support and understanding when it came to Bret's physical needs and self-assurance.
This made for a very cute, fast read perfect for this time of year.
*Arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2019
Asexuality MM Short
3.5 stars!
Here we have Bret, a person who identifies as asexual/GrayA, and Harry, a club hopper looking for his mister right in all the wrong places, both are looking for a commitment but aren't sure that a limited sexual relationship can work in the long term. Can they communicate enough to find a good balance?
I really liked that this felt like an honest portrayal of an asexual person. I have often wondered if I'm GrayA, and after reading this it feels scarily similar to my own circumstances. I also liked how informative this story was but I could see others not liking how it could read like a guide book on discovering asexuality.
Overall, I liked the story and I felt the emotions. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn about asexuality through a fictional story.
3.5 stars!
Here we have Bret, a person who identifies as asexual/GrayA, and Harry, a club hopper looking for his mister right in all the wrong places, both are looking for a commitment but aren't sure that a limited sexual relationship can work in the long term. Can they communicate enough to find a good balance?
I really liked that this felt like an honest portrayal of an asexual person. I have often wondered if I'm GrayA, and after reading this it feels scarily similar to my own circumstances. I also liked how informative this story was but I could see others not liking how it could read like a guide book on discovering asexuality.
Overall, I liked the story and I felt the emotions. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn about asexuality through a fictional story.
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