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Young Spades #1
Pulling Strings
Aristotle “Ari” Dineen, Jr. thinks he doesn't deserve love. Ari has bipolar disorder and parents who don't understand his challenges. Falling in love isn't on the playlist for a guy like him, someone running from his past and so uncertain about his future.
Shane Beckett doesn't have time for things like love. He's busy - giving music lessons, finishing his senior year, and oh yeah, he's the lead singer of up and coming indie rock band, Young Spades.
A cup of beer, a music history class, and a pack of cigarettes changes everything.
As Ari and Shane are about to find out, despite having a lack of time or the confidence to believe they can make it work, love has a way of pulling them in and rocking their worlds.
Shane Beckett doesn't have time for things like love. He's busy - giving music lessons, finishing his senior year, and oh yeah, he's the lead singer of up and coming indie rock band, Young Spades.
A cup of beer, a music history class, and a pack of cigarettes changes everything.
As Ari and Shane are about to find out, despite having a lack of time or the confidence to believe they can make it work, love has a way of pulling them in and rocking their worlds.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2018
106 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Riley Long
34 books65 followersRiley lives in central Virginia with her husband, son, and very silly dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 13, 2019
Read this for Round 3's attempt at Smutathon in June 2019!
Major trigger warnings for discussions of suicide/bipolar disorder.
This fast-paced M/M Romance was sadly not an easy read for me. I'm always looking for stories that have mental health representation, but there were lots of sex scenes throughout. I really wanted to see more of the main characters Ari and Shane's personalities developed. As stated in a previous book review, I don't write detailed reviews for steamy romances as much as other genres, but I was disappointed by this one!
Major trigger warnings for discussions of suicide/bipolar disorder.
This fast-paced M/M Romance was sadly not an easy read for me. I'm always looking for stories that have mental health representation, but there were lots of sex scenes throughout. I really wanted to see more of the main characters Ari and Shane's personalities developed. As stated in a previous book review, I don't write detailed reviews for steamy romances as much as other genres, but I was disappointed by this one!
May 13, 2019
3.5
This book felt a little disjointed to me. We follow Ari and Shane, both at uni, both gay, but both have been out of the dating scene for a while.
Ari is bipolar and doesn't think he deserves love. Shane is a musician who's in the same band as Ari's roommate.
The aspect that felt a bit disjointed, or at least a bit skewed, was the amount of time spent describing the sex in the book. Now don't get me wrong, if I'm reading a new adult book I'm not going to be shocked that there's graphic sex in it, but this one felt like there were too many sex scenes and not enough scenes of Ari and Shane together in clothed situations. It make the relationship seem a bit cheap.
The mental health aspect - Ari's bipolar disorder - was portrayed really well. He visits a therapist, there's talk of medication and different types of mania.
The music element - Shane's band - was portrayed really well, we see the group at rehearsals and meetings, at gigs and interacting with each other.
The side characters - Shane's friends / Ari's friends - were portrayed well, given a bit of backstory and personality.
The school work - they are at uni after all - is never shied away from, it's always a proper part of the story.
Even the main characters families were mentioned, and there were some great twists in what you expected them to be and who they actually were.
Soooo....with this book specifically being a romance....why was the relationship building lacking? Honestly, it could have done with chopping out maybe 3 sex scenes (they were all almost exactly the same formulaic, none realistic scene anyway) and have the two characters talk more, interact more, do other things besides jumping into bed.
It's kind of disappointing, because I really enjoyed the storyline, it just felt like the ~erotic sex~ was shoehorned in at every point, rather than giving the characters the same time to grow together as they did when apart.
This book felt a little disjointed to me. We follow Ari and Shane, both at uni, both gay, but both have been out of the dating scene for a while.
Ari is bipolar and doesn't think he deserves love. Shane is a musician who's in the same band as Ari's roommate.
The aspect that felt a bit disjointed, or at least a bit skewed, was the amount of time spent describing the sex in the book. Now don't get me wrong, if I'm reading a new adult book I'm not going to be shocked that there's graphic sex in it, but this one felt like there were too many sex scenes and not enough scenes of Ari and Shane together in clothed situations. It make the relationship seem a bit cheap.
The mental health aspect - Ari's bipolar disorder - was portrayed really well. He visits a therapist, there's talk of medication and different types of mania.
The music element - Shane's band - was portrayed really well, we see the group at rehearsals and meetings, at gigs and interacting with each other.
The side characters - Shane's friends / Ari's friends - were portrayed well, given a bit of backstory and personality.
The school work - they are at uni after all - is never shied away from, it's always a proper part of the story.
Even the main characters families were mentioned, and there were some great twists in what you expected them to be and who they actually were.
Soooo....with this book specifically being a romance....why was the relationship building lacking? Honestly, it could have done with chopping out maybe 3 sex scenes (they were all almost exactly the same formulaic, none realistic scene anyway) and have the two characters talk more, interact more, do other things besides jumping into bed.
It's kind of disappointing, because I really enjoyed the storyline, it just felt like the ~erotic sex~ was shoehorned in at every point, rather than giving the characters the same time to grow together as they did when apart.
Want to read
October 2, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (10/2/18)!💝
Blurb:
Aristotle “Ari” Dineen, Jr. thinks he doesn't deserve love. Ari has bipolar disorder and parents who don't understand his challenges. Falling in love isn't on the playlist for a guy like him, someone running from his past and so uncertain about his future.
Shane Beckett doesn't have time for things like love. He's busy - giving music lessons, finishing his senior year, and oh yeah, he's the lead singer of up and coming indie rock band, Young Spades.
A cup of beer, a music history class, and a pack of cigarettes changes everything.
As Ari and Shane are about to find out, despite having a lack of time or the confidence to believe they can make it work, love has a way of pulling them in and rocking their worlds.
Blurb:
Aristotle “Ari” Dineen, Jr. thinks he doesn't deserve love. Ari has bipolar disorder and parents who don't understand his challenges. Falling in love isn't on the playlist for a guy like him, someone running from his past and so uncertain about his future.
Shane Beckett doesn't have time for things like love. He's busy - giving music lessons, finishing his senior year, and oh yeah, he's the lead singer of up and coming indie rock band, Young Spades.
A cup of beer, a music history class, and a pack of cigarettes changes everything.
As Ari and Shane are about to find out, despite having a lack of time or the confidence to believe they can make it work, love has a way of pulling them in and rocking their worlds.
probably-not-but-freebie
October 2, 2018Freebie at amazon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Pulling-Stri...
September 11, 2018
Pulling Strings is my first time reading something from Riley Long, and now I am hooked.
This story is absolutely fantastic, as it's tone is great, the flow is wonderful and the storyline is outstanding.
Ari is struggling at college, as he's bipolar and has a tough time socializing. When he meets Shane, a cup of beer changes everything. They have some issues to work out between them, but after they get together, both men start struggling more.
Shane succumbs too the pressures of trying to juggle too many things, and Ari's mental health issues give him trouble.
The mental health aspects are this book are handled impressively, as they are written with knowledge, care, compassion, and heart. The therapy sessions are superb. This story will tug at your heartstrings, as both young men are forced to deal with so much in their lives.
Pulling Strings is a gripping tale, with a great flow and an ambitious storyline that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. I am thrilled to have found this book by Riley Long and I look forward to reading more from her.
This story is absolutely fantastic, as it's tone is great, the flow is wonderful and the storyline is outstanding.
Ari is struggling at college, as he's bipolar and has a tough time socializing. When he meets Shane, a cup of beer changes everything. They have some issues to work out between them, but after they get together, both men start struggling more.
Shane succumbs too the pressures of trying to juggle too many things, and Ari's mental health issues give him trouble.
The mental health aspects are this book are handled impressively, as they are written with knowledge, care, compassion, and heart. The therapy sessions are superb. This story will tug at your heartstrings, as both young men are forced to deal with so much in their lives.
Pulling Strings is a gripping tale, with a great flow and an ambitious storyline that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. I am thrilled to have found this book by Riley Long and I look forward to reading more from her.
September 4, 2018
This may not be the easiest story to read for some but it really does treat mental issues very well for a shorter book. Ari has issues...and Shane takes his mind of his issues for a time. What Ari learns that when he sees himself spiral, he needs to ask for help and sometimes that is not the easiest thing to do...especially when you don't feel you have the support you need. Shane will learn that not all outer packages are perfect and that it takes actual work to make a go of things if you really want them. Sexy indeed.
September 5, 2018
This is a new author to me, so I was not sure what to expect, however, I am glad that I gave this novel a chance. Ari is bipolar, and has always been misunderstood and challenged. Shane has a lot going on in his life, and has no time for relationships. No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed! This is a well written story which pulls at the heartstrings, and is an emotional rollercoaster journey throughout. I was totally intrigued and hooked and I look forward to reading more from this talented author. I highly recommend this authors’ work for all readers!
December 16, 2018
Needing help
Very interesting characters and story line, it hit close because I know a couple of people w/some mental disorders. Not as bad,but serious.I felt bad for them both, but I got my happy ending☺
Very interesting characters and story line, it hit close because I know a couple of people w/some mental disorders. Not as bad,but serious.I felt bad for them both, but I got my happy ending☺
September 13, 2018
I enjoyed this story about the beginning of a relationship between Ari and Shane, but I do hope that the next book(s) will continue their story before - or at the same time as - moving to another band member. I appreciated being shown the intricacies of Ari's bipolar disorder, and I felt the highs and lows with him. I also understood Shane's reasons for making smoking a hard limit. I loved that both guys wanted to help others.
However, there were several issues with this story for me. I felt that alcohol and marijuana were used very casually, considering that Ari was on several medications to control his condition. I hope in the next installment, this is addressed and corrected, as mixing the different substances could have very negative effects. Another issue I had was my dislike of Ellie. I could have handled her extreme bossiness and curt behavior if it had been mixed in with scenes of her being a caring friend and bandmate to Shane, Liam, and Trick. I would also like to have seen some of the interaction Ari and Shane had with the group they were working with in class and found out how their project was graded. Since Shane was a scholarship student and depended on good grades keeping him at school, it would have been nice to see a good grade balance out the one bad one we found out about.
If book two addresses the issues I've listed, and shows how the guys manage to balance their lives so that their relationship doesn't cause them to sabotage their other priorities again, I will look more kindly on this first installment. All the right ingredients are present for an excellent story. I just think it will require a lot of growth for Shane and Ari to make it there. For now, this is a good HFN story, and I'm glad I read it.
However, there were several issues with this story for me. I felt that alcohol and marijuana were used very casually, considering that Ari was on several medications to control his condition. I hope in the next installment, this is addressed and corrected, as mixing the different substances could have very negative effects. Another issue I had was my dislike of Ellie. I could have handled her extreme bossiness and curt behavior if it had been mixed in with scenes of her being a caring friend and bandmate to Shane, Liam, and Trick. I would also like to have seen some of the interaction Ari and Shane had with the group they were working with in class and found out how their project was graded. Since Shane was a scholarship student and depended on good grades keeping him at school, it would have been nice to see a good grade balance out the one bad one we found out about.
If book two addresses the issues I've listed, and shows how the guys manage to balance their lives so that their relationship doesn't cause them to sabotage their other priorities again, I will look more kindly on this first installment. All the right ingredients are present for an excellent story. I just think it will require a lot of growth for Shane and Ari to make it there. For now, this is a good HFN story, and I'm glad I read it.
October 2, 2018
3.5 stars rounded to 4
This is a young adult novel where Ari and Shane fall in love despite both only investing in casual hook-ups for years. I enjoy books with beautifully broken characters, and seeing how those characters overcome their obstacles. Ari has bipolar disorder and Shane’s family life is a bit broken - his mother died of lung cancer when he was young and his stepsister has cyclical depression. I was curious how Ari’s disorder affected the building of his relationship with Shane.
In the end, the book kind of fell flat to me. The writing was choppy and the dialogue was flat. The emotions of the characters often did not feel real to me. Shane, in particular, comes off kind of bland or stilted or not real. The conflicts seemed a bit manufactured, for example:
- Ari was originally presented as an occasional smoker, but him quitting smoking for Shane seemed to be a principal theme in the book. I was confused how it was so hard for him.
- Their breakup during break just felt overblown and I just kept rolling my eyes at how they handled/resolved the conflict. I actually said out loud “Oh come on!”
I appreciated the care and attention the author put in with Ari’s illness. The one part of the book that “felt” real was experiencing the highs and lows with Ari. Instead of bipolar being some abstract element, it was woven into the storyline quite believably.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
This is a young adult novel where Ari and Shane fall in love despite both only investing in casual hook-ups for years. I enjoy books with beautifully broken characters, and seeing how those characters overcome their obstacles. Ari has bipolar disorder and Shane’s family life is a bit broken - his mother died of lung cancer when he was young and his stepsister has cyclical depression. I was curious how Ari’s disorder affected the building of his relationship with Shane.
In the end, the book kind of fell flat to me. The writing was choppy and the dialogue was flat. The emotions of the characters often did not feel real to me. Shane, in particular, comes off kind of bland or stilted or not real. The conflicts seemed a bit manufactured, for example:
- Ari was originally presented as an occasional smoker, but him quitting smoking for Shane seemed to be a principal theme in the book. I was confused how it was so hard for him.
- Their breakup during break just felt overblown and I just kept rolling my eyes at how they handled/resolved the conflict. I actually said out loud “Oh come on!”
I appreciated the care and attention the author put in with Ari’s illness. The one part of the book that “felt” real was experiencing the highs and lows with Ari. Instead of bipolar being some abstract element, it was woven into the storyline quite believably.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
September 30, 2018
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)
The first of the Young Spades series and we get a good introduction to the band in Ari and Shane's book. Shane is lead singer for the band, and is just working to finish college and then move with the band to L.A. where they have the hopes of making it big. Ari is also a college student, and he goes with his bestie to a party as a step out of his comfort zone, something Ari and his therapist have talked about. While at this party, Ari is completely out of his element and totally uncomfortable, but he is trying and this is a huge step for him. When Ari's crush, Shane, starts to make small talk with him, Ari feels like this is a dream come true.. and cue the beer spilling. Shane ends up back at Ari's to change into dry clothes and from there starts a journey neither are prepared for. With all the pressures of college, homework, band, parents and all the stresses that the two have, is it even smart to try for anything? Can the two figure out a way to make this work, or is the real world just too real?
This was a good story. I loved that this was a bit different in the way the author dealt with Ari's issues, and how the two dealt with it together and separate. With lots of very nice naughty bits, drama, and some characters I can't wait to read about. I give this 4 stars.
(4 stars)
The first of the Young Spades series and we get a good introduction to the band in Ari and Shane's book. Shane is lead singer for the band, and is just working to finish college and then move with the band to L.A. where they have the hopes of making it big. Ari is also a college student, and he goes with his bestie to a party as a step out of his comfort zone, something Ari and his therapist have talked about. While at this party, Ari is completely out of his element and totally uncomfortable, but he is trying and this is a huge step for him. When Ari's crush, Shane, starts to make small talk with him, Ari feels like this is a dream come true.. and cue the beer spilling. Shane ends up back at Ari's to change into dry clothes and from there starts a journey neither are prepared for. With all the pressures of college, homework, band, parents and all the stresses that the two have, is it even smart to try for anything? Can the two figure out a way to make this work, or is the real world just too real?
This was a good story. I loved that this was a bit different in the way the author dealt with Ari's issues, and how the two dealt with it together and separate. With lots of very nice naughty bits, drama, and some characters I can't wait to read about. I give this 4 stars.
February 11, 2021
***spoilers here and there ****
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2021...
I can understand about mental illness. It’s no joke, Ari couldn’t help that he felt the way that he felt. But he done things that he regretted but couldn’t help. It was good that he gotten help when he did. Plus to me Shane understood more than Ari parents did when it came to mental illness.
But I also understood why his father was scared and concerned about him being gay when it came to his father witnessing his cousin/best friend getting killed right in front of him. So of course he’s going to concerned.
But what I don’t get how and why the guys families say “ they wanted grandchildren” now they can’t just because their son is GAY. I am like um they can adopted or get a surrogate 🤷🏽♀️ it’s the same for when women can’t have children or whatever they either adopt or just get themselves a surrogate. but most adopted because of how much you pay for surrogate.
But anyways; they fought like crazy especially when Shane fell that exam. Which I understood. Because they way I saw it was Ari did expected so much of him and Shane was neglecting his responsibilities. But that break that they both had did help them both.
But made a trigger to depression for Ari which sucked in the end. But at least they worked it out.
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2021...
I can understand about mental illness. It’s no joke, Ari couldn’t help that he felt the way that he felt. But he done things that he regretted but couldn’t help. It was good that he gotten help when he did. Plus to me Shane understood more than Ari parents did when it came to mental illness.
But I also understood why his father was scared and concerned about him being gay when it came to his father witnessing his cousin/best friend getting killed right in front of him. So of course he’s going to concerned.
But what I don’t get how and why the guys families say “ they wanted grandchildren” now they can’t just because their son is GAY. I am like um they can adopted or get a surrogate 🤷🏽♀️ it’s the same for when women can’t have children or whatever they either adopt or just get themselves a surrogate. but most adopted because of how much you pay for surrogate.
But anyways; they fought like crazy especially when Shane fell that exam. Which I understood. Because they way I saw it was Ari did expected so much of him and Shane was neglecting his responsibilities. But that break that they both had did help them both.
But made a trigger to depression for Ari which sucked in the end. But at least they worked it out.
January 17, 2020
Pulling strings by Riley Long
Aristotle (Ari) Harrison Dinneen, Jr. is a junior at a college in Boulder--the name of the college is not mentioned. He has bipolar disease and is gay, struggling with his sexuality and mental health. Hanah is his therapist.
Shane is a musician who is also gay, has not dealt with coming out to his parents and plays in a band--The Young Spades--at the unknown c0llege. He has a step-sister, Brooke, who is depressed and Shane is her caregiver and supportive older sibling.
They meet and sparkles happen. They struggle with their relationship and deal with Ari's mental problems and try their best to survive.
The book is narrated from the third-person point of view, however, the writer has issues with it and most times you forget who's narrating. The prose is flat, the plot is boring--even the sex scenes are boring and predictable. The characters are two dimensional--I never identified with them. Probably its only saving grace is that it deals with mental health problems, but I still can't recommend this book to anyone.
Aristotle (Ari) Harrison Dinneen, Jr. is a junior at a college in Boulder--the name of the college is not mentioned. He has bipolar disease and is gay, struggling with his sexuality and mental health. Hanah is his therapist.
Shane is a musician who is also gay, has not dealt with coming out to his parents and plays in a band--The Young Spades--at the unknown c0llege. He has a step-sister, Brooke, who is depressed and Shane is her caregiver and supportive older sibling.
They meet and sparkles happen. They struggle with their relationship and deal with Ari's mental problems and try their best to survive.
The book is narrated from the third-person point of view, however, the writer has issues with it and most times you forget who's narrating. The prose is flat, the plot is boring--even the sex scenes are boring and predictable. The characters are two dimensional--I never identified with them. Probably its only saving grace is that it deals with mental health problems, but I still can't recommend this book to anyone.
September 29, 2018
Ari and Shane are very different people. Ari is bi-polar and takes medications to keep his life in balance. Shane is a musician in a band, going to college on a scholarship. Both men realize their individual issues might not mesh well together but the attraction between them is to right to be ignored.
When those issues tear them apart, they both have to be strong to be able to come back together.
This story was full of sadness. Ari had to go through such heartbreaking mental issues and being so sure he wasn’t lovable. Both men dealing with family that didn’t understand them and weren’t willing to try. Misunderstandings that seemed insurmountable.
But at the same time there was a lot of joy. First love, discovery that they weren’t alone and could be the strength the other needed. Making it work despite their issues. I liked the book
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
When those issues tear them apart, they both have to be strong to be able to come back together.
This story was full of sadness. Ari had to go through such heartbreaking mental issues and being so sure he wasn’t lovable. Both men dealing with family that didn’t understand them and weren’t willing to try. Misunderstandings that seemed insurmountable.
But at the same time there was a lot of joy. First love, discovery that they weren’t alone and could be the strength the other needed. Making it work despite their issues. I liked the book
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
September 7, 2018
The portrayal of disability in such an unfiltered way was particularly refreshing in this book, although the realisation of a relationship was less organic than others in the MM romance genre. I particularly appreciated the motivations behind one of the protagonists, but the other one did seem more rough around the edges than credibility would withstand. I did not find the narrative arc convincing - I thought the arc would work much better with more care and flourish granted to some of the secondary characters. The ending leaves the reader with much hope, but the structure and pace of the storytelling leave a lot to be desired in the next tale.
*ARC provided in exchange for a candid review.
*ARC provided in exchange for a candid review.
September 8, 2018
Reviewed on Behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blogs
This book really does what the title says and pull at your heart. The book is both sad and happy and is an emotional rollercoaster.
Air has bipolar disorder and this has always been a struggle and because of this he is misunderstood and people don’t always realise why he acts the way he does.
Shane has a chaotic life and has no time for relationships but starts falling for Ari.
I liked the connection between both Shane & Ari and you could feel how they felt about each other which made the book feel more real. I just wanted to wrap them both up and hoped they both found happiness in each other.
I do recommend this book & cant wait for more books!
This book really does what the title says and pull at your heart. The book is both sad and happy and is an emotional rollercoaster.
Air has bipolar disorder and this has always been a struggle and because of this he is misunderstood and people don’t always realise why he acts the way he does.
Shane has a chaotic life and has no time for relationships but starts falling for Ari.
I liked the connection between both Shane & Ari and you could feel how they felt about each other which made the book feel more real. I just wanted to wrap them both up and hoped they both found happiness in each other.
I do recommend this book & cant wait for more books!
September 5, 2018
This booked is called Pulling Strings and I think it means heart strings because this book is beautiful, sad, hopeful and a number of other things that takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride you don't want to get off.
I actually found this book to one that when you read the blurb you are not sure if this book is for you but when you take that leap and read it you are so glad you did.
I really loved and connected with both Shane and Ari and felt all of their happiness and sadness as if it was my own. I just wanted to hug both boys and make all of their troubles go away.
I recommended this book and will keep my eye put for more from Riley Long.
I actually found this book to one that when you read the blurb you are not sure if this book is for you but when you take that leap and read it you are so glad you did.
I really loved and connected with both Shane and Ari and felt all of their happiness and sadness as if it was my own. I just wanted to hug both boys and make all of their troubles go away.
I recommended this book and will keep my eye put for more from Riley Long.
September 30, 2018
Riley Long is a new author for me. An I will be coming back for more. I really enjoyed the story and characters.
Shane and Ari are trying to make it through college life. They both have obstacles to overcome. Shane with the band and family. Ari’s mental health is the most important. He doesn’t want things in the past to come back. He doesn’t want to be that guy anymore.
Shane and Ari never thought they would find love. But sometimes life has a way of shocking you and showing you that love and the right person can make it calmer.
Shane and Ari are trying to make it through college life. They both have obstacles to overcome. Shane with the band and family. Ari’s mental health is the most important. He doesn’t want things in the past to come back. He doesn’t want to be that guy anymore.
Shane and Ari never thought they would find love. But sometimes life has a way of shocking you and showing you that love and the right person can make it calmer.
January 12, 2019
An enjoyable college based book
I really enjoyed this story, set in a college, with students Ari and Shane.
Both have their own issues, which, true to life don't get fully resolved but the happy for now ending is quite satisfying. Ari's mental health issues were well written, and at times, difficult to read about, mirroring done if my own, but talking and realism helps.
I will look out for the rest of the series
I really enjoyed this story, set in a college, with students Ari and Shane.
Both have their own issues, which, true to life don't get fully resolved but the happy for now ending is quite satisfying. Ari's mental health issues were well written, and at times, difficult to read about, mirroring done if my own, but talking and realism helps.
I will look out for the rest of the series
April 5, 2019
Great short read!
This book was awesome! I loved the two characters so much! Ari broke my heart when he started to get hypomamic (is that the right term?) And I really could relate to him as I'm borderline bipolar atm. I loved the world building in this and especially liked the side characters a lot. Though Ellie kinda pissed me off with her "talk" at one point. Anywho I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants an interesting and engagong short read!
This book was awesome! I loved the two characters so much! Ari broke my heart when he started to get hypomamic (is that the right term?) And I really could relate to him as I'm borderline bipolar atm. I loved the world building in this and especially liked the side characters a lot. Though Ellie kinda pissed me off with her "talk" at one point. Anywho I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants an interesting and engagong short read!
March 16, 2019
Fairly dreadful. Perhaps it is aimed at poor readers. Most paragraphs have one sentence, which makes tedious and monotonous reading. There is almost no overall story, and no development of the characters, except that one tries to give up smoking. I even found the sex scenes dull. Formulaic, and seemingly quickly written - churned out for an readership of limited ability.
September 21, 2018
This was my first book by this author and I was pretty impressed. A huge part of this book is on mental illness and the author difficulty did their research. The characters will have you falling in love with them and Ari and Shane’s story was both entertaining and informative. Really enjoyed it.
May 14, 2019
sexy and powerful
I am also bipolar, so I appreciated the depiction of another gay man living with mental illness.
The love story is sweet and hot. The characters are well-developed
And I loved the cow story.
I am also bipolar, so I appreciated the depiction of another gay man living with mental illness.
The love story is sweet and hot. The characters are well-developed
And I loved the cow story.
September 5, 2018
this was beautiful.. heartwarming.. and tried to yank your heart out of your chest lol it was well written and fun to read. i enjoyed it
October 8, 2018
I had the opportunity to read an ARC of Facing the Beat, book two in the Young Spades series and at the time, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read book one, but halfway through Facing the Beat I knew I made the wrong choice. I was going crazy not knowing how Ari and Shane got together, the details of it and all. So the very next morning I went straight away and got book one and devoured it in about four hours or so cause it was SO GOOD.
Ari suffers from bipolar and Riley did such a great job of the representation of the illness, now I myself don’t suffer from bipolar but I do from depression and anxiety and felt that Ari’s reactions were really well portrayed. But besides his mental illness, Ari was adorable and amazing at how he reacted after coming to terms with said illness.
Shane is such a great character, his reactions and feelings are on point and never felt fake or forced, not only toward Ari but his sister as well.
I am glad I decided I needed to read this because it made book two that much more special in the long run.
Ari suffers from bipolar and Riley did such a great job of the representation of the illness, now I myself don’t suffer from bipolar but I do from depression and anxiety and felt that Ari’s reactions were really well portrayed. But besides his mental illness, Ari was adorable and amazing at how he reacted after coming to terms with said illness.
Shane is such a great character, his reactions and feelings are on point and never felt fake or forced, not only toward Ari but his sister as well.
I am glad I decided I needed to read this because it made book two that much more special in the long run.
February 7, 2019
Meds and sigs
Two dimensional and boring with a long drown out plot and flat characters. Kiddos to the author for tackling mental illness though.
Two dimensional and boring with a long drown out plot and flat characters. Kiddos to the author for tackling mental illness though.
Want to read
February 13, 2019FREE at KOBO right now! - 13/Feb/2019
February 19, 2019
Quick, painless, and fun. I liked this book, but it was over too quick.
March 5, 2019
This was a short and sweet romance that was very enjoyable.
March 6, 2019
First time reading this author. I enjoyed this M/M book. I will be looking again for this author. HEA stand alone.
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