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Adam Bomb
Moguls, Royals, and Rogues
Can a lifelong friendship survive the fallout?
Levi Cossio’s best friend Adam has always been larger than a smoking-hot billionaire hotelier whose charm can bend the world to his whim. When New York City stops being big enough for both of them—at least if Levi ever wants to fall out of love with Adam—he leaves it behind for a job in in San Francisco.
But when Adam pulls an Adam—upending the calm new life Levi has come to love with a plea to lend his talent to a worthy cause—Levi is helpless to resist. Adam will be the first Fortune 100 CEO to come out of the closet on a grand scale. He needs a trusted ally on his PR team. Levi is a lauded portrait photographer. And the job will only last three weeks.
Levi accepts on one hidden he’ll keep his new friends away from Adam, certain that if they get a whiff, they, too, will fall under Adam’s spell. Bent on keeping his two lives separate, Levi barely makes it through the first two weeks unscathed—and then Adam drops another bomb….
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2020
10 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Kilby Blades
29 books514 followersKilby Blades is a USA Today Bestselling author of Romance and Women's Fiction. Her debut novel, "Snapdragon", was a HOLT Medallion finalist, a Publisher's Weekly BookLife Prize Semi-Finalist, and an IPPY Award medalist. Kilby was honored with an RSJ Emma Award for Best Debut Author in 2018, and has been lauded by critics for "easing feminism and equality into her novels" (IndieReader) and "writing characters who complement each other like a fine wine does a good meal" (Publisher's Weekly).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 5, 2020
Adam and Levi have been friends since childhood when Levi's immigrant parents worked for Adam's father, a very successful hotelier (think Hilton). Adam is not only a billionaire, but is incredibly attractive and people basically stop in awe as he walks into a room. Levi has been in love with Adam since forever, and after one brief interlude when they were about 20, they have been platonic friends, albeit friends that cuddle and caress.
When Adam and his sister becomes co-CEOs, he decides to come out publicly as bisexual, and asks Levi, now a renowned photographer, to do a series of publicity photos. Being together brings up all those old feelings and Levi struggles with Adam once again trying to take control of his life. What follows is Levi dealing with a lot (a lot) of internal struggle. Can Levi survive Adam returning to his NYC base of operations while Levi remains in San Francisco? If they become lovers, will they forever destroy their friendship?
These are the questions that Levi mulls over (and over, and over) and while I like the premise of the story, getting into the author's writing style is not seamless, as she doesn't always come right out and state something; at times, I had to read a passage several times to figure out exactly what she meant, or what had happened. (Of course, this could just be me, and YMMV.)
The one thing that is not in doubt is Adam and Levi's sexual chemistry - it's positively combustible - and yet Levi seems continually amazed that all his friends already assume that Adam and he have long been friends with benefits. The book ends with a great epilogue / HEA and my rating is 3.5 stars for "Adam Bomb."
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
When Adam and his sister becomes co-CEOs, he decides to come out publicly as bisexual, and asks Levi, now a renowned photographer, to do a series of publicity photos. Being together brings up all those old feelings and Levi struggles with Adam once again trying to take control of his life. What follows is Levi dealing with a lot (a lot) of internal struggle. Can Levi survive Adam returning to his NYC base of operations while Levi remains in San Francisco? If they become lovers, will they forever destroy their friendship?
These are the questions that Levi mulls over (and over, and over) and while I like the premise of the story, getting into the author's writing style is not seamless, as she doesn't always come right out and state something; at times, I had to read a passage several times to figure out exactly what she meant, or what had happened. (Of course, this could just be me, and YMMV.)
The one thing that is not in doubt is Adam and Levi's sexual chemistry - it's positively combustible - and yet Levi seems continually amazed that all his friends already assume that Adam and he have long been friends with benefits. The book ends with a great epilogue / HEA and my rating is 3.5 stars for "Adam Bomb."
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
January 5, 2020
Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars
I've got so many mixed feelings about this book I don't quite know where to begin. I'm gonna try to be logical, somehow, but no promises.
As far as the overall plot goes, well the blurb gives you a pretty good idea about it, so the ending wasn't really unexpected. Same goes for some revelations throughout the book. But at the same time, I kept on reading really hoping for a happy ending and not being quite sure I would get one.
And that's probably due to the characters. One thing I have to say is that they're not unidimensional, or at least I thought they were complex enough to feel realistic to me. Levi... I felt for him. So much. I was on the verge of crying a few times. I'd love to know him in real life, because he seems like an amazing person to know. But at the same time, now that I think about it, I can't really think of his flaws. He didn't feel like a Mary Sue to me, but this is still disconcerting. Adam, on the other hand, I really didn't see what Levi saw in him at first, but then he appeared in all his complexity and that made him way more lovable. I would have loved to see him interact with his twin, to be honest, and more of Elle overall, but still. Adam sure is interesting to my eyes.
One other thing I really really enjoyed is the how-so-normal way LGBTQIA+ people are talked about. Levi keeps on introducing us to new nonheterosexual couples without overtly advertising their sexual orientation, but without hiding it either, and that's just something I love. Or how you deduce from something Hazel said that she's a trans woman, but like it's just because she asks a question in passing and nothing in the book either relates to her trans identity again, because you know, it's part of her, and it was mentioned once, so why insist on it? She's a young woman, working for Levi and a photograph kinda-in-training, and all those things are as much her as the rest. I don't have other precise examples in mind, but I know that it felt just as if you were learning something about the characters that makes them who they are but that can't be the whole person, like something that just is and it felt right.
That being said, some things bugged me. I had trouble really getting in the book at first, because 5 names were given in the first few paragraphs, without any context, and it was just really confusing. I obviously kept on but had to pause to reread it at least twice to get what was happening, whose POW it was, and how the characters related to each other. I can't remember the other times but I knew it happened a couple of times afterwards as well, which I didn't like.
Another thing is the overall really-obscenely-rich context the characters are evolving in. It's not my world, at all, and I was sometimes lost in the details, trying to comprend exactly what they were talking about, or where. I don't really know how to express it, but I felt kinda out their world. Well I'm definitely middle-class and admit I couldn't relate to them on that aspect at all in any case, but I've never felt that way that strongly about rich characters in a book before, as if I was so not in their world I couldn't keep up even though it was fictional. Not sure that makes sense, but that's the best words I got for now to express the feeling.
And at the same time, there were lots of instances where I forgot that situation, and Adam and Levi were appearing to me in their really human side, and just that, which is precisely what kept me going. As I said at the beginning, mixed feelings. Which is why I have a hell of a time rating this book.
That being, you should know I read it all in one go (well, with a break to eat but that's all), and that I've begun that review as soon as I was done. I might think differently in a while, might change my review later, might even reread it in a few months or years to see if my thoughts about it have changed. In any case, it made me feel for Levi, if nothing else, and that's the most important thing I'm gonna remember from this book. Feel free to give it a try to see for yourself.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Gems.
I've got so many mixed feelings about this book I don't quite know where to begin. I'm gonna try to be logical, somehow, but no promises.
As far as the overall plot goes, well the blurb gives you a pretty good idea about it, so the ending wasn't really unexpected. Same goes for some revelations throughout the book. But at the same time, I kept on reading really hoping for a happy ending and not being quite sure I would get one.
And that's probably due to the characters. One thing I have to say is that they're not unidimensional, or at least I thought they were complex enough to feel realistic to me. Levi... I felt for him. So much. I was on the verge of crying a few times. I'd love to know him in real life, because he seems like an amazing person to know. But at the same time, now that I think about it, I can't really think of his flaws. He didn't feel like a Mary Sue to me, but this is still disconcerting. Adam, on the other hand, I really didn't see what Levi saw in him at first, but then he appeared in all his complexity and that made him way more lovable. I would have loved to see him interact with his twin, to be honest, and more of Elle overall, but still. Adam sure is interesting to my eyes.
One other thing I really really enjoyed is the how-so-normal way LGBTQIA+ people are talked about. Levi keeps on introducing us to new nonheterosexual couples without overtly advertising their sexual orientation, but without hiding it either, and that's just something I love. Or how you deduce from something Hazel said that she's a trans woman, but like it's just because she asks a question in passing and nothing in the book either relates to her trans identity again, because you know, it's part of her, and it was mentioned once, so why insist on it? She's a young woman, working for Levi and a photograph kinda-in-training, and all those things are as much her as the rest. I don't have other precise examples in mind, but I know that it felt just as if you were learning something about the characters that makes them who they are but that can't be the whole person, like something that just is and it felt right.
That being said, some things bugged me. I had trouble really getting in the book at first, because 5 names were given in the first few paragraphs, without any context, and it was just really confusing. I obviously kept on but had to pause to reread it at least twice to get what was happening, whose POW it was, and how the characters related to each other. I can't remember the other times but I knew it happened a couple of times afterwards as well, which I didn't like.
Another thing is the overall really-obscenely-rich context the characters are evolving in. It's not my world, at all, and I was sometimes lost in the details, trying to comprend exactly what they were talking about, or where. I don't really know how to express it, but I felt kinda out their world. Well I'm definitely middle-class and admit I couldn't relate to them on that aspect at all in any case, but I've never felt that way that strongly about rich characters in a book before, as if I was so not in their world I couldn't keep up even though it was fictional. Not sure that makes sense, but that's the best words I got for now to express the feeling.
And at the same time, there were lots of instances where I forgot that situation, and Adam and Levi were appearing to me in their really human side, and just that, which is precisely what kept me going. As I said at the beginning, mixed feelings. Which is why I have a hell of a time rating this book.
That being, you should know I read it all in one go (well, with a break to eat but that's all), and that I've begun that review as soon as I was done. I might think differently in a while, might change my review later, might even reread it in a few months or years to see if my thoughts about it have changed. In any case, it made me feel for Levi, if nothing else, and that's the most important thing I'm gonna remember from this book. Feel free to give it a try to see for yourself.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Gems.
January 3, 2020
Full review to come after publishing. Not a fan.
October 16, 2020
Because it wasn't just affection-when quiet fell between them, so did sublime belonging, divine communion, and perfect love.
What a wonderful best friends to more romance!! Levi and Adam's friendship was amazing to witness. The absolute ache of the unrequited love Levi has for his best friend who is so sweet, loyal, kind, insanely affectionate and considerate towards him was perfect.
Beyond the two main characters, it was so nice to see such a thriving queer community focused on uplifting one another. Goals, i tell you.
Would absolutely recommend.
What a wonderful best friends to more romance!! Levi and Adam's friendship was amazing to witness. The absolute ache of the unrequited love Levi has for his best friend who is so sweet, loyal, kind, insanely affectionate and considerate towards him was perfect.
Beyond the two main characters, it was so nice to see such a thriving queer community focused on uplifting one another. Goals, i tell you.
Would absolutely recommend.
January 18, 2020
I enjoyed this story. I really did. But, it took me about a week or so to read it. Why? Because I like to get pronunciations correct in my head, and every time Levi's name graced the pages, I stumbled. And, I'm still not sure how the "i" is supposed to be...long? short? But, I digress. It's my own personal hang-up, and aside from that, the storyline was entertaining and had strong, well developed characters.
This is the story of two friends who have grown up together, but from different castes in life. Levi is the son of a housekeeper and a hotel porter, while Adam is the son of the owner of one of the top hotel chains in the hospitality industry. Levi's parents are undocumented immigrants from Argentina, and Adam's family hails from Iran.
Secrets, insecurities, and power plays are the driving force behind the plotline. Levi has made his own artistic way in life. He earns a pretty penny from his photography, but he will never have Adam's billionaire status; nor does he aspire to reach such heights. He wants to be free to make his own decisions, and he uses his talent for good causes when possible.
Adam is an enigma. Charming, gorgeous, powerful, and wealthy; he appears to have the confidence of a god. He has just inherited the family business, and he is making some serious changes. His father was all about the public image, but was a bigot and misogynist both to his employees, and toward his family.
When Adam drops his bomb, and the two friends finally give themselves free reign to enjoy each other, things heat up. I have to admit I didn't really get into the sexy times, but that could have been because of the emotions and thought processes going on at the time.
Eventually, things come to a head, and pent up frustrations and hurt come pouring out. It could be a death blow to what could have been, but Adam is full of surprises. In the end, compromises are made, lives are adjusted and changed, and acceptance is finally found. Levi and Adam get their hard own happily ever after, and their lives are just beginning.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
This is the story of two friends who have grown up together, but from different castes in life. Levi is the son of a housekeeper and a hotel porter, while Adam is the son of the owner of one of the top hotel chains in the hospitality industry. Levi's parents are undocumented immigrants from Argentina, and Adam's family hails from Iran.
Secrets, insecurities, and power plays are the driving force behind the plotline. Levi has made his own artistic way in life. He earns a pretty penny from his photography, but he will never have Adam's billionaire status; nor does he aspire to reach such heights. He wants to be free to make his own decisions, and he uses his talent for good causes when possible.
Adam is an enigma. Charming, gorgeous, powerful, and wealthy; he appears to have the confidence of a god. He has just inherited the family business, and he is making some serious changes. His father was all about the public image, but was a bigot and misogynist both to his employees, and toward his family.
When Adam drops his bomb, and the two friends finally give themselves free reign to enjoy each other, things heat up. I have to admit I didn't really get into the sexy times, but that could have been because of the emotions and thought processes going on at the time.
Eventually, things come to a head, and pent up frustrations and hurt come pouring out. It could be a death blow to what could have been, but Adam is full of surprises. In the end, compromises are made, lives are adjusted and changed, and acceptance is finally found. Levi and Adam get their hard own happily ever after, and their lives are just beginning.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
January 26, 2020
Best friends Adam and Levi have a complicated friendship.
There are so many unsaid feeling between them.
I enjoyed this best friends to lover journey.
Watching them overcoming obstacles to get their HEA.
There are so many unsaid feeling between them.
I enjoyed this best friends to lover journey.
Watching them overcoming obstacles to get their HEA.
January 13, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from the author. It was wonderful!
This is the first book I've read by Kilby and let me say...she has the romance down to a fine art! Of course it helps when the characters are hot, one is extremely rich and they both love each other deeply...and have for years.
When Levi leaves NYC and moves to Adam, they both realize that love doesn't make their platonic relationship any easier. Luckily a little cross country planning and the ability to travel at a moments notice allows them to explore their feelings.
Now they have to decide, can they both be what the other needs?
This is the first book I've read by Kilby and let me say...she has the romance down to a fine art! Of course it helps when the characters are hot, one is extremely rich and they both love each other deeply...and have for years.
When Levi leaves NYC and moves to Adam, they both realize that love doesn't make their platonic relationship any easier. Luckily a little cross country planning and the ability to travel at a moments notice allows them to explore their feelings.
Now they have to decide, can they both be what the other needs?
January 7, 2020
Every once in a while a story comes along and really grips you or makes you go ahhh. This for me was one of them. Besides it being a great story there was so much more to it. I don't really do the whole social awareness and save the earth thing but this story made me think and I liked that. I loved Levi. He was so mature and grounded and sweet and dominate when he let go. His demeanor and his cultivation of his friend circle showed who he was. Adam for all his worldliness was broken in his need for Levi and I just about cried when he has his heart to heart with him. I really enjoyed this story and hope if you read this, it makes you go ahhh too.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
January 7, 2020
I honestly really enjoyed this book! The relationship between Levi and Adam was complex from the beginning and went through some unexpected ups and downs. Levi is a wonderful character through and through, and Adam starts off with a lot flaws but the two work together to get to a HEA.
Also, I wasn’t prepared for so much hotel tycoon or semi-professional photographer information but it was certainly fun to read about all of it.
Also, I wasn’t prepared for so much hotel tycoon or semi-professional photographer information but it was certainly fun to read about all of it.
February 10, 2020
4 Stars
Levi and Adam are as close as best friends can be. Levi has always harbored strong feelings for Adam but has put his intense attraction aside for the sake of their friendship. Everybody loves Adam as he is warm, personable and generous. Despite the fact that he is rich, Adam comes across as down to earth.
Levi has done well for himself in the field of photography. His work is being recognized and he is currently residing in LA. Adam reaches out to Levi to do a photo op as he is about to become co-CEO with his twin sister and feels this would be a golden opportunity to publicly announce his bisexuality. Levi agrees to help but has some reservations as Adam is fresh from a break-up with a stunning woman and won’t tell him the reason why he ended the relationship.
The first part of the story dragged a little bit, even though the author’s writing style is wonderful. I felt there was too much filler before she got to the core of the story. Adam appears to want Levi which not only confuses the photographer but angers him. Adam pushed him away years ago and it was hard enough remaining friends when Levi’s heart shattered. Could he contemplate that kind of hell again?
The storyline was interesting and it did pick up. I found myself immersed in the book. My one major what the heck moment was when Adam announced he would be campaigning actively for the LGBTQA population in the Middle East and living 2 months out of the next 10 years in Tehran. In Iran, being gay is illegal and thousands have been punished by death. I would imagine this would be insanely dangerous.
I did love the chemistry between the two men. More than halfway into the story you will understand what drives Adam and made him into the man he is today. I enjoyed the progression from friends to lovers while they tried to move past old hurts.
The epilogue was really over the top but all in all, I will definitely read more books from this author. Happy reading.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***
Levi and Adam are as close as best friends can be. Levi has always harbored strong feelings for Adam but has put his intense attraction aside for the sake of their friendship. Everybody loves Adam as he is warm, personable and generous. Despite the fact that he is rich, Adam comes across as down to earth.
Levi has done well for himself in the field of photography. His work is being recognized and he is currently residing in LA. Adam reaches out to Levi to do a photo op as he is about to become co-CEO with his twin sister and feels this would be a golden opportunity to publicly announce his bisexuality. Levi agrees to help but has some reservations as Adam is fresh from a break-up with a stunning woman and won’t tell him the reason why he ended the relationship.
The first part of the story dragged a little bit, even though the author’s writing style is wonderful. I felt there was too much filler before she got to the core of the story. Adam appears to want Levi which not only confuses the photographer but angers him. Adam pushed him away years ago and it was hard enough remaining friends when Levi’s heart shattered. Could he contemplate that kind of hell again?
The storyline was interesting and it did pick up. I found myself immersed in the book. My one major what the heck moment was when Adam announced he would be campaigning actively for the LGBTQA population in the Middle East and living 2 months out of the next 10 years in Tehran. In Iran, being gay is illegal and thousands have been punished by death. I would imagine this would be insanely dangerous.
I did love the chemistry between the two men. More than halfway into the story you will understand what drives Adam and made him into the man he is today. I enjoyed the progression from friends to lovers while they tried to move past old hurts.
The epilogue was really over the top but all in all, I will definitely read more books from this author. Happy reading.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***
January 27, 2020
Levi has always loved Adam. Everyone loves Adam. Now it is time that Levi moves on and leaves Adam behind.
Levi and Adam have been friends since they were eight years old. Adam the rich kid whose family owned the hotel that Levi’s father worked in. He has been in love with him for almost that long. He has finally moved across an entire continent to create a life without him in it and move on.
Now Adam is in San Francisco asking Levi to coordinate his “coming out” campaign. For Levi this is a chance to say goodbye to seeing Adam everyday and finally put him in the “friend” category and find a new love. Levi on the other hand has all kinds of plans which might include Levi if he ever tells him.
Adam Bomb (Dreamspinner Press, B0828NYRSC, 2020) by Kilby Blades is a journey of love and friendship. Levi and Adam have been friends too long. They can finish each other's sentences and order the other’s food without even having to look at a menu. All of this is fine if there are no intimate feelings involved, unfortunately they have been intimate and Levi has feelings.
Blades makes us feel all of this as we ride on Levi’s journey. Then on the rollercoaster of Adam’s visit and the feelings and emotions Levi goes through. Love what a mess and Blades made me love going through it with Levi and I am so not into that kind of messy stuff. Blades makes it worth it though. The highs and the lows are all worth it. This is a romance you do not want to put down as it shares knowledge about the Persian culture and gives you a great romance too. Kudos to Blades and Adam Bomb.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
Levi and Adam have been friends since they were eight years old. Adam the rich kid whose family owned the hotel that Levi’s father worked in. He has been in love with him for almost that long. He has finally moved across an entire continent to create a life without him in it and move on.
Now Adam is in San Francisco asking Levi to coordinate his “coming out” campaign. For Levi this is a chance to say goodbye to seeing Adam everyday and finally put him in the “friend” category and find a new love. Levi on the other hand has all kinds of plans which might include Levi if he ever tells him.
Adam Bomb (Dreamspinner Press, B0828NYRSC, 2020) by Kilby Blades is a journey of love and friendship. Levi and Adam have been friends too long. They can finish each other's sentences and order the other’s food without even having to look at a menu. All of this is fine if there are no intimate feelings involved, unfortunately they have been intimate and Levi has feelings.
Blades makes us feel all of this as we ride on Levi’s journey. Then on the rollercoaster of Adam’s visit and the feelings and emotions Levi goes through. Love what a mess and Blades made me love going through it with Levi and I am so not into that kind of messy stuff. Blades makes it worth it though. The highs and the lows are all worth it. This is a romance you do not want to put down as it shares knowledge about the Persian culture and gives you a great romance too. Kudos to Blades and Adam Bomb.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
February 7, 2020
3.5 Stars
This is a tricky one for me to review because I had very mixed feelings about this book. The feelings I had at the beginning are very different than the feelings I had at the end. There were times when I was really rooting for Levi and Adam and then there were times I was so frustrated I just wanted to give up. And it's not like either Adam or Levi were bad guys, they just couldn't seem to get it together.
Levi has worked hard to be as successful as he is, coming from immigrant parents and humble beginnings. Adam on the other hand is heir to a super hotel empire and is already a billionaire. The two have been best friends, but it's definitely a complicated relationship. Levi has finally moved across country to build his life, away from Adam but then Adam is back with all his charisma and take-charge ways and the two finally hit a breaking point.
As the story continued, I found myself frustrated by the push and pull and the lack of honesty between the two. They really don't seem to be that good of friends, and it goes both ways. I did feel for these two though, especially once all the truths are laid out there. My heart hurt for them both and what they had missed out on. I understood more about Adam and Levi in the last bit of the book and that's when I really felt invested in their story. I was finally rooting for them, and I truly did enjoy the way it came together. It was something special to see these two, who had always loved each other, finally figure it out and grow the love they have always shared. The end was wonderful and really did make my heart happy. So, it wasn't the easiest read, but in the end I was happy with Adam and Levi!
This is a tricky one for me to review because I had very mixed feelings about this book. The feelings I had at the beginning are very different than the feelings I had at the end. There were times when I was really rooting for Levi and Adam and then there were times I was so frustrated I just wanted to give up. And it's not like either Adam or Levi were bad guys, they just couldn't seem to get it together.
Levi has worked hard to be as successful as he is, coming from immigrant parents and humble beginnings. Adam on the other hand is heir to a super hotel empire and is already a billionaire. The two have been best friends, but it's definitely a complicated relationship. Levi has finally moved across country to build his life, away from Adam but then Adam is back with all his charisma and take-charge ways and the two finally hit a breaking point.
As the story continued, I found myself frustrated by the push and pull and the lack of honesty between the two. They really don't seem to be that good of friends, and it goes both ways. I did feel for these two though, especially once all the truths are laid out there. My heart hurt for them both and what they had missed out on. I understood more about Adam and Levi in the last bit of the book and that's when I really felt invested in their story. I was finally rooting for them, and I truly did enjoy the way it came together. It was something special to see these two, who had always loved each other, finally figure it out and grow the love they have always shared. The end was wonderful and really did make my heart happy. So, it wasn't the easiest read, but in the end I was happy with Adam and Levi!
January 25, 2020
I loved that this book took us to Iran and had information about Persian culture. Non-typical locations are always a plus for me. I loved Levi for the entire book. He made a career out of his passion for photography and when his lifelong love rejected him, he accepted the pain and built a life for himself even if the personal part of that life was only a partial one without a romantic partner. Adam, took more warming up to. It wasn't just his initial rejection of Levi (for which there is a stunning and totally believable rationale provided later in the book), it is his easy assumption that he is the expert on running other people's lives. He comes in, expects to plan everything out for them and just have them fall in line. He doesn't need to change or do some hard work on himself, they do. Rather like the royalty in old fashioned male/female romances where women were supposed to submit, build their life around "their man" and live happily ever after. Make no mistake, this characterisation of Adam is not by accident. It is masterfully constructed by the author to make Adam's awakening that much stronger. We feel his genuine remorse and real understanding after he mucks things up several times. This is more like a third or fourth chance romance than a second chance one. He is a slow learner, lol. That just makes the ending all the sweeter. I believe in the HEA he and Levi achieve at the end. It is hard won and lasting.
August 15, 2021
This was such a sweet and spicy MM romance from author Kilby Blades.
It covered the best friends to lovers trope beautifully. A subtle shift in both dynamics that felt organic, frustrating and downright adorable. It was a slight slow burn romance, told entirely from Levi's POV. We do get a lovely, whimsical POV from Adam during the epilogue that was everything.
I loved Levi. How he made something of himself. How he was loyal, wonderful, funny and talented. He saw so much beauty in the ugly of the world and showcased it through his photography. In the beginning it seemed to me that it was a very one sided friendship. Where Adam held all the power and prestige. But as I watched them dance around one another, the touches and inside jokes and knowledge with each other, it became more evident that in fact it was Levi who held most of the power in their strange co-dependent relationship. It was only after the truth was exposed that you realise just how much power Levi had and has over Adam and his heart. I think Kilby Blades did a remarkable job of giving readers two very different and unique characters to love. Each flawed, complicated and real and so very beautiful.
It wasn't an overly long tale but through Author Kilby Blades writing, her glorious descriptions of San Francisco, her dialogue, the characters, both main protagonists and side players, Adam Bomb packs a punch full of friendship, secrets and passion.
It covered the best friends to lovers trope beautifully. A subtle shift in both dynamics that felt organic, frustrating and downright adorable. It was a slight slow burn romance, told entirely from Levi's POV. We do get a lovely, whimsical POV from Adam during the epilogue that was everything.
I loved Levi. How he made something of himself. How he was loyal, wonderful, funny and talented. He saw so much beauty in the ugly of the world and showcased it through his photography. In the beginning it seemed to me that it was a very one sided friendship. Where Adam held all the power and prestige. But as I watched them dance around one another, the touches and inside jokes and knowledge with each other, it became more evident that in fact it was Levi who held most of the power in their strange co-dependent relationship. It was only after the truth was exposed that you realise just how much power Levi had and has over Adam and his heart. I think Kilby Blades did a remarkable job of giving readers two very different and unique characters to love. Each flawed, complicated and real and so very beautiful.
It wasn't an overly long tale but through Author Kilby Blades writing, her glorious descriptions of San Francisco, her dialogue, the characters, both main protagonists and side players, Adam Bomb packs a punch full of friendship, secrets and passion.
January 26, 2020
We all carry baggage from our past and it's usually detrimental to us and the people we love.
Levi and Adam have been best friends since childhood and secretly in love with one another since they were able to understand what that meant.
Adam is extremely wealthy and his father was not a kind or understanding man, he was very staunchly entrenched in the past and their culture, which led to Adam remaining in the closet.
Levi's family is very Catholic and Latin, so he has issues on that front as well.
Levi has held himself at a distance from Adam for years because he tends to be overbearing and controlling when comes to those he cares for.
He simply sees his wealth and affluence as a means to help them.
He just doesn't understand that Levi simply wants to be in control of his own life.
This leads to a huge blowout that finally has them being completely honest with one another and Adam making some concessions in order for them to move forward together as a couple.
The heat and chemistry between them was insane but it was the tender, everyday moments spent together that really had me rooting for them to get their crap resolved in order to be happy.
This was a raw, gritty delve into the complexity of emotions we have as human beings and has garnered the author a new, devoted fan.
Levi and Adam have been best friends since childhood and secretly in love with one another since they were able to understand what that meant.
Adam is extremely wealthy and his father was not a kind or understanding man, he was very staunchly entrenched in the past and their culture, which led to Adam remaining in the closet.
Levi's family is very Catholic and Latin, so he has issues on that front as well.
Levi has held himself at a distance from Adam for years because he tends to be overbearing and controlling when comes to those he cares for.
He simply sees his wealth and affluence as a means to help them.
He just doesn't understand that Levi simply wants to be in control of his own life.
This leads to a huge blowout that finally has them being completely honest with one another and Adam making some concessions in order for them to move forward together as a couple.
The heat and chemistry between them was insane but it was the tender, everyday moments spent together that really had me rooting for them to get their crap resolved in order to be happy.
This was a raw, gritty delve into the complexity of emotions we have as human beings and has garnered the author a new, devoted fan.
January 21, 2020
🌉Loved Levi, but all the luxe not so much🤔
3.5-4🌟stars
This BFF with banked desires MM romance was fine, the steam was good and I really liked Levi, the photographer son of illegal immigrants who made good. Levi's heartache and dilemma was so believable, his reluctance to give way to Adam again(and again...) understandable even as it was heartwrenching. This was a fellow I wanted to win his HEA. I just wished it was with someone else!
Adam, his super wealthy BFF since childhood gave me issues. First his lifestyle was just too luxe for me to feel any connection or sympathy. Second, he seemed a bit narcissistic, even if he treated his employees and acquaintances well. Just breezing back into Levi's life after many months apart and taking over: so wrong. The way his charm and charisma put Levi in the shadows, even with Levi's friends, just aggravated me. And his final grand gesture was so ridiculously over the top and unrealistic: I just can't!😍
For me this story would have played so much better with the rich and famous lifestyle toned down and a better reason to like Adam.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
3.5-4🌟stars
This BFF with banked desires MM romance was fine, the steam was good and I really liked Levi, the photographer son of illegal immigrants who made good. Levi's heartache and dilemma was so believable, his reluctance to give way to Adam again(and again...) understandable even as it was heartwrenching. This was a fellow I wanted to win his HEA. I just wished it was with someone else!
Adam, his super wealthy BFF since childhood gave me issues. First his lifestyle was just too luxe for me to feel any connection or sympathy. Second, he seemed a bit narcissistic, even if he treated his employees and acquaintances well. Just breezing back into Levi's life after many months apart and taking over: so wrong. The way his charm and charisma put Levi in the shadows, even with Levi's friends, just aggravated me. And his final grand gesture was so ridiculously over the top and unrealistic: I just can't!😍
For me this story would have played so much better with the rich and famous lifestyle toned down and a better reason to like Adam.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 13, 2020
This was a lovely, slow burn that was set in a beautifully diverse world--from the LGBTQ+ cultural epicenter of San Fransisco and the art scene there, all the way to Tehran. What I liked most about this story was the way Levi and Adam worked through their emotional issues. I don't often relate the characters of a billionaire trope, but in this one their issues of enmeshment, codependency, and unrequited love made their struggles seem much more 'human.' The journey they traveled felt more realistic and had me cheering for their success together, more so than in the typical billionaire trope. I could clearly imagine what it must have been like for Levi to have to live a life in Adam's shadow and I loved watching him finally stand up for himself.
There was a lot of unresolved sexual tension from both main characters, and the angst level was on the low side. I truly enjoyed these guys and I loved learning more about Persian culture. Great dialogue, compelling writing, and an interesting storyline.
There was a lot of unresolved sexual tension from both main characters, and the angst level was on the low side. I truly enjoyed these guys and I loved learning more about Persian culture. Great dialogue, compelling writing, and an interesting storyline.
February 8, 2020
Levi has been on slow boil it seems all during the long friendship/relationship/fan boy thing that he shares with Adam. He moves from NYC to give himself breathing room to get over his unrequited love for Adam hoping to make his own way away from the bigness of Adam's sphere. Adam comes to San Francisco and disrupts this process for Levi when he decides to have Levi on his team as he comes out - Adam is very much a child of privilege and a person magnet. I liked the craziness of the process that Adam drawing Levi into this momentous time in his life creates. It was a wonderful look at how Levi as the one who always feels like an acolyte might have been missing the fact that he was admired by the person who he feels is a good friend but out of his league. Adam seems like he is oblivious but I suspect that he was not. Just used to being larger than life, partially because he is treated that way and allowed to get away with much because of his charisma.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2020
Adam Bomb by Kilby Blades was my first book by the author.
I really like her styles and her writing it was fresh and dynamic. Adam and Levi are funny, sweet and hoot.
Levi and Adam are best friend since they’re 8yrs old. Adam is the heir of a rich mogul hotelier while Levi is the son of two poor immigrant. But their social status doesn’t stop them to be best friend for life.
Adam lives in New York while Levi lives in San Francisco. They seem to have their own life, but when Adam came to visit Levi and drop his bomb, their life won’t be the same ever.
I really liked this book. It was about lost loves, about bad decision, but most importantly about to be who we want to be, to stood up for what’s matter.
Adam and Levi seem different, Adam seems superficial at first, but he surprised me in more than one way and I was completely rooting for him at the end.
I had a wonderful time with them, and I gladly recommend this book. You’ll have a good time too.
I really like her styles and her writing it was fresh and dynamic. Adam and Levi are funny, sweet and hoot.
Levi and Adam are best friend since they’re 8yrs old. Adam is the heir of a rich mogul hotelier while Levi is the son of two poor immigrant. But their social status doesn’t stop them to be best friend for life.
Adam lives in New York while Levi lives in San Francisco. They seem to have their own life, but when Adam came to visit Levi and drop his bomb, their life won’t be the same ever.
I really liked this book. It was about lost loves, about bad decision, but most importantly about to be who we want to be, to stood up for what’s matter.
Adam and Levi seem different, Adam seems superficial at first, but he surprised me in more than one way and I was completely rooting for him at the end.
I had a wonderful time with them, and I gladly recommend this book. You’ll have a good time too.
January 24, 2020
This is an amazing story and I loved everything about it. I could not put it down and I was fully engaged from the very first page. Adam Bomb is well written, emotional, sexy, entertaining, has a cute dog, the storyline is intriguing and the characters are incredible. Levi and Adam have been friends for a long time and I love how their friendship evolves into so much more. They are usually perfectly in tune with each other but Levi is shocked when Adam reveals a secret from their past that may change their entire relationship. Their amazing connection and sizzling hot chemistry is never in question even when Levi can't seem to admit how much he needs Adam. They both will have to make some difficult decisions if they want to have a real future together. The secondary characters are great, I love the ending and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
February 3, 2020
Second chance love story
Adam is a magnet who draws all attention just by being present. Levi has been his best friend since they were 8. One the son tin a Persian family's hotel empire and the other a son of undocumented aliens who worked there, their shared childhoods and experiences have forged their friendship. This is a wonderful story of how two dissimilar people can be perfect together, if they can only get over and work through their mistakes, secrets, and different upbringings.
Despite the clichéd plotline - billionaire vs. poorer heart throb - their back story makes their friendship credible. The way that the author develops their renunion and restart of a long stalled relationship is well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Adam is a magnet who draws all attention just by being present. Levi has been his best friend since they were 8. One the son tin a Persian family's hotel empire and the other a son of undocumented aliens who worked there, their shared childhoods and experiences have forged their friendship. This is a wonderful story of how two dissimilar people can be perfect together, if they can only get over and work through their mistakes, secrets, and different upbringings.
Despite the clichéd plotline - billionaire vs. poorer heart throb - their back story makes their friendship credible. The way that the author develops their renunion and restart of a long stalled relationship is well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2020
Such a good book. Adam and Levi filled these pages with everything wonderful. The friendship angle was terrific but add in the romance and these two are a hit.mThe longtime friend relationship played so well that, once their history was revealed, everything added up. The sexual tension was nearly tangible. The sexual chemistry was off the charts, but I have to say, the relationship these two characters had was just breathtaking. It’s as if they existed off the pages. This author has created a work that encompasses everything beautiful, everything creative and everything a five star story can possess. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2020
I received a copy of Adam Bomb by Kilby Blades via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review. When the world is literally on fire it is relaxing to escape into a book full of tropes. In this one we have poor boy makes good, a billionaire with a heart of gold, friends to lovers, interfering friends, and an adorable dog. It was a nice change of pace to read a story where most of the characters were not all cis white. The ethnicities of Adam and Levi play a major role affecting their life choices. The setting in San Francisco was fun and I googled most of the locations. The only off-note for me was the ease with which Americans can live and work in Iran. That does not fit with today’s headlines. However, for a fluffy series, some important issues get treated seriously.
January 22, 2020
I enjoyed this book. The premise was interesting and the characters intriguing.
It had a feel of nostalgia for me. I remember reading similar Harlequin stories way back when. This one has been updated in a very good way.
Levi is a renowned photographer trying to carve a niche for himself that doesn’t involve his best friend. But Adam refuses to be left behind and tries to be everything for Levi, an out and proud billionaire.
The writing was superb. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters.
There were some implausible things on both sides of the story. But overall a pretty good read.
Recommend if you want something to read by the fireplace or beach.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
It had a feel of nostalgia for me. I remember reading similar Harlequin stories way back when. This one has been updated in a very good way.
Levi is a renowned photographer trying to carve a niche for himself that doesn’t involve his best friend. But Adam refuses to be left behind and tries to be everything for Levi, an out and proud billionaire.
The writing was superb. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters.
There were some implausible things on both sides of the story. But overall a pretty good read.
Recommend if you want something to read by the fireplace or beach.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
February 6, 2020
I wondered how well I would relate to this one given the characters. Thankfully, I found Levi and Adam super interesting. They're fun because they were friends. Everything isn't easily predictable in this one, not the story, not the characters, not the roles they play in certain areas of life. I like the Levi is so fiercely independent, refusing money from Adam. I like that Adam doesn't do things thinking he can buy affection. Most of all, they have flaws. Adam doesn't seem to know how to release control and Levi is so adamant on not being controlled or indebted to someone that he'll refuse help from Adam repeatedly. There's a happy ending, but there's work to get to that ending so I thoroughly enjoyed the story
February 7, 2020
Intense, the love is intense! Levi has been in love with Adam forever. It's like he's addicted. Levi, is a very good photographer with an excellent, eye. Levi's dad worked for Adam's dad, Ben. Adam is a billionaire extroadinaire. Levi leaves to try to move on and start a new life, he moves out west. All Adam has to do is say that he needs him, and Levi comes running. Adam wants Levi to handle his PR event. Nothing is as simple as circumstances seem. Did Ben, Levi's dad know about young Levi and young Adam? Was Adam's campaign successful? Was Levi able to break away from Adam? Did Adam want him to? Nice story. Levi and Adam were good guys. There are a few complication in trying to stay friends, nice story. I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2020
I was able to obtain a copy thru Hidden Gems to preview.
I very much enjoyed this story, I was caught up almost immediately and could not put it down.
It was interesting reading the dynamic between the two mains.
They have this life long friendship, yet seem to not know as much about each other as they think.
There are many misconception on both parts, secrets on both sides.
There are a great many details in parts of this story and then many areas are just glossed over which would have helped explain a few things a bit more. Trying to not get to specific to avoid spoilers!
I have not read this author previously but I will no doubt be looking into changing that in the future.
I very much enjoyed this story, I was caught up almost immediately and could not put it down.
It was interesting reading the dynamic between the two mains.
They have this life long friendship, yet seem to not know as much about each other as they think.
There are many misconception on both parts, secrets on both sides.
There are a great many details in parts of this story and then many areas are just glossed over which would have helped explain a few things a bit more. Trying to not get to specific to avoid spoilers!
I have not read this author previously but I will no doubt be looking into changing that in the future.
January 16, 2020
A very slow burn romance which, I felt, was too wordy in parts. I found my mind wandering occasionally and had to put the book down now and again, before I picked it up again.
Levi was a likeable guy, while it took me much longer to warm up to Adam. Saying that, both the main characters were well written, the plot was sweeping, just, like I said before, it felt a little too long and rambling.
One thing I did like about the story, was the ending. Adam killed it in the romantic gesture department. I felt that Levi deserved it, after what he'd put himself through with Adam. So, a well written book, just not my cup of tea
Levi was a likeable guy, while it took me much longer to warm up to Adam. Saying that, both the main characters were well written, the plot was sweeping, just, like I said before, it felt a little too long and rambling.
One thing I did like about the story, was the ending. Adam killed it in the romantic gesture department. I felt that Levi deserved it, after what he'd put himself through with Adam. So, a well written book, just not my cup of tea
January 29, 2020
It took me a while to feel involved with this story. I was being told about Levi's relationship with Adam, but I couldn't really feel his emotions. That improved quite a bit, but I still always felt a bit disconnected from the characters. I know that Levi and Adam were both good men with honorable intentions, I just wish I felt closer to them. The story overall was lovely, and I did enjoy it. I was satisfied with the ending, as I wanted Adam and Levi to be happy. I will read this author again to see if I connect better with some of her other characters. Her talent and imagination will bring me back for more.
January 17, 2020
This was a good, slow burn, friends to lovers story. It was well written and flowed easily. The book was only in one POV, instead of both MCs', but it worked here. Not knowing what was going through the other's mond until later helps the reader understand the relationship better. Sometimes, with one character POV books, it's hard to connect with both MCs, but that wasn't the case here. This was my first time reading this author, and I'll definitely read more of her books.
I recieved an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I recieved an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
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