The Straight Crimes

by Matt Juhl

Starting over can be difficult, but Harper Jones has no idea how challenging the task will become. As if emotional baggage from a troubled home life is not enough for the teenage girl, within her lies a deep secret.

When Harper crosses paths with Nik Roberts, things begin to turn around. He is charismatic, attentive, and most importantly, protective. In fact, he is everything she ever wanted. Carrying a secret of his own, they may just be a perfect match.

Then dark forces infiltrate their existence, setting off a dangerous chain of events. Facing uncertainty around every corner, Harper and Nik must fight for their needs, their desires, and most importantly…their lives.

Genres: Romance

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2013

About the author

MATT JUHL is a self-published contemporary romance author. Having interacted with clients and colleagues in the financial industry for the past twenty years, he has gained a deep understanding of relationships and where people’s passions lie. Using that knowledge and his affinity for storytelling, Matt published his debut novel, THE STRAIGHT CRIMES. When not absorbed in his writing, he enjoys vacationing at the beach, relaxing in his hot tub, and otherwise spends too much time on Instagram. Matt resides in Fort Worth, Texas with his family and is currently working on his next book.

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Reviews

[MissBecka Gee]

This starts off like most insta-love stories and I was a little worried I might get bored.
Shame on me for thinking that.

This was sooo much more than a love story!
Without giving anything away I will just say this:
I yelled at this book, laughed at this book and cried at this book, and I regret none of it!!!
I look forward to stalking your future work Matt Juhl.

[Larry H]

Matt Juhl's The Straight Crimes , a newly revised version of his debut novel, is powerful, emotional, and so thought-provoking.

Harper has the unenviable role of being a new student in high school; even worse, she shows up on the last day. Her confidence and take-no-prisoners attitude quickly raise the hackles of her fellow students, but she doesn’t care.

Nik can’t take his eyes off her. Harper mesmerizes him, and when she helps him during an encounter with another student, he falls for her. But he knows it’s the last thing he should do.

In a typical story, the two would fall in love and struggle to overcome obstacles in their way. But in the society Juhl has created here, same-sex relationships are the norm, and those who pursue relationships with the opposite sex are ostracized, called “queer,” and often are forced to leave their “normal” lives behind.

Even though society tells them it’s wrong, Nik and Harper fall hard for each other. Should they do what’s expected of them and avoid the trouble and hurt that will come from following their heart, or should they fight to be together?

Amidst this love story, there’s also tragedy. It seems like everything and everyone is against their finding happiness. There’s a good mix of romance, angst, and mystery here.

I really was blown away by the concept of this book. I think people will find this role reversal eye-opening, to see what LGBTQIA+ people deal with on a daily basis, and I hope it may change some people’s minds. It really was thought-provoking and moving.

The author provided me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!

Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.

Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.

[Thais • tata.lifepages •]

This novel reads like a romance suspense, and it follows the life of Harper and Nik; 2 teenagers that as soon as Harper arrived in town they immediately fall in love, high school sweethearts. Now the twist to this novel is the society, which has as a way of life homosexual relationships. Therefore, the straight romance between Nik and Harper opposes the norm.

This was a very enlightening read, where the author brings to the surface this alternate reality in a way that we can place ourselves in someone else's shoes, to better understand and comprehend their experience. This novel has touched me deeply, it is such an eye-opener. I could feel immensely the love between the two characters and all the difficulties they had to endure, and most importantly I was able to visualize the pressure from society and understand their struggle to fight just to be together.

The plot is amplified with crime and suspense all alongside the romance, where society fights to destroy their love at all costs, thus the amazing title: The Straight Crimes. It is a fast-paced book, where you will find yourself rooting for these two lovers who must go against society to fight for their love. The story has a bitter-sweet realistic touch. I was heartbroken at certain moments, which portray masterfully a devastating emotional effect. I really congratulate the author for this brilliant heartbreaking work. Love is love.

[Laura]

'Life becomes a lot less complicated when you stop worrying what people think.'

Thought provoking and intriguing, The Straight Crimes is a contemporary romantic suspense with a twist.



In a world where being straight is frowned upon, two teenagers must choose in between their love for each other and a life in which they'll constantly need to watch over their shoulders, in fear of what others would think.

But that is by far not all. Harper Jones and Nik Roberts have a cartload of baggage too, from a troubled home life. And if that weren't enough, dark forces infiltrate the young couple's existence, hell bent on keeping them apart.

If Harper and Nik decide to follow their hearts and brave the world, they'll have to fight tooth and nail not only to be together but also for their very lives.

Fast paced and intriguing, The Straight Crimes offers a tale that's not only thought provoking but also full of great twists and turns that you simply don't see coming.

'An empty life, never fulfilled, is a wasted life.'

Strong messages and a lot of food for thought are beautifully intertwined in a gripping story of love, determination and courage. It is heartbreaking at times and inspiring at others. And it feels downright real. Bullying, ostracism, drug addiction, and abuse, this novel lays it all out for everyone to see. And it does it in such a way that you simply cannot help but notice. Perhaps because the reality is a little twisted and normal is no longer the norm. But mostly because of the vivid and down-to-earth way in which the situations are presented. This writer will make you pause and take note.

"People are always gonna tell you what's right and wrong according to what they think, but you need to believe in yourself and do what feels right for you."

If only this advice were easy to follow. Especially for our couple here.

Apart from the romance and the thought provoking themes, we also get a great suspense, complete with a couple of awesome psychic scenes that kept me right at the edge of the seat. And then that ending!!! Absolutely heartbreaking and yet so perfectly fitting!

Action-packed and gripping, The Straight Crimes is a book that you won't easily forget. It is one of those that will stay with you long after turning the last page and make you think.
It's gutsy and innovative, refreshing and heartbreaking.

Don't hesitate to give it a try!

Happy reading everyone
and remember
"You need to be yourself, no matter what anyone thinks. Otherwise you'll never truly find happiness."

Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner

[Chelsey (a_novel_idea11)]

WOWZA!!! Didn’t see that coming!!!

This book has all the ingredients of an excellent suspense novel - twists you don’t see coming, strong characters and super strong dialogue, a complex plot, a totally unique underlying premise, and a forbidden love story.

As is usual for me, I went into this book totally blind. It took me a few chapters to catch on to the underlying premise and I have to say that I was really blown away by how well it was executed.

The love story between Harper and Nick was really well developed. I enjoyed seeing their love grow and watching each character come into their own. Not only was the story suspenseful and thrilling, but the forbidden love story between Nick and Harper added elements of coming of age, self discovery, and overcoming adversity that were really engaging.

The audio was exceptional. I loved the different accents and voices Joshua Carr used. The novel has a lot of dialogue so it was really important for the narration to be solid and Carr really delivers.

[Ve (ve_xo)]

Where do I begin, this story was a tear jerker. The author presents us with a narrative about two teens where heterosexual marriage is taboo and is frowned upon in the community. Forbidden love has always been one of my favorite tropes, but this is more than that.. the depiction of the struggles held by the main characters are what the LGBTQ+ community has struggled for so many years (completely heartbreaking and unfair). It was truly inspiring to see the roles in reverse. Think of this world as an UNO reverse card of the world we live in, straight love is a crime and there is little to no hope for those that are heterosexual.

Nik and Harper are two teens fighting for the right to love whomever their heart desires. The world is slowly built with some aspects of the society we live in today set in an alternate universe in which certain choices are strictly forbidden. I am not usually one to be pulled into a romance/thriller genre, but this will have you binging immediately. Nik is such a sweetheart, I thought he was compatible with Harper from the moment I started reading their dynamic. They both have struggled with so much in life, it’s amazing to see their bond grow stronger as the story unravels, especially with the loss of Harper’s family.

There are so many relevant topics in this book that we see in society today, such as drug addiction and psychological abuse. It’s so important to bring these to light in order to educate ourselves. I enjoyed the flow of the story, the pace was perfect to follow. The author breaks our hearts and leaves us tearing up (in my case sobbing) for certain events in the book. I like when an author takes leaps and isn’t afraid to change things drastically in a plot as long as it fits in with the evolution of the story, which in this case it went perfectly.

Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy of The Straight Crimes, looking forward to reading more!

[Erin B.]

Wow. Contemporary romance is not normally my thing. I’m more of a thriller and murder kinda gal, but I thought the concept behind The Straight Crimes was pretty unique so I gave it a try. And I’m so glad that I did.

It was a thrill ride with some saucy scenes in the mix. A ton of ups and downs with snappy, fast moving dialogue.

The characters, Nik and Harper, were so full of life and fire that I felt like they were real. I cared about what happened to them. I wanted them to win.

I never saw a lot of it coming and I am pretty good at figuring things out in most cases. The ending left me shook and with a few tears.

Don’t miss this book!

[Maria Elena | pagesofmaria]

The Straight Crimes is a contemporary romance/crime book, which isn’t my usual cup of tea. Yet even as someone who reads a ton of Fantasy, I enjoyed reading this book so much. The setting of the novel is America as we know it, except that same sex couples are “the norm”, and straight people are often met with ignorant slurs and prejudice.

The story follows Harper and Nik, two teenagers who meet when Harper comes into town. The two discover they have much in common and, as they grow closer, they inevitably fall in love despite what people think and the obstacles they’re forced to face. The subversion of reality was done wonderfully, and as a straight woman reading the book, I really felt as if Harper’s worries were my own. What would people think? Should I hold his hand? Am I standing too close or smiling too much? To think that same sex couples really go through all this emotional stress even now that we’re in 2020 is very disheartening. There’s still so much that we, as a society, must improve.

Alongside the romance, there was the murder aspect of this book that really intrigued me. Mystery is one of my favorite things, and I enjoyed trying to gather clues from what I knew about the characters to understand who the culprit was.

There were moments that made me very emotional. I might have shed a tear…Okay yes, I cried. The author really knew how to pull at my heartstrings.

In my opinion, The Straight Crimes is a book that should be read and talked about because of its underlying educational message and beautiful story.

[Chiara | wordsbychiara]

The Straight Crimes is as far from my comfort zone as it can be. I usually prefer to read fantasy novels, and getting swept up in worlds that are as far from our own as possible. Yet, this book held an allure to me from the very first moment I read its synopsis. It’s a crime book with an important romantic element, featuring an America that is a perfect snapshot of the country we know and love (and sometimes hate), but flipped. In fact, the singularity about this book is that homosexuality is the norm, and straight romances are met with disdain and hate.

Does that sound familiar? Unfortunately, it sounds very familiar to me. Though I consider myself an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, this book was a real eye-opener in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

The protagonists of this story are Harper and Nik, two teenagers who meet and fall in love the way so many of us do. Reading this book as a straight woman, there is nothing that feels more natural to me than the instant connection these two characters share. And yet Harper and Nik are forced to question every moment of their relationship. Every glance, touch and stolen moment is one they need to fight for, facing all manners of obstacles and prejudices.

As I was binge-reading this book, I couldn’t stop thinking about the injustice of it. The moment I put it down, I couldn’t help comparing with our reality, which really shows the power of the subversion in this book. Harper and Nik could be any one of us, or any of our friends and loved ones. Even today, in 2020, there is a Harper or a Nik who feels judged and afraid, all because they love another Harper or another Nik. This book is a clear message to our society—to the straight people in our society most of all—to be better, to fight harder. Love is love, and our world won’t reach its full potential until we all believe it.

Apart from the romance, which clearly thrummed on all my heartstrings, I also really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this book. I admit, I’m no detective. I can survive on endless reruns of Murder, She Wrote, and yet still question how Jessica Fletcher manages to remember all the clues throughout an episode. However, this doesn’t stop me from getting swept into a good mystery, and this book was no different! Lovers of mystery and crime will definitely enjoy the one in this book.

So to wrap it up, I really enjoyed this read, despite it not being in my comfort zone. I definitely recommend it to lovers of romance and crime, but I extend the invitation to read this eye-opener to everyone. There is so much we, as a society, need to learn, and I do believe the author did a great job at making things very simple for us in his novel.

[Candice Willman]

I always find it hard forming complete sentences and compressive thoughts after finishing a book. It’s especially hard when you have to fight through tears and sobs.

Thank you so much for this debut novel Matt Juhl and for gifting me the book.

It is a book that is a little outside of my comfort zone, but that is completely the point. This book should be uncomfortable. It should be cringe worthy and unnerving. It gets under your skin and makes you feel and hate. It breaks your heart and fills you with rage.

The premise of the book is a parallel universe of our own with one extreme difference. It is taboo to be straight. Homosexuality is the norm. Now take everything you know of our world and how people react and treat homosexuals and flip it towards heterosexuals.

When I review I try and keep major plot points and emotions out because I can’t stand spoilers as little as that. I like to know nothing going into a book experience it all on my own.

This book covers all the different harsh realities of our society; bullying, drug addiction, abuse, abandonment, mental health, you name it. But it’s hard not to touch on these things when you are trying to imitate a real world setting.

I want to thank Matt for such a beautiful story. The main characters Nik and Harper fight battles in their lives and come together in a tragic and heart touching story.

Be sure to check out this beautiful story that releases October 13. Thank you again for writing and congrats on this beautiful book.

[Andria]

First off, I want to say congrats to Matt Juhl on publishing his first novel. Now, I do not read YA novels...ever. But...after reading the blurb I was immediately intrigued. I couldn't imagine what it would be like living in a world where you are discriminated against and bullied for being straight.

It started off kind of slow for me as I got to know Nik and Harper. Then the house that Harper has been living in burns down and all hell breaks loose! Usually, when reading a book, I like my sex scenes racy and a little dirty. I can't call the scenes in this book "sex scenes", they are "Love scenes". The author did a beautiful job of keeping them clean but at the same time being descriptive enough to get my blood pumping and have me squirming in my chair. At the same time, I could feel the love and devotion that Nik and Harper felt for each other.

The author has a great writing style. He's very descriptive but doesn't ramble. He has a way of explaining things that help you see exactly what is going on. Love that trait in an author, it's priceless.

Um...someone needs to call the crazy train and get Traci a one way ticket to Insaneville! For real! That chick is psycho!

Not only is this a love story, but it is also a murder mystery. I had no idea who the killer was until the author chose to reveal them. Not that I was surprised, but there were so many times throughout the book that I was second guessing who I thought the killer was. The author did a great job with that, keeping me on my toes, making me doubt.

This is not your typical hearts and flowers romance novel, it's a heartbreakingly tragic story of two young lovers who are fighting to be accepted while also fighting for their lives. The author also sheds light on the discrimination and bullying going on in the LGTB community with this story. It breaks my heart what people have to go through everyday just because of who they love. It's not fair.

I had...scratch that...HAVE been thinking about this book long after finishing it, that to me is a sign of a great book and wonderful author.

From one author to another, Matt, you are a brave man for writing what you did (You know what I'm talking about). You have my utmost respect as a writer. Thank you for sharing your heart and soul with me. It was an incredible debut novel and I can't wait to read continue reading your work.

[Justine]

Dear me, I don't even know how to start this review, the book was so fantastic.

The Straight Crimes takes place in a society were everyone is homosexual - and it is dirty and disgusting to be heterosexual (straight). One of the main characters, Nik, is introduced while he is worrying about a bully attacking him after class. The second main character, Harper, is introduced toward the end of class, as a new student to the school. You're immediately given an image of the bullies, and their threats and taunts.

Nik doesn't like fighting. The biggest bully is kicking him around when Harper tells him to back off. Harper takes this guy to the cleaners, and introduces herself to Nik. Her strong nature is evident. Nik is a soft kind of guy, initially. You discover both of these characters are straight, and the first part of the book is about building up their romance.

As the story progresses, a far darker and more sinister plot is developing in the background. You get hints of it occasionally, but it's not obvious what's going on until toward the end.

Nik and Harper love each other deeply, and Harper becomes more tender thanks to Nik, and Nik becomes more strong thanks to Harper. There is so much within the story that shows their personalities shifting as their characters develop and support each other.

When the story was coming to a crescendo, I literally could not put the book down. The dramatic end to the sinister plot surprised me, and actually brought tears to my eyes. (I haven't cried over a book since Sirius Black died in Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix my sophomore year of high school. I'm 24. That is quite an accomplishment!) The very last chapter of the book is so incredibly touching for many reasons. People come to realize their mistakes, and make way for greater understanding.

I can't think of a single way this book could have been any better. I was in love with Harper and Nik, and their relationship. I was so happy when I finished the book, because it reminded me of so many things that are important in life - and it did it in such a unique way.

I recommend this book to anyone that loves romance and/or suspense novels.

[M Moore]

What. A. Ride. This book has it all - forbidden love, murder mystery, psychic involvement, family dynamics and so much more. I read this book in one sitting which earns a star in itself. I love when I'm so compelled by the story, I can't stop reading!

I loved that this book had undertones similar to The Power - the dynamics have been turned upside down from we understand as a society and now being homosexual is the norm and being straight is condemned by most. I loved how Juhl uses the common language and phrases heard now in regards to the LGBTQIA+ community but towards those who are straight in the book. It's uncomfortable to read as a heterosexual person but in a good, challenging way that encourages empathy and compassion.

The story follows the forbidden love of teenagers who experience a kind of "instalove" which in most cases would annoy me, but in this story it was believable because 1) finding someone who feels "different" too makes us connect quicker and feel better understood and 2) I've been a counselor at enough summer camps to know that teens really can connect and feel deep affection for one another in a matter of days!

While this new couple discover and give in to their own feelings of straight love, they have to fight those who are trying to keep them apart. The last half of the book is fast paced, filled with vengeful murders and absolutely no one is safe.

I loved that I didn't see a few of the twists coming and the ending was not what I expected, or really wanted, but it was perfect for the story.

Don't miss this debut novel!

My book reviews are also posted at https://www.instagram.com/justonemoor....

[Robert]

Book review

The Straight Crimes is the debut novel by independent author Matt Juhl. This is not your typical boy meets girl, boy falls for girl concept. In this reality, boys shouldn’t fall for girls and vice-versa. Same sex couples are the norm and ‘queers’ are those with a predilection for heterosexual relationships (other sexualities are not addressed in this novel).

The story follows teenagers Nik and Harper who meet on the final day of school before summer vacation. They are instantly attracted to each other but they know they shouldn’t be because being ‘straight’ is not what they should be. Society does not accept their relationship as ‘normal’. But they cannot stay away from each other. This sets in motion a chain of events which place their lives in danger.

The idea presented is interesting and unique. A world where heterosexual relationships are taboo intrigued me. I would have liked more background as much is left to the reader’s imagination. The strength of this novel was in the crime/mystery element. I really enjoyed the scenes with the Police Officers Tonya and Leland. They were paced very well and believable. My favourite character was Brielle the psychic. The two main characters are compelling as they face a lot of internal and external struggles. This book is a great allegory for discrimination, prejudice and how we can’t help who we love .

The book will be available October 13th.

[Carol Cassada]

First off, I want to say I loved the premise of the story where a man and a woman are forbidden to be together. It was an unique spin on society's views of love and marriage.

I loved the relationship between Harper and Nik, they both had difficult lives which bonded them. Nik had to deal with one of his dads running off, while the other was an abusive alcoholic. Harper had to deal with her drug addict mother and moving from town to town. Nik and Harper are the couple you root for and they bring out the best in each other. Harper's a tough girl, who spoke her mind and taught Nik to stand up for himself. Nik was a compassionate soul, who didn't care what others thought about his relationship with Harper.

The couple's relationship is tested following the murder of Harper's family. Harper's new friend Traci also proves to be a thorn in the couple's side as she tries to keep them apart so she can have Harper all to herself. The couple's devotion to each other remains strong as they fight the danger that looms on the horizon.

The story is action packed and suspenseful, but towards the middle it becomes a bit predictable and by the end I was able to figure out who the killer was. As for the ending, it provides a heartbreaking plot twist that'll leave you in tears.

If you're looking for a suspense novel mixed with romance, then check out The Straight Crimes.

[Book Reviews Community_]

What if there existed a world where being straight was frowned upon? In The Straight Crimes by Matt Juhl, he narrates a story of Nik Roberts and Harper Jones who find each other despite all that is going on in their lives.

Nik’s father, Jett, became an alcoholic and beat Nik after his father, Patrick, left for a woman. Harper’s mother, Mindi, was a drug addict and soon came to the small town of Silver Shores where Harper and Mindi lived with their aunt. Nik and Harper fell in love soon after but they didn’t realize the hurdles that would come their way. After a few months, another character (Traci) comes into play who is in love with Harper. On one fateful evening, Harper’s aunt’s house burns down and the mystery of what had happened along with the string of murders that follow is a mystery that needs to be solved before anyone else is killed.

With some amazing twists and revealing of the past story, the book continuously awes us with its brilliant plot and heartwarming love. To say that I enjoyed every page of the book is an understatement.

I hope everyone reads this book. I would love to know what you thought about it!

[Breysreviews]

The Straight Crimes was absolutely brilliant. I hated the ending cause it broke me, but I loved this book so much!

I’m giving it 5/5 stars.

The world that has been created by Matt is honestly incredible. He’s flipped the script on all of us and made a world that being queer is to be straight. Our main characters Harper and Nik are straight.

This book is brilliant. That’s the best word I have to describe it. It’s very relevant to the world, especially a few years ago. We’re introduced to straight people being persecuted for being straight, in the most extreme way.

I was heartbroken, I was screaming. I cried. The action scenes were very easy to follow and very well done. The characters were extremely loveable, and there’s one specific character arc that was just the cherry on top.

@author.mattjuhl has written a very unforgettable book that has soared its way to the top of my favorite books for the year, and maybe of all time. I sincerely loved this book and I can’t wait for a reread. That twist wasn’t super shocking, but it was still a great twist. Amazing book. Great (heartbreaking) ending that will make you think about it for days. 10/10. Loved this!

[Aղցela W.]

This was my first time reading this author. This book started out slow and it was long. Harper and Nik have both had difficult lives which they bonded over. Nik had to deal with one of his dads running off, while the other was an abusive alcoholic. Harper had to deal with her drug addict mother and moving from town to town. Harper is a tough girl who speaks her mind and taught Nik to stand up for himself. Nik is loving compassionate who doesn't care what others think about his relationship with Harper. The couple is tested when their is a murder in Harper's family. Harper meets Traci and she tries to keep them apart because she wants Harper which I did find this part of the story interesting. This book was full of suspense but is was too long at times. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

[LianaReads blog]

I went in blind reading this book because it was recommended by some friends and had to know why are they raving so much about it.

And damn, this book is something else entirely.

The long journey of acceptance, all the interactions , the suspenseful moments and so much hurt and damaged people, everything just brings more awareness that I didn’t even knew I needed.

I don’t think I’ve ever read anything similar and my heart still hurts after that ending.

I know it’s a debut novel, but the writing is spectacular and kept me invested at all times. I’m so looking forward to read more by the author in the future and see where he takes us in this journey.

A must read novel for any book lovers.

[Josée]

*SPOILER BUT NOT REALLY* An original concept, a very good story, a page-turner, you're on the edge of your seat until the end and then you die. Well, I did a little. It's not a HEA (there, that's my spoiler). Would I have read it knowing it would end that way? Sure, but I would have been warned and not have had such a shock. I was angry at the author for ending it like that. It's a YA book and I was not expecting such gut-wrenching loss. That being said, it's beautifully written and well worth it. I'll be looking for more of this author's books in the future. Plus now I'll know he doesn't dwell in honey-dripping HEA's. :)

[Shayla Mist]

I approached this book a bit hesitantly, given the fact that hetero romance doesn't do much for me. The action progressed very slowly at first, but the moment it all started coming together and everything clicked, I couldn't put it down.
I think this was the book every gay person or gay supporter has been waiting for. the message isn't just that it's all right to be yourself and love whoever you choose, but it is right to be yourself, even if the whole world is against you.
It is one of the most profound books I have ever read.
A little warning to readers: Keep a s***load of Kleenex nearby when you get near the end.

[Sage Ashton]

I loved this story! It was very suspenseful that kept me on my toes the entire time! It had the trope of forbidden love between a man and a woman, which played out nicely for me in the story ( and I LOVE LOVE LOVE tropes like that!!! Usually they’re not said correctly, but this author did a fantastic job!!)

True, while the book was slow to start, the plot did pick up rather quickly and it became suspenseful all the way even until the end of the book- I was not expecting that ending!

The book was very well written, and the characters were very relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book immensely!

I look forward to reading more from the author!!!

[C.T. Ortega]

Spoiler free

This book should be read by everyone. I love seeing things from the opposing view. I enjoy being told to think about "it" from another perspective.
This book does that ten fold placing by making being heterosexual as taboo or "sinful" as many view homosexuality today.

Nik is an easy to root for person, the story flows so much deeper than romance adding both a murder mystery and touch the paranormal.

It's a fun read for a group chat for sure. Maybe even drop it into the lap of someone a tad homophobic and use it as a springboard to show them equality is right.

A great book for the modern era!

[Linda Rimer-Como]

I was very impressed with the well written in-depth characters and suspenseful well defined storyline in this book. You are drawn in to this emotional thriller filled with obsession, murders, abuse, betrayal, love and death. The heartfelt devotion Harper and Nik have for one another is remarkable. This book will make you rethink your views on different types of relationships and how you view them. Hope to read much more from this author.

Received copy for review

[Adriene]

Loved!

I truly appreciated the ride! Matt painted a world where the reader could see things from a different perspective. Straight Crimes was a grab bag of exciting twists and turns!

[Val Booklover]

Lovely, angsty, compelling, different.

The fresh, intelligent, sensitive voice of this author captures your attention without being intrusive.

Highly recomendable.

[Andie]

Thoughtful story with unique characters that asks the readers to examine assumptions and prejudices about complex issues. Suspense and paranormal elements give the story intriguing layers.

[Linda Jeffreys]

This thought-provoking story is about two teenagers Nik and Harper fighting for the right to love whoever they want. Their story is set in an alternate universe in which heterosexual marriage is taboo and frowned upon.
There is little to no hope for those who are heterosexual. Straight romance is a crime and met with total disdain and hate.
Hence the ingenious title “The Straight Crimes”.
This book has intrigued me since reading its synopsis…It’s a page-turning murder mystery with a beautiful romantic element.
The protagonists Harper and Nik meet and fall in love…which reading this book as a heterosexual woman was totally natural for me.
However, this is a tragic story of two young lovers. Society does not accept their relationship as ‘normal’ but they are unable to stay away from each other.
As well as fighting for their love they also end up having to fight for their lives, facing all manners of obstacles and prejudices.
The storyline does a great job of bringing to light what some people have to go through every single day…just because of who they love.
Matt Juhl has a superb writing style. The book is very well written and the prose wonderfully descriptive and flows beautifully.
The plot is complex with a totally unique underlying premise, plus a forbidden love story…I just loved it.
The Straight Crimes is a book that you won't easily forget. Its gutsy and innovative, has a really strong underlying message and is a heartbreakingly beautiful story.
A word of warning keep a box of tissues nearby when you get near the end. I cried buckets.
Don't hesitate to give it a try!!!

[Deborah Fontaine]

This brilliantly written novel, The Straight Crimes by Matt Juhl, is a great balance of characters, chemistry, romance, mystery, thriller, and so suspenseful that you will not want to put the book down.

I really enjoyed the plot and the writing. The characters were well developed and all are interesting whether you loved them or disliked them. This role-reversal novel, where homosexuality is widely acceptable and heterosexuality is regarded as being disgraceful, is thought-provoking and powerful. Matt did an amazing job creating this captivating story.

Nik and Harper’s love story is beautiful and heartbreaking as they not only fight to be accepted, but also for their lives. I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. There is so much more to this book than just the love story.

Trigger warning: drug and parental abuse, loss and murders.

I could feel he put his whole heart and soul into his debut novel. This story will stay with me. I look forward to reading more of Matt’s future books.

I’m truly grateful to Matt for generosity gifting me and my Little Free Library autographed copies of his wonderful book!

[Abigail]

This alternate reality where instead of LBGTQIA people being marginalized and discriminated against, hetero people are is a fascinating perspective…putting everyone in the other perspective’s shoes. I wish I liked the execution as much as the idea. I don’t quite get the having kids/biology part of it though, how being hetero means they can’t have kids? I’m all for an alternate reality but I think you have to give the reader enough information that they can live there without spending the whole book trying to figure stuff like that out instead of focusing on the story.

The writing is a bit college writing workshop quality to me in spots…maybe upper level grad class, but still. For example, the rhythm of the word choice felt a little Dick and Jane to me sometimes. Also in chapter 4, when Harper and Nik are running from Ricky, initially it’s written that Harper knows where they’re going but a paragraph later it’s Nik who knows where they are and that they’re safe when they get there. Thirdly, how he chooses to try and give Harper a Louisiana accent by dropping the gs on everything is ineffective and irritating.

In chapter 12 I decided Traci killed Faye and by 13, I figured she’d killed Andi too. I wish I liked her as a villain more, but she’s just a psycho possessive nutcase and I don’t see how Harper doesn’t see it. Kendall acted weird in a specific enough way that I decided not only is Gage involved but so is Kendall. She was a great red herring, except why was she acting like a weird obsessively loyal person with Traci? At that point I thought they were all crazy and deserve each other. It’s like a b version of an Agatha Christie mystery…Speaking of B things, what kind of b horror movie bs is it that Nik and Harper would leave Traci’s gun? And since that’s not particularly realistic, the big tragic ending falls flat for me because it never should have happened.

Equally unrealistic, Jett’s about face came out of nowhere and while I believe it because I’ve been told and the narrator’s done nothing to tell me they’re unreliable, I wish I’d been shown and decided on my own.