Blurb:
Raymond Rodriguez’s days of shoving responsibility to the wayside are over. His older brother wants to live with his boyfriend so Raymond has to get his act together and find a place of his own. But when out-and-proud David Butler offers to be his roommate, Raymond agrees for reasons other than needing a place to crash.
David is Raymond’s opposite in almost every way—he’s Connecticut prim and proper while Raymond is a sarcastic longshoreman from Queens—but their friendship is solid. Their closeness surprises everyone as does their not-so-playful flirtation since Raymond has always kept his bicurious side a secret.
Once they’re under the same roof, flirting turns physical, and soon their easy camaraderie is in danger of being lost to frustrating sexual tension and the stark cultural differences that set them apart. Now Raymond not only has to commit to his new independence—he has to commit to his feelings for David or risk losing him for good.
Stats:
Publisher:
Genre:
Length:
POV:
Type:
Dreamspinner Press
Contemporary, M/M, GLBT+
230 e-book pages
1st person, multiple POVs
Series, book 2
Notice:
Review and rating removed.
On or about March 9, 2018, the news broke far and wide that the author known as Santino Hassell is a catfish, abusive, predatory, a master manipulator…and the list of sociopathic adjectives could go on from what I’ve gathered.
In the days surrounding, ties with this author were severed with ‘his’ agent and most (if not all) publishers including Riptide, Dreamspinner, Berkley, and…probably others.
I’m not here to write a think piece on the matter, plenty are out there, and I’d just be repeating what’s already been said. Though, I’ll say that it disgusts me to my core that anyone who came into contact with this author — from readers to authors (including co-authors), to those who were barely even in ‘his’ orbit and those who were close friends — are all victims of such a far-reaching deception. It’s monstrous how much damage and harm was caused by such epic deceit and web of lies spanning nearly two decades. I was duped. We were all duped.
It’s not about a pen name. It’s not about gender. It’s not about author privacy. It’s not about author brand. It's a fucking mess of despicable truths stranger than fiction that has left this community I love reeling in the aftermath.
If you need more information here’s a start:
Statement from Riptide: http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statement-on-sh
Twitter Moment outlining the allegations: https://twitter.com/i/moments/970716633017790464
Tumblr post further outlining allegations: https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post/171680546960/the-santino-hassell-debacle
Twitter post that’ll blow your fucking mind: https://twitter.com/sweetsakuradoll/status/972031764766994432
Heartbreaking statement from Ais, co-author of the ICoS series: https://twitter.com/aisness/status/976957000708915200
NOTE: Several Twitter handles were also massively important — chiefly Nikki @ease_dropper who worked for over a year to bring this information to light with receipts like you wouldn’t believe while simultaneously dealing with increasing backlash and abuse in those efforts to be heard.
A Twitter search of #SHconfessions will also work as well as the entirety of the Twitter handle @sweetsakuradoll.
Other posts that can be found with a google search of “Santino Hassell” or “Santino Hassell Catfish.”
Harper Miller says
Awesome review and I totally agree with everything you’ve written. Santino is defnitely an author to watch out for. His writing is crazy good.
#KindredBookSpiritsUnite
Katie, Back Porch Reader says
Thank you. I kinda struggled writing this because I was confused about being a little disappointed but still liking it so much. Also, I really adore that broody Santino and his crazy skills.
I love how much we have in common with the books!
Harper Miller says
I think you articulated your points very well. The review was stellar. I think from an author standpoint it’s always great to hear from readers what didn’t exactly work for you. I know I love hearing that from readers. What I see in my head playing out isn’t always what the reader picks up so different views are indeed welcome. A four-star review is still pretty darn great.
Authors put forth our best effort and hope that people can relate. Sunset Park was great, but David and Raymond didn’t have me in my feels as hard as Michael and Nunzio. Okay, lol maybe Raymond did a little.
Katie, Back Porch Reader says
Yeah….Raymond, mmmmmm.
No doubt SH probably got a bunch of people in the feels with this.
It’s so incredible to me how everyone gets something different out of a story–and it may not be what the author had in mind. Once it’s out there for the readers the impact and interpretations can go anywhere.
Harper Miller says
Put forth* dang fingers!
Katie, Back Porch Reader says
I just found out I can edit all comments….I got you covered!
Harper Miller says
lol thank you!
Exactly, we put out a product and hope for the best. I think overall most people are loving SP, which is good because I think Santino is one kickass writer. I’m also biased, lol he’s a fellow NY’er.