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Back Porch Reader

LGBTQ+ Romance and Erotica Book Reviews

Pairing: M/F

ARC Review: Abroad Book 2 by Liz Jacobs

January 1, 2018 by Katie, Back Porch Reader

About the Book:

Cover, Abroad book 2The heartwarming and romantic conclusion to the duology celebrated by Teen Vogue as “a nuanced and sexy take on growing up and learning to accept who you are.”

Nick Melnikov has finally done it — he’s come out.

To himself. To his sister. And to Dex, who listens, hears him, and understands. To Dex, who kisses him and shows him all that they could be, if Nick could only find the courage. It’s one thing to let yourself be open thousands of miles away from your family, but exchange student Nick is uncomfortably aware that his time with Dex is running out. Who will he be when he goes home again?

Dex Cartwell is as happy with Nick as he’s ever been, but he can’t ignore the shadow of Nick’s inevitable departure from London, back to his life in Michigan. Is it worth it for Dex to expose his heart to another doomed relationship with a predetermined expiration date? What does Dex really want for the beginning of the next chapter in his life, post-graduation?

Dex wants to turn to his best friend in the struggle to find a way forward, but Izzy Jones has her own problems. She’s got one friend in love with her, and when she turns to another for help things get twice as complicated. Izzy never wanted complicated, but life just keeps getting in the way — and sweeping her off her feet.

Then Nick’s mom and sister come for a visit, and he is forced to decide between living his truth and protecting himself from fear and change. It’s going to take a lot of courage and a few leaps in the dark if Nick, Dex, and Izzy are to find a way to live and love on their own terms.

The Finer Details

Narrative Arc: Series

Series Detail: Abroad, book 2

Series Arc: ensemble of relationships

Publication Date: January 2, 2018
Publisher: Brain Mill Press

Cover: Design by Ampersand Book Design, Illustration by Megan J. Smith
Length: Novel, 425 e-book pages
POV: 3rd person, limited to 3 or more main characters
Tense: Past
Pairings: Male/Male, Female/Female, Male/Female
Identities: Gay, Demisexual, Bisexual, Transgender
Age Range(s): 18 to 21, 22 to 25
Genre(s): Contemporary, New Adult

Tropes and Tags: ensemble cast, sexual identity awakening, closeted, friends to lovers, virgin
Settings & Locales: London, England
Ending: HEA

Find and Buy

Brain Mill Press | Amazon US

Add the book to your goodreads shelf.


 

Advance Review Copy generously provided by the publisher.


Back Porch Thoughts

Review

The first book in the Abroad duology left us teetering on the mighty cliffhanger also known as OMG WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?! Where Nick and Dex are taking tentative steps into Relationshipville. Izzy is coming to terms with realizing her sexuality while the earth quakes beneath her feet since learning about a secret crush that has the power to rock a seriously good friendship.

Book two picks up just where we left off with morning afters and more questions begging to be answered as this crew of friends navigate college life, the path to the big-time of adulthood, and trusting in the ties that bind.

Nick, a Russian-American studying abroad in London, is angst incarnate and prone to anxiety attacks that bring him to his knees when faced with the idea of coming out to his mother. He’s so in his head he can’t bring himself to confide in his amazing set of friends, or Dex in these early days of being part of a couple. Which, as a forty-something, it’s easy for me to want to shake him and tell him to talk to his people, these friends who effortlessly brought him into their fold and have surrounded him in safety and a soft place to land as he learns to accept himself. But it only takes me a few seconds of sifting back through my memories of old secrets and insecurities to get it — that fear of opening up. So instead of giving him a shake, I’d rather just hug him tight and tell him to breathe.

Dex, he comes across as one of the surest, self-aware characters with a clear-cut path to his future. He knows himself, knows what he wants, seems comfortable in his skin. But, here we get to see a little bit of a different side of him. A vulnerable spot where it comes to his feelings for Nick, wanting the approval and support from his family. He’s nearly ripped open at the seams while he and Nick work to overcome obstacles with a deadline. Because even for those who think they’ve got both feet on the ground, know what’s what, have a clear and determined picture of selfdom, the future, and their rock-solid friendships — it doesn’t take much to turn certainty on its ear.

And Izzy. My oh my how I love this darling girl. In my review of book one, I wasn’t wholly convinced we needed her story woven around Nick and Dex. To be sure, I wanted her story just…separate. Her own book perhaps. But while looking forward to book two, I found myself itching to get back to her, needing her journey as it was a little like looking in a mirror, one that had gotten sort of foggy over the passage time. She’s just lovely and most definitely the story I needed twenty-some-odd years ago.

Even though Abroad takes place in this decade and in a specific place with very specific cultural elements, it also manages to be timeless and a tale that transcends borders. I loved every moment of this rollercoaster ride of emotions. I laughed, I cried, and my heart was in a clench for these characters. This book was everything, and the two books together are simply amazing.

Liz Jacobs has proven her writing chops, yet again, with gorgeous words of introspection and the emotional journeys that dig deep into all the uncertainties of early adulthood. This is profound and masterful. Utter perfection.


About the Author

Author Photo: Liz JacobsLiz Jacobs came over with her family from Russia at the age of 11, as a Jewish refugee.  All in all, her life has gotten steadily better since that moment. They settled in an ultra-liberal haven in the middle of New York State, which sort of helped her with the whole “grappling with her sexuality” business. She has spent a lot of her time flitting from passion project to passion project, but writing remains her constant. She has flown planes, drawn, made jewelry, had an improbable internet encounter before it was cool, and successfully wooed the love of her life in a military-style campaign. She has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize for her essay on her family’s experience with immigration. She currently lives with her wife in Massachusetts, splitting her time between her day job, writing, and watching a veritable boatload of British murder mysteries.

Connect:

Website |  Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads

About the Cover Artist:

Abroad: Book Two features the original work of artist Megan J. Smith of the Repeal Hyde Art Project.
Megan is an artist, activist, and social worker. They founded the Project in 2011 to raise awareness and create dialogue about the Hyde Amendment. Since then, they have collected 400 birds, created over 100 shareable graphics, and facilitated 30 university-based Repeal Hyde Art Project installations. Megan has also designed artwork and materials for numerous reproductive health and rights organizations. Megan is the recipient of the 2015 Arts and Healing Network Award for Arts and Social Change and on the Board of Directors for the Abortion Care Network. They reside in Boston with their partner and their 13 year-old cat, Boxer.


ONE LAST THING before you go! Liz Jacobs popped in yesterday with a guest post — you can check it out here.

Thank you so much for visiting Back Porch Reader. I wish you all a fantastic 2018!

Filed Under: Book Review Tagged With: ARC Review, Author: Liz Jacobs, Genre: Contemporary, Genre: New Adult, Length: Novel, Pairing: F/F, Pairing: M/F, Pairing: M/M, Publisher: Brain Mill Press, Rating: 5 Stars, Type: Series

Review: Deacon by Kit Rocha

August 29, 2017 by Katie, Back Porch Reader

About the Book

Cover Deacon by Kit RochaAna has trained most of her life to achieve one goal: to prove that anything men can do, she can do better. Now she’s Sector One’s first female Rider, and being the best is the only way to ensure she won’t be its last. Distractions aren’t allowed–especially not her painful attraction to the reserved but demanding leader whose stern, grumpy demeanor has already gotten into her head.

Continue reading…

Filed Under: Book Review Tagged With: ARC Review, Author: Kit Rocha, Genre: Dystopian, Genre: Erotica, Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Pairing: M/F, Publisher: Self-Published, Rating: 5 Stars, Type: Series

Spotlight & Review: Small Change by Roan Parrish

June 5, 2017 by Katie, Back Porch Reader

Synopsis

Cover: Small Change by Roan ParrishGinger Holtzman has fought for everything she’s ever had—the success of her tattoo shop, respect in the industry, her upcoming art show. Tough and independent, she has taking-no-crap down to an art form. Good thing too, since keeping her shop afloat, taking care of her friends, and scrambling to finish her paintings doesn’t leave time for anything else. Which … is for the best, because then she doesn’t notice how lonely she is. She’ll get through it all on her own, just like she always does.

Continue reading…

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Review, Excerpt, Promo with Review, Spotlight Tagged With: ARC Review, Author: Roan Parrish, Genre: Contemporary, Pairing: M/F, Promo: A Novel Take PR, Publisher: Self-Published, Rating: 5 Stars, Type: Series

Ashwin, by Kit Rocha

March 6, 2017 by Katie, Back Porch Reader

cover-kitrocha-ashwinLieutenant Ashwin Malhotra is a Makhai soldier—genetically engineered to be cold, ruthless. Unfeeling. His commanding officers consider him the perfect operative, and they’re right. Now, he has a simple mission: to infiltrate Gideon’s Riders, the infamous sect of holy warriors that protects the people of Sector One.

Continue reading…

Filed Under: Book Review Tagged With: ARC Review, Author: Kit Rocha, Genre: Dystopian, Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Pairing: M/F, Publisher: Self-Published, Rating: 4.5 stars, Type: Series

ARC Review: Beyond Surrender, by Kit Rocha

December 12, 2016 by Katie, Back Porch Reader

cover-kitrocha-beyondsurrender

About the Book:

She’s the heart of O’Kane liquor.

For years, Nessa has been focused on work. She keeps the whiskey—and the money—flowing, and life is sweet. Sure, she’s tired of being everyone’s baby sister, and she longs for a man who can stand up to her overprotective O’Kane brothers. But she never thought she’d meet him in the middle of a war.

He’s the brains of the revolution.

War is all Ryder knows. He was raised with one goal: to ensure the sectors’ successful rebellion against Eden. His father and his mentor both died for freedom, and nothing will stop him from securing their legacies with victory. He doesn’t have time for distractions—especially beautiful, impulsive ones like Nessa.

Opposites don’t just attract, they combust. Together, Nessa and Ryder have a chance for something more than the lives they’ve always known. But this is war—deadly, bloody war—and the only way to happily-ever-after is straight through Eden.


Stats:

Published:
Publisher:
Series:
Genre:
Pairing:
Orientation:
Length:
POV:
December 13, 2016
Kit Rocha
Beyond, book 9
Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian Romance
M/F
don’t assume anything
279 e-book pages
3rd person
See the book on Goodreads

Rating:     ??????????

Ratings are 1 to 5 stars and based mostly on GoodReads standards.
Click for more information regarding ratings.


Review:

Before I dive into the goodness of Beyond Surrender, I need to share.

I’d say about 80% of the ARCs I request or accept are ones I’m clamoring to read (100% are ones I want to read otherwise I wouldn’t do it). This one is no exception to that 80% clamoring, but it’s extra special on a personal level.

See, a dear friend turned me onto this series back in 2013, and I have de-fucking-voured every book since. She and I, when we’re fortunate enough to get together and gab a few times a year, give each other BIG EYES and can barely string together real words. Of course, we’re usually around a pack of other ladies who don’t read what we read. So we try to keep our convos more…erm…ladylike. But it’s really just a bunch of OMGs and HOLY SMOKESs and OOOH-EEs and GIRRRRLs. And the other lady friends have no idea what to do with us, so they sip their wine and wait patiently while we collect ourselves. Personally, I delight in our covert Beyond Bond and can’t WAIT to see her later this week for an annual Christmas thing we do to give her those big eyes and stuff because I know the ride she has in store.

I’m elated to share those reactions with you with some real words strung betwixt the OMGs, HOLY MOLYs, and OOOH-EEs.

Y’all this book.

I’m gonna need a medical opinion on the lasting effects of recurring episodes of my heart rising to trap itself in my esophagus for long bouts that prohibit breathing while reading, paired with every muscle tensed in the grip of utter suspense. I mean… Obviously, I survived to tell the tale — but aftereffects are lingering that feel a lot like a hangover and possibly withdrawals.

IT’S THE LAST ONE IN THE SERIES, and I’m all kinds of conflicted about that.

The excitement of eagerly awaiting each release is done now, a memory. Worry about the characters’ survival, their love, their passion, their joy in dark times, battles, war, a manageable way of life, the future of the sectors. It’s…it’s over.

I’m bereft with the bittersweetness because at the same time I’m happy, content, rejoicing at the outcome that OMG I CAN’T SHARE BECAUSE YOU NEED TO READ IT to get all that joy-n-stuff yourself.

If you’re a follower of this series (and I’m side-eyeing anyone who isn’t) then you know you’re going to get boatloads of action, intrigue, suspense, and (have mercy) some serious passion and delicious sexy filth. You know there’s some massive internal and external conflicts on the way to these characters finding their happy. AND you know you’ll get to touch base with the rest of the hardened crew you’ve come to love. This last book of the series DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. Just about every thread gets tied up in nifty ways that both satisfy and will leave you longing for more.

charssquareI’ve wanted Nessa’s story from the first time I saw her name in print. She’s been waiting quietly in the wings a long, long time. She’s everyone’s little sister. Someone to protect. An untouchable princess hiding amongst her barrels of hooch, cookin’ up the bourbon that keeps Sector Four in booze and bank. She’s an important cog in the wheel, but she’s been low-key the whole time. Quiet and a little detached. Unsure of herself. Cautious. Her level of responsibility means she has a lot to lose, potentially a lot of people to disappoint if she messes up. Digging into her fears, what she thought of herself, what others thought of her, how much she’s loved. This lady…she’s amazing, strong, smart. Watching her spread her wings and fly…spectacular.

Then Ryder — HOLY SMOKES folks. This is a guy I didn’t see coming. I mean…I knew about him. I knew about Nessa’s uncontrollable, butterflies-in-the-belly interest in him. But ALL that is him kinda came at me out of nowhere. Ryder is a freaking powerhouse. A force of nature with a quiet reserve. He knows things. He’s been raised for this, and now is his time to shine. Watching him unfurl, find the brotherhood of the O’Kane’s, share his sweet-spot with Nessa. Stunning.

War is here, though. It’s a brutal time. The city of Eden has been poking at the sectors for ages — and the sectors have finally fucking had it. Eden doesn’t fully grasp that the sectors have come together to become one big-assed, pissed-off bear. The city doesn’t understand the power, intellect, and sheer determination to survive, live free, and destroy those crooked, greedy tyrants once and for all.

War isn’t pretty and clean. Some get hurt. Not everyone survives. Hence my heart in my throat throughout much of this, along with some tears. I actually shouted NOOO once or twice, or three times. Because I know these people. I care about them. I love them. All of them. And seeing any of them come to harm, losing any of them in such bloody, heinous ways is excruciating. Because every single one of them deserves to reap the rewards of the freedom they’re fighting for.

Teamwork toward a common goal, every person utilizing their strengths, the bonds of brotherhood, sisterhood, community, love and passion, the belief in the power of good over evil, and hope — it all comes together in this epic blowout.

Somehow, during this time of uncertainty, two of these gorgeous souls find a way in between the crevices of imminent threats of doom and devastation, to fall in love and find hope for a future of their own on the other side of a war zone.

Kit Rocha get us to that other side, the path to that future. That place where the sun still rises and the birds sing and we see the dawning of a new day, a new era.

A new era IN WHICH THERE’S A SPINOFF SERIES.

This isn’t done. Not by a long shot. This book is just the last leg of the first part of the journey. Kit Rocha will be able to keep on keeping on for aaaages in this intricate and sexy world they’ve built. OOOH-EE, I can’t wait.

Advance Review Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.


Purchase Links:

 Amazon | ARe | BN | GooglePlay | iBooks |  KOBO


New to the Beyond Series?

Heres a STEAL of a DEAL – GIANT Boxset Sale:

catchupbundle-1024x536

To make it easier for new readers to pick up and go with the series, we have a LIMITED TIME offer: a giant “catch up” glom bundle that will be on sale ONLY through the end of December.  Anyone who’s interested in the final book and wants to start from the beginning can save 75% off the normal list price by picking this up!

catchupbundlebox

8 Novels * 3 Novellas * 2 Short Stories

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PREPARE FOR THE END…
…AND NEW BEGINNINGS

Amazon | BN | GooglePlay | iBooks | KOBO


Steps to deal with Beyond Withdrawal:

Prepare for the spin-off series:

gideonsriders

This is the first book in the Beyond series spin-off, moving the action from Sector Four to Sector One, where Gideon rules with the help of his devoted warriors. For years they’ve given up everything for the honor of dying in the name of peace.

Now they have to learn how to live for it, too.

Gideon’s Riders will be set in Sector One and feature Ashwin & Kora, finally telling the story of the Base’s most dangerous soldier and the woman he can’t stop thinking about.

Coming in 2017.

ashwinpreorder

Pre-order Ashwin Here:  

 Amazon | Amazon UK | BN | iBooks | KOBO


About the Author:

logo-kitrocha--okane-beyondseriesKit Rocha is the pseudonym for co-writing team Donna Herren and Bree Bridges. After penning dozens of paranormal novels, novellas and stories as Moira Rogers, they branched out into gritty, sexy dystopian romance.

The series has appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists, and was honored with a 2013 RT Reviewer’s Choice award. Find out more at kitrocha.com, or sign up to be notified of their next release at bit.ly/kit-rocha-updates.

Website: http://www.kitrocha.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thebrokencircle

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kitrocha

Filed Under: Book Review Tagged With: ARC Review, Author: Kit Rocha, Genre: Dystopian, Genre: Erotica, Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Pairing: M/F, Rating: 5 Stars, Type: Series

ARC Review: Queer and the Restless, by Kris Ripper

October 29, 2016 by Katie, Back Porch Reader

Advance Review Copy generously provided by NetGalley
in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb:

cover-krisripper-queerandtherestlessEd Masiello has been on testosterone for a year, is working his dream job as a reporter, and is finally passing as a man (so long as you don’t ask his abuela). But the investigation of a murder case is starting to take over his life. Afraid he’s becoming obsessed, he goes to the local club to relax, and meets the flighty, whimsical Alisha.

[ MORE ]

Filed Under: Book Review Tagged With: ARC Review, Author: Kris Ripper, Genre: Contemporary, Pairing: M/F, Queer Romance, Rating: 4.5 stars, Trans Romance

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