Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (December 30, 2014)
Series: Bend or Break, 1
Genre:New Adult M/M Romance
Everyone’s got secrets. Some are just harder to hide.
With his father’s ponzi scheme assets frozen, Tom Worthington believes finishing college is impossible unless he can pay his own way. After months sleeping in his car and gypsy-cabbing for cash, he’s ready to do just that.
But his new, older-student housing comes with an unapologetically gay roommate. Tom doesn’t ask why Reese Anders has been separated from the rest of the student population. He’s just happy to be sleeping in a bed.
Reese isn’t about to share his brutal story with his gruff new roommate. You’ve seen one homophobic jock, you’ve seen ’em all. He plans to drag every twink on campus into his bed until Tom moves out. But soon it becomes clear Tom isn’t budging.
Tom isn’t going to let some late-night sex noise scare him off, especially when it’s turning him on. But he doesn’t want any drama either. He’ll keep his hands, if not his eyes, to himself. Boundaries have a way of blurring when you start sharing truths, though. And if Tom and Reese cross too many lines, they may need to find out just how far they can bend…before they break.
Warning: This book contains cranky roommates who vacillate between lashing out and licking, some male/male voyeurism, emotional baggage that neither guy wants to unpack, and the definitive proof that sound carries in college housing.
With his father’s ponzi scheme assets frozen, Tom Worthington believes finishing college is impossible unless he can pay his own way. After months sleeping in his car and gypsy-cabbing for cash, he’s ready to do just that.
But his new, older-student housing comes with an unapologetically gay roommate. Tom doesn’t ask why Reese Anders has been separated from the rest of the student population. He’s just happy to be sleeping in a bed.
Reese isn’t about to share his brutal story with his gruff new roommate. You’ve seen one homophobic jock, you’ve seen ’em all. He plans to drag every twink on campus into his bed until Tom moves out. But soon it becomes clear Tom isn’t budging.
Tom isn’t going to let some late-night sex noise scare him off, especially when it’s turning him on. But he doesn’t want any drama either. He’ll keep his hands, if not his eyes, to himself. Boundaries have a way of blurring when you start sharing truths, though. And if Tom and Reese cross too many lines, they may need to find out just how far they can bend…before they break.
Warning: This book contains cranky roommates who vacillate between lashing out and licking, some male/male voyeurism, emotional baggage that neither guy wants to unpack, and the definitive proof that sound carries in college housing.
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Previous Reviews of Cousins's Novels:
My Review:
"I'm the only one who can fix me. Though I appreciate that you're willing to try."
Oh, Tom and Reese . . . two broken, but beautiful young men, and by the end of this book, I wanted to smother them both in hugs!
"I think it's exactly like that. When you think you can't do it anymore. You have to ignore it and keep going. Trust in your training."
"I'm out of practice with that."
"I'm out of practice with that."
"What?"
"Trust."
I first read the second book in this series, then the third (each in ARC forms), but recently decided to go back and read Off Campus, which started it all. I'm so glad I did, this book helped to get me out of a reading funk, and is my favorite of the series.
"But touching, ah God, yes, touching is fine. Better than fine. Fuck." He hissed as Tom found his nipples and pinched. "Yes, do that as much as you want." He dropped a hand to his own crotch and grabbed his dick, squeezing it hard, hips bucking against Tom's lap.
I must say, the chemistry between Tom and Reese was delicious, and the sex scenes were definitely hot! But as much as I loved those scenes, it was all the cuddling, touching, and snuggling moments that I fell deeply in love with. Those moments were so emotional and powerful, especially considering their pasts, and Amy Jo Cousins did a fantastic job writing it. It's hard to fully explain these moments, even through quotes, so you'll just have to trust me and pick up the book yourself!
The crux of it all. He'd had to shut Reese out to get to the place where he could let him in.
And one more:
"Love you too." His boyfriend's eyes narrowed and Tom dropped his box to the side with a thud just in time to brace himself as Reese walked right into him and backed him up against the wall. For a little guy, he could growl like a bear. "God. I'll love you right up against the wall."
Reese pulled Tom's head down until their mouths pressed together in a kiss that shifted from Hello there, sailor to Fuck me now in seconds. He dug his hands deep into Reese's back pockets and pulled his boy close, reveling in how far they'd come.
The journey to their HEA is not easy, it's not perfect, and it's not always happy, but I loved every damn minute of it! I cared about both Tom and Reese so much, it almost hurt during some of the rough spots, but in the end, the pain was worth it. I spent most of the book either melting from these two, wanting to shove them together until they worked everything out, or smiling. Seriously, Off Campus gave me all the feels, and I'll definitely be re-reading it again. Be prepared to fall in love with these two!
4 1/2 STARS!
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I bought this book.
*Note: The quotes used belong to Amy Jo Cousins; TBQ's Book Palace does not claim them.
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So many feels from these two . . . So, so worth it though!
Have you read Amy Jo Cousins?
Remember, since this is a Royal Pick, come back on April 30th for a chance to WIN an ecopy of your own!
Remember, since this is a Royal Pick, come back on April 30th for a chance to WIN an ecopy of your own!
Enjoy!
Until Next Time,
*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!
2 comments :
Hmm, I can't believe I missed this one when I was in my m/m NA jock and not jock phase. LOL! I like the idea of the hard fought and won romance. Sounds good!
Oh, it's a must-read. I'd be curious to hear what you think of it. :)
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