This week ABC has been promoting a somewhat scandalous storyline on “The Bachelorette,” in which two of the contestants confess to having fallen in love with each other. Imagine my surprise at seeing the plot of my 2014 book Husband Material playing out on the small screen. [Read more…]
Top2Bottom Reviews gives Husband Material 5 kisses
Thanks to Susan at Top2Bottom Reviews for giving Husband Material the coveted 5 Kisses rating. Here’s what I really love about this review—Susan really nails it:
Riley and Asher’s interaction is the focal point of most of the book. Riley isn’t gay, but he longs to be seen as beautiful and worthy of love. Asher could be that for him if Riley could let go of his preconceived notions of what love is. Every scene with just the two men is fraught with realistic dialogue, amiable friendship, and sexual tension.
What a beautiful way to sum up the relationship between Riley and Asher. Couldn’t have said it better myself. Thanks again, Susan!
The Novel Approach gives Husband Material 5 stars
Jackie, the wonderful reviewer at The Novel Approach, has given Husband Material 5 stars! It’s an extensive review, and I enjoyed reading it very much. The closing two paragraphs in particular I appreciated:
This is a very slow burn romance. I think one thing I loved was the minimal angst factor in this one. Don’t get me wrong there is angst, but it isn’t over the top. The last part of the book could, hands down, be the most romantic thing I have read in a while.
All in all, I loved the book. It isn’t my usual read, but I am so glad I read it. I loved Frat House Troopers so I figured this one would be good as well. As with Xavier Mayne’s previous book, the supporting characters were amazing. The writing was well balanced and kept me on my toes. Highly recommend this title, another winner for Mr. Mayne.
As Husband Material is only my second novel, I’m only now realizing the thrill of having repeat readers. I am so glad that Jackie gave a shout-out to Frat House Troopers. After all, you never forget your first!
MM Good Book Reviews gives Husband Material 4.5 hearts
Thanks to reviewer GiGi at MM Good Book Reviews for the 4.5 heart review of Husband Material! The delightful commentary concludes with this gracious note:
This is a fun read, perfectly paced, and plenty of steamy and romantic scenes. I’ve never been a huge fan of the Bachelor/Bachelorette, but I’m a big fan of this book!
Thanks, GiGi!
Night Owl gives Husband Material 4.5 stars
The wonderfully named reviewer BookGirl at Night Owl has given Husband Material four and a half stars! I really appreciate reviewers who seem to “get” what I’m trying to accomplish in my writing, and BookGirl narrows right down to what matters:
I have found many “gay for you” books throw the couple together and the “straight” character jumps into the relationship with ease. That never seems realistic to me. I would think that going through major changes in something as serious as your sexual identity would be all-consuming. I thought this book did a really good job of showing a character struggle though this. Riley deeply cares for Asher but he also resents him for bringing these feelings out. What I really liked was that the characters talk about the issue repeatedly, in a well-thought-out manner.
I’m with BookGirl on this one–far too often a character who has never had a gay inkling in his entire life suddenly becomes blissfully and completely gay because he meets that one special guy. I love writing about the drama/chaos that such a change would bring, both within and between the characters. I’m glad that works, at least for this reviewer.
Joyfully Jay gives Husband Material four stars
Thanks to Amy at Joyfully Jay, who gave Husband Material a four-star review. I really like the way she sums it up:
This book is a little out there, not technically perfect by any means, but is intensely readable. I would definitely put it in the “guilty pleasure” category. The two main characters have some intense chemistry and the sex scenes are hot. It’s fun and goofy and just a good time. Give it a chance if you’ve had your own gay Bachelorette contestant type fantasies.
This makes me really happy because I never set out to write anything but hot, sweet, and funny. Writing these books is my guilty pleasure, and I’m glad to have readers consider them the same. Thanks, Amy!