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stephanie_inman's Reviews (228)
Easily one of my new favorites. This book gave me all of
the warm fuzzy feelings I love in a book. Nothing taboo here, so if you're worried that they are playing this book off as if a m/m romance is just that, fear not. The name comes from Luke discovering Sam's list of things that Sam wants to do before he turns 30. And one of those things is to do something sexually taboo. For Sam, who identifies as straight, this could mean hooking up with his best friend/neighbor, Luke. While this sounds like it could be done in such bad taste, it's really not. Anyta Sunday has quickly become on of my go to authors when I need something guaranteed to leave me smiling.
Sam’s list. This is where the fun begins. Not only does he want to do something sexually taboo, as he puts it, but he has a few other things on his list as well. Sam became a dad when he was a teenager, and he feels his twenties skipped him by. He’s determined to cross as many things off of his list as he can.
Luke has been Sam’s neighbor and friend for seven years. He’s watched Sam’s son grow up. He’s been there with Sam through the tough times. He finds Sam’s list and realizes that he wants to be the one to help Sam do as much as he can on the list. He also realizes that his feelings for Sam are stronger than friendship, but he can’t bring himself to tell Sam.
This story is about so much more than falling in love. It also features Jeremy, Sam's fifteen year old son. He's got his own coming of age story going on. Add in a bit of family drama (nothing too angsty) and this story is even better. I love the way Anyta's books aren't just about the couple. Somehow she manages to include these fully fleshed out families as well.
I love everything about this book! If you’re looking for a sweet, slow-burn love story that will leave you swooning (but also turns up the heat, so you get some of that steam!), this is the PERFECT story.
the warm fuzzy feelings I love in a book. Nothing taboo here, so if you're worried that they are playing this book off as if a m/m romance is just that, fear not. The name comes from Luke discovering Sam's list of things that Sam wants to do before he turns 30. And one of those things is to do something sexually taboo. For Sam, who identifies as straight, this could mean hooking up with his best friend/neighbor, Luke. While this sounds like it could be done in such bad taste, it's really not. Anyta Sunday has quickly become on of my go to authors when I need something guaranteed to leave me smiling.
Sam’s list. This is where the fun begins. Not only does he want to do something sexually taboo, as he puts it, but he has a few other things on his list as well. Sam became a dad when he was a teenager, and he feels his twenties skipped him by. He’s determined to cross as many things off of his list as he can.
Luke has been Sam’s neighbor and friend for seven years. He’s watched Sam’s son grow up. He’s been there with Sam through the tough times. He finds Sam’s list and realizes that he wants to be the one to help Sam do as much as he can on the list. He also realizes that his feelings for Sam are stronger than friendship, but he can’t bring himself to tell Sam.
This story is about so much more than falling in love. It also features Jeremy, Sam's fifteen year old son. He's got his own coming of age story going on. Add in a bit of family drama (nothing too angsty) and this story is even better. I love the way Anyta's books aren't just about the couple. Somehow she manages to include these fully fleshed out families as well.
I love everything about this book! If you’re looking for a sweet, slow-burn love story that will leave you swooning (but also turns up the heat, so you get some of that steam!), this is the PERFECT story.
This book has been on my Kindle for a LONG time, so I decided it was past time to give it a go.
Let me start by saying, maybe I’m just not the right demographic for this series. I’m not young, but even I felt this was geared towards my grandma back in the 80’s. It reminds me of that stack of old, cheesy romances that everyone’s grandma had back in the day. Maybe because the book reeks of privilege and internalized misogyny.
The insta love didn’t bother me. Was it a bit ridiculous? Yes. Mac meets Maddie and instantly moves in with her to take care of her. In the span of a few days, he’s making life decisions and he wants to spend the rest of his life with her? Sure. I’ll bite.
Then there’s Maddie’s boobs. Apparently they are the third MC to this story because they get so much page time. Maddie has body issues with her large boobs, but rather than deal with body dysmorphia in a realistic way, it’s more just her not trusting men because they are only after her boobs. This was proven to her in high school, when a guy she was dating wanted to sleep with her and she turned him down, so he decided to tell everyone that, not only did she sleep with him, but also all of his friends (all in the same night). This earns her a reputation and the nickname, Maddie Mattress.
And here’s where the misogyny hits hard. Mac is a known “player”. He sleeps around. Maddie doesn’t. We find out she was a Virgin until she was 28 and then only had sex twice, with the same man. But she’s been slut shamed since high school. WHY DO WOMEN SLUT SHAME THEIR HEROINES? Who cares if Maddie had done the entire football team? Mac wasn’t slut shamed for sleeping around. Maddie, apparently only has value because the “rumors aren’t true”
Maddie works for Mac’s family, and we find out that she is treated worse than any of the other maids because his mom and the housekeeping supervisor dislike her. Why? Because of her reputation as the town slut. When Mac’s sister finds out that Mac has been spending time with Maddie, she tells him about how Maddie sleeps around. When Mac questions her, she just acts like it’s no big deal that she’s judging someone she barely knows, because, again, rumors and all.
Mac was okay. Maddie was unforgiving at times and I felt she really needed to lighten up. Granted, the entire town hated her until the very end. Because, of course once Mac makes sure everyone knows that she didn’t sleep with those guys in high school, the townsfolk are nice to her. Her value is apparently tied to her vagina. (Ugh)
Both Mac’s mom and sister are incredibly elitist. The author redeems the sister earlier on, but the mom isn’t redeemed until the end of the book. Frankly, by that time I already hated both characters. The next book in the series is about the sister. While the storyline sounds good, and we were introduced to the hero in this book (and I’m pretty sure he’s the only character I liked in this book), I won’t be reading it. The introduction of the sister just showed her in such a horrible way, I don’t care to read about her. I downloaded that book for free on my Kindle, but it will go straight to delete.
Let me start by saying, maybe I’m just not the right demographic for this series. I’m not young, but even I felt this was geared towards my grandma back in the 80’s. It reminds me of that stack of old, cheesy romances that everyone’s grandma had back in the day. Maybe because the book reeks of privilege and internalized misogyny.
The insta love didn’t bother me. Was it a bit ridiculous? Yes. Mac meets Maddie and instantly moves in with her to take care of her. In the span of a few days, he’s making life decisions and he wants to spend the rest of his life with her? Sure. I’ll bite.
Then there’s Maddie’s boobs. Apparently they are the third MC to this story because they get so much page time. Maddie has body issues with her large boobs, but rather than deal with body dysmorphia in a realistic way, it’s more just her not trusting men because they are only after her boobs. This was proven to her in high school, when a guy she was dating wanted to sleep with her and she turned him down, so he decided to tell everyone that, not only did she sleep with him, but also all of his friends (all in the same night). This earns her a reputation and the nickname, Maddie Mattress.
And here’s where the misogyny hits hard. Mac is a known “player”. He sleeps around. Maddie doesn’t. We find out she was a Virgin until she was 28 and then only had sex twice, with the same man. But she’s been slut shamed since high school. WHY DO WOMEN SLUT SHAME THEIR HEROINES? Who cares if Maddie had done the entire football team? Mac wasn’t slut shamed for sleeping around. Maddie, apparently only has value because the “rumors aren’t true”
Maddie works for Mac’s family, and we find out that she is treated worse than any of the other maids because his mom and the housekeeping supervisor dislike her. Why? Because of her reputation as the town slut. When Mac’s sister finds out that Mac has been spending time with Maddie, she tells him about how Maddie sleeps around. When Mac questions her, she just acts like it’s no big deal that she’s judging someone she barely knows, because, again, rumors and all.
Mac was okay. Maddie was unforgiving at times and I felt she really needed to lighten up. Granted, the entire town hated her until the very end. Because, of course once Mac makes sure everyone knows that she didn’t sleep with those guys in high school, the townsfolk are nice to her. Her value is apparently tied to her vagina. (Ugh)
Both Mac’s mom and sister are incredibly elitist. The author redeems the sister earlier on, but the mom isn’t redeemed until the end of the book. Frankly, by that time I already hated both characters. The next book in the series is about the sister. While the storyline sounds good, and we were introduced to the hero in this book (and I’m pretty sure he’s the only character I liked in this book), I won’t be reading it. The introduction of the sister just showed her in such a horrible way, I don’t care to read about her. I downloaded that book for free on my Kindle, but it will go straight to delete.
Really divided on this book. On one hand, I loved the Jewish representation, the female and male characters both being Jewish was a nice touch.
I also FREAKING LOVED the actual sex positivity of this book! The heroine is a grown women and she owns her sexuality! For once we don’t have a virginal, pining away for the lost love of her life, pathetic heroine. No, Rachel liked Joe back in the day, but things happen and they don’t get together. Mistakes are made. One bad marriage later, Rachel is divorced and, rather than completely being celibate (like I’d say 95% of heroines in similar plots/tropes), Rachel does date. She doesn’t want a relationship. She’s focused on her career. She’s got great friends. But, thank you, author, she actually has a sex life! There is talk of how sex doesn’t always have to be within a relationship and how, as long as it’s safe and consensual, then no judgment. Seriously, WE NEED MORE OF THIS MESSAGE IN ROMANCE BOOKS!
The only fault I found was the representation of the ex husband, David. Once we find out that he cheated on Rachel with a man, it’s a bit like they use his sexuality to explain his awful behavior. Like him being gay was the reason he was emotionally and verbally abusive towards Rachel. I didn’t like that at all. I feel that if you’re trying to tell the story as maybe David wasn’t happy, and he lashed out, then you need more time to do so. That would be David’s story. Since he’s a side character, and we only see him as the awful ex husband, it just feels wrong to use him being gay as an excuse to be a shitty person. If not for this, I would have given this book a higher rating.
I also FREAKING LOVED the actual sex positivity of this book! The heroine is a grown women and she owns her sexuality! For once we don’t have a virginal, pining away for the lost love of her life, pathetic heroine. No, Rachel liked Joe back in the day, but things happen and they don’t get together. Mistakes are made. One bad marriage later, Rachel is divorced and, rather than completely being celibate (like I’d say 95% of heroines in similar plots/tropes), Rachel does date. She doesn’t want a relationship. She’s focused on her career. She’s got great friends. But, thank you, author, she actually has a sex life! There is talk of how sex doesn’t always have to be within a relationship and how, as long as it’s safe and consensual, then no judgment. Seriously, WE NEED MORE OF THIS MESSAGE IN ROMANCE BOOKS!
The only fault I found was the representation of the ex husband, David. Once we find out that he cheated on Rachel with a man, it’s a bit like they use his sexuality to explain his awful behavior. Like him being gay was the reason he was emotionally and verbally abusive towards Rachel. I didn’t like that at all. I feel that if you’re trying to tell the story as maybe David wasn’t happy, and he lashed out, then you need more time to do so. That would be David’s story. Since he’s a side character, and we only see him as the awful ex husband, it just feels wrong to use him being gay as an excuse to be a shitty person. If not for this, I would have given this book a higher rating.
Very cute novella. Zero angst. Just a fun, quick read. I hesitated between 3 and 4 stars, but, even for a novella, I felt the characters could have been fleshed out more. Also, I’ll fully admit I might be a little harder on Anyta Sunday because I know how freaking amazing her books are. Hands down one of my new favorite authors
Read for a second time and, yeah, changed to 4 stars.
Read for a second time and, yeah, changed to 4 stars.
Theo and Jamie, just wow. Easily one of my all time favorite book couples ever. We start the book with Theo and his twin sister, Leone, getting the dreaded "save the date invitation" to the wedding of their exes. Yeah, Theo's ex gf had fallen in love with Theo's sister's bf. Theo and Leone decide that they are done being sad and that it is time to get back out there, but this time they should find dates for each other.
Enter Jamie. In what turns out to be a lucky coincidence, Theo needs help with a class he is struggling with (although, Theo being an over achiever, it's more like he's not acing the class) and he wants a previous tutor from this class, Jamie to help him. He finds the current instructor boring. He looks Jamie up and e-mails him, hoping that Jamie might not remember him, as Theo is sure he didn't make the best impression on Jamie, but Jamie easily remembers Theo. Jamie says he's too busy to tutor Theo and mentions that one of the things he is busy with is that he needs to look at a place to live. Theo and Leone happen to have a room they need to rent out. Theo, being smart and enterprising, sees this as his opportunity for a win-win. Jamie gets a great place to rent, Theo gets his tutor.
Once Jamie moves in, Theo starts seeing Jamie as a friend. Theo never really thought of himself as having many friends, and we see him struggle with how exactly to navigate friendship. He also decides that maybe there could be some sparks between Leone and Jamie, thus making Jamie the perfect choice to be Leone's date for the wedding of her ex bf. Theo, while spending time with Jamie, is also working on getting Jamie and Leone together.
As the story progresses, we get to see that Theo is completely oblivious. Jamie’s flirting and feelings go completely over Theo’s head. Theo doesn’t see Jamie falling for him, but it’s clear to everyone else that he is. The slow burn leading up to these two men finding love is one of the best ever. They are funny and sweet and just fucking amazing.
Theo has only dated (and only had sex with) women in the past, however he is very open sexually. He has never actually had a partner that he feels any emotional connection with, when it comes to sex. He has always separated sex from love. The difference between Theo, however and the usual manwhore trope is that Theo also can be in a relationship, and he did love his ex, but even then he separated the love from the physical part of the relationship. (Also, I wouldn’t classify Theo as a “manwhore” as he does have hookups, but it’s not like he’s all about them. Also, we only hear that there have been a few hookups, when we meet Theo, it’s been a while for him) I loved this aspect of the book. It's something that you really don't see represented in books and there are so many people who experience this. To see Theo navigate his way through an entirely different type of relationship than he's used to was interesting.
"Gay for You" tropes are very hard to pull off, in my opinion. They can also be hella controversial (and for good reason). Anyta Sunday, however, is the QUEEN of them. Theo falls for Jamie. Full Stop. His sex has nothing to do with it. It's adorable how long it actually takes for Theo to figure it out, but once he does, he’s even more adorable (which I would have thought impossible). And this book has one of the best pay offs in the way of endings. That slow burn takes a while, but the pay off is so worth it.
Enter Jamie. In what turns out to be a lucky coincidence, Theo needs help with a class he is struggling with (although, Theo being an over achiever, it's more like he's not acing the class) and he wants a previous tutor from this class, Jamie to help him. He finds the current instructor boring. He looks Jamie up and e-mails him, hoping that Jamie might not remember him, as Theo is sure he didn't make the best impression on Jamie, but Jamie easily remembers Theo. Jamie says he's too busy to tutor Theo and mentions that one of the things he is busy with is that he needs to look at a place to live. Theo and Leone happen to have a room they need to rent out. Theo, being smart and enterprising, sees this as his opportunity for a win-win. Jamie gets a great place to rent, Theo gets his tutor.
Once Jamie moves in, Theo starts seeing Jamie as a friend. Theo never really thought of himself as having many friends, and we see him struggle with how exactly to navigate friendship. He also decides that maybe there could be some sparks between Leone and Jamie, thus making Jamie the perfect choice to be Leone's date for the wedding of her ex bf. Theo, while spending time with Jamie, is also working on getting Jamie and Leone together.
As the story progresses, we get to see that Theo is completely oblivious. Jamie’s flirting and feelings go completely over Theo’s head. Theo doesn’t see Jamie falling for him, but it’s clear to everyone else that he is. The slow burn leading up to these two men finding love is one of the best ever. They are funny and sweet and just fucking amazing.
Theo has only dated (and only had sex with) women in the past, however he is very open sexually. He has never actually had a partner that he feels any emotional connection with, when it comes to sex. He has always separated sex from love. The difference between Theo, however and the usual manwhore trope is that Theo also can be in a relationship, and he did love his ex, but even then he separated the love from the physical part of the relationship. (Also, I wouldn’t classify Theo as a “manwhore”
"Gay for You" tropes are very hard to pull off, in my opinion. They can also be hella controversial (and for good reason). Anyta Sunday, however, is the QUEEN of them. Theo falls for Jamie. Full Stop. His sex has nothing to do with it. It's adorable how long it actually takes for Theo to figure it out, but once he does, he’s even more adorable (which I would have thought impossible). And this book has one of the best pay offs in the way of endings. That slow burn takes a while, but the pay off is so worth it.