Reviews

Hot Head by Damon Suede

willywonka3435's review against another edition

5.0

Loved it.

This is just really, really great. The ending gave me chills (in the best way). The characters have so much personality they leap off the page.

moonweaver's review against another edition

funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

mikeylificent's review against another edition

5.0

I went in to this quite tentatively. Noticing there was no gay romance books in my Library, I did a little bit of research and this book, Hot Head, came up as a good entry point. I requested the library purchase it and they did.

The only romance I’d read before this was more romance/drama ie; Colleen Hoover. It was so refreshing to read a book that resonated with me, where the ‘spicy’ scenes (and they were SPICY) was something that was written for the gay community.

Despite the overt sexual nature of the writing this book has a lot of heart. Sure, some of the writing was toxic-masculinity-cringeworthy but I overlooked it and came to love the two central characters - Griff and Dante - a lot. By the end of the book I was cheering on their love story, excited to see how all the pieces would fall when the truth came out in the open.

I can see why this was recommended highly for any new readers to gay romance novels, it definitely has my backing too.

the_otaku_bibliophile's review against another edition

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.0

Look I don’t know but this gave me a migraine. Probably because of the author’s writing and how the characters were hot and then cold. I was confused at some points. I liked the jealousy and possessiveness. I didn’t like that i had to wait till the second to the freaking last chapter for any form of open and honest communication between them. I’m not a slow burn girl so yeah. Honestly looking at this from a birds eye viewpoint or whatever it seemed like the book was about every other thing except their actual romance or intimacy. Sure there was the friendship (which i adored) but the romance wasn’t there till the end and ….just no please

that_bear_reads's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

andrea_author's review against another edition

5.0

Loved the depth of emotion between these characters. Griff is such a genuinely nice guy, I couldn't help being moved by his situation, falling in love with his best friend and believing his love could never be returned. Griff and Dante were authentic, funny, and flawed, yet noble in their own way. The mood of the novel was somewhat dark, but that only made the bright spots shine even stronger. An outstanding novel for anyone who enjoys a good love story.

naranjadia's review against another edition

5.0

So many good things to say about this book, but I think what really stands out to me is the economic reality of the MCs lives - firefighters working second and third jobs o get by - and how sticking to that reality makes the ending so satisfying. No millionaire, surprise inheritance, or other intervention resolves the situation.

I also liked how Griff’s struggles with his sexuality lead him to help others. It seems really true to his character, similar to how he helps others as a firefighter and bouncer. It wasn’t over the top, like he was suddenly a gay hero, but a subtle part of book.

natastrophe16's review against another edition

5.0

I loved Griff and Dante so much! It was a bit slow to start but once I got into it I couldn't put it down.

Reread so many times. I still love it deeply. 9 years since the first read. 08/22

rldunnauthor's review against another edition

5.0

I had the good fortune of meeting Damon Suede at the LIRW luncheon, his keynote was inspiring to writers and non-writers alike. As a gift to the audience, I received Hot Head. Homoerotic literature is not my usual go to, but I couldn't put this book down. As a first responder, married to a 9-11 first responder, I am nervous reading fictional portrayals of firefighters and EMS providers. Damon's sensitivity was impeccable. His portrayals of calls were spot on. But it was the love story between lead characters, Griff and Dante that left me laughing, loving, crying, cheering and turned on.

curtisjacob's review against another edition

challenging medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0