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jamhow's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book much more than book 1.
Possible spoilers in review:
I loved Hunter & Alec they were both so sweet. I thought the way the author wrote sexual assault was so well done, especially the ignoring your gut feelings, telling yourself you’re overreacting, then later telling yourself you must have imagined everything. It was all very well done and well written.
I would say this book is less of a romance novel and more of a book about workplace sexual assault and the aftermath of that. The romance took a back seat to the assault story line. While it was very well done, the romance plot was really secondary.
Possible spoilers in review:
I loved Hunter & Alec they were both so sweet. I thought the way the author wrote sexual assault was so well done, especially the ignoring your gut feelings, telling yourself you’re overreacting, then later telling yourself you must have imagined everything. It was all very well done and well written.
I would say this book is less of a romance novel and more of a book about workplace sexual assault and the aftermath of that. The romance took a back seat to the assault story line. While it was very well done, the romance plot was really secondary.
marharyta's review
4.0
Love a story that takes a stand. Brings to light topics of social injustices. Injustices is putting it mildly. Controversial issues which are not really controversial but for some reason, are still only spoken in hushed voices.
literarycavy's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
mello_cra02's review against another edition
5.0
I loved it!!!
I was frustrated and crying through half of the book but it was worth every second of it.
This author always does it for me and this story didn't disappointed. I loved Alec and his relationship with Hunter. They were real and healthy, they talked with each other and they made it work even when things went down.
I liked how the subject of sexual harassment in workplaces and sexual assault was treated. It's definitely terrible, sad and frustrating but it most be acknowledge and I think this book may help with that.
I admired Alec's bravery and I felt so proud of him by the end of the story.
I really enjoyed the read and I can't wait to see what's next on this series!!!
I was frustrated and crying through half of the book but it was worth every second of it.
This author always does it for me and this story didn't disappointed. I loved Alec and his relationship with Hunter. They were real and healthy, they talked with each other and they made it work even when things went down.
I liked how the subject of sexual harassment in workplaces and sexual assault was treated. It's definitely terrible, sad and frustrating but it most be acknowledge and I think this book may help with that.
I admired Alec's bravery and I felt so proud of him by the end of the story.
I really enjoyed the read and I can't wait to see what's next on this series!!!
bluebeereads's review against another edition
4.0
Again, it had everything I've come to expect from a Jay Hogan book. Except this one was hard to read at times - which is normal, given the storyline. With that also comes that Alec is a model and... I just don't really connect with books centering on models. Don't get me wrong, Alec is a sweetheart and I loved him! But there was a slight disconnect throughout the whole story for me. This is a personal issue, of course, so feel free to ignore it.
I am, however, really looking forward to Kip's book, so I'll be diving into that one asap!
I am, however, really looking forward to Kip's book, so I'll be diving into that one asap!
sharingthebooklove's review
5.0
Oh wow!! I had tears in parts of this read!
I feel Jay has nailed the good and bad parts of the mens fashion world in this book!
There was an emotions of happiness and angst and even a few giggles!
A brilliant addition to this series.
I feel Jay has nailed the good and bad parts of the mens fashion world in this book!
There was an emotions of happiness and angst and even a few giggles!
A brilliant addition to this series.
bfdbookblog's review
5.0
4.5 Stars so rounding up
Just like with book one, Strut tackles some heavy issues. There is romance and some levity but overall, this is a high angst book.
Alec and Hunter have some history that they work through. They have chemistry and they’ve always liked each other but Hunter made a bad choice when they first knew each other which caused a bit of trouble between them. However, when they resolve their issues, Hunter is ALL.IN. They’ve both been burned in relationships. They’re both scared. But they both want this, and they are good together.
When things blow up for Alec, it’s a lot and it’s frustrating and it’s probably only a very small glimpse at what really happens in the modeling world. Hunter is fantastic support for Alec. Rhys and Kip also show up to help. And while the outcome may be a bit predictable, it’s a fight to get there, making the story much more believable.
We meet a couple of new characters and Kip still needs a story so I’m guessing there’s more to come with this bunch and I’m ready for it.
Just like with book one, Strut tackles some heavy issues. There is romance and some levity but overall, this is a high angst book.
Alec and Hunter have some history that they work through. They have chemistry and they’ve always liked each other but Hunter made a bad choice when they first knew each other which caused a bit of trouble between them. However, when they resolve their issues, Hunter is ALL.IN. They’ve both been burned in relationships. They’re both scared. But they both want this, and they are good together.
When things blow up for Alec, it’s a lot and it’s frustrating and it’s probably only a very small glimpse at what really happens in the modeling world. Hunter is fantastic support for Alec. Rhys and Kip also show up to help. And while the outcome may be a bit predictable, it’s a fight to get there, making the story much more believable.
We meet a couple of new characters and Kip still needs a story so I’m guessing there’s more to come with this bunch and I’m ready for it.
so_many_books's review
4.0
Strut is the second book in Jay Hogan's newest series revolving around the world of fashion. This time the story focuses on a male fashion model trying to start up his career in the fabulous New York City and a fashion photographer who helped him during his first appearances back in New Zealand.
The book digs deep in the mysterious world of fashion that seems magnificent from the outside but has very dark aspects to those who work in it. Alec tries to make a career out of his looks and personality as a fashion model. Though, it is not so easy when you're young and in a new city and your agency tries to drive you into dept and still castings are not an easy business!
He also harbors a crush for his first photographer, Hunter with whom he had one hot moment before he left his home.
Hunter is not big on relationships, unless they are for one night only and involve very little clothes. His one weakness is Alec, the beautiful model with a kind heart. But he messed it up once already.
Will there be a second chance?
I loved the dynamics between the duo when they reconnect in the big apple. Alec showed his determination of not getting involved with a serial dater and Hunter reconsidered his lifestyle when it came to getting something special with Alec.
The story shows an ugly mirror to the fashion industry and how hard it is to make it work. How the agencies care very little for their models even when they get big appearances. It shows the vulnerability a shoot comes with for the models who try to look perfect and bring what the photog wants.
And it shows how some people can abuse their power over the models, even going as far as propositioning better opportunities for favors of the naked kind.
It is disturbing and heartbreaking how standing up to bullies and preadators can cause you your whole career when it comes down to who would the public believe battles.
I loved how the book and the story went against the whole concept and reinforced the importance of standing up and telling your story so that the scum can finally be brought down and others can be saved.
I loved the support system that was brought in to deal with the situation and that everyone respected Alec's wishes when it came to speaking up or not.
I loved how Hunter showed his kind and considerate side to make sure Alec was safe and okay!
It was an interesting and sweet story! I enjoyed it a lot.
The book digs deep in the mysterious world of fashion that seems magnificent from the outside but has very dark aspects to those who work in it. Alec tries to make a career out of his looks and personality as a fashion model. Though, it is not so easy when you're young and in a new city and your agency tries to drive you into dept and still castings are not an easy business!
He also harbors a crush for his first photographer, Hunter with whom he had one hot moment before he left his home.
Hunter is not big on relationships, unless they are for one night only and involve very little clothes. His one weakness is Alec, the beautiful model with a kind heart. But he messed it up once already.
Will there be a second chance?
I loved the dynamics between the duo when they reconnect in the big apple. Alec showed his determination of not getting involved with a serial dater and Hunter reconsidered his lifestyle when it came to getting something special with Alec.
The story shows an ugly mirror to the fashion industry and how hard it is to make it work. How the agencies care very little for their models even when they get big appearances. It shows the vulnerability a shoot comes with for the models who try to look perfect and bring what the photog wants.
And it shows how some people can abuse their power over the models, even going as far as propositioning better opportunities for favors of the naked kind.
It is disturbing and heartbreaking how standing up to bullies and preadators can cause you your whole career when it comes down to who would the public believe battles.
I loved how the book and the story went against the whole concept and reinforced the importance of standing up and telling your story so that the scum can finally be brought down and others can be saved.
I loved the support system that was brought in to deal with the situation and that everyone respected Alec's wishes when it came to speaking up or not.
I loved how Hunter showed his kind and considerate side to make sure Alec was safe and okay!
It was an interesting and sweet story! I enjoyed it a lot.
itssarahc's review
5.0
Wow. This book. This book was amazing. I didn't read the first in the Strut series, but I knew I liked Jay Hogan's writing and the book sounded good so I decided to read it and I don't think I will ever be the same. Jay handles sensitive topics so beautifully - all the while balancing out something that could make for a dark book with the right amount of humor and fluff. The reactions in this book all felt so real that by the time I finished it, I was mad that Alec wasn't a real person.
Because as much as I loved Hunter (he checks so many of my boxes), it was Alec that stole the show. Alec, the farm boy who decided to become a model but never once lost his giant heart. He's a caretaker by nature and you can see it in the story - especially through his comraderie with Tim.
And the relationship between Hunter and Alec? Chef's kiss. The fact that they had a not so great hookup a year ago set for an interesting history in the narrative, and it kept the zero to sixty nature of their relationship from feeling too much like instalove. Instead, they were two men who had a draw to one another a year ago and finally learned how to get it right.
This book is emotional. Just a warning. And it handles the emotions that come from an assault so beautifully. The support between the characters and just - THIS BOOK. It has been almost a week and I'm still incoherent. I literally would not change a single thing about this book.
** DISCLAIMER: ARC recieved from GRR and this is my fair and honest review. **
Because as much as I loved Hunter (he checks so many of my boxes), it was Alec that stole the show. Alec, the farm boy who decided to become a model but never once lost his giant heart. He's a caretaker by nature and you can see it in the story - especially through his comraderie with Tim.
And the relationship between Hunter and Alec? Chef's kiss. The fact that they had a not so great hookup a year ago set for an interesting history in the narrative, and it kept the zero to sixty nature of their relationship from feeling too much like instalove. Instead, they were two men who had a draw to one another a year ago and finally learned how to get it right.
This book is emotional. Just a warning. And it handles the emotions that come from an assault so beautifully. The support between the characters and just - THIS BOOK. It has been almost a week and I'm still incoherent. I literally would not change a single thing about this book.
** DISCLAIMER: ARC recieved from GRR and this is my fair and honest review. **