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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.
Alec • Hunter
….
“Your heart’s safe with me…”
….
This dynamic. This damn dynamic ♾️. I think my favorite thing in books is when a character runs and the other says “hold my drink, no you didn’t, get back here you crazy mother…” The times I had to put a blanket over my head to squeal in peace. I’m still squealing inside. I have been romanced to the core. This book is the epitome of, I will burn down the world for you and having courage.
I am officially part of this found family. Christopher. Babe, let’s met properly.
….
Sade - By Your Side
….
“All my bright, shiny, prim and proper edges had been well and truly knocked off.” // “He’d taken my breath away the year before, and he still did.” // “I’m nervous about how you make me feel. And with very good reason, it appears.” // “I like you a lot, Hunter. As in, I’m-scared-to-say-how-much-I-like-you, a lot.” // “Two hundred pairs of eyes on me and only his mattered. Because his made me better. His made me happy. His made me burn.” // “While no one was watching . . . least of all me…” // “I’d go so far as to say that the tense is arguable but seems safer for now.” // “Surrender, baby. I think that was surrender.” // “Alec Charles Williamson!” // “…and a very clear shout above the music…” …
….
….
“Your heart’s safe with me…”
….
This dynamic. This damn dynamic ♾️. I think my favorite thing in books is when a character runs and the other says “hold my drink, no you didn’t, get back here you crazy mother…” The times I had to put a blanket over my head to squeal in peace. I’m still squealing inside. I have been romanced to the core. This book is the epitome of, I will burn down the world for you and having courage.
I am officially part of this found family. Christopher. Babe, let’s met properly.
….
Sade - By Your Side
….
“All my bright, shiny, prim and proper edges had been well and truly knocked off.” // “He’d taken my breath away the year before, and he still did.” // “I’m nervous about how you make me feel. And with very good reason, it appears.” // “I like you a lot, Hunter. As in, I’m-scared-to-say-how-much-I-like-you, a lot.” // “Two hundred pairs of eyes on me and only his mattered. Because his made me better. His made me happy. His made me burn.” // “While no one was watching . . . least of all me…” // “I’d go so far as to say that the tense is arguable but seems safer for now.” // “Surrender, baby. I think that was surrender.” // “Alec Charles Williamson!” // “…and a very clear shout above the music…” …
….
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.
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.
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment
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!!!
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!
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.
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.