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a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition
4.0
4 Hearts
I will be the first to admit that YA is not my go to but the three stories I’ve read from Bauer I've quite enjoyed, and I was curious to see what she brought to the table in yet a different genre. To say the least, I wasn’t disappointed.
Emory is the sweetest most unassuming guy. Shy but brilliant, aspiring to be a writer, he hides behind his love of all things scary because it’s the greatest escape out there, and Emory likes to hide. Every year he and his family go to Florida for the summer, meeting up with other families who vacation there at the same time. It’s a yearly reunion of sorts and as always, Emory looks forward to secretly lusting after hunky gorgeous Connor, two years his senior. This year’s no different for Emory. He’s still awkward, still bamboozled often by his outgoing twin sister, and he’s still crushing oh so hard on his neighbor that he gets to ogle from afar for two blissful weeks.
However, it’s different for Connor this time around. Apparently, Emory has blossomed into an elusive hottie who doesn't know the power of his killer good looks and charming self deprecation. Connor though, sure has noticed!
What I really loved about this book despite it’s very tame in the smex department self, was how much I enjoyed the way Emory and Connor were drawn, each with their own appealing and completely opposite characteristics, and though only told through Emory’s point of view, their distinct personalities shine through. Emory is slowly coming into his own, a lot scarred from high school bullying and unfortunately, hesitant to own up to his voice and be confident in his decisions. However, when he’s with Connor, though he’s often embarrassed and mortified, Emory never hides from his feelings (he really has no filter) and his emotions are on full display. Seen through Emory, Connor is like a dream come true, heroic, protective, treating Emory like he always should be, precious and appreciated.
This was often funny, silly, peppered with some snark and good shoutouts to the pop culture of all things horror, paranormal, and supernatural . The supporting cast was quirkily interesting and entertainingly outrageous at times, with a sassy wink at all the media entertainment rules and stereotypes. Add a spooky and gory otherworldly bent (which was a tad incongruent to the mostly contemporary vibe that I thought it would maintain) and this actually made me anxious as I was legit creeped out and frightened several times for good measure. Toss in a very strong swoon factor as Emory and Cooper solidify their long latent hidden feelings and as I read, my glowing affinity towards them only grew.
Obviously, I liked these two adorable dreamy guys falling in love, solving crime and murder, and fighting off evil both metapohrically and literally. If the above sounds appealing, I’m confident fans of this author or those on the fence on whether or not to explore Bauer further should have no problem loving this!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
I will be the first to admit that YA is not my go to but the three stories I’ve read from Bauer I've quite enjoyed, and I was curious to see what she brought to the table in yet a different genre. To say the least, I wasn’t disappointed.
Emory is the sweetest most unassuming guy. Shy but brilliant, aspiring to be a writer, he hides behind his love of all things scary because it’s the greatest escape out there, and Emory likes to hide. Every year he and his family go to Florida for the summer, meeting up with other families who vacation there at the same time. It’s a yearly reunion of sorts and as always, Emory looks forward to secretly lusting after hunky gorgeous Connor, two years his senior. This year’s no different for Emory. He’s still awkward, still bamboozled often by his outgoing twin sister, and he’s still crushing oh so hard on his neighbor that he gets to ogle from afar for two blissful weeks.
However, it’s different for Connor this time around. Apparently, Emory has blossomed into an elusive hottie who doesn't know the power of his killer good looks and charming self deprecation. Connor though, sure has noticed!
What I really loved about this book despite it’s very tame in the smex department self, was how much I enjoyed the way Emory and Connor were drawn, each with their own appealing and completely opposite characteristics, and though only told through Emory’s point of view, their distinct personalities shine through. Emory is slowly coming into his own, a lot scarred from high school bullying and unfortunately, hesitant to own up to his voice and be confident in his decisions. However, when he’s with Connor, though he’s often embarrassed and mortified, Emory never hides from his feelings (he really has no filter) and his emotions are on full display. Seen through Emory, Connor is like a dream come true, heroic, protective, treating Emory like he always should be, precious and appreciated.
This was often funny, silly, peppered with some snark and good shoutouts to the pop culture of all things horror, paranormal, and supernatural . The supporting cast was quirkily interesting and entertainingly outrageous at times, with a sassy wink at all the media entertainment rules and stereotypes. Add a spooky and gory otherworldly bent (which was a tad incongruent to the mostly contemporary vibe that I thought it would maintain) and this actually made me anxious as I was legit creeped out and frightened several times for good measure. Toss in a very strong swoon factor as Emory and Cooper solidify their long latent hidden feelings and as I read, my glowing affinity towards them only grew.
Obviously, I liked these two adorable dreamy guys falling in love, solving crime and murder, and fighting off evil both metapohrically and literally. If the above sounds appealing, I’m confident fans of this author or those on the fence on whether or not to explore Bauer further should have no problem loving this!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
netslummer's review
5.0
I literally could not stop reading this book. Emory is hilarious. I loved that the entire book was from his perspective rather than bouncing between him and Connor (with the exception of the epilogue being from Connor's perspective..).
The comedy and spooky factor are really well done. The horror references really did me a solid as a spooky lil bitch myself.
I've seen and heard disagreements about Liz's character. I loved her from the start but your experience might vary.
Do yourself a favor and pick this book up. The only thing that could improve this book (in my opinion) is if I knew there was going to be a sequel. All good kinda campy horror movies need a sequel, right? And I definitely want more Emory and Connor.
The comedy and spooky factor are really well done. The horror references really did me a solid as a spooky lil bitch myself.
I've seen and heard disagreements about Liz's character. I loved her from the start but your experience might vary.
Do yourself a favor and pick this book up. The only thing that could improve this book (in my opinion) is if I knew there was going to be a sequel. All good kinda campy horror movies need a sequel, right? And I definitely want more Emory and Connor.
tinkcourtney's review
5.0
Compelling, snarky, and yes, a bit scary
Okay, so I’m a WIMP about horror. I don’t watch scary movies and I don’t tend to read creepy things either. But for some reason, this book called to me, and I’m glad I took the chance.
The story is told from the point of view of Emory, a snarky, introverted 18-year-old who has no idea how others perceive him. He loves horror movies and books, and he tries hard not to be the cliched idiot who dies due to poor choices once he realizes that they’re basically living one in real life.
His romance with the boy next door is sweet. Intimate scenes are pretty much off page but there are plenty of swoon worthy moments.
Lots of interesting side characters and perilous situations round out this enjoyable book I could barely put down.
Okay, so I’m a WIMP about horror. I don’t watch scary movies and I don’t tend to read creepy things either. But for some reason, this book called to me, and I’m glad I took the chance.
The story is told from the point of view of Emory, a snarky, introverted 18-year-old who has no idea how others perceive him. He loves horror movies and books, and he tries hard not to be the cliched idiot who dies due to poor choices once he realizes that they’re basically living one in real life.
His romance with the boy next door is sweet. Intimate scenes are pretty much off page but there are plenty of swoon worthy moments.
Lots of interesting side characters and perilous situations round out this enjoyable book I could barely put down.
exploradora's review
5.0
THIS BOOK - OMGGGG
I absolutely loved it and I will be back to properly review it later!
I absolutely loved it and I will be back to properly review it later!
layla87's review
4.0
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
There are many many things that I loved about this book. I was charmed by a lot of it and it was very enjoyable.
What I loved…
-The characters:
Emory is the horror movie/story enthusiast and future writer, who always has his nose in a book, that is until Connor Nichols arrives for the annual vacation. #WanderingEyes
Emory was a fascinatingly, real character. He’s young and acts like it. He’s snarky and adorably insecure. He beautiful but doesn’t know it, out proud and a genuine good person.
Connor is the all-American football player who is supposedly straight… he’s always been nice to Emory, always felt a connection to him… and then Emory grows up and turns into someone Connor salivates over, stars at and generally lusts over. Too bad Emory can’t really see it…until he does. #EyesWideOpen
-The plot:
Snarky, sweet, funny and a bit graphically frightening at times. There is something is lurking in The Outpost, the abandoned resort, and Emory is determined to find out what it is and solve the mystery… It’s his expertise after all. #StephenKingVibes
-The Romance:
Innocent ad cute. These boys have been gradually falling for each other apart, and then come together and pick up from there.
-Steam-o-meter: No steam… its YA-NA so it makes sense. #PG13
-Angst-o-meter: No angst! Our boys are in love and don’t want anything to keep them apart. #NoDrama
-The HEA:
They are young and their life is just beginning but they have plans to be together and exclusive. #ThisIsJustTheBeginning
Niggles:
The story needed tightening in some places and needs some minor changes and attention to details.
There are many many things that I loved about this book. I was charmed by a lot of it and it was very enjoyable.
What I loved…
-The characters:
Emory is the horror movie/story enthusiast and future writer, who always has his nose in a book, that is until Connor Nichols arrives for the annual vacation. #WanderingEyes
Emory was a fascinatingly, real character. He’s young and acts like it. He’s snarky and adorably insecure. He beautiful but doesn’t know it, out proud and a genuine good person.
Connor is the all-American football player who is supposedly straight… he’s always been nice to Emory, always felt a connection to him… and then Emory grows up and turns into someone Connor salivates over, stars at and generally lusts over. Too bad Emory can’t really see it…until he does. #EyesWideOpen
-The plot:
Snarky, sweet, funny and a bit graphically frightening at times. There is something is lurking in The Outpost, the abandoned resort, and Emory is determined to find out what it is and solve the mystery… It’s his expertise after all. #StephenKingVibes
-The Romance:
Innocent ad cute. These boys have been gradually falling for each other apart, and then come together and pick up from there.
-Steam-o-meter: No steam… its YA-NA so it makes sense. #PG13
-Angst-o-meter: No angst! Our boys are in love and don’t want anything to keep them apart. #NoDrama
-The HEA:
They are young and their life is just beginning but they have plans to be together and exclusive. #ThisIsJustTheBeginning
Niggles:
The story needed tightening in some places and needs some minor changes and attention to details.
valerieullmerauthor's review
4.0
This is a great YA romance featuring two of the sweetest guys. Emory doesn't see himself as anything other than a horror fan and a bit of a nerd, but every summer, he looks forward to seeing Connor. Both of them are sweethearts, I especially loved how despite Connor treated Emory. The relationship is a slow burn, the horror references are great, and the mystery both of them set out to solve has moments of pure terror, but the end, I loved the promise of more between the two of them.
alandd's review against another edition
4.0
Demasiado divertido y romántico para lo que suelo leer, pero claro que me encanta viniendo de Sara. Esta mujer te mete en los personajes con una facilidad increíble. La trama deja un poco de lado el tema de las desapariciones y todo lo que se relaciona a ellas, pero llega un punto en que la balanza se equilibra un poco. Es más que todo un romance tórrido y chistoso de dos chicos que se ven envueltos en algo mucho más grande que ellos, ¡y me encantó!
Too funny and romantic for what I usually read, but of course I love it coming from Sara. This woman gets you into characters with incredible ease. The plot leaves aside the issue of disappearances and everything related to them, but there comes a point where the scale becomes a bit balanced. It's mostly a steamy, humorous romance of two guys getting caught up in something much bigger than themselves, and I loved it!
Too funny and romantic for what I usually read, but of course I love it coming from Sara. This woman gets you into characters with incredible ease. The plot leaves aside the issue of disappearances and everything related to them, but there comes a point where the scale becomes a bit balanced. It's mostly a steamy, humorous romance of two guys getting caught up in something much bigger than themselves, and I loved it!
teresab78's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful!
Creepy yet sweet! Film rating: 14A for gore with PG for sex. If it were a movie it’s definitely something I would watch. I loved all the characters!
Creepy yet sweet! Film rating: 14A for gore with PG for sex. If it were a movie it’s definitely something I would watch. I loved all the characters!
bookwormavaa's review against another edition
4.0
Connor and Emory's relationship was absolutely adorable.
nika_nix's review against another edition
3.0
I picked this one very randomly because the title intrigued me and then I read the synopsis and thought this sounds like the perfrct book for me - a mix of romance and horror and on top of it all it's gay! But no. It started of very good - I really liked the main character Emory with his self-deprecation and love for horror. But the the romance started developing super quickly and I was very annoyed by the love interest Connor. I didn't ship the two of them together and something about their relationship didn't feel right to me. However, I was looking forward to the horror part of the book and hoped that the romance would take the backseat once their lives are in danger. But no. Horror part was just a random subplot that was very underdeveloped and I would even dare to say boring. I feel like the author tried to pack too many things in this book and therefore none of the aspects were developed properly.
Even though I don't think this book is executed well, I think it has a lot of potential and if done better, it really would've been a perfect book for me. However, this was just fine and ended up disappointed.
Even though I don't think this book is executed well, I think it has a lot of potential and if done better, it really would've been a perfect book for me. However, this was just fine and ended up disappointed.