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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
4.5 stars for the story (A-)
4.5 stars for the narration by Gary Furlong (A-)
All I'm going to say is, except for one scene that I hated (more on that) and a bit of (imo) needless drama towards the end, this is a fantastic story.
There are two subplots that I thought could have been more powerful with less drama, but I still loved the story and the characters.
Rant about hated scene: I wish parents in contemporary romances, moms in particular, wouldn't always get the role of being pushy, overbearing and oblivious to personal boundaries. Those moms aren't "cute" and their antics aren't funny and they don't do it "because they love you." People like that do it because they're control freaks. No mom of a grown child should ever: set them upon a date, ask when they are getting married, force an introduction to someone their child is dating, barge into homes and/or bedrooms without knocking, etc. Dear authors: please write supportive moms who have a life of their own that isn't centered on obsessing over their grown children's lives.
/end rant
4.5 stars for the narration by Gary Furlong (A-)
All I'm going to say is, except for one scene that I hated (more on that) and a bit of (imo) needless drama towards the end, this is a fantastic story.
There are two subplots that I thought could have been more powerful with less drama, but I still loved the story and the characters.
Rant about hated scene: I wish parents in contemporary romances, moms in particular, wouldn't always get the role of being pushy, overbearing and oblivious to personal boundaries. Those moms aren't "cute" and their antics aren't funny and they don't do it "because they love you." People like that do it because they're control freaks. No mom of a grown child should ever: set them upon a date, ask when they are getting married, force an introduction to someone their child is dating, barge into homes and/or bedrooms without knocking, etc. Dear authors: please write supportive moms who have a life of their own that isn't centered on obsessing over their grown children's lives.
/end rant
My new favourite from Jay! All the stars and then some.
Full review tomorrow.
***
Every time I read a book from Jay Hogan I'm reminded of two things:
1 She researches thoroughly and whenever there is a disability or cultural theme in her books, they are 100% given all the necessary attention to detail needed to come across as thoroughly real.
2 Her books transport me into a world where I feel I'm watching real people through a looking glass or as part of a TV show following them through their daily lives.
Here she looks at the world of Paralympic wheelchair sports, murderball aka quad rugby in particular and, as someone who is also an ambulatory wheelchair user, although not as much as when first discharged from hospital, let me say I absolutely believed 100% in Miller's experiences.
Writing about a disabled character when you aren't one yourself, is a gamble, over complicate it and it comes across like you're just reciting your research, don't give it the attention to detail it needs, and it sounds like lip-service.
But with Miller, he was utterly real. His frustrations, his fears that his disability was getting worse and threatening to derail his professional sporting career, and his dawning awareness that he'd met someone that was going to mean he had to come out publicly. They were visceral.
And Sandy, he might just be my favourite of all Jay's characters so far. He's unapologetically out and gender fluid in his outward expression through clothing. He's had to fight hard for his equilibrium and he's been disappointed time and time again by men who've asked him to tone it down at some point in their relationship.
When they meet, it's in a flurry of misunderstanding and bruised egos, but the sparks are flying from the off. Miller is fascinated by Sandy and the pathologist's assistant finds there's more to the Paralympian than his outward arrogance.
There're plenty of guest appearances from the other pairs in this excellent Auckland Med series and I loved seeing Josh and Michael, Reuben and Cam, and Mark and Ed, this friendship group is a strong one and both Miller and Sandy turn to it for help.
I'm not going into the plot, but it's one which will take you on a rollercoaster journey through all the highs and lows of a realistic relationship which has stumbles on the journey to happiness.
Read this book if you love people who've fought hard to be themselves, if you like vulnerable disabled sportsmen who are just finding their feet in the out and proud world, hurt teenagers, family and friends who will move the Earth to help protect the ones they love, and two men who work through a myriad of challenges to find the happiness they deserve.
Another absolutely brilliant entry in this fabulous series from Jay.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Full review tomorrow.
***
Every time I read a book from Jay Hogan I'm reminded of two things:
1 She researches thoroughly and whenever there is a disability or cultural theme in her books, they are 100% given all the necessary attention to detail needed to come across as thoroughly real.
2 Her books transport me into a world where I feel I'm watching real people through a looking glass or as part of a TV show following them through their daily lives.
Here she looks at the world of Paralympic wheelchair sports, murderball aka quad rugby in particular and, as someone who is also an ambulatory wheelchair user, although not as much as when first discharged from hospital, let me say I absolutely believed 100% in Miller's experiences.
Writing about a disabled character when you aren't one yourself, is a gamble, over complicate it and it comes across like you're just reciting your research, don't give it the attention to detail it needs, and it sounds like lip-service.
But with Miller, he was utterly real. His frustrations, his fears that his disability was getting worse and threatening to derail his professional sporting career, and his dawning awareness that he'd met someone that was going to mean he had to come out publicly. They were visceral.
And Sandy, he might just be my favourite of all Jay's characters so far. He's unapologetically out and gender fluid in his outward expression through clothing. He's had to fight hard for his equilibrium and he's been disappointed time and time again by men who've asked him to tone it down at some point in their relationship.
When they meet, it's in a flurry of misunderstanding and bruised egos, but the sparks are flying from the off. Miller is fascinated by Sandy and the pathologist's assistant finds there's more to the Paralympian than his outward arrogance.
There're plenty of guest appearances from the other pairs in this excellent Auckland Med series and I loved seeing Josh and Michael, Reuben and Cam, and Mark and Ed, this friendship group is a strong one and both Miller and Sandy turn to it for help.
I'm not going into the plot, but it's one which will take you on a rollercoaster journey through all the highs and lows of a realistic relationship which has stumbles on the journey to happiness.
Read this book if you love people who've fought hard to be themselves, if you like vulnerable disabled sportsmen who are just finding their feet in the out and proud world, hurt teenagers, family and friends who will move the Earth to help protect the ones they love, and two men who work through a myriad of challenges to find the happiness they deserve.
Another absolutely brilliant entry in this fabulous series from Jay.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
emotional
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:
Yes
This was so much more than a simple M/M romance with a cross dressing/femme MC. It was about coming out, standing up for yourself, fighting to make a change, finding your family if the one by blood does not accept you, helping others...
I really liked the main characters, how they rallied all there friends to help a young boy who got beaten by his dad because he was bi to their witty banter, their fuck-ups because of insecurities, but also how they dealt with it, the heroic action of Miller and his sappy show of support. Sandy's act of rebellion against his father...
I really enjoyed this story and will probably pick out the other books in this series.
I really liked the main characters, how they rallied all there friends to help a young boy who got beaten by his dad because he was bi to their witty banter, their fuck-ups because of insecurities, but also how they dealt with it, the heroic action of Miller and his sappy show of support. Sandy's act of rebellion against his father...
I really enjoyed this story and will probably pick out the other books in this series.
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
This is such a beautifully crafted book with smooth and seamless plot formation, perfect pacing and superb character development. Jay Hogan certainly has the ability to weave a wonderful story that grabs your heart from the very beginning and doesn’t let go until the very end.
The relationship that develops between the very likeable two main characters, Miller and Sandy, is very realistic with fun, laughter, sweet moments, heat filled moments, a bit of drama, miss steps and bumps along the way. Through it all Sandy remains true to himself and Miller emerges from a self imposed compartmentalised life of work and sport out into a life filled with colour. All aided by the fantastic cast of side characters including the couples from the previous books in the series.
Be prepared for some feels to come at you, from tugging at your heart strings to laughing out loud at some of the sassy dialogue.
If I could give this gem of a book more than 5 stars I would, it’s an absolute delight of a story that worked its way into my heart and makes me smile just thinking about it.
The relationship that develops between the very likeable two main characters, Miller and Sandy, is very realistic with fun, laughter, sweet moments, heat filled moments, a bit of drama, miss steps and bumps along the way. Through it all Sandy remains true to himself and Miller emerges from a self imposed compartmentalised life of work and sport out into a life filled with colour. All aided by the fantastic cast of side characters including the couples from the previous books in the series.
Be prepared for some feels to come at you, from tugging at your heart strings to laughing out loud at some of the sassy dialogue.
If I could give this gem of a book more than 5 stars I would, it’s an absolute delight of a story that worked its way into my heart and makes me smile just thinking about it.
Jay Hogan is a New Zealand author that I have enjoyed reading. Auckland Medical is a series about the men who work at the medical center. Each book has focused on a different couple. In Against the Grain, Miller is an avid wheelchair rugby player. The wheelchair version of rugby seems much more physical and dangerous they the regular kind. He is a new hire at the medical center as Clinical Governance Coordinator. He loves his job and has had very few negative reactions to his disability. He is gay but only out to his family.
After a rugby accident, he runs into Sandy Williams in Emergency Room. It is not a meet-cute. It is literally running into each other. Sandy is the RN who works as the Pathology Assistant. He came out as a teen. He is very strong in his identity and does not let others bully him.
The relationship between Miller and Sandy is written so well. Starting with antagonism, the pair moves slowly and cautiously to friends. As they move into more than friends, there are issues that both men must deal with, issues that can make or break them. I really enjoy how Jay Hogan's characters are not cookie cutter. No matter how far from cisgender a character is, Jay never treats them as less than. I suggest reading the entire series because every book is strong and well written. I rated it five stars and it is on my Best of 2020 list.
I won a free copy in a Facebook contest. Writing a review was not required to win.
After a rugby accident, he runs into Sandy Williams in Emergency Room. It is not a meet-cute. It is literally running into each other. Sandy is the RN who works as the Pathology Assistant. He came out as a teen. He is very strong in his identity and does not let others bully him.
The relationship between Miller and Sandy is written so well. Starting with antagonism, the pair moves slowly and cautiously to friends. As they move into more than friends, there are issues that both men must deal with, issues that can make or break them. I really enjoy how Jay Hogan's characters are not cookie cutter. No matter how far from cisgender a character is, Jay never treats them as less than. I suggest reading the entire series because every book is strong and well written. I rated it five stars and it is on my Best of 2020 list.
I won a free copy in a Facebook contest. Writing a review was not required to win.
Brimming with action and romance
As to be expected with a Jay Hogan book, there's a lot of sweet romance, a touch of action and drama involving the police, and so many life lessons.
It's great watching Miller open his eyes and grow to understand that we all possess privilege that others do not, even if we lack privilege in other areas.
There's so much going on in this book that it was almost too much to keep up with at times, but the stellar writing and character creation (plus appearances by series faves) are enough to keep everything on track.
There is some on and off page family violence, as well as some instances homophobic behaviour by non- main characters, so if that's a trigger for you, maybe leave this one alone.
Whilst this can be read as a standalone, I would suggest reading the first three books in the Auckland Med series first.
As to be expected with a Jay Hogan book, there's a lot of sweet romance, a touch of action and drama involving the police, and so many life lessons.
It's great watching Miller open his eyes and grow to understand that we all possess privilege that others do not, even if we lack privilege in other areas.
There's so much going on in this book that it was almost too much to keep up with at times, but the stellar writing and character creation (plus appearances by series faves) are enough to keep everything on track.
There is some on and off page family violence, as well as some instances homophobic behaviour by non- main characters, so if that's a trigger for you, maybe leave this one alone.
Whilst this can be read as a standalone, I would suggest reading the first three books in the Auckland Med series first.
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Against the Grain is the newest standalone in Jay Hogan's Auckland Med series. This is a series I have enjoyed and have fallen in love with all its wonderful and unique characters. This one is by far my favorite of the series and I just loved it so much.
Sandy Williams loves his job at Auckland Med and the close group of friends he's made there. Miller Harrison, player for the NZ Wheel Backs and new employee at Auckland Med, gets off on the wrong foot when he first meets Sandy being rude. Sandy is used to people judging him for his choice in clothing, so he writes Miller off. After another random encounter Miller finds himself entranced by Sandy and wants to get to know him better but also is fearful as he is not out of the closet in his sport or at work. Sandy hid or dulled his shine long enough and although he truly comes to care for Miller he refuses to be forced into a societal norm and stops being true to himself. Will Miller be able to get over his long engrained fears or risk losing Sandy and his new-found true to himself life?
""He lifted his hand to brush across Miller's bright red cheek. 'You're a bit of a puzzle, Miller Harrison. I think I'm going to enjoy getting to know you."
Oh goodness, I loved these men so much. Sandy is amazing a force to be reckoned with. He is strong, kind and proud of who is. He refuses to bow down to the society's expectations of males, in clothing choices and in life. Sandy has to make tough decisions when it comes to Miller and put their feelings to the test, he is in the right and really is the driving force to making their relationship long-lasting.
"Kissing my palm, Mr Harrison? Who knew there dwelled a romantic under all the f*ckery?"
Miller has struggled most of his life with his physical disability and coming out publicly gay has always felt like more drama than its worth until he meets Sandy and that all changes. He is a bit prickly at first but the second he lets those walls down with Sandy he becomes a whole different person. He is charming, and does little things to show he cares that are just absolutely precious. He really has no clue how to have a relationship, but he genuinely tries. It was hard to watch him dig himself into a hole at times and hurt Sandy in the process, but he fights to correct his mistakes and there's no denying how much he loves Sandy.
"I have no words," he whispered in his ear." You're the sexiest man I've ever laid my eyes on, and I'm not sure what you see in me, but I'm so f*cking grateful you decided to give me a chance."
I could read about these two and never get bored. They were just perfect together and honest, pushed buttons, and didn't shy from tough subjects. They joked about the boyfriend handbook because relationships are complicated and only get harder as the feelings grow stronger but these little moments of light-hearted joking helped. Also, I can't not mention how hot as hell their sex life is
Against the Grain is the newest standalone in Jay Hogan's Auckland Med series. This is a series I have enjoyed and have fallen in love with all its wonderful and unique characters. This one is by far my favorite of the series and I just loved it so much.
Sandy Williams loves his job at Auckland Med and the close group of friends he's made there. Miller Harrison, player for the NZ Wheel Backs and new employee at Auckland Med, gets off on the wrong foot when he first meets Sandy being rude. Sandy is used to people judging him for his choice in clothing, so he writes Miller off. After another random encounter Miller finds himself entranced by Sandy and wants to get to know him better but also is fearful as he is not out of the closet in his sport or at work. Sandy hid or dulled his shine long enough and although he truly comes to care for Miller he refuses to be forced into a societal norm and stops being true to himself. Will Miller be able to get over his long engrained fears or risk losing Sandy and his new-found true to himself life?
""He lifted his hand to brush across Miller's bright red cheek. 'You're a bit of a puzzle, Miller Harrison. I think I'm going to enjoy getting to know you."
Oh goodness, I loved these men so much. Sandy is amazing a force to be reckoned with. He is strong, kind and proud of who is. He refuses to bow down to the society's expectations of males, in clothing choices and in life. Sandy has to make tough decisions when it comes to Miller and put their feelings to the test, he is in the right and really is the driving force to making their relationship long-lasting.
"Kissing my palm, Mr Harrison? Who knew there dwelled a romantic under all the f*ckery?"
Miller has struggled most of his life with his physical disability and coming out publicly gay has always felt like more drama than its worth until he meets Sandy and that all changes. He is a bit prickly at first but the second he lets those walls down with Sandy he becomes a whole different person. He is charming, and does little things to show he cares that are just absolutely precious. He really has no clue how to have a relationship, but he genuinely tries. It was hard to watch him dig himself into a hole at times and hurt Sandy in the process, but he fights to correct his mistakes and there's no denying how much he loves Sandy.
"I have no words," he whispered in his ear." You're the sexiest man I've ever laid my eyes on, and I'm not sure what you see in me, but I'm so f*cking grateful you decided to give me a chance."
I could read about these two and never get bored. They were just perfect together and honest, pushed buttons, and didn't shy from tough subjects. They joked about the boyfriend handbook because relationships are complicated and only get harder as the feelings grow stronger but these little moments of light-hearted joking helped. Also, I can't not mention how hot as hell their sex life is
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4.5 stars — Wow. It’s weird, I took longer to read this book than I expected…I kept coming back for tidbits. But now that I’m done, I’m sad I won’t be in this world with these characters anymore. Hence the bump up by half a star. Looks like I’m going to have to get the other books in the series, oh darn.
The funny thing about our heroes is that they both exasperated me on more than one occasion. They were the definition of flawed. And yet, I still loved them. It was actually gratifying to see them make some pretty big blunders that I can see happening in real life, and learning from them and growing as people. None of us start off knowing all the right things to do and say, it’s a constant journey. So I guess while it was hard to read at times, I really appreciated it all the same.
I kind of liked the juxtaposition between our two heroes as well. Miller is a semi-closeted gay man, who is not at all on the up and up with all things letters (LGBT…). As he’s described in the book, he’s very masc, and so in some ways some things are easier for him. He goes through the journey of coming out completely in this book, and we get to see that there are challenges for everyone, no matter your flavour/presentation. We also get to see the challenges that come with being double diversitied — gay and disabled in Miller’s case. He definitely makes some missteps with Sandy, but I always felt that he was earnest in his desire to do better. He may have been gruff and closed off with many other people, but Sandy got behind his walls.
On the other side we have Sandy, who in some ways is more stereotypically gay, and in other ways defies categorization. He’s a bit more gender fluid, though he prefers not to place himself inside a neat box. I really loved that, because I think so often we like to label people and categorize them, and that’s just not how it works in the real world. He could be so strong, and I loved how he was so authentically himself. But he was not without doubts and worries, without vulnerabilities. And in some ways, his doubts had him putting up his walls at the drop of a hat. It was hard, but I understood it. And I was glad he had people around him that could help him with perspective.
They were pretty adorable together. I loved that I wouldn’t have expected their pairing, and yet you could feel their attraction to one another, and they didn’t question it.
There were a lot of things going on in the background of this story. If you haven’t read the other books in this series (as I hadn’t), I bet you’re going to want to after this. We got to see all 3 previous couples, though Cam and Reuben the most. I can honestly say I’m intrigued and look forward to reading their stories for myself.
And then there was the whole Geo/Jake/Sam bit. That was unexpected, but added another dimension to their journey. I kind of loved what it added and how it wound up at the end.
We also got some great family moments for both our heroes, mostly great supporting family (but there’s always bad with the good).
So yeah. There was a lot going on, but I really enjoyed myself. I can’t wait to read more by this author, she always gives me something different than what I’m expecting, in the BEST ways.
4.5 stars — Wow. It’s weird, I took longer to read this book than I expected…I kept coming back for tidbits. But now that I’m done, I’m sad I won’t be in this world with these characters anymore. Hence the bump up by half a star. Looks like I’m going to have to get the other books in the series, oh darn.
The funny thing about our heroes is that they both exasperated me on more than one occasion. They were the definition of flawed. And yet, I still loved them. It was actually gratifying to see them make some pretty big blunders that I can see happening in real life, and learning from them and growing as people. None of us start off knowing all the right things to do and say, it’s a constant journey. So I guess while it was hard to read at times, I really appreciated it all the same.
I kind of liked the juxtaposition between our two heroes as well. Miller is a semi-closeted gay man, who is not at all on the up and up with all things letters (LGBT…). As he’s described in the book, he’s very masc, and so in some ways some things are easier for him. He goes through the journey of coming out completely in this book, and we get to see that there are challenges for everyone, no matter your flavour/presentation. We also get to see the challenges that come with being double diversitied — gay and disabled in Miller’s case. He definitely makes some missteps with Sandy, but I always felt that he was earnest in his desire to do better. He may have been gruff and closed off with many other people, but Sandy got behind his walls.
On the other side we have Sandy, who in some ways is more stereotypically gay, and in other ways defies categorization. He’s a bit more gender fluid, though he prefers not to place himself inside a neat box. I really loved that, because I think so often we like to label people and categorize them, and that’s just not how it works in the real world. He could be so strong, and I loved how he was so authentically himself. But he was not without doubts and worries, without vulnerabilities. And in some ways, his doubts had him putting up his walls at the drop of a hat. It was hard, but I understood it. And I was glad he had people around him that could help him with perspective.
They were pretty adorable together. I loved that I wouldn’t have expected their pairing, and yet you could feel their attraction to one another, and they didn’t question it.
There were a lot of things going on in the background of this story. If you haven’t read the other books in this series (as I hadn’t), I bet you’re going to want to after this. We got to see all 3 previous couples, though Cam and Reuben the most. I can honestly say I’m intrigued and look forward to reading their stories for myself.
And then there was the whole Geo/Jake/Sam bit. That was unexpected, but added another dimension to their journey. I kind of loved what it added and how it wound up at the end.
We also got some great family moments for both our heroes, mostly great supporting family (but there’s always bad with the good).
So yeah. There was a lot going on, but I really enjoyed myself. I can’t wait to read more by this author, she always gives me something different than what I’m expecting, in the BEST ways.