Here lately I've been asking a lot of people to write reviews. Not just people I interact with all the time, or even interact well with. I thought it was important to bring that up. I also thought it was important to bring up that in many instances, old news is put aside so new news can be brought to you the reader. And for that I would like to thank my reviewers... all of them. I also think it's important to point out that the blogs do not have a spellcheck function that I can find, so if you do find a misspelled word, please point it out. It seems there were a few yesterday and I got some very timid please don't kill me type remarks. I'm not. Just be honest. It's ok. I am human... sort of.

Anyway... with all that said I would like to introduce today's two stories. More Than a Crush by Fleeting Rainbow was brought to my attention by Billy Brat who asked to write her review. I gladly agreed, and Social Skills by KingdombytheSea, one of our newer Promising Authors. She's been a little busy lately with a new house (did any of you see that orange living room?) and a new job (kinderhell) but I have it from a very confidential source there may be something coming our way soon. So lets send them both some encouragement and read! and review!

reviewed by Billy Brat

FleetingRainbows’ More Than A Crush is a wonderful novel.

This completed story opens with Spencer Graves, the school’s senior genius and self-proclaimed nerd, being told to tutor Cameron Fisher, the school’s sophomore, blue eyes, blond hair, up and coming basketball star. The story centers on these two characters and how they, their families, and friends interact. Like so many high school stories, this one is fast paced and also filled with plenty of drama to keep you guessing, what’s next?

I found the stereotyping by Spencer and by both Spencer’s and Cameron’s circle of friends intriguing enough to see how this author would deal with them. I liked how FleetingRainbows had the protagonists get their friends together in an attempt to shatter the stereotypes. I also loved how she was gentle in building their relationship and how she kept their love innocent through-out the entire story. It just goes to show that porn isn’t needed in a good gay love story.

To be fair and balanced, there are mistakes that a good editor should have caught. Once or twice the wrong person is speaking and answering themselves, quotation marks are misplaced, and other small missed errors. However these minor mistakes are few and far between. And this reviewer was never confused about what was actually taking place in the scene. Therefore, it never distracted me from the flow of the story. Let us be honest, there’s not a story online that the same minor errors can’t be found.

The one thing that did bother me through-out the story was the ease all the gay characters had with being themselves and how everyone was so accepting of their relationship, as far as it being a gay relationship. The story presents a seemingly utopian view of tolerance which comes across as unrealistic. Perhaps the story would benefit from a more balanced view. It isn’t just how the world sees gays, but how the boys see themselves. However, this is a minor complaint, as I would love to see a world as the one these boys grew up in.

The author’s style kept me very interested in both Spencer and Cameron from the beginning. The story takes us through one entire school year and ends in way I won’t give away here. That part you will have to read for yourself. But, I will say we are left with the hope that there will be a sequel to this wonderful story of budding love.

I recommend, More Than A Crush, to all, as a story to escape into a world without fear of being who you are and endless possibilities.

If I was force to grade, More Than A Crush, and I am, I would give it 4 stars out of 5.

Go have a look yourself and decide if you agree. Leave a review or two, and come back and let us know.

reviewed by fmd

I first got involved with KingdombytheSea’s story a few weeks after I began to actively search through GA after reading through all of dkstories’s novels. I was captivated by the main character, Connor Owens, a shy freshman in college who loves the violin from the beginning of the story. I personally connected with his introverted attitude towards social situations, maintaining friendships, and his love and passion towards music. I began to beta-read for her for Social Skills because I couldn’t stand waiting for chapters... and I enjoyed every chapter!

Social Skills not only tells a love story that brings Connor to his highest of highs and lowest of lows, but also demonstrates the slow maturity stages he has towards coming to terms with the decisions he makes, the people he interacts with, and how he wants to live his life.

As the story progresses, Connor experiences more and more social situations through his musical performances and slowly meets people who he never would have imagined could turn into friends or more. He constantly fights his own will to act against the plans for his future made by his overbearing parents. With that, of course, he also must find a way to hopefully have his parents accept who he is, a gay man.

He meets a great group of friends through his orchestra partner, Rebecca, who becomes an emotional anchor and support. He eventually branches out and meets new friends outside of Rebecca’s social circle. The revelation Connor finds at home involves his sister, Melissa. Though he feels alienated from his family, he learns there is a chance for a sibling bond.

And of course, Connor finds Jared, a football player and the unexpected love of his life. Conflicts arise when Jared becomes uncomfortable publicizing his homosexuality and it starts to drive the couple apart.

I won’t divulge much more, or KBTS will kill me. The best part of this story is that it’s not just a love story. I finished reading Social Skills feeling proud of Connor - his successes in finding and accepting himself and being able to carry out his own life to his own accord while mending years of internal suffering simply made me cheer. It also gave me a drive to come out of my own shell a bit and find a love of my own.

Connor would classify as what I call lucky - to have true friends and find true love is even more valuable than most treasures in life. I would definitely recommend Social Skills for those of you in similar coming of age situations, or if you’re like me and want to reminisce a bit. Best of all, it’s a completed story, which means no waiting for chapters needed! Go ahead and read the story - and be sure to post some reviews!

As usual, if there is anyone you would like to see here, drop me a line and we will talk. Happy reading, writing, and reviewing!