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Rainbow Place #2
Safe Place
Where do you go when your home is no longer a safe place?
Alex is about to turn eighteen and is firmly in the closet. He’s been biding his time, waiting to escape to uni, and finally come out away from the oppressive influence of his homophobic father. When he flunks his exams, he’s stuck in the small town of Porthladock—and what’s worse is that he’s working for his dad. The only thing that makes it bearable is Cam.
Cam’s comfortable with his bisexuality, but he doesn’t broadcast it. Young, free, and single, his social life revolves around playing rugby and hanging out with his mates. He’s attracted to Alex, but with the six-year age gap, Cam’s wary of getting involved. Plus, he thinks Alex needs a friend more than he needs a lover, and as their friendship grows, Cam decides he’s not willing to risk ruining it for casual sex.
When Alex’s dad finds out about his sexuality, Alex is suddenly both jobless and homeless. He finds work at Rainbow Place, the local LGBT-friendly café and Cam lets Alex stay in his flat for a while. But Alex would rather be sleeping in Cam’s bed than on his sofa. With them both living under one roof, their feelings for each other grow stronger, and the sexual tension is hard to ignore. Will giving in to it ruin their friendship and complicate things for Alex even more?
Although this book is part of a linked series, it has a satisfying happy ending, and can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Alex is about to turn eighteen and is firmly in the closet. He’s been biding his time, waiting to escape to uni, and finally come out away from the oppressive influence of his homophobic father. When he flunks his exams, he’s stuck in the small town of Porthladock—and what’s worse is that he’s working for his dad. The only thing that makes it bearable is Cam.
Cam’s comfortable with his bisexuality, but he doesn’t broadcast it. Young, free, and single, his social life revolves around playing rugby and hanging out with his mates. He’s attracted to Alex, but with the six-year age gap, Cam’s wary of getting involved. Plus, he thinks Alex needs a friend more than he needs a lover, and as their friendship grows, Cam decides he’s not willing to risk ruining it for casual sex.
When Alex’s dad finds out about his sexuality, Alex is suddenly both jobless and homeless. He finds work at Rainbow Place, the local LGBT-friendly café and Cam lets Alex stay in his flat for a while. But Alex would rather be sleeping in Cam’s bed than on his sofa. With them both living under one roof, their feelings for each other grow stronger, and the sexual tension is hard to ignore. Will giving in to it ruin their friendship and complicate things for Alex even more?
Although this book is part of a linked series, it has a satisfying happy ending, and can be enjoyed as a standalone.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2018
About the author
Jay Northcote
48 books1,632 followersI don't hang out on Goodreads much, so if you'd like to connect with me then Twitter, Facebook or an email is usually best :) All my contact details are on my website.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
August 27, 2018
4.5
Second book in this delightful series but can be a standalone.I'm pretty much addicted to the charming setting and endearing characters Jay Northcote has created here.A small town setting is one of my favourite things.
Alex is 18 and looking forward to going to University where he can finally come out of the closest and be himself.But life has a way of turning things upside down and when he doesn't get the grades he needs he finds himself forced to stay at home, living in an oppressive environment with a Homophobic father.
His Safe Place is a LGBT cafe/restaurant,Rainbow Place and this is where he met Cam.
Cam is a few years older.He's aware of Alex's attraction to him and the feeling is mutual but he's terrified of crossing that line.Yes,he keeps Alex at arm's length insisting on only friendship but I kind of got him and his reasoning behind it.
And you end up with a truly believable friends to lovers story.One thing Jay Northcote does so well is keeping his characters real and this is no exception.
Highly Recommended.
An Arc of Safe Place was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
Second book in this delightful series but can be a standalone.I'm pretty much addicted to the charming setting and endearing characters Jay Northcote has created here.A small town setting is one of my favourite things.
Alex is 18 and looking forward to going to University where he can finally come out of the closest and be himself.But life has a way of turning things upside down and when he doesn't get the grades he needs he finds himself forced to stay at home, living in an oppressive environment with a Homophobic father.
His Safe Place is a LGBT cafe/restaurant,Rainbow Place and this is where he met Cam.
Cam is a few years older.He's aware of Alex's attraction to him and the feeling is mutual but he's terrified of crossing that line.Yes,he keeps Alex at arm's length insisting on only friendship but I kind of got him and his reasoning behind it.
And you end up with a truly believable friends to lovers story.One thing Jay Northcote does so well is keeping his characters real and this is no exception.
Highly Recommended.
An Arc of Safe Place was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
August 28, 2018
The second book in the Rainbow Place series explores the relationship between Alex, who’s nearly 18 and living in the closet due to his bigoted parents, and Cam, who’s 23 and works in landscaping.
Unlike the first book in the series, this one is a YA/NA romance. The first couple chapters of Safe Space overlap with Rainbow Place, but I think this story would work fine as a standalone.
Cam is bi and attracted to Alex, but he worries that Alex doesn’t the need the complication of a relationship. He also doesn’t want to ruin their friendship.
And that, right there, is the main conflict in the story.
Alex values Cam’s supportive presence but wants more. When Alex is outed in the worst possible way, his cruel, hateful father throws him out. Cam and Wicksy, Cam’s hilarious straight-but-not-narrow roommate, give Alex free rein of their couch, and it becomes even more difficult to resist the sexual tension between them, what with Cam walking around in boxer briefs and all.
What I loved about this story:
- the secondary characters (Wicksy plus Alex’s BFFs);
- the slow burn (and I mean turtle-slow; save for a couple of kisses, the guys don’t get together until 80 percent);
- the hopeful HFN (appropriate considering how young the MCs are); and
- the smooth flow of the writing (Jay’s stories never bore me).
What made me crazy: mostly Cam, who gave off mixed signals that were unfair to Alex. This story is also surprisingly low on the steam (there’s only one scene toward the end).
I think it’s also worth mentioning that . Shockingly, this didn’t bother me at all. I thought it was fitting and kind of wished Alex hadn’t waited for Cam to change his mind quite so patiently.
I read this book in one sitting (or should I say lying; I stayed up past midnight to finish) and really enjoyed it. There are so many potential pairings in this series. I have my eye set on Dylan from the café and a certain mysterious gentleman.
Unlike the first book in the series, this one is a YA/NA romance. The first couple chapters of Safe Space overlap with Rainbow Place, but I think this story would work fine as a standalone.
Cam is bi and attracted to Alex, but he worries that Alex doesn’t the need the complication of a relationship. He also doesn’t want to ruin their friendship.
And that, right there, is the main conflict in the story.
Alex values Cam’s supportive presence but wants more. When Alex is outed in the worst possible way, his cruel, hateful father throws him out. Cam and Wicksy, Cam’s hilarious straight-but-not-narrow roommate, give Alex free rein of their couch, and it becomes even more difficult to resist the sexual tension between them, what with Cam walking around in boxer briefs and all.
What I loved about this story:
- the secondary characters (Wicksy plus Alex’s BFFs);
- the slow burn (and I mean turtle-slow; save for a couple of kisses, the guys don’t get together until 80 percent);
- the hopeful HFN (appropriate considering how young the MCs are); and
- the smooth flow of the writing (Jay’s stories never bore me).
What made me crazy: mostly Cam, who gave off mixed signals that were unfair to Alex. This story is also surprisingly low on the steam (there’s only one scene toward the end).
I think it’s also worth mentioning that . Shockingly, this didn’t bother me at all. I thought it was fitting and kind of wished Alex hadn’t waited for Cam to change his mind quite so patiently.
I read this book in one sitting (or should I say lying; I stayed up past midnight to finish) and really enjoyed it. There are so many potential pairings in this series. I have my eye set on Dylan from the café and a certain mysterious gentleman.
August 31, 2018
My favorite thing about reading romance is that it takes me on a journey that makes me *feel* all sorts of emotions. And while this story was fine, the only thing I truly felt was mild frustration. : (
I fully admit that this could just be me in a reading mood, which happens, but I felt like I'd been 'told' why Cam was reluctant to pursue a romantic relationship with Alex, instead of being shown.
So no, in my mind, Cam's reasons didn't feel genuine enough for me to really believe in his conviction behind his 'friends-only' stance with Alex.
Their relationship remaining in the friend zone wasn't necessarily a bad thing; however, it took a really, really, REALLY long time for Cam to get over himself (at 83% in) and allow the book to progress past being a big ole pine-fest.
So I waited and waited and waited, but as written, the book felt like there were way more pages than there was actual story being told.
Don't get me wrong, I truly liked both Alex and Cam, but the pacing of the story felt pretty slow and I kept waiting for more 'something' to happen -- other than waiting for Cam to get over his fear and Alex to wait semi-patiently in the wings.
[Cam]
[Alex]
The two points of conflict in the story are, as I mentioned, Cam's reluctance to be more than friends with Alex, and the aftermath of Alex's dad finding him with a Grindr hookup.
I'm not a huge fan of angst, but here, the Drama Quotient felt pretty light, so maybe Alex taking a second stab at Grindr, ramping up Cam's jealousy might have given me a bit more of what I was looking for.
I do love a reluctant MC brought around by the green-eyed monster. ;- )
Other than sporadic kisses, one 'Oopsie Wank' (Trade Mark pending, heh), and one penetration scene, that was it for steam, which felt much less sexy and romantic than Jay's stories typically do.
The story felt more coming-of-age NA than YA, as neither character really went all teen angst and "my life is over" on the reader, so I did feel that it fit in with the series.
The bottom line is that I just needed "more", so I'd rate this story at around 3 stars and am looking forward to reading what I figure will be Dylan's story (?), since there was a section included that seemed to serve no purpose other than (possibly?) setting up Dylan's book.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
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August 28, 2018
I just wrote an extremely ranty review...and hit a button in my haste...and....it's gone.
I'm thinking this is a sign. *cringe*
This is a band-aid ripper (and slightly spoilery) so (read with caution and) here goes...
Highlights of my lost rant:
I love Jay and almost always love his books. Almost.
I love slow burn. This was a faint flicker.
Niggle: When I'm patiently waiting for two cocks to kiss...
I don't want a third cock making page time. Unless it's a menage.
When the cock kissing FINALLY happens...
I want sexy. I want romantic.
I don't want, "You smell like my butt."
Nope. My afterglow bubble was popped with the 'you smell like ass' comment.
I wanted them to connect.
I craved them fitting together.
I was disappointed when they had to ask about cuddling and spoon status.
I wanted...Cam to slide Alex into his arms where he was meant to be.
It felt guarded. And reserved. It didn't feel like Northcote to me.
And the 'I don't know' response to important questions really jerked my chain.
Because, yes Alex (and Cam is guilty too), it DOES matter!
*sigh*
Looks like Dylan and the Silver Fox Fisherman are next...I am crossing my fingers and toes that it takes a different turn for me.
*2.5 wait-what? stars*
I'm thinking this is a sign. *cringe*
This is a band-aid ripper (and slightly spoilery) so (read with caution and) here goes...
Highlights of my lost rant:
I love Jay and almost always love his books. Almost.
I love slow burn. This was a faint flicker.
Niggle: When I'm patiently waiting for two cocks to kiss...
I don't want a third cock making page time. Unless it's a menage.
When the cock kissing FINALLY happens...
I want sexy. I want romantic.
I don't want, "You smell like my butt."
Nope. My afterglow bubble was popped with the 'you smell like ass' comment.
I wanted them to connect.
I craved them fitting together.
I was disappointed when they had to ask about cuddling and spoon status.
I wanted...Cam to slide Alex into his arms where he was meant to be.
It felt guarded. And reserved. It didn't feel like Northcote to me.
And the 'I don't know' response to important questions really jerked my chain.
Because, yes Alex (and Cam is guilty too), it DOES matter!
*sigh*
Looks like Dylan and the Silver Fox Fisherman are next...I am crossing my fingers and toes that it takes a different turn for me.
*2.5 wait-what? stars*
October 17, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Wanted a deeper connection*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
The book centers around Alex Elliot (17, turns 18 at 27% into the book) and Cam (23; six years older than Alex). Cam works for a landscape gardening and is bisexual, while Alex works for his father where he hides his sexuality. They become fast friends and the rest is I guess history? The timeline is for five months; it starts in late May, Alex turns 18 in June and goes from there. It's a slow-burn sort of story, but it's quite predictable and you know where they'll end up anyways. It's was a cute, fast forward story that didn't have a whole lot of depth. I didn't really feel their connection at all, but whatever.
Cam’s heart thumped harder and he smiled. “It’s nothing. I’m glad I can help.”
There was a few beats pause, before Alex asked tentatively, “Can I have a hug?”
“Always.” Cam opened his arms, moving forward to meet Alex.
OTHER CHARACTERS:
→ Hayden (17, turns 18), Alex's best friend.
→ Amber, Alex's friend who got a job working as a server at Rainbow Place.
→ Sophia, Amber’s girlfriend.
→ Martin Elliot (over fifty), Alex's father, a local millionaire, business owner, ex-UKIP candidate, now Tory supporter, and all-round bigoted arsehole. Not only that, but he was also the person who had written a vile letter to the press to stir up opposition to Rainbow Place.
→ Sylvia Elliot, Martin's wife and Alex's mother.
→ Simon ‘Wicksy’ Wicks, Cam's friend and housemate.
→ Seb Radcliffe owner of LGBT-friendly café-bar called the Rainbow Place. Jason Dunn, his boyfriend. These two were the main characters of book one.
→ Drew, Cam's rugby team captain.
→ Luca, the head chef at Rainbow Place. Viola, his sister.
→ Jim, Cam's boss.
“Cam?” Alex’s voice was uncertain.
“Yeah?” Cam’s voice was muffled by Alex’s neck where he was breathing him in. A rapid pulse beat against his lips.
“What are we doing?”
“I don’t know.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series (Can Be Read As A Standalone), Book Two.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Alex Elliot.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - I guess.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars.
Shelved as 'i-m-a-quitter'
September 8, 2018Going to call it quits with this one around 47%! Frankly I’m just bored.
And I just don’t get why these two aren’t or can’t be together.
Gah, I honestly can’t even remember their names right now. I just wasn’t feeling either one of them.
It’s a short book. And nothing’s happening. And it’s taking me forever to read. And I’m just completely uninterested. There. I feel better now.
And I just don’t get why these two aren’t or can’t be together.
Gah, I honestly can’t even remember their names right now. I just wasn’t feeling either one of them.
It’s a short book. And nothing’s happening. And it’s taking me forever to read. And I’m just completely uninterested. There. I feel better now.
September 29, 2019
3.25 stars
I really wanted more from these two, and most definitely more from Cam. I didn't get why he dithered about having a relationship with Alex because it wasn't fleshed out, at all. He's a grown man who had a failed relationship/friendship in his past - he so needed to get over his bloody self and grow a pair. He gave me whiplash, so poor Alex really got the yank around.
Hoping for more from then next one in the series.
I really wanted more from these two, and most definitely more from Cam. I didn't get why he dithered about having a relationship with Alex because it wasn't fleshed out, at all. He's a grown man who had a failed relationship/friendship in his past - he so needed to get over his bloody self and grow a pair. He gave me whiplash, so poor Alex really got the yank around.
Hoping for more from then next one in the series.
August 28, 2018
I've wanted to read Safe Place by Jay Northcote since the blurb was first revealed. I don't know; it just hooked me.
friends to lovers + age gap + hurt/comfort
It was screaming my name!
I was kind of nervous I'd built up this book in my head- when I say I hooked, I'm not kidding. I was checking for release dates and any updates of an early release. I needn't have been nervous as I was hooked from the start and hadn't been for responsibilities I'd have read it in one sitting.
Some highlights
-Realness. There's a quality to Jay Northcote's writing style that comes off as genuine and real. These characters, their lives, and feelings could all be someone we know or walk by every day.
- Fantastic set of characters; from Cam and Alex and to their friends.
-Alternating POVs.
-Relationship development. I loved how their feelings progressed from attraction to friendship. Their friendship felt special, and it was so sweet and nurturing.
-UST. Holy. Unresolved. Sexual. Tension! The slow burn was utterly delicious.
-And the end was a strong HFN, which was perfect for Cam and Alex, with where they were in their lives anything more would've felt contrived.
A couple of things I wanted to address.
I've read some reviews where readers were frustrated with Cam because he took so long to give in to his feelings. I get it, but I wasn't bothered by it. I'll try to explain without giving too much away.
1. I think Cam was right with the primary reason. Alex's age, his situation at home, and everything else going on in his life- he needed a friend more.
2. Cam had been burned before in a similar situation.
And
3. Cam holding out provided such delicious torture. I'd rather have less sex and instead, have more sexual tension between two people who care about each other. I love the longing and the build up.
Safe Place just clicked all the right spots for me. I had initially given 4.5 Stars rounded down, but as I wrote the review, I realized I needed to round up.
Read
August 5, 2018This is the second story in the Rainbow Place series (hopefully I can find a Goodreads librarian to link them soon). It can be read as a standalone but as always it's probably best to read in order if you can.
I hope you enjoy Alex and Cam's story if you decide to read :)
I hope you enjoy Alex and Cam's story if you decide to read :)
September 4, 2018
Una lectura agradable y ligera, pero se queda ahí. Me gustaba mucho más el planteamiento, jugador de rugby seguro de sí mismo con chico más joven intentando encontrar su sitio sin apoyo familiar, que cómo lo ha resuelto el autor. Le ha faltado mucho romanticismo, emoción, lo tenía todo para que destacara por eso y al final la resolución de la pareja es un tanto fría, algunos diálogos son... ugh.
Un tanto decepcionante.
Un tanto decepcionante.
August 17, 2018
4.5*
Jays second instalment in his Rainbow Place series is a sweet slow burn romance with a young adult feel which sits alongside Seb and Jason's perfectly.
Alex is an absolute sweetheart, almost 18 and living with a homophobic father and a less than supportive mother and just finding his way with his sexual experience.
Cam's six years older but still only in his early 20s and his attraction to Alex is complicated by his fears that it'll ruin their friendship
I could understand Cam's point, he'd lost a friend when he was younger after their relationship turned sexual, but I have to say, I wanted to thump him at times!
One thing I always love with Jay's books is that they always feel so very real, like he's writing about a bunch of people he met in the pub last week or who live in the next town over and this book is no exception.
I love the Rainbow Place series and am looking forward to seeing what comes next. Dylan and the mysterious shy older customer perhaps? Or Hayden's adventures at college?
Either way, I know it will be a book I'll look forward to reading.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Jays second instalment in his Rainbow Place series is a sweet slow burn romance with a young adult feel which sits alongside Seb and Jason's perfectly.
Alex is an absolute sweetheart, almost 18 and living with a homophobic father and a less than supportive mother and just finding his way with his sexual experience.
Cam's six years older but still only in his early 20s and his attraction to Alex is complicated by his fears that it'll ruin their friendship
I could understand Cam's point, he'd lost a friend when he was younger after their relationship turned sexual, but I have to say, I wanted to thump him at times!
One thing I always love with Jay's books is that they always feel so very real, like he's writing about a bunch of people he met in the pub last week or who live in the next town over and this book is no exception.
I love the Rainbow Place series and am looking forward to seeing what comes next. Dylan and the mysterious shy older customer perhaps? Or Hayden's adventures at college?
Either way, I know it will be a book I'll look forward to reading.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
October 10, 2018
Alex lives a double life. At home, with his homophobic politically-active parents, he keeps quiet. He can only be himself when he’s with his friends or at Rainbow Place. And when he’s with Cam.
Alex stole a piece of my heart in book 1. I just wanted to wrap him up in a hug and tell him that it would get better.
His story is one that’s still way too common. LGBT+ youth experience self-doubt, alienation, and abandonment on a regular basis.
Cam has been smitten with the teenager since they first met. But he’s determined to keep things strictly platonic.
I could understand where Cam was coming from. He and Alex were in two completely different stages of their lives, and things were bound to get complicated.
But the heart wants what it wants.
Alex and Cam may profess friendship and nothing else, but there’s no denying the underlying tension between the two.
Things get even more tense once Alex’s awful parents kick him out for being gay, and he ends up sleeping on Cam’s couch. I have a few choice words for Alex’s parents, but I loved seeing how the Rainbow Place community rallied around him.
It was incredibly sweet how Cam and Alex’s “friendly” hangouts were basically trial runs for an actual relationship.
And once Cam finally got his head out of his ass, their relationship was the cutesy small-town romance I’d thought it would be.
Overall, this was an enjoyable MM new adult romance. Recommended if you’re looking for a read with genre staples like self-discovery, beating homophobia, and lurve.
Alex stole a piece of my heart in book 1. I just wanted to wrap him up in a hug and tell him that it would get better.
His story is one that’s still way too common. LGBT+ youth experience self-doubt, alienation, and abandonment on a regular basis.
Cam has been smitten with the teenager since they first met. But he’s determined to keep things strictly platonic.
I could understand where Cam was coming from. He and Alex were in two completely different stages of their lives, and things were bound to get complicated.
But the heart wants what it wants.
Alex and Cam may profess friendship and nothing else, but there’s no denying the underlying tension between the two.
Things get even more tense once Alex’s awful parents kick him out for being gay, and he ends up sleeping on Cam’s couch. I have a few choice words for Alex’s parents, but I loved seeing how the Rainbow Place community rallied around him.
It was incredibly sweet how Cam and Alex’s “friendly” hangouts were basically trial runs for an actual relationship.
And once Cam finally got his head out of his ass, their relationship was the cutesy small-town romance I’d thought it would be.
Overall, this was an enjoyable MM new adult romance. Recommended if you’re looking for a read with genre staples like self-discovery, beating homophobia, and lurve.
June 4, 2022
I love Alex and Cams Story. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 31, 2018
This is a slightly unconventional friends to lovers story. Cam and Alex meet at Rainbow Place when it’s vandalized. They’re attracted to each other, but Cam is unsure of the age difference and slightly afraid of Alex’s father finding out. So, he offers to be friends.
When Alex’s father finds out he’s gay, practically throwing him out, Cam is there to catch him, offering him a place to stay and helping him find a job.
One night, after too many beers, they fall into bed together. Now they have to decide if it was a one time thing, or worth taking the relationship to the next step.
I enjoyed this and can’t wait to read the next one.
*ARC provided by author
When Alex’s father finds out he’s gay, practically throwing him out, Cam is there to catch him, offering him a place to stay and helping him find a job.
One night, after too many beers, they fall into bed together. Now they have to decide if it was a one time thing, or worth taking the relationship to the next step.
I enjoyed this and can’t wait to read the next one.
*ARC provided by author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2020
It was a given I was going to listen to the next book because I enjoyed the first one so much. I think I loved these characters more if that is even possible. Alex is so authentically himself but for when it comes to being himself at home. You can’t really blame him though, growing up with knowing you would never be accepted. I can’t even think of such a thing, breaks my heart frankly.
Cam, oh Cam, I get why he puts up all the barriers he is afraid to love and lose something that to him is so precious. He stole my heart too I can’t help it these book make me have all the feels.
Alex’s family ohh this was hard for me. I think because I have a Bi daughter and always knew no matter who my children grew up to be I would love them no matter what. This was especially hard to listen to, the hate for your own child. I can’t fathom it. I wish this didn’t happen in real life or in fiction but sadly it does, my hope for our future is for people to educate themselves and put yourself in your child’s place for 1 second.
Again the narration is dreamy, I can’t explain it better than that his voice, his accent yes please, more, please.
Cam, oh Cam, I get why he puts up all the barriers he is afraid to love and lose something that to him is so precious. He stole my heart too I can’t help it these book make me have all the feels.
Alex’s family ohh this was hard for me. I think because I have a Bi daughter and always knew no matter who my children grew up to be I would love them no matter what. This was especially hard to listen to, the hate for your own child. I can’t fathom it. I wish this didn’t happen in real life or in fiction but sadly it does, my hope for our future is for people to educate themselves and put yourself in your child’s place for 1 second.
Again the narration is dreamy, I can’t explain it better than that his voice, his accent yes please, more, please.
August 21, 2018
Though I'm not a fan of Cam, I loved Alex, he is a sweetheart.
We met Alex in the previous book, and I was wonder what's his story would be, considering who his father is, you know.
This is a very slow burn, and it was getting to my nerves about Cam. I was like, wanted to kiss Cam with my fist, and I didn't blame Alex for trying to move on. Not at all. Alex had every right to try to moved on from Cam.
There's a drama with Alex father (of course), but not as bad as I thought would be, not as messy as the first book. I'm glad he's finally got his mother on his side in the end, and Cam come to his senses.
Finally!
I enjoyed this story, though I had to suffer from the UST and slow burn. LOL.
This was fun and Jay's trademark. Sweet and adorable. Loved the friendship between Cam and Alex, and with their friends as well.
If you like a sweet, slow burn, low angst and loads of friendship vibes, this is the book for you!
September 2, 2018
This was a very lovely second installment in the series.
I really liked getting to know these characters and their different life struggles, I think it was really great that the author showed us to different upbringings. These guys were at different points in their lives so honestly, their way of looking at the world was different but there wasn't a disconnect between them. They worked really fine as friends and lovers.
One of the things that I love and appreciate the most about the author is how he includes so much representation in his books, he makes these tiny moments in the stories that hit you right in the chest because comments or actions can be huge for someone that deals with the judgment from close-minded people, so seeing those moment makes you feel like he is trying to make these stories as real as possible.
I hope we get the chance to see these guys in future books and how they are doing with their lives because even though the book does a lot of happy, in the end, it's about young guys so they have their lives ahead of them, their HEA it's just starting.
sidenote: Alex's mom story made me really happy! it showed that people can be wrong but everyone needs a chance to grow and change.
I really liked getting to know these characters and their different life struggles, I think it was really great that the author showed us to different upbringings. These guys were at different points in their lives so honestly, their way of looking at the world was different but there wasn't a disconnect between them. They worked really fine as friends and lovers.
One of the things that I love and appreciate the most about the author is how he includes so much representation in his books, he makes these tiny moments in the stories that hit you right in the chest because comments or actions can be huge for someone that deals with the judgment from close-minded people, so seeing those moment makes you feel like he is trying to make these stories as real as possible.
I hope we get the chance to see these guys in future books and how they are doing with their lives because even though the book does a lot of happy, in the end, it's about young guys so they have their lives ahead of them, their HEA it's just starting.
sidenote: Alex's mom story made me really happy! it showed that people can be wrong but everyone needs a chance to grow and change.
August 28, 2018
The author and publisher note this could be read as a standalone, and I mostly agree, though reading the first book will give background to several items referenced in Safe Place.
Premise of the book is Alex is on the cusp of graduating from the British equivalent of High School and is studying for University exams. His short term goal is to get good enough scores to be accepted into a University far from home. Meanwhile, he meets the ruggedly good looking rugby player Cam and Alex thinks they may have some synergy between them. Until Cam finds out who Alex’s father is and deliver’s the “let’s be friends…” speech. Alex accepts the offer of friendship while wanting more. When Alex fails to meet minimum scores in one subject and his father catches him with his pants down (literally), Alex’s carefully constructed plans come crashing down.
This is a coming of age and coming out story. Alex is moving on and out from under his parents tight – and homophobic - control, Alex and Cam are both growing up and trying to find acceptance from each other and the greater community.
Several things didn’t work for me: I found the pacing of the plot slow for my tastes. The reader knows at some point Alex’s sexual orientation is going to be discovered by his parents and there will be life changing ramifications. It seemed to take forever to get to this point.
Cam was an all-around Nice Guy. That’s it. Cam kept alluding to ruining a friendship in high school which was why he didn’t want to commit to Alex. I never really felt the emotional gravitas or impetus behind that fear. It was High School, with someone who wasn’t Alex, it's now nearly 10 years later...? This emotional fear of commitment didn't work for me.
The Big Reveal and climatic confrontation between Alex and his Father didn’t sit well with me. Alex’s Father caught Alex and a random hook up in very compromising situation, with witnesses. Yes, Alex’s Father was entitled to be angry and embarrassed. NO, physical violence was NOT appropriate. But I came away with the impression that Alex felt somewhat…righteous, about his actions. Ah…you were just caught with your pants down (figuratively), in your father’s business. This whole interaction left me puzzled more than anything.
Ultimately, this installment didn’t grab me like Rainbow Place did. Seb makes several appearances, we get glimpses of supporting characters from book one, a handful of new characters that then go off to Uni, and after much angst, upset, and wishful thinking we get our happy ending.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Premise of the book is Alex is on the cusp of graduating from the British equivalent of High School and is studying for University exams. His short term goal is to get good enough scores to be accepted into a University far from home. Meanwhile, he meets the ruggedly good looking rugby player Cam and Alex thinks they may have some synergy between them. Until Cam finds out who Alex’s father is and deliver’s the “let’s be friends…” speech. Alex accepts the offer of friendship while wanting more. When Alex fails to meet minimum scores in one subject and his father catches him with his pants down (literally), Alex’s carefully constructed plans come crashing down.
This is a coming of age and coming out story. Alex is moving on and out from under his parents tight – and homophobic - control, Alex and Cam are both growing up and trying to find acceptance from each other and the greater community.
Several things didn’t work for me: I found the pacing of the plot slow for my tastes. The reader knows at some point Alex’s sexual orientation is going to be discovered by his parents and there will be life changing ramifications. It seemed to take forever to get to this point.
Cam was an all-around Nice Guy. That’s it. Cam kept alluding to ruining a friendship in high school which was why he didn’t want to commit to Alex. I never really felt the emotional gravitas or impetus behind that fear. It was High School, with someone who wasn’t Alex, it's now nearly 10 years later...? This emotional fear of commitment didn't work for me.
The Big Reveal and climatic confrontation between Alex and his Father didn’t sit well with me. Alex’s Father caught Alex and a random hook up in very compromising situation, with witnesses. Yes, Alex’s Father was entitled to be angry and embarrassed. NO, physical violence was NOT appropriate. But I came away with the impression that Alex felt somewhat…righteous, about his actions. Ah…you were just caught with your pants down (figuratively), in your father’s business. This whole interaction left me puzzled more than anything.
Ultimately, this installment didn’t grab me like Rainbow Place did. Seb makes several appearances, we get glimpses of supporting characters from book one, a handful of new characters that then go off to Uni, and after much angst, upset, and wishful thinking we get our happy ending.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
August 31, 2018
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
This book, although definitely not a light one, was utterly adorable & I can't stop swooning about even days after I read it (yes, I was lucky and got an early copy. <3)
You think book one was amazing, this tops it in my opinion. The way Jay fleshed out the character was amazing and my heart break several times for Alex.
He isn't having an easy life, living under the roof of a homophobic parent and who isn't shy to be vocal about his disgust about queer people and is even gleeful when he hears about the vandalized Rainbow Place, the café where local queer folks find their safe space. Alex' father isn't a nice or gentle person and Jay is amazing in pointing this out, giving the reader more than understandable reasons to dislike or even hate him.
Between living in this horrible place with a homophobic father and worrying about his future - again being forced to do what his father wants and has mapped out for him, Alex is infatuated by Cam, who's older than him and shows a self-confidence Alex wish he was able to live out too.
I really liked how we got the two point of views; Alex who is smitten by Cam and who wants to be closer, who's graving for more than just tentative friendship. Then there's Cam, who's not immune to Alex' charm but denies himself to go further; he's trying to act like an adult and mature but fails.
Safe Place is an adorbale book but it's neither light nor fluffy, although we have those parts. It's based on a really tragic backstory, and the way how Alex finds his new way, his new life is amazing to watch, even if you want to hug him tight and wrap him into a blanket sometimes.
The book lives also from its side characters, and although you can read the single books in the series as standalones and get the events without knowing the former book, it's charming to see Seb and Jason again. I also liked the friends around Alex, although they spread their wings and start their study/new life after school in different towns, so I hope we still see more of them later. :) I also have a guess which the potential next couple is but I won't tell my guess until it's confirmed. *fingers crossed* Actually after reading & ponding about the book I have another couple in mind. :) Let's see what's planned next.
This book totally gets and deserves 5 out of 5 stars. I don't know why, but I even liked it a tiny bit more than book one, which was amazing already. :)
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
This book, although definitely not a light one, was utterly adorable & I can't stop swooning about even days after I read it (yes, I was lucky and got an early copy. <3)
You think book one was amazing, this tops it in my opinion. The way Jay fleshed out the character was amazing and my heart break several times for Alex.
He isn't having an easy life, living under the roof of a homophobic parent and who isn't shy to be vocal about his disgust about queer people and is even gleeful when he hears about the vandalized Rainbow Place, the café where local queer folks find their safe space. Alex' father isn't a nice or gentle person and Jay is amazing in pointing this out, giving the reader more than understandable reasons to dislike or even hate him.
Between living in this horrible place with a homophobic father and worrying about his future - again being forced to do what his father wants and has mapped out for him, Alex is infatuated by Cam, who's older than him and shows a self-confidence Alex wish he was able to live out too.
I really liked how we got the two point of views; Alex who is smitten by Cam and who wants to be closer, who's graving for more than just tentative friendship. Then there's Cam, who's not immune to Alex' charm but denies himself to go further; he's trying to act like an adult and mature but fails.
Safe Place is an adorbale book but it's neither light nor fluffy, although we have those parts. It's based on a really tragic backstory, and the way how Alex finds his new way, his new life is amazing to watch, even if you want to hug him tight and wrap him into a blanket sometimes.
The book lives also from its side characters, and although you can read the single books in the series as standalones and get the events without knowing the former book, it's charming to see Seb and Jason again. I also liked the friends around Alex, although they spread their wings and start their study/new life after school in different towns, so I hope we still see more of them later. :) I also have a guess which the potential next couple is but I won't tell my guess until it's confirmed. *fingers crossed* Actually after reading & ponding about the book I have another couple in mind. :) Let's see what's planned next.
This book totally gets and deserves 5 out of 5 stars. I don't know why, but I even liked it a tiny bit more than book one, which was amazing already. :)
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
Shelved as 'dnf-2023'
May 20, 2023DNF @ 30%
I really wished one of the leads wasn't 17, he does turn 18 in the story but it's just one of those grey areas I personally don't like reading about. A 17 year old is considered a minor in my country, and 23 year old and 17 year old pairing just isn't something I'm interested in reading about. Especially when there's kissing and sexual shenanigans happening, and one lead is a grown ass man while the other is a high school kid studying for college exams and under the thumb of very conservative and homophobic parents.
Also CW there's on page transphobia and homophobia in this.
I really wished one of the leads wasn't 17, he does turn 18 in the story but it's just one of those grey areas I personally don't like reading about. A 17 year old is considered a minor in my country, and 23 year old and 17 year old pairing just isn't something I'm interested in reading about. Especially when there's kissing and sexual shenanigans happening, and one lead is a grown ass man while the other is a high school kid studying for college exams and under the thumb of very conservative and homophobic parents.
Also CW there's on page transphobia and homophobia in this.
August 21, 2018
Cam drove me nuts ... but still loved every moment of this slow burn, friends to lovers romance. A brilliant continuation of the series, can't wait for more revisits to this verse. I really hope there is some and soon. Thanks Jay for again sharing something that made me feel and think.
*ARC kindly given in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much. *
*ARC kindly given in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much. *
August 11, 2019
Lovely one! :)
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
November 2, 2019
Questo secondo libro della serie Rainbow Place è stato piacevole come il primo, una lettura dolce e romantica, con giusto una spruzzata di dramma senza troppi danni.
Il giovane Alex, a malapena maggiorenne, e Cam, che ha sei anni più di lui, sono una coppia dolcissima, nata come amici prima, ma condita da teneri sentimenti che arrivano presto all’amore.
“Un posto sicuro” è la caffetteria queer-friendly che abbiamo già imparato ad amare in precedenza e Seb, il suo proprietario, ha confermato il suo grande cuore. Però anche l’abbraccio di Cam è il posto sicuro in cui Alex ama rifugiarsi nel suo tormentato percorso verso la realizzazione di se stesso.
Ne consiglio la lettura per continuità e se amare gli young adult.
Il giovane Alex, a malapena maggiorenne, e Cam, che ha sei anni più di lui, sono una coppia dolcissima, nata come amici prima, ma condita da teneri sentimenti che arrivano presto all’amore.
“Un posto sicuro” è la caffetteria queer-friendly che abbiamo già imparato ad amare in precedenza e Seb, il suo proprietario, ha confermato il suo grande cuore. Però anche l’abbraccio di Cam è il posto sicuro in cui Alex ama rifugiarsi nel suo tormentato percorso verso la realizzazione di se stesso.
Ne consiglio la lettura per continuità e se amare gli young adult.
September 4, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up. I didn't feel much of a connection between Alex and Cam in all honesty, but it won't stop me carrying on with the series. Not my fave Jay story it has to be said 😕.
April 21, 2024
Oops this ended up being a reread for me. As soon as the audiobook started I was laughing at myself. But it was fun to listen to it again. Safe Place is a sweet story about coming out and first love, and I enjoy the added family drama where the mom grows a backbone at the end.
The audio version is nicely performed by Hamish Long.
The audio version is nicely performed by Hamish Long.
September 4, 2018
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 Stars.
As a big fan of Jay Northcote's writing, generally all the books have been a massive hit with me, but there is something about this series that is a miss. I can't quite put it into words why neither book in the series thus far has resonated with me.
Readers previously met Alex and Cam in Rainbow Place, both helping to get the cafe up and running after it was vandalized. Alex is the son of a local politician who has his sights set on Rainbow Place being shut down, with all the expectations and inability to come out of the closet riding along with it.
Alex and Cam meet again at Rainbow Place, sparks flying and connections being met, but then when Cam realizes who Alex's father is, he penalizes Alex for it, pushing him into the friend-zone, as well as for the fact that he is so young. This adds the angsty slow-burn romance to their relationship.
Obviously the conflict of the storyline is Alex's bigoted father. I guess my issue is how predicable the story was from the get-go, the reader easily able to deduce what events would take place. While I find comfort in knowing there will be an eventual HEA, generally I can't guess the direction of every thread that will take place, but in this case I did. So for me, I didn't feel the delicious tension that has me so fond of slow-burn.
This was a quick read, nothing too angsty, making it a good light novella to pass the time. While all the elements were there, it didn't elicit any passion or emotion from me. Without any true conflict for as to why the romance didn't progress from friendship to more, it was just another book about the characters dragging their feet to an obvious outcome, like they were stuck in neutral for the bulk of the pages, leaving me feeling regret for them for wasting time.
I'm just going to chalk it up to this series not being a good fit for me, so I won't be reading the next installment, but I look forward to future endeavors by Northcote. I do highly recommend all of the author's works, especially to fans and readers of MM romance.
3 Stars.
As a big fan of Jay Northcote's writing, generally all the books have been a massive hit with me, but there is something about this series that is a miss. I can't quite put it into words why neither book in the series thus far has resonated with me.
Readers previously met Alex and Cam in Rainbow Place, both helping to get the cafe up and running after it was vandalized. Alex is the son of a local politician who has his sights set on Rainbow Place being shut down, with all the expectations and inability to come out of the closet riding along with it.
Alex and Cam meet again at Rainbow Place, sparks flying and connections being met, but then when Cam realizes who Alex's father is, he penalizes Alex for it, pushing him into the friend-zone, as well as for the fact that he is so young. This adds the angsty slow-burn romance to their relationship.
Obviously the conflict of the storyline is Alex's bigoted father. I guess my issue is how predicable the story was from the get-go, the reader easily able to deduce what events would take place. While I find comfort in knowing there will be an eventual HEA, generally I can't guess the direction of every thread that will take place, but in this case I did. So for me, I didn't feel the delicious tension that has me so fond of slow-burn.
This was a quick read, nothing too angsty, making it a good light novella to pass the time. While all the elements were there, it didn't elicit any passion or emotion from me. Without any true conflict for as to why the romance didn't progress from friendship to more, it was just another book about the characters dragging their feet to an obvious outcome, like they were stuck in neutral for the bulk of the pages, leaving me feeling regret for them for wasting time.
I'm just going to chalk it up to this series not being a good fit for me, so I won't be reading the next installment, but I look forward to future endeavors by Northcote. I do highly recommend all of the author's works, especially to fans and readers of MM romance.
September 3, 2018
Alex is studying for his A Levels, desperate to leave home and start Uni many, many miles away from his Father and start his life instead of hiding in the closet. One evening out with friends, he meets Cam and falls hook line and sinker. Cam is a little hesitant due to the 6 year age gap, but starts to wave the "friends only" banner when he discovers who Alex's Father is. Then Alex fails to get the full grades he needs to get into Uni and there's no Plan B.....
I liked Alex, he was young, eager and only saw stars and butterflies whilst Cam was around. Naively maybe, he held onto the hope that Cam would change his mind about their relationship and tried on a number of occasions to help that along - but to no avail. When he eventually takes the bull by the horns, he is left with his pants down (literally), a raging Father, homeless and unsure of his future.
Cam. I struggled with Cam. I understand his initial point of view, but once Alex moved out of his family home, there was no reason for the continued "friends only" banner to still be waving. I wasn't able to fathom what was the root cause of his hesitancy, his reasoning about a former girlfriend at school seemed a tad weak. I did like that Cam came immediately to Alex's aid and helped to provide comfort and security and then things started to slot into place and made more sense.
I had a couple of niggles - the first was the slow burn. It was so slow, I was frustrated and wanted to slap Cam upside the head with his dithering and commitment-phobia. It was nearly 81% into the book before anything was actually declared, acted on and bodies melded, it felt like I had been holding my breath underwater until then....this was a change to the author's usual playbook, I'm not sure I like it....
The other niggle was Alex and his Father and the mighty big blip. It was highly uncomfortable to read. I understand that that had to be some drama, his Father was an arse and had no issues with his constant bluster and sound of his own voice, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. I felt neither side were right in the way they handled it.
Overall, this was another entertaining read, with some drama, following on the "no fluff" set up from the first book. The side characters were nice additions and it was lovely to see Seb from the first book drop in on occasions and it was also great to see Alex's mum take a small stand of independence. Finally, after some more mulling and wishful thinking, Alex and Cam get their act together and a plan of sorts is put in place for their HFN ending. I look forward to the next book.
A copy of this book was kindly gifted from the author for my reading pleasure.
I liked Alex, he was young, eager and only saw stars and butterflies whilst Cam was around. Naively maybe, he held onto the hope that Cam would change his mind about their relationship and tried on a number of occasions to help that along - but to no avail. When he eventually takes the bull by the horns, he is left with his pants down (literally), a raging Father, homeless and unsure of his future.
Cam. I struggled with Cam. I understand his initial point of view, but once Alex moved out of his family home, there was no reason for the continued "friends only" banner to still be waving. I wasn't able to fathom what was the root cause of his hesitancy, his reasoning about a former girlfriend at school seemed a tad weak. I did like that Cam came immediately to Alex's aid and helped to provide comfort and security and then things started to slot into place and made more sense.
I had a couple of niggles - the first was the slow burn. It was so slow, I was frustrated and wanted to slap Cam upside the head with his dithering and commitment-phobia. It was nearly 81% into the book before anything was actually declared, acted on and bodies melded, it felt like I had been holding my breath underwater until then....this was a change to the author's usual playbook, I'm not sure I like it....
The other niggle was Alex and his Father and the mighty big blip. It was highly uncomfortable to read. I understand that that had to be some drama, his Father was an arse and had no issues with his constant bluster and sound of his own voice, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. I felt neither side were right in the way they handled it.
Overall, this was another entertaining read, with some drama, following on the "no fluff" set up from the first book. The side characters were nice additions and it was lovely to see Seb from the first book drop in on occasions and it was also great to see Alex's mum take a small stand of independence. Finally, after some more mulling and wishful thinking, Alex and Cam get their act together and a plan of sorts is put in place for their HFN ending. I look forward to the next book.
A copy of this book was kindly gifted from the author for my reading pleasure.
September 1, 2018
With the misfortune of having the biggest homophobic asshat in the area as his father, Alex has been hiding in the closet since he the first time he knew that he was never going to be the kind of kid that his parents wanted. He has plans to finally come out, though, once he hits university. He only has a few months left to wait, so surely he can last one more summer of hiding the truth from his family. All he has to do is get thru his A-levels, avoid his father as much as possible, and not fall hopelessly in love with Cam.
One can probably guess how well that is going to go.
I was glad when I realized that his book was going to be about Alex and Cam. They were absolutely adorable in the last book, so I was happy to get to spend some more time with them here.
This book was about on par with the first book in the series. I really liked both Cam and Alex. We certainly get a lot more information about Alex here, though. Which was cool, but I would have liked to know more about Cam. I don’t know if I was just really distracted (I have had a crazy busy week, so it is entirely possible) but I can’t remember a whole lot about Cam’s backstory. I know he is bisexual and he plays rugby, but if he has a job of some kind, it has completely escaped my memory. Cam was such a good guy, I just wish I could actually know more about him.
But from what I do know, he is a good compliment–if a somewhat hesitant one at times–to Alex, who has a fuckton of issues to deal with. These two have a bit of a long walk to get to a relationship, but I really enjoyed their friendship along the way. Their thing is a bit stop-and-start at times, but you can clearly see that they care about each other, and that’s what I really liked about it.
This isn’t an overly complicated story, but it a very well told one. And it was a story that I enjoyed reading. I can’t wait to see what is next in the series, either. So far the first two book have been very pleasant reads. And I can’t say I have too many complaints about this one. It was just a good story, and well worth the read.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
One can probably guess how well that is going to go.
I was glad when I realized that his book was going to be about Alex and Cam. They were absolutely adorable in the last book, so I was happy to get to spend some more time with them here.
This book was about on par with the first book in the series. I really liked both Cam and Alex. We certainly get a lot more information about Alex here, though. Which was cool, but I would have liked to know more about Cam. I don’t know if I was just really distracted (I have had a crazy busy week, so it is entirely possible) but I can’t remember a whole lot about Cam’s backstory. I know he is bisexual and he plays rugby, but if he has a job of some kind, it has completely escaped my memory. Cam was such a good guy, I just wish I could actually know more about him.
But from what I do know, he is a good compliment–if a somewhat hesitant one at times–to Alex, who has a fuckton of issues to deal with. These two have a bit of a long walk to get to a relationship, but I really enjoyed their friendship along the way. Their thing is a bit stop-and-start at times, but you can clearly see that they care about each other, and that’s what I really liked about it.
This isn’t an overly complicated story, but it a very well told one. And it was a story that I enjoyed reading. I can’t wait to see what is next in the series, either. So far the first two book have been very pleasant reads. And I can’t say I have too many complaints about this one. It was just a good story, and well worth the read.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
September 20, 2018
This author just hits all the right notes for me every time. I have yet to read a book by Jay that I haven't enjoyed immensely. Cam and Alex are sweet together their friendship the best and their courtship super frustrating. Cam tries desperately to not get involved with Alex romantically. Alex is younger, has a shit family life, and is in the middle of figuring out his next step in life. The slow burn here borders on torture for the reader. They are awesome together, the potential fireworks between them has every single person around them scratching their heads. When Alex's circumstances change all the reasons why they are not together are no longer obstacles so what's the hold up????? Things take a minute to move to the next step and that's primarily because Cam is scared and attempting to place things super safe. When the resolve breaks we get our HFN. I enjoyed it and I am so looking forward to the book in this series not only to explore a new couple but also check in on Cam and Alex.
Side note: I love the way Jay writes sex scenes, they are sweet, awkward, sexy, clumsy, overall REAL and that makes the chemistry and interaction between the characters so real to me. LOVE IT.
Side note: I love the way Jay writes sex scenes, they are sweet, awkward, sexy, clumsy, overall REAL and that makes the chemistry and interaction between the characters so real to me. LOVE IT.
February 28, 2021
3.5 stars.
Safe Place is book 2 in the Rainbow Place series but it can be read as standalone since each book in the series is about a different couple. This is a YA LGBTQ friends to lovers MM romance book focusing on 17/18 year old Alex and Cam who is 6 years older. It is based in the UK and at 17, Alex is age of consent even though nothing more than kissing happens prior to his 18th birthday.
We met Alex in the first book and saw that his dad is a horrible human and very homophobic and close minded. Unfortunately that carried over into this book. The scene where Alex's father found out Alex was gay broke my heart. I cried because it is such a real moment and something so many people experience.
The big problem in this book was how Alex and Cam were going to navigate their relationship when Alex wanted to be with Cam romantically and although Cam wanted the exact same, he was really scared to ruin their friendship so he didn't want to take anything beyond a friend level.
I enjoyed this book and am interested in continuing the series to see more of the people in this town and at the Cafe. The narration is okay. The narrator is fine to listen to.
Safe Place is book 2 in the Rainbow Place series but it can be read as standalone since each book in the series is about a different couple. This is a YA LGBTQ friends to lovers MM romance book focusing on 17/18 year old Alex and Cam who is 6 years older. It is based in the UK and at 17, Alex is age of consent even though nothing more than kissing happens prior to his 18th birthday.
We met Alex in the first book and saw that his dad is a horrible human and very homophobic and close minded. Unfortunately that carried over into this book. The scene where Alex's father found out Alex was gay broke my heart. I cried because it is such a real moment and something so many people experience.
The big problem in this book was how Alex and Cam were going to navigate their relationship when Alex wanted to be with Cam romantically and although Cam wanted the exact same, he was really scared to ruin their friendship so he didn't want to take anything beyond a friend level.
I enjoyed this book and am interested in continuing the series to see more of the people in this town and at the Cafe. The narration is okay. The narrator is fine to listen to.
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