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How the Light Gets In #2
The Race Is On
Hollywood heartthrob Jaxon Moncrieff and Liam Lassiter are finally on the same page: committed and in it for the long haul. Now they just have to prepare for the inevitable fallout when they reveal their relationship. Between Jaxon’s career and Liam’s need to prepare for a life in the limelight, they decide to wait until filming of Jaxon’s latest project has wrapped.
Unbeknownst to them, the relentless paparazzi photographer Rafael Cacciatore, aka the Hunter, notices a change in Jaxon and is determined to be the first to break the story of who has captured Jaxon Moncrieff’s heart. In the meantime, Liam and Jaxon have enough on their plate working out the not-so-little issue of how and when Jaxon will come out to his family. The paparazzi aren’t even on their radar. The race to out Jaxon is on, and Liam and Jaxon don’t even know it.
Unbeknownst to them, the relentless paparazzi photographer Rafael Cacciatore, aka the Hunter, notices a change in Jaxon and is determined to be the first to break the story of who has captured Jaxon Moncrieff’s heart. In the meantime, Liam and Jaxon have enough on their plate working out the not-so-little issue of how and when Jaxon will come out to his family. The paparazzi aren’t even on their radar. The race to out Jaxon is on, and Liam and Jaxon don’t even know it.
350 pages, ebook
First published August 8, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 13, 2013
Another winner from Lily, 
this is a superb sequel to 'Same Page' and will be getting the 5 star treatment!! 
The Race Is On is a story absolutely brimming to overflowing with love and romance, the deep everlasting kind, not just for Jax and Liam, but for Ally and Garrett and Jax's sister Zoe and her husband Hal too! I was left grinning like a loon, I love these sweet sappy reads. Ah, l'amour...toujours l'amour
!!
Of course, we had the usual quota of sex, and it wouldn't be a Lily Velden book if it didn't have sex.. and plenty of it thank God, but as the guys have gotten deeper into their relationship
, it's much more romantic i.e. making love rather than just a quick f**k...although there is plenty of that as well!!
There is also drama, and some of it not at all pleasant!! We have Jax coming out to his family...will they accept his relationship with Liam or will they blame Liam for ruining Jax's career and assume that Liam is just a passing fancy, we have the paparazzi who has no idea how much damage his photos and revelations will cause
, and finally we have Liam himself....and what happens to him I will leave you to discover. More please Lily!!
Addendum. There is one more book...yeehaw!!
this is a superb sequel to 'Same Page' and will be getting the 5 star treatment!! The Race Is On is a story absolutely brimming to overflowing with love and romance, the deep everlasting kind, not just for Jax and Liam, but for Ally and Garrett and Jax's sister Zoe and her husband Hal too! I was left grinning like a loon, I love these sweet sappy reads. Ah, l'amour...toujours l'amour
!!Of course, we had the usual quota of sex, and it wouldn't be a Lily Velden book if it didn't have sex.. and plenty of it thank God, but as the guys have gotten deeper into their relationship
, it's much more romantic i.e. making love rather than just a quick f**k...although there is plenty of that as well!!There is also drama, and some of it not at all pleasant!! We have Jax coming out to his family...will they accept his relationship with Liam or will they blame Liam for ruining Jax's career and assume that Liam is just a passing fancy, we have the paparazzi who has no idea how much damage his photos and revelations will cause
, and finally we have Liam himself....and what happens to him I will leave you to discover. More please Lily!!Addendum. There is one more book...yeehaw!!
August 10, 2013
" ' ** There's a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in' Or, in your case my love, it's how your beautiful light gets out." Jax to Liam
If you read Same Page and fell in love with the gorgeous Jaxon Moncrieff and the beautiful Liam Lassiter then you'll have been counting down the days till The Race Is On was released and yesterday was D-day! As soon as I downloaded my pre order I was straight in and picking up, literally, from the second it ended in the first book and within minutes I was lost in the story once again. I must stress though , you do need to read the first book ( which is just as awesome ) because this is not a standalone.
There's no doubt Lily Velden is mistress of the palpable love scene and these two guys are definitely sex on legs, when they're together on page its electric. So gear up for some hot, steamy love scenes that will have you fanning your face and switching on the air conditioning because this couple are so much in love they can't keep their hands of each other. The whole book oozes romance and true love, so much so that it practically it jumps off every page! * sigh*
Jax is now more or less ready to out their relationship but Liam is still wary because he can't face the thought of losing the man who he's fallen for like he's lost others who he loved in the past, plus he's frightened that it will be detrimental to Jax's film career so they decide to wait a while until they feel the time is right. In the meantime they settle down to trying to make their relationship work but it's hard as they can't stand being away from each other and unfortunately Jax's filming commitments make it even more difficult but they push through and as time passes their love for each other just gets stronger and with the support of Alison, Garrett and Mrs Boyd their closest friends and in a way ' family', they manage to get through their difficulties. Then Christmas arrives and Jax decides its time to tell his family about Liam so they face another possible bump that could alter their relationship.
All these things contrive to add that touch of conflict and angst you come to expect in these sorts of stories but then Lily adds a background story concerning a ruthless, stop at nothing member of the paparazzi that simmers away in the background, finally coming to the boil in a pretty spectacular way that has you biting your nails and sitting on the edge of your seat! Then she throws in a lovely weepy moment at the end that just rounds it off perfectly. I finished with a huge smile on my face...proof that I was even more in love with these two fabulous sexy men.
Two of my favourite all time m/m couples so I adored every second of it!
I'm a massive Lily fan and everything she's written I've loved , including all her free online stories, so I'm a very happy reader at the moment. 5 very satisfied stars from me.
** quote from a Leonard Cohen song...
If you read Same Page and fell in love with the gorgeous Jaxon Moncrieff and the beautiful Liam Lassiter then you'll have been counting down the days till The Race Is On was released and yesterday was D-day! As soon as I downloaded my pre order I was straight in and picking up, literally, from the second it ended in the first book and within minutes I was lost in the story once again. I must stress though , you do need to read the first book ( which is just as awesome ) because this is not a standalone.
There's no doubt Lily Velden is mistress of the palpable love scene and these two guys are definitely sex on legs, when they're together on page its electric. So gear up for some hot, steamy love scenes that will have you fanning your face and switching on the air conditioning because this couple are so much in love they can't keep their hands of each other. The whole book oozes romance and true love, so much so that it practically it jumps off every page! * sigh*
Jax is now more or less ready to out their relationship but Liam is still wary because he can't face the thought of losing the man who he's fallen for like he's lost others who he loved in the past, plus he's frightened that it will be detrimental to Jax's film career so they decide to wait a while until they feel the time is right. In the meantime they settle down to trying to make their relationship work but it's hard as they can't stand being away from each other and unfortunately Jax's filming commitments make it even more difficult but they push through and as time passes their love for each other just gets stronger and with the support of Alison, Garrett and Mrs Boyd their closest friends and in a way ' family', they manage to get through their difficulties. Then Christmas arrives and Jax decides its time to tell his family about Liam so they face another possible bump that could alter their relationship.
All these things contrive to add that touch of conflict and angst you come to expect in these sorts of stories but then Lily adds a background story concerning a ruthless, stop at nothing member of the paparazzi that simmers away in the background, finally coming to the boil in a pretty spectacular way that has you biting your nails and sitting on the edge of your seat! Then she throws in a lovely weepy moment at the end that just rounds it off perfectly. I finished with a huge smile on my face...proof that I was even more in love with these two fabulous sexy men.
Two of my favourite all time m/m couples so I adored every second of it!
I'm a massive Lily fan and everything she's written I've loved , including all her free online stories, so I'm a very happy reader at the moment. 5 very satisfied stars from me.
** quote from a Leonard Cohen song...
August 15, 2013
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
The Race is On. This is the sequel to Jaxon's and Liam's incredible love story. All those who had read them curiously got to experience and live the love of these two men. Here, the 'race' is the race done by a paparrazzi by the name of Rafael Cacciatore (the Hunter) who is only waiting for that money shot to out his prey who just happens to be Jaxon. This book does not just have the points of views of the two main characters but of Rafael's, too, and this made it even more interesting.
This book cannot be read without first reading How The Light Gets In: Same Page, it is impossible. The way I read it, author Lily Velden had finished this as one book but due to its length and depth, it was quite necessary to split this into two installments. This is just fitting, in my opinion, as what I thought was a lengthy book in that first one, this second one is double its length. It was so lenghty I had to rest in between chapters for the developments going on were quite extensive and intensive.
I have to be honest, it was quite exhausting reading this book, much more so compared to the first one. There were times when I found myself hyperventilating a bit for the imagery of the erotic scenes were VERY descriptive and at the turn of the page, the gamut of emotions pouring out from the text was quite a cold shower after all that erotica. If I had cried over Duchess in the first book, I found myself crying over the intensity of emotions Velden managed to wring out of me when reading. So yes, it took me two days to finish this, I who usually am a very speedy reader, found myself resting not my eyes but my emotions.
I have to complain a bit, what review would be without some ranting on my part, right? Thing is, the erotic scenes were a bit much at times. Don't take this wrong, the scenes were actually very necessary to the development of the plot and the characters (weirdly Velden was quite talented on this front) so I was quite IMPATIENT to get the plot going and at the same time refusing to get off the scenes. Then there was the Christmas chapter. When reading that, I actually wished this book had been published Christmas instead of now, but then again, once that chapter was done, I forgot about that wish. And how about the stalking? Paparazzi stalking was quite detailed in this book and it takes readers deep into the heart of what makes these photogs tick. The logic was so illogical it was sick and that was a fantastic read. Fast forward to the life threatening event. Oh wow, Ms. Velden, I finished TWO FREAKING BOXES! of tissues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, it was an emotional rollercoaster and I absolutely loved it.
I may rant, I may rave, I may be confused at times when reading this, but man oh man, this book just about took my breath away for two whole days. Yes, it was a lengthy, very lengthy read, but it was time well spent and money well invested. My hyperventilating and crying should not be the basis for rating this book, but I have to rate this a 5, complaints, ranting and ruined tear ducts aside.
Great, great, great read. But remember!!!!!! Read the first book, How Light Gets In: Same Page first then read this one.
The Race is On. This is the sequel to Jaxon's and Liam's incredible love story. All those who had read them curiously got to experience and live the love of these two men. Here, the 'race' is the race done by a paparrazzi by the name of Rafael Cacciatore (the Hunter) who is only waiting for that money shot to out his prey who just happens to be Jaxon. This book does not just have the points of views of the two main characters but of Rafael's, too, and this made it even more interesting.
This book cannot be read without first reading How The Light Gets In: Same Page, it is impossible. The way I read it, author Lily Velden had finished this as one book but due to its length and depth, it was quite necessary to split this into two installments. This is just fitting, in my opinion, as what I thought was a lengthy book in that first one, this second one is double its length. It was so lenghty I had to rest in between chapters for the developments going on were quite extensive and intensive.
I have to be honest, it was quite exhausting reading this book, much more so compared to the first one. There were times when I found myself hyperventilating a bit for the imagery of the erotic scenes were VERY descriptive and at the turn of the page, the gamut of emotions pouring out from the text was quite a cold shower after all that erotica. If I had cried over Duchess in the first book, I found myself crying over the intensity of emotions Velden managed to wring out of me when reading. So yes, it took me two days to finish this, I who usually am a very speedy reader, found myself resting not my eyes but my emotions.
I have to complain a bit, what review would be without some ranting on my part, right? Thing is, the erotic scenes were a bit much at times. Don't take this wrong, the scenes were actually very necessary to the development of the plot and the characters (weirdly Velden was quite talented on this front) so I was quite IMPATIENT to get the plot going and at the same time refusing to get off the scenes. Then there was the Christmas chapter. When reading that, I actually wished this book had been published Christmas instead of now, but then again, once that chapter was done, I forgot about that wish. And how about the stalking? Paparazzi stalking was quite detailed in this book and it takes readers deep into the heart of what makes these photogs tick. The logic was so illogical it was sick and that was a fantastic read. Fast forward to the life threatening event. Oh wow, Ms. Velden, I finished TWO FREAKING BOXES! of tissues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, it was an emotional rollercoaster and I absolutely loved it.
I may rant, I may rave, I may be confused at times when reading this, but man oh man, this book just about took my breath away for two whole days. Yes, it was a lengthy, very lengthy read, but it was time well spent and money well invested. My hyperventilating and crying should not be the basis for rating this book, but I have to rate this a 5, complaints, ranting and ruined tear ducts aside.
Great, great, great read. But remember!!!!!! Read the first book, How Light Gets In: Same Page first then read this one.
December 29, 2013
Just when it seemed like things were heading in the right direction for new lovebirds Jaxon and Liam, life interferes in a realistic and heartbreaking way in this compelling and engaging read that picks up moments after the previous book (Same Page) ended. Life is almost perfect as these two caring and loving men find their relationship deepening, they're happy and the sex between them is crackling in its intensity. They find themselves growing closer, sharing daily intimacies, and long for the moment when they can admit their love to the world. While Jax wants to admit the truth now, Liam is nervous about the ramifications of coming out. These fears are realistic and presented in a believable way that had me rooting for them to reach their HEA no matter what it took. Before that time though it's an emotionally draining, heartpounding, and rocky road for the two of them mostly due to outside forces.
Ms. Velden tells this story from three different viewpoints, that of Jax and Liam as well as the determined paparazzi Rafael. For Jax and Liam life is good, they spend as much time together as Jax's filming schedule allows with each free moment bursting with sexual intensity. These two are clearly in love and it's an infectious feeling of joy they exude whenever they're together. Rafael's seen the change in Jax too and wants to know who's putting that smile on his face and will stop at nothing to discover the truth. Rafael is extremely determined, and though his profession seems overly intrusive, he does have a code of morals by which he conducts himself. It was intriguing seeing this aspect of fame and the inadvertent damage it can do to people.
Along with the highs of a sweet and sexy romance comes the lows of a life put in danger from an obsessive fan. This event led to many tear-filled moments and reiterated the close connection between Jax and Liam as they coped with a devastating incident. This story's emotional roller-coaster ride kept me on the edge of my seat with tissues close by as Jax and Liam, and us readers, were put through the wringer. It was a realistic read that kept me glued to the pages of this melodramatic story that continues to depict the immensely satisfying relationship between two enticing men who are perfect for each other. Surrounding them are an entertaining cast of secondary characters who add a bit of heartwarming humor to this emotionally heavy read and added even more to my enjoyment. From start to finish Ms. Velden has once again captured an engagingly realistic moment in the lives of two men struggling to find happiness in an intrusive world and I'm left in awe of the feelings she's roused in me as I await the next installment in this series.
Ms. Velden tells this story from three different viewpoints, that of Jax and Liam as well as the determined paparazzi Rafael. For Jax and Liam life is good, they spend as much time together as Jax's filming schedule allows with each free moment bursting with sexual intensity. These two are clearly in love and it's an infectious feeling of joy they exude whenever they're together. Rafael's seen the change in Jax too and wants to know who's putting that smile on his face and will stop at nothing to discover the truth. Rafael is extremely determined, and though his profession seems overly intrusive, he does have a code of morals by which he conducts himself. It was intriguing seeing this aspect of fame and the inadvertent damage it can do to people.
Along with the highs of a sweet and sexy romance comes the lows of a life put in danger from an obsessive fan. This event led to many tear-filled moments and reiterated the close connection between Jax and Liam as they coped with a devastating incident. This story's emotional roller-coaster ride kept me on the edge of my seat with tissues close by as Jax and Liam, and us readers, were put through the wringer. It was a realistic read that kept me glued to the pages of this melodramatic story that continues to depict the immensely satisfying relationship between two enticing men who are perfect for each other. Surrounding them are an entertaining cast of secondary characters who add a bit of heartwarming humor to this emotionally heavy read and added even more to my enjoyment. From start to finish Ms. Velden has once again captured an engagingly realistic moment in the lives of two men struggling to find happiness in an intrusive world and I'm left in awe of the feelings she's roused in me as I await the next installment in this series.
August 4, 2013
*Note* this is the second book in a series and the first book, Same Page, should be read prior to this book or the characters and events won’t make as much sense.
The Race is On picks up right where Same Page left off, literally. Jaxon is leaving the hotel under the prying eyes of the paparazzi while Garrett sneaks Liam out through the underground garage. Jaxon would gladly tell every last one of them exactly who he loved, but Liam isn’t quite ready for the spotlight yet. They’ve decided to wait until Jax’s current film raps and enjoy their anonymity and privacy just a little while longer. Little do they know that a ruthless photographer who will stop at nothing to get the ‘money’ shot has set his sites on Jaxon.
The bond between them becomes stronger as the weeks pass bringing Christmas closer, when Jax’s family will come to Australia and learn the truth about his one true love. It starts off a little rocky, but the more time Jax’s family spends with him and Liam seeing first hand just how much they truly love each other, the waters eventually smooth out. But that annoying Pap is still stalking them on the side lines, still waiting for them to let down their guard, just once. The date is set for Jaxon to come out and publically announce his relationship with Liam. But things don’t always go as planned. When the public learns the truth about Jaxon’s sexuality an overzealous fan strikes out at Liam, leaving him in a coma.
Velden has created two vastly different characters and woven their lives and story together seamlessly with pen and paper. They love each other with so much passion, and it’s clearly evident to the reader. They both have their own strengths and weaknesses, but they compliment each other so well that it all balances out. When Liam is insecure, Jaxon is his rock. When Jaxon is lost, Liam is his home and shows him the way.
Anyone that reads M/M will absolutely love this series, I’m certain of it. There is just that perfect balance of romance, mystery, intrigue and sweaty sex that all us fans of the genre crave!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
The Race is On picks up right where Same Page left off, literally. Jaxon is leaving the hotel under the prying eyes of the paparazzi while Garrett sneaks Liam out through the underground garage. Jaxon would gladly tell every last one of them exactly who he loved, but Liam isn’t quite ready for the spotlight yet. They’ve decided to wait until Jax’s current film raps and enjoy their anonymity and privacy just a little while longer. Little do they know that a ruthless photographer who will stop at nothing to get the ‘money’ shot has set his sites on Jaxon.
The bond between them becomes stronger as the weeks pass bringing Christmas closer, when Jax’s family will come to Australia and learn the truth about his one true love. It starts off a little rocky, but the more time Jax’s family spends with him and Liam seeing first hand just how much they truly love each other, the waters eventually smooth out. But that annoying Pap is still stalking them on the side lines, still waiting for them to let down their guard, just once. The date is set for Jaxon to come out and publically announce his relationship with Liam. But things don’t always go as planned. When the public learns the truth about Jaxon’s sexuality an overzealous fan strikes out at Liam, leaving him in a coma.
Velden has created two vastly different characters and woven their lives and story together seamlessly with pen and paper. They love each other with so much passion, and it’s clearly evident to the reader. They both have their own strengths and weaknesses, but they compliment each other so well that it all balances out. When Liam is insecure, Jaxon is his rock. When Jaxon is lost, Liam is his home and shows him the way.
Anyone that reads M/M will absolutely love this series, I’m certain of it. There is just that perfect balance of romance, mystery, intrigue and sweaty sex that all us fans of the genre crave!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
December 2, 2013
Once again I was an idiot. I was an idiot to wait so long to read this book, after reading Same Page and loving it. I don’t know why I didn’t immediately reach for this one. Now, I have corrected that mistake…thank god for that. The book is amazing!!
The story begins with Liam and Jaxon picking up where they left off in book one. Jax is ready to announce to the world and his family that he is gay. Liam is worried what this will do to Jaxon’s career and the end of his privacy. What is also happening in this story is a paparazzi photographer is trying to “uncover” Jaxon’s secret.
This story had everything I love, it had romance, hot hot sex, witty banter, and moments I was close to bursting into tears. What I liked about this story was the multiple POV’s, we are able to hear Jaxon’s and Liam’s POV as well as the Paparazzi photographer. It certainly helped in understanding what everyone was thinking and feeling.
And I wanted to mention the sex, the OH.MY.GOD hot sex!!! And yes, there was a lot of it in this story (and i am not complaining at all). What I found wonderful about the sex scenes was the high level of emotion I felt from them. While often times sex scenes in books are hot and steamy, one scene in particular absolutely melted my heart! The days leading up to the monumental sex scene were making me laugh out loud, once the moment arrived I was ready to burst into tears and splash water on my heated face. I actually had to text a friend who has read the book and talk about it! (thanks Macky dear).
This story flowed well and the writing was excellent, i never wanted it to end. Thank you Lily for writing a TOTALLY AWESOME BOOK! OMG OMG!!
The story begins with Liam and Jaxon picking up where they left off in book one. Jax is ready to announce to the world and his family that he is gay. Liam is worried what this will do to Jaxon’s career and the end of his privacy. What is also happening in this story is a paparazzi photographer is trying to “uncover” Jaxon’s secret.
This story had everything I love, it had romance, hot hot sex, witty banter, and moments I was close to bursting into tears. What I liked about this story was the multiple POV’s, we are able to hear Jaxon’s and Liam’s POV as well as the Paparazzi photographer. It certainly helped in understanding what everyone was thinking and feeling.
And I wanted to mention the sex, the OH.MY.GOD hot sex!!! And yes, there was a lot of it in this story (and i am not complaining at all). What I found wonderful about the sex scenes was the high level of emotion I felt from them. While often times sex scenes in books are hot and steamy, one scene in particular absolutely melted my heart! The days leading up to the monumental sex scene were making me laugh out loud, once the moment arrived I was ready to burst into tears and splash water on my heated face. I actually had to text a friend who has read the book and talk about it! (thanks Macky dear).
This story flowed well and the writing was excellent, i never wanted it to end. Thank you Lily for writing a TOTALLY AWESOME BOOK! OMG OMG!!
September 27, 2013
Loved loved loved!!! I love these boys!
Jaxon and Liam are flesh and blood real. These boys literately sprang off the pages as I was reading. Their emotions, mannerisms, antics, and shenanigans are so palpable, so realistic, you lose yourself in them. You will think about these two long after you finished reading, wanting and needing more.
The Race is On is the follow up to Same Page, which I loved and it starts right where we left off, with Jaxon and Liam finally together and declaring themselves to each other. We were also teased with some trepidation with Rafael, the uber gung-ho paparazzi hell bent on getting his money shot, convinced Jaxon is in love, but with who?
Lily Velden did an excellent job of moving us forward.
The Race Is On envelops you in love and romance. Jax and Liam are just so in love and it just oozes with every page. There love is so realistic with all the fears of "messing up" in a new romance, all the cravings to spend all their time together, and all the self discoveries they learn from one another. I was a grinning fool for these two!
There is also some very humorous moments compliments of Jax's exuberant personality as well as Liam, who is normally very reserved. Can I just say sometimes a hickey can cause loads of embarrassment!!
We also had some drama. Jax's coming out to his family and the intrepid Rafael, on the hunt for that perfect shot, not realizing the danger it will cause. And there was some definite danger towards the end wrapped up in some very difficult hurt. Oh my did my heart hurt for Jax and Liam. A very serious dramatic situation. Your heart will definitely pound!
But mostly it was a story of love and discovery. A very sweet love story. The dialogue once again was perfect as well as the emotions. Some definite growth in the parts of the characters and Lily Velden truly out did herself bringing it all to the surface in such a realistic way. You really believe the love, and not just between two men, but two people just brimming with it.
Lots of smexiness going on too. I am such a stickler with sex scenes. I have found more times than not with a story this size that if you inundate the reader with sex, you lose the story line. More is not always better. Always a huge disappointment to me. But Lily Verden did an amazing job with them too. They were all completely appropriate to what was going on and they were done so beautifully, truly making love came to mind for me. Not that there weren't any grabbing and wall banging smexiness because there was, but they were perfectly appropriate.
Perfect, I use that word a lot don't I? Well, perfect is the only way I can describe these two. A beautifully written, perfect and realistic love Jax and Liam have reached.
I was giving myself some serious hugs by the time I finished!
And there is one more book to go for these two!
I got a little sneak peek of a few chapters of Happily Ever, book 3...Jealous?? Ha!...Definite warm fuzzies and I love how their lives and family have become everything to them. But I am certain Lily isn't going to make things that easy for them either.
Looking forward to that, loving these boys!
Jaxon and Liam are flesh and blood real. These boys literately sprang off the pages as I was reading. Their emotions, mannerisms, antics, and shenanigans are so palpable, so realistic, you lose yourself in them. You will think about these two long after you finished reading, wanting and needing more.
The Race is On is the follow up to Same Page, which I loved and it starts right where we left off, with Jaxon and Liam finally together and declaring themselves to each other. We were also teased with some trepidation with Rafael, the uber gung-ho paparazzi hell bent on getting his money shot, convinced Jaxon is in love, but with who?
Lily Velden did an excellent job of moving us forward.
The Race Is On envelops you in love and romance. Jax and Liam are just so in love and it just oozes with every page. There love is so realistic with all the fears of "messing up" in a new romance, all the cravings to spend all their time together, and all the self discoveries they learn from one another. I was a grinning fool for these two!
There is also some very humorous moments compliments of Jax's exuberant personality as well as Liam, who is normally very reserved. Can I just say sometimes a hickey can cause loads of embarrassment!!
We also had some drama. Jax's coming out to his family and the intrepid Rafael, on the hunt for that perfect shot, not realizing the danger it will cause. And there was some definite danger towards the end wrapped up in some very difficult hurt. Oh my did my heart hurt for Jax and Liam. A very serious dramatic situation. Your heart will definitely pound!
But mostly it was a story of love and discovery. A very sweet love story. The dialogue once again was perfect as well as the emotions. Some definite growth in the parts of the characters and Lily Velden truly out did herself bringing it all to the surface in such a realistic way. You really believe the love, and not just between two men, but two people just brimming with it.
Lots of smexiness going on too. I am such a stickler with sex scenes. I have found more times than not with a story this size that if you inundate the reader with sex, you lose the story line. More is not always better. Always a huge disappointment to me. But Lily Verden did an amazing job with them too. They were all completely appropriate to what was going on and they were done so beautifully, truly making love came to mind for me. Not that there weren't any grabbing and wall banging smexiness because there was, but they were perfectly appropriate.
Perfect, I use that word a lot don't I? Well, perfect is the only way I can describe these two. A beautifully written, perfect and realistic love Jax and Liam have reached.
I was giving myself some serious hugs by the time I finished!
And there is one more book to go for these two!
I got a little sneak peek of a few chapters of Happily Ever, book 3...Jealous?? Ha!...Definite warm fuzzies and I love how their lives and family have become everything to them. But I am certain Lily isn't going to make things that easy for them either.
Looking forward to that, loving these boys!
August 11, 2013
Let me start by saying that I loved this book. That said there were a few things I wished the author had toned down a bit...The whole Buddy & Maestro thing was cute to a point but there was a little too much of it for me.
But I still give this book 5 stars because I loved the characters so much. The supporting characters were well drawn and very entertaining. I loved the t-shirts and gag gifts.
But Jaxon and Liam were my favorite by far. They were not perfect and they made mistakes. Jaxon tends to be spoiled and selfish but he truly doesn't mean too and is quick to accept his faults and learn from them. Liam is more apt to focus on wanting to do what he thinks Jaxon wants and not voicing what he wants and needs. But he won't let Jaxon get away with being an ass either.
It was nice to see that Liam was the one resistant to Jaxon coming out for very valid reasons. Wary may be a better word than resistant though. He was concerned about Jaxons career, the way the public would react and the way Jaxons family would react.
It was nice to see a character secure in the belief that his family would love and accept him being gay. It was also nice that he was right for the most part and the only negative reaction was more of concern about the very things that worried Liam.
I loved the way it ended. To me Jaxon didn't give up anything. He reached for other dreams that fit with the life he wanted.
But I still give this book 5 stars because I loved the characters so much. The supporting characters were well drawn and very entertaining. I loved the t-shirts and gag gifts.
But Jaxon and Liam were my favorite by far. They were not perfect and they made mistakes. Jaxon tends to be spoiled and selfish but he truly doesn't mean too and is quick to accept his faults and learn from them. Liam is more apt to focus on wanting to do what he thinks Jaxon wants and not voicing what he wants and needs. But he won't let Jaxon get away with being an ass either.
It was nice to see that Liam was the one resistant to Jaxon coming out for very valid reasons. Wary may be a better word than resistant though. He was concerned about Jaxons career, the way the public would react and the way Jaxons family would react.
It was nice to see a character secure in the belief that his family would love and accept him being gay. It was also nice that he was right for the most part and the only negative reaction was more of concern about the very things that worried Liam.
I loved the way it ended. To me Jaxon didn't give up anything. He reached for other dreams that fit with the life he wanted.
May 18, 2016
At first, starting this book, it felt more like a renarration of "Buddys Adventures and other Ta?les" than a story about Jax and Liam and I started to get irritated - fortunately this feeling was VERY short-lived and I was so very wrong to think this way for even mere seconds.
Then I thought I couldn't say much more about this book than about the first - I loved it, I enjoyed myself immensely a I really REALLY felt like falling onto an soft pillow, sinking into its rosy-colored fluffy depth and loosing myself there for a little happy-time.
And then... BAM... angst... used and measured perfectly well for this story. In other cicumstances it might have felt too much, but with these two... a seamless fit and supplement for their realtionship-issues and unraveleing plotline.
So my conclusion is - RAVING SUCCESS WITH THIS WHOLE SERIES AND THIS COUPLE - SIMPLY ADORABLE!!!!
Then I thought I couldn't say much more about this book than about the first - I loved it, I enjoyed myself immensely a I really REALLY felt like falling onto an soft pillow, sinking into its rosy-colored fluffy depth and loosing myself there for a little happy-time.
And then... BAM... angst... used and measured perfectly well for this story. In other cicumstances it might have felt too much, but with these two... a seamless fit and supplement for their realtionship-issues and unraveleing plotline.
So my conclusion is - RAVING SUCCESS WITH THIS WHOLE SERIES AND THIS COUPLE - SIMPLY ADORABLE!!!!
August 10, 2013
After reading Same Page, and thoroughly loving it, I was almost in tears at the end, thinking that it was the end of the story. It wasn't fair, I wanted to know what happened next. Then I found out that part two was coming soon. So I waited somewhat impatiently to read the rest of the story. I was not disappointed. This is such a beautiful story with completely adorable lead roles. Two beautiful men that were not afraid to cry or laugh together. Hosting many loveable support characters, you can't help but be drawn into the story. A beautifully written and poignant love story. It is a must read for everyone
September 19, 2013
This was a wonderful follow up. The story of Jaxon and Liam was so well done, I was afraid a sequel would be lacking. But the it was amazingly well done. Raphael's role as the bad guy hovering in the background added a menace to the story that just heightened the suspense. My only criticism was the clean up. Like Jaxon, I felt it was too much for me to forgive the pap. Liam stayed true to his character--forgiving slights. I couldn't be so generous. I do want Grace and Mrs B to find love, but not with that prick of a photographer. All in all though a great read.
August 18, 2013
Velden does a wonderful job of continuing her story with a great cast of characters. The pace and the storyline from the first novel continue seamlessly with the first novel and, in fact, I believe this novel can stand alone in its own right. Velden’s true strength however is writing sex scenes, and let me tell you this author can write sex scenes.
You can read the rest of Bruce's review at The Novel Approach
You can read the rest of Bruce's review at The Novel Approach
August 26, 2013
Oh my goodness! This book was unbelievably good. I liked it better than the first one and that's saying a lot. The bathroom scene in the bar was too hilarious!! It still has me cracking up! For once someone isn't afraid to talk about normal bodily functions or to address personal issues with gay sex. Ok, TMI! Forgiveness isn't something you do for others, but rather something you do for yourself. Even though it wasn't spelt out, Liam has such a kind soul, and he forgave. Something good came out of something bad....the best HEA there is!
September 5, 2013
Amazing! It was romantic, poetic and just so freaking awesome! I enjoyed every word and will never forget the characters in this series. They have become so real to me, that I already miss them. I laughed and smiled and loved them all through their journey. There was a few chapters that I was crying uncontrollably for and had to take a break from the book, but that I believe is a testament to how much I came to love them.
Just beautiful..........
Just beautiful..........
September 29, 2014
5 Kajillionzillion+ STARS!!! I didn't want it to end... EVER! Such a brilliant story. I fell in absolute love with both MC's, and found myself wishing this was one of those never ending series like the 'In Death" one. Maybe the author will take pity on us and release a book three.. Please, please, please......
Off to read the books a second time......
Off to read the books a second time......
September 15, 2023
This is one of those series that makes me stress about finishing the book... when I have no more Liam & Jax time. I will miss them and have to re-read this series again and again to get my fix.
At reread, the girly language got to me a bit
Originally read Aug 2014
Reread July 2017
At reread, the girly language got to me a bit
Originally read Aug 2014
Reread July 2017
December 24, 2016
Jaxon découvre pour la première fois qu'il est amoureux et comme dans sa vie d'acteur, il se lance à fond dans sa relation avec Liam. Car même s'il était hétéro, il n'a pas peur de son intimité avec Liam, il est toujours en manque de son homme. C'est touchant attendrissant et hot.
August 22, 2013
4.5 out of 5.
It may be a need for a third book to round up the secondary characters relationships. Maybe 5-10 years down the characters' lives.
It may be a need for a third book to round up the secondary characters relationships. Maybe 5-10 years down the characters' lives.
September 7, 2013
The last 1/4 of this book is very good but I'm sorry to say that I struggled to get there. Liam & Jax are both very sweet, maybe a little too sweet for my taste.
November 5, 2013
Ohhhh this was so much better than the first book. I loved the H.E.A. ending I got. I also love Nathaniel and wished we heard more about him.
December 8, 2013
must read! ;)
September 3, 2016
4.5 stars..
Loved it!
Loved it!
June 29, 2014
Part 2 is as great as part 1.
Loved it!!!
Loved it!!!
October 7, 2014
I loved this book!! Omg! This second part was so intense! The relationship between them, coming out to jaxson's family, abs to the whoke world. I loved it!!
October 5, 2015
4 'Absolutely love this couple and their journey' stars.
September 6, 2016
2.9 stars rounded up.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews