Simple Things (Ele’s review)

Title: Simple Things
Author: Kade Boehme
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: March 25th 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary
Reviewed by: Ele
Heat Level: 4.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Carter Darling’s life has been a whirlwind since his mother was elected to senate when he was a teen. From private school to joining the military, he tried to make his own path while making as few ripples as possible. But an injury forced him to figure out new goals for his life. After his parents are involved a sex scandal, he decides to go back home to Tennessee to get some distance and out of the madness.

He didn’t figure on Jeremy Beck returning at the same time.

Jeremy’s finally past the rich boy angst that made for some dramatic teenage years, but he hasn’t earned back much respect from his parents playing in an indie band. Now, his band’s on hiatus and Jeremy’s looking for space from his unhealthy non-relationship with a band-mate so returning home to figure out his next step seemed like the way to go.

Their initial reunion is awkward, Carter still hurt by their last meeting and Jeremy trying to convince himself Carter’s still just his sister’s closeted little friend. But when they open up to one another again and decide a staycation fling will be a nice distraction, they may get more than they bargain for.

For two guys who’ve had so much drama in their lives, it’s surprising to find that sometimes love is found in the simple things, simple times. Who knew?

This is how it’s done, y’all!

Oh how I love Kade Boehme’s “quiet” stories. Simple things is….simple! It’s light and easy, yet real and engaging.
Swoon worthy in the end without being OTT. Simple but meaningful.

Big bonus: the cutest ginger ever! I am a goner for Carter. Not just because of his bright red hair, blue eyes, and all that smooth pale skin (dear lord!). But also, because he was kind-hearted, forgiving and compassionate. Boyfriend material!

After Carter’s parents get involved in a sex scandal, he decides to lay low and stay with his childhood friend, Sarah, for a little while, back in Tenesee. He doesn’t expect Jeremy, Sarah’s brother and Carter’s old crush, back home too.

Jeremy is a musician and a bad, bad boy. So deliciously bad and tattooed all over.

But Jeremy has his own problems to deal with, and there are some hurt feelings involved, from the past . Again, nothing that causes drama.

So at first it’s just sex. Sex so hot it burns. I can’t say that the feelings came later, because to me it was clear that these men loved each since long ago. But now they fall in love with each other and these feelings become so much stronger.

“You’re the fucking stars and home and I’m not going to marry you tomorrow, but you’re that love I found when I was too young to get it. And I thought love was supposed to hurt, and because you never hurt me, it was hard to see you.[…] I see you, Carter.

What makes this book stand out, is that it takes all these issues that could cause a major angst fest and…simplifies them. Carter and Jeremy realise that love doesn’t always have to be complicated, difficult and hurtful. It can be easy too, as long as you open yourself up. But this doesn’t mean it’s not real.

“Sometimes love is just in the quiet moments, it’s in support and friendship and wanting to be with someone because they feel like home.[…] Sometimes love is found in the simple things, the simple times. When you find a love that doesn’t hurt, that doesn’t mean it’s not real.

Extra points for Jeremy’s absolutely swoon-worthy (and funny too) declaration of love.

Highly recommended if you ‘re looking for a sexy, angst-free but still emotional story.

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