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Getting Off
JJ is certain he’s got everything figured out. He’s straight, right? He’s just not into the hookup culture prevalent on his college soccer team. But he’s trying to hide that to avoid getting on his team captain’s bad side.
Kade is anything but straight. Out and proud, he’s curious about how the “other half” lives… even as his best friends remind him there’s more to the LGBTQ+ community than just the “G.” Curious, Kade texts JJ a simple question: do straight guys ever get off together?
When JJ’s reply leads to a head-spinning sexual spark, he starts questioning everything he knows about his sexuality, both in terms of who he’s attracted to, and also why hookups have never been his thing. But when JJ endures trauma that confuses him more, he starts pushing Kade away. Kade has to learn how to be a supportive friend, and more than that, a supportive partner, or risk losing JJ altogether. And JJ? He has to fight for his team to be team players, even when they suspect he’s “playing for the other team.”
Kade is anything but straight. Out and proud, he’s curious about how the “other half” lives… even as his best friends remind him there’s more to the LGBTQ+ community than just the “G.” Curious, Kade texts JJ a simple question: do straight guys ever get off together?
When JJ’s reply leads to a head-spinning sexual spark, he starts questioning everything he knows about his sexuality, both in terms of who he’s attracted to, and also why hookups have never been his thing. But when JJ endures trauma that confuses him more, he starts pushing Kade away. Kade has to learn how to be a supportive friend, and more than that, a supportive partner, or risk losing JJ altogether. And JJ? He has to fight for his team to be team players, even when they suspect he’s “playing for the other team.”
238 pages, ebook
First published February 8, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 17, 2022
I feel bad giving Getting Off a low rating, especially since I found out in the author's note that the story has personal meaning for them, but Getting Off was not only a slog to get through but it also didn't feel much like a romance book.
Trigger warnings: sexual assault, biphobia
I didn't hate this book, but I do feel like I have a bit to unpack here. First of all, I felt like the story had an awkward start and an vibe that didn't quite carry through during the rest of the story. In the beginning, Kade had big energy and was a moderately interesting character, but I felt like as the story progressed, it went from two MCs with equal things going on to just being about JJ's struggles. Kade felt more like a prop and a support for JJ, and the story morphed from a budding romance to make about JJ's personal journey. I think the author felt like telling JJ's story, and the romance was a bit slapped together to round out the book.
Speaking of Kade, I really didn't enjoy his biphobia at the beginning of the story, for a number of reasons. To start, it felt really blatant and awkward, especially with a bunch of bi friends and with him being pretty well-informed in general. His comments were off-putting, especially because I felt like it was inserted into the story to give the author space to preach about biphobia in general. I didn't like it and I feel like it was the wrong choice for his character.
The central focus of the story is really on JJ's and his sexual assault, his difficulties coming to terms with his sexuality, and his experiences with his soccer team. If I'm being fully honest, I read romance for a good romance, and I didn't think this was quite that. It was a moderately interesting story otherwise with an okay HFN sort of romance, but it wasn't what I was expecting and it certainly was different from the tone at the start of the book.
Not a hit for me, but hopefully it will connect with the right readers.
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Trigger warnings: sexual assault, biphobia
I didn't hate this book, but I do feel like I have a bit to unpack here. First of all, I felt like the story had an awkward start and an vibe that didn't quite carry through during the rest of the story. In the beginning, Kade had big energy and was a moderately interesting character, but I felt like as the story progressed, it went from two MCs with equal things going on to just being about JJ's struggles. Kade felt more like a prop and a support for JJ, and the story morphed from a budding romance to make about JJ's personal journey. I think the author felt like telling JJ's story, and the romance was a bit slapped together to round out the book.
Speaking of Kade, I really didn't enjoy his biphobia at the beginning of the story, for a number of reasons. To start, it felt really blatant and awkward, especially with a bunch of bi friends and with him being pretty well-informed in general. His comments were off-putting, especially because I felt like it was inserted into the story to give the author space to preach about biphobia in general. I didn't like it and I feel like it was the wrong choice for his character.
The central focus of the story is really on JJ's and his sexual assault, his difficulties coming to terms with his sexuality, and his experiences with his soccer team. If I'm being fully honest, I read romance for a good romance, and I didn't think this was quite that. It was a moderately interesting story otherwise with an okay HFN sort of romance, but it wasn't what I was expecting and it certainly was different from the tone at the start of the book.
Not a hit for me, but hopefully it will connect with the right readers.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
February 9, 2022
Thanks to NineStar Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
KADE: Do you…get off? Sorry
KADE: Told you this was personal.
JJ: Yeah. Occasionally, lol. Why? Do you want to see for yourself?
JJ: Tomorrow. 2pm. Come if you want.
KADE: Pun intended?
You might be thinking “the premise of this book sounds like the start of a porno movie”, well Kade would agree with you. The book starts with Kade texting JJ asking him if straight guys ever jerk off with each other, and JJ tells him to come and see for himself. You can guess what happens next.
”And here we are, two guys. One supposedly straight. One definitely not. And we’re getting ready to watch gay porn. Together. Naked. I’d say it’s not weird, but it absolutely, 1000 percent is.”
It’s hard to take it all seriously until we get to JJ’s pov and see that he’s actually struggling a lot with his sexuality and saw this as an opportunity to help figure himself out. JJ’s chapters read a lot like something from the mind of an anxious person, a lot of fast thoughts and second guessing himself all the time.
Things between Kade and JJ don’t progress very well JJ decides he wants to get his mind off Kade and goes out on a date that ends in sexual assault. Even if I did not love every aspect of this book, I really love how it handled the sexual assault and especially considering it was a woman who assaulted a man which is often times dismissed.
“He pulls back, and I know what he’s probably thinking. She’s a girl. He’s a guy. Assault doesn’t work like that. Except when it does.”
The rest of the story is more about JJ struggling to come to terms with what happened to him, and struggling with his sexuality and inner homophobia, while Kade struggles to be there for JJ while also trying to not be left feeling like someone’s experiment. In a bold move the author made Kade biphobic, which I can see would bother a lot of readers and did bother me until I read more and saw what the author was trying to do which was to show the issue of biphobia from within the gay community. Kade is very much called out by his friend on his thoughts and it becomes a bit of character development for Kade when we see how harmful his words are.
The books ends with a HFN and overall it was an okay read. If you’re looking for a typical mm romance then I think this might not be for you. The romance did not shine that much to me, and I felt like the topics that the book addressed were more of a focus. That being said I still think the topics were addressed really well and I commend the author for doing such a good job.
KADE: Do you…get off? Sorry
KADE: Told you this was personal.
JJ: Yeah. Occasionally, lol. Why? Do you want to see for yourself?
JJ: Tomorrow. 2pm. Come if you want.
KADE: Pun intended?
You might be thinking “the premise of this book sounds like the start of a porno movie”, well Kade would agree with you. The book starts with Kade texting JJ asking him if straight guys ever jerk off with each other, and JJ tells him to come and see for himself. You can guess what happens next.
”And here we are, two guys. One supposedly straight. One definitely not. And we’re getting ready to watch gay porn. Together. Naked. I’d say it’s not weird, but it absolutely, 1000 percent is.”
It’s hard to take it all seriously until we get to JJ’s pov and see that he’s actually struggling a lot with his sexuality and saw this as an opportunity to help figure himself out. JJ’s chapters read a lot like something from the mind of an anxious person, a lot of fast thoughts and second guessing himself all the time.
Things between Kade and JJ don’t progress very well JJ decides he wants to get his mind off Kade and goes out on a date that ends in sexual assault. Even if I did not love every aspect of this book, I really love how it handled the sexual assault and especially considering it was a woman who assaulted a man which is often times dismissed.
“He pulls back, and I know what he’s probably thinking. She’s a girl. He’s a guy. Assault doesn’t work like that. Except when it does.”
The rest of the story is more about JJ struggling to come to terms with what happened to him, and struggling with his sexuality and inner homophobia, while Kade struggles to be there for JJ while also trying to not be left feeling like someone’s experiment. In a bold move the author made Kade biphobic, which I can see would bother a lot of readers and did bother me until I read more and saw what the author was trying to do which was to show the issue of biphobia from within the gay community. Kade is very much called out by his friend on his thoughts and it becomes a bit of character development for Kade when we see how harmful his words are.
The books ends with a HFN and overall it was an okay read. If you’re looking for a typical mm romance then I think this might not be for you. The romance did not shine that much to me, and I felt like the topics that the book addressed were more of a focus. That being said I still think the topics were addressed really well and I commend the author for doing such a good job.
January 28, 2022
This book was a bit of a departure from the queer books that I normally read. I tend to stick to romances filled with queer joy and usually avoid those that deal with the harsher realities of life (trigger warnings from the author are below), but I felt a need to read this one and I’m glad that I did. Getting Off is a new adult romance and the story of JJ who is discovering his sexuality as a bi man somewhere on the demi/ace/aro scale, with the help of his friend Kade, who is an out and proud gay man. When JJ becomes the survivor of a sexual assault, life at school becomes uncomfortable and he must navigate his way through unfamiliar territory and learn to rely and trust in those around him.
Like I said, this book deals with a lot heavier topics than I usually choose to read, but everything in this book was handled so well. In the author’s note, J.R. discusses how this was a very personal story for them and the care they put in to the story is very apparent. I really liked both JJ and Kade. I appreciated that both were flawed and had their own issues and prejudices that they needed to overcome. I really liked that this was dual POV because I felt like I truly got to know each character and how they thought. I really liked that while this book dealt with difficult subjects, it was at the end of the day hopeful. The lives of both JJ and Kade were filled with support and they did earn their happy ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and NineStar Press LLC for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings from the author: homophobia, homophobic slurs, bi-erasure, biphobia, sexual assault (on page), forced outing
Like I said, this book deals with a lot heavier topics than I usually choose to read, but everything in this book was handled so well. In the author’s note, J.R. discusses how this was a very personal story for them and the care they put in to the story is very apparent. I really liked both JJ and Kade. I appreciated that both were flawed and had their own issues and prejudices that they needed to overcome. I really liked that this was dual POV because I felt like I truly got to know each character and how they thought. I really liked that while this book dealt with difficult subjects, it was at the end of the day hopeful. The lives of both JJ and Kade were filled with support and they did earn their happy ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and NineStar Press LLC for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings from the author: homophobia, homophobic slurs, bi-erasure, biphobia, sexual assault (on page), forced outing
February 3, 2022
I was provided with a review copy of this book by NetGalley.
I wasn't expecting what this book gave to me, and it made me happily surprise with how much responsibility delicate themes were talked about. We have a main character that is openly gay, don't struggle with his sexuality and don't waste a second breath about it, but at the same time he's biphobic and has a lot of prejudices that most of the times are not treated how they should be. This character is real, has flaws and grows with time, he at first don't understand why he's wrong on his prejudice, but chapter after chapter you can see that he's trying to be better and do better.
At the other side we have a guy who all his life though he was straight, until he wasn't? And that's were most people hate this kind of "gay-for-you" trope, but here's the thing: this is also acephobic. The gay-for-you, even if some times is terrible written, can be also a very good way to represent the demisexuality, like on this book. Another thing that I loved about this is that the character is demisexual AND bisexual. There's a lot of misunderstandings about asexuality, like it's this exclusive sexuality, when it's actually a espectrum that coexist with the sexual orientation of the person. Awesome representation, I highlighted so many quotes that looked like it was my diary and not a book about a fictional character.
Another delicate plot was the sexual assault and the toxic masculinity that the victim had to deal with. It's really hard to see this point of the stories being retracted on books, but the way he felted like he was the defect one before realizing his sexuality espectrum was so relatable that hurts. It's probably something that most assexual people lived through life, the pressure and the confusion and the bitter aftertaste of doing something you didn't wanted too but can't actually explain why you didn't. It's also awesome how it shows that even if someone ace is in a relationship with someone who's allo they can make it work with talking and listening. Really refreshing to read a book where I can see myself and my relationship and be happy with it.
Last but not less, the therapy! Thank. God. I love when characters look for ACTUAL, PROFESSIONAL help. It's so important, and the prejudice against it still makes so hard to people look for it, even when they need it the most. It was very accurate too, nothing out of line no miracle, just the help the character needed to straight his thoughts and have a clean mind to think about solutions that would make him happier.
Overall this book made me absolutely happy and I couldn't sleep before finish it. If it has flaws and couldn't see it, to me all the characters were painful relatable, the problems they had were real and I'm thrilled to read everything else J.R. brings out to us.
I wasn't expecting what this book gave to me, and it made me happily surprise with how much responsibility delicate themes were talked about. We have a main character that is openly gay, don't struggle with his sexuality and don't waste a second breath about it, but at the same time he's biphobic and has a lot of prejudices that most of the times are not treated how they should be. This character is real, has flaws and grows with time, he at first don't understand why he's wrong on his prejudice, but chapter after chapter you can see that he's trying to be better and do better.
At the other side we have a guy who all his life though he was straight, until he wasn't? And that's were most people hate this kind of "gay-for-you" trope, but here's the thing: this is also acephobic. The gay-for-you, even if some times is terrible written, can be also a very good way to represent the demisexuality, like on this book. Another thing that I loved about this is that the character is demisexual AND bisexual. There's a lot of misunderstandings about asexuality, like it's this exclusive sexuality, when it's actually a espectrum that coexist with the sexual orientation of the person. Awesome representation, I highlighted so many quotes that looked like it was my diary and not a book about a fictional character.
Another delicate plot was the sexual assault and the toxic masculinity that the victim had to deal with. It's really hard to see this point of the stories being retracted on books, but the way he felted like he was the defect one before realizing his sexuality espectrum was so relatable that hurts. It's probably something that most assexual people lived through life, the pressure and the confusion and the bitter aftertaste of doing something you didn't wanted too but can't actually explain why you didn't. It's also awesome how it shows that even if someone ace is in a relationship with someone who's allo they can make it work with talking and listening. Really refreshing to read a book where I can see myself and my relationship and be happy with it.
Last but not less, the therapy! Thank. God. I love when characters look for ACTUAL, PROFESSIONAL help. It's so important, and the prejudice against it still makes so hard to people look for it, even when they need it the most. It was very accurate too, nothing out of line no miracle, just the help the character needed to straight his thoughts and have a clean mind to think about solutions that would make him happier.
Overall this book made me absolutely happy and I couldn't sleep before finish it. If it has flaws and couldn't see it, to me all the characters were painful relatable, the problems they had were real and I'm thrilled to read everything else J.R. brings out to us.
February 1, 2022
Uau. This was one emotional ride. I loved reading this story about JJ and Kade's relationship, but mostly I felt this was mostly about JJ finding himself and coming to terms with his sexuality. It was angsty and beautiful at the same time and quite educational for someone like me who, despite not being queer, wants to be a better ally for those who are. I feel like this was quite a personal story and i thank the author for sharing this with us. Would recomment this without a doubt ❤️
*E-Arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for any honest review
*E-Arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for any honest review
January 31, 2022
This book was a little different from what I normally read, but I am so excited that I did. If you have any triggers you definitely need to pay attention to the trigger warning, it's there for a reason. This story is a story of discovery and survival after trauma. I loved the dual POV letting us meet and get to know both MC's. The book is well written and has a great storyline and the author shows a real knowledge of how to get through some delicate topics with sensitivity.
January 30, 2022
Than you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for a review.
You will find it soon on my blog!
You will find it soon on my blog!
February 4, 2022
Getting off is an MM college romance about the relationship between a Kade, an openly gay man, and JJ, a man who identifies at straight but finds himself attracted to Kade and questioning his sexuality.
This novel had a few things I liked. It started off with a fun, spicy scene right away, and the spicy scenes were sprinkled throughout the book. I really liked them and thought they were well done. I liked the complicated dynamics between the characters, and how they changed as they navigated their relationship. I also like the changing points of view - this is one of my favorite romance styles and it was done well.
There were a few things that didn't work for me. Overall, it felt like the author's purpose was to educate the reader on sexuality and issues related to sexuality, rather than tell a good story. Sometimes I felt like I was being lectured or preached too; that the characters speaks was just a way for the author to educate the reader on certain topics. It felt a little condescending at times. I also found JJ's point of view to be extremely tedious. I understand that the author wanted to show him as confused and overthinking things, but he would repeat himself 5 or 6 times, going on for several pages with the same thought or idea. This could have been cut down significantly.
Overall, this story may be meaningful and educational to someone who has questions regarding sexuality. I've read several books in this genre, and while it wasn't the best, it wasn't the worst either.
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this book..
This novel had a few things I liked. It started off with a fun, spicy scene right away, and the spicy scenes were sprinkled throughout the book. I really liked them and thought they were well done. I liked the complicated dynamics between the characters, and how they changed as they navigated their relationship. I also like the changing points of view - this is one of my favorite romance styles and it was done well.
There were a few things that didn't work for me. Overall, it felt like the author's purpose was to educate the reader on sexuality and issues related to sexuality, rather than tell a good story. Sometimes I felt like I was being lectured or preached too; that the characters speaks was just a way for the author to educate the reader on certain topics. It felt a little condescending at times. I also found JJ's point of view to be extremely tedious. I understand that the author wanted to show him as confused and overthinking things, but he would repeat himself 5 or 6 times, going on for several pages with the same thought or idea. This could have been cut down significantly.
Overall, this story may be meaningful and educational to someone who has questions regarding sexuality. I've read several books in this genre, and while it wasn't the best, it wasn't the worst either.
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this book..
February 7, 2022
Thanks Netgalley, for the book to review!
I really, really wanted to love this book. A jock, bi-awakening and some angst thrown in? Normally right up my alley. In this case though... Not so much. While there were many great lines of dialogue, there were also so many times I just wanted JJ to get.out.of.his.head. The angst and chronic over analyzing of every single action, thought, emotion just go to to be... too much. WAY too much at times.
The upside? I appreciated the inclusion of a demi-sexual character! I read a LOT of m/m and f/f romance, and have seen this sexuality represented in only a handful of books. Cheers to the author for giving the readers an array of sexualities, instead of the typical "straight to gay" trope.
Overall, I would recommend this if someone is looking for a book with character diversity, coming out, and bi-awakening.
I really, really wanted to love this book. A jock, bi-awakening and some angst thrown in? Normally right up my alley. In this case though... Not so much. While there were many great lines of dialogue, there were also so many times I just wanted JJ to get.out.of.his.head. The angst and chronic over analyzing of every single action, thought, emotion just go to to be... too much. WAY too much at times.
The upside? I appreciated the inclusion of a demi-sexual character! I read a LOT of m/m and f/f romance, and have seen this sexuality represented in only a handful of books. Cheers to the author for giving the readers an array of sexualities, instead of the typical "straight to gay" trope.
Overall, I would recommend this if someone is looking for a book with character diversity, coming out, and bi-awakening.
Shelved as 'featured'
March 27, 2022
February 16, 2022
This was an incredibly nuanced book. I had no idea what I was in for. The blurb makes this book sound like a typical college jock realizing he’s not as straight at he thought he was. What we actually got was an incredibly difficult journey of one man coming to terms with his whole life being rearranged.
Kade nearly seemed to be a secondary character throughout the whole book. This was basically a book about JJ discovering himself and not Kade and JJ discovering each other. Still, I love the absolute nuanced way that sexuality was explained and all of its various degrees. Sexuality is not black and white, it is all different shades of gray and we can all slip in there wherever we feel is appropriate for us. This seemed to be what JJ had the most trouble accepting: that he wasn’t a black-and-white type of person, but somewhere in between.
JJ’s mind often felt chaotic in a way that I would’ve imagined somebody going through such an situation would. I had empathy for him when he was going through so many tough breaks at once. Kade was a source of conflict and comfort for JJ. It was a very push/pull dynamic but oftentimes felt frustrating to me. Kade was patient and accepting of JJ in every way. That was Kade’s most precious quality.
There are content warnings at the beginning of the book. Be sure to heed those. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the journey that JJ went on.
*I received a copy of this book from NineStar Press and this is my honest review.
Kade nearly seemed to be a secondary character throughout the whole book. This was basically a book about JJ discovering himself and not Kade and JJ discovering each other. Still, I love the absolute nuanced way that sexuality was explained and all of its various degrees. Sexuality is not black and white, it is all different shades of gray and we can all slip in there wherever we feel is appropriate for us. This seemed to be what JJ had the most trouble accepting: that he wasn’t a black-and-white type of person, but somewhere in between.
JJ’s mind often felt chaotic in a way that I would’ve imagined somebody going through such an situation would. I had empathy for him when he was going through so many tough breaks at once. Kade was a source of conflict and comfort for JJ. It was a very push/pull dynamic but oftentimes felt frustrating to me. Kade was patient and accepting of JJ in every way. That was Kade’s most precious quality.
There are content warnings at the beginning of the book. Be sure to heed those. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the journey that JJ went on.
*I received a copy of this book from NineStar Press and this is my honest review.
February 15, 2022
The summaries of this book need trigger warnings!
I have not seen any on GoodReads or Net Galley and with the events that take place in this book, they are absolutely warranted.
JJ is a college student and soccer player who is a little bit curious and a lot in denial. He's also not very informed about sexuality options beyond the heteronormative narrative. JJ is very intrigued by his classmate Kade, and uses a question from Kade as an opportunity to satisfy his curiosity. Of course, all it does is create more questions and confusion. An attempt to prove he is straight goes horribly wrong, and now he needs Kade even more.
JJ's struggle with his identity is worth reading about, especially because he doesn't fit into strict Gay/Straight boxes. Kade's friend Aiden serves as a strong advocate for bi- and pan- sexual options without seeming like he's on a soap box. It was great that Kade wasn't just instantly some perfect fairy gay-father; he needed to do a lot of learning too. JJ and Kade needed to evolve as people first before they could be anything else, which is a good message in any NA novel. I love how JJ's self-worth matures over the course of the novel and I LOVE that he gets professional help. It's important for almost everyone, but especially him.
This was a good book, but I was caught off guard by the assault, and I shouldn't have been.
I have not seen any on GoodReads or Net Galley and with the events that take place in this book, they are absolutely warranted.
JJ is a college student and soccer player who is a little bit curious and a lot in denial. He's also not very informed about sexuality options beyond the heteronormative narrative. JJ is very intrigued by his classmate Kade, and uses a question from Kade as an opportunity to satisfy his curiosity. Of course, all it does is create more questions and confusion. An attempt to prove he is straight goes horribly wrong, and now he needs Kade even more.
JJ's struggle with his identity is worth reading about, especially because he doesn't fit into strict Gay/Straight boxes. Kade's friend Aiden serves as a strong advocate for bi- and pan- sexual options without seeming like he's on a soap box. It was great that Kade wasn't just instantly some perfect fairy gay-father; he needed to do a lot of learning too. JJ and Kade needed to evolve as people first before they could be anything else, which is a good message in any NA novel. I love how JJ's self-worth matures over the course of the novel and I LOVE that he gets professional help. It's important for almost everyone, but especially him.
This was a good book, but I was caught off guard by the assault, and I shouldn't have been.
February 20, 2022
I was gifted an ebook via Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts are my own.
I've been trying to branch out and read more books outside of the m/f romances I've been reading. I've read a sapphic one recently that I loved and decided to request this m/m romance without realizing that I have another one of this author's books to review on Netgalley - which I will absolutely get to soon. I believe it's also a m/m romance.
I liked this story for the most part but I did struggle a little in the beginning because I felt some of the prose was a little repetitive. It did get a lot better as the book went on. I think the rep is fantastic. I think it's great to have biphobia coming from within the LGBT+ community addressed in here. CHALLENGED. Because YES - love a book with characters who CHALLENGE that @#%&. It was nice to have the dual perspective of both Kade and JJ. I adore both of their sets of friends - Camryn, Aiden, and Russo. And let me just tell you, my favorite part of the whole book was probably the coffee shop, Mugged. I want to believe in my heart that there is a real-life Mugged out there and I want to go there!
I've been trying to branch out and read more books outside of the m/f romances I've been reading. I've read a sapphic one recently that I loved and decided to request this m/m romance without realizing that I have another one of this author's books to review on Netgalley - which I will absolutely get to soon. I believe it's also a m/m romance.
I liked this story for the most part but I did struggle a little in the beginning because I felt some of the prose was a little repetitive. It did get a lot better as the book went on. I think the rep is fantastic. I think it's great to have biphobia coming from within the LGBT+ community addressed in here. CHALLENGED. Because YES - love a book with characters who CHALLENGE that @#%&. It was nice to have the dual perspective of both Kade and JJ. I adore both of their sets of friends - Camryn, Aiden, and Russo. And let me just tell you, my favorite part of the whole book was probably the coffee shop, Mugged. I want to believe in my heart that there is a real-life Mugged out there and I want to go there!
February 8, 2022
I just want to start this review by saying I feel so honoured to have been provided with an ARC copy of Getting Off. This felt incredibly personal, a personal story of ones search of self discovery and acceptance. Whilst highlighting the prejudices, hardships and isolation from family, friends, staff/student population and within the LGBTQ community.
I went into this story expecting a fun, light, familiar story of a Jocks Bi-awakening but this was so much more! It was very insightful/ enlightening story. It was very educational and raised very important issues the Bi, Pan, Ace and Aro community unfortunately have to face.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED JJ and Kade they were just the absolute sweetest! And the whole Spaghettigate situation was hilarious (poor JJ) it took him a while to figure what Kade was getting at.
I feel extremely reflective after reading this and will further be educating myself about the subjects within JJ and Kade's story.
I went into this story expecting a fun, light, familiar story of a Jocks Bi-awakening but this was so much more! It was very insightful/ enlightening story. It was very educational and raised very important issues the Bi, Pan, Ace and Aro community unfortunately have to face.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED JJ and Kade they were just the absolute sweetest! And the whole Spaghettigate situation was hilarious (poor JJ) it took him a while to figure what Kade was getting at.
I feel extremely reflective after reading this and will further be educating myself about the subjects within JJ and Kade's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2022
Getting Off is a great romance by JR Hart.
JJ and Kade's story is so much more than I was expecting. Their story has some tough aspects and triggers, including sexual assault.
Their story includes plenty of homophobia and biphobia, with both men really learning to deal with bisexuality as a concept. The author includes a gay character who's biphobic, which isn't a typical thing to read about. But the author nails it in every way.
This book is not for everyone. It's definitely heavy on the emotion and not a light hearted tale.
The writing is well done, with the internal conflicts fully being felt along the way. I definitely enjoyed the way the men dealt with their questioning and doubts.
Getting Off is a nice read. This JR Hart book is a college romance with plenty of serious aspects and two main characters who deal with the concept of their sexuality. It's a HFN ending, so be aware of that going into it.
JJ and Kade's story is so much more than I was expecting. Their story has some tough aspects and triggers, including sexual assault.
Their story includes plenty of homophobia and biphobia, with both men really learning to deal with bisexuality as a concept. The author includes a gay character who's biphobic, which isn't a typical thing to read about. But the author nails it in every way.
This book is not for everyone. It's definitely heavy on the emotion and not a light hearted tale.
The writing is well done, with the internal conflicts fully being felt along the way. I definitely enjoyed the way the men dealt with their questioning and doubts.
Getting Off is a nice read. This JR Hart book is a college romance with plenty of serious aspects and two main characters who deal with the concept of their sexuality. It's a HFN ending, so be aware of that going into it.
February 13, 2022
4 our of 5 stars
Major trigger warning for sexual assault
Getting Off was not what I expected. I expected a fun, sexy story about two colleges dudes living their best life and having tons of sex. This story is more serious than that. Sexual assault becomes the primary theme of the story and shapes the narrative of JJ and Kade's relationship. I appreciated the way the author handled this topic and how the characters responded and reacted,
Other sensitive topics addressed are homophobia and biphobia/erasure. Both MCs struggle with the concept of bisexuality, and their internal and external debates felt authentic.
I would have liked more glimpses into the MCs relationship prior to the incident that brought them together in a beyond-friends way.
***Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.***
Major trigger warning for sexual assault
Getting Off was not what I expected. I expected a fun, sexy story about two colleges dudes living their best life and having tons of sex. This story is more serious than that. Sexual assault becomes the primary theme of the story and shapes the narrative of JJ and Kade's relationship. I appreciated the way the author handled this topic and how the characters responded and reacted,
Other sensitive topics addressed are homophobia and biphobia/erasure. Both MCs struggle with the concept of bisexuality, and their internal and external debates felt authentic.
I would have liked more glimpses into the MCs relationship prior to the incident that brought them together in a beyond-friends way.
***Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.***
January 31, 2022
Is it too much to call this perfection in a book?! "Getting Off" starts out spicy ... very spicy. It quickly morphs into a gorgeous MLM romance, filled first-love tropes and misunderstanding tropes that made my heart quicken. This novel also comes with a very important trigger warning, and I was grateful for it, even if I'm not one who needed it. Dealing with forced outing, sexual assault, gay bashing ... unfortunately all of these are all-too-real in the queer community, and I love that this book tackles them alongside such a tender romance. This is a novel many younger queer folks should add to their shelves immediately!
February 12, 2022
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I really enjoyed this book!
I thought that this was a really good story with an excellent plot!
It was an insight into unfamiliar feelings by a young man who is trying to discover who he really is.
It was well written and the plot had a great flow to it, it was well planned out and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters as the book progressed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one - it had great attention to detail too.
It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!!
I really enjoyed this book!
I thought that this was a really good story with an excellent plot!
It was an insight into unfamiliar feelings by a young man who is trying to discover who he really is.
It was well written and the plot had a great flow to it, it was well planned out and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters as the book progressed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one - it had great attention to detail too.
It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!!
February 14, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and J.R. Hart for this ARC.
What an emotional roller coaster! This book is so so good! My heart bled for JJ so badly, I honestly just wanted to cuddle him and tell him it's okay. I thought this book was well written and you just need to read it! Please read the warnings before you start.
What an emotional roller coaster! This book is so so good! My heart bled for JJ so badly, I honestly just wanted to cuddle him and tell him it's okay. I thought this book was well written and you just need to read it! Please read the warnings before you start.
Currently reading
March 18, 2022I had the opportunity to read Getting Off, I really enjoyed the storyline between both men and their development of their relationship.
I was a bit sad the book was so short, I would have liked to see more.
The format of text messages in books I always love to read. I think it adds a bit more to the characters
I was a bit sad the book was so short, I would have liked to see more.
The format of text messages in books I always love to read. I think it adds a bit more to the characters
March 25, 2022
Like most people I was apprehensive about this book due to the sexual assault warning but luckily the author doesn't go into a lot of details about it. One of the MC is assaulted by a female and struggles most of the book with coming out and how to handle his assault.
I wish the author had spent more time on the two MC and their relationship vs his processing of the assault.
I wish the author had spent more time on the two MC and their relationship vs his processing of the assault.
August 8, 2022
Dynamic Plot
JJ is certain he’s got everything figured out. He’s straight, right? He’s just not into the hookup culture prevalent on his college soccer team. But he’s trying to hide that to avoid getting on his team captain’s bad side.
Kade is anything but straight. Out and proud, he’s curious about how the “other half” lives… even as his best friends remind him there’s more to the LGBTQ+ community than just the “G.” Curious, Kade texts JJ a simple question: do straight guys ever get off together?
When JJ’s reply leads to a head-spinning sexual spark, he starts questioning everything he knows about his sexuality, both in terms of who he’s attracted to, and also why hookups have never been his thing. But when JJ endures trauma that confuses him more, he starts pushing Kade away. Kade has to learn how to be a supportive friend, and more than that, a supportive partner, or risk losing JJ altogether. And JJ? He has to fight for his team to be team players, even when they suspect he’s “playing for the other team.”
I love romance of all types and I found this an interesting and dynamic depiction with a happy for now ending. J. R. Hart is a new author for me so I was intrigued to find this novel and check it out. I ultimately enjoyed the characters, enjoyed the plot, and found it a realistic and engaging story.
One of the reasons I found it interesting, is the use of the texts between the two characters to introduce each chapter. It added a twist on the typical story but that isn’t what kept me reading. What kept me reading was the characters themselves and how they reacted to the situations around them. JJ struggles with his emotions, his decisions and his sexuality, nothing is black and white and he feels like an outsider in the groups he’s used to being part of. As he learns with the help of friends and working through what makes him happy, his eventual choice is realistic to the character.
Kade is also unusual but truthful to anyone we meet every day. As a gay man, he struggles with accepting his bisexual friends and understanding other identities other than his own. But meeting JJ changes that and also encourages the character to grow and change. And the growth of both characters is why this story resonates. While it is primarily a romance, it informs the reader about the real culture of the LGBTQ+ community.
The plot is authentic in how both characters behave but also the backlash and homophobia that JJ experiences. But more than that, it also shows the support systems available and the outcomes that are possible if one is willing to risk speaking out and taking a stand. Without giving away the story, JJ has to face tough decisions but in doing so, finds support in places unexpected. And that realism, both the bigots and those who are supportive is true to the real world. And the ending is a satisfying conclusion to the romance between the two men.
If you love LGBTQ+ stories and romances, this is worth reading. It is both dynamic, fun, and truthful with a great deal of commentary on the world as a whole.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
JJ is certain he’s got everything figured out. He’s straight, right? He’s just not into the hookup culture prevalent on his college soccer team. But he’s trying to hide that to avoid getting on his team captain’s bad side.
Kade is anything but straight. Out and proud, he’s curious about how the “other half” lives… even as his best friends remind him there’s more to the LGBTQ+ community than just the “G.” Curious, Kade texts JJ a simple question: do straight guys ever get off together?
When JJ’s reply leads to a head-spinning sexual spark, he starts questioning everything he knows about his sexuality, both in terms of who he’s attracted to, and also why hookups have never been his thing. But when JJ endures trauma that confuses him more, he starts pushing Kade away. Kade has to learn how to be a supportive friend, and more than that, a supportive partner, or risk losing JJ altogether. And JJ? He has to fight for his team to be team players, even when they suspect he’s “playing for the other team.”
I love romance of all types and I found this an interesting and dynamic depiction with a happy for now ending. J. R. Hart is a new author for me so I was intrigued to find this novel and check it out. I ultimately enjoyed the characters, enjoyed the plot, and found it a realistic and engaging story.
One of the reasons I found it interesting, is the use of the texts between the two characters to introduce each chapter. It added a twist on the typical story but that isn’t what kept me reading. What kept me reading was the characters themselves and how they reacted to the situations around them. JJ struggles with his emotions, his decisions and his sexuality, nothing is black and white and he feels like an outsider in the groups he’s used to being part of. As he learns with the help of friends and working through what makes him happy, his eventual choice is realistic to the character.
Kade is also unusual but truthful to anyone we meet every day. As a gay man, he struggles with accepting his bisexual friends and understanding other identities other than his own. But meeting JJ changes that and also encourages the character to grow and change. And the growth of both characters is why this story resonates. While it is primarily a romance, it informs the reader about the real culture of the LGBTQ+ community.
The plot is authentic in how both characters behave but also the backlash and homophobia that JJ experiences. But more than that, it also shows the support systems available and the outcomes that are possible if one is willing to risk speaking out and taking a stand. Without giving away the story, JJ has to face tough decisions but in doing so, finds support in places unexpected. And that realism, both the bigots and those who are supportive is true to the real world. And the ending is a satisfying conclusion to the romance between the two men.
If you love LGBTQ+ stories and romances, this is worth reading. It is both dynamic, fun, and truthful with a great deal of commentary on the world as a whole.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
April 3, 2022
𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣.
𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣.
𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩.
This excerpt perfectly describes the contents of the story. Along with the hate and animosity queer people are subjected to. The authors do an amazing job of educating readers to various forms of homosexuality, while also covering hardships endured by this community.
The character development was on point, with an intensity of actions interlaced into the plot. Discussions of hesitancy issues with coming out, along with the good and bad occurrences, was handled with the upmost care. And, capturing the mental changes college students undergo enhances the experience.
JJ experiences confusion regarding his sexual orientation and discovers who is meant to be with the help of a friend, Kade. How he deals with problematic concerns, while struggling within himself, was harsh yet commendably handled. The knowledge and educational skills of the authors were an additional perk!
𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣.
𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩.
This excerpt perfectly describes the contents of the story. Along with the hate and animosity queer people are subjected to. The authors do an amazing job of educating readers to various forms of homosexuality, while also covering hardships endured by this community.
The character development was on point, with an intensity of actions interlaced into the plot. Discussions of hesitancy issues with coming out, along with the good and bad occurrences, was handled with the upmost care. And, capturing the mental changes college students undergo enhances the experience.
JJ experiences confusion regarding his sexual orientation and discovers who is meant to be with the help of a friend, Kade. How he deals with problematic concerns, while struggling within himself, was harsh yet commendably handled. The knowledge and educational skills of the authors were an additional perk!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews