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Painted Bay #2
On Board
Leroy Madden is in trouble. Big, handsome, Fox Carmody trouble.
Leroy has buried his attraction to the enigmatic fisherman in irritation and pointless bickering, keeping Fox at a safe distance. But with the troublesome man now living in Leroy’s house, it’s becoming impossible for Leroy to keep his true feelings hidden, or the fact that Leroy maybe isn’t so straight, after all.
Leroy hungers for something different between them. He wants more. But Leroy’s business is struggling, his newly mended relationship with his brother is at risk, Fox doesn’t plan to stay, and their mothers are lovers.
Regardless of what Leroy’s heart so desperately wants, his entire world is at stake, and nothing about a relationship with Fox Carmody was ever going to be easy.
Leroy has buried his attraction to the enigmatic fisherman in irritation and pointless bickering, keeping Fox at a safe distance. But with the troublesome man now living in Leroy’s house, it’s becoming impossible for Leroy to keep his true feelings hidden, or the fact that Leroy maybe isn’t so straight, after all.
Leroy hungers for something different between them. He wants more. But Leroy’s business is struggling, his newly mended relationship with his brother is at risk, Fox doesn’t plan to stay, and their mothers are lovers.
Regardless of what Leroy’s heart so desperately wants, his entire world is at stake, and nothing about a relationship with Fox Carmody was ever going to be easy.
342 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2021
About the author
Jay Hogan
22 books824 followersJAY HOGAN IS A two time LAMBDA LITERARY FINALIST IN GAY ROMANCE in 2020 and 2024. She is a New Zealand author writing in m/m romance and romantic suspense. In another life she was an Intensive Care Nurse and a counselor. She is owned by a huge Maine Coon cat and a gorgeous Cocker Spaniel.
You can find Jay at:
https://www.subscribepage.com/jayhoga...
https://www.jayhoganauthor.com
https://www.facebook.com/JayHoganAuthor
https://www.tiktok.com/@jayhoganmmauthor
jayhoganauthor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
January 8, 2022
Oh I really like the Painted Bay series, and though I didn't love On Board quite as much as the first book, it was still an excellent read. If Jay Hogan keeps writing this series, I'll be a happy camper indeed.
Jay Hogan consistently writes contemporary romance that I like to read, and I'm so happy to have this new series to devour. I was wondering how the author would make Leroy less... asshole-ish, and I *think* she was successful... though he still is kind of an ass for the first half of the book. I found Leroy's behavior to be less than endearing at first, and I wasn't quite sure why Fox stuck around, but then I really enjoyed the story as it progressed.
The romance is a sort of enemies-to-lovers, which is my favorite trope of all, across genres. Plus, add in a forced proximity and I'm evilly rubbing my hands with glee. I thought Leroy's redemption story and his complicated family dynamics would make the story a bit overdone and complicated, but it really all worked out in the end.
Guys, you know I'm a huuuuuuge sucker for a sexuality discovery story, and we got that here. Leroy has to face some feelings that he's buried for some time, and Fox is more than happy to help him with that (*wink, wink*). The attraction and chemistry between these two men was palpable.
Jay Hogan really struck the right notes with this story. I thought it brought heat, emotion, angst, and romance, all in the right ways. I'm so, so excited for Kane's story next. Bring on the Panted Bay love stories!
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
Jay Hogan consistently writes contemporary romance that I like to read, and I'm so happy to have this new series to devour. I was wondering how the author would make Leroy less... asshole-ish, and I *think* she was successful... though he still is kind of an ass for the first half of the book. I found Leroy's behavior to be less than endearing at first, and I wasn't quite sure why Fox stuck around, but then I really enjoyed the story as it progressed.
The romance is a sort of enemies-to-lovers, which is my favorite trope of all, across genres. Plus, add in a forced proximity and I'm evilly rubbing my hands with glee. I thought Leroy's redemption story and his complicated family dynamics would make the story a bit overdone and complicated, but it really all worked out in the end.
Guys, you know I'm a huuuuuuge sucker for a sexuality discovery story, and we got that here. Leroy has to face some feelings that he's buried for some time, and Fox is more than happy to help him with that (*wink, wink*). The attraction and chemistry between these two men was palpable.
Jay Hogan really struck the right notes with this story. I thought it brought heat, emotion, angst, and romance, all in the right ways. I'm so, so excited for Kane's story next. Bring on the Panted Bay love stories!
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
September 23, 2021
4.75 “I only need you, as you are” stars
Actual review to come tomorrow because I stayed up way too late to read this book.
I love Jay Hogan, I have read all of her books but one and I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was very excited to read this book. This book is about Lee who wasn’t a very nice character in book 1 in the series and redemption arcs are my favourite thing in books. Also this book is a sexual exploration with a guy who thought he was straight, which is also one of my favourite thing in books. So I was pretty certain I would enjoy it but oh boy did I love this book.
I have been in a reading slump for months and Jay Hogan books always take a lot of focus and time for me to read, so I was worried that I would not be able to get into the book as much as I wanted to. But jokes on me, I actually read this book in one sitting due to how much I loved it.
This book was the sexual exploration of my dreams. Lee thinks he’s straight and he is a little homophobic. But he’s really attracted to Fox and he doesn’t know how to deal with that. So Lee tries to hate Fox and is mean to him at first but it doesn’t make the feelings go away. One night he kissed Fox and they start exploring to see what a relationship would be. The sexual exploration in this book was just chef’s kiss. I loved everything about it. I loved how we got to see Lee’s first everything happen on page. I loved how we got to see Lee marvel at how good the sex felt, it was just so lovely to read about. And I really loved how we got to see Lee be confused about his sexuality and not knowing how to act on his attraction to Fox (which was so realistic to me) but once he know Fox was the one for him, he never hid their relationship and was proud of it, that really worked for me.
The redemption of Lee was also very well done to me. I loved how we saw him reflect on his past actions and how he knew that he did some things wrongs and realize where he went wrong before so that he can work on himself and become a better person. This book was very character focused and it was all about them learning and growing and finding what makes them happy and it worked so well for me. Expecially Lee, he was a little lost at the start of the book so I loved to see him find his footing and what he wants in life. Also Lee wasn’t the nicest person ever at the start of the book and he had some anger issues so I loved seeing him aknowledge where he was wrong and work on himself to be a better person. I love character growth in books so that really worked for me. Also, once they got together, these guy had pretty good communication for the most part and that really worked for me, I loved how they were open and honest with each other.
My only complaint is that I could have done without the evil’s ex who campaigned the entire book to take Fox’s dog away from him, that was just a little too much drama for my taste. But I loved the rest of the book so much that it didn’t really bother me.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
Actual review to come tomorrow because I stayed up way too late to read this book.
I love Jay Hogan, I have read all of her books but one and I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was very excited to read this book. This book is about Lee who wasn’t a very nice character in book 1 in the series and redemption arcs are my favourite thing in books. Also this book is a sexual exploration with a guy who thought he was straight, which is also one of my favourite thing in books. So I was pretty certain I would enjoy it but oh boy did I love this book.
I have been in a reading slump for months and Jay Hogan books always take a lot of focus and time for me to read, so I was worried that I would not be able to get into the book as much as I wanted to. But jokes on me, I actually read this book in one sitting due to how much I loved it.
This book was the sexual exploration of my dreams. Lee thinks he’s straight and he is a little homophobic. But he’s really attracted to Fox and he doesn’t know how to deal with that. So Lee tries to hate Fox and is mean to him at first but it doesn’t make the feelings go away. One night he kissed Fox and they start exploring to see what a relationship would be. The sexual exploration in this book was just chef’s kiss. I loved everything about it. I loved how we got to see Lee’s first everything happen on page. I loved how we got to see Lee marvel at how good the sex felt, it was just so lovely to read about. And I really loved how we got to see Lee be confused about his sexuality and not knowing how to act on his attraction to Fox (which was so realistic to me) but once he know Fox was the one for him, he never hid their relationship and was proud of it, that really worked for me.
The redemption of Lee was also very well done to me. I loved how we saw him reflect on his past actions and how he knew that he did some things wrongs and realize where he went wrong before so that he can work on himself and become a better person. This book was very character focused and it was all about them learning and growing and finding what makes them happy and it worked so well for me. Expecially Lee, he was a little lost at the start of the book so I loved to see him find his footing and what he wants in life. Also Lee wasn’t the nicest person ever at the start of the book and he had some anger issues so I loved seeing him aknowledge where he was wrong and work on himself to be a better person. I love character growth in books so that really worked for me. Also, once they got together, these guy had pretty good communication for the most part and that really worked for me, I loved how they were open and honest with each other.
My only complaint is that I could have done without the evil’s ex who campaigned the entire book to take Fox’s dog away from him, that was just a little too much drama for my taste. But I loved the rest of the book so much that it didn’t really bother me.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
September 29, 2021
4.5 dedicated stars to the sexual tension, sexy fishermen in scantily clad clothes and a dog who is cheap as a brassy skirt.
(Dislike to friends to lover, Bi-awakening, Slow-burn, opposite attracts, forced proximity, coming out, redemption arc )
I remember reading Off Balance, the first book of this series last year and loving it. And, although I may have forgotten most of the minor details of the plot, I think it's better to read this series in the right order. Because Leroy, the MC of this book was an important side character in the previous one and we will certainly miss a perfect redemption arc if we do not read these books in the right order. Plus, we also have some appearances of Fox, the other MC in the previous book.
Setting
Just like the first book, this too is set in the southern part of New Zealand. Leroy is a fisherman and co-owner of a small aquaculture farm. He is prickly, grumpy and for most of book 1 and even 25% of this one, comes out like a raging asshole. Snap-and-bite is his usual mode to either suppress or express his emotions.
Fox has the opposite personality to Leroy. He is an easygoing guy who expresses his emotions freely. And even though he is heartbroken after his divorce, he is not a bitter person.
Romance
Leroy has never experienced attraction towards men. So, he was confused as hell when he started getting hard on for Fox, from their very first meeting. Both of them share a weird family dynamic. Moreover, to suppress his attraction, Leroy increased his assholic act. This all leads to a hell of sexual tension and testosterone level in their forced proximity situation.
The bi-awakening feels real even though it's more like GFY but the author has appropriately used and explained the 'B' word. Leroy was terrified and filled with guilt, because of how he handled his brother's sexuality and what others will think of his newfound attraction. Whereas, Fox is still struggling after his divorce and is not ready to forget his cheating ex. Both of them are not ready for a relationship so we get a well deserved Slow burn.
The relationship developed from mutually disliked forced relatives to acquaintances, then flatmates to friends and finally, boyfriends.I loved that the author didn't choose the path where 'oh we don't want a relationship but let's have casual sex' situation.
Niggles
I have a few of them because of which I am not giving it a 5 star.
1. The whole divorce drama and custody battle for farting doggy, Mack. I don't say she was not cute, because she was a well developed side character in herself but still it felt too dragged in the end.
2.Okay, so I may have forgotten a few things about Judah(MC of the book 1) but I really don't remember him being so self-centred and immature. I mean the way he reacted to Leroy's sexuality was damn annoying.
And, although I have these tiny-winy complaints, I will accept that the book is everything a bi-awakening book should be. It's sweet, sexy, angsty with a mind-blowing slow burn. Every time these two MCs are in close vicinity, sparks fly and I hold my breath to see what's going to happen.
Highly recommended to anyone with some good imagination power. I mean, you can't just read about two hot fishermen and can't imagine and develop your own plotline.😝😝
P.S- Another thing that made me love Lenoy is that he plays rugby for the local team.
•And, I think, I finally found something to like about masks, No One notices when you smile like a loon while reading a book at 2 AM at the airport.🤔🤔
(Dislike to friends to lover, Bi-awakening, Slow-burn, opposite attracts, forced proximity, coming out, redemption arc )
I remember reading Off Balance, the first book of this series last year and loving it. And, although I may have forgotten most of the minor details of the plot, I think it's better to read this series in the right order. Because Leroy, the MC of this book was an important side character in the previous one and we will certainly miss a perfect redemption arc if we do not read these books in the right order. Plus, we also have some appearances of Fox, the other MC in the previous book.
Setting
Just like the first book, this too is set in the southern part of New Zealand. Leroy is a fisherman and co-owner of a small aquaculture farm. He is prickly, grumpy and for most of book 1 and even 25% of this one, comes out like a raging asshole. Snap-and-bite is his usual mode to either suppress or express his emotions.
Fox has the opposite personality to Leroy. He is an easygoing guy who expresses his emotions freely. And even though he is heartbroken after his divorce, he is not a bitter person.
Romance
Leroy has never experienced attraction towards men. So, he was confused as hell when he started getting hard on for Fox, from their very first meeting. Both of them share a weird family dynamic. Moreover, to suppress his attraction, Leroy increased his assholic act. This all leads to a hell of sexual tension and testosterone level in their forced proximity situation.
The bi-awakening feels real even though it's more like GFY but the author has appropriately used and explained the 'B' word. Leroy was terrified and filled with guilt, because of how he handled his brother's sexuality and what others will think of his newfound attraction. Whereas, Fox is still struggling after his divorce and is not ready to forget his cheating ex. Both of them are not ready for a relationship so we get a well deserved Slow burn.
The relationship developed from mutually disliked forced relatives to acquaintances, then flatmates to friends and finally, boyfriends.I loved that the author didn't choose the path where 'oh we don't want a relationship but let's have casual sex' situation.
Niggles
I have a few of them because of which I am not giving it a 5 star.
1. The whole divorce drama and custody battle for farting doggy, Mack. I don't say she was not cute, because she was a well developed side character in herself but still it felt too dragged in the end.
2.Okay, so I may have forgotten a few things about Judah(MC of the book 1) but I really don't remember him being so self-centred and immature. I mean the way he reacted to Leroy's sexuality was damn annoying.
And, although I have these tiny-winy complaints, I will accept that the book is everything a bi-awakening book should be. It's sweet, sexy, angsty with a mind-blowing slow burn. Every time these two MCs are in close vicinity, sparks fly and I hold my breath to see what's going to happen.
Highly recommended to anyone with some good imagination power. I mean, you can't just read about two hot fishermen and can't imagine and develop your own plotline.😝😝
P.S- Another thing that made me love Lenoy is that he plays rugby for the local team.
•And, I think, I finally found something to like about masks, No One notices when you smile like a loon while reading a book at 2 AM at the airport.🤔🤔
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March 24, 2024
❝What if it was you?❞ His voice shook, his face lost to shadow again. ❝What if you were that someone, Fox, the right someone I could take a risk on? Or at least, what if I thought you were?❞
me after finishing book three (which, yes, i did start off with 🤣):
me after i finished this book:
in conclusion, this series (so far) knows how to get me in my feels to where i'm obsessing over every moment, every interaction the mcs have. 😌✨ fox and lee's intimate moments were chefs kiss. i loved how their romantic development came to be and it was cute seeing them take the risk of falling in love with each other. 🥺
me after finishing book three (which, yes, i did start off with 🤣):
me after i finished this book:
in conclusion, this series (so far) knows how to get me in my feels to where i'm obsessing over every moment, every interaction the mcs have. 😌✨ fox and lee's intimate moments were chefs kiss. i loved how their romantic development came to be and it was cute seeing them take the risk of falling in love with each other. 🥺
Read
April 1, 2022**** 4 Stars ****
📍I have a thing for sullen and grumpy characters, and Leroy was a good representation. He gradually changed, and it felt authentic.
📍The atmospheric vibe of the bay felt very authentic too. 🌊⛵🏝️
📍There was enough communication between Leroy and Fox regarding what was happening between them. Kudos to characters who talk about their feelings. 🔝
📍I loved that he was not afraid of showing his fears and feelings to Fox. I'm a sucker for a vulnerable character.🥰
📍Fox was also well crafted. 🤩
📍Distinct characters.
📍Interesting plot.
📍Super hot.
Bottom line, great writing.
📍I have a thing for sullen and grumpy characters, and Leroy was a good representation. He gradually changed, and it felt authentic.
📍The atmospheric vibe of the bay felt very authentic too. 🌊⛵🏝️
📍There was enough communication between Leroy and Fox regarding what was happening between them. Kudos to characters who talk about their feelings. 🔝
📍I loved that he was not afraid of showing his fears and feelings to Fox. I'm a sucker for a vulnerable character.🥰
📍Fox was also well crafted. 🤩
📍Distinct characters.
📍Interesting plot.
📍Super hot.
Bottom line, great writing.
September 12, 2021
Okay maybe a couple of days later and I'm ready to review this stunning entry in Jay's Painted Bay series.
It takes a rare skill to turn an antagonist into a hero but that's what happens with Leroy, Judah's brother from book one and someone who is about as true to the grumpy loner archetype as you can find.
However, as this book unfolds, it becomes very clear that Leroy has so much more depth to him, that the Leroy of Off Balance isn't really his true self and that he's repressed so much over the years.
When the book starts, he's still not dealing with the way the mussel farm is struggling, he's still coming to terms with his mother's relationship with Martha, his own relationship with his brother Judah is still on shaky ground and - most importantly - he's buried his attraction to Martha's son Fox so deep down he's convinced he hates him.
So finding Fox in his kitchen making a sandwich sparks a whole load of self-protection hyper masculine and quite possibly masochistic deflections that set the tone for a lot of the book.
Fox is hurting from his marriage breaking down after his husband cheated on him. He's missing his home in the south, his fishing boat, his community. His attraction to Leroy is inconvenient and potentially even more capable of causing him devastating loss than his impending divorce.
There is perhaps a bit too much of the self-introspection from Leroy, although there's not much, thankfully, of the will they, won't they back and forth.
Once Leroy admits he's bisexual and always has been, though he's buried it down for years after seeing how Judah was treated, he sets his determined head on and is willing to go all in and there's some gorgeous moments between the two men.
The sexual exploration is some of the best I've read, as Leroy determines to embrace everything he feels about Fox and everything he wants to know about being with a man. It's emotionally charged, vulnerable and smoking hot all at the same time.
Intelligent dialogue as ever, the incredible sense of place that every Jay Hogan book embodies, a superb cast of secondary characters and a sub-plot which keeps the narrative moving outside of the relationship development, make this book an utter triumph.
Now, book three can't come soon enough because I can't actually work out who it's going to be starring other than one of the MCs is likely to be Judah's choreographer friend he's inviting along to help with the studio!
But there's still Kane's secret to be discovered, and what's going to happen with Teddy and Hannah, they need someone to love them too!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
It takes a rare skill to turn an antagonist into a hero but that's what happens with Leroy, Judah's brother from book one and someone who is about as true to the grumpy loner archetype as you can find.
However, as this book unfolds, it becomes very clear that Leroy has so much more depth to him, that the Leroy of Off Balance isn't really his true self and that he's repressed so much over the years.
When the book starts, he's still not dealing with the way the mussel farm is struggling, he's still coming to terms with his mother's relationship with Martha, his own relationship with his brother Judah is still on shaky ground and - most importantly - he's buried his attraction to Martha's son Fox so deep down he's convinced he hates him.
So finding Fox in his kitchen making a sandwich sparks a whole load of self-protection hyper masculine and quite possibly masochistic deflections that set the tone for a lot of the book.
Fox is hurting from his marriage breaking down after his husband cheated on him. He's missing his home in the south, his fishing boat, his community. His attraction to Leroy is inconvenient and potentially even more capable of causing him devastating loss than his impending divorce.
There is perhaps a bit too much of the self-introspection from Leroy, although there's not much, thankfully, of the will they, won't they back and forth.
Once Leroy admits he's bisexual and always has been, though he's buried it down for years after seeing how Judah was treated, he sets his determined head on and is willing to go all in and there's some gorgeous moments between the two men.
The sexual exploration is some of the best I've read, as Leroy determines to embrace everything he feels about Fox and everything he wants to know about being with a man. It's emotionally charged, vulnerable and smoking hot all at the same time.
Intelligent dialogue as ever, the incredible sense of place that every Jay Hogan book embodies, a superb cast of secondary characters and a sub-plot which keeps the narrative moving outside of the relationship development, make this book an utter triumph.
Now, book three can't come soon enough because I can't actually work out who it's going to be starring other than one of the MCs is likely to be Judah's choreographer friend he's inviting along to help with the studio!
But there's still Kane's secret to be discovered, and what's going to happen with Teddy and Hannah, they need someone to love them too!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
October 5, 2021
3 ⭐️ I liked this but I didn’t love it. It just didn’t give me the feelings I was hoping for.
The good
- Two hot men doing hot sexy things together 🔥
- Bisexual discovery🔥
- They were cute and sweet. I loved how they were always standing up for each other. ❤️
- The family dynamics. ☺️
The bad
- I found everybody exhausting. Leeroy. OMG LEEROY. Calm down. Fox, always uncertain about everything. The island. The mainland. His future. JUDAH. OMG JUDAH. Not everything is about you. 😱
- The ex drama. 😱
- The family dynamics. 🤷♀️
I still really enjoyed the book, and the romance, but I woke up this morning and couldn’t remember the epilogue and had to reread it. I couldn’t remember what Fox decided to do about his future, and after rereading it, I still feel a little letdown after all this thinking and questioning. Maybe I still missed a part.
The good
- Two hot men doing hot sexy things together 🔥
- Bisexual discovery🔥
- They were cute and sweet. I loved how they were always standing up for each other. ❤️
- The family dynamics. ☺️
The bad
- I found everybody exhausting. Leeroy. OMG LEEROY. Calm down. Fox, always uncertain about everything. The island. The mainland. His future. JUDAH. OMG JUDAH. Not everything is about you. 😱
- The ex drama. 😱
- The family dynamics. 🤷♀️
I still really enjoyed the book, and the romance, but I woke up this morning and couldn’t remember the epilogue and had to reread it. I couldn’t remember what Fox decided to do about his future, and after rereading it, I still feel a little letdown after all this thinking and questioning. Maybe I still missed a part.
October 6, 2021
3.5 stars
I kind of hated Leroy in the first book tbh. He was pigheaded and pretty mean to Judah. So I was really curious how I feel would about him in this book.
And while I did end up liking him more, I didn’t quite like him in the first half. He was struggling with his feelings and acted like a complete asshole because of that. And that frustrated me to no end.
I do have to admit things got much better in the second half when Leroy stopped being such an ass and started to accept his feelings for Fox.
I can also understand that some people might have even mentioned that the change was a bit too unrealistic. It didn’t quite feel like Leroy anymore. I for one was happy about that since I only then started to like him.
The thing I absolutely didn’t like in this book was the whole family thing. I never liked Cora, Judah and Leroy’s mom. She was pretty unfair to Leroy at times. And while I might have loved Judah in the first book, he was so dramatic in this one!
And I absolutely despised how he treated Kane. I got where he was coming from, but he wasn’t open to hearing anything about Kane. The guy was basically homeless and still Judah didn’t want to help him.
And the way Judah reacted when he found out about Leroy and Fox…. no, just no.
So this was a mixed bag for me. I liked it, but didn’t love it.
I’m still quite looking forward to Kane’s book.
I kind of hated Leroy in the first book tbh. He was pigheaded and pretty mean to Judah. So I was really curious how I feel would about him in this book.
And while I did end up liking him more, I didn’t quite like him in the first half. He was struggling with his feelings and acted like a complete asshole because of that. And that frustrated me to no end.
I do have to admit things got much better in the second half when Leroy stopped being such an ass and started to accept his feelings for Fox.
I can also understand that some people might have even mentioned that the change was a bit too unrealistic. It didn’t quite feel like Leroy anymore. I for one was happy about that since I only then started to like him.
The thing I absolutely didn’t like in this book was the whole family thing. I never liked Cora, Judah and Leroy’s mom. She was pretty unfair to Leroy at times. And while I might have loved Judah in the first book, he was so dramatic in this one!
And I absolutely despised how he treated Kane. I got where he was coming from, but he wasn’t open to hearing anything about Kane. The guy was basically homeless and still Judah didn’t want to help him.
And the way Judah reacted when he found out about Leroy and Fox…. no, just no.
So this was a mixed bag for me. I liked it, but didn’t love it.
I’m still quite looking forward to Kane’s book.
June 14, 2022
3.75 stars
“Shall I tell you about inconvenient feelings, Lee Madden?” He brushed the end of my nose with his and smiled. “Because right now, I’m fucking drowning in them.”
And then he kissed me.
This will be an unpopular opinion, but I didn’t like this book as much as book 1. The writing is still beautiful as is the characterization, but the main characters and their dynamic just didn’t work as well for me. Leroy was so offensive and prickly at the beginning that it was hard to see what the saintly and recently divorced Fox could see in him. But then once they got together there was an abrupt u-turn and everything became all lovey dovey.
The side characters were great, especially Kane and Patrick and I can’t wait to read their own books.
There were also aspects of Leroy’s bi-awakening that I didn’t necessarily buy. It seemed far-fetched for Leroy not to freak out at all after having sex with Fox for the first time; I mean this is the same guy who had been homophobic in the past and who’d fought their attraction for a year.
Overall the book is a lyrical slow burn with great relationship development, but it didn’t resonate with me as strongly.
“Shall I tell you about inconvenient feelings, Lee Madden?” He brushed the end of my nose with his and smiled. “Because right now, I’m fucking drowning in them.”
And then he kissed me.
This will be an unpopular opinion, but I didn’t like this book as much as book 1. The writing is still beautiful as is the characterization, but the main characters and their dynamic just didn’t work as well for me. Leroy was so offensive and prickly at the beginning that it was hard to see what the saintly and recently divorced Fox could see in him. But then once they got together there was an abrupt u-turn and everything became all lovey dovey.
The side characters were great, especially Kane and Patrick and I can’t wait to read their own books.
There were also aspects of Leroy’s bi-awakening that I didn’t necessarily buy. It seemed far-fetched for Leroy not to freak out at all after having sex with Fox for the first time; I mean this is the same guy who had been homophobic in the past and who’d fought their attraction for a year.
Overall the book is a lyrical slow burn with great relationship development, but it didn’t resonate with me as strongly.
December 23, 2022
*late review...
May must have been a busy month for me because I missed more than one review, this lovely story included.
Six months later I still recall much of what I felt.
I was annoyed with Judah.
I was smitten with Fox.
I longed for them to find their way together because they were so good together!
They found it. *whew*
It wasn't easy. It was tender at times, almost like poking a bruise. But there was healing and plenty of heat.
In the end, my heart was happy, and look forward to book 3!
May must have been a busy month for me because I missed more than one review, this lovely story included.
Six months later I still recall much of what I felt.
I was annoyed with Judah.
I was smitten with Fox.
I longed for them to find their way together because they were so good together!
They found it. *whew*
It wasn't easy. It was tender at times, almost like poking a bruise. But there was healing and plenty of heat.
In the end, my heart was happy, and look forward to book 3!
October 5, 2022
Such promise, and then it all sort of fell apart at the end.
I love a gruff man who slowly softens, and we get that here. However, Leroy softens so much that he becomes almost an entirely different person. I loved the man we meet and get to know. But who is this man in the back quarter of the book standing on the lawn and screaming bloody murder at Fox’s soon to be ex-husband? Once Leroy called Van (the soon to be ex-husband) a “little bitch,” this thing went sideways into the ridiculous and became an episode of the Real Housewives.
Also - Judah. I loved Judah’s arc in book 1 so much, and because I could relate to the challenges he faced to some extent, I had a deep well of sympathy for him. Not so in book 2. This Judah is a different person, and a total dick.
This was a sweet story of self-discovery for both Leroy and Fox, but I could have done without the last quarter.
I love a gruff man who slowly softens, and we get that here. However, Leroy softens so much that he becomes almost an entirely different person. I loved the man we meet and get to know. But who is this man in the back quarter of the book standing on the lawn and screaming bloody murder at Fox’s soon to be ex-husband? Once Leroy called Van (the soon to be ex-husband) a “little bitch,” this thing went sideways into the ridiculous and became an episode of the Real Housewives.
Also - Judah. I loved Judah’s arc in book 1 so much, and because I could relate to the challenges he faced to some extent, I had a deep well of sympathy for him. Not so in book 2. This Judah is a different person, and a total dick.
This was a sweet story of self-discovery for both Leroy and Fox, but I could have done without the last quarter.
September 1, 2024
A bit (understatement) disappointed with this book and all this stupid drama. Maybe I’ll brew this for a few days, because right now these 3 stars are making me feel benevolent…
But my rant will come!
But my rant will come!
September 28, 2021
This is another very good entry in this series. Although we first met the characters in book 1, and the background is important, I think it could be read as a stand alone, but it will have more nuance read in order. This story started a bit slowly and frustratingly for me, but then grew on me as it went along, leaving me cheering for these guys by the time it was done.
Leroy is Judah's older brother, and he's a loner, with a lot of hostility and residual resistance built up from feeling like he was always second best. Always the one making sacrifices. He was the one who gave up veterinary school to keep the family business afloat. He was the one who made no waves in high school when his brother was out and in-your-face and catching flack and needing parental support. He's the one with big loans, while his brother was sent off to America.
It doesn't help that he's short handed on his mussel farm, that the business is in rocky shape, and that his finances are tangled up with his mother's. He hasn't felt like he's really controlled his life so far, and his reaction to change seems to be to resist and snap and snarl, and have to be dragged forward. So when he realized a year ago that he felt sexual attraction to a man for the first time - and that man was Fox, the son of his mother's lover - his reaction was to be as prickly and offensive to Fox as possible, to try to make the dilemma go away.
Unfortunately (or fortunately) he has a manipulative mother who rearranges her adult children's lives (ostensibly for their own good) (and also has no hesitation walking in on them in their own spaces - a pet peeve; I wanted her seriously shot down for doing this, but it didn't happen.) In this case, she has arranged for Fox to stay in Leroy's house (which she still owns) without telling him.
With close proximity, and time, eventually Leroy can't deny that what he feels for Fox is a long way from hate, and that he is at the very least bi-curious. And Fox is one hot, smart, good-hearted guy to get curious with. Their move to intimacy felt believable, and Leroy became much more approachable once he moved beyond the "I can't be bi" and "he's so hot" cycles of panic first part of the story. The challenges they faced individually and together were realistic, not overblown for angst. There's a nice flavor of the location and the ocean and small town.
I do enjoy seeing an author redeem a character I didn't like, and I definitely bought into the evolution of Leroy in this one. I liked that none of the tropes, down to the evil ex, were allowed to go over the top, resulting in a solid read that left me content at the end.
Leroy is Judah's older brother, and he's a loner, with a lot of hostility and residual resistance built up from feeling like he was always second best. Always the one making sacrifices. He was the one who gave up veterinary school to keep the family business afloat. He was the one who made no waves in high school when his brother was out and in-your-face and catching flack and needing parental support. He's the one with big loans, while his brother was sent off to America.
It doesn't help that he's short handed on his mussel farm, that the business is in rocky shape, and that his finances are tangled up with his mother's. He hasn't felt like he's really controlled his life so far, and his reaction to change seems to be to resist and snap and snarl, and have to be dragged forward. So when he realized a year ago that he felt sexual attraction to a man for the first time - and that man was Fox, the son of his mother's lover - his reaction was to be as prickly and offensive to Fox as possible, to try to make the dilemma go away.
Unfortunately (or fortunately) he has a manipulative mother who rearranges her adult children's lives (ostensibly for their own good) (and also has no hesitation walking in on them in their own spaces - a pet peeve; I wanted her seriously shot down for doing this, but it didn't happen.) In this case, she has arranged for Fox to stay in Leroy's house (which she still owns) without telling him.
With close proximity, and time, eventually Leroy can't deny that what he feels for Fox is a long way from hate, and that he is at the very least bi-curious. And Fox is one hot, smart, good-hearted guy to get curious with. Their move to intimacy felt believable, and Leroy became much more approachable once he moved beyond the "I can't be bi" and "he's so hot" cycles of panic first part of the story. The challenges they faced individually and together were realistic, not overblown for angst. There's a nice flavor of the location and the ocean and small town.
I do enjoy seeing an author redeem a character I didn't like, and I definitely bought into the evolution of Leroy in this one. I liked that none of the tropes, down to the evil ex, were allowed to go over the top, resulting in a solid read that left me content at the end.
Read
November 18, 2021DNF on p151 or 39%. This really wasn't working for me at all but I can see why other would love it. This author may just not be for me, it's well written but this plot is not working for me personally. The overbearing mothers were really overbearing/ overstepping and my problem with that comes from the sons' reactions: they think it's normal and don't object. Leroy lives alone in his family's house after his mother moved out to be with her girlfriend. In my book that means it's HIS house now but no, she invites people to stay over (strangers let's be honest), comes in unannounced and uninvited. Then he takes care of the farm alone but she maintains it's her farm so she hires people without his consent. Now it's supposed to be Leroy's redemption but really he is more than accommodating in this book. He has already apologized for his bad behaviour before the book starts and is actively acting to make amends but still gets yelled at by his brother. I was hoping the sexual discovery would be good but I didn't like their first kiss and it's not moving toward Leroy asserting himself to his mother. Her behaviour and obliviousness may bankrupt the farm but let's say nothing. She has already emotionally blackmailed him "it's my house, my farm" well he should say "fuck you I'm out". My mom is the queen of emotional blackmail and I don't stand for it so just no.
October 1, 2023
I loved this so much. Fox and Lee 😭😭😭 Fox just had me swooooooning 🥰🥵 and Leroy ended up being such a sweetie.. who would have thought?? I can’t wait to jump into the third book and get to know Kane!
November 8, 2023
Reread/Relisten: November 2023
I do like Leroy and Fox more than Judah and Morgan...I think the more I read about Judah the more I don't like him hahah!!
Now on to my favorite Kane!!
Original Read/Listen: August 2022
Audio: 5 stars (on Scribd/Everand)
Book: 4 stars
Lee and Fox 🥰
what an explosive start with Leroy just causing fights left and right but once they decide to become a couple 🥰
I was worried that Leroy wouldn’t redeem himself from book one but I was so glad he did. It took me awhile to give Leroy that second chance since it didn’t look like much has changed at the beginning. But so glad he changed for the better and Fox was supportive even after his failed marriage.
Also Gary Furlong, you and your accents are heavenly!
I am excited to see how Kane redeems himself in the next book.
I do like Leroy and Fox more than Judah and Morgan...I think the more I read about Judah the more I don't like him hahah!!
Now on to my favorite Kane!!
Original Read/Listen: August 2022
Audio: 5 stars (on Scribd/Everand)
Book: 4 stars
Lee and Fox 🥰
what an explosive start with Leroy just causing fights left and right but once they decide to become a couple 🥰
I was worried that Leroy wouldn’t redeem himself from book one but I was so glad he did. It took me awhile to give Leroy that second chance since it didn’t look like much has changed at the beginning. But so glad he changed for the better and Fox was supportive even after his failed marriage.
Also Gary Furlong, you and your accents are heavenly!
I am excited to see how Kane redeems himself in the next book.
April 13, 2022
"The right person won’t add to your load, they’ll lighten it. But you’re never gonna find them if you don’t take a risk. Maybe stop closing doors and try opening a few."
I'm confused how to rate this book. I have such mixed feelings about it. "On Board" was longer that necessary in my opinion. There were a lot of unnecessary, uninteresting scenes we could do without. The first half of the story was super boring. Aimlessly elongated. Lots of scenes from the first half had me yawning. They added nothing to the story; instead degraded its quality. Then...the second half of the book was surprisingly good. The characters went through major development. The romance began. It was so sweet and heart warming. I found myself smiling the whole time.
Considering my mixed feelings about this book, I guess it was more like a 3 stars read for me. I did enjoy it. But not that much...
I'm confused how to rate this book. I have such mixed feelings about it. "On Board" was longer that necessary in my opinion. There were a lot of unnecessary, uninteresting scenes we could do without. The first half of the story was super boring. Aimlessly elongated. Lots of scenes from the first half had me yawning. They added nothing to the story; instead degraded its quality. Then...the second half of the book was surprisingly good. The characters went through major development. The romance began. It was so sweet and heart warming. I found myself smiling the whole time.
Considering my mixed feelings about this book, I guess it was more like a 3 stars read for me. I did enjoy it. But not that much...
October 2, 2021
Strong redemption arc.
Family drama finds home.
Deep ocean; deep love.
Family drama finds home.
Deep ocean; deep love.
Shelved as 'do-not-read'
October 23, 2021GFY (okay, BFY, which is better, no doubt) + meddling, intrusive mom + everybody's queer = nah, I think I'll pass.
I had high hopes for this author after Off Balance, despite its questionable conclusion, but after the first two Auckland Med books, she's looking more and more like your standard fare. *sigh*
I had high hopes for this author after Off Balance, despite its questionable conclusion, but after the first two Auckland Med books, she's looking more and more like your standard fare. *sigh*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2021
* 4.5 Stars *
For some reason, this was the first time I read one of Jay Hogan's books.
"On Board" is the second book of the series, but I didn't have a problem following the story along. The couple from the first book, as well as some other side characters, make quite a few appearances and some events from the previous book are discussed, but everything is explained so I was always clued in about what was happening or had happened in the past.
Leroy is a grumpy character at first, he keeps everyone at arm's length and he's using that as a front to protect himself. Fox is quite the opposite, he's easy-going, approachable, and laid back.
After the initial shock of finding out that he has to share his home with Fox for an undetermined amount of time, Leroy finds himself enjoying the company, no matter how much he wishes for the opposite.
I liked Lee for his loyalty to his family and I liked Fox for his strong personality and how self-sufficient he was. Their personalities complimented each other and they were good together. I liked how vulnerable Leroy got in front of Fox once he decided to let go and I liked how fiercely protective Fox was of him. Fox standing up for Lee and supporting him in front of his family were some of my favorite scenes.
In my opinion, the best secondary character was Mack. Hands down! She was such a force, such a funny and energetic furry friend, such a loyal companion. Fox had done a great job with her training, and it was clear how much he loved her.
A couple of other side characters didn't get a very positive reaction from me, though. I can't understand the logic behind Leroy's mother's behavior, and I have to say that I even disliked her at times. Her attitude towards her son was pretty awful, both in the present, with the house and the business, and in the past, with his studies.
And then there was his brother... I know he was the main character of the first book, but I disliked him so much! His behavior toward Leroy was terrible. He acted so entitled and as if everyone owed him something. He had gone through something horrible as a teen, but that doesn't excuse how he talked to Leroy, who was doing everything he could to rebuild their relationship so that they could have a solid one in the future. Judah kept acting like he didn't care, so it was Leroy who had to singlehandedly make all the effort. Plus, his knee-jerk reaction when they had a fight was to throw everything from the past in Leroy's face, which made Leroy feel guilty. Ugh, I didn't like him at all, and I don't think I'll be reading his book.
On the plus side though, there's a third story in the series coming at some point next year and I look forward to learning who it'll be about. There are so many possibilities! Oh, and the cover is just gorgeous!
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
For some reason, this was the first time I read one of Jay Hogan's books.
"On Board" is the second book of the series, but I didn't have a problem following the story along. The couple from the first book, as well as some other side characters, make quite a few appearances and some events from the previous book are discussed, but everything is explained so I was always clued in about what was happening or had happened in the past.
Leroy is a grumpy character at first, he keeps everyone at arm's length and he's using that as a front to protect himself. Fox is quite the opposite, he's easy-going, approachable, and laid back.
After the initial shock of finding out that he has to share his home with Fox for an undetermined amount of time, Leroy finds himself enjoying the company, no matter how much he wishes for the opposite.
I liked Lee for his loyalty to his family and I liked Fox for his strong personality and how self-sufficient he was. Their personalities complimented each other and they were good together. I liked how vulnerable Leroy got in front of Fox once he decided to let go and I liked how fiercely protective Fox was of him. Fox standing up for Lee and supporting him in front of his family were some of my favorite scenes.
In my opinion, the best secondary character was Mack. Hands down! She was such a force, such a funny and energetic furry friend, such a loyal companion. Fox had done a great job with her training, and it was clear how much he loved her.
A couple of other side characters didn't get a very positive reaction from me, though. I can't understand the logic behind Leroy's mother's behavior, and I have to say that I even disliked her at times. Her attitude towards her son was pretty awful, both in the present, with the house and the business, and in the past, with his studies.
And then there was his brother... I know he was the main character of the first book, but I disliked him so much! His behavior toward Leroy was terrible. He acted so entitled and as if everyone owed him something. He had gone through something horrible as a teen, but that doesn't excuse how he talked to Leroy, who was doing everything he could to rebuild their relationship so that they could have a solid one in the future. Judah kept acting like he didn't care, so it was Leroy who had to singlehandedly make all the effort. Plus, his knee-jerk reaction when they had a fight was to throw everything from the past in Leroy's face, which made Leroy feel guilty. Ugh, I didn't like him at all, and I don't think I'll be reading his book.
On the plus side though, there's a third story in the series coming at some point next year and I look forward to learning who it'll be about. There are so many possibilities! Oh, and the cover is just gorgeous!
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
October 23, 2021
This is my least favorite of Hogan's books that I have read so far. I think it is because I cannot suspend my disbelief about the whole Madden family being either gay (Judah, the youngest son, who is the main character for Off Balance) and bisexual (Cora, the mother, and now Leroy the older son). AND Leroy's love interest is Fox Carmody, who is also the son of Cora's current girlfriend. Yes... a bit too much coincidental situation for me to take.
In addition - this story is written from both Leroy's and Fox's perspective - while I loved Leroy's voice because grumpy prickly characters always won my heart, and I was so invested in him finding out how to deal with feelings... BUT, Leroy feels like a totally different person when he is written from Fox's 'chapters'. So much so that I WISH I don't need to read the Fox's chapters at all.
Those two things disrupt my reading pleasure, sadly.
But, Leroy's relationship with his brother, Judah, is deliciously complicated and I loved those moments so much. AND... I admit I'm still intrigued with Kane's book (his book will be the next one in this series). So yes, I look forward for that one.
In addition - this story is written from both Leroy's and Fox's perspective - while I loved Leroy's voice because grumpy prickly characters always won my heart, and I was so invested in him finding out how to deal with feelings... BUT, Leroy feels like a totally different person when he is written from Fox's 'chapters'. So much so that I WISH I don't need to read the Fox's chapters at all.
Those two things disrupt my reading pleasure, sadly.
But, Leroy's relationship with his brother, Judah, is deliciously complicated and I loved those moments so much. AND... I admit I'm still intrigued with Kane's book (his book will be the next one in this series). So yes, I look forward for that one.
September 6, 2022
Note: This review contains spoilers for the previous book in the series.
I’m always impressed when an author can take a thoroughly unlikeable character and redeem them in a way that is both plausible and consistent, and that’s exactly what Jay Hogan does in her latest novel. Book two in her Painted Bay series set in New Zealand’s Northland, On Board focuses on mussel farmer Leroy Madden, brother of Judah from Off Balance . In that book, Leroy was rude, inconsiderate and judgmental, dismissive of his brother’s condition (Judah’s glittering career as an international ballet star came to an end after he was diagnosed with severe Ménière’s disease) and, despite his protestations to the contrary, appeared to be uncomfortable with Judah’s sexuality. In short, Leroy was an unpleasant, grumpy arsehole for almost the entire book, and it wasn’t until near the end that we got to learn some of the reasons for his behaviour (which didn’t excuse it) and to see the glimmer of a different man hovering behind the abrasive exterior.
Leroy Madden has a lot on his plate. The mussel farm he co-owns with his mother is struggling and he’s trying to find ways of keeping it afloat, and he’s trying hard to repair his fractured relationship with his brother, so the last thing he needs is the sudden appearance in his kitchen of Fox Carmody, the son of his mother’s new girlfriend. Leroy and Fox didn’t hit it off at all well at their first meeting a year earlier (see Off Balance), and their subsequent encounters haven’t gone much better – although fortunately, the fact that Fox lives on Stewart Island, several miles off the coast of South Island means they haven’t met very often. Finding Fox standing barefoot in the kitchen making himself a sandwich throws Leroy for reasons he isn’t prepared to consider – and when Fox calmly explains that Cora (Leroy’s mother) said it would be okay for him to stay at the house for a couple of months, to say Leroy is unhappy with the situation and furious with his mother is an understatement.
Fox is going through a messy and unpleasant divorce and needed to get away from his small community to consider his next steps and to avoid the malicious rumours spread by his soon-to-be-ex to in an attempt to cover up his own culpability. He knows Leroy doesn’t like him very much, but Fox has nowhere else to go, and besides, his presence in Painted Bay is only temporary, so hopefully they can manage a few weeks in proximity without killing each other.
That the reason for Leroy’s dislike is because he’s desperately attracted to Fox and doesn’t want to be is clear from the start. He’s always identified as straight and hasn’t ever felt an attraction as strong as the one he feels towards Fox for anyone – ever, not even any of the women he’s dated. And it scares the crap out of him. But it’s not just because Fox is a guy – despite indications to the contrary in the last book, Leroy really isn’t homophobic – his reasons for trying to keep a lid on the side of himself he’s denied for so long are complicated and even make sense once you come to understand him more. It takes him a while to unravel it all and he doesn’t always act logically or considerately while he does it, but once he starts to allow himself to acknowledge the truth about himself, it becomes possible to see a very different man to the grouchy pain-in –the-arse we first met who pushes people away because he feels unworthy of being loved and has erected thick walls around his emotions to stop anyone getting in. Leroy’s struggles feel very real and intense, and he often takes one step forward and two back – it would have been easy for him to just retreat into his shell – but instead he takes a long, hard look at himself and starts to own up to his truth and to what he really wants. That takes a lot of courage and I came to sincerely admire him for it. He still makes mistakes, but his flaws and missteps make him that much more sympathetic and human – even if I did sometimes want to scream at him to just get his head out of his arse already!
The romance between Leroy and Fox is a wonderful and emotional slow burn that develops organically as the two men spend time together. Terrified of what he’s feeling, Leroy tries to avoid Fox at all costs, but Fox, realising what Leroy is doing, (if not why) decides to start small and does things for him like making his lunch or cooking an evening meal. They bond over a shared love of working on the sea – the author’s descriptions are so evocative I swear I could smell the salt in the air! – and when Leroy is ready to fully embrace his bisexuality he’s all in, determined to make the most of his time with Fox and to savour the experiences he’s long denied himself.
Off Balance was one of my favourite books of last year, and On Board is a strong contender for my Best of 2021 list. The romance is powerful and sexy, the gorgeous New Zealand scenery once again feels like a character in itself, and Leroy’s redemption arc is, quite simply, spectacular, as he is slowly and skilfully transformed from a distinctly disagreeable individual into one who, while recognisably the same man, is sympathetic and relatable. I particularly liked seeing Leroy and Judah still working on repairing their relationship; there are several realistic bumps along the way here, but they’re getting there – and I’m intrigued to learn more about Kane, a former friend of Leroy’s who bullied Judah at school, but who turns up here in mysteriously straitened circumstances. (I’m hoping his is the next book in the series.) The one sour note struck is Cora, Leroy and Judah’s mother, who comes across as overly manipulative and someone who doesn’t take the feelings of others into account if they mean she won’t get what she wants. I get that she’s had a tough time of it, but I just wanted her to go away and stop interfering.
On Board is another wonderful read from Jay Hogan, an intensely passionate romance combined with a story of self-acceptance and forgiveness that will grab you by the feels and won’t let you go until the very end. Highly recommended.
I’m always impressed when an author can take a thoroughly unlikeable character and redeem them in a way that is both plausible and consistent, and that’s exactly what Jay Hogan does in her latest novel. Book two in her Painted Bay series set in New Zealand’s Northland, On Board focuses on mussel farmer Leroy Madden, brother of Judah from Off Balance . In that book, Leroy was rude, inconsiderate and judgmental, dismissive of his brother’s condition (Judah’s glittering career as an international ballet star came to an end after he was diagnosed with severe Ménière’s disease) and, despite his protestations to the contrary, appeared to be uncomfortable with Judah’s sexuality. In short, Leroy was an unpleasant, grumpy arsehole for almost the entire book, and it wasn’t until near the end that we got to learn some of the reasons for his behaviour (which didn’t excuse it) and to see the glimmer of a different man hovering behind the abrasive exterior.
Leroy Madden has a lot on his plate. The mussel farm he co-owns with his mother is struggling and he’s trying to find ways of keeping it afloat, and he’s trying hard to repair his fractured relationship with his brother, so the last thing he needs is the sudden appearance in his kitchen of Fox Carmody, the son of his mother’s new girlfriend. Leroy and Fox didn’t hit it off at all well at their first meeting a year earlier (see Off Balance), and their subsequent encounters haven’t gone much better – although fortunately, the fact that Fox lives on Stewart Island, several miles off the coast of South Island means they haven’t met very often. Finding Fox standing barefoot in the kitchen making himself a sandwich throws Leroy for reasons he isn’t prepared to consider – and when Fox calmly explains that Cora (Leroy’s mother) said it would be okay for him to stay at the house for a couple of months, to say Leroy is unhappy with the situation and furious with his mother is an understatement.
Fox is going through a messy and unpleasant divorce and needed to get away from his small community to consider his next steps and to avoid the malicious rumours spread by his soon-to-be-ex to in an attempt to cover up his own culpability. He knows Leroy doesn’t like him very much, but Fox has nowhere else to go, and besides, his presence in Painted Bay is only temporary, so hopefully they can manage a few weeks in proximity without killing each other.
That the reason for Leroy’s dislike is because he’s desperately attracted to Fox and doesn’t want to be is clear from the start. He’s always identified as straight and hasn’t ever felt an attraction as strong as the one he feels towards Fox for anyone – ever, not even any of the women he’s dated. And it scares the crap out of him. But it’s not just because Fox is a guy – despite indications to the contrary in the last book, Leroy really isn’t homophobic – his reasons for trying to keep a lid on the side of himself he’s denied for so long are complicated and even make sense once you come to understand him more. It takes him a while to unravel it all and he doesn’t always act logically or considerately while he does it, but once he starts to allow himself to acknowledge the truth about himself, it becomes possible to see a very different man to the grouchy pain-in –the-arse we first met who pushes people away because he feels unworthy of being loved and has erected thick walls around his emotions to stop anyone getting in. Leroy’s struggles feel very real and intense, and he often takes one step forward and two back – it would have been easy for him to just retreat into his shell – but instead he takes a long, hard look at himself and starts to own up to his truth and to what he really wants. That takes a lot of courage and I came to sincerely admire him for it. He still makes mistakes, but his flaws and missteps make him that much more sympathetic and human – even if I did sometimes want to scream at him to just get his head out of his arse already!
The romance between Leroy and Fox is a wonderful and emotional slow burn that develops organically as the two men spend time together. Terrified of what he’s feeling, Leroy tries to avoid Fox at all costs, but Fox, realising what Leroy is doing, (if not why) decides to start small and does things for him like making his lunch or cooking an evening meal. They bond over a shared love of working on the sea – the author’s descriptions are so evocative I swear I could smell the salt in the air! – and when Leroy is ready to fully embrace his bisexuality he’s all in, determined to make the most of his time with Fox and to savour the experiences he’s long denied himself.
Off Balance was one of my favourite books of last year, and On Board is a strong contender for my Best of 2021 list. The romance is powerful and sexy, the gorgeous New Zealand scenery once again feels like a character in itself, and Leroy’s redemption arc is, quite simply, spectacular, as he is slowly and skilfully transformed from a distinctly disagreeable individual into one who, while recognisably the same man, is sympathetic and relatable. I particularly liked seeing Leroy and Judah still working on repairing their relationship; there are several realistic bumps along the way here, but they’re getting there – and I’m intrigued to learn more about Kane, a former friend of Leroy’s who bullied Judah at school, but who turns up here in mysteriously straitened circumstances. (I’m hoping his is the next book in the series.) The one sour note struck is Cora, Leroy and Judah’s mother, who comes across as overly manipulative and someone who doesn’t take the feelings of others into account if they mean she won’t get what she wants. I get that she’s had a tough time of it, but I just wanted her to go away and stop interfering.
On Board is another wonderful read from Jay Hogan, an intensely passionate romance combined with a story of self-acceptance and forgiveness that will grab you by the feels and won’t let you go until the very end. Highly recommended.
November 2, 2021
I did not read the first book and I am not sure if I should because I really really disliked Judah, Leroys brother.
So Leroy is a lost soul found by Fox, who patiently brings Lee to life. It is a wonderful journey Leory of discovering himself and Fox learning all about love and trust over again. Beautiful.
So Leroy is a lost soul found by Fox, who patiently brings Lee to life. It is a wonderful journey Leory of discovering himself and Fox learning all about love and trust over again. Beautiful.
August 24, 2024
Reread 21-24.08.2024
Niezmiennie uwielbiam 💙
* * * * * * *
Z fajerwerkami i przytupem zaczęłam ten czytelniczy rok 😁
Muszę przyznać, że jak zobaczyłam opis do "On Board" - jak już się pojawił - to ze zdziwieniem przeczytałam, że głównym bohaterem jest zrzędliwy, marudny, najeżony na cały świat, uparty jak osioł, mający pretensje o wszystko, całkowicie hetero brat Judah, czyli Leroy. Facet, którego w pierwszej części miałam ochotę udusić i przyłożyć mu przynajmniej kilka razy z prawego sierpowego.
Jednak Jay Hogan w tak piękny sposób wyprowadziła go na prostą, tak wiarygodnie pokazała, że pod tą najeżoną warstwą są całe pokłady czułości, miłości, winy, samotności, niepewności i wielkiego serducha, że nie sposób było w to nie uwierzyć. Zwłaszcza, że ta przemiana, a właściwie wyciąganie na powierzchnię tego, co ukryte, nie odbyła się jak za dotknięciem czarodziejskiej różdżki. Przez część książki miałam ciągle ochotę go udusić na przemian z wycałowaniem na maksa, by od pewnego momentu zostało samo wycałowanie, z przytuleniem i za diabła nie puszczeniem na sam koniec 😁 Choć trzeba przyznać, że sporą zasługę miał w tym Fox - facet, dzięki któremu Leroy odkrył w wieku 30 lat, że może jednak nie jest tak całkiem hetero i że całkiem możliwe, że raczej to słowo należy zastąpić przedrostkiem bi 😉 I pomimo, że z tym walczył dzielnie przez w sumie rok, to jednak poległ w końcu na całej linii 😁
Niezmiernie mi się podobało ich wzajemne drażnienie, zjadliwe odzywki, szorstka przez większość czasu czułość, która czasami stawała się bezbronna i przepięknie romantyczna, choć w takim męskim stylu. Dwóch twardych facetów, upartych jak muły, uwielbiających ocean i pracę na nim, którzy podczas sztormu - pomimo niebezpieczeństwa - są szczęśliwi jak świnie w błocie, bo są w swoim żywiole, stworzyło niezapomnianą parę, która zdecydowanie dostarczyła ciepło i radochę do każdej jednej komórki w moim ciele 😁
I mordercze totalnie instynkty miałam w stosunku do ex Foxa. Wrrrr...
Jay Hogan ma tę zdolność przedstawiania swoich bohaterów i ich trudnych czasami historii w sposób, który nie dołuje i jednocześnie wcale nie spłaszcza problemów, a który po przeczytaniu sprawia, że mimo wszystko człowiek się szczerzy do komputera, bo pozostawia po sobie zawsze optymizm. Przynajmniej tak jest dla mnie, a jak wiadomo - każdy ma swój gust 😉
Pokochałam bohaterów pierwszej historii, pokochałam i z drugiej. Teraz nie mogę się doczekać historii Kena'a (czemu luty jest tak daleko???) i oczywiście mam nadzieję na historie Patricka i Terry'ego - może jedną, a może dwie osobne - im więcej, tym lepiej 😁
Niezmiennie uwielbiam 💙
* * * * * * *
Z fajerwerkami i przytupem zaczęłam ten czytelniczy rok 😁
Muszę przyznać, że jak zobaczyłam opis do "On Board" - jak już się pojawił - to ze zdziwieniem przeczytałam, że głównym bohaterem jest zrzędliwy, marudny, najeżony na cały świat, uparty jak osioł, mający pretensje o wszystko, całkowicie hetero brat Judah, czyli Leroy. Facet, którego w pierwszej części miałam ochotę udusić i przyłożyć mu przynajmniej kilka razy z prawego sierpowego.
Jednak Jay Hogan w tak piękny sposób wyprowadziła go na prostą, tak wiarygodnie pokazała, że pod tą najeżoną warstwą są całe pokłady czułości, miłości, winy, samotności, niepewności i wielkiego serducha, że nie sposób było w to nie uwierzyć. Zwłaszcza, że ta przemiana, a właściwie wyciąganie na powierzchnię tego, co ukryte, nie odbyła się jak za dotknięciem czarodziejskiej różdżki. Przez część książki miałam ciągle ochotę go udusić na przemian z wycałowaniem na maksa, by od pewnego momentu zostało samo wycałowanie, z przytuleniem i za diabła nie puszczeniem na sam koniec 😁 Choć trzeba przyznać, że sporą zasługę miał w tym Fox - facet, dzięki któremu Leroy odkrył w wieku 30 lat, że może jednak nie jest tak całkiem hetero i że całkiem możliwe, że raczej to słowo należy zastąpić przedrostkiem bi 😉 I pomimo, że z tym walczył dzielnie przez w sumie rok, to jednak poległ w końcu na całej linii 😁
Niezmiernie mi się podobało ich wzajemne drażnienie, zjadliwe odzywki, szorstka przez większość czasu czułość, która czasami stawała się bezbronna i przepięknie romantyczna, choć w takim męskim stylu. Dwóch twardych facetów, upartych jak muły, uwielbiających ocean i pracę na nim, którzy podczas sztormu - pomimo niebezpieczeństwa - są szczęśliwi jak świnie w błocie, bo są w swoim żywiole, stworzyło niezapomnianą parę, która zdecydowanie dostarczyła ciepło i radochę do każdej jednej komórki w moim ciele 😁
I mordercze totalnie instynkty miałam w stosunku do ex Foxa. Wrrrr...
Jay Hogan ma tę zdolność przedstawiania swoich bohaterów i ich trudnych czasami historii w sposób, który nie dołuje i jednocześnie wcale nie spłaszcza problemów, a który po przeczytaniu sprawia, że mimo wszystko człowiek się szczerzy do komputera, bo pozostawia po sobie zawsze optymizm. Przynajmniej tak jest dla mnie, a jak wiadomo - każdy ma swój gust 😉
Pokochałam bohaterów pierwszej historii, pokochałam i z drugiej. Teraz nie mogę się doczekać historii Kena'a (czemu luty jest tak daleko???) i oczywiście mam nadzieję na historie Patricka i Terry'ego - może jedną, a może dwie osobne - im więcej, tym lepiej 😁
May 26, 2024
Yes this series definitely hits Its so good and it definitely didn’t disappoint! But I have to confess I struggled a little bit around 80% because for me the story was stretched out a bit too long.
But hello?! Leroy and Fox aaa I loved them both together such a great chemistry absolutely loved their dynamic! Leroy is Sometimes (really often) really difficult to handle but Fox knows how to push the right buttons and I love how Leroy gets all soft and bothered for him and reverse.
Now I’m excited about the last volume and read about Kanes story 👀
But hello?! Leroy and Fox aaa I loved them both together such a great chemistry absolutely loved their dynamic! Leroy is Sometimes (really often) really difficult to handle but Fox knows how to push the right buttons and I love how Leroy gets all soft and bothered for him and reverse.
Now I’m excited about the last volume and read about Kanes story 👀
October 12, 2021
Me ha gustado mucho, incluso más que el primero. Pequeña ciudad, familias, problemas internos y externos y muchos sentimientos alrededor. Muy recomendable.
November 24, 2021
I actually enjoyed this Painted Bay better than the first one. I loved the I-hate-you-because-I-want-you fights.
September 5, 2022
Best of the series!
August 14, 2023
I've given this an A for narration and an A- for content at AudioGals
In On Board, book two in Jay Hogan’s Painted Bay series, we return to the Northland homestead of the Madden family around a year after the events of Off Balance. Judah Madden and Morgan Wipene are happily married and settled into their lives together, and Judah and his brother Leroy are very slowly rebuilding their fractured relationship. Leroy behaved like a real prick in the previous book; Judah had returned home after losing the career he’d worked so long and hard for in spectacular fashion when he keeled over in the midst of a performance at the Boston Ballet, and Leroy had no sympathy or understanding to offer whatsoever. As the story progressed, the author revealed more about the reasons behind Leroy’s horrible behaviour – and in On Board, she redeems him in spectacular fashion. I’m a sucker for a good redemption story – and this is a very good one.
When Leroy met Fox Carmody at a family lunch a year earlier, he took an instant dislike to him. Shortly before this, his mother Cora and Fox’s mother Martha – who also works for the Madden family business – came out as a couple, bringing their families closer together. It didn’t help that Fox is handsome, charming and witty – everything the sharp, grouchy Leroy isn’t – or that Leroy found himself unexpectedly confronted by feelings he’s avoided thinking about for, basically, ever. Their few subsequent meetings didn’t go well either, but fortunately, Fox lives at the other end of the country, on a tiny island several miles off the South Island coast, so despite their changed family situation, they’re unlikely to have much to do with each other.
Or so Leroy thought, until the day he walks into his house after a long day out on the boat to find Fox in his kitchen, calmly making himself a sandwich. Stunned and furious, Leroy listens to Fox explaining that Cora had said it would be okay for him to stay in the house for a couple of months, and apologising for the fact that neither Cora nor Martha seemed to have consulted Leroy on the matter.
Fox is going through a messy divorce and needed to get away from his small home town to avoid the unpleasant gossip spread by his soon-to-be ex-husband, who has not only got the lion’s share of their shared property, but has put it about that Fox cheated on him, when the reverse is true. Devastated by the betrayal, Fox (mostly) turned his back on his old life, sold his business, and made his way up north to spend a bit of time with his mother while he works out what to do next. He and Leroy are like oil and water, but Fox doesn’t intend to stay long, so he hopes they can at least be civil to each other, for the sake of their mothers if nothing else.
It’s clear from the start that the real reason behind Leroy’s animosity is that he’s strongly attracted to Fox and doesn’t want to be. He’s always identified as straight, and the intensity of the pull he feels towards Fox is unlike anything he’s ever felt before; he’s never experienced an attraction like this for anyone, not to any of the women he’s dated, and certainly not to a man – and it scares the crap out of him. And it’s not because Fox is a bloke; despite indications to the contrary in Off Balance, Leroy isn’t homophobic, it’s more that he’s only just starting to admit the truth after years of deep denial – that denial fostered, perhaps, by all the shit Judah had to put up with at school and around town when he was growing up – and has spent so long pushing people away that it’s hard for him to allow himself to be vulnerable and to trust someone enough to let them in.
Although Leroy can still, on occasion, be an arsehole, I came to admire the strength of character he displays as he decides it’s time for him to take a long, hard look at himself and work out who he is and what he wants. It would have probably been for him to hole himself back up behind his walls and continue in his denial, but he makes the difficult choice not to, and that takes real courage. Of course, he doesn’t get it right straight away, but his flaws and mistakes serve to make him that much more human, a character who is not perfect but is prepared to examine himself, face some unpalatable truths and actually work on living his best life.
The romance between Leroy and Fox is a fabulous and chemistry-laden slow-burn that develops organically out of their forced proximity. At first, Leroy tries to avoid Fox at all costs, not ready to face the truth of his feelings and Fox, realising what he’s doing (although not why) doesn’t push and simply does things around the place to help make Leroy’s life a bit easier, like packing lunch or cooking a meal and sometimes helping on the boat. They bond over a shared love of working on the water, over the trials and tribulations of running a small business, and the difficulties inherent in navigating fraught family situations. When Leroy decides he’s ready to explore his newly admitted bisexuality, he doesn’t hold back, deciding to make the most of whatever time he’s going to have with Fox and to experience all the things he’s wanted but denied himself for so long.
The only misstep I can point to in the story is the character of Leroy and Judah’s mother, Cora, whose interfering and manipulation, while it may be done with the best of intentions, is no less annoying to hear about. One other issue I noted while listening is something that escaped me when I read the book; there’s a lot of internalisation and thought-monologuing in the first part of the story especially, and the lack of character interaction for long stretches is a lot more noticeable in audio. Those are my only criticisms, though. Otherwise, On Board is a terrific redemption/bi-awakening story featuring well-rounded leads and a terrific secondary cast, and the audiobook benefits – once again – from a superb performance by Gary Furlong.
There are a few times where his interpretations of Leroy and Fox sound a bit similar, because here, Mr. Furlong is differentiating them mostly by tone and timbre rather than a difference in pitch, so they’re both performed in the same register. But it works well for the most part, especially in the earlier stages of the story where Leroy’s voice has a sharp-edged quality that perfectly matches his prickly, leave-me-alone persona and Fox’s delivery is more smooth and laid back. The stress Leroy lives with manifests itself in a fast, almost brittle manner, while Fox speaks at a slightly slower tempo, and with a warmth that Leroy lacks. Later, as Leroy starts to unwind a bit, I found myself occasionally having to listen out for the dialogue tags, but that didn’t happen very often. The handful of recurring characters – the mums, Terry and Hannah, Judah and Morgan – sound consistent with their portrayals in Off Balance, and I really liked the interpretation of the changing relationship between Leroy and Judah which is an important storyline in the book. There’s a lot of hurt and resentment between those two, and Ms. Hogan doesn’t wave a magic wand over them to make it all better; instead we hear a relationship in progress, one in which both brothers are trying to make it work – and all the emotions that go along with that are skilfully rendered.
It’s not essential to have listened to Off Balance first, but I’d strongly recommend it so as not to miss out on important background information – it’s a wonderful story and the narration is fantastic. The same is true here; On Board is a superbly narrated, sexy and passionate romance combined with a wonderful tale of self-acceptance and forgiveness. Highly recommended.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
In On Board, book two in Jay Hogan’s Painted Bay series, we return to the Northland homestead of the Madden family around a year after the events of Off Balance. Judah Madden and Morgan Wipene are happily married and settled into their lives together, and Judah and his brother Leroy are very slowly rebuilding their fractured relationship. Leroy behaved like a real prick in the previous book; Judah had returned home after losing the career he’d worked so long and hard for in spectacular fashion when he keeled over in the midst of a performance at the Boston Ballet, and Leroy had no sympathy or understanding to offer whatsoever. As the story progressed, the author revealed more about the reasons behind Leroy’s horrible behaviour – and in On Board, she redeems him in spectacular fashion. I’m a sucker for a good redemption story – and this is a very good one.
When Leroy met Fox Carmody at a family lunch a year earlier, he took an instant dislike to him. Shortly before this, his mother Cora and Fox’s mother Martha – who also works for the Madden family business – came out as a couple, bringing their families closer together. It didn’t help that Fox is handsome, charming and witty – everything the sharp, grouchy Leroy isn’t – or that Leroy found himself unexpectedly confronted by feelings he’s avoided thinking about for, basically, ever. Their few subsequent meetings didn’t go well either, but fortunately, Fox lives at the other end of the country, on a tiny island several miles off the South Island coast, so despite their changed family situation, they’re unlikely to have much to do with each other.
Or so Leroy thought, until the day he walks into his house after a long day out on the boat to find Fox in his kitchen, calmly making himself a sandwich. Stunned and furious, Leroy listens to Fox explaining that Cora had said it would be okay for him to stay in the house for a couple of months, and apologising for the fact that neither Cora nor Martha seemed to have consulted Leroy on the matter.
Fox is going through a messy divorce and needed to get away from his small home town to avoid the unpleasant gossip spread by his soon-to-be ex-husband, who has not only got the lion’s share of their shared property, but has put it about that Fox cheated on him, when the reverse is true. Devastated by the betrayal, Fox (mostly) turned his back on his old life, sold his business, and made his way up north to spend a bit of time with his mother while he works out what to do next. He and Leroy are like oil and water, but Fox doesn’t intend to stay long, so he hopes they can at least be civil to each other, for the sake of their mothers if nothing else.
It’s clear from the start that the real reason behind Leroy’s animosity is that he’s strongly attracted to Fox and doesn’t want to be. He’s always identified as straight, and the intensity of the pull he feels towards Fox is unlike anything he’s ever felt before; he’s never experienced an attraction like this for anyone, not to any of the women he’s dated, and certainly not to a man – and it scares the crap out of him. And it’s not because Fox is a bloke; despite indications to the contrary in Off Balance, Leroy isn’t homophobic, it’s more that he’s only just starting to admit the truth after years of deep denial – that denial fostered, perhaps, by all the shit Judah had to put up with at school and around town when he was growing up – and has spent so long pushing people away that it’s hard for him to allow himself to be vulnerable and to trust someone enough to let them in.
Although Leroy can still, on occasion, be an arsehole, I came to admire the strength of character he displays as he decides it’s time for him to take a long, hard look at himself and work out who he is and what he wants. It would have probably been for him to hole himself back up behind his walls and continue in his denial, but he makes the difficult choice not to, and that takes real courage. Of course, he doesn’t get it right straight away, but his flaws and mistakes serve to make him that much more human, a character who is not perfect but is prepared to examine himself, face some unpalatable truths and actually work on living his best life.
The romance between Leroy and Fox is a fabulous and chemistry-laden slow-burn that develops organically out of their forced proximity. At first, Leroy tries to avoid Fox at all costs, not ready to face the truth of his feelings and Fox, realising what he’s doing (although not why) doesn’t push and simply does things around the place to help make Leroy’s life a bit easier, like packing lunch or cooking a meal and sometimes helping on the boat. They bond over a shared love of working on the water, over the trials and tribulations of running a small business, and the difficulties inherent in navigating fraught family situations. When Leroy decides he’s ready to explore his newly admitted bisexuality, he doesn’t hold back, deciding to make the most of whatever time he’s going to have with Fox and to experience all the things he’s wanted but denied himself for so long.
The only misstep I can point to in the story is the character of Leroy and Judah’s mother, Cora, whose interfering and manipulation, while it may be done with the best of intentions, is no less annoying to hear about. One other issue I noted while listening is something that escaped me when I read the book; there’s a lot of internalisation and thought-monologuing in the first part of the story especially, and the lack of character interaction for long stretches is a lot more noticeable in audio. Those are my only criticisms, though. Otherwise, On Board is a terrific redemption/bi-awakening story featuring well-rounded leads and a terrific secondary cast, and the audiobook benefits – once again – from a superb performance by Gary Furlong.
There are a few times where his interpretations of Leroy and Fox sound a bit similar, because here, Mr. Furlong is differentiating them mostly by tone and timbre rather than a difference in pitch, so they’re both performed in the same register. But it works well for the most part, especially in the earlier stages of the story where Leroy’s voice has a sharp-edged quality that perfectly matches his prickly, leave-me-alone persona and Fox’s delivery is more smooth and laid back. The stress Leroy lives with manifests itself in a fast, almost brittle manner, while Fox speaks at a slightly slower tempo, and with a warmth that Leroy lacks. Later, as Leroy starts to unwind a bit, I found myself occasionally having to listen out for the dialogue tags, but that didn’t happen very often. The handful of recurring characters – the mums, Terry and Hannah, Judah and Morgan – sound consistent with their portrayals in Off Balance, and I really liked the interpretation of the changing relationship between Leroy and Judah which is an important storyline in the book. There’s a lot of hurt and resentment between those two, and Ms. Hogan doesn’t wave a magic wand over them to make it all better; instead we hear a relationship in progress, one in which both brothers are trying to make it work – and all the emotions that go along with that are skilfully rendered.
It’s not essential to have listened to Off Balance first, but I’d strongly recommend it so as not to miss out on important background information – it’s a wonderful story and the narration is fantastic. The same is true here; On Board is a superbly narrated, sexy and passionate romance combined with a wonderful tale of self-acceptance and forgiveness. Highly recommended.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
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