Debut Author Book Review: That’s Who I Am by Jayden Brooks

Reviewed by Susan65

Title: That’s Who I am
Author: Jayden Brooks
Heroes: Jared Winters/Donovan Carrigan
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 49 Pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: June 1, 2014
Available at: Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, All Romance Ebooks
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Jared Winters’s life has been little more than a collection of moments where he didn’t think before opening his mouth. Always a bit different, he’s learned to accept an existence on the outside looking in. But one day, his mouth lands him in a position that nearly costs him his life. Only the timely intervention of Sophie, his twin Conner’s ex-girlfriend, saves him.

Siblings Sophie and Donovan Carrigan step in and offer support, comfort, and a place to call home. Under their care, Jared begins to heal and learns to trust just enough to act on his attraction to Donovan. He just hopes it’s worth the risk.

Review:

Whoa, what a powerful story. It starts out swinging…quite literally, and doesn’t quit. I was not expecting the emotional punch that Jared’s story slammed into my gut. I was not expecting to want to climb into my Nook and beat the crap out of his family.

Jared is a twin, one who adores his overachieving brother, but the sentiment is not returned. This entire superficial family is the epitome of selfishness and pride; one that cares not about their sons’ individuality, but their own self interest. Jared struggles with saying things without thinking them through. He pops off without thinking, but not with malice. Thus, we get to the crux of this story and how he ends up disowned, grievously injured, and cast out by those who should have loved him unconditionally.

Donovan, a hottie ginger, is the brother of Sophie, Jared’s twin brother’s pregnant girlfriend. Donovan meets and falls for Jared in the hospital. He is there for his sister who feels responsible for Jared’s devastating injuries. She is, in my mind, partly responsible for Jared being there, as she did use Jared’s weakness against him. However, this screwed up family, especially the dad and the brother, would have found a different avenue to try and destroy Jared eventually. So yeah, she was wrong, but not to blame.

Donovan is just too cute. He is one big giant glitter-bug that I found to be completely perfect for Jared. Together they help Jared to not just get back on his feet again, but to find love as well. These guys were made for each other, and for Sophie and her unborn child. They will be the family that Jared never had and give him what he always deserved – love and acceptance.

This is a short novella, yes, but one that packs a serious punch, and is deserving of every star. Highly recommended read to everyone.

Overall Impression:  I Loved It

*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.*