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Long Change
Collegiate superstar goalie Boone Crockett seems to have the world at his feet. He’s rich, handsome, attends an elite college and is a hot prospect for the pros. Pity all that is a front for a deeply closeted and troubled young man.
All Boone’s life plans are shattered when flamboyant ex-figure skater Preston Gordon, an orange-haired twink, shows up to audition for the team’s mascot position wearing sequins, scarves and toe picks. His moves on the ice send Boone into his own pirouette of frustrated and reluctant desire.
As senior year progresses Boone slides deeper and deeper into a dangerous depression, Preston’s sensual strength the only thing he has to hold on to. If Boone can’t keep from plunging through the thin ice he’s skating on, it could take a twink to make the big save.
Reader This story has graphic sexual language and scenes—no closed bedroom doors (or other rooms) here!
A Romantica® gay erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2015
2 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
V.L. Locey
214 books730 followersV.L. Locey loves worn jeans, Dr. Who, Torchwood, belly laughs, yoga, reading and writing lusty tales, walking, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.)
She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.
When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, fresh cup of java in hand.
Sign up for my newsletter here: http://vllocey.com/Newsletter
She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.
When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, fresh cup of java in hand.
Sign up for my newsletter here: http://vllocey.com/Newsletter
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 28, 2017
This story is a bit of a departure from the traditional "closeted athlete" story we read in M/M. It opens in a familiar way, with Boone the college hockey goalie who is good enough for the NHL, if he can only keep his grades up, his wins frequent, and his orientation invisible. But the man who makes Boone fall out of the closet is a sparkly, flamboyant figure skater. And when Boone falls, he lands very hard and without a safety net.
I enjoyed many aspects of this book. My heart ached for Boone, and the degree to which he was in a catch-22, where there was no way for him to come out of the situation with his life undamaged. I liked Preston's flaming and his warmth and control. And while the ending action was perhaps a bit much plot-wise, I did like the fact that the resolution of the story felt more real than stereotypical M/M. I always enjoy the way this author writes both her sports and her characters.
This is an Ellora's Cave book, so I don't know about availability, but I already owned a copy.
I enjoyed many aspects of this book. My heart ached for Boone, and the degree to which he was in a catch-22, where there was no way for him to come out of the situation with his life undamaged. I liked Preston's flaming and his warmth and control. And while the ending action was perhaps a bit much plot-wise, I did like the fact that the resolution of the story felt more real than stereotypical M/M. I always enjoy the way this author writes both her sports and her characters.
This is an Ellora's Cave book, so I don't know about availability, but I already owned a copy.
dnf-not-4-me
September 19, 2015I just can't, in good conscious, buy books from Ellora's Cave at this time. I hope that changes.
March 3, 2016
1.25 stars
I just didn't like this one that much.
This one is about closeted Boone Crockett he’s a goalie at an Elite College
His dream is to going pro.
He meets Preston and bam he can’t stop thinking about him.
But since Boone is closeted and freaking out he misses classes and practice and has a meltdown.
There was just too much drama for my liking I thought this was a sweet and easy read…
I was wrong!
There was so much hate going on The homophobic jocks (Who think that every gay man is after their straight boys asses!)
And then his bourgeois racist parents.
even his best friend Cole and his twin sister were such haters ugh too much drama
and in the end his former friends/college buddies gay bash him with their baseball bats
and that’s how it ends Like seriously I been through all that and you give me an ending like that
I just didn't like this one that much.
This one is about closeted Boone Crockett he’s a goalie at an Elite College
His dream is to going pro.
He meets Preston and bam he can’t stop thinking about him.
But since Boone is closeted and freaking out he misses classes and practice and has a meltdown.
There was just too much drama for my liking I thought this was a sweet and easy read…
I was wrong!
There was so much hate going on The homophobic jocks (Who think that every gay man is after their straight boys asses!)
And then his bourgeois racist parents.
even his best friend Cole and his twin sister were such haters ugh too much drama
and in the end his former friends/college buddies gay bash him with their baseball bats
and that’s how it ends Like seriously I been through all that and you give me an ending like that
June 15, 2021
Esta historia fue distinta a lo que esperaba.
Esperaba una historia simple y corta de atleta en el armario pero encontré una historia de lucha y dolor que me dejó con un sabor amargo pero pensando en lo afortunados que son los que encuentran personas que traen algo de luz a los momentos oscuros.
Esperaba una historia simple y corta de atleta en el armario pero encontré una historia de lucha y dolor que me dejó con un sabor amargo pero pensando en lo afortunados que son los que encuentran personas que traen algo de luz a los momentos oscuros.
July 29, 2015
4.5*
To me this book is all about hope! Boone has everything that Daddy's money can buy. Preston on the other hand comes from a family that has plenty of love and understanding but not much money. But this isn't what or where this book went. Preston understands where Boone is emotionally and helps guide him through it all. From losing hockey, the money and his family. We need more of their story! Awesome book!
To me this book is all about hope! Boone has everything that Daddy's money can buy. Preston on the other hand comes from a family that has plenty of love and understanding but not much money. But this isn't what or where this book went. Preston understands where Boone is emotionally and helps guide him through it all. From losing hockey, the money and his family. We need more of their story! Awesome book!
Want to read
September 28, 2016Motherfucker! I was excited, because hockey! But then I saw EC, and fuck that. Hopefully, this is another author who gets their rights back eventually, because I'd love to try this series, but I can't support this publisher in any way.
June 29, 2015
3.5 stars
June 24, 2015
LONG CHANGE
by V.L. Locey
June 26, 2015
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
approximate pages: 70
Romance: Contemporary, M/M, Sports
** Provided by Author via Promotion in Exchange for an Honest Review. **
-- MY THOUGHTS --
Judging a Book by it's Cover:
Cute, New Adult. Conveys the Hockey and Figure Skating backgrounds clearly. Synopsis is a smart match to the cover.
Looking Deeper:
First-person POV from Boone's perspective. Novella, under 100 pages.
An elite private college. Boone's the deeply-closeted, hockey player son of a bigoted alumni that is never quite satisfied with Boone's accomplishments as it is. Preston is a figure skating college invitee that just won the hockey mascot position. They are complete opposites.
I absolutely loved the real and authentic feel of Boone and Preston, from their first meeting until the final scene. They really are two polar parts of a whole. The secondary characters had minor, but significant roles that were deeply emotional and impactful. Never did I want to laugh and cry in the paragraph. The plot progression was steady and built up smoothly. For being an EC "Erotica", I felt that the sexual content was low and tame. The conflicts were eye-opening and often heartbreaking -- not all of them get resolved. There are more surprises than predictability, in fact several times in this short story am I shocked by an event. The conclusion felt cut off and entirely too abrupt. I actually felt cheated and betrayed that it ended like it did. I'm not saying it left things unfinished or with a cliffhanger, but I really did want - NEED - more... was justice serve? Did they follow plans after graduation? Did the haters remain haters? I honestly think that if the conclusion were a bit more fulfilling, it would have scored high enough to be a 5-star novella.
This novella is NOT all rainbows and rose-tinted glasses. If that's what you want, look elsewhere. This is one of the more realistic short stories, filled with raw emotion that really tears at your heart.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Level: 3.75 ~ Score: 4.4 ~ Stars: 4, if I could award 1/2 stars: 4.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- REVIEWER INFO --
Tina J / Happily Ever Chapter
This review can be found, in it's entirety or reformatted by myself to fit the guidelines imposed, at any or all of the following locations (determined by availability): Happily Ever Chapter, Tangled Hearts and Boxer Briefs, Smut Book Junkie Book Reviews, Goodreads, Netgalley, Edelweiss, Amazon, BN, Kobo, iTunes. Copies may also be distributed to the publishers, authors and/or promoters - depending on requirements at the time.
by V.L. Locey
June 26, 2015
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
approximate pages: 70
Romance: Contemporary, M/M, Sports
** Provided by Author via Promotion in Exchange for an Honest Review. **
-- MY THOUGHTS --
Judging a Book by it's Cover:
Cute, New Adult. Conveys the Hockey and Figure Skating backgrounds clearly. Synopsis is a smart match to the cover.
Looking Deeper:
First-person POV from Boone's perspective. Novella, under 100 pages.
An elite private college. Boone's the deeply-closeted, hockey player son of a bigoted alumni that is never quite satisfied with Boone's accomplishments as it is. Preston is a figure skating college invitee that just won the hockey mascot position. They are complete opposites.
I absolutely loved the real and authentic feel of Boone and Preston, from their first meeting until the final scene. They really are two polar parts of a whole. The secondary characters had minor, but significant roles that were deeply emotional and impactful. Never did I want to laugh and cry in the paragraph. The plot progression was steady and built up smoothly. For being an EC "Erotica", I felt that the sexual content was low and tame. The conflicts were eye-opening and often heartbreaking -- not all of them get resolved. There are more surprises than predictability, in fact several times in this short story am I shocked by an event. The conclusion felt cut off and entirely too abrupt. I actually felt cheated and betrayed that it ended like it did. I'm not saying it left things unfinished or with a cliffhanger, but I really did want - NEED - more... was justice serve? Did they follow plans after graduation? Did the haters remain haters? I honestly think that if the conclusion were a bit more fulfilling, it would have scored high enough to be a 5-star novella.
This novella is NOT all rainbows and rose-tinted glasses. If that's what you want, look elsewhere. This is one of the more realistic short stories, filled with raw emotion that really tears at your heart.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Level: 3.75 ~ Score: 4.4 ~ Stars: 4, if I could award 1/2 stars: 4.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- REVIEWER INFO --
Tina J / Happily Ever Chapter
This review can be found, in it's entirety or reformatted by myself to fit the guidelines imposed, at any or all of the following locations (determined by availability): Happily Ever Chapter, Tangled Hearts and Boxer Briefs, Smut Book Junkie Book Reviews, Goodreads, Netgalley, Edelweiss, Amazon, BN, Kobo, iTunes. Copies may also be distributed to the publishers, authors and/or promoters - depending on requirements at the time.
June 15, 2016
Another great read by V.L. Locey. Not up to her usual flair but still a great read.
This was a very short read. So much more could have been added to the story. Seemed a bit rushed but did have a few surprises along the way. With it being so short, I did not really have time to develop a relationship with the characters. This was written as a single POV. This would have benefited from having Preston's pov as well I think. That would have added depth to the story and helped us along with the journey of Boone and Preston.
This was your typical Jock meets Boy, Jock hiding in the closet but privately lusts for Boy, Boy is out and proud, Jock comes out in big blow up. Like I said though, there where a few surprises along the way.
I would not say that this ended in a HEA, but did in a HFN. No major declarations, shouting from the roof tops of un-dieing love, nothing like that. There were conversations on what they would do together after college but that is as far as it went. Maybe it was left hanging so that there could be more books containing these two and I would be happy with that. Actually, more than happy, I would be giddy as a lil school girl. I want to know more about these two. I want to see them get their HEA. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Good story line, descriptions to details were nice and what we got to know about the characters were done well but could have used more. I wanted to become emotionally attached to them. I did have one teary eyed moment near the end, but not heart twinge moments. Oh and as for the sexy bits, very very mild. Not the normal heat that I am used to seeing from one of her books. I can however understand her reasoning why as I read this book so I wasn't too disappointed.
I love her work, I think she is fanfreakintastic, but this one to me, was not one of her best works of art. Is that going to stop me from enjoying her, absolutely not!! She has written so many wonderful things and I look forward to reading more from her.
So......
Would I recommend this book? Yes. Of course, It's V.L. Locey!!
Would I read more from this author? Let me think.....YES!!! She is a one of my favorite M/M authors.
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
www.facebook.com/sassybetareading
This was a very short read. So much more could have been added to the story. Seemed a bit rushed but did have a few surprises along the way. With it being so short, I did not really have time to develop a relationship with the characters. This was written as a single POV. This would have benefited from having Preston's pov as well I think. That would have added depth to the story and helped us along with the journey of Boone and Preston.
This was your typical Jock meets Boy, Jock hiding in the closet but privately lusts for Boy, Boy is out and proud, Jock comes out in big blow up. Like I said though, there where a few surprises along the way.
I would not say that this ended in a HEA, but did in a HFN. No major declarations, shouting from the roof tops of un-dieing love, nothing like that. There were conversations on what they would do together after college but that is as far as it went. Maybe it was left hanging so that there could be more books containing these two and I would be happy with that. Actually, more than happy, I would be giddy as a lil school girl. I want to know more about these two. I want to see them get their HEA. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Good story line, descriptions to details were nice and what we got to know about the characters were done well but could have used more. I wanted to become emotionally attached to them. I did have one teary eyed moment near the end, but not heart twinge moments. Oh and as for the sexy bits, very very mild. Not the normal heat that I am used to seeing from one of her books. I can however understand her reasoning why as I read this book so I wasn't too disappointed.
I love her work, I think she is fanfreakintastic, but this one to me, was not one of her best works of art. Is that going to stop me from enjoying her, absolutely not!! She has written so many wonderful things and I look forward to reading more from her.
So......
Would I recommend this book? Yes. Of course, It's V.L. Locey!!
Would I read more from this author? Let me think.....YES!!! She is a one of my favorite M/M authors.
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
www.facebook.com/sassybetareading
July 3, 2015
Original Post:Review Request: Long Change by V.L. Locey
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
I never expected this to be as good as this turned out to be. Yes, the plot does revolve around one of the more serious sides of life, but the way this read, it was real but light. Not heartbreaking or traumatic. This actually leaves this reader with a sense of hope.
Boone is one badass hockey player. He is even eyed for the nationals. He is tough, rough, handsome, cute, young and strong. Only thing not going for him, he is emotionally unstable because he has hidden all his life and the stress of it all is finally catching up on him. His world is about to change and he may not be prepared for it all.
Preston is an out and proud former figure skater who is not afraid to flaunt his sexuality. He may come out a bit strong to the tender hearted and minded conservatives (ahemahem) but he is impossible not to love. His flamboyance attracts the eyes of the willing and unwilling. He is the one who will turn the eye of Boone and change his life forever.
This is a story of two young men whose physical disparities makes you conclude the bigger and huskier one is the stronger of the two. This is a story that will show the readers that it may just be the smaller guy who has the heart of a dragon and can slay anyone they love and protect. This is the story of how Preston became the protector of Boone who found himself at the crossroads and did not know whether to go on ahead or turn back.
Long Change is a romance novel but it is also too real to be really considered as one. May I call it gritty? I would recommend this to readers who can be challenged to take their minds off the roses and look to the thorns of life.
Bonus: the hockey was technically and lightly explained, I actually began to understand how the game was played!
Note: Copy provided by Pride Promotions for an honest review.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
I never expected this to be as good as this turned out to be. Yes, the plot does revolve around one of the more serious sides of life, but the way this read, it was real but light. Not heartbreaking or traumatic. This actually leaves this reader with a sense of hope.
Boone is one badass hockey player. He is even eyed for the nationals. He is tough, rough, handsome, cute, young and strong. Only thing not going for him, he is emotionally unstable because he has hidden all his life and the stress of it all is finally catching up on him. His world is about to change and he may not be prepared for it all.
Preston is an out and proud former figure skater who is not afraid to flaunt his sexuality. He may come out a bit strong to the tender hearted and minded conservatives (ahemahem) but he is impossible not to love. His flamboyance attracts the eyes of the willing and unwilling. He is the one who will turn the eye of Boone and change his life forever.
This is a story of two young men whose physical disparities makes you conclude the bigger and huskier one is the stronger of the two. This is a story that will show the readers that it may just be the smaller guy who has the heart of a dragon and can slay anyone they love and protect. This is the story of how Preston became the protector of Boone who found himself at the crossroads and did not know whether to go on ahead or turn back.
Long Change is a romance novel but it is also too real to be really considered as one. May I call it gritty? I would recommend this to readers who can be challenged to take their minds off the roses and look to the thorns of life.
Bonus: the hockey was technically and lightly explained, I actually began to understand how the game was played!
Note: Copy provided by Pride Promotions for an honest review.
July 13, 2015
4.5 Stars
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by author/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review*
I struggled with how many stars to give this book. I LOVED the story and plot line. I loved that it felt real and not everything was left wrapped up in a nice little bow. Questions were left unanswered and Boone's state of mind is left in somewhat of a questionable state.
Boone struggles with the fact that he is gay. He is deep in the closet. He knows his parents won't accept it and he his Hockey teammates will also not accept it. He handles everything just fine, until Preston the hot twink walks in to tryout as mascot. He can't help the attraction and he tries to deny it, but eventually falls into a very deep depression.
Preston is an out and proud former figure skater. His family and friends accept him for who he is, and he has no shame in his game.
While I did love the story, I really didn't like the characters. I didn't connect at ALL with them. Well that's not exactly true, the author eventually broke my heart with what Boone goes through. Watching his struggles were heart wrenching, and I grew to like and sympathize with him.
Preston is a different story. He got on my last nerve and I couldn't take him most if the time.
All that being said I am giving the book 4.5 stars, because it was well written. It was captivating and gut wrenching. I usually love my stories wrapped in a nice neat bow and double knotted for safety, but it didn't bother me m, the way this book ended. It felt real, and we get a HFN, so that's good enough.
I enjoyed it, I just wish I would have liked the characters and felt some type of chemistry and connection between them, but maybe it was just me.
It was still a good book and recommend it.
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by author/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review*
I struggled with how many stars to give this book. I LOVED the story and plot line. I loved that it felt real and not everything was left wrapped up in a nice little bow. Questions were left unanswered and Boone's state of mind is left in somewhat of a questionable state.
Boone struggles with the fact that he is gay. He is deep in the closet. He knows his parents won't accept it and he his Hockey teammates will also not accept it. He handles everything just fine, until Preston the hot twink walks in to tryout as mascot. He can't help the attraction and he tries to deny it, but eventually falls into a very deep depression.
Preston is an out and proud former figure skater. His family and friends accept him for who he is, and he has no shame in his game.
While I did love the story, I really didn't like the characters. I didn't connect at ALL with them. Well that's not exactly true, the author eventually broke my heart with what Boone goes through. Watching his struggles were heart wrenching, and I grew to like and sympathize with him.
Preston is a different story. He got on my last nerve and I couldn't take him most if the time.
All that being said I am giving the book 4.5 stars, because it was well written. It was captivating and gut wrenching. I usually love my stories wrapped in a nice neat bow and double knotted for safety, but it didn't bother me m, the way this book ended. It felt real, and we get a HFN, so that's good enough.
I enjoyed it, I just wish I would have liked the characters and felt some type of chemistry and connection between them, but maybe it was just me.
It was still a good book and recommend it.
November 11, 2015
If you are looking for a rainbows and butterflies type of HEA, then please don't read this book. Just stop, put it down, and move on. BUT if you want a story about hope, love, and possibilities (and you aren't very particular about the form that love takes) then this is story that you will enjoy.
I'm a recent Locey fan, but I absolutely adore her books. This one is a distinct departure from the others that I have read, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one as well. In others she has touched on the difficulties that homosexual athletes face in coming out to friends, family, teammates, and the public in general. But it has never been explored with such raw emotion and depth as it is in Long Change.
Both Boone and Preston were such powerful characters. One fighting against his sexuality and the other embracing it. They are such amazing foils to each other, right down to their looks, that you can't help but love them individually and as a couple. The support that is right there from the beginning of Boone's journey is both overwhelming and amazingly heartfelt. I honestly had tears in my eyes while reading Boone's struggle and his inevitable "fight" against the people that he had tried to fit in with for so long.
And yes this is a "Happy For Now" book...what makes some people uncomfortable and unsatisfied leaves me with a sense of freedom and hope. There are so many possibilities for Boone now that he has accepted who he is and is working on finding his place in the world. He may have more hardships, but he is more free than he has been in his entire life.
I'm a recent Locey fan, but I absolutely adore her books. This one is a distinct departure from the others that I have read, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one as well. In others she has touched on the difficulties that homosexual athletes face in coming out to friends, family, teammates, and the public in general. But it has never been explored with such raw emotion and depth as it is in Long Change.
Both Boone and Preston were such powerful characters. One fighting against his sexuality and the other embracing it. They are such amazing foils to each other, right down to their looks, that you can't help but love them individually and as a couple. The support that is right there from the beginning of Boone's journey is both overwhelming and amazingly heartfelt. I honestly had tears in my eyes while reading Boone's struggle and his inevitable "fight" against the people that he had tried to fit in with for so long.
And yes this is a "Happy For Now" book...what makes some people uncomfortable and unsatisfied leaves me with a sense of freedom and hope. There are so many possibilities for Boone now that he has accepted who he is and is working on finding his place in the world. He may have more hardships, but he is more free than he has been in his entire life.
July 15, 2015
i...uh...wow. i might be almost speechless with this book. it took me a few minutes to wipe my tears before i could write this.
this is one of the most unexpected, emotionally charged books i've read all year. it's interesting...i love hockey so much but this book, while one of the MC's is a hockey player, has really nothing to do with hockey...at all. yes, boone is a hockey player, a really good one with a chance at the pros. he's also really deep in the closet. and he's good to stay there...until he graduates and gets into the NHL. and then he meets preston and all hell breaks lose inside him. he slides down the slippery slope of complete depression while he falls helplessly in love with preston. preston who is completely out of the closet and over the top flamboyant. preston who helps boone admit who he is and saves him from himself. preston who is adorably, unquestionably one of my favorite characters to sneak up on me in a long time.
this is a story about coming out, coming of age and falling in love, both with yourself and with someone else. make sure you have a box of tissues handy because it will take you through the ringer...you will cry both tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
this is one of the most unexpected, emotionally charged books i've read all year. it's interesting...i love hockey so much but this book, while one of the MC's is a hockey player, has really nothing to do with hockey...at all. yes, boone is a hockey player, a really good one with a chance at the pros. he's also really deep in the closet. and he's good to stay there...until he graduates and gets into the NHL. and then he meets preston and all hell breaks lose inside him. he slides down the slippery slope of complete depression while he falls helplessly in love with preston. preston who is completely out of the closet and over the top flamboyant. preston who helps boone admit who he is and saves him from himself. preston who is adorably, unquestionably one of my favorite characters to sneak up on me in a long time.
this is a story about coming out, coming of age and falling in love, both with yourself and with someone else. make sure you have a box of tissues handy because it will take you through the ringer...you will cry both tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
July 25, 2015
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for an honest review.*
Boone struggles to admit that he's gay, at least until he graduates and manages his goal of joining a pro hockey team. He just needs to endure this last year and he'll be able to be more open, free to be himself, but first he actually needs to make it through the whole year. He didn't count on being attracted to out and proud Preston, though, or everything piling up on him in a way that sends him spiralling into an awful depression, losing himself to it for days on end.
I felt so bad for him and all he had to go through, and I loved that there was no magic cure in the end and he was still somewhat battling with depression, which was commendable and realistic.
Preston was a bit on the annoying side, he was more than a bit pushy, and that made me not truly connect with him. But even with that, I was happy he was there for Boone when he needed him.
I really loved the storyline and all the ups and downs and twists the author took us through.The story is well written and it tugged at my heartstrings more than once. I really fell for Boone and was happy that even if not everything was resolved, at least he got a HFN.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Boone struggles to admit that he's gay, at least until he graduates and manages his goal of joining a pro hockey team. He just needs to endure this last year and he'll be able to be more open, free to be himself, but first he actually needs to make it through the whole year. He didn't count on being attracted to out and proud Preston, though, or everything piling up on him in a way that sends him spiralling into an awful depression, losing himself to it for days on end.
I felt so bad for him and all he had to go through, and I loved that there was no magic cure in the end and he was still somewhat battling with depression, which was commendable and realistic.
Preston was a bit on the annoying side, he was more than a bit pushy, and that made me not truly connect with him. But even with that, I was happy he was there for Boone when he needed him.
I really loved the storyline and all the ups and downs and twists the author took us through.The story is well written and it tugged at my heartstrings more than once. I really fell for Boone and was happy that even if not everything was resolved, at least he got a HFN.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
November 11, 2015
Collegiate superstar goalie Boone has it all. He’s rich, handsome, attends an elite college and is a hot prospect for the pros. But he is also hiding very deep in the closet. He knows his father would disown him; his team and friends wouldn’t accept him. He just needs to get through one more year of college. But then in comes Preston, a flamboyant ex-figure skater. When he shows up to audition for the team’s mascot position, out – loud – and proud, everything comes crashing down on Boone and he can no longer deny who he is.
Wow, what a story. This is not your typical love, hearts and flowers, everything tied up in a nice little HEA at the end type of read. This is raw. This is real. This delves into some real life situations and issues. It’s a roller-coaster ride of emotions worth taking. My only complaint would be I wanted more! This is a short read and I would have loved to have had more of their story. I felt Boone’s pain, and the concern from Preston, but I would have liked a little more depth to truly feel I knew them and to completely feel the love they share. It was definitely there, no doubt about that, I’m just greedy and wanted more because I love V.L. Locey’s writing. I would definitely recommend this book.
Wow, what a story. This is not your typical love, hearts and flowers, everything tied up in a nice little HEA at the end type of read. This is raw. This is real. This delves into some real life situations and issues. It’s a roller-coaster ride of emotions worth taking. My only complaint would be I wanted more! This is a short read and I would have loved to have had more of their story. I felt Boone’s pain, and the concern from Preston, but I would have liked a little more depth to truly feel I knew them and to completely feel the love they share. It was definitely there, no doubt about that, I’m just greedy and wanted more because I love V.L. Locey’s writing. I would definitely recommend this book.
November 14, 2015
Though this book used hockey as it focus I don't think it was the main theme. Boone was the typical Jock, big, muscles and afraid to come out and be true to himself for fear of the repercussions it might have on his chance for the major leagues. Told mostly from Boone's point of view it was more of a detailed journey of one young mans fight to be true to himself and the obstacles he had to overcome. Preston, what to say about our flamboyant boy. Not only is he awesome, he is a great guiding force when Boone needs it. He is a colorful character who is proud of who he is and not afraid to show it. I wish we could have had a look from Preston's point a view. I think it would have added some more depth to the storyline. This was a well written short story based more on the strength it takes to be true to yourself and the struggles to get there. I like that Ms. Locey is taking tough topics and incorporating them in her stories. If you are looking for sex this is not the book for you. I you are looking for a good story filled with drama, angst, heartbreak and acceptance pick up your copy today. You will not be disappointed.
November 23, 2015
V.L. Locey is a terrific author, and this book had so much going for it. Through much of the story, I was well on my way to giving it a 5-star rating.
Ultimately, though, Long Change is just too angsty for me (which is something I never say). When I got to the final page, I wasn't left with a feeling of romantic optimism; instead, I was still struggling with the knot in the pit of my stomach.
Where are we at the end of the book? On the one hand, our MC's (who were both very appealing and sympathetic) are in love and looking forward to starting a new life together. Boone has come out, which is really necessary for his sanity. On the other hand, we have no idea what their future entails; Boone can no longer pursue his NHL dreams and is still struggling with the ambivalence of depression. His grades have never rebounded. The book even ends in the immediate aftermath of a gay bashing.
I would almost classify this as literary fiction with a significant M/M romance subplot, rather than M/M romance per se.
Ultimately, though, Long Change is just too angsty for me (which is something I never say). When I got to the final page, I wasn't left with a feeling of romantic optimism; instead, I was still struggling with the knot in the pit of my stomach.
Where are we at the end of the book? On the one hand, our MC's (who were both very appealing and sympathetic) are in love and looking forward to starting a new life together. Boone has come out, which is really necessary for his sanity. On the other hand, we have no idea what their future entails; Boone can no longer pursue his NHL dreams and is still struggling with the ambivalence of depression. His grades have never rebounded. The book even ends in the immediate aftermath of a gay bashing.
I would almost classify this as literary fiction with a significant M/M romance subplot, rather than M/M romance per se.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2015
Review copy provided via Gay Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
Grown up with a silver spoon in his mouth, Boone was destined to go to an ivy league school However he wasn't going for business, medicine or law, he was going for hockey. Top collegiate goaltender, Boone has a secret he has kept his whole life. He is gay. Pro sports teams might be more accepting of his sexual preference, but in school or in his family, he has to hide.
Preston is a former figure skater who, after an injury, can't do jumps anymore. So he can still be on the ice he loves, he becomes the new mascot for his schools ice hockey team. He is not just gay, he is flamboyantly gay. Open and proud.
The minute Boone sees Preston, he knows he is in trouble. His secret is threatened to be revealed. With Preston's help, Boone learns to accept himself as a gay man and supports him when he needs him the most. Boone might lose almost anything, but he will gain the love he never had.
Grown up with a silver spoon in his mouth, Boone was destined to go to an ivy league school However he wasn't going for business, medicine or law, he was going for hockey. Top collegiate goaltender, Boone has a secret he has kept his whole life. He is gay. Pro sports teams might be more accepting of his sexual preference, but in school or in his family, he has to hide.
Preston is a former figure skater who, after an injury, can't do jumps anymore. So he can still be on the ice he loves, he becomes the new mascot for his schools ice hockey team. He is not just gay, he is flamboyantly gay. Open and proud.
The minute Boone sees Preston, he knows he is in trouble. His secret is threatened to be revealed. With Preston's help, Boone learns to accept himself as a gay man and supports him when he needs him the most. Boone might lose almost anything, but he will gain the love he never had.
July 13, 2015
I’ve stated in reviews before that I love hockey. I’m not an expert and the lingo confuses me at time but I love it. Long Change talks very little about the mechanics of the game and more on the mechanics of how to be who you are and not have it kill you. Boone Crocket is a mess. I say that with love. He is so far in the closet he’s having tea in Narnia. Fear dictates pretty much every choice he makes. And where you’d think he’ll cost through when he finds himself falling hard for Preston, you’d be wrong!
I like that it wasn’t all roses when Boone accepted who he was, because I’m not sure he has 100% accepted anything. He has massive recovery to do. Preston is amazing, outstanding, and someone everyone should have in their lives. As awesome as this story was, I’m hoping beyond hope there’s a sequel to it. I want closure for Boone and Preston. I NEED MORE! And that’s the sign of a good book!
I like that it wasn’t all roses when Boone accepted who he was, because I’m not sure he has 100% accepted anything. He has massive recovery to do. Preston is amazing, outstanding, and someone everyone should have in their lives. As awesome as this story was, I’m hoping beyond hope there’s a sequel to it. I want closure for Boone and Preston. I NEED MORE! And that’s the sign of a good book!
November 14, 2015
Long Change is a short read, about 70 pages, but it's packed with emotion that will give the reader something to think about. I loved the personalities in the book, Preston, so open, free, and flamboyant. Boone, shut down, buttoned up and afraid to be himself. The interaction between the two men makes for some fascinating interplay and draws the reader deeper into the events of the story.
I think that the book presents some very real issues that the LGBT face in today's world. It all culminates in a very scary, and unfortunately realistic way. It's definitely a story that will make you think and feel.
I hope there's a part two that tells us what becomes of Preston and Boone after graduation!
I think that the book presents some very real issues that the LGBT face in today's world. It all culminates in a very scary, and unfortunately realistic way. It's definitely a story that will make you think and feel.
I hope there's a part two that tells us what becomes of Preston and Boone after graduation!
December 11, 2015
This was a frustrating book. I wanted to read a different book from the book the author wrote. I wanted to read more about the MC's emotional and mental journey, and what happened after and as a result of the stuff at the end. An extra 200 pages about all the stuff I wanted to know would have been good.
I won't be reading more by this author while her m/m stories are so short and probably as unsatisfactory.
I won't be reading more by this author while her m/m stories are so short and probably as unsatisfactory.
dnf-puased
November 26, 2022dnf @66%.
I tried to pick this up at least twice. But this isn't what I thought it'll be, this isn't what I signed up for, at least not for now. There isn't enough time in life to read every book, so I'll have to make so decisions what not to waste my time on.
I tried to pick this up at least twice. But this isn't what I thought it'll be, this isn't what I signed up for, at least not for now. There isn't enough time in life to read every book, so I'll have to make so decisions what not to waste my time on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2015
4.5 stars
Want to read
September 20, 2015It's a bummer this is published with Ellora's Cave. It sounds nice. Them? Not so much.
October 2, 2023
El libro era corto por lo que esperaba la típica historia del gay en el closet qué le gusta el chico nuevo, pero no fue así, al final me dio mucha pena todo lo que estaba sintiendo Boone fue una alegría que tuviera a Preston en su vida para poder apoyarse.
July 22, 2018
*4* I liked the story, but the pace was a bit off. I think depression was very realistically depicted. I cried a lot reading the story.
August 5, 2019
Read as part of Blue Line Collection #1
February 10, 2021
mm El epilogo no me gusto pero todo es interesante la trama es rápida y aunque no estuve de acuerdo con algunas decisiones que tomaron los protagonistas fue entretenido.
February 13, 2024
That was horribly depressing. I could have enjoyed the thoughtfully written story if it had at least ended on a high note.
mm-ok-bx
May 22, 2025Bx,Rokp
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