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Alabama Summer
Chase and Jimmy have been a couple for years. When age begins to take a toll on Jimmy’s mother, both men head down to Jimmy’s native Alabama to help her out. They understand that they are walking into a town firmly planted in the Bible Belt, where Jimmy stayed in the closet because of his fear of judgment. But they don’t understand just how bad it can get, and how it will threaten to tear their good relationship apart.
Over the course of two weeks, old friendships rise up like ghosts and new problems rush in like a hurricane from the coast. Can Chase and Jimmy survive a town hellbent on judgment? Or will they see their good relationship unravel under the strain?
Warning: Contains Steamy Male on Male Action Along With Mature Language.
Over the course of two weeks, old friendships rise up like ghosts and new problems rush in like a hurricane from the coast. Can Chase and Jimmy survive a town hellbent on judgment? Or will they see their good relationship unravel under the strain?
Warning: Contains Steamy Male on Male Action Along With Mature Language.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2013
About the author
C.K. Alexander
8 books6 followersC.K. Alexander is a new self-published author specializing in M/M Romance. C.K's first book, Alabama Summer, reached best-seller status in the Gay Romance field.
The next book, Celebrity Secret, is due out June 2013.
Please sign up for C.K.'s email list to take advantage of early bird prices & special deals.
http://eepurl.com/zer55 - Email List sign up
The next book, Celebrity Secret, is due out June 2013.
Please sign up for C.K.'s email list to take advantage of early bird prices & special deals.
http://eepurl.com/zer55 - Email List sign up
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 23, 2013
FREE again on Amazon right NOW 8/23/13!
I decided to take a chance on this self-published book with no reviews here or on Amazon for no other reason other than... well... it was free. I don't turn down free M/M unless it is really really bad. I expected mediocrity but, to my shock, this book was not bad at all. In fact, it was really really good.
Chase and Jimmy have been a couple for 10 years, since their college days. They live together blissfully in the North East but when Jimmy's mom falls ill, the pair journeys to Jimmy's hometown in Alabama to care for her. Though they are a strong couple, Chase is unprepared for the emotional baggage that Jimmy left behind in his small town. While Chase has no problem being out and proud, Jimmy is quickly reverted back to his country boy roots, which involve hiding who he really is. Amidst family crises, Jimmy and Chase must rediscover their priorities and face these new challenges head on or risk losing everything they have built together.
I was very impressed with this book. The chemistry between the two guys is great and I loved their interaction with each other. Jimmy and Chase were very believable characters. I even liked the secondary characters, especially Jimmy's mom. It was surprisingly well done.
My only major issue with this book is the POV switching. The POV changes from paragraph to paragraph, sometimes even from sentence to sentence. I occasionally had trouble figuring out who was talking when, which took me out of the moment. I also think that in some of the sex scenes, something felt a little off or unnatural, especially in the last one.
However, overall, this was a fabulous first book by this author. I'll be looking for more of his/her(??) books in the future!
I decided to take a chance on this self-published book with no reviews here or on Amazon for no other reason other than... well... it was free. I don't turn down free M/M unless it is really really bad. I expected mediocrity but, to my shock, this book was not bad at all. In fact, it was really really good.
Chase and Jimmy have been a couple for 10 years, since their college days. They live together blissfully in the North East but when Jimmy's mom falls ill, the pair journeys to Jimmy's hometown in Alabama to care for her. Though they are a strong couple, Chase is unprepared for the emotional baggage that Jimmy left behind in his small town. While Chase has no problem being out and proud, Jimmy is quickly reverted back to his country boy roots, which involve hiding who he really is. Amidst family crises, Jimmy and Chase must rediscover their priorities and face these new challenges head on or risk losing everything they have built together.
I was very impressed with this book. The chemistry between the two guys is great and I loved their interaction with each other. Jimmy and Chase were very believable characters. I even liked the secondary characters, especially Jimmy's mom. It was surprisingly well done.
My only major issue with this book is the POV switching. The POV changes from paragraph to paragraph, sometimes even from sentence to sentence. I occasionally had trouble figuring out who was talking when, which took me out of the moment. I also think that in some of the sex scenes, something felt a little off or unnatural, especially in the last one.
However, overall, this was a fabulous first book by this author. I'll be looking for more of his/her(??) books in the future!
November 18, 2014
unabashedly sentimental and emotional, and quite an easy read to wile the hours away. It isn't perfect, especially for the ever constant change in POV, but it's a good read with likable characters, and a Steel Magnolia, Southern mother who won my heart.
May 16, 2013
Since this was a freebie on Amazon I figured why not. So glad I did.
I really enjoyed the story of Jimmy returning to his Alabama hometown, where nobody he grew up with knew he was gay before he left, with Chase, his partner of 10 years, to help care for his sick mother. Jimmy's mother never approved of the fact that he was gay. Chase has always been out and accepted by his family. Jimmy's difficulty in reconciling his past with the man he has become since meeting Chase leads to both men having to make difficult choices about their relationship.
The men have great chemistry and the secondary characters, Jimmy's mother and his high school girlfriend, are well written.
This is an impressive, well written story. I don't see any other books here by this author, but would definitely read another.
I really enjoyed the story of Jimmy returning to his Alabama hometown, where nobody he grew up with knew he was gay before he left, with Chase, his partner of 10 years, to help care for his sick mother. Jimmy's mother never approved of the fact that he was gay. Chase has always been out and accepted by his family. Jimmy's difficulty in reconciling his past with the man he has become since meeting Chase leads to both men having to make difficult choices about their relationship.
The men have great chemistry and the secondary characters, Jimmy's mother and his high school girlfriend, are well written.
This is an impressive, well written story. I don't see any other books here by this author, but would definitely read another.
June 7, 2013
I liked this book very, very much.
It is a quite simple story about a gay couple who travel to one MCs little hometown in Alabama, because his mother is ailing. What made it a great read was not the totally original or fascinating plot, but the great writing and very solid development in this story.
Both MCs were interesting and interacted in a realistic way. It had hot sex and realistic conversations. I just loved how the mother was portrayed. She was not ok with her son being gay, but she came to terms with it - and that was done very beautifully I think.
A very enjoyable read - and it was free on Amanzon Germany.
It is a quite simple story about a gay couple who travel to one MCs little hometown in Alabama, because his mother is ailing. What made it a great read was not the totally original or fascinating plot, but the great writing and very solid development in this story.
Both MCs were interesting and interacted in a realistic way. It had hot sex and realistic conversations. I just loved how the mother was portrayed. She was not ok with her son being gay, but she came to terms with it - and that was done very beautifully I think.
A very enjoyable read - and it was free on Amanzon Germany.
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October 7, 2013Full review with spoilers can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
I am making a decision not to rate this book. I went into it knowing that I would probably have issues with the way my state is depicted so rating it would not be fair. However, I am giving my opinions of the story as a whole.
If you're looking for a book that has almost every single incorrect stereotype about the state of Alabama, I highly recommend this book. If you are interested in a book set in my state that is actually factual in regards to a lot of the population of the state, I suggest finding another one. This was offensive to me as a true Alabamian who understands that the George Wallace era was decades ago. It would be nice if this author had realized that instead of using that horrible time in my state's history and based his/her characters and the state as a whole on people from that time. It would've been real nice had it been told based on how things are now - you know, in the 21st century. But then again, then there wouldn't be a story
As far as the actual story goes, I did not like one of the main characters (Jimmy) early on and this dislike grew the more I read. The Alabama stuff aside, the story did not work for me.
I am making a decision not to rate this book. I went into it knowing that I would probably have issues with the way my state is depicted so rating it would not be fair. However, I am giving my opinions of the story as a whole.
If you're looking for a book that has almost every single incorrect stereotype about the state of Alabama, I highly recommend this book. If you are interested in a book set in my state that is actually factual in regards to a lot of the population of the state, I suggest finding another one. This was offensive to me as a true Alabamian who understands that the George Wallace era was decades ago. It would be nice if this author had realized that instead of using that horrible time in my state's history and based his/her characters and the state as a whole on people from that time. It would've been real nice had it been told based on how things are now - you know, in the 21st century. But then again, then there wouldn't be a story
As far as the actual story goes, I did not like one of the main characters (Jimmy) early on and this dislike grew the more I read. The Alabama stuff aside, the story did not work for me.
May 28, 2013
Short glimpse into their lives, rushed ending. This could have been sooo much better if the author had taken just a little bit more time to develop the plot. The ending felt way too rushed, and Jimmy's sudden epiphany seemed like he made a 180 after being forced out of the closet.
I liked Chase a lot better than Jimmy, though I could understand Jimmy's motives in keeping the relationship secret. His actions just were very hurtful to his partner of 10 years.
It's a quick read. The plot covers just a few days. I got this as a freebie off Amazon, and as an introduction to this author, it did well.
I liked Chase a lot better than Jimmy, though I could understand Jimmy's motives in keeping the relationship secret. His actions just were very hurtful to his partner of 10 years.
It's a quick read. The plot covers just a few days. I got this as a freebie off Amazon, and as an introduction to this author, it did well.
May 22, 2013
My only problem with this story is I wished that it had covered the issues a little bit more. Jimmy goes home to his small Alabama town to see how his mother is doing. Jimmy brings along his lover and longtime companion of 10 years Chase. Problems arise because Jimmy's mother is doing worse than thought of and she does not approve of her sons life choice. Worse, Jimmy has not been exactly forthcoming to his old friends about Chase. Will Jimmy be able to be strong enough to deal with his mothers rising heath issues and the predicament he finds himself when confronted by Chase about his small minded, small town friends? There are all kinds of subjects in this short read, the southern take on alternative lifestyles, parents growing old and needing their children's help, not being true to yourself and those around you and most importantly.....how some can easily fall back on the life they lead before where things change slowly, as do people. There's some things I wished had been treated differently (i.e. the relationship between Jimmy and his ex girlfriend) and I found myself skipping the sex scenes but only because I wanted to get to the heart of the story. I think this storyline would have worked really well without the sex, the plot alone is really interesting.
August 1, 2013
One of the main plot points for this story is something that hits way too close to home for me. Should have read the blurb with more care, if I'd known this was an important element of this book, I wouldn't have read it.
Beyond that, this is tolerably well-written, though I had some issues with a few things. For one, the characters behave childishly for their age, or the timeline is incorrect. They are supposed to have met in college and been together for 10 years, which puts them at around 28-32 years old. They are both professionals, who have lived together for a full decade. Yet there are some pretty heavy unresolved issues between them, for their age and stage in life. It is not believable that they could have built a life together for all that time without these issues having surfaced before.
Also, I understand sex scenes sell the book better, but only if the sex helps move the plot along and reflects the true mood of the participants. That was not the case here. There were occasions when my only reaction was "WTF?"
In the end, I felt some very serious issues where treated in a too cavalier manner, for my taste. As a bit of fluff, this is good. Otherwise? No. Not a bit.
Beyond that, this is tolerably well-written, though I had some issues with a few things. For one, the characters behave childishly for their age, or the timeline is incorrect. They are supposed to have met in college and been together for 10 years, which puts them at around 28-32 years old. They are both professionals, who have lived together for a full decade. Yet there are some pretty heavy unresolved issues between them, for their age and stage in life. It is not believable that they could have built a life together for all that time without these issues having surfaced before.
Also, I understand sex scenes sell the book better, but only if the sex helps move the plot along and reflects the true mood of the participants. That was not the case here. There were occasions when my only reaction was "WTF?"
In the end, I felt some very serious issues where treated in a too cavalier manner, for my taste. As a bit of fluff, this is good. Otherwise? No. Not a bit.
February 4, 2017
This was a short quick read that I liked a lot. Chase and Jimmy have been a couple for 10 years, since their college days. They live together blissfully in the North East but when Jimmy's mom gets sick the pair return to Jimmy's hometown in Alabama to care for her. Jimmy has a lot of baggage with his hometown like going back into the closet. This couple had a lot of chemistry and I loved the other character's in this book. Jimmy and Chase began to rediscover what is important to them. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 28, 2014
4.25 Stars
It's been a while since I've read a book with characters as realistic as these. Jimmy's promptness to quick anger and his tendency to run away from fights, the way Eva is at the same time open-minded and close-minded, her quick mind but her unwillingness to acknowledge the failings of her body... Nobody is entirely black or white, good or bad, and the author does a really great job of showing the different facets of what a multidimensional character is. (I didn't mention Chase up there because he's my new favorite puppy and that man can do no wrong do you hear me - seriously I want a Chase too, not fair Jimmy, share the goods)
Wonderful read that I devoured in a day.
It's been a while since I've read a book with characters as realistic as these. Jimmy's promptness to quick anger and his tendency to run away from fights, the way Eva is at the same time open-minded and close-minded, her quick mind but her unwillingness to acknowledge the failings of her body... Nobody is entirely black or white, good or bad, and the author does a really great job of showing the different facets of what a multidimensional character is. (I didn't mention Chase up there because he's my new favorite puppy and that man can do no wrong do you hear me - seriously I want a Chase too, not fair Jimmy, share the goods)
Wonderful read that I devoured in a day.
July 30, 2021
This is pretty sweet, and I do love a book about an already-established couple. I just think the, well, the timeline? I guess? was off. These guys are 30-ish, I assume (they met in college, and have been together 10 years) so Jimmy's mom is, I assume, 50-60? Yet she is written as someone much older, frail and forgetful and unable to keep up with her home. Plus, I couldn't relate to the way Jimmy was still so concerned about what people from high school thought of him. I'm not saying it's not possible for people to have hang ups like that; I just don't think the author was able to convey it to me in a way that I could empathize with.
November 5, 2019
2.5 Stars
Some editing issues.
Some editing issues.
February 5, 2020
Great read
This book and author show how the past can and does affect is in and on so many levels. It's well written and the idea is a great one. Lots of sex. I recommend it
This book and author show how the past can and does affect is in and on so many levels. It's well written and the idea is a great one. Lots of sex. I recommend it
April 28, 2020
3.5 stars
September 8, 2013
Jimmy hasn’t much been home in over ten years, but now he’s headed there to visit his ailing mother with his boyfriend, Chase, in tow. When Jimmy graduated high school he couldn’t get out of Alabama fast enough. Surrounded by hatred and ignorance he always hid his sexuality, and to this day no one but his mother knows the truth about Jimmy and Chase.
Jimmy’s mom is very old fashioned, even giving them the “you can’t sleep in the same bedroom!” ultimatum. Her and Chase take to each other immediately, but she is still hesitant to admit to herself that her son is gay. So she tries to push him toward his ex girlfriend. This coupled with fact that Jimmy refuses to acknowledge their ten year relationship around his friends pushes Chase away. Jimmy soon learns that his fear of coming out may cost him the person he loves the most.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Eventually we all end up back home and if something drove you away, you end up having to come to terms with that as well, if you haven’t already. Chase was already the mature male in their relationship, and Jimmy had issues he had to deal with on his own terms. Alexander made sure that Jimmy remained a likeable character, even when his head was up his ass. His insecurities and unassuredness made him the perfect guy for Chase who was confident and outspoken.
The addition of just a couple of basic secondary characters really took this story up a notch for me. It was refreshing to see another side of the jilted ex girlfriend, Monica. Yes she was pist at first to learn of Jimmy’s sexuality. But only because she’d always thought something was wrong with her, to explain away his lack of interest. When the dust settles she stands by Jimmy and makes sure he knows he has a friend. And momma, although old fashioned and slightly stubborn, eventually finds common ground with Chase. Jimmy. She sees the way they are with each other, stolen glances and tender moments and realizes Chase truly does love her son. She can argue the right or wrong of being gay till the cows come home, but she can’t argue love.
This little book packs a lot in its pages. Love, compassion, ignorance and understanding. And you know that Jimmy and Chase found a way around momma’s separate beds rule! I definitely recommend this book, it has a nice HEA, bonus!
Jimmy’s mom is very old fashioned, even giving them the “you can’t sleep in the same bedroom!” ultimatum. Her and Chase take to each other immediately, but she is still hesitant to admit to herself that her son is gay. So she tries to push him toward his ex girlfriend. This coupled with fact that Jimmy refuses to acknowledge their ten year relationship around his friends pushes Chase away. Jimmy soon learns that his fear of coming out may cost him the person he loves the most.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Eventually we all end up back home and if something drove you away, you end up having to come to terms with that as well, if you haven’t already. Chase was already the mature male in their relationship, and Jimmy had issues he had to deal with on his own terms. Alexander made sure that Jimmy remained a likeable character, even when his head was up his ass. His insecurities and unassuredness made him the perfect guy for Chase who was confident and outspoken.
The addition of just a couple of basic secondary characters really took this story up a notch for me. It was refreshing to see another side of the jilted ex girlfriend, Monica. Yes she was pist at first to learn of Jimmy’s sexuality. But only because she’d always thought something was wrong with her, to explain away his lack of interest. When the dust settles she stands by Jimmy and makes sure he knows he has a friend. And momma, although old fashioned and slightly stubborn, eventually finds common ground with Chase. Jimmy. She sees the way they are with each other, stolen glances and tender moments and realizes Chase truly does love her son. She can argue the right or wrong of being gay till the cows come home, but she can’t argue love.
This little book packs a lot in its pages. Love, compassion, ignorance and understanding. And you know that Jimmy and Chase found a way around momma’s separate beds rule! I definitely recommend this book, it has a nice HEA, bonus!
November 4, 2016
Let me start off by saying that I liked this book. I liked it a lot, but found that I could only give this book a 3 star rating because repeatedly throughout the book it talked about the main character and his being gay as a lifestyle and a choice. Yes, a choice. It was not until I got the 71% mark where it then said as a side note, that the MC was born that way and it wasn't by choice.
Everyone has their own beliefs, but I truly do believe, that being gay is NOT a choice, nor is it a "lifestyle" which IMO implies choice.
With that being said, this is a good short story about 2 men who have very different backgrounds that have been together for a decade and go back to the heart of Alabama to help out one of the MC's mother during a difficult time in her life, and have to decide if the backwards bigoted town is worth their relationship.
This was a quick read, but I got completely invested in both Jimmy and Chase, I just wish the author would have not used the words "choice" and "lifestyle" as much.
Everyone has their own beliefs, but I truly do believe, that being gay is NOT a choice, nor is it a "lifestyle" which IMO implies choice.
With that being said, this is a good short story about 2 men who have very different backgrounds that have been together for a decade and go back to the heart of Alabama to help out one of the MC's mother during a difficult time in her life, and have to decide if the backwards bigoted town is worth their relationship.
This was a quick read, but I got completely invested in both Jimmy and Chase, I just wish the author would have not used the words "choice" and "lifestyle" as much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2017
Exceeded my expectations, turned into quite a sweet quick read.
June 7, 2013
I saw this book while searching free romances with a rating above 3 stars on Amazon. It was hidden amongst Austen and Bronte classics. There was only one review at the time, but it was 4 stars. I figured I'd try it because the reviewer looked legit...and ok, cute guys on the cover. I stayed up all night reading it, and then woke my daughter to tell her about the story just so I could stay in the book after I finished it. I loved Jimmy and Chase, their love was shown so well, that my heart broke a little for them. I liked how the author didn't make them just be ok at the end with an `I'm sorry', because after what happened, I'm sorry just would not have cut it. I definitely will recommend this book to people.
August 23, 2013
This book shows the struggles of a young man who returns home to Alabama to take care of his ill mother. He brings his partner of 10 years with him, and isn't all that happy about letting his old high school crowd know that he is gay. His partner becomes upset because he isn't ready to let anyone know yet because he grew up in a small town. I felt for both the men because I can understand what they are both feeling.
Very enjoyable with nice adult scenes. One reviewer on Amazon said that the book was hard to follow because of the POV. I didn't find that problem at all. It was done in third person, and there was no confusion at all.
Very enjoyable with nice adult scenes. One reviewer on Amazon said that the book was hard to follow because of the POV. I didn't find that problem at all. It was done in third person, and there was no confusion at all.
October 13, 2015
A freebie that I enjoyed very much. Even though I'm not a huge fan of established couples these two felt very real and their problems and pains were understandable and oh so good in all the right places. And the chemistry was off the charts!
My only issue was the overly frequent change of POV. It happened so often and without further indication, I had some serious problems keeping track on who was "in charge". But all in all it was a great debut and I liked it very much.
My only issue was the overly frequent change of POV. It happened so often and without further indication, I had some serious problems keeping track on who was "in charge". But all in all it was a great debut and I liked it very much.
October 9, 2015
Omg, this was heart wrenching, sweet and emotional engaging. To be openly gay works not everywhere and those who have spent most of their lives in closets have a different connection to their families and home towns. One has to walk in their shoes to understand, but they have to make a decision one day if they want to live their life without regret and shame.
September 30, 2013
Really good and honest writing. The characters were extremely well written, realistic and true to their background. I am impressed by the quality of this first published work by Alexander.
I didn't like the POV switching, even Monica got in there which was just strange.
I'll buy the next one from this author without hesitation. It can only get better and it was SO good already!
I didn't like the POV switching, even Monica got in there which was just strange.
I'll buy the next one from this author without hesitation. It can only get better and it was SO good already!
May 22, 2014
Decent read, little bit of an emotional roller-coaster, and a near-perfect ending.
I didn't really take the setting into much account. Some people write realistic fiction, some write non-realistic fiction, and some just kind of make up their own little corner of this world. *shrug* It drove the storyline.
I didn't really take the setting into much account. Some people write realistic fiction, some write non-realistic fiction, and some just kind of make up their own little corner of this world. *shrug* It drove the storyline.
May 12, 2013
A bittersweet romance about coming home and facing your demons as well as you mother. I felt for both men as they had to deal with rural southern people and who Jimmy was, is and what he tried to be.
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
July 10, 2013
2.5 stars. I wish this story spanned a greater time frame. The friendship between Ava and Chase, the outing, the fight, the dementia etc needed more depth and gentler handling. It was a little clumsy. It was a solid story though.
May 18, 2013
Like many others I bought that for free and I totally loved it! Chase definitely is a keeper and I'm glad that this book already has so many fans out there!
It just shows that there are people that care. I loved this story!!!
It just shows that there are people that care. I loved this story!!!
June 13, 2013
The constant shift of POV and the sudden immaturity of the one of the MCs made this story less than enjoyable. It wasn't horrible... but the inconsistent and suddenness of changing POVs made the story feel disjointed.
May 14, 2013
Great read. I enjoyed the story, I like the characters, and the issues addressed in the story are also believable.
May 15, 2013
Is a great book to read
October 19, 2018
Hits every single stereotype with no character development. I did manage to finish it, so two stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews