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Tales from Ballena Beach #1
Strings Attached by Nick Nolan
Closeted teenager Jeremy is sent to live with wealthy relatives after his mother enters rehab. Struggling to fit into the posh world of Ballena Beach, Jeremy joins the high school swim team, dates a popular girl, and begins to think he may have landed in paradise - until his great aunt Katharine starts to dictate his every move and a late-night phone call insinuates that his father's accidental death was not so accidental after all.
As Jeremy grows accustomed to the veneer of a fabulous life, so grows his need for answers - as well as the danger of immeasurable harm. Weaving together a murder mystery, sexual ambiguity, and characters with hidden identities and agendas, Nick Nolan offers listeners a deliciously witty novel about the "puppet" who wishes only to be a real boy. Strings Attached is also a surprisingly heartfelt story about coming-of-age and coming out - not necessarily in that order.
As Jeremy grows accustomed to the veneer of a fabulous life, so grows his need for answers - as well as the danger of immeasurable harm. Weaving together a murder mystery, sexual ambiguity, and characters with hidden identities and agendas, Nick Nolan offers listeners a deliciously witty novel about the "puppet" who wishes only to be a real boy. Strings Attached is also a surprisingly heartfelt story about coming-of-age and coming out - not necessarily in that order.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
43 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
Nick Nolan
9 books57 followersBorn and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Nick Nolan worked nights and weekends selling furniture to put himself through college. After graduation he went on to direct a group home for homeless and abused LGBT youth, and during his scant spare time began writing. Inspired by the works of authors Gordon Merrick, Paul Russell and Paul Monette, Nolan penned his debut novel, Strings Attached, the first in a planned trilogy. Shortly after its release, Strings Attached was named 2006 Gay/Lesbian Book of the Year by ForeWord Magazine, hit #1 in Gay Fiction on Amazon.com, and spent nearly a year in that genre's Top 10. Two years later Nolan's second thriller Double Bound won Book of the Year awards for Gay/Lesbian Fiction by both ForeWord Magazine and ReaderViews. Nolan's most recent work Black as Snow became the #1 selling Kindle title in the UK following its release, and spent over six weeks at #1 on Amazon USA in the simultaneous categories of 'Contemporary Fantasy', 'Gay/Lesbian Fiction', and 'Science Fiction Thrillers'. His fourth novel Wide Asleep, the long awaited sequel to Strings Attached and Double Bound, will be published in January 2014.
Nick is a die-hard car nut and an enthusiastic cook, while his longtime partner Jaime Flores is an award winning graphic designer and the principal at Monocle Design: monocledesign.com. Nick, Jaime and their two beloved dogs divide their time between a home in the San Fernando Valley and a cabin high in the mountains of California.
--from the author's website
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Nick is a die-hard car nut and an enthusiastic cook, while his longtime partner Jaime Flores is an award winning graphic designer and the principal at Monocle Design: monocledesign.com. Nick, Jaime and their two beloved dogs divide their time between a home in the San Fernando Valley and a cabin high in the mountains of California.
--from the author's website
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 21, 2017
Audible
I decided to mark my audio books with an extra sign, because I don't want to mislead you.
As I've noticed, audio books that I enjoyed make often a different impression on my GR friends when they pick up an eBook after reading my review. No, it is not an excuse for loving a book, that someone might not, but just an attempt to explain that I have other criteria in rating an audio book, comparing to an eBook. A good audio book is for me 60% a plot and 40% a performance.
And Strings Attached had all my attention during listening to it. Yes, thanks to a terrific narration by Luke Daniels. He created a wonderful movie in my head, that had everything I needed to enjoy it. Let me say so: it started like a family drama, changed to Disney sweet tale, and then turned suddenly into a thriller, with a mystery part, that normally would make me roll my eyes. But here it was just about right. I totally bought it and ate up without hesitation. A poor boy who suddenly became a rich boy, whose life changed from one day to another, but who kept his heart at the right side.
A charming, sweet, quick pacing and multifaceted story-line, well-developed characters, many touching moments, not without a Disney influence, and an excellent narrating. What do you need more?!
November 17, 2016
4,5 stars.
I liked this book a lot more than I could expect. I felt doubtful about it, because I generally don't like YA and because I knew there was almost no romance there. But at the same time I felt curious and I thought I'd give it a try, in the worst case it'd just be another book I'd DNF. Well, I didn't feel like DNFing it at all and reading it was very, very enjoyable.
For one thing, it didn't have that annoying YA flavor, and I know everyone puts their own meaning into it. For me, a lot of YA books feel like they target such a narrow audience, like they are probably EXTREMELY interesting and important for teenagers but for everyone outside the age group it's like watching the life in an aquarium - pretty but has nothing to do with you. Okay, 'Strings Attched' didn't feel like that. The main character was young but his problems were human and relatable. It was fascinating to watch Jeremy grow and change, discover things about himself.
I liked Jeremy very much, and other characters were sympathetic as well. Tiffany, who was so easy to hate, and yet probably the most touching moments of the book were connected to her. I liked Ellie and Reed, I think they were multi-dimensional and fun. Aunt Katharine had her idiosyncrasies but in the end I really cared for her. And I was happy for Carlo finally getting what he wanted - and sad at the same time, because I'm fascinated with Arthur, too... and I can't wait to find out what happened next with them all.
I enjoyed the plot itself very much. Okay, me being a naturally distrustful person, Jeremy's turn of fortune didn't feel like a fairy tale but like a long set-up to the mystery, nicely suspenseful and full of premonition. And I loved
Loved the symbolism, it was not very subtle but okay, at least it was impossible to miss. And sometimes it's good to be unsubtle, like with the boat Tiffany and then Jeremy see, because it was touching and beautiful.
Can't wait to read the next book!
I liked this book a lot more than I could expect. I felt doubtful about it, because I generally don't like YA and because I knew there was almost no romance there. But at the same time I felt curious and I thought I'd give it a try, in the worst case it'd just be another book I'd DNF. Well, I didn't feel like DNFing it at all and reading it was very, very enjoyable.
For one thing, it didn't have that annoying YA flavor, and I know everyone puts their own meaning into it. For me, a lot of YA books feel like they target such a narrow audience, like they are probably EXTREMELY interesting and important for teenagers but for everyone outside the age group it's like watching the life in an aquarium - pretty but has nothing to do with you. Okay, 'Strings Attched' didn't feel like that. The main character was young but his problems were human and relatable. It was fascinating to watch Jeremy grow and change, discover things about himself.
I liked Jeremy very much, and other characters were sympathetic as well. Tiffany, who was so easy to hate, and yet probably the most touching moments of the book were connected to her. I liked Ellie and Reed, I think they were multi-dimensional and fun. Aunt Katharine had her idiosyncrasies but in the end I really cared for her. And I was happy for Carlo finally getting what he wanted - and sad at the same time, because I'm fascinated with Arthur, too... and I can't wait to find out what happened next with them all.
I enjoyed the plot itself very much. Okay, me being a naturally distrustful person, Jeremy's turn of fortune didn't feel like a fairy tale but like a long set-up to the mystery, nicely suspenseful and full of premonition. And I loved
Loved the symbolism, it was not very subtle but okay, at least it was impossible to miss. And sometimes it's good to be unsubtle, like with the boat Tiffany and then Jeremy see, because it was touching and beautiful.
Can't wait to read the next book!
May 27, 2016
3.5 for the story
4.5 for the narration
1 for the overabundance of filler which nearly had me DNFing
3.5 overall.
I have a "like a whole lot/hate" relationship with this book.
Let's start with the good things. Luke Daniels. I listened to the audio version and that is what got me through the book when I would have otherwise given up. His performance is brilliant and I can't wait to listen to more of his work. Jeremy is an interesting character and the story is an engaging coming of age although the mystery aspect was a little predictable, it was handled okay I guess. The characters all felt authentic for the most part, and of course I fell for Arthur the butler in a way that I need to know more about him.
Now the not so good. The book was too wordy. The descriptions were extremely detailed. Now, most of the time that is a good thing but it got to a point that it seemed to be unnecessary to the story. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the story would have been tighter and the heavy Pinocchio references would have stopped smacking me in the face at every turn. I realize that this is the first book of a trilogy and perhaps that is why I didn't love the book the way I wanted to. I usually am not a huge fan of first books. I will be continuing the trilogy because I want to know more about Arthur. I just hope that the next book works better for me.
4.5 for the narration
1 for the overabundance of filler which nearly had me DNFing
3.5 overall.
I have a "like a whole lot/hate" relationship with this book.
Let's start with the good things. Luke Daniels. I listened to the audio version and that is what got me through the book when I would have otherwise given up. His performance is brilliant and I can't wait to listen to more of his work. Jeremy is an interesting character and the story is an engaging coming of age although the mystery aspect was a little predictable, it was handled okay I guess. The characters all felt authentic for the most part, and of course I fell for Arthur the butler in a way that I need to know more about him.
Now the not so good. The book was too wordy. The descriptions were extremely detailed. Now, most of the time that is a good thing but it got to a point that it seemed to be unnecessary to the story. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the story would have been tighter and the heavy Pinocchio references would have stopped smacking me in the face at every turn. I realize that this is the first book of a trilogy and perhaps that is why I didn't love the book the way I wanted to. I usually am not a huge fan of first books. I will be continuing the trilogy because I want to know more about Arthur. I just hope that the next book works better for me.
November 28, 2010
Good but uneven m/m romance about a high school senior who discovers, after his alcoholic mother ends up in treatment, that his dead father's family is wealthy. His transition to a life of privilege while he tries to figure out who he is and what he wants does not go smoothly. The author's afterward reveals numerous references to the story of Pinocchio, only a few of which I caught. I'd suggest including a forward with an abbreviated version of that story to help the reader...
abandoned
August 19, 2012I read about a third of it, plus some flip-aheads. Frankly, the writing is bad. Not only is it bad, but it's smug. Nick Nolan thinks he has written a Masterpiece and the arrogance of it shines through every page. There was only so much I could stomach.
I flipped ahead to his little "afterword" where he explains how subtly and deftly he weaved in references to Pinnochio. Yes, Nick, you were very subtle. Like a freight train.
The book really suffered from a lack of editing. I had to fight the urge to pull out my red pen. It just really needs a good buff and shine to tighten it up. Maybe after that it would be a decent read but I didn't have the patience for it.
I flipped ahead to his little "afterword" where he explains how subtly and deftly he weaved in references to Pinnochio. Yes, Nick, you were very subtle. Like a freight train.
The book really suffered from a lack of editing. I had to fight the urge to pull out my red pen. It just really needs a good buff and shine to tighten it up. Maybe after that it would be a decent read but I didn't have the patience for it.
December 19, 2013
I read Strings Attached over 2 days, I could not put it down.
Nick Nolan does a fantastic job of weaving a coming of age tale into a nice mystery. Jeremy Taylor's father was killed in an accident and he is left with an alcoholic mom. When she hits rock bottom Jeremy is moved in with the rich Aunt he has never met. Trying to be what she wants and trying to figure out if he likes boys or girls as well as worrying about his mom leads him on a wonderfully tragic story. These characters feel like people that you would know in real life. And the descriptions of things make it a great book!
I cannot wait to read the next book!
Nick Nolan does a fantastic job of weaving a coming of age tale into a nice mystery. Jeremy Taylor's father was killed in an accident and he is left with an alcoholic mom. When she hits rock bottom Jeremy is moved in with the rich Aunt he has never met. Trying to be what she wants and trying to figure out if he likes boys or girls as well as worrying about his mom leads him on a wonderfully tragic story. These characters feel like people that you would know in real life. And the descriptions of things make it a great book!
I cannot wait to read the next book!
June 21, 2012
I fell in love with this book! Wow! What a ride!
Plenty of mystery, gay youth angst, opulent atmosphere and what I require
in my reading...love. The love has got to be there or I hang it up.
Writer Nick Nolan weaves a terrific story which is as fun as it is smexy!
(That's smart and sexy! {:^D) The characters feel real and I fell in love with them myself!
Thank you author Nick Nolan!
This was a splendid read!
(I feel GREAT!)
Plenty of mystery, gay youth angst, opulent atmosphere and what I require
in my reading...love. The love has got to be there or I hang it up.
Writer Nick Nolan weaves a terrific story which is as fun as it is smexy!
(That's smart and sexy! {:^D) The characters feel real and I fell in love with them myself!
Thank you author Nick Nolan!
This was a splendid read!
(I feel GREAT!)
April 29, 2010
Strings Attached attempts to take a classic tale mixed with a teenage coming of age story, throwing in a splash of mystery and danger, some sexual tension, and a happy ending to tie everything up. The result is mostly successfully and the story is a very enjoyable to read. It has an engaging storyline, likable characters, interesting dilemmas, and a flowing writing style that is easy to read. On the other hand, the writing is overly descriptive in some parts and the style changes partway through the book which drops important resolutions abruptly. Yet the natural charm of the writing and story still manages to come through and ultimately keeps the book engaging even if it didn’t have to try so hard to add so many elements. If you’re looking for a solid coming of age story that is light and easy to read, Strings Attached fulfills that desire well.
The plot weaves several elements together all revolving around the main character Jeremy. Jeremy is a poor kid of a drunk, ex-drug using mother. Her manipulations and selfish behavior have pretty much scared Jeremy emotionally and when he’s sent to live with his rich relatives, he experiences a pretty big culture shock. The main thrust of the story deals with Jeremy’s life as he goes from rags-to-riches while struggling with accepting and identifying his sexuality, his future goals (college?), and reconciling the death of his father so long ago. The mystery portion revolves around this death and whether it was an accident or not.
For the most part, the story does a good job of keeping the various pieces moving together. Initially the book reads like a continuous narration as each successive chapter picks up exactly where the last one left off. Included is an incredible level of superfluous detail such as driving instructions down to the left/right turns at all intersections and going class by class through Jeremy’s first day of school. While this level of detail is not really necessary, it’s also not bad or distracting in any way. The quick pace keeps you interested even through the detail. Yet the narrative style changes about halfway through when suddenly the story jumps large chunks of time and details are noticeably missing.
While the leaps in the timeline again aren’t bad in theory, important events are skipped or dropped entirely only to be mentioned in passing later. This shows a very sharp contrast to the detail orientated earlier part of the book where everything is included and now scenes that should be included are not. Important turning points to Jeremy’s sexuality and understanding are not resolved and in fact, you’re left wondering what happened at all. Part of this disjointed new narrative plays into the mystery aspect, leaving it very interesting but too easily resolved. There ends up being no real mystery. Instead the facts are simply told in a pretty quick manner instead of being shown and crafting palpable tension.
What shines in the book though is the voice of Jeremy. He is the main third person narrative even as the point of view does jump around a bit and his young, coming of age tale is engaging and interesting. Some of the dialogue reads slightly mundane and antiquated yet it has a real appeal and understanding for that young adult range in a story for adults. There is thankfully no big high school trauma and drama, yet the outside antics are enough to keep the quick pace going and the pages flying by. His confusion, mistakes, yearning, and emotional cracks all create a great character with enough charm and delight to carry the story through any stumbles and foils.
Strings Attached is not perfect and I don’t think the Pinocchio theme is important or well integrated, even after reading the author notes. It’s not detrimental though and the age old coming of age for a young gay man is one that resonates even without tricks or extraneous drama. Even with the somewhat darker tones of the plot, the writing keeps the story light and interesting and above all, pretty enjoyable to read. For those that enjoy young adult books that are targeted and meant for an older audience, this offering delivers an imperfect but worthwhile story. There is also a sequel so you’ll want to start the series now. I personally am looking forward to reading more about Jeremy’s adventures.
The plot weaves several elements together all revolving around the main character Jeremy. Jeremy is a poor kid of a drunk, ex-drug using mother. Her manipulations and selfish behavior have pretty much scared Jeremy emotionally and when he’s sent to live with his rich relatives, he experiences a pretty big culture shock. The main thrust of the story deals with Jeremy’s life as he goes from rags-to-riches while struggling with accepting and identifying his sexuality, his future goals (college?), and reconciling the death of his father so long ago. The mystery portion revolves around this death and whether it was an accident or not.
For the most part, the story does a good job of keeping the various pieces moving together. Initially the book reads like a continuous narration as each successive chapter picks up exactly where the last one left off. Included is an incredible level of superfluous detail such as driving instructions down to the left/right turns at all intersections and going class by class through Jeremy’s first day of school. While this level of detail is not really necessary, it’s also not bad or distracting in any way. The quick pace keeps you interested even through the detail. Yet the narrative style changes about halfway through when suddenly the story jumps large chunks of time and details are noticeably missing.
While the leaps in the timeline again aren’t bad in theory, important events are skipped or dropped entirely only to be mentioned in passing later. This shows a very sharp contrast to the detail orientated earlier part of the book where everything is included and now scenes that should be included are not. Important turning points to Jeremy’s sexuality and understanding are not resolved and in fact, you’re left wondering what happened at all. Part of this disjointed new narrative plays into the mystery aspect, leaving it very interesting but too easily resolved. There ends up being no real mystery. Instead the facts are simply told in a pretty quick manner instead of being shown and crafting palpable tension.
What shines in the book though is the voice of Jeremy. He is the main third person narrative even as the point of view does jump around a bit and his young, coming of age tale is engaging and interesting. Some of the dialogue reads slightly mundane and antiquated yet it has a real appeal and understanding for that young adult range in a story for adults. There is thankfully no big high school trauma and drama, yet the outside antics are enough to keep the quick pace going and the pages flying by. His confusion, mistakes, yearning, and emotional cracks all create a great character with enough charm and delight to carry the story through any stumbles and foils.
Strings Attached is not perfect and I don’t think the Pinocchio theme is important or well integrated, even after reading the author notes. It’s not detrimental though and the age old coming of age for a young gay man is one that resonates even without tricks or extraneous drama. Even with the somewhat darker tones of the plot, the writing keeps the story light and interesting and above all, pretty enjoyable to read. For those that enjoy young adult books that are targeted and meant for an older audience, this offering delivers an imperfect but worthwhile story. There is also a sequel so you’ll want to start the series now. I personally am looking forward to reading more about Jeremy’s adventures.
Read
July 7, 2010Until I haven’t read this book I was thinking that the “strings attached” of the title was a way to refer to emotional links, and in a way it’s like that since Jeremy, the 17 years old who is the main character of this coming of age novel has never had the safety you usually find in a family while you are growing up: his father died when he was only a little baby, her mother has an alcohol problem that prevents her to be a real role figure, and they are living far from any relatives. Considering all of this, Jeremy is even a good boy, he has no rebellion feelings and he is probably only waiting to be independent to build his own life and stability.
Then suddenly everything change, Jeremy’s mother has to be recovered in a rehabilitation center and Jeremy is sent living with his great-aunt, a woman who Jeremy barely knows and only since his mother hates her. Katherine is a very wealthy business woman, living in Ballena Beach, a rich heaven for rich people and their rich kids. Suddenly Jeremy looses even what little stability he had and he is in the hand of Katherine, who wants to watch, and drive, his every step. Katherine is probably the Mangiafuoco of this modern version of Pinocchio, the puppeteer, and Jeremy is the puppet. There is even the fairy godmother (fata turchina), Arthur, the cat and the wolf (il gatto e la volpe), Reed and Ellie, and I’m not sure if Lucignolo is Cody or Carlo… but considering that Lucignolo is the bad role model, then I think it’s Cody, since Carlo is indeed a good role model, an openly and proud gay teenager.
It’s not that Carlo is perfect or has a perfect life, on the contrary, he is still grieving his mother loss, and his father has practically disowned him for being gay; he is so unsure of himself, due to the instability of his family origins, that Carlo is always trying to prove that he is there, in the center of the scene. Sometime he is even too much and so Jeremy is almost scared by him.
Jeremy is a guy with a lot of doubts. One thing he is pretty sure, he likes boys; but this is something that he doesn’t want to consider as a possibility, Jeremy is already considering himself an outcast, that adding to it also the gay chip will be too much. And so Jeremy tries to be the perfect straight guys with a beautiful girlfriend and the right circle of friends, but his desires are always there.
Even if there is a love story or two, this is not the story of Jeremy’s search for true love; Jeremy is 17 years old, he has time to find Mr Right, in this moment is more important for him to understand who he is and what he wants. So even if he has relationships in this novel, mostly platonic, I don’t think that in the end he has really reached that level of self-confidence he needs. At the end of the novel, he is still a teenager, still with all his open questions; he has maybe some clues more to understand the puzzle of his life, but he is far from resolving it.
Even if the events around him are monumental and life-changing, Jeremy’s personal life story is simple and tender, the story of a misfit who wants with all himself to find his place in what he considers the world, and that, in reality, is only a neighbourhood and an high school. Real life is still out there, and Jeremy has yet to taste it.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982555016/?...
Then suddenly everything change, Jeremy’s mother has to be recovered in a rehabilitation center and Jeremy is sent living with his great-aunt, a woman who Jeremy barely knows and only since his mother hates her. Katherine is a very wealthy business woman, living in Ballena Beach, a rich heaven for rich people and their rich kids. Suddenly Jeremy looses even what little stability he had and he is in the hand of Katherine, who wants to watch, and drive, his every step. Katherine is probably the Mangiafuoco of this modern version of Pinocchio, the puppeteer, and Jeremy is the puppet. There is even the fairy godmother (fata turchina), Arthur, the cat and the wolf (il gatto e la volpe), Reed and Ellie, and I’m not sure if Lucignolo is Cody or Carlo… but considering that Lucignolo is the bad role model, then I think it’s Cody, since Carlo is indeed a good role model, an openly and proud gay teenager.
It’s not that Carlo is perfect or has a perfect life, on the contrary, he is still grieving his mother loss, and his father has practically disowned him for being gay; he is so unsure of himself, due to the instability of his family origins, that Carlo is always trying to prove that he is there, in the center of the scene. Sometime he is even too much and so Jeremy is almost scared by him.
Jeremy is a guy with a lot of doubts. One thing he is pretty sure, he likes boys; but this is something that he doesn’t want to consider as a possibility, Jeremy is already considering himself an outcast, that adding to it also the gay chip will be too much. And so Jeremy tries to be the perfect straight guys with a beautiful girlfriend and the right circle of friends, but his desires are always there.
Even if there is a love story or two, this is not the story of Jeremy’s search for true love; Jeremy is 17 years old, he has time to find Mr Right, in this moment is more important for him to understand who he is and what he wants. So even if he has relationships in this novel, mostly platonic, I don’t think that in the end he has really reached that level of self-confidence he needs. At the end of the novel, he is still a teenager, still with all his open questions; he has maybe some clues more to understand the puzzle of his life, but he is far from resolving it.
Even if the events around him are monumental and life-changing, Jeremy’s personal life story is simple and tender, the story of a misfit who wants with all himself to find his place in what he considers the world, and that, in reality, is only a neighbourhood and an high school. Real life is still out there, and Jeremy has yet to taste it.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982555016/?...
April 2, 2018
A good story
It's rare for me to find a good gay novel, but this one really held my interest. And did it without using explicit sex scenes to leave me panting, or annoyed, until the next one. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.
It's rare for me to find a good gay novel, but this one really held my interest. And did it without using explicit sex scenes to leave me panting, or annoyed, until the next one. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.
June 17, 2016
Pure fluff, but very enjoyable fluff which I would happily recommend to anyone looking for an enjoyable holiday read. It's gay YA, which I reckon is a tricky genre to pull off in terms of tone, and to be fair I think the author does a good job. However you do get a sense that this is his first book - there are some great passages and descriptions and others which tend towards cliche. Critics might think of this as a gay O.C., but equally so would fans! So, while I'm a bit surprised it won some awards, I thoroughly enjoyed this troubled young man from wrong side of the tracks gets chance at redemption which is laced with family secrets and danger while discovering himself and his sexuality! The ending comes rather abruptly with a final chapter to tie virtually everything up in a big pretty bow. Also, the Pinnochio analogy never feels very convincing and the author's afterword where every aspect is spelled out does not actually help to convince me otherwise. But - and I actually think this is maybe the most important thing about this book - there are still not that many books out there for young gay men and women looking for some reflection of themselves and their feelings as they grow up. This may be a broad brush portrait of gay youth with more than a touch of the fantastic, but I can imagine - and hope - that it will find many readers, young or old, delighted to get caught up in its cocktail of adventure, love and loss.
August 13, 2016
Title: String Attached (Tales from Ballena Beach, #1) Audiobook Version
Author: Nick Nolan
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Cover Artist: N/A
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Romance
Pairing: Questioning & Gay
Length: Long Novel (10 hours & 15 minutes)
Heat Rating: ♨♨♨♨
Book Rating: ★★★★★
I had a hard time putting this one down. I just wanted to know what would happen next and would Jeremy be happy. The author suggest that there is a Pinocchio theme to the story. I didn’t really see that but nonetheless enjoyed this story. I have read all three of the stories in this series and I have to say you must read them all to get the complete picture. This was Jeremy’s story, the next is Arthur’s story, and the third is their story. This is truly an amazing set of books.
Complete Review at WoDF - String Attached (Tales from Ballena Beach, #1) Audiobook Version
Author: Nick Nolan
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Cover Artist: N/A
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Romance
Pairing: Questioning & Gay
Length: Long Novel (10 hours & 15 minutes)
Heat Rating: ♨♨♨♨
Book Rating: ★★★★★
I had a hard time putting this one down. I just wanted to know what would happen next and would Jeremy be happy. The author suggest that there is a Pinocchio theme to the story. I didn’t really see that but nonetheless enjoyed this story. I have read all three of the stories in this series and I have to say you must read them all to get the complete picture. This was Jeremy’s story, the next is Arthur’s story, and the third is their story. This is truly an amazing set of books.
Complete Review at WoDF - String Attached (Tales from Ballena Beach, #1) Audiobook Version
December 28, 2009
Nick Nolan is such a great writer.
The setting near the sea brought back many of my childhood memories.
The characters were well developed.
The setting near the sea brought back many of my childhood memories.
The characters were well developed.
April 13, 2011
like watching a year's worth of Dynasty in two hours.
February 28, 2019
Loved it! So much so I bought the next two books in the series! Can't wait to read those now too.
September 15, 2016
Teenager Jeremy Tyler leads a challenging life. His single mother is an alcoholic, and he's often left to take care of her. But when he comes home to find her almost dead, he knows this time things need to change. Not only do the doctors say rehab is his mother's only option, but he's not sure how much longer he can be her caregiver. He's due to finish high school soon, and he'd like to at least have the chance to attend college.
With Jeremy's mother reluctantly agreeing to rehab, Jeremy finds himself whisked away to the home of a rich great aunt whom he doesn't remember ever meeting. But when he arrives, he finds that life with Aunt Katharine might just be exactly what he needs. She dotes on him and provides everything from clothes to a new haircut to advice on how to fit in. Though with that advice comes a clear message: a Tyler needs to be perfect in every way and nothing less is acceptable. Which is the one thing that makes Jeremy's new life bittersweet. If his great aunt ever found out his one flaw, would she disown him? Would he lose everything? And is that worth denying himself true happiness?
--
A charming and interesting story. Jeremy is a surprisingly resilient young man considering the upbringing he had. And although life in Ballena Beach is much different from what he had in Fresno, he quickly adapts to his new surroundings. It's all the forces moving around him that create the conflict in this story.
While I enjoyed several of the side characters, I did find the character of Jeremy's uncle confusing. It's Jeremy's story, so maybe it didn't seem important--but there's no real indicator of his motivation. All of the secrets he kept for all of these years? Why? It just seemed a bit strange. But again, maybe we as readers are not really supposed to understand.
Overall, this is an easy read. It's got some comedic moments as well as some sad ones too. Entertaining enough to get you through a rainy afternoon.
With Jeremy's mother reluctantly agreeing to rehab, Jeremy finds himself whisked away to the home of a rich great aunt whom he doesn't remember ever meeting. But when he arrives, he finds that life with Aunt Katharine might just be exactly what he needs. She dotes on him and provides everything from clothes to a new haircut to advice on how to fit in. Though with that advice comes a clear message: a Tyler needs to be perfect in every way and nothing less is acceptable. Which is the one thing that makes Jeremy's new life bittersweet. If his great aunt ever found out his one flaw, would she disown him? Would he lose everything? And is that worth denying himself true happiness?
--
A charming and interesting story. Jeremy is a surprisingly resilient young man considering the upbringing he had. And although life in Ballena Beach is much different from what he had in Fresno, he quickly adapts to his new surroundings. It's all the forces moving around him that create the conflict in this story.
While I enjoyed several of the side characters, I did find the character of Jeremy's uncle confusing. It's Jeremy's story, so maybe it didn't seem important--but there's no real indicator of his motivation. All of the secrets he kept for all of these years? Why? It just seemed a bit strange. But again, maybe we as readers are not really supposed to understand.
Overall, this is an easy read. It's got some comedic moments as well as some sad ones too. Entertaining enough to get you through a rainy afternoon.
January 30, 2014
Jeremy Tyler is a confused young man, unsure of himself and his sexuality. His father died, in what was assumed to be an accident, when Jeremy was a toddler and he’s been raised in near poverty by his alcoholic mother. That is until her latest episode which results in her being forced into rehab.
Jeremy is sent to live with his father’s relatives in the very upmarket Ballena Beach and gets a total makeover from his controlling Great Aunt Katharine as she attempts to turn him into ‘a Tyler’, worthy of the family name. Her husband is a different matter and not at all what he seems.
Trying to hide the fact he has feelings for other boys Jeremy, not wanting to think of himself as gay, hooks up with his schoolfriend, Reed, hoping she will ‘straighten him out’ but after a disastrous weekend away with another couple the budding relationship is crushed.
Thoughts
Initially there's a real insight into Jeremy’s mind and emotions and the turbulence of his fight with himself as he tries to rationalise and make sense of his sexuality. Growing up with a mother dependant on alchohol hasn’t been easy and going from that into a very privileged lifestyle has been a real eye opener.
There’s a fair amount happening, coming of age, a journey of self discovery, coming out and a murder mystery.
The characters have their flaws which makes them more believable up to a point. I thought Jeremy’s ease with his sexuality was a little convenient considering how tangled up he was.
Performance
Luke Daniels was spot on with Jeremy, his voice was perfect and made it easy to acknowledge the bewilderment and turmoil of a boy with such conflicting emotions.
Jeremy is sent to live with his father’s relatives in the very upmarket Ballena Beach and gets a total makeover from his controlling Great Aunt Katharine as she attempts to turn him into ‘a Tyler’, worthy of the family name. Her husband is a different matter and not at all what he seems.
Trying to hide the fact he has feelings for other boys Jeremy, not wanting to think of himself as gay, hooks up with his schoolfriend, Reed, hoping she will ‘straighten him out’ but after a disastrous weekend away with another couple the budding relationship is crushed.
Thoughts
Initially there's a real insight into Jeremy’s mind and emotions and the turbulence of his fight with himself as he tries to rationalise and make sense of his sexuality. Growing up with a mother dependant on alchohol hasn’t been easy and going from that into a very privileged lifestyle has been a real eye opener.
There’s a fair amount happening, coming of age, a journey of self discovery, coming out and a murder mystery.
The characters have their flaws which makes them more believable up to a point. I thought Jeremy’s ease with his sexuality was a little convenient considering how tangled up he was.
Performance
Luke Daniels was spot on with Jeremy, his voice was perfect and made it easy to acknowledge the bewilderment and turmoil of a boy with such conflicting emotions.
June 12, 2021
This one went all over the place, plot wise. Character wise, I loved it. I loved the journey that Jeremy went on. I can’t wait to read the sequel.
June 9, 2014
Catches You By Surprise and Then Whacks You
Let's be clear about this: The characters in this book are sometimes stereotypical but more often than not totally out-of-character. This tale of poor little poor boy becoming poor little rich boy is filled with angst on all levels and in every character except one, which may surprise you. Stick with it to stumble upon that character, and you will raise your eyebrow and accept how evil some people can be and get away with it, almost.
I liked Jeremy's trip through adolescence guilt and opportunity, and his mother's total crummy attitude. I was moved and touched by a number of Jeremy's dreams, interactions with peers and guardians, and his ultimate decision to do what is in his best interests. The character of Arthur is the one who seems to hold the book together, but I will let you find out if that's true. He's a bit too good to be true, but he is, and you will like him.
There's some sex in this book, and the only disconcerting thing regarding that paucity is that I thought a big sex scene should have occurred before the denouement, but the author still pulled it off. (Nick Nolan's cliff notes at the end of the book are fascinating). This book gets five stars and not four because the characters are so well developed. I am looking forward to the next two in the series, and keeping my fingers crossed.
Let's be clear about this: The characters in this book are sometimes stereotypical but more often than not totally out-of-character. This tale of poor little poor boy becoming poor little rich boy is filled with angst on all levels and in every character except one, which may surprise you. Stick with it to stumble upon that character, and you will raise your eyebrow and accept how evil some people can be and get away with it, almost.
I liked Jeremy's trip through adolescence guilt and opportunity, and his mother's total crummy attitude. I was moved and touched by a number of Jeremy's dreams, interactions with peers and guardians, and his ultimate decision to do what is in his best interests. The character of Arthur is the one who seems to hold the book together, but I will let you find out if that's true. He's a bit too good to be true, but he is, and you will like him.
There's some sex in this book, and the only disconcerting thing regarding that paucity is that I thought a big sex scene should have occurred before the denouement, but the author still pulled it off. (Nick Nolan's cliff notes at the end of the book are fascinating). This book gets five stars and not four because the characters are so well developed. I am looking forward to the next two in the series, and keeping my fingers crossed.
April 17, 2013
I just wrote a long review and then accidentally erased it, so I'm going to go with list form, here.
The things I loved:
Luke Daniels, the narrator on the Audible version. If you can, listen to this one. He's hands down the best narrator I've ever heard and I enjoyed the book even more because of him.
Nolan's characters. You don't know whether you love or hate them, and your opinion of each one of them changes many times throughout the book. They are damaged and a little selfish and, with the exception of Arthur, sometimes difficult to like. But I cared about each one of them. And it takes a talented author to make you care about characters you're not entirely sure you like.
There's a lot going on here. But it never seems like too much and never seems unbelievable. There's a murder mystery as well as a coming out story intermingled with crazy family dynamics and teenage lust.
Great dialogue. Funny and witty and realistic. I dare you to try to put this book down.
And let's not talk about the things I disliked, because I don't have anything to say in that regard. I've moved on to the sequel, Double Bound, and am so happy I discovered this new author.
The things I loved:
Luke Daniels, the narrator on the Audible version. If you can, listen to this one. He's hands down the best narrator I've ever heard and I enjoyed the book even more because of him.
Nolan's characters. You don't know whether you love or hate them, and your opinion of each one of them changes many times throughout the book. They are damaged and a little selfish and, with the exception of Arthur, sometimes difficult to like. But I cared about each one of them. And it takes a talented author to make you care about characters you're not entirely sure you like.
There's a lot going on here. But it never seems like too much and never seems unbelievable. There's a murder mystery as well as a coming out story intermingled with crazy family dynamics and teenage lust.
Great dialogue. Funny and witty and realistic. I dare you to try to put this book down.
And let's not talk about the things I disliked, because I don't have anything to say in that regard. I've moved on to the sequel, Double Bound, and am so happy I discovered this new author.
February 4, 2012
Life for Jeremy Tyler has been nothing but misery and broken promises. His father was killed in a car accident when Jeremy was two years old leaving him to live alone with his alcoholic mother in poverty. At age 17 Jeremy came home from school to find his mother almost dead in a drunken stupor. He is sent to live with his extremely wealthy great-aunt and her husband Bill. Jeremy's life is turned upside down by the rags to riches way of life. Jeremy soon finds out that even the wealthy have their ugly little secrets. I found this book to be a quick read although the story had many subplots. Mr. Nolan did an excellent job of intertwining a social commentary into the life of a young man discovering himself. Much of the story dealt with Jeremy's coming to grips with being gay and embracing his sexuality. I did feel like the wrap up conversation with his Aunt Katharine explained too much too quickly. So much was revealed in those few pages that it seemed as if Mr. Nolan was taking the easy way out of a corner he had written himself into. I did enjoy the story of young Jeremy very much and look forward to reading the sequel.
September 17, 2010
Jeremy's mother is an alcoholic, and when a bender from hell lands her in rehab, Jeremy goes to live with his exceedingly rich great-aunt. Moving from poor to posh is tough enough, but Jeremy is also struggling with his sexuality and some unanswered questions about his father's death. It may seem a bit convoluted but Nolan weaves these stories together in such a way that they form an in-depth backdrop for a coming-of-age story.
If you had asked me before reading this book if a murder-mystery cum (homo)sexual awakening cum family tragedy book would be my cup of tea, I would have laughed at you. I would have brushed off the premise as too complex, too hokey, and too dramatic. When it comes to Nolan's Strings Attached though, I would have been wrong. I can't quite explain how Nolan draws it all together into this surprisingly not melodramatic story, but he manages it beautifully.
If you had asked me before reading this book if a murder-mystery cum (homo)sexual awakening cum family tragedy book would be my cup of tea, I would have laughed at you. I would have brushed off the premise as too complex, too hokey, and too dramatic. When it comes to Nolan's Strings Attached though, I would have been wrong. I can't quite explain how Nolan draws it all together into this surprisingly not melodramatic story, but he manages it beautifully.
February 1, 2012
3.5 for wanting to know what happens to Jeremy. 2.5 for the writing. Reading the afterword, I now see why some scenes felt gratuitous, and others didn't seem to jibe with the rest of the chapter. Descriptions were inserted to follow a Pinocchio storyline, and to change it from YA to an adult book. I think it would have worked better as a YA book for me. Plus the endless descriptions of what every single person was wearing! It felt like filler.
But I did debate about buying this after my prime membership ended. I couldn't stop wondering how everything worked out for Jeremy. Caring about a character counts for quite a bit to me. I was really happy to find it still on my Kindle - if I didn't leave the book I could continue reading. As soon as I got out it just had the message - item has expired.
But I did debate about buying this after my prime membership ended. I couldn't stop wondering how everything worked out for Jeremy. Caring about a character counts for quite a bit to me. I was really happy to find it still on my Kindle - if I didn't leave the book I could continue reading. As soon as I got out it just had the message - item has expired.
June 19, 2014
Update after listening to all three audio books - it is totally worth it to start this trilogy. This series is a roller coaster ride, but after reading the 3rd book, which was my favorite, I'm glad I stuck out the ride. Also, the audio version is amazing, highly recommended.
Original review: Luke Daniels has become one of my favorite narrators. He transforms this story from just an OK coming of age read to a truly wonderful experience. I don't think I would have enjoyed this story as much if I had read it. The POVs constantly changed and the story drags a little. But I really enjoyed tagging along on Jeremy's journey and tragic adventure. I look forward to the next audiobook in the series.
Original review: Luke Daniels has become one of my favorite narrators. He transforms this story from just an OK coming of age read to a truly wonderful experience. I don't think I would have enjoyed this story as much if I had read it. The POVs constantly changed and the story drags a little. But I really enjoyed tagging along on Jeremy's journey and tragic adventure. I look forward to the next audiobook in the series.
December 16, 2011
I really liked this one! Not so much a romance as a coming of age story with a little bit of a suspense plot. When his mother ODs, a teenage boy is sent to live with rich relatives; while accustoming himself with his new situation (including school, friends, girls, boys...) he also comes into a position to unravel the mystery behind his father's early death at about the same time he realizes his own danger. There are allusions to Pinocchio, which the author explains in great depth in the afterword, so much for anyone who wanted to do their own literary analysis.
January 13, 2012
Jeremy Taylor is the hero of this tale of coming out, dealing with a troubled family and greed. the story starts with Jeremy living with his alcoholic mother who gets sent to rehab and he is sent to live with a wealthy grandmother who he has had little contact with since his father was killed. Then the story turns into a roller coaster ride of a ya novel. It is refreshing to see a gay teen who has confidence in himself and at the same time questions his sexuality. The book was a light engrossing page turner of a read. A good recommend to any young adult who is coming out.
October 6, 2013
I mistakenly posted a review on the Judy Blundell book by the same title. I meant to post about this one:
This was on Amazon Kindle special for a buck, so I bought it.
The characterizations of everyone in this story are so cynical, so ugly, and so completely without compassion that I gave up quickly. If you think the worst of people and crave justification for your opinions sinking lower, this one should satisfy.
John Locke writes this way, although with tongue in cheek, and he's selling like crazy. Maybe I'm just not mainstream enough.
This was on Amazon Kindle special for a buck, so I bought it.
The characterizations of everyone in this story are so cynical, so ugly, and so completely without compassion that I gave up quickly. If you think the worst of people and crave justification for your opinions sinking lower, this one should satisfy.
John Locke writes this way, although with tongue in cheek, and he's selling like crazy. Maybe I'm just not mainstream enough.
January 26, 2015
I bought the audiobook, because the cover and blurb were screaming my name.
However, the Goodreads rating I discovered AFTER buying it made me a bit unsure.
I must say, this is the perfect example why overall ratings don't necessary mean that a book is bad. Actually, my friend ratings for this book were great and in my humble opinion this book deserves every single one of these 5 stars.
The main protagonist is very sympathetic, the mystery is intriguing and from the very beginning I was drawn into the story like to good primetime drama on TV.
Awesome read, strongly recommended :)
However, the Goodreads rating I discovered AFTER buying it made me a bit unsure.
I must say, this is the perfect example why overall ratings don't necessary mean that a book is bad. Actually, my friend ratings for this book were great and in my humble opinion this book deserves every single one of these 5 stars.
The main protagonist is very sympathetic, the mystery is intriguing and from the very beginning I was drawn into the story like to good primetime drama on TV.
Awesome read, strongly recommended :)
February 4, 2010
Nick Nolan is a fantastic storyteller. This book is the perfect blend of intelligence and just plain fun. The story never bogs down. Once I had the time to actually sit down and read the book seriously, I finished it in 1 day. It was that hard to put down. I felt the same about "Double Bound" his second book. I look forward to reading more of his work. I recommend him to anyone that likes to lose themselves in a good story.
September 8, 2016
Strings Attached is a fantastic coming-of-age/coming out tale of a 17-year-old high school swimmer who overnight goes from rags to riches. It is simultaneously a retelling of the classic Pinnochio tale, though in this case the teen boy wants to become a real man, emphasis on the word real - or what he thinks it means to be a real man. I absolutely loved this book. The coming out tale is wrapped up within a murder mystery that keeps you turning the pages. I highly recommend Strings Attached.
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