Knight of Ocean Avenue

By: Tara Lain

Narrated by: K.C. Kelly

How can you be 25 and not know you're gay? Billy Ballew runs from that question. A high school dropout, barely able to read until he taught himself, Billy's life is driven by his need to help support his parents as a construction worker, put his sisters through college, coach his Little League team, and not think about being a three-time loser in the engagement department. Being terrified of taking tests keeps Billy from getting the contractor's license he so desires, and fear of his mother's judgment blinds Billy to what could make him truly happy.

Then, in preparation for his sister's big wedding, Billy meets Shaz - alias Chase Phillips - a rising-star celebrity stylist who defines the word gay. To Shaz, Billy embodies everything he's ever wanted - stalwart, honest, brave - but even if Billy turns out to be gay, he could never endure the censure he'd get for being with a queen like Shaz. How can two men with so little in common find a way to be together? Can the Stylist of the Year end up with the Knight of Ocean Avenue?

©2015 Tara Lain (P)2015 Dreamspinner Press

great story

Great story about a man discovering his sexuality. I would recommend this to anyone. Plan to look for more stories by this author.

Sweet love, Hot sex

The MCs are very sweet together. They build each other up and support one another. A coming out story without all of the usual drama. Which is refreshing. The Love story is slow and they take their time. A nice realistic approach. The sex is hot hot hot.
The Narrator brings the characters to life. I love the voices for the two MCs. The only thing I didn't like was his choice for one of the side characters. Rue's voice got on my nerves. Which was sad because I enjoyed the character.
Overall I really liked the book and the Narrator. I will definitely be searching more from both out.

Great coming out listen

This was a wonderful coming out/GFY story about Billy, a blue collar construction worker who is 25 and can't figure out why none of his relationships with women work out. He has a close knit family and a domineering mother who is always putting pressure on him to settle down with a nice woman. Then he meets Chase (aka - Shaz) and his world is rocked; in a good way. The story is told from both POVs, which I love because I want to know what each character is feeling. There is a little drama, a little angst and a lot of good feeling; it is a great comfort listen. The narrator does a really good job on most of the characters, except Rue, Chase's best friend. Both Rue and Chase are out and proud flamboyant gay men and I think he just goes slightly over board with Rue. He interpretation of Chase and Billy are spot on. Overall, I really enjoyed it.

I loved it

Sweet love story of a late bloomer coming out when he finds the right one.
I really liked the characters. The way the story was written, I got to know each one and what they were thinking, which added much more to the story. It’s why I like third person writing way more than first person.
I also liked that the violent prejudice against gays was well expressed but without including graphic violent scenes.
Each character had many sides and we got to see them, some subtle, others with gusto.
Narrator is great, one of my favs.

Wonderful story and love the narrator!

This is one of my all-time favorite books! Excellent writing, well developed characters that you will fall in love with and a good story! Highly recommend this book!