REVIEW: Starting From Scratch - Housemates #5


Starting From Scratch

By Jay Northcote

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK 
Cover: Garrett Leigh
Length: 57,000 words


The Housemates Series is a collection of standalone stories set around a student house in Britain. Each book focuses on new characters, with themes of self-discovery and sexual awakening.

Helping Hand (Book #1) Amazon US | Amazon UK
Like A Lover (Book #2) Amazon US | Amazon UK
Practice Makes Perfect (Book #3) Amazon US | Amazon UK
Watching and Wanting (Book #4) Amazon US | Amazon UK
 
 Check out our review of the other books in the Housemates series HERE

Blurb
Starting over isn't easy, but Ben is ready to live his life as the man he was always meant to be.

Ben is transgender and back at university after hormone treatment and chest surgery. His new housemates have no idea about his history and Ben would prefer to keep it that way. He's starting from scratch and his life is finally on track, except in the romance department. The idea of dating guys as a guy is exhilarating but terrifying, because if Ben wants a boyfriend he'll have to disclose his secret.

Sid is drawn to Ben from the moment they meet. He normally gets what he wants in the short term at least. Ben's guarded at first, and Sid's not used to guys rejecting his advances. He eventually charms his way through Ben's defences and helps Ben on his journey of sexual awakening.

It doesn't matter to Sid that Ben is trans. He's attracted to the whole person, and isn't worried about what is or isn't in Ben's pants. They're good together, and both of them are falling hard and fast, but Ben's insecurities keep getting in the way. If Sid can convince Ben he's committed, will Ben finally be able to put his heart on the line?

Although this book is part of the Housemates series, it has new main characters, a satisfying happy ending, and can be read as a standalone.


 
 MY REVIEW
Starting From Scratch is the 5th book in the amazing Housemates series by the awesome Jay Northcote

I've read all the books in this series and loved every one
I couldn't choose a fave... it was impossible, they are all amazing. But I was wrong, I do have a fave now and its this book
I just knew I would love Ben & Sid's story

What I thought was refreshing about this book was the fact one of the guys is a trans guy... I have only read one other featuring a trans character, so its really nice to see more books like this

Starting From Scratch is Ben & Sid's story
Ben is a trans guy, I absolutely loved reading about him.
His thoughts and feelings were really emotional for me... He is just a guy that was born in the wrong body and he just wants to be seen as "normal"
I was shocked to read/see what a trans guy goes through... and how simple little things we take for granted are really difficult for a trans person

I absolutely loved Sid, He is just your average gay guy... but he is such a sweet, amazing guy
I was in awe of how he dealt with everything and just how accepting he was of Ben, truly amazing... I wish more people were like Sid

I found their story really interesting, emotional and beautiful <3
I just recently found out the author Jay is actually trans and I think with him having the personal experience it made Ben's character feel so damn real, it made his problems, fears... everything, feel so true
I can only imagine how hard it is for a trans guy/girl and I am totally in awe of their strength and bravery <3 <3

I just totally fell in love with these guys from the start
I loved that we got to see all the guys from the other books, see how they are doing and how happy they are
I am really excited for book 6, I am hoping and praying its Jonny and Ryan's story (fingers crossed)
I just know it will be awesome no matter what

A beautiful story... 4 stars
 
 
Author Bio
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, Jay decided to try and write a short storyójust to see if he couldóand found it rather addictive. He hasnít stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. He has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
www.jaynorthcote.com
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