Flaunt

F-Word, Book 1

By: E. Davies

Narrated by: Joel Leslie

“He's waiting for me to ask, and I'm afraid.”

“I'm just one more gay guy here.”

Moving to the suburbs of L.A. was supposed to give Nic Montero a fresh start. After escaping his family, coming out as a gay trans man, and excelling in computer programming out of desperation to get financially stable or die, everything should be easy. But joining gay culture now, post-transition, feels impossible...until he runs into the force of nature that is Kyle. Everything Nic isn't, Kyle embodies. Green hair, garters and cut-off shorts, sports jerseys, and all, brash Kyle is the most gorgeous man he's ever laid eyes on, and he pulls Nic headlong into the center of his world. If only Nic felt like enough for a man like Kyle.

“One-night stands are my only option.”

Loud, loving, and too much for most men to handle, Kyle Everett catches eyes and occasionally scorn...even at his job at the local HIV charity, Plus. His days and nights are spent at work, his precious spare moments spent with his son, Kevin, when it's his turn to co-parent, or his best friend, drag queen River. He only has money or time for cheap flings, but the lanky otter who walks into his life makes Kyle want to hold him for longer than a night. He knows what it's like for Nic to be without a family, but he isn't brave enough to let this man into his life...until his charity is targeted by bigots, and Nic's there for him.

“I'll stay with you if you're brave enough to be you.”

Nic spent his 20s avoiding family and even his own femininity, but his yearning is impossible to ignore. Kyle's used to flying solo, but Nic offers him safety and fills gaps in his life he never realized existed and now can't stand. Living in close proximity, they can't run from their attraction, but they're each used to being rejected, with the emotional scars to prove it. Can two men who feel like they're not enough and too much find something just right?

©2017, 2018 E. Davies (P)2018 E. Davies

Beautiful story!

I am a huge fan of E Davies and the stories that he tells! Kyle and Nic are probably some of my favorite characters of his. Their story is sweet and enlightening. Even though these two "hook up" early on in the book, their relationship builds up to being a dedicated and loving one. The understanding that each of these men show for one another is heartwarming in a way that is hard to describe. Kyle has "issues" from his own description and once he gets to know Nic better he realizes that his fears and walls are not needed. Nic has his own past to deal with as well as being a trans gay man so he doesn't want to give more before Kyle is ready as well. Once these two decide that being with each other is what they both need and want then they begin the building process. The many aspects of this story were so well done, from the many things these men face in just trying to be who they are, Kyle's son, and the problems with the charity where Kyle works. I can't wait to hear the rest of this series and learn the stories of all the other characters from this one. I was impressed at how the secondary characters are introduced but don't over ride the main story, it was just enough to leave someone more than ready for the next installment. Joel Leslie does an absolutely amazing job with the narration in this story. He takes this story to a new level.

Nick and Kyle are wonderful! E.Davies does it again!

I love this book in both audio and written formats! Joel Leslie’s narration is top notch (as always)! He brings the characters to life in amazingly unexpected ways. Amazing writing, awesome narration, totally worthy of 5 stars!!!

loved it!

I loved this book. Nic and Kyle are fun characters - funny, sweet, and sexy. the story was entertaining and well told. definitely recommend this book.

Narrator has a great voice and was easy to listen to. Helped imagine the story playing out and brought even more life to the characters. great job.

Absolutely Beautiful

This is my first transgender book and I couldn't be happier with being introduced to this beautiful couple in E. Davies words. I can completely understand why this book has won awards. I love the emotions and story line. I love the acceptance that is portrayed. Such a beautiful story I absolutely adored. Then add in the narration by the incomparable Joel Leslie and my heart just melts. This is a definite re-listen in my book!

Amazing!

loved it! had tons of relatable stuff in it and had tons of education around preventative work. Great writing style. literally listened to it in one single day.

Sweet and delicious!

The best aspect of the book is the characters. Their insecurities and inner conflicts, their courage and quirkiness, it's all both engaging and believable. For me, Nick's story is also a fascinating insight into trans reality, which I don't know nearly enough about. Looking forward to the next book!

Differences Make Us Better

I have come to expect wonderful things from E. Davies in terms of storytelling. His characters are always well developed, the story pacing is spot on and the siren call that hooks you happens from nearly page one. This book was no different. It was amazing and handles what could be a very clunky and confusing subject matter in a way that is delicate, honest and respectful to the characters.

I have read this entire series and each story is just wonderful but being able to hear the stellar performance of Joel Leslie bring these beautiful men to life is a treat not to be missed. Joel is a star performer and I can honestly say that there has never been a performance that I've listened to where his work was not incredible. So he certainly get's high marks for this performance for while Joel's voice is distinctive the nuances he infuses each character with unique and really such a gift for a listener. I hope he does the rest of this series *hint, hint Joel and E *

Nic is a trans man who has had to deal with more than his share of homophobia and it has made him gun shy about letting people in. He is a shadow unafraid to step into the light until him. He is vibrant, vivacious and all the things that Nic fears. But can a man who has built a life from nothing let in a man whose light will challenge him to embrace even the most secreted parts of who he is?

Kyle is unapologetic in who he is. He is proud of what he has accomplished in his life and that pride has come at a cost but it is one that he would pay again. His struggle has given him purpose and he uses his experience to help those still mired in the muck giving them tools to help themselves. To empower those who cannot always see their worth and there are those still afraid of those who dare to shine.

When tragedy strikes and throws them together can they trust enough to let the other in? To show the unblemished truth of who they are separately and find a way to meld them into a beautiful, shiny future? Can they believe that what they most want for themselves is standing before them waiting just for them to make their own?

Take the journey and find out. It's worth it. Soooo worth it!

Excellent story with good narration

This was a fabulous book. I am a big fan of E. Davies' writing style, and he does not disappoint with this book. This was a great story about a man, Nic, who is transgender. Nic is working to overcome some of his fears about entering a relationship and reconciling his desire to be a bit feminine while still appearing masculine and not be mistaken for a woman. We also get a glimpse at the struggles in Nic's mind as he considers the phalloplasty surgery. Nic meets Kyle who is a bit more flamboyant and sure of himself on the outside, but a bit more reserved and careful on the inside. He has a child, and his son is his priority. I loved watching these guys overcome some of their barriers in order to get together, and then continue to grow together as a couple. Loved this book.

As far as the audio portion goes, I listened to this as a re-read, and the book remains amazing, even after almost 2 years have passed. I loved the characters and their journey together. The narration wasn't my favorite of all the books, but it was still good. Joel Leslie portrayed the voices a bit breathy, but I can see it fitting with the characters.

I'm voluntarily reviewing a free advance reader copy I received from the author.

loved it

I was given a free audio copy from the author and the GRR arc team for review.

I loved this book so much. The 2 MCs are total opposites. Nic is a shy FTM trans man who is shy. Kyle is flashy and proud and likes to wear makeup and dress femme and considers himself gender fluid. He's everything Nic wishes he could be. I loved both characters and tbought they were a great match. Kyle helps give Nic the little nudges and encouragement he needs to bring Nic out of his shyness and nervousness. They had amazing chemistry. Even though they start of as friends with bandits. Kyle stating he can't do relationships after a bad past experience. They can't resist the connection they have. This is a fun, sweet enjoyable read. The plot is interesting the whole way through with some drama thrown in and I couldn't put it down. It was refreshing to see all the different topics discussed in this book that u don't normally see elsewhere.

This book gives a lot of information/details on the transitioning process as Nic is in mid process, pre op. So some might find it to be too informative/educational for them. I found it to be very interesting. I was pleased that the author didn't just have a post op trans person and push the subject aside as some books I have read have done. Even if you're not into all the details don't let that discourage u from reading. These 2 are so sweet together and the main drama/mystery plot is entertaining. It's a great read.

The narrator did a fantastic job. He has a great voice and differentiated all the voices. Kept a good pace and gave a great performance displaying all the different emotions.

Sweet Story

I always love the stories and characters E Davies brings us and Kyle and Nic don't dissapoint. Leslie does a great job with narration and giving voice to all the characters , some of the female voices were questionable but overall it's good.