Don't Twunk With My Heart

3 1/2 Hearts Reviewed by Aerin

It's been so long since I've read Loving Jay that I completely forgot we were supposed to have a continuation to this series. Don't Twunk With My Heart is roughly what I've come to expect from Renae when it comes to her books: a sweet, uncomplicated love story that's free of drama and angst.

Kee and Tate meet each other, like each other, get into a dance competition, fuck each other and then.... end up dating each other. There's no cheating, no drama, no complications. Even though Tate is not Kee's type when it comes to men, he's exactly what Kee needs when he's ready to date again, a year after getting out of an abusive relationship. The past year has been hard on Kee and he doesn't realize how much he's missed his friends until he opens up to them again.

Tate is a 32 year old marketing expert for a high-end fashion line, and while he's very educated, good looking and respected, Tate has many insecurities that come from being around vain models all day long. Tate has weight issues and is very aware that he's past his prime (*snort*). You see, Tate is a Twank and Kee is a Twunk... what they both have in common is that they used to both be Twinks. I know you're curious about these labels, but for the love of god, DO NOT let Jay explain them to you! Holy verbal diarrhea! How I missed Jay!

I think what I loved the most about this book is catching up with the rest of the guys, because I've missed them a lot! The only thing I loved more is the crazy hot sex that's happening between Tate and Kee; let me tell you a little secret (Tate is quite kinky and loves to have sex in public places). Trust me when I say these two will catch your e-reader on fire!

Unfortunately, while there are so many things to love about Don't Twunk With My Heart, one thing I couldn't believe in 100% is Tate and Kee as a permanent couple. I'm not sure why I didn't entirely connect with them. I think part of the problem is Jay's overpowering presence; Jay shines so bright and his relationship with Liam is still so lovely, that Kee and Tate pale in comparison. Of course, the whole sex in the bush part and the little drama that came with it didn't appeal to me at all.

Overall this is a good story with great writing, low angst, plenty of passion and dirty sex, but it certainly doesn't have the WOW factor I'm used to getting from Renae Kaye's books.

Reviewed by Meredith on Diverse Reader

Loving Jay was the first Renae Kaye book I read. When I finished it I knew she was a writer I was always going to love. So book after book I read her. Then Don’t Twunk with my Heart comes out… the SEQUEL to Loving Jay and I died! JUST DIED! I grabbed it and ran to a corner and wouldn’t talk to anyone until I finished it!

It was FABULOUS! It was the Renae Kaye I fell in love with and I almost cried with joy.

Now, Don’t Twunk with my Heart isn’t a continuation of Jay and Liam it’s Kee and Tate. Kee is Jay’s BFF. But we see a lot of Jay and Liam and all the friends and YAY! Okay, this is more fangirling than a review. I’m just so excited… I’ll be professional now.

This can be read as a standalone but if you do then read Loving Jay after. If you loved Loving Jay than you’ll adore this one too! I love the feel of these friends; how they are there for each other no matter what life throws them.

Because Australia doesn’t give same sex couples the right to marry there’s some bleakness to the relationships. Not that long ago America was the same. I believe in progress and I hope Australia comes around and we can see progress in the next book.

I was laughing with the whole twink, twank, twunk conversation. There’s actually a whole reasoning behind these labels that was very much thought out.

Tate and Kee are outstanding characters. Each suffer from their own demons. Whether it’s age, weights, fear, abuse. They deal with it together and with their friends. It was so beautiful all the hurdles they overcome together. I loved it.

This is humorous, beautiful, and so much fun. Low angst but still some emotion to it as well. Flow was spot on and I couldn’t put the book down.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!

(¸.•´(¸.•´ (¸.•¨¯`*
*´¨✫)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*Warm, fuzzy feelings...

His friend Jay, (OMFG, I LOVE this guy!) from book 1 Loving Jay, describes him as a twunk. In other words, a former twink who has developed muscles and turned into a hunk.

After being abused by his ex, Kee was back. Bigger, better and different. He is determined to avoid that old side of himself and show everyone that he is a survivor. Determined not to do things as he used to, Kee embraced this new person and made a decision to do the right thing.

His first night out in a year resulted in him meeting Tate, a twank...AKA a twink over the age of thirty. One night of pleasure led to an undefined relationship. Both guys have troubling pasts that spilled over, but together, they learn how to beat the odds and break the cycle. Tate was hot and wild and stubborn. Yet, afraid of getting older, he basically starving himself. And Kee, so afraid of what happened, was unwilling to let loose in the bedroom. Two opposites who were fighting each other tooth and nail should have crashed and burn. However, determination and want made people do crazy things, like compromise.

Love, love, love this book. Beware. A man who found the balls to fight for what he wanted and take back his freedom. A loquacious best friend with a boyfriend who knows just how to calm him down. Hot, sizzling sex and a story worth talking about. There was a surprise at the end of the book for anyone who enjoyed Jay and his story and a chance to catch up again soon.

ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club