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Emma Jaye
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Optical Illusion: mm hurt/comfort romance (Paint Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Emma Jaye (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 209 ratings

The heart-rending tale of the boy who couldn't sit still.

Smile, wiggle, lie, apologize and run for the hills.

That's the formula Chris has used all his life, but this time, he has something he’s never had to lose before, a family that cares. The problem is, his new brother’s very edible friend isn’t fooled by his act. If his secrets are revealed, they won’t want him and he has nowhere else to go.

Thanks to a suicide bomber, ex-military police sergeant Jase Rosewood is back in the English countryside. His plans for quiet recuperation are ruined by the effervescent, go-go dancing twink who has everyone wrapped around his little finger. Luckily for the gullible Matt, Jase can smell a liar a mile away, and Chris Bacon, if that’s even his name, stinks to high heaven. Assigned ‘Chris-sitting’ duty while Matt's on honeymoon, Jase has a week to discover what is hidden beneath the bright camouflage. It's a job, just like any other, so why does it feel so different?
Unfortunately, Jase isn’t the only one drawn to the boy who can’t stay still, but instead of wanting to reveal his true colors; they want to dull them forever.

High angst, soft(ish) Cliff-hanger.
Next in series available.

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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Paint
  2. Print length
    382 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    September 1, 2016
  5. File size
    2.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Recommended read. Parvathy Gay book Reviews 5 stars:Optical Illusion is a book which will take you on a journey filled with raw emotions and will make you feel destroyed in the end. This book was everything you would expect it to be and more. It was raw, emotional, realistic, heartbreaking, heartwarming and a beautiful read.Recommended Read. Natosha Gay Book Reviews. 5 Stars. This book should come with a WARNING. It should be a warning that says "if you do not want to read a book that tugs at your heart strings and just completely embeds itself in your heart, then do not read this book because before you are through the first chapter you are going to be in love with it and all the characters."Diana: Turning pages at midnight blog.5 stars.This book was heart wrenching at times. Learning more about Chris, and what he goes through, the angst is real. Yes, it is a semi-dark read, but don't let that stop you from reading a beautiful story about survival, acceptance and most importantly, love. Piu Gay Book Reviews. 4.5 stars "Optical Illusion" is a fantastic read with very unique characters, who will light up your day and also make your heart hurt. It's about healing and abuse and family and more importantly LOVE at its glorious form. I went in with very high hopes and I was not disappointed one bit.

About the Author

Emma is on a mission to maintainthe English stereotype of eccentricity!
 
She have a reputation forwriting in a wide swathe of genres, from Sci-fi and paranormal, to contemporaryromance and erotica in m/f, m/m and multiple partners. She blame her rebelliousmuse (who looks like Chris from the Paint Series) for the erotic aspectstickling the angst, and the humour cuddling up with the erotic. You'll find allthis and more in her books!  No matter thegenre, she promises different characters, dark themes, steamin' sex, laughsand a HEA or HFN.
 
She have over thirty books and is an Amazon #1 Best Seller. 

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01KCB8UX0
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Purindoors Publications (September 1, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 1, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.1 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 382 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 209 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Emma Jaye

Emma Jaye

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Emma is the #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of angsty, dark MM paranormal, scifi, and contemporary series including Incubus, DeMMonica Paint, Lies, and Malthusia.

Born in Hungry Bottom (yes, it's a real place) as an unexpected twin, she was destined to be a little different!

She loves putting damaged, often sweet and funny characters through hell before letting them have a well-earned HFN or HEA,

Writing sci-fi, paranormal, and contemporary romance with m/m, m/f, and multiple partner characters, she concentrates on men who love men these days. She blames her rebellious muse (who looks like Chris from the Paint Series) for the hot aspects tickling the angst, and the humor cuddling up with the hotness.

To keep up with her spicy, quirky imagination, and get a free book, look here: https://BookHip.com/RRZTP

She always answers questions and comments from readers, so feel free to get in touch.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
209 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this romance novel to be a fabulous book from beginning to end, with well-developed main characters and an interesting m/m storyline. The writing receives positive feedback, and one customer notes how it pulls readers in from the first words. Customers appreciate the humor, with one mentioning it will make them laugh hysterically, and they find it emotionally engaging, noting it can be heartbreaking at times.

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9 customers mention "Story quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as fabulous from beginning to end, with one customer noting it's not a cookie-cutter plot.

"...From the first chapter I found myself invested in this compelling story, and I’m not just talking about the turbulent romance...." Read more

"this is an interesting m/m romance. Definitely not a cookie cutter plot. I enjoyed it and it kept my attention. I loved the main character Chris...." Read more

"...Truly a terrific (and hot) mm romance not be missed!" Read more

"...Did I mention Chris gets kidnapped? An amazing story how someone who is broken can be loved and supported without anyone having to "fix" them." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed main characters in the book.

"...male erotica, and for her fabulous depictions of the well-developed main characters...." Read more

"...I enjoyed it and it kept my attention. I loved the main character Chris...." Read more

"...never read such a complex, deep, fun, vulnerable, scary and fascinating character...." Read more

"...This is a great start to a great series! The character dynamic is awesome, I love how they balance each other out, how they interact, and the..." Read more

8 customers mention "Romance"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, with one describing it as a beautifully written love story with action and intrigue, while another notes it's a wild ride from start to finish.

"...In addition to the male romance, this dark tale confronts controversial subjects head-on, enabling the reader to empathize with both men as they..." Read more

"this is an interesting m/m romance. Definitely not a cookie cutter plot. I enjoyed it and it kept my attention. I loved the main character Chris...." Read more

"...This was a wild ride from start to finish that tackled a conglomerate of issues including kidnapping, homophobia, drug abuse, ADHD and so much more,..." Read more

"...This isn't just an emotions book, there is action and intrigue too. Did I mention Chris gets kidnapped?..." Read more

4 customers mention "Attention span"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging, with one mentioning it pulled them in from the very first words, while another describes it as a beautiful experience.

"...Definitely not a cookie cutter plot. I enjoyed it and it kept my attention. I loved the main character Chris...." Read more

"...This is a beautifully written love story with acceptance and learning. Deals with abuse, ptsd, human trafficking, rape and drug use...." Read more

"...Unveil every layer that makes Chris who he is, was a beautiful experience. To start seeing him through Jase’s eyes...." Read more

"Wow! What a great story! It gripped me and pulled me in from the very first words. I laughed, cried, and thoroughly enjoyed this book." Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, with one mentioning it will make them laugh hysterically.

"...He is a delightfully charming, gorgeous, fun guy who appeals to everybody he meets. He's a dancer in a go-go club and an artist...." Read more

"...I've never read such a complex, deep, fun, vulnerable, scary and fascinating character...." Read more

"This book will make you laugh hysterically at the same pull at your heartstrings...." Read more

"The storyline and plot was really amazing. I laughed and cried. Chris is just to cute...." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book.

"...I recommend trying this book because I think the author has talent and maybe you will love it." Read more

"...kidnapping, homophobia, drug abuse, ADHD and so much more, with beautiful writing and a great deal of insight into the thought process of the..." Read more

"...Everything about him was just fantastic. The writing was great. It had a nice and steady pace...." Read more

"A captivating storyline compliments the heartfelt romance and well written erotica..." Read more

3 customers mention "Emotional content"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, with some noting it can be heartbreaking at times, and one mentioning how it enables readers to empathize with both characters.

"...tale confronts controversial subjects head-on, enabling the reader to empathize with both men as they navigate difficult situations...." Read more

"This is a highly emotional and angst filled story. Jase left home for the army after declaring his love to his best friend Matt at 17...." Read more

"This is a fairly good story, heartbreaking at times. Besides, though I didn't really feel the connection with Jase, I absolutely loved Chris." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Trish Henry
    5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating storyline compliments the heartfelt romance and well written erotica
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Jase Rosewood, a gay ex-army sergeant, comes home after a medical discharge to recover at his parent’s home. His next-door-neighbour, a straight childhood crush. introduces Jase to his hyperactive, insomniac, just discovered half-brother, Chris, who immediately renames Jase ‘Eddie Bull’ (ed-i-ble). When Jase agrees to ‘look out’ for unpredictable Chris, what follows is a riveting story of kidnapping, people-trafficking, drugs and family ties, set against the torrid romance of two guys just trying to make their relationship work.

    Many thanks to Emma Jaye for affording us the guilty pleasure of reading male erotica, and for her fabulous depictions of the well-developed main characters. From the first chapter I found myself invested in this compelling story, and I’m not just talking about the turbulent romance.

    The author deserves high praise for her accurate portrayal of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and the insomnia and dyslexia that often accompany it. Through her characters’ interactions, she shows us that ADHD is much more than an acronym. Like most caring people would, Jase tries to protect Chris from his own self destructive behaviour, as well as from others seeking to take advantage of or even hurt him. More than anyone else Chris meets, Jase goes the extra mile to understand and help him, but Chris questions just how much of his outgoing, overtly sexual and attention-craving personality Jase wants him to change.

    In addition to the male romance, this dark tale confronts controversial subjects head-on, enabling the reader to empathize with both men as they navigate difficult situations. The gradual revelation of Chris’ heartbreaking past goes a long way toward helping us, as well as Jase, understand his distrustful nature and tendency to flee emotionally difficult situations.

    Readers may consider the ending a gimmick to entice you to buy the second installment in the series. To that I say, after such a spectacular opener, why the (bleep) wouldn’t you want to buy it anyway? This was a fabulous book from beginning to end, one that kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning to finish it. The very next morning, I logged onto Amazon to get book two. Hopefully I’ll get some sleep at some point this week!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • teriwu
    4.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 stars. Good story until it becomes too melodramatic
    Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    this is an interesting m/m romance. Definitely not a cookie cutter plot. I enjoyed it and it kept my attention. I loved the main character Chris. He is a delightfully charming, gorgeous, fun guy who appeals to everybody he meets. He's a dancer in a go-go club and an artist. He's had a rough past and is a nice mixture of street wise and vulnerable. His love interest Jace I could not connect to. The character is very dry and I didn't buy the insta love on his side. The secondary characters did not seem that well developed. But the thing that bothered me the most, to the point that I'm not sure if I will read book 2, is one of my pet peeves in romantic fiction. The plot line initially contains one plausible conflict-Chris and Jace's respective background stories and what they each need to feel safe. That would have been enough to provide a great story of how they were able to resolve their issues and be together. But there is second external conflict that borders on ridiculously unbelievable and then a cliffhanger that pushes the story over the top. After reading the first two chapters (included) of book 2 I'm just rolling my eyes. I hate it when authors do that. I recommend trying this book because I think the author has talent and maybe you will love it.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • J. Saman
    5.0 out of 5 stars terrific (and hot) mm romance not be missed
    Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Actual rating 4.5 stars
    I didn't read anything going into this book. Not the blurb or reviews, nothing. I wanted to be surprised. Because I've found that even if I read the blurb or the reviews, when it comes to Emma Jaye's writing, I'm still surprised. So I went in blind and I'm so glad that I did.
    At first, I thought this was going to be a story about a stiff military man who is sort of in the closet and a young, troubled and very openly gay man. I thought it was going to be a story about how these two help each other and reconcile their differences while struggling through a relationship. And I guess it sort of was. But it also really wasn't.
    Let me start with Chris, because wow. I've never read such a complex, deep, fun, vulnerable, scary and fascinating character. He had so many layers that I hardly knew what he was going to do next. But I think that was the point. I doubt highly that even Chris knows what he's going to do next and Jaye did a brilliant job of showing the struggles that come with ADHD, especially when they're compounded with a difficult and troubled upbringing.
    Then we have Jase. Strong, always in control, insanely jealous, do-gooder and yet quietly passionate and vulnerable. I loved the complexity that he brought to the table. The yin to Chris's yang, but with demons of his own to battle.
    This was a wild ride from start to finish that tackled a conglomerate of issues including kidnapping, homophobia, drug abuse, ADHD and so much more, with beautiful writing and a great deal of insight into the thought process of the characters. I loved this story. So much so that the moment I was finished with it, I went online and bought the next in the series. Truly a terrific (and hot) mm romance not be missed!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Lexicdark
    5.0 out of 5 stars Crazy & Loud Meets Stable & Quiet
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Jase has been in love with his best friend for ever. Even kissed him at the end of school once to see if he thought the same. He didn't, and Jase ran away to join the military. But Jase has come back, his best friend is getting married and Jase is being medically discharged. What Jase doesn't know, is that a long lost step brother has just tumbled into the picture. But Chris is nothing like his brother. He's basically lived his life on the streets and has used his body to get by in life.

    This is a great start to a great series! The character dynamic is awesome, I love how they balance each other out, how they interact, and the problems they face, but internal and external. This isn't just an emotions book, there is action and intrigue too. Did I mention Chris gets kidnapped? An amazing story how someone who is broken can be loved and supported without anyone having to "fix" them.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Mrs. F. Mulligan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and emotional
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 24, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I Loved this story - angsty (my Fav) emotional and set in the UK

    Chris has ADHD and his very apt nickname of Tigger is spot on - Jase is ex Military and very level headed.

    Chris and Jase together are a hoot - Chris is such a sweetheart.

    Off to read book 2 - would highly recommend
    Report
  • Miner
    5.0 out of 5 stars very well written
    Reviewed in Mexico on June 3, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I love this couple, all movement and anguish with their good dose of hot sex I need more of these two guys. Now!
    Report
  • BookNest Moments
    4.0 out of 5 stars Real. Hot. Pageturner. 4⭐
    Reviewed in Germany on September 24, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I liked this book so much!
    Chris is a caring, positive and mostly happy person. He has his moments as we have ours too. A talented artist and enthusiastic dancer. He also has ADHD. I felt like I had to point this out because it's so well portrayed in this book. All the ups and downs. It's real.
    Jase is an ex-military brooding alpha male. He had to sign off from the army because an injury.
    They met on Chris's brother's wedding for the first time. I would say it's a bit slow burn romance, but so worth it! The sparks fly.
    I love how they love and care for each other.
    After this you will want to read Blank Canvas too. That is the second book in the series.
    Report
  • Penny Ellen (book.nerd.magic)
    4.0 out of 5 stars Loved It
    Reviewed in Australia on November 15, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This was so much better that I thought it would be.
    The twists and turns, the angst and the

    I loved Chris and how he had no filter, he had me laughing out loud so many times. I really felt all he went through.

    Jase was fantastic and always so calm and controlled. His “Sarge” authority definitely kept Chris on his toes.

    They are the camp and storm they needs to balance each other out.
    Report
  • Queen Crow
    5.0 out of 5 stars Intense, exciting, at times heart breaking but constantly engaging
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 16, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Wow. This is so worth a read. Kept my interest throughout, am downloading the next one now. Characters are vibrant, story unfolds nicely. If you like a m/m with angst, suspense, love and sexy time, then this is for you. One caution though..some of the subject s are difficult and may be triggers, so read the preface first.
    Report

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