My Hero

By: Max Vos

Narrated by: Jared Bradford

Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

This is a gay male romance with explicit sexual situations between men.

When he was 16 years old, Rich Miller saved a young man from drowning at his local pool. Little did he know that years later, as a senior in college and Olympic diving hopeful, Rich would meet up once again with Johnny Milloway, now a big football player - and when Rich says big, he really means "bear". The shy jock remembers his saviour, and the two men become friends.

Johnny isn't put off by the fact that Rich is gay. In fact, the more time he spends with Rich, the more curious he becomes. Johnny wants to know all kinds of things - what it's like to kiss a guy, for instance. Only it doesn't stop there...

Rich finds it difficult to believe that this relationship can go anywhere. Johnny is straight, and Rich isn't prepared to deal with the heartache he knows will come his way in the future. He has enough on his plate as it is - the worlds are just around the corner. His father would rather watch a football game than spend time watching his son dive. What he doesn't count on is Johnny, who can be very determined. And having Johnny in his life proves to be a catalyst for some pretty earth-shattering changes.

©2014 Max Vos, Inc. (P)2015 Max Vos, Inc.

An ok book, a little disappointing

The story started out pretty well, but the further into it you get the more inconsistencies start to pop up. The whole butt plug thing for example, what happened to it? Where did it go during the heart to heart thing with father and son? Wish the story was a little more consistent, would have made it a little more believable. All in all an ok listen.

Fun and smexy.

This was a great pick-me-up read over the last few days as I've been raking leaves for hours at a time. I nabbed it unabridged on audio for precisely that reason: chores are so much less chore-like if I have a fun story to listen to.

Max Vos puts together one of the most unique meet-cutes I've read in a quite a while. As a young(er) man, Rich, a lifeguard, rescues a kid from the local pool. Years later, as a college student, Rich literally runs into a huge burly hairy hulk of a football player and figures, welp, I'm about to get smacked down, hard. But instead, that big guy is kind, the two chat, and Rich learns that the big guy is the kid he once saved.

Johnny comes off as an adorable lug most of the time - he's a big guy, burly and hairy, a football jock, and has a temper when it comes to defending those he cares about. He's also quite conflicted by the feelings he starts to have for Rich. You all know I'm not a huge fan of "gay for you" plots, but there's enough internal conflict here with Johnny that it managed to feel natural, and - praise the author! - the word "bisexual" is even used. Nothing annoys me more than the polarizing "does this mean he's gay now?" binary, and though characters have conversations like that a little bit, they're way more bi-inclusive than most of the discussions I've seen in this sub-sub-genre. Johnny does make quite a few mistakes, but they're organic.

Rich is a great counterpoint character. A little bumped and bruised, he's an olympic hopeful with a strained relationship with his father (his mother has passed) and just as flummoxed by Johnny's attention as Johnny himself, at first. I loved Rich's awareness that he was likely making a really big mistake even as he made it, and I also liked the progression of his relationships outside of the one he has with Johnny. Rich's father, Johnny's parents and cousin, and Rich's best friend - they were living, breathing characters and really well-written.

Also, the sexy parts? Sexy indeed. I'll never look at a powdered donut quite the same way, and I can't praise Vos enough for including some actual body hair with his characters.

I should also mention I quite enjoyed the audio narrator. The right voice actor can make or break a story, and this one definitely added the flavour to his performances. Johnny, especially, had such a perfect "big lug" voice (and I laughed at the scenes where he was speaking with his mouth full), and the various other secondary characters had unique voices, too. All around, this was solid. I love audiobooks, and I try very hard to find LGBT authors on audio to support - I'm glad I found this one.

Hero's abound in this one!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mr Millaway, as Johnny's father, he is that wonderful cross between classic man's man and accepting role model. His easy going nature and wise words were a lovely counterbalance to the underlying "teen angst" that is expected with young lovers.

Which character – as performed by Jared Bradford – was your favorite?

Johnny was brilliantly depicted. Jared Bradford used dramatic reading to perfection to bring this character to life. The addition of believable snotty crying and breathlessness was wonderful.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Rich's dad explains his lack of support for his son, this was an emotional and believable moment.

Any additional comments?

Max Vos's well loved story My Hero has been brilliantly adapted to audio by Jared Bradford. Jared brings a truly dramatic reading to this book. (That isn't always seen in audio books- and I appreciated his take on the characters). This is a college romance with all the foibles and dram that that entails with the added steaminess that only Max can offer. Well done fella's. Great listening pleasure.

Gay for you story with a raunchy edge.

What did you love best about My Hero?

The slightly raunchy edge Vos gave the story that sets it apart from other GFY type stories.

What did you like best about this story?

The way the two characters were with each other for the most part.

Which character – as performed by Jared Bradford – was your favorite?

Johnny's mom, that woman was a spitfire! And his cousin Anita, I want to be her best friend.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was and I came close. I couldn't put it down or focus on anything else, this book had all my attention.

Any additional comments?

When Rich Miller, the dorky, openly gay, Olympic hopeful diver is befriended by Johnny Milloway, star football player slash super jock… Rich is a bit dumbfounded. Until Rich learns that the big, burly football player is the same lanky teenager Rich saved at the local pool when they were teenagers. Johnny is overly protective of Rich from the start, and Rich doesn’t quite know how to act around him. The two become fast friends, taking trips home together and working out in the mornings at school. One kiss changes everything.

Johnny is confused and curious all at once. He doesn’t understand his body’s reaction to Rich, but he wants to explore it. Rich is conscious enough to realize this is an ill-advised adventure; but he is already falling hard for the big, burly, hairy, super sweet jock. The two make a pact; they will explore the mutual attraction only if they remain friends regardless of the outcome. When one heart is certain while the other is clouded in a haze of confusion, someone is bound to get hurt.

I procured a copy of this audio for a review not really sure I would enjoy it in the end. Let me tell you, I was lured in after the intro and Bradford’s retelling of Vos’s words kept me engaged throughout. I am a huge fan of gay for you stories and I really enjoyed how Vos gave this particular story his own rusty edge. Rich is older, more established, and confident and smart. While Johnny may be younger and oddly, a bit naïve, he is massive and intimidating. His team mates gave him the nickname ‘The Dragon’ and I can assure you, it fits. They are inexplicably drawn to each other and I found myself rooting for them to really make it work.

I could have done without the cheating, well, let me correct that a bit, I could have done without the way it played out. I’m also not a fan of angst and I found myself at one point toward the end rolling my eyes, it was that bad. And Rich’s best friend Ruthie, I wanted to strangle the life out of her, she drove me insane. Aside from that I really loved every dirty, filthy, raunchy passionate tryst these two had. I loved watching Johnny grow throughout the story, aside from a few lapses in judgement, and I especially loved that Rich gave him hell for it.

And now for the narration portion of my repertoire, Jared Bradford, I am loving his voice. Both young men had a touch of southern in their roots, to be expected given where they lived, with Johnny’s a bit more pronounced. Even if the story hadn’t been clear on attitude, mood and demeanor for the characters, I would have known their mindset by the different tones and inflections in Bradford’s voice. I think my personal favorite though was Johnny’s mom, she was a spitfire. And his cousin Anita, I want to be her best friend.

If you are looking for a gay for you story with a raunchy edge that is so well voiced, grab a copy of My Hero. I’m on pins and needles now hearing that there will be a sequel, My Olympian, out soon. Write faster Max!!!

Will warm your heart!

OK...so there were just a few parts of this book that were a bit of a stretch but this is an HEA kinda book after all. That said, it was a fun read as well as listen (I almost always buy the kindle book and use whispersync in order to enjoy both). It is a story of trust, honesty, mistakes, forgiveness, and love. In addition to the author writing a pretty good story, I must say I was impressed with the voice artist, Jared Bradford. I've never heard of Mr. Bradford but very much enjoyed his enthusiasm. I am getting so tired of buying an audible book, only to have the narrator "read" the story. Thas was definitely not the case with Mr. Bradford. His female voices were not perfect but you can tell he really got into every character. Kudos to him as well as the author.

My Hero

Great book. I read it first then I read the audiobook. After reading it the listening to it really brought the book M Her by Max Vos to life.

Fabulous!

Any additional comments?

Two things I love are audio books and Max Vos books and when you combine the two you have brilliance. Jared Bradford does an amazing job narrating My Hero. His voice changes perfectly to suit the characters and his female voices are great. This book flows well and is a fabulous listen.

I have listened to the book a couple of times now and I have been transported to back to Tennessee, to college and into the world of jocks. The characters are genuine and well written. The audio brings life to the words. I loved every moment of this audio book. Thanks Max and Jared, this is truly wonderful.

An amazing experience

What did you love best about My Hero?

The progression of Rich's and Johnny friendship to love

Who was your favorite character and why?

Rich grabbed me from the start, because he was a great student, devoted to his beloved sport and so yearning of love

Which scene was your favorite?

When Johnny went after the jock that kicked Rich and agreed that they were boyfriends after paying back for kicking Rich

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It almost made me cry

Any additional comments?

Before I start my review, I must confess that this book was the first from Max Vos that I read (or listened in this case) but, oh boy, definitely won’t be the last...I was introduced to Audiobooks just a while ago, and now I’m shameless to confess that I’m totally hooked! The experience of Listening to My Hero in Audiobook was amazing!!! Jared Bradford did such a stunning job giving life to Johnny and Rich! I could practically see Johnny blushing during his shy moments, or feel the steamy passion on the hottest parts… (and wow… they were soooo HOT together – Thanks Max!!!! hehehe).Rich is such a sweet but at the same time, troubled guy… He has his studies, his friend, his passion – Olympic Diving… but he wishes his father would support him and his choices, instead of being a stranger in his life.When Rich meets Johnny, I mean, when they actually stumble into each other, Johnny remembers Rich as his savior from years ago and they hit a friendship from the start. When being best friends is not enough for Johnny anymore, and he wants a relationship with Rich, that’s when Rich gets uncertain in what to do… because… you know… Johnny is straight… so how can that work?I so loved those two together… It’s heartwarming to see their dedication and love to each other. But if they really want to be happy together, they’ll have to find a way to get over their uncertainties, mistakes and heartbreaks.I was really happy to know that we’ll get to see them again in the sequel Max is writing… So, give those guys a chance and read or listen to their story – you’ll fall in love with them as I did!

Speechless- Amazed

I truly enjoyed this - Jared Bardford did a great job! Love it!!! Highly Recommend it!

great story

the vocal performance was pretty good - he nailed several accents for the characters which was surprising. my one complaint is when the character 'whispered' or 'raised his voice', the performer didn't lower or raise his voice. that would have made the performance damn near perfect.

the story was pretty good with 2 very interesting characters. johnny was a bit of an enigma and seems to be just discovering himself. he comes from a great family and is a pretty grounded and mature young man.

rich has had his share of struggles, most of which he works through in this story. i like that he knows who he is and doesn't hide it. i love that he's a jock as well, even if he is on the small side.

the writing was really good - this was my first max vos story, but it won't be my last. my only complaint was the boys declaring their love for each other without truly knowing how they felt. that seemed a bit rush and forced. otherwise, the story was great!