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jdasilva's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sweet, funny, heavy, emotional roller coaster from start to finish. Could have been a tiny bit shorter as it started to get repetitive, but I didn’t mind some extra banter and character building. I miss them already!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Drug use, Addiction, Drug abuse, and Abandonment
Moderate: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Grief, Vomit, Homophobia, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Miscarriage
melist6's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Cursing, Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Drug use, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Child abuse, Miscarriage, Abandonment, Medical content, Violence, Death of parent, Vomit, and Homophobia
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, and Cancer
hidees13's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I put off reading this book for a long time, despite it being downloaded on my kindle because everyone on social media would always say how it nearly broke them, or they cried for days, and it stuck with them. I'm not a huge hurt/comfort trope fan, and I really dont read a lot that I know ahead of time is just tragic. However, this one kept getting such rave reviews.
So, the good -- I did like this book. I am glad I have read it. It kept my attention and I did avoid most responsibilities that day to keep reading. I liked both the main characters - even though I was sort of rooting against some of their behaviors. (Eg: The big bursts of anger from Jake, the deep insecurity and constant need for reassurance from Felix) I was caught up in their love story, and despite knowing what they were doing was a bad idea for their recovery, I still was rooting for them. Very cute.
The, not as good --
I agree with the other review someone posted that talked about the lack of conversation or insight into Jakes military service. THREE tours?! Have you ever met anyone that just did 3 deployments. Its significant! There is no way that doesn't impact his story. I felt like it was thrown in to make him look admirable, but without any real consideration if that was reasonable. (I don't really know much about military life, but after 3 tours he's kicked out after one fight?? Like, no appeals nothing? Giving up all the veteran benefits he'd be entitled to?... It felt like this was way too quick, not to mention how many service members have substance abuse problems, and PTSD from their time serving). I also would have liked to know more about his bisexual awakening, etc... How was that when he was a marine?
I also didn't find this book as heartbreaking as everyone said it was. Maybe I'm too cynical? Haha. I was at 50% and was like.. when is the big sad coming? I did feel emotions, but the only time I was near crying or had any tears was towards the end and it was really about the CJ/Jake relationship, that felt brutal.
Overall -- it was a good leisurely read, but nothing I'll come back for, or thats sticking with me long term. And don't get me wrong, that's ok!
So, the good -- I did like this book. I am glad I have read it. It kept my attention and I did avoid most responsibilities that day to keep reading. I liked both the main characters - even though I was sort of rooting against some of their behaviors. (Eg: The big bursts of anger from Jake, the deep insecurity and constant need for reassurance from Felix) I was caught up in their love story, and despite knowing what they were doing was a bad idea for their recovery, I still was rooting for them. Very cute.
The, not as good --
I agree with the other review someone posted that talked about the lack of conversation or insight into Jakes military service. THREE tours?! Have you ever met anyone that just did 3 deployments. Its significant! There is no way that doesn't impact his story. I felt like it was thrown in to make him look admirable, but without any real consideration if that was reasonable. (I don't really know much about military life, but after 3 tours he's kicked out after one fight?? Like, no appeals nothing? Giving up all the veteran benefits he'd be entitled to?... It felt like this was way too quick, not to mention how many service members have substance abuse problems, and PTSD from their time serving). I also would have liked to know more about his bisexual awakening, etc... How was that when he was a marine?
I also didn't find this book as heartbreaking as everyone said it was. Maybe I'm too cynical? Haha. I was at 50% and was like.. when is the big sad coming? I did feel emotions, but the only time I was near crying or had any tears was towards the end and it was really about the CJ/Jake relationship, that felt brutal.
Overall -- it was a good leisurely read, but nothing I'll come back for, or thats sticking with me long term. And don't get me wrong, that's ok!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Drug use
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
ellenkennedy's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This book gave me a lot of feelings. Unfortunately, those feelings were mostly anger and annoyance.
Honestly, I hated this entire experience. It's not often that I read books about such important topics depicted in such a shallow, immature way. It was supposed to be about struggle, but I don't think anyone struggled with anything really, they just followed their impulses and hoped for the best. Jake is 28, Felix is 23, and somehow neither of them acts over 17. CJ and Riley are the only likable people in this book, and only CJ wasn't made out of cardboard (Riley was just a background "nice person" which is something I really like for her, but don't care for in general). I didn't like how it talked about addiction, about the military, about recovery... If you want a silly romcom with darker themes, go for it. Otherwise, I'd look for a book that doesn't offensively simplify difficult topics.
A more specific beef that I have with this book is under spoiler.
- Why doesn't Jake have a single thought about his time in the military throughout this entire book? He was a marine, three times deployed! (And to Afghanistan, no less!) Other than his annoyance about the dishonourable discharge and the fact that he cannot call himself a veteran, there is absolutely no mention of his experiences or how they affected his addiction. He had more opinions about the flavoured lube than his past in the military!
- Both Felix and Jake have no impulse control, they just act on their whims. Why was Felix flirting with Jake from the beginning? Even though Jake made sure to conceal his sexuality, so it kind of bordered on unwanted advances. They go from "we can't do this" to being officially boyfriends in the span of THREE days! There's not even a lot of pining involved because everything happens so fast. They say that their recovery is the most important thing to them, but neither of them acts this way at any point in this book (maybe Jake did the first few days when he said that he was straight, but that's it).
- Both of them are rather selfish and self-centered. I was on the fence about disliking this about them given their previous experiences and the lives they had, but you cannot excuse every action with a "hard life". Every thought Jake had about CJ's worries annoyed the heck out of me, and even though what CJ said after Riley's miscarriage was harsh and unfair, it was also realistic. I'd snap too, Jake was insufferable. And Felix's POV was a hellscape for me too, because there was very little of a "support system" and a helluva "but does he really really REALLY like me?!" ALL. THE. TIME. I get that he's insecure, I really do, but that's all he thinks about.
- Miguel and Hector were literal cardboard characters. If I had to describe them using two words, it would be "YAAAS KWEEN".
- Why on earth was Jake's layoff even a plot point? Why would Reed lay him off at that exact moment? Other than to lead to the finale. Reed was Riley's brother, not some random character, so he had the insight into what was happening with Jake and CJ. Did he just wake up that morning and think: "I honestly just want to ruin someone's life today"? Because there is no other explanation as to why he chose that exact day to fire Jake.
All the conversations and thoughts were rather infantile and there was quite a bunch of unsafe sex happening (though it was addressed later). I don't feel like either Jake or Felix evolved as characters or made any significant choices. In the end they seemed to be perfect for each other but I get the impression that it was rather the author forcing them than them actively making choices to earn their happy ending.
What I did like?
- I loved CJ as a character, he was flawed, but he cared so much and did so much for Jake! His breakdown was sad and realistic, that was the only moment when my heart broke and I wept for the characters. CJ was always there for Jake and hadn't ever expected anything in return other than Jake's wellbeing, so the only time he felt like Jake chose Felix over his family, he snapped. He said a lot of hurtful things that led to Jake overdosing, but I truly understand his state of mind and feel for both of them. Was it fair? No. But that's what makes his character as humane as possible. He was terrified and exhausted and I get that. Jake's relationship with CJ was honestly superior.
Anyway, if I could get back in time and DNF, I'd do it.
Honestly, I hated this entire experience. It's not often that I read books about such important topics depicted in such a shallow, immature way. It was supposed to be about struggle, but I don't think anyone struggled with anything really, they just followed their impulses and hoped for the best. Jake is 28, Felix is 23, and somehow neither of them acts over 17. CJ and Riley are the only likable people in this book, and only CJ wasn't made out of cardboard (Riley was just a background "nice person" which is something I really like for her, but don't care for in general). I didn't like how it talked about addiction, about the military, about recovery... If you want a silly romcom with darker themes, go for it. Otherwise, I'd look for a book that doesn't offensively simplify difficult topics.
A more specific beef that I have with this book is under spoiler.
- Both Felix and Jake have no impulse control, they just act on their whims. Why was Felix flirting with Jake from the beginning? Even though Jake made sure to conceal his sexuality, so it kind of bordered on unwanted advances. They go from "we can't do this" to being officially boyfriends in the span of THREE days! There's not even a lot of pining involved because everything happens so fast. They say that their recovery is the most important thing to them, but neither of them acts this way at any point in this book (maybe Jake did the first few days when he said that he was straight, but that's it).
- Both of them are rather selfish and self-centered. I was on the fence about disliking this about them given their previous experiences and the lives they had, but you cannot excuse every action with a "hard life". Every thought Jake had about CJ's worries annoyed the heck out of me, and even though what CJ said after Riley's miscarriage was harsh and unfair, it was also realistic. I'd snap too, Jake was insufferable. And Felix's POV was a hellscape for me too, because there was very little of a "support system" and a helluva "but does he really really REALLY like me?!" ALL. THE. TIME. I get that he's insecure, I really do, but that's all he thinks about.
- Miguel and Hector were literal cardboard characters. If I had to describe them using two words, it would be "YAAAS KWEEN".
- Why on earth was Jake's layoff even a plot point? Why would Reed lay him off at that exact moment? Other than to lead to the finale. Reed was Riley's brother, not some random character, so he had the insight into what was happening with Jake and CJ. Did he just wake up that morning and think: "I honestly just want to ruin someone's life today"? Because there is no other explanation as to why he chose that exact day to fire Jake.
All the conversations and thoughts were rather infantile and there was quite a bunch of unsafe sex happening (though it was addressed later). I don't feel like either Jake or Felix evolved as characters or made any significant choices. In the end they seemed to be perfect for each other but I get the impression that it was rather the author forcing them than them actively making choices to earn their happy ending.
What I did like?
Anyway, if I could get back in time and DNF, I'd do it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Miscarriage, Addiction, and Drug use
Moderate: Violence, Infidelity, Excrement, and Abandonment
thecypriotreader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Oh my god!! I am so in my feels I DON'T even know what to say!! WHY AM I CRYING but they are happy tears I promise
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death of parent, Child death, Cancer, and Homophobia
muskan_11's review against another edition
3.0
Meh
This was not really that emotional
Also trigger warning for Miscarriage the author forgot to give
This was not really that emotional
Also trigger warning for Miscarriage the author forgot to give
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Miscarriage, Drug use, Suicide attempt, Drug abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Abandonment
phoofy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Excrement, Addiction, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, Vomit, and Alcoholism
anovelglimpse's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Welcome back, J. Daniels. I've missed your books.
The Tragedy of Felix and Jake is one of those books where I feel like I should have so much to say for so many reasons, yet my mind is a little blank, so excuse me if this starts to feel like a big ramble. This was one of those books I felt deep in my soul. I've never been an addict, but I felt Jake and Felix's pain as they worked on their sobriety. They had so many different struggles - together and on their own. Even when things were good, they somehow hurt. I had wishes and hopes for Jake and Felix right along with them.
Jake Tully was pretty much what I expected. He was a mess. I expected to love this guy having loved his brother's character in What I Need. Jake's story was completely different, but I still saw pieces of CJ in Jake. He had a fierce need to protect the ones he loved and tried to do right by them. I loved him even when he was making choices that made me mad.
Felix... Well, Felix was a delightful surprise. There was something so sweet and almost innocent about him even though he had seen and been through a lot in his 23 years. His texts, thoughts, and interactions with Jake made me smile a lot. He was also a mess, but maybe less messy than Jake in some ways. Felix had his own demons to deal with. I adored him, even when he frustrated me.
Jake and Felix together were this thing I knew was going to be great but was worried was going to be disastrous. I'm not going into that statement further because to do so might give too much away. What I will say is that they had each other's backs and, at the end of the day, that's what mattered the most. Well, other than how much they loved and cared for each other.
This book is a standalone, but it's closely related to the Alabama Summers series. It was fun to be back in Ruxton, but it was a little weird and even uncomfortable at times to see some favorite characters through Jake and Felix's eyes. Jake and CJ's relationship was as sweet as it was hard to read. There were moments between these characters that pushed my limits, mostly because my heart broke for them.
I'm so happy J. Daniels has returned to the writing world. If The Tragedy of Felix and Jake is the example of what's to come, I can't wait for her next release.
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
The Tragedy of Felix and Jake is one of those books where I feel like I should have so much to say for so many reasons, yet my mind is a little blank, so excuse me if this starts to feel like a big ramble. This was one of those books I felt deep in my soul. I've never been an addict, but I felt Jake and Felix's pain as they worked on their sobriety. They had so many different struggles - together and on their own. Even when things were good, they somehow hurt. I had wishes and hopes for Jake and Felix right along with them.
Jake Tully was pretty much what I expected. He was a mess. I expected to love this guy having loved his brother's character in What I Need. Jake's story was completely different, but I still saw pieces of CJ in Jake. He had a fierce need to protect the ones he loved and tried to do right by them. I loved him even when he was making choices that made me mad.
Felix... Well, Felix was a delightful surprise. There was something so sweet and almost innocent about him even though he had seen and been through a lot in his 23 years. His texts, thoughts, and interactions with Jake made me smile a lot. He was also a mess, but maybe less messy than Jake in some ways. Felix had his own demons to deal with. I adored him, even when he frustrated me.
Jake and Felix together were this thing I knew was going to be great but was worried was going to be disastrous. I'm not going into that statement further because to do so might give too much away. What I will say is that they had each other's backs and, at the end of the day, that's what mattered the most. Well, other than how much they loved and cared for each other.
This book is a standalone, but it's closely related to the Alabama Summers series. It was fun to be back in Ruxton, but it was a little weird and even uncomfortable at times to see some favorite characters through Jake and Felix's eyes. Jake and CJ's relationship was as sweet as it was hard to read. There were moments between these characters that pushed my limits, mostly because my heart broke for them.
I'm so happy J. Daniels has returned to the writing world. If The Tragedy of Felix and Jake is the example of what's to come, I can't wait for her next release.
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Alcoholism, Sexual content, Addiction, and Drug use
Minor: Medical trauma, Grief, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, and Abandonment
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