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wandering_turtle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
3.5
bettychuck's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kaje_harper's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting idea that led to some real emotional resonance - Neil is a bioscientist who is killed prematurely in an accident and reincarnated as a baby, but with many of his adult memories intact. Meanwhile, his boyfriend grieves his loss, and then tries to move on.
I was engaged with Neil's issues as he grows up from childhood, trapped in the body and in some aspects mind of a small child, able to only watch the public evidence of his lover's life, grief, and recovery. There's real poignancy in that. I liked Neil's irascibility and ego, as part of the mix. They made him interesting, and supported the idea that Joshua really was the one man who saw under that surface for him. (We see their early relationship in flashbacks.) He was a brilliant scientist, and now he's a very precocious child who can't afford to betray exactly why he's so advanced, and who can't reach out to the man he loves. It's hard for him to resist just bulling his way back into Joshua's life, at an "age" where it would be weird and creepy and unbelievable. Anger, impatience, and sometimes mourning, are part of that process. His only chance is to grow up as fast as he can and then try to reconnect.
But then Joshua remarries, and seems happy with his new man.
There are some moments of grief and deep loss in here, and some touches of humor. The science is lightweight but plausible, and although a few of the solutions are a bit convenient, it all works pretty convincingly. I came to believe in the unshakable bond that held these two men together, even when only one of them knew it. This was unique, and well done.
I was engaged with Neil's issues as he grows up from childhood, trapped in the body and in some aspects mind of a small child, able to only watch the public evidence of his lover's life, grief, and recovery. There's real poignancy in that. I liked Neil's irascibility and ego, as part of the mix. They made him interesting, and supported the idea that Joshua really was the one man who saw under that surface for him. (We see their early relationship in flashbacks.) He was a brilliant scientist, and now he's a very precocious child who can't afford to betray exactly why he's so advanced, and who can't reach out to the man he loves. It's hard for him to resist just bulling his way back into Joshua's life, at an "age" where it would be weird and creepy and unbelievable. Anger, impatience, and sometimes mourning, are part of that process. His only chance is to grow up as fast as he can and then try to reconnect.
But then Joshua remarries, and seems happy with his new man.
There are some moments of grief and deep loss in here, and some touches of humor. The science is lightweight but plausible, and although a few of the solutions are a bit convenient, it all works pretty convincingly. I came to believe in the unshakable bond that held these two men together, even when only one of them knew it. This was unique, and well done.
dooziekins's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
evil_jj's review against another edition
5.0
I honestly did not expect to like this based on the blurb, but I love being proven wrong on that! I generally reserve my 5 star ratings for books that can make my cold dead heart feel, and this one managed it! Tears welled up multiple times, and I probably would have cried had I been alone. My heart was in my throat for so much of this book. I really felt for both of these men and what they went through to get to each other again. The whole reincarnation thing was a bit weird since it wasn't anything like the typical idea of reincarnation, as Neil had the same name, same body, and most of his memories from the time he was born. Anyway, I just went with the flow and accepted the story for what it was, and truly enjoyed the experience.
bfdbookblog's review against another edition
3.0
I love books with reincarnation or ghosts of past lovers. The idea of a ‘soulmate’ or love of a lifetime hits every one of my super mushy, feely buttons so I was really excited to read this book. I think I just have a hard time with this author’s writing style…and I’ve noticed it in a couple of previous books as well. I think it’s probably a case of it’s me, not you and I’m having a hard time quantifying exactly what it is that bothers me about it but I almost quit this book a couple of times. Thankfully I stuck with it because at the 42% mark onward, I loved the story (yes, I can specifically tell you exactly when I started liking the story instead of debating giving up on the book).
I love Neil and Joshua’s story once they ‘rediscover’ each other. Neil is quirky and has absolutely no social skills whatsoever. He’s too smart to be among the common folk but he is great with dogs! 😊 He doesn’t really get along with anyone and basically rubs people the wrong way…except for Joshua. Joshua is a normal, every day kind of guy who is initially in the closet when he meets Neil but is immediately taken by him. He falls hard and fast and appreciates Neil’s quirkiness. They are definitely soulmates and when they finally find either other the second time, my heart CLENCHED with the emotions between them.
As I stated above, if you can stick with the story through the beginning that I didn’t really like, the second half of the book is pretty great.
I love Neil and Joshua’s story once they ‘rediscover’ each other. Neil is quirky and has absolutely no social skills whatsoever. He’s too smart to be among the common folk but he is great with dogs! 😊 He doesn’t really get along with anyone and basically rubs people the wrong way…except for Joshua. Joshua is a normal, every day kind of guy who is initially in the closet when he meets Neil but is immediately taken by him. He falls hard and fast and appreciates Neil’s quirkiness. They are definitely soulmates and when they finally find either other the second time, my heart CLENCHED with the emotions between them.
As I stated above, if you can stick with the story through the beginning that I didn’t really like, the second half of the book is pretty great.
steiner's review against another edition
1.0
I normally love this author but this was a miss for me. The central romance wasn't central enough for me. I didn't care enough about it to be rooting for them. I also struggle with the reincarnation idea as a concept. The other characters were just place holders. At points I wondered if I had missed earlier books in the series.
I would have been more interested in the story of Neil and his room-mate.
I feel bad giving this only one star but I had to skim to finish. I am sure other people might love it for the same reasons I didn't like it. I will still happily try anything from Leta Blake.
I would have been more interested in the story of Neil and his room-mate.
I feel bad giving this only one star but I had to skim to finish. I am sure other people might love it for the same reasons I didn't like it. I will still happily try anything from Leta Blake.
explorebooks's review against another edition
2.0
2.5? 3 Seems too high but 2 is too harsh.
Any Given Lifetime just wasn't my cup of tea. It felt like this story dragged on and on without anything ever actually happening. I listened to the audiobook and while there were moments that I enjoyed, I was more so glad to just have made it through the book so I could collect my thoughts and move on to something more to my tastes.
I'm not saying there's anything inherently wrong or bad about this book but simply that it wasn't for my tastes. The general idea of the story, of one of the MCs being reincarnated and having to wait until they grow up in order to find their love again...it was beautiful and original. But as for the characters themselves and the events of the story? I didn't really find anything about it all that interesting and I didn't especially care for either of the characters.
Also the entire part of the story that involves Lee as they show Joshua moving on just seems like it was pointless to focus on for so long with the way things turned out in the end but maybe that's just me.
Overall, I can see what people may have enjoyed about Any Given Lifetime but I didn't enjoy it myself as much as I hoped I would.
Any Given Lifetime just wasn't my cup of tea. It felt like this story dragged on and on without anything ever actually happening. I listened to the audiobook and while there were moments that I enjoyed, I was more so glad to just have made it through the book so I could collect my thoughts and move on to something more to my tastes.
I'm not saying there's anything inherently wrong or bad about this book but simply that it wasn't for my tastes. The general idea of the story, of one of the MCs being reincarnated and having to wait until they grow up in order to find their love again...it was beautiful and original. But as for the characters themselves and the events of the story? I didn't really find anything about it all that interesting and I didn't especially care for either of the characters.
Also the entire part of the story that involves Lee as they show Joshua moving on just seems like it was pointless to focus on for so long with the way things turned out in the end but maybe that's just me.
Overall, I can see what people may have enjoyed about Any Given Lifetime but I didn't enjoy it myself as much as I hoped I would.
chaunter's review against another edition
2.0
I really really wanted to like this book! I generally really love Leta Blake's writing so it makes me sad giving this one such a low rating. Unfortunately though, despite the charming main characters, I found the pacing wasn't really as smooth as I would've like and in the end it just felt a bit boring.
karentje's review against another edition
5.0
A truly extraordinary love story about a love so strong it can even cheat death.
One of the most original love stories I've ever read! A great twist on the popular May/December trope and an incredibly unique second chance at love story. It nearly broke my heart, but luckily the author stitched it back together!
Leta Blake has an incredible gift with words and shows true excellence in weaving together Neil and Joshua's almost epic tale. The emotions in this story soar to great heights, but there is also a lot of sadness and loss to overcome. And it's all written in such a beautiful and moving way, as if she's writing on our hearts instead of on the pages of the book.
I don't think anyone could read this story and not feel touched by it.
I love the way she uses dreams and their symbolism to help the characters deal with everything that happens, and also gives them a way to connect with each other when that doesn't seem possible in real life.
Neil is a strange and complex character, in both his lifetimes. He doesn't make friends easily, so I was glad to see him form a friendship with Derek. Neil's so intense and focused, so dedicated to his research, and to Joshua's happiness. Absolutely amazing guy. I was so impatient for him to grow up so he could finally reconnect with Joshua. But the author knew better than to rush that, and she builds up the tension and emotion very skillfully.
Joshua has built a life for himself, though he never really stopped loving Neil or grieving for him.
I loved how the author gave him a way to be (mostly) happy during the years it takes Neil to grow up, again. A bittersweet interlude, that afterwards connects with Neil in the most wonderful way. Can't say more about that, but absolutely loved it.
Alice, Neil's "second" mother, is amazing. She loves her little boy with all her heart, knowing and accepting who he truly is, however far-fetched it must have seemed. She struck me as really special and precious, and I was glad to be given a glimpse of her HEA as well. I simply adored that we got scenes from her perspective too.
This is a must-read! Must, I tell you!
One of the most original love stories I've ever read! A great twist on the popular May/December trope and an incredibly unique second chance at love story. It nearly broke my heart, but luckily the author stitched it back together!
Leta Blake has an incredible gift with words and shows true excellence in weaving together Neil and Joshua's almost epic tale. The emotions in this story soar to great heights, but there is also a lot of sadness and loss to overcome. And it's all written in such a beautiful and moving way, as if she's writing on our hearts instead of on the pages of the book.
I don't think anyone could read this story and not feel touched by it.
I love the way she uses dreams and their symbolism to help the characters deal with everything that happens, and also gives them a way to connect with each other when that doesn't seem possible in real life.
Neil is a strange and complex character, in both his lifetimes. He doesn't make friends easily, so I was glad to see him form a friendship with Derek. Neil's so intense and focused, so dedicated to his research, and to Joshua's happiness. Absolutely amazing guy. I was so impatient for him to grow up so he could finally reconnect with Joshua. But the author knew better than to rush that, and she builds up the tension and emotion very skillfully.
Joshua has built a life for himself, though he never really stopped loving Neil or grieving for him.
I loved how the author gave him a way to be (mostly) happy during the years it takes Neil to grow up, again. A bittersweet interlude, that afterwards connects with Neil in the most wonderful way. Can't say more about that, but absolutely loved it.
Alice, Neil's "second" mother, is amazing. She loves her little boy with all her heart, knowing and accepting who he truly is, however far-fetched it must have seemed. She struck me as really special and precious, and I was glad to be given a glimpse of her HEA as well. I simply adored that we got scenes from her perspective too.
This is a must-read! Must, I tell you!