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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
I had forgotten, until I was deep into Aaron and Giles's story, how big of an impact college, and especially the first year, can have on who we turn out to be. A vital, and sometimes overlooked, part of college life is discovering who you are. A leader or a follower, an activist or a pacifist, a book learner or a hands-on learner, and possibly the most important thing of all—when the time comes, do you have the strength and courage to stand up for yourself and what you believe in?
Aaron is more than a mess. An only child with a domineering, mentally and verbally abusive father, and a weak, ineffective mother. His only solace for a long time was his music, but when his best friend shunned him, after the guy kissed Aaron, he's had nothing. He and his mom moved to a different city for his senior year and now it's six weeks before colleges are to begin and Aaron still hasn't picked one. A random encounter with a fellow classmate, Giles, determines two things for Aaron. One, where he's going to college, and two, his certainty that yes, he really is gay.
Giles isn't thrilled to see Aaron on campus. Giles spent his entire school life being bullied and three separate, severe trips to the ER didn't make him feel any better for the guys who had sex with him and then ran back to their closets. He assumes that Aaron is one of those guys and that Giles is never going to get away from the stigma of his high school years. Over time throughout that first semester though, Giles and Aaron bond through their love of music, become friends, and then start dating.
Aaron is happier than he's ever been, but he knows he'll have to pay the piper after the first of the year when he'll have to man up and admit to his dad that he dropped all the pre-law classes and, instead, Aaron is majoring in music performance. It's where Aaron comes alive, and he loves his music classes, getting back into composing, and being accepted into the Ambassadors, the a cappella all-male group on campus. A feat not many freshmen have ever done. In fact, helping their female friends create Salvo, the first ever a cappella all-female group, is what gets Aaron and Giles working together with their combined love of music. Both of these young men are imminently talented, with Giles having made first chair violin in the school orchestra, and Aaron's tenor and piano accompaniment talents.
"He thought of the music, the songs that filled his head, his heart. Pushing aside his terror, Aaron steadied himself and headed for the front door.
“Aaron.” Beth’s voice tore through Aaron, making him move faster. He gripped the handle of his suitcase, snagged his coat and bent to pick up his shoes, figuring he’d put them on outside.
“Leave them.”
Aaron paused, startled, and glanced over his shoulder. His father had risen and stood like a dark thundercloud drawing power from the center of the living room.
“Those shoes are mine. That coat is mine. That suitcase, everything in it? Mine. ”
So Aaron walks out, no coat on, no shoes on, his laptop and phone in his bag, choosing his life of music over whatever his parents want. The betrayal from his mother cuts pretty deeply, although he shouldn't be surprised. Giles takes him to his house, and Aaron has no concept of parents like Giles’s, who love unconditionally and without reserve. Of course, Walter and Kelly drive down immediately, because no one is going to leave Aaron feeling unloved or unwanted. Even with all the help, and outpouring of sympathy, financial help, and a full scholarship, Aaron still has a giant hole in his chest where the two people who are supposed to love him, unconditionally, betrayed him instead.
'Fever Pitch' is just as incredible as the first book in the series and Aaron and Giles really sucked me in. In fact, the whole of the story wouldn't let me go, from the college, the teachers, the roommates, the orchestra, the chorus, and the a cappella groups. The ending was earth shattering and brought a few tears to my eyes. Needless to say, much like Walter and Kelly were here in person, I expect to see more of not just them, but also Aaron and Giles. I saw some strong possibilities for future stories, and since I know this author won't let me down, I'm confident I'll get to read them. Soon.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
Aaron is more than a mess. An only child with a domineering, mentally and verbally abusive father, and a weak, ineffective mother. His only solace for a long time was his music, but when his best friend shunned him, after the guy kissed Aaron, he's had nothing. He and his mom moved to a different city for his senior year and now it's six weeks before colleges are to begin and Aaron still hasn't picked one. A random encounter with a fellow classmate, Giles, determines two things for Aaron. One, where he's going to college, and two, his certainty that yes, he really is gay.
Giles isn't thrilled to see Aaron on campus. Giles spent his entire school life being bullied and three separate, severe trips to the ER didn't make him feel any better for the guys who had sex with him and then ran back to their closets. He assumes that Aaron is one of those guys and that Giles is never going to get away from the stigma of his high school years. Over time throughout that first semester though, Giles and Aaron bond through their love of music, become friends, and then start dating.
Aaron is happier than he's ever been, but he knows he'll have to pay the piper after the first of the year when he'll have to man up and admit to his dad that he dropped all the pre-law classes and, instead, Aaron is majoring in music performance. It's where Aaron comes alive, and he loves his music classes, getting back into composing, and being accepted into the Ambassadors, the a cappella all-male group on campus. A feat not many freshmen have ever done. In fact, helping their female friends create Salvo, the first ever a cappella all-female group, is what gets Aaron and Giles working together with their combined love of music. Both of these young men are imminently talented, with Giles having made first chair violin in the school orchestra, and Aaron's tenor and piano accompaniment talents.
"He thought of the music, the songs that filled his head, his heart. Pushing aside his terror, Aaron steadied himself and headed for the front door.
“Aaron.” Beth’s voice tore through Aaron, making him move faster. He gripped the handle of his suitcase, snagged his coat and bent to pick up his shoes, figuring he’d put them on outside.
“Leave them.”
Aaron paused, startled, and glanced over his shoulder. His father had risen and stood like a dark thundercloud drawing power from the center of the living room.
“Those shoes are mine. That coat is mine. That suitcase, everything in it? Mine. ”
So Aaron walks out, no coat on, no shoes on, his laptop and phone in his bag, choosing his life of music over whatever his parents want. The betrayal from his mother cuts pretty deeply, although he shouldn't be surprised. Giles takes him to his house, and Aaron has no concept of parents like Giles’s, who love unconditionally and without reserve. Of course, Walter and Kelly drive down immediately, because no one is going to leave Aaron feeling unloved or unwanted. Even with all the help, and outpouring of sympathy, financial help, and a full scholarship, Aaron still has a giant hole in his chest where the two people who are supposed to love him, unconditionally, betrayed him instead.
'Fever Pitch' is just as incredible as the first book in the series and Aaron and Giles really sucked me in. In fact, the whole of the story wouldn't let me go, from the college, the teachers, the roommates, the orchestra, the chorus, and the a cappella groups. The ending was earth shattering and brought a few tears to my eyes. Needless to say, much like Walter and Kelly were here in person, I expect to see more of not just them, but also Aaron and Giles. I saw some strong possibilities for future stories, and since I know this author won't let me down, I'm confident I'll get to read them. Soon.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-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:
Complicated
Giles and Aaron are at a high school where neither belong. Giles has been beaten up for being gay, while Aaron is popular but no one really cares about him.
They find each other at a party, hook up, then part ways. Aaron knows he messed up so he goes to the same college as Giles, but each of them have huge fears to overcome before they can be together.
Once they clear up misunderstandings, they forge a relationship out of the friendship they’ve put time into and the work they’ve done in all the musical clubs.
The book takes a serious turn when Aaron’s parents kick him out for choosing the “wrong” major, and he learns he’s not alone. He then lends his support to his gay roommate, whose parents are religious fanatics.
So much utter joy in descriptions of songs and music, such tragedy and pain the kids go through with their families and society in general.
The first half of this book was really only about 2.5 stars, lots of teen angst and not very deep. But, as the rest unfolded, it became more real, difficult but also hopeful.
I love Walter, Kelly, Aaron, Giles, all the White House guys, and Elijah too.
So, overall, this is a really well written novel and worth the effort.
GPL audiobook
They find each other at a party, hook up, then part ways. Aaron knows he messed up so he goes to the same college as Giles, but each of them have huge fears to overcome before they can be together.
Once they clear up misunderstandings, they forge a relationship out of the friendship they’ve put time into and the work they’ve done in all the musical clubs.
The book takes a serious turn when Aaron’s parents kick him out for choosing the “wrong” major, and he learns he’s not alone. He then lends his support to his gay roommate, whose parents are religious fanatics.
So much utter joy in descriptions of songs and music, such tragedy and pain the kids go through with their families and society in general.
The first half of this book was really only about 2.5 stars, lots of teen angst and not very deep. But, as the rest unfolded, it became more real, difficult but also hopeful.
I love Walter, Kelly, Aaron, Giles, all the White House guys, and Elijah too.
So, overall, this is a really well written novel and worth the effort.
GPL audiobook
“Everybody has somewhere they fit in. We just have to look hard to find it sometimes.”
I went into this novel with the attitude of ‘this will never be Love Lessons.’ In a way, I was right. Aaron and Giles’ story was nothing like Walter and Kelly’s. Their hurdles were different, and the things keeping them apart were unique to each of their own personal situations and struggles. The only similar elements were fantastic quotes, crappy parents, and of course Walter Lucas.
As Heidi says in the introduction, Walter refuses to be silenced and plays quite an important role in this novel. He’s a sort of fairy gay-parent, if you will. It was fantastic to see how the characters from the first novel were doing; especially Kelly.
Enough about my babies from [b:Love Lessons|17853573|Love Lessons (Love Lessons, #1)|Heidi Cullinan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1366984277s/17853573.jpg|24990932], now let’s talk about the precious dumplings that are Aaron and Giles. Giles gave me so many feels I literally had to take a break from reading occasionally to emotionally recover. His story hurt my heart. I know *Lonely Hearts* is going to slaughter me, but this book definitely hurt me. Aaron’s story was hurtful as well. I’ll refrain from too many spoilers, but Aaron’s dad made Walter’s mother look like a model citizen. I whittled a spoon into a shiv while reading and planned on stabbing his father throughout the novel. Sadly, fictional men aren’t tangible. Otherwise, I’d have many boyfriends and many victims.
I cannot express how much I adore Heidi Cullinan’s writing. Her writing is flawless, her characters are perfectly flawed, and her stories may be depressing and heart wrenching, but they always have happy endings. Heidi even has a note in the back stating why her stories always have HEAs. I know there’s a time and a place for darker endings or even mediocre endings, but knowing the ending will be happy is refreshing.
Overall, this is exactly what I want and need from New Adult novels. Perfect read for fans of Heidi’s, NA romance enthusiasts, and of course, fans of a good story in general.
Merged review:
“Everybody has somewhere they fit in. We just have to look hard to find it sometimes.”
I went into this novel with the attitude of ‘this will never be Love Lessons.’ In a way, I was right. Aaron and Giles’ story was nothing like Walter and Kelly’s. Their hurdles were different, and the things keeping them apart were unique to each of their own personal situations and struggles. The only similar elements were fantastic quotes, crappy parents, and of course Walter Lucas.
As Heidi says in the introduction, Walter refuses to be silenced and plays quite an important role in this novel. He’s a sort of fairy gay-parent, if you will. It was fantastic to see how the characters from the first novel were doing; especially Kelly.
Enough about my babies from [b:Love Lessons|17853573|Love Lessons (Love Lessons, #1)|Heidi Cullinan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1366984277s/17853573.jpg|24990932], now let’s talk about the precious dumplings that are Aaron and Giles. Giles gave me so many feels I literally had to take a break from reading occasionally to emotionally recover. His story hurt my heart. I know *Lonely Hearts* is going to slaughter me, but this book definitely hurt me. Aaron’s story was hurtful as well. I’ll refrain from too many spoilers, but Aaron’s dad made Walter’s mother look like a model citizen. I whittled a spoon into a shiv while reading and planned on stabbing his father throughout the novel. Sadly, fictional men aren’t tangible. Otherwise, I’d have many boyfriends and many victims.
I cannot express how much I adore Heidi Cullinan’s writing. Her writing is flawless, her characters are perfectly flawed, and her stories may be depressing and heart wrenching, but they always have happy endings. Heidi even has a note in the back stating why her stories always have HEAs. I know there’s a time and a place for darker endings or even mediocre endings, but knowing the ending will be happy is refreshing.
Overall, this is exactly what I want and need from New Adult novels. Perfect read for fans of Heidi’s, NA romance enthusiasts, and of course, fans of a good story in general.
I went into this novel with the attitude of ‘this will never be Love Lessons.’ In a way, I was right. Aaron and Giles’ story was nothing like Walter and Kelly’s. Their hurdles were different, and the things keeping them apart were unique to each of their own personal situations and struggles. The only similar elements were fantastic quotes, crappy parents, and of course Walter Lucas.
As Heidi says in the introduction, Walter refuses to be silenced and plays quite an important role in this novel. He’s a sort of fairy gay-parent, if you will. It was fantastic to see how the characters from the first novel were doing; especially Kelly.
Enough about my babies from [b:Love Lessons|17853573|Love Lessons (Love Lessons, #1)|Heidi Cullinan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1366984277s/17853573.jpg|24990932], now let’s talk about the precious dumplings that are Aaron and Giles. Giles gave me so many feels I literally had to take a break from reading occasionally to emotionally recover. His story hurt my heart. I know *Lonely Hearts* is going to slaughter me, but this book definitely hurt me. Aaron’s story was hurtful as well. I’ll refrain from too many spoilers, but Aaron’s dad made Walter’s mother look like a model citizen. I whittled a spoon into a shiv while reading and planned on stabbing his father throughout the novel. Sadly, fictional men aren’t tangible. Otherwise, I’d have many boyfriends and many victims.
I cannot express how much I adore Heidi Cullinan’s writing. Her writing is flawless, her characters are perfectly flawed, and her stories may be depressing and heart wrenching, but they always have happy endings. Heidi even has a note in the back stating why her stories always have HEAs. I know there’s a time and a place for darker endings or even mediocre endings, but knowing the ending will be happy is refreshing.
Overall, this is exactly what I want and need from New Adult novels. Perfect read for fans of Heidi’s, NA romance enthusiasts, and of course, fans of a good story in general.
Merged review:
“Everybody has somewhere they fit in. We just have to look hard to find it sometimes.”
I went into this novel with the attitude of ‘this will never be Love Lessons.’ In a way, I was right. Aaron and Giles’ story was nothing like Walter and Kelly’s. Their hurdles were different, and the things keeping them apart were unique to each of their own personal situations and struggles. The only similar elements were fantastic quotes, crappy parents, and of course Walter Lucas.
As Heidi says in the introduction, Walter refuses to be silenced and plays quite an important role in this novel. He’s a sort of fairy gay-parent, if you will. It was fantastic to see how the characters from the first novel were doing; especially Kelly.
Enough about my babies from [b:Love Lessons|17853573|Love Lessons (Love Lessons, #1)|Heidi Cullinan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1366984277s/17853573.jpg|24990932], now let’s talk about the precious dumplings that are Aaron and Giles. Giles gave me so many feels I literally had to take a break from reading occasionally to emotionally recover. His story hurt my heart. I know *Lonely Hearts* is going to slaughter me, but this book definitely hurt me. Aaron’s story was hurtful as well. I’ll refrain from too many spoilers, but Aaron’s dad made Walter’s mother look like a model citizen. I whittled a spoon into a shiv while reading and planned on stabbing his father throughout the novel. Sadly, fictional men aren’t tangible. Otherwise, I’d have many boyfriends and many victims.
I cannot express how much I adore Heidi Cullinan’s writing. Her writing is flawless, her characters are perfectly flawed, and her stories may be depressing and heart wrenching, but they always have happy endings. Heidi even has a note in the back stating why her stories always have HEAs. I know there’s a time and a place for darker endings or even mediocre endings, but knowing the ending will be happy is refreshing.
Overall, this is exactly what I want and need from New Adult novels. Perfect read for fans of Heidi’s, NA romance enthusiasts, and of course, fans of a good story in general.
Didn’t understand how Aaron couldn’t understand how his reaction came across, but I get why he had it, just not why he didn’t expect Giles to react differently. But I really liked it. Read on Overdrive
This one had a bit of a slow start for me, and at times the music bogged things down for me, but overall, I loved this book. I loved Aaron and Giles, and it was so wonderful seeing Walter and Kelly again, in fact, Walter kinda made this book for me. Just the way this guy manages to pull things together and be there for everyone is so sweet. My heart just broke for Aaron, but I was so very proud of him for being willing to walk away from the "support" of his family, and HATE his mom and dad, mom most of all. Now, looking forward to Baz and Elijah's story, we got just enough of them to really whet my appetite!
I'm so in love with this series it's ridiculous! I adored Walter and Kelly and love love loved me some Aaron and Giles. This story blended our old friends so wonderfully into this new story and let us fall in love with two more great guys. The college world is so realistically depicted in a manner that is both believable and welcoming.
Aaron and Giles have both been hurt in the past and I loved watching these two overcome their own insecurities and fears to find out that the other person is just as scared as they are. Neither one of them knew how to get what they wanted and both were terrified to open up and see the possibilities before them. I loved watching their stumbling around until the attraction became too much and finally they were able to act on the feelings they had bottled up inside. The kiss on the skybridge...oh so yummy!
I appreciated that this story handled a lot of delicate issues in a way that was very realistic and yet hopeful. This campus rallying around the boys, Aaron and Elijah was just so lovely. (Can't WAIT for Elijah's story!!!) The community that was established within this music department is the best of what college can be and all of the side characters added so much to the story. I loved the way they all interacted and the blending of the different personalities.
I want the soundtrack to this book soooooo bad! I mean really, really want it. I swear someone should take the time to compose all of the ways these songs were described in this book because I am sure that it would be epically awesome. I love music and every written word made me want to HEAR what was going on. The soundtrack ringing in my head just doesn't do justice to how amazing this should be.
Love, love, loved this story. I will re-read this one often I'm sure. I can't wait for book 3. Can not be released soon enough for me. I need to know all of Baz and Elijah's secrets!!! I guess I'll have to content myself with re-reading both #1 & #2 for now. :D
Aaron and Giles have both been hurt in the past and I loved watching these two overcome their own insecurities and fears to find out that the other person is just as scared as they are. Neither one of them knew how to get what they wanted and both were terrified to open up and see the possibilities before them. I loved watching their stumbling around until the attraction became too much and finally they were able to act on the feelings they had bottled up inside. The kiss on the skybridge...oh so yummy!
I appreciated that this story handled a lot of delicate issues in a way that was very realistic and yet hopeful. This campus rallying around the boys, Aaron and Elijah was just so lovely. (Can't WAIT for Elijah's story!!!) The community that was established within this music department is the best of what college can be and all of the side characters added so much to the story. I loved the way they all interacted and the blending of the different personalities.
I want the soundtrack to this book soooooo bad! I mean really, really want it. I swear someone should take the time to compose all of the ways these songs were described in this book because I am sure that it would be epically awesome. I love music and every written word made me want to HEAR what was going on. The soundtrack ringing in my head just doesn't do justice to how amazing this should be.
Love, love, loved this story. I will re-read this one often I'm sure. I can't wait for book 3. Can not be released soon enough for me. I need to know all of Baz and Elijah's secrets!!! I guess I'll have to content myself with re-reading both #1 & #2 for now. :D
About a year ago I read a story, Love Lessons, on an emotionally dark day where I wasn’t sure there would be any light in the near future. That day, things were bad but reading those words on the page, made me feel less alone and that there had to something better than what I was going through. Not only did I feel the connection to the characters on a deep level, that story made me do something I rarely do, email the author and pour my soul out at their feet for giving me, yes me, the words that I needed. Little did I know that the email would lead to me being told that Aaron, from this book, would be my spirit animal. Now how in the world do you approach a book, from one of your favorite authors knowing that ahead of time? With both feet and eyes wide open of course.
We have Aaron, our lovely misunderstood and oh so lonely boy who through the help of Giles realizes he is indeed gay and follows the boy who opened up this new world to him to the Collegiate grounds of Saint Timothy. There, Aaron becomes this boy who I can’t get out of my head. I though I connected with Walter in Love Lessons and the things he went through but reading Aaron, it hit very close to home. No, I wasn’t a music major and cannot belt it out like the boy can but the things he thinks; about himself, his life and his future. I can’t see as I write this because there is a curtain of strange liquid falling from my eyes. I love Aaron beyond the beyond, and I felt everything he went through. When he sees Giles at school, I couldn’t handle it.
Giles, where do I begin? I could see this tall lanky boy with the faux hawk and the ears. THE EARS! Ugh. I loved being in his head as he navigated the time with Aaron and the times he sees him at college. My heart ached for all the pain, both physical and emotional he had been through and yet I was in awe of strength he possessed.
The storytelling with Fever Pitch is amazing. You get the boys as they meet; they connect and then are separated. The separation was anxiety filled for me; I just wanted them together so bad and to see them happy, but it was this separation that built the boy’s character. It was beautiful to see them alone, even breaking down to the point of being so raw there was nowhere to go but higher than they dreamed. Giles, I was in love with him from the beginning, his geeky and lanky self being likened to Dustin Lance Black, how could I not but I loved being inside his head. Let me tell you, I was a sobbing snot fest so many times reading in his POV. His confessions are burned into my romantic heart, and I can’t forget them. Good lord, that boy.
Along with the romance, there is this strong self of family that I clung to. It’s true what they say; family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what. This story weaves this fact through the lines in a gorgeous tapestry.
But back to Aaron, I weep, my soul weeps for this boy. I was happy he found friends in the Ambassadors. OH YEAH! Let me pause for a moment and say I think things happen for a reason. I had this ready to read over a week ago but for some reason, albeit the fear of being torn to shreds, it didn’t start it. This past Friday, I was sick in bed, and while checking to see what was on TV, I decided to watch Pitch Perfect for the first time. Talk about the ultimate set up for this book! Not that it’s needed, but I got it. OMG, I got it.
So back to Aaron, the struggles he deals with, wanting to be in control of his life, of his present and his future and be his true self just wrecked me. Don’t get me wrong, I smiled a lot through this book but the deep emotions just owned my ass. I thought I was a wreck reading the Walter and Kelly dance scene to “Titanium” in Love Lessons; I can’t even listen to a certain Keane song without completely losing it. Granted, I had the Glee version on my phone to listen to and though the song had the affect on me before but now? Forget about it. It’s Aaron’s song, and it’s perfect.
Speaking of Walter and Kelly, what a joy it was to see them again. I loved (How many times have I said that the word, loved?) the advice that Walter passes to Aaron was amazing, and you see how much he has grown with Kelly. Read the dedication of this book and it’s true; Walter rivals my #1 book boyfriend (I have a badge to prove it) that is Randy Jansen. His growth is even greater than it was in Love Lessons and the gravitational pull this new found family has toward him melted me many times over.
Now I talked about music and the music in this book is important. I am a self-proclaimed music nerd; I love it, I collect it, I devour it and I hold it inside for the moments I need it most. There is a playlist with this book, and I strongly suggest you listen to it, listen to it when the songs are mentioned and go back and read the scene again with the sound as the soundtrack. It’s transitional, as music and reading should be but when paired together, it’s phenomenal.
These two. This book. This author. This series! I can’t stop gushing and smiling and crying and just falling in love with it. This book was so full of layers; layers that were dripping with deep emotions that all I could do was tear each one away wrap them around me and marinate in all the words gave me. The words that cut and hit way too close to home but also radiated safety and strength.
Oh! One last thing… When I realized who book three in this series was going to be about, having seen the author tweet about a certain boy whose name is three letters long, my mind was blown. BLOWN and I bow down to this woman. MY GOODNESS!
We have Aaron, our lovely misunderstood and oh so lonely boy who through the help of Giles realizes he is indeed gay and follows the boy who opened up this new world to him to the Collegiate grounds of Saint Timothy. There, Aaron becomes this boy who I can’t get out of my head. I though I connected with Walter in Love Lessons and the things he went through but reading Aaron, it hit very close to home. No, I wasn’t a music major and cannot belt it out like the boy can but the things he thinks; about himself, his life and his future. I can’t see as I write this because there is a curtain of strange liquid falling from my eyes. I love Aaron beyond the beyond, and I felt everything he went through. When he sees Giles at school, I couldn’t handle it.
“… he knew a bone-deep terror he’d chosen his source of secondary education based on sex at a lake with a guy he’d only just met, a guy who might be disgusted to see him again.”
Giles, where do I begin? I could see this tall lanky boy with the faux hawk and the ears. THE EARS! Ugh. I loved being in his head as he navigated the time with Aaron and the times he sees him at college. My heart ached for all the pain, both physical and emotional he had been through and yet I was in awe of strength he possessed.
“You shut too many people off. How do you know you haven’t missed someone amazing right here at home because you decided they were an ass? How do you know you won’t do the exact same thing at Saint Timothy? College isn’t going to be that much different than high school.”
The storytelling with Fever Pitch is amazing. You get the boys as they meet; they connect and then are separated. The separation was anxiety filled for me; I just wanted them together so bad and to see them happy, but it was this separation that built the boy’s character. It was beautiful to see them alone, even breaking down to the point of being so raw there was nowhere to go but higher than they dreamed. Giles, I was in love with him from the beginning, his geeky and lanky self being likened to Dustin Lance Black, how could I not but I loved being inside his head. Let me tell you, I was a sobbing snot fest so many times reading in his POV. His confessions are burned into my romantic heart, and I can’t forget them. Good lord, that boy.
Along with the romance, there is this strong self of family that I clung to. It’s true what they say; family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what. This story weaves this fact through the lines in a gorgeous tapestry.
But back to Aaron, I weep, my soul weeps for this boy. I was happy he found friends in the Ambassadors. OH YEAH! Let me pause for a moment and say I think things happen for a reason. I had this ready to read over a week ago but for some reason, albeit the fear of being torn to shreds, it didn’t start it. This past Friday, I was sick in bed, and while checking to see what was on TV, I decided to watch Pitch Perfect for the first time. Talk about the ultimate set up for this book! Not that it’s needed, but I got it. OMG, I got it.
So back to Aaron, the struggles he deals with, wanting to be in control of his life, of his present and his future and be his true self just wrecked me. Don’t get me wrong, I smiled a lot through this book but the deep emotions just owned my ass. I thought I was a wreck reading the Walter and Kelly dance scene to “Titanium” in Love Lessons; I can’t even listen to a certain Keane song without completely losing it. Granted, I had the Glee version on my phone to listen to and though the song had the affect on me before but now? Forget about it. It’s Aaron’s song, and it’s perfect.
I don’t have to fit in with what people decide for me because I know where I fit in. Everybody has somewhere they fit in. We just have to look hard to find it sometimes.
Speaking of Walter and Kelly, what a joy it was to see them again. I loved (How many times have I said that the word, loved?) the advice that Walter passes to Aaron was amazing, and you see how much he has grown with Kelly. Read the dedication of this book and it’s true; Walter rivals my #1 book boyfriend (I have a badge to prove it) that is Randy Jansen. His growth is even greater than it was in Love Lessons and the gravitational pull this new found family has toward him melted me many times over.
Now I talked about music and the music in this book is important. I am a self-proclaimed music nerd; I love it, I collect it, I devour it and I hold it inside for the moments I need it most. There is a playlist with this book, and I strongly suggest you listen to it, listen to it when the songs are mentioned and go back and read the scene again with the sound as the soundtrack. It’s transitional, as music and reading should be but when paired together, it’s phenomenal.
“Music is powerful, and when you’re fighting a health battle, it can mean the difference some days between the strength to fight or giving in.”
These two. This book. This author. This series! I can’t stop gushing and smiling and crying and just falling in love with it. This book was so full of layers; layers that were dripping with deep emotions that all I could do was tear each one away wrap them around me and marinate in all the words gave me. The words that cut and hit way too close to home but also radiated safety and strength.
Oh! One last thing… When I realized who book three in this series was going to be about, having seen the author tweet about a certain boy whose name is three letters long, my mind was blown. BLOWN and I bow down to this woman. MY GOODNESS!
