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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
This was even better than the first one. The characters had such real problems and I felt so much for these characters. I really loved all the new people and how they interacted with the old. The ending was CRAZY. I can't wait to start the next book.
Honestly I didn't love this book as much as the first in the series but it grew on me. During the first third or so of the book as Giles & Aaron are stuck in each other's orbits, there was angst up the wazoo. But once they actually got over their own drama, their romance was one that was starting to reach Walter/Kelly proportions.
There was a lot of drama in this one, holy cow. Also add in a surly roommate, family drama, and a whole lot of singing and music, this could be the next Glee!
Seriously though, I was glad that we didn't see the last of Walter & Kelly. I envy their romance. It was so sweet and this book while devoted to Aaron and Giles, was like a culmination of their romance. I've just started the last in the series centered on Elijah and I can already tell it's going to be a roller coaster ride.
There was a lot of drama in this one, holy cow. Also add in a surly roommate, family drama, and a whole lot of singing and music, this could be the next Glee!
Seriously though, I was glad that we didn't see the last of Walter & Kelly. I envy their romance. It was so sweet and this book while devoted to Aaron and Giles, was like a culmination of their romance. I've just started the last in the series centered on Elijah and I can already tell it's going to be a roller coaster ride.
Another wonderful book in this series, and hurrah, there will be more. There is so much going on with this book. I stayed up way too late finishing it last night because I knew I wouldn't fall asleep when I went to bed if I didn't know what happened to them.
Aaron is a young beautiful young man, surrounded by people, who is incredibly lonely. No one in his life truly does things for him. His father treats him and his ex-wife like hostile witnesses. He is insisting that Aaron pick a college and he better have damn good reasons for his choice. On his 18th birthday, he hides from his so-called friends at a party with his loneliness settling hard over his shoulders.
Giles is another 18-year old just trying to survive the last couple of months before he can leave for college, his future sanctuary from the hell that has been his high school career. Beaten up and ridiculed over the years, Giles has become stronger and more determined with the support of his family and a few close friends. But he is also highly aware of the pack mentality that can result in physical danger for him. Seeking a secure and safe spot at the same party, he stumbles upon Aaron.
He shows Aaron the first true kindness of the day and takes him out for his birthday supper. They talk; they connect. Giles tells Aaron about his college plans. Aaron admits his dilemma in picking a college that his jerk father will like. Later, the two of them have a sexual encounter that shocks Aaron into a silence that Giles misinterprets as the typical straight guy's panic/denial of what happened between them, and so starts the fear and anger they have toward each other when Aaron ends up at the same college.
Neither one of them knows what they want to major in, but both have a passion for music. Aaron inadvertently stumbles upon vocal auditions and is swept up into the choral world of the college that opens up its arms for him. Giles's passion lies with his violin and orchestra. With an involvement with a group, the two of them have to work with each other and slowly start to become friends plus more.
I LOVED Aaron. He truly didn't understand his beauty, both inside and outside, and there were many times I cursed out his parents. I just wanted to sweep him up and take him home and show him how a true family should treat him. Giles was blessed with wonderful parents that I wanted to hug. Family plays an important - and sometimes very cruel - part in many of the characters' lives, and it goes to show that when life doesn't give you a supportive family, sometimes you have to make your own. And what a "family" these two men and their friends make.
I loved both of these young men to pieces, but as with all the other books I've read from this author, the secondary characters added such emotional depths to an already fantastic plot. Both Aaron's and Giles's roommates have stories that I would love to see in future books. Baz, a friend of Aaron's and Walter's, definitely has a story that needs telling.
And yes. Walter and Kelly are back, providing support and love in all the right places for all of these guys!
The possibilities for future books are there, and I'm saying books because I'm hoping there will be more than just a third in the series. I can't wait to see where the author will take this cast of characters.
ETA: 8-26-15 A re-read for me. I meant just to scan major scenes in this story in order to refresh my memory in preparation for [b:Lonely Hearts|24118011|Lonely Hearts (Love Lessons, #3)|Heidi Cullinan|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421976805s/24118011.jpg|43710323], but this book just sucked me in, once again, and before I knew it, I was reading the whole thing. Late last night, I had to quit reading before I got to a significant scene happening to Aaron because I knew if I even saw a word from that scene, I'd be reading the rest of the book. This morning, I got up to read a little until the sun came up, so that I could have enough light in order to go on my morning walk. I almost forgot to walk because I lost myself in the story once again. If you can do that on a 2nd read, that says a lot about the story.
And I discovered a little nugget on this re-read. I frequently leave highlights and occasional notes to myself on my NOOK about important things in books. In this one at 60% of the book, I left this little note to myself: Seriously, I didn't know if I'd liked him [Baz], but he has a story behind him. Both he and Elijah do. This was long before I knew the connection between the two of them.
And now I'm fully prepared to enjoy [b:Lonely Hearts|24118011|Lonely Hearts (Love Lessons, #3)|Heidi Cullinan|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421976805s/24118011.jpg|43710323]. I need to find out Baz and Elijah's story.
Aaron is a young beautiful young man, surrounded by people, who is incredibly lonely. No one in his life truly does things for him. His father treats him and his ex-wife like hostile witnesses. He is insisting that Aaron pick a college and he better have damn good reasons for his choice. On his 18th birthday, he hides from his so-called friends at a party with his loneliness settling hard over his shoulders.
Giles is another 18-year old just trying to survive the last couple of months before he can leave for college, his future sanctuary from the hell that has been his high school career. Beaten up and ridiculed over the years, Giles has become stronger and more determined with the support of his family and a few close friends. But he is also highly aware of the pack mentality that can result in physical danger for him. Seeking a secure and safe spot at the same party, he stumbles upon Aaron.
He shows Aaron the first true kindness of the day and takes him out for his birthday supper. They talk; they connect. Giles tells Aaron about his college plans. Aaron admits his dilemma in picking a college that his jerk father will like. Later, the two of them have a sexual encounter that shocks Aaron into a silence that Giles misinterprets as the typical straight guy's panic/denial of what happened between them, and so starts the fear and anger they have toward each other when Aaron ends up at the same college.
Neither one of them knows what they want to major in, but both have a passion for music. Aaron inadvertently stumbles upon vocal auditions and is swept up into the choral world of the college that opens up its arms for him. Giles's passion lies with his violin and orchestra. With an involvement with a group, the two of them have to work with each other and slowly start to become friends plus more.
I LOVED Aaron. He truly didn't understand his beauty, both inside and outside, and there were many times I cursed out his parents. I just wanted to sweep him up and take him home and show him how a true family should treat him. Giles was blessed with wonderful parents that I wanted to hug. Family plays an important - and sometimes very cruel - part in many of the characters' lives, and it goes to show that when life doesn't give you a supportive family, sometimes you have to make your own. And what a "family" these two men and their friends make.
I loved both of these young men to pieces, but as with all the other books I've read from this author, the secondary characters added such emotional depths to an already fantastic plot. Both Aaron's and Giles's roommates have stories that I would love to see in future books. Baz, a friend of Aaron's and Walter's, definitely has a story that needs telling.
And yes. Walter and Kelly are back, providing support and love in all the right places for all of these guys!
The possibilities for future books are there, and I'm saying books because I'm hoping there will be more than just a third in the series. I can't wait to see where the author will take this cast of characters.
ETA: 8-26-15 A re-read for me. I meant just to scan major scenes in this story in order to refresh my memory in preparation for [b:Lonely Hearts|24118011|Lonely Hearts (Love Lessons, #3)|Heidi Cullinan|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421976805s/24118011.jpg|43710323], but this book just sucked me in, once again, and before I knew it, I was reading the whole thing. Late last night, I had to quit reading before I got to a significant scene happening to Aaron because I knew if I even saw a word from that scene, I'd be reading the rest of the book. This morning, I got up to read a little until the sun came up, so that I could have enough light in order to go on my morning walk. I almost forgot to walk because I lost myself in the story once again. If you can do that on a 2nd read, that says a lot about the story.
And I discovered a little nugget on this re-read. I frequently leave highlights and occasional notes to myself on my NOOK about important things in books. In this one at 60% of the book, I left this little note to myself: Seriously, I didn't know if I'd liked him [Baz], but he has a story behind him. Both he and Elijah do. This was long before I knew the connection between the two of them.
And now I'm fully prepared to enjoy [b:Lonely Hearts|24118011|Lonely Hearts (Love Lessons, #3)|Heidi Cullinan|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421976805s/24118011.jpg|43710323]. I need to find out Baz and Elijah's story.
re-read August 2015. Downgraded to 4 stars. Still a great series but there are things in each book that leave me a little meh, hence losing a star.
You know what I love about Fever Pitch? I love that the model on the cover looks like how I imagined Giles. He’s got the faux hawk and everything. I can even picture his ears sticking out. It’s another reminder that I adore the covers of this series. It was the reason I originally picked up book 1, Love Lessons, in the first place. At the time I didn’t realize I’d previously read a Heidi Cullinan book, I just knew that I loved the coloring, poses, and designs on these book covers. It’s even better when a gorgeous cover houses an equally gorgeous story.
Unfortunately Fever Pitch didn’t consume me like Love Lessons did. There was something about Walter and Kelly that sunk its claws into me and held on. I read that book with a fervor, but in Fever Pitch I felt like the first half dragged on far too long. It wasn’t just about ‘would they/won’t they’ it was more of a ‘they aren’t’ and that was it. Then, when it did finally happened, it happened really fast. It wasn’t unbelievable or anything, mostly it was just fast. That didn’t really work for me much. That’s okay though, every author has that one book that just doesn’t sit right and I think this one was it for me.
What it did have was Walter Lucas. Since Walter was the star of Love Lessons I was super excited to revisit him in Fever Pitch. It wasn’t even a quick scene. We got plenty of Walter Lucas. I loved the way he took Aaron under his wing and fathered him. Their bond was definitely a highlight.
I also thought the second half, even if Aaron and Giles did get together quickly, was stronger. I thought Aaron’s story was one many LGBT teens go through, and it was heartbreaking. I loved that his friends all rallied around him and lent him as much support as they could, both emotionally and financially. That includes Giles, because even though it wasn’t my favorite, I did still find Giles and Aaron incredibly sweet and romantic. I have always loved a romance story where the couple weathers the storms together, rather than letting it tear them apart. That was Giles and Aaron.
And finally, I loved how Fever Pitch set up book 3, Lonely Hearts! Baz and Elijah. The teasers we got in Fever Pitch are the reason why I had to move right on to the next book, and why I had to turn this into a duo review.
Read this review, and so many others like it, on Birdie Bookworm!
Unfortunately Fever Pitch didn’t consume me like Love Lessons did. There was something about Walter and Kelly that sunk its claws into me and held on. I read that book with a fervor, but in Fever Pitch I felt like the first half dragged on far too long. It wasn’t just about ‘would they/won’t they’ it was more of a ‘they aren’t’ and that was it. Then, when it did finally happened, it happened really fast. It wasn’t unbelievable or anything, mostly it was just fast. That didn’t really work for me much. That’s okay though, every author has that one book that just doesn’t sit right and I think this one was it for me.
What it did have was Walter Lucas. Since Walter was the star of Love Lessons I was super excited to revisit him in Fever Pitch. It wasn’t even a quick scene. We got plenty of Walter Lucas. I loved the way he took Aaron under his wing and fathered him. Their bond was definitely a highlight.
I also thought the second half, even if Aaron and Giles did get together quickly, was stronger. I thought Aaron’s story was one many LGBT teens go through, and it was heartbreaking. I loved that his friends all rallied around him and lent him as much support as they could, both emotionally and financially. That includes Giles, because even though it wasn’t my favorite, I did still find Giles and Aaron incredibly sweet and romantic. I have always loved a romance story where the couple weathers the storms together, rather than letting it tear them apart. That was Giles and Aaron.
And finally, I loved how Fever Pitch set up book 3, Lonely Hearts! Baz and Elijah. The teasers we got in Fever Pitch are the reason why I had to move right on to the next book, and why I had to turn this into a duo review.
Read this review, and so many others like it, on Birdie Bookworm!
I loved these two so much, more than Walter and Kelly, just wish there was more of them
3 stars
Hmm..there was something missing in this. I felt as if there was more telling than showing with almost everything. I couldn’t feel the connection between Aaron and Giles..
it felt like the miscommunication that happened with Giles and Aaron in the beginning lasted longer than needed, and then we were told they became friends then bam “I love you’s” were declared haha very out of the blue haha. I think cause we didn’t see the friendship bloom I couldn’t see the connection/chemistry.
But I will say something about these characters/the way this was written made it hard to put down.
Iggy Toma really makes these stories, his narrations are perfect!
I loved that we got to see Walter and Kelly again in this. A lot more than I thought but I loved it.
Also please be aware there are heavy topics in this book, there is kinda a mix of a lot, major bullying, some suicide idealism, toxic parental relationships, and some more but those are the major ones, that aren’t too spoilery.. I hope.
I am looking forward to Baz and Elijahs book, there book is going to be a ride.
Hmm..there was something missing in this. I felt as if there was more telling than showing with almost everything. I couldn’t feel the connection between Aaron and Giles..
it felt like the miscommunication that happened with Giles and Aaron in the beginning lasted longer than needed, and then we were told they became friends then bam “I love you’s” were declared haha very out of the blue haha. I think cause we didn’t see the friendship bloom I couldn’t see the connection/chemistry.
But I will say something about these characters/the way this was written made it hard to put down.
Iggy Toma really makes these stories, his narrations are perfect!
I loved that we got to see Walter and Kelly again in this. A lot more than I thought but I loved it.
Also please be aware there are heavy topics in this book, there is kinda a mix of a lot, major bullying, some suicide idealism, toxic parental relationships, and some more but those are the major ones, that aren’t too spoilery.. I hope.
I am looking forward to Baz and Elijahs book, there book is going to be a ride.
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!
This series has turned me into a sap. Seriously. Again, I just ate this up.
Angstier than [b:Love Lessons|17853573|Love Lessons (Love Lessons, #1)|Heidi Cullinan|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1366984277s/17853573.jpg|24990932], Giles and Aaron each have their issues but mostly, they yearn to connect with someone, to love and be loved.
Giles - tired of fleeting hookups and one offs, he wants to start anew and not have to worry about being judged or harassed. He's been crushing on Aaron for awhile, but their first encounter turns into a disaster, an event he wants to forget but can't.
Aaron - paralyzed by fear in all aspects of his life, he just wants the support and unconditional love of those who should do so. He's alone, desperately trying to fit in and find a place to call his own.
Eventually, these two finally figure themselves out and make their way back to each other. Their inner turmoil was sweet and sad, their vulnerability was crushingly palpable.
So was the sexual tension and combustion. *ahem*
This was another excellent look at first times galore - first relationships, first experiences, first love. It was also a powerful message of hope and opportunity, to grab life and to not waste it on things that you don't feel 100% sure about. Happiness isn't necessarily going to fall into your lap; be strong enough to go after it if it doesn't.
"The only way you do life wrong is by living out someone else's expectations instead of your own."
A terribly tough and terrifying thing for Aaron and Giles to do, but bittersweetly beautiful in witnessing their success.
Meags, I'm ready for the next when you are ;)
Angstier than [b:Love Lessons|17853573|Love Lessons (Love Lessons, #1)|Heidi Cullinan|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1366984277s/17853573.jpg|24990932], Giles and Aaron each have their issues but mostly, they yearn to connect with someone, to love and be loved.
Giles - tired of fleeting hookups and one offs, he wants to start anew and not have to worry about being judged or harassed. He's been crushing on Aaron for awhile, but their first encounter turns into a disaster, an event he wants to forget but can't.
Aaron - paralyzed by fear in all aspects of his life, he just wants the support and unconditional love of those who should do so. He's alone, desperately trying to fit in and find a place to call his own.
Eventually, these two finally figure themselves out and make their way back to each other. Their inner turmoil was sweet and sad, their vulnerability was crushingly palpable.
So was the sexual tension and combustion. *ahem*
Spoiler
One small complaint.Spoiler
For me, it took way too long for them to get their heads out of their asses and though I loved their love, it didn't quite measure as high as the first book.This was another excellent look at first times galore - first relationships, first experiences, first love. It was also a powerful message of hope and opportunity, to grab life and to not waste it on things that you don't feel 100% sure about. Happiness isn't necessarily going to fall into your lap; be strong enough to go after it if it doesn't.
"The only way you do life wrong is by living out someone else's expectations instead of your own."
A terribly tough and terrifying thing for Aaron and Giles to do, but bittersweetly beautiful in witnessing their success.
Meags, I'm ready for the next when you are ;)
"Pay it forward": to repay a good deed that someone has done for you not by reimbursing that original benefactor, but by doing a good deed to someone else entirely. According to Wikipedia, the concept is as old as the ancient Greeks, and endorsed by a panoply of past luminaries from Ben Franklin to Ralph Waldo Emerson, from Lily Hardy Hammond to Robert Heinlein. Sometimes, the philosophy focuses on random acts of kindness to strangers: paying the toll for the car behind you; buying the cup of coffee for the person standing in the Starbucks line beside you. Other times, though, paying it forward is more specific: volunteering at one homeless shelter after you've been helped by a different one; helping unpublished writers learn more about their craft when you're an already-published author. Some of the most powerful acts of paying it forward, I think, take place among groups of people who miss out on the benefits others of us take for granted. Such as adolescents who find themselves estranged from their friends, families, and networks of support because of their sexual or gender identities.
See full review at : http://romancenovelsforfeminists.blogspot.com/2015/09/paying-it-forward-heidi-cullinans-love.html
See full review at : http://romancenovelsforfeminists.blogspot.com/2015/09/paying-it-forward-heidi-cullinans-love.html