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meigothic's review
4.0
Disclaimer: I received a review copy directly from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts. Many many thanks to Briar for the opportunity!
11/16/23 As mentioned earlier, I absolutely blazed through this in one sitting! Briar's an author I always go-to when I want a solid read that I can finish in one sitting and the Until series is definitely my new fave from her. I loved Until You, the characters that were introduced, the chemistry between the characters and Steph was definitely a standout for me. For him to be a main character in book two was a great surprise! I feel like similary to Until You, there were definitely some questions that Briar has you thinking about throughout the whole book and then we get answers, but then it wraps up really quickly.
In this case particularly, I really wanted more about the big question that we have about Steph and his history. It doesn't get resolved until the very last few chapters, and I feel like if this story had a couple more chapters, it would've eased into a better ending. I also feel like it would've been nice to have a chapter or some acknowledgement about (minor-ish spoilers)
But overall, I still enjoyed this couple even though I just wanted a bit more buildup. I liked the fake dating part of it, but I kind of wanted more on the enemies part. Though for a book of this length, there was still enough of a buildup to keep me happy! It definitely mostly met my expectations! I'm really exccited to see who will be featured in the next book!
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10/23/23: I'm SO grateful to have received an ARC of this as Briar's one of my go-tos for quick reads. On top of that, she has once again written a book that I absolutely blazed through!
11/16/23 As mentioned earlier, I absolutely blazed through this in one sitting! Briar's an author I always go-to when I want a solid read that I can finish in one sitting and the Until series is definitely my new fave from her. I loved Until You, the characters that were introduced, the chemistry between the characters and Steph was definitely a standout for me. For him to be a main character in book two was a great surprise! I feel like similary to Until You, there were definitely some questions that Briar has you thinking about throughout the whole book and then we get answers, but then it wraps up really quickly.
In this case particularly, I really wanted more about the big question that we have about Steph and his history. It doesn't get resolved until the very last few chapters, and I feel like if this story had a couple more chapters, it would've eased into a better ending. I also feel like it would've been nice to have a chapter or some acknowledgement about (minor-ish spoilers)
Spoiler
the connection with Quinn being an Olympian swimmer, particularly when it came to Steph's brother. I feel like that was kind of a missed opportunity here.But overall, I still enjoyed this couple even though I just wanted a bit more buildup. I liked the fake dating part of it, but I kind of wanted more on the enemies part. Though for a book of this length, there was still enough of a buildup to keep me happy! It definitely mostly met my expectations! I'm really exccited to see who will be featured in the next book!
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10/23/23: I'm SO grateful to have received an ARC of this as Briar's one of my go-tos for quick reads. On top of that, she has once again written a book that I absolutely blazed through!
raaga's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is all about the emotions and feels and Steph’s officially been added to the list of fictional characters that I genuinely feel so happy for. Is there smut? yeah but honestly I don’t care either way because it’s really all about Steph and Quinn’s sweet, intimate moments. The first hand-holding scene gave me more butterflies than the smut scene, and I promise that’s a VERY good thing. 9.5/10 recommend it.
kynikoskyon's review
4.0
4 estrellas pero en realidad es un 3.5
Las 4 estrellas son como un suspiro de alivio pq por fin me gustó lo que leí. Es como un: toma tus 4 estrellas
Las 4 estrellas son como un suspiro de alivio pq por fin me gustó lo que leí. Es como un: toma tus 4 estrellas
zzoomzzoom's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
secret_librarian's review
5.0
Rating: 4.5
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
MM | dislike to love | fake dating | hurt / comfort
And Then You was another great story from Briar Prescott - Steph and Quinn had some excellent chemistry and the snarky banter was once again on point!
Steph truly disliked Quinn at first, and it was interesting to see them go from dislike to love throughout the story. It was a slow burn still, helped by a little fake dating, and I really enjoyed watching these two getting to know each other for real. Their chemistry was fantastic and I adored them so much!
Steph was kind of a disaster and prickly, which made sense considering his past traumas and hurt. Quinn was his opposite in a lot of ways, and I adored how Quinn just stubbornly inserted himself in Steph’s life. It was beautiful to see the way Quinn supported Steph and how they both thrived from their relationship.
Despite Steph’s heavy past, the story never felt too heavy and there were a lot of hilarious moments. It was definitely an emotional read though, and the end had me in tears. Overall, And Then You had a lot of tropes I love: found family, secrets, clever and funny banter, hurt / comfort and age gap, and it was a very intriguing and entertaining read!
I’m so impressed by these two Until-stories and I absolutely recommend them! Even though they can be read by themselves, I think they work best if read in order.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
MM | dislike to love | fake dating | hurt / comfort
And Then You was another great story from Briar Prescott - Steph and Quinn had some excellent chemistry and the snarky banter was once again on point!
Steph truly disliked Quinn at first, and it was interesting to see them go from dislike to love throughout the story. It was a slow burn still, helped by a little fake dating, and I really enjoyed watching these two getting to know each other for real. Their chemistry was fantastic and I adored them so much!
Steph was kind of a disaster and prickly, which made sense considering his past traumas and hurt. Quinn was his opposite in a lot of ways, and I adored how Quinn just stubbornly inserted himself in Steph’s life. It was beautiful to see the way Quinn supported Steph and how they both thrived from their relationship.
Despite Steph’s heavy past, the story never felt too heavy and there were a lot of hilarious moments. It was definitely an emotional read though, and the end had me in tears. Overall, And Then You had a lot of tropes I love: found family, secrets, clever and funny banter, hurt / comfort and age gap, and it was a very intriguing and entertaining read!
I’m so impressed by these two Until-stories and I absolutely recommend them! Even though they can be read by themselves, I think they work best if read in order.
teenykins's review
5.0
'He's smiling, but it's not his usual smile. Not the blindingly bright, happy one he usually wears. There's something unsure and insecure in this smile. Something almost fragile. Like it's glued together from the pieces of something honest. A pale shadow of the real thing.'
It almost feels like it's my first time reading Briar Prescott, but I've read [b:The Happy List|55526471|The Happy List (Better With You, #1)|Briar Prescott|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1601550312l/55526471._SY75_.jpg|86589491] 2 years ago and I can't remember a thing about it.
But this! This was everything!!! True, it was a bit slow in the beginning but once Steph and Quinn were firmly in each others orbit, the character development, the friendship development and then the feelings and the relationship it was just so lovely to read!!!
It wasn't only incredibly seeing Quinn chiselling away Steph's shell, gently, reverently, with the intention of being his rock, but also seeing how Steph, even through his guilt, his remorse, his need to find a bit of happiness for himself, he was ready to sacrifice it all to protect Quinn from going through the same thing that happened to him before and scarred him so.
Beautiful moments, funny moments, incredible found family, sad moments, cleansing moments... one of the most beautiful stories I've read this year and I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
It almost feels like it's my first time reading Briar Prescott, but I've read [b:The Happy List|55526471|The Happy List (Better With You, #1)|Briar Prescott|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1601550312l/55526471._SY75_.jpg|86589491] 2 years ago and I can't remember a thing about it.
But this! This was everything!!! True, it was a bit slow in the beginning but once Steph and Quinn were firmly in each others orbit, the character development, the friendship development and then the feelings and the relationship it was just so lovely to read!!!
It wasn't only incredibly seeing Quinn chiselling away Steph's shell, gently, reverently, with the intention of being his rock, but also seeing how Steph, even through his guilt, his remorse, his need to find a bit of happiness for himself, he was ready to sacrifice it all to protect Quinn from going through the same thing that happened to him before and scarred him so.
Beautiful moments, funny moments, incredible found family, sad moments, cleansing moments... one of the most beautiful stories I've read this year and I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
elizabethbaker's review
5.0
Some books you start with the awareness that they're going to give you an epic book hangover. I made a big mistake starting And Then You right before bed. I stayed up for hours reading, unable to put my kindle down. Briar Prescott books are always incredible and staying up until I couldn't keep my eyes open to read more was so worth it. And Then You is my favourite book of 2023 by a landslide.
Briar is a master at crafting characters who are authentic and real, so lifelike that they practically jump off the page. I loved both Quinn and Steph and rooted for them the entire book. Combined with her trademark wit and sarcasm, her books keep me completely enthralled. I'm not usually a visual reader (I don't picture the scenes as I read) but I feel like I just watched a movie about Quinn and Steph. I don't know how her writing gets better and better with each book but somehow it does.
The book is a gorgeous love story between two men who have been through significant heartbreak in their lives, but find their home and safe space together. I loved that they disliked each other at the start of the book...I was starting to think that the Enemies to Lovers trope was almost impossible- either the reason they dislike each other is stupid or overblown, or the dislike is super mild or short-lived, or it's so over the top that I have to roll my eyes. In And Then You, Briar creates the perfect scenario where the characters don't like each other, but their reasons are both valid and understandable.
The book is divided maybe 65% Steph's POV and 35% Quinn's, and it's perfect.
Rating: 5+/5
Angst 4/5 (mostly not between the MCs)
Steam 2.5/5
I received an ARC from the author; this is my honest review.
Briar is a master at crafting characters who are authentic and real, so lifelike that they practically jump off the page. I loved both Quinn and Steph and rooted for them the entire book. Combined with her trademark wit and sarcasm, her books keep me completely enthralled. I'm not usually a visual reader (I don't picture the scenes as I read) but I feel like I just watched a movie about Quinn and Steph. I don't know how her writing gets better and better with each book but somehow it does.
The book is a gorgeous love story between two men who have been through significant heartbreak in their lives, but find their home and safe space together. I loved that they disliked each other at the start of the book...I was starting to think that the Enemies to Lovers trope was almost impossible- either the reason they dislike each other is stupid or overblown, or the dislike is super mild or short-lived, or it's so over the top that I have to roll my eyes. In And Then You, Briar creates the perfect scenario where the characters don't like each other, but their reasons are both valid and understandable.
The book is divided maybe 65% Steph's POV and 35% Quinn's, and it's perfect.
Rating: 5+/5
Angst 4/5 (mostly not between the MCs)
Steam 2.5/5
I received an ARC from the author; this is my honest review.
tashmarcelle53's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
tense
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
3.0
Good but should have been great.
I do recommend this read, it’s a cut above many and has some truly fabulous moments. The author’s writing is utterly beautiful. It’s a terrific enemies-to-lovers dynamic. And Then You is the companion novel that follows Until You, starring two new MCs—Steph, the erstwhile chaos-gremlin roommate from Until You, and Quinn, another from the friend group.
Except Quinn and Steph are not friends. They’ve been in a cold-shoulder standoff ever since they supposedly met. Then Steph happens to screw up, as he does, finds himself in a compromising position with Quinn in front of Quinn’s family, and winds up agreeing to be Quinn’s fake boyfriend for a family week vacation.
The first half, pretending in front of the family while they’re still enemies (and even more fun bc Quinn doesn’t actually know why they are enemies in the first place—only Steph knows) is intense and fun. The banter is fantastic! Read for that alone, it’s strong and hilarious and moving. This author creates terrific chemistry via dialogue, it’s one of her strengths. Physically, the characters keep each other at arm’s length until about 60%, but once they give in, they give in with incendiary passion that leaps off the pages, and is credible thanks to the simmering tension all along. Also, seeing the friends from Until You in Steph’s and Quinn’s points of view was fun, though they aren’t as clearly drawn in this book.
What failed—mainly the development of Steph. The clearest thing about him is that losing his twin devastated him and marked him in a way he hasn’t been able to get over. But he doesn’t track fully from the Steph of Until You, who was said to have been in a band (that MC mentions seeing him play a gig)—here, there’s no evidence of him enjoying music on a musician level, having/playing an instrument, or being enthused about anything else at all—and his character is missing layers. He runs, but he hates it and does it to get out of his own head. There’s literally nothing else. It was weird. He’s very likeable, but, we don’t learn much about him apart from his past and things he used to love (swimming) before the tragedy, and that he works as a bartender. Who is this guy? What does he want (that of course he won’t let himself have), what’s his passion? What’s he good at? In the epilogue, we find out what he ultimately does with his life, but there are no specifics in his actions during the read to Show that it’s his passion, or what he loves about it. His grandmother shows up for a cameo but then has no impact on his evolution. His estranged, obsessed parents show up only near the end, and he winds up in an inconclusive and unsatisfying sort of truce with his father.
There’s also no resolution on the fact that Quinn and Steph pretended to be boyfriends in front of his family. Do they ever admit it? What do Quinn’s parents think? His siblings? What kind of relationship do they all have going forward? The resolution to that plot arc was missing, there were no consequences or confrontation/revelation about it, and the book felt like separate stories in a way. It didn’t hold together. The story failed to convince me that these two were definitely going to make it, despite how right they feel together. I can see it’s meant to convey that, but there were too many questions left open.
There’s also a 7 year age gap that isn’t made use of/mentioned, which also seemed odd. Quinn is Steph’s cousin Casey’s new husband's friend/former roommate. He’s also Nora’s friend/part of the Nora/Jude/Blair friend group, so I guess Nora and Quinn are peers? How’d they meet? I was confused about the hows and whys, and how much Steph would have seen Quinn via family v. through the friend group. There’s also no mention of Steph’s parents coming/not coming to Steph’scousin Casey’s wedding in the opening, which seems an oversight. Their presence/non-presence would have been significant. There’s zero interaction between Steph and Casey, and that setup seemed contrived. Casey and David are never mentioned after the wedding chapter that opens the present-day action.
Finally, Casey and David are the couple who get married at the start of the book. David is the name of Steph’s therapist at the end of the book. Is it the same guy? Would that be a conflict of interest, given David is a close friend of Quinn’s? Were the names a coincidence/mistake? Enquiring minds want to know.
Still, I did read it in one sitting! It’s addictive and eminently readable. I love this author’s style and the voices of her characters.
HEA, enemies to lovers, fake dating, no cheating or emotional cheating (at least, nothing’s mentioned on page.) Recommended, as is all this author’s work.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
rockerduh's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0