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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
I figured the plot out pretty early, but still enjoyed it. This is the second of Rebbeca Rathe's books that I've read, the other being Man On. Here I felt the religious trauma was broader, not as specifically surrounding homossexuality as in Man On, which might be the reason why Gideon's struggles weren't as well picked apart and adressed as the MC's in Man On (forgot his name sorry 😭). It was as if after knowing the truth about Lily, his sister, and Silas, suddenly Gid was fine with being gay - and eventually coming out, even though he specifically said he'd never do that just a few weeks before. Either way, as a non religious person, it's fascinating to see characters whose lives are deeply intertwined with it - to me it's completely new and a diferent perspective. I think Silas's (religious) trauma wasn't as well written as Gideon's. While people do react differently to similar experiences, I wished Silas had further development. His father's abuse served as a background element that was kinda just thrown in there, but never affected him deeply.
It kinda annoyed me that all the three of them had to do was sit down and talk, but Silas didn't even think to do it earlier, quite literally creating his own problems - I mean, he was the only one with the complete information. This makes the plot weaker, because the solution is so obvious and there was nothing stopping them from talking like adults - yeah, Gideon was giving Silas the cold shoulder, but it's not as if Silas actually tried to initiate a conversation either.
I LOVE it when female characters are given actual struggles and importance. It's wild to me how most MM books have NO women, or have them be the stereotypical evil ex (hate this trope so much) or irrelevant bestie. The non traditional family they built is so beautiful and wholesome, and I like how supportive Silas and Gideon were of Lily, vice-versa.
Anyways, this was overall enjoyable and well written, and the lines about sins slapped
It kinda annoyed me that all the three of them had to do was sit down and talk, but Silas didn't even think to do it earlier, quite literally creating his own problems - I mean, he was the only one with the complete information. This makes the plot weaker, because the solution is so obvious and there was nothing stopping them from talking like adults - yeah, Gideon was giving Silas the cold shoulder, but it's not as if Silas actually tried to initiate a conversation either.
I LOVE it when female characters are given actual struggles and importance. It's wild to me how most MM books have NO women, or have them be the stereotypical evil ex (hate this trope so much) or irrelevant bestie. The non traditional family they built is so beautiful and wholesome, and I like how supportive Silas and Gideon were of Lily, vice-versa.
Anyways, this was overall enjoyable and well written, and the lines about sins slapped
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I went into this one blind and was pleasantly surprised read this one and I loved it. This story was beautifully written and had some real emotional depth. The tension between the main characters was perfect, and their connection pulled on my heartstrings in all the right ways.
emotional
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:
No
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
emotional
sad
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:
Yes
NHL
Best friends to hate to love
BIL
It’s always been you
Religious cult family
Gun shots
3 year time gap
Best friends to hate to love
BIL
It’s always been you
Religious cult family
Gun shots
3 year time gap
fast-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
medium-paced
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Another five-star read by Rebecca Rathe! She is my favorite author of MM romances, the master at writing stories that are both heartbreaking and uplifting.
In this book, beyond the sports romance bit, she delved into the theme of finding self-acceptance despite religious trauma. I was filled with so much anger, so much pain (tears were flowing), but then so much hope.
The miscommunication trope isn't my favorite, but it works here. When the secrets are all out, it makes sense why all sides were hurt, but also how easily things would have been resolved if they just TALKED! But then we wouldn't have this awesome book to read if the friends didn't become enemies and then lovers. And I'd be sad.
Slower burn but spicy with a virgin MMC.
This is a complete standalone with a HEA.
Thank you, Rebecca Rathe, for the advanced copy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Another five-star read by Rebecca Rathe! She is my favorite author of MM romances, the master at writing stories that are both heartbreaking and uplifting.
In this book, beyond the sports romance bit, she delved into the theme of finding self-acceptance despite religious trauma. I was filled with so much anger, so much pain (tears were flowing), but then so much hope.
The miscommunication trope isn't my favorite, but it works here. When the secrets are all out, it makes sense why all sides were hurt, but also how easily things would have been resolved if they just TALKED! But then we wouldn't have this awesome book to read if the friends didn't become enemies and then lovers. And I'd be sad.
Slower burn but spicy with a virgin MMC.
This is a complete standalone with a HEA.
Thank you, Rebecca Rathe, for the advanced copy!