You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I adored Julian, the premise was a little questionable and I felt myself not completely into it at times but in the end I enjoyed these two together
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Sorry in advance, I had a shocking amount of highlights for this book. Couldn’t pick only a couple.
“It kills you that I’m happy. How dare I be fat and walk down the street with a smile on my face. How dare an athletic guy find me sexy. How dare he want to be my boyfriend. […]”
This book is a lot of fun, well written, hot, and also touches on some really difficult topics. I thought it was done very well. I read this one a while back, but decided to listen to the audiobook as well (I love Iggy Toma). Some of this book hit me really hard, and the themes of fatphobia/shaming can be triggering as hell. It is beautifully written though, and I love how Julian’s issues with body image doesn’t magically dissappear just because he’s getting laid or someone is showing interest in him. It’s a slow and difficult road to realizing he is worthy of being loved, both by himself and others.
I couldn’t admit that I’d needed to drink alcohol to calm my nerves last night, because agreeing to lose your virginity to someone you were secretly in love with was a very nerve-racking proposition.
Definitely a book I recommend if you’re comfortable with the topics. And while it is a book containing serious topics and emotional moments, it’s also just a delightfully entertaining rom-com.
“Here’s what we’re going to do tonight. We’re going to turn off the lights and undress in the dark. We’ll be naked together, but I won’t be able to see you. Only touch you. Taste you.” […] “The candle will be on the nightstand. If you get to a point where you feel comfortable, light it.”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Friends to lovers
Coworkers
Older virgin MC
Bisexual awakening
Fake dating
Sexual exploration
Themes of addiction (gambling)
Dirty talk
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Fatshaming
Gambling addict MC (no relapse)
Financial issues
Internalized fatphobia
Fatshaming parent
Themes of weight, food and body image issues
Explicit sexual content
Vomiting
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Breakup: Sort of, yes.
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MC age: 30 and 34
Pages: 298
Truth was, there was something lost puppyish about Seamus even now. He was kind and loyal, without a mean bone in his body. Even if he wasn’t fit, even if his eyes weren’t impossibly blue, I’d still be hopelessly attracted to him.
“J, you do so much pining for this guy you could repopulate a forest,” Everett said.
You passed out in the bathroom. I was talking about your puking. I’ve never seen someone throw up that much, and I lived in a frathouse for two years.” Change of plans: run away screaming. “I thought your stomach was going to get ripped out of your mouth. I’m glad you’re still alive.”
I’d made a straight man moan. My face deserved to be carved onto Gay Mount Rushmore.
“Fuck yes. Dry fuck me, Seamus.” We laughed at the command. We really did sound like awkward teenagers. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of our parents walked in on us. “You like getting dry fucked? Are you a frottage slut?” I threw my head back, moaning and laughing. “Are you the star of Jim Henson’s new show Frottage Rock?” “That’s too far. You’re ruining my childhood,” I said.
Even when he had a painful dick up his ass, Julian still knew how to be eloquent and produce a beautiful metaphor. Respect.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Sorry in advance, I had a shocking amount of highlights for this book. Couldn’t pick only a couple.
“It kills you that I’m happy. How dare I be fat and walk down the street with a smile on my face. How dare an athletic guy find me sexy. How dare he want to be my boyfriend. […]”
This book is a lot of fun, well written, hot, and also touches on some really difficult topics. I thought it was done very well. I read this one a while back, but decided to listen to the audiobook as well (I love Iggy Toma). Some of this book hit me really hard, and the themes of fatphobia/shaming can be triggering as hell. It is beautifully written though, and I love how Julian’s issues with body image doesn’t magically dissappear just because he’s getting laid or someone is showing interest in him. It’s a slow and difficult road to realizing he is worthy of being loved, both by himself and others.
I couldn’t admit that I’d needed to drink alcohol to calm my nerves last night, because agreeing to lose your virginity to someone you were secretly in love with was a very nerve-racking proposition.
Definitely a book I recommend if you’re comfortable with the topics. And while it is a book containing serious topics and emotional moments, it’s also just a delightfully entertaining rom-com.
“Here’s what we’re going to do tonight. We’re going to turn off the lights and undress in the dark. We’ll be naked together, but I won’t be able to see you. Only touch you. Taste you.” […] “The candle will be on the nightstand. If you get to a point where you feel comfortable, light it.”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Friends to lovers
Coworkers
Older virgin MC
Bisexual awakening
Fake dating
Sexual exploration
Themes of addiction (gambling)
Dirty talk
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Fatshaming
Gambling addict MC (no relapse)
Financial issues
Internalized fatphobia
Fatshaming parent
Themes of weight, food and body image issues
Explicit sexual content
Vomiting
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Breakup: Sort of, yes.
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MC age: 30 and 34
Pages: 298
Truth was, there was something lost puppyish about Seamus even now. He was kind and loyal, without a mean bone in his body. Even if he wasn’t fit, even if his eyes weren’t impossibly blue, I’d still be hopelessly attracted to him.
“J, you do so much pining for this guy you could repopulate a forest,” Everett said.
You passed out in the bathroom. I was talking about your puking. I’ve never seen someone throw up that much, and I lived in a frathouse for two years.” Change of plans: run away screaming. “I thought your stomach was going to get ripped out of your mouth. I’m glad you’re still alive.”
I’d made a straight man moan. My face deserved to be carved onto Gay Mount Rushmore.
“Fuck yes. Dry fuck me, Seamus.” We laughed at the command. We really did sound like awkward teenagers. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of our parents walked in on us. “You like getting dry fucked? Are you a frottage slut?” I threw my head back, moaning and laughing. “Are you the star of Jim Henson’s new show Frottage Rock?” “That’s too far. You’re ruining my childhood,” I said.
Even when he had a painful dick up his ass, Julian still knew how to be eloquent and produce a beautiful metaphor. Respect.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Romance Languages is the third book in A.J. Truman's South Rock High series. It's a MM friends to lovers romance that can be read as a complete standalone. This book is told from a dual first person point of view and has a guaranteed happily ever after. You can expect a virgin main character, more nerd/jock dynamics, swoon, steam, and no cheating.
Synopsis: French language teacher Julian is going to be 35 in a month, and he's embarrassed to admit that he's still a virgin. After a night of drinking with his friend and fellow teacher/baseball coach Seamus, his straight friend offers to help him check some items off his "list." Fooling around with Seamus isn't helping Julian's enormous crush on him, and he doesn't understand what someone like Seamus finds attractive with him. Could he find everything he's looking for with Seamus, or is he going to lose a good friend in the process?
I had a great time reading Julian and Seamus's story. The author did a great job with Julian's plus-sized representation, and I think it'll resonate with a lot of readers. His internal narration was so sad at times, but I loved hearing what Seamus thought of him. Seamus was a great character too, and although he was frustrating when he got stuck in that whole cycle of "not being good enough for a relationship," he was so great for Julian. I love how he was so open with his past and doing the work to make sure he didn't repeat the mistakes he made when he was younger. As per usual, the found family vibes in this book and the humour was so much fun. And as a bonus, Julian's grandmother was an absolute firecracker of a character!
Again, if you're looking for a series that's fun and low angst, you won't want to miss South Rock High!
Synopsis: French language teacher Julian is going to be 35 in a month, and he's embarrassed to admit that he's still a virgin. After a night of drinking with his friend and fellow teacher/baseball coach Seamus, his straight friend offers to help him check some items off his "list." Fooling around with Seamus isn't helping Julian's enormous crush on him, and he doesn't understand what someone like Seamus finds attractive with him. Could he find everything he's looking for with Seamus, or is he going to lose a good friend in the process?
Had he just compared his lovemaking skills to a fireworks extravaganza? A Disney fireworks extravaganza that spared no expense? The confidence on this man…
I had a great time reading Julian and Seamus's story. The author did a great job with Julian's plus-sized representation, and I think it'll resonate with a lot of readers. His internal narration was so sad at times, but I loved hearing what Seamus thought of him. Seamus was a great character too, and although he was frustrating when he got stuck in that whole cycle of "not being good enough for a relationship," he was so great for Julian. I love how he was so open with his past and doing the work to make sure he didn't repeat the mistakes he made when he was younger. As per usual, the found family vibes in this book and the humour was so much fun. And as a bonus, Julian's grandmother was an absolute firecracker of a character!
Again, if you're looking for a series that's fun and low angst, you won't want to miss South Rock High!
I was emboldened with confidence as I gazed at each student. Not because I’d lost my virginity. Not because I had a boyfriend. But because finally, for the first time in thirty-five years, I had fallen in love with myself, and there was no better relationship in the world.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really liked this, another great book in the series. I always love the group texts and talking at the school in their code language
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Romance Languages (South Rock High Book 3) by A.J. Truman
It was ok? Second book I’ve read by this author and it’s meh. Some of the narrative and story line wasn’t believable. I also hate the dramatics all occurring in the last 20% of the book.
I did like Julien. He was really the only likable character besides his grandmother. Seamus was cheesy, Julien’s mom was awful and the sex talk was awkward.
I did like Julien. He was really the only likable character besides his grandmother. Seamus was cheesy, Julien’s mom was awful and the sex talk was awkward.
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia