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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Jordan and Brett were best friends since high school, almost 20 years ago. When Brett’s sister and brother-in-law die in an accident, Brett becomes the guardian of their 4 children. He’s overwhelmed, and Jordan is a helpful, stabilizing force. They also realize that they are in lust for each other
***
I didn’t give the book a rating because—I’m sorry, Jill—I ended up skimming after about 25%. Too much of the first part of the book was taken up with their friends and clubbing and a wedding which didn’t seem to move the story forward. Then, suddenly, they were lusting after each other with no real build-up. Then they apparently fell in love? I guess so, but I really didn’t feel it.
And 37 really isn’t that old. Jordan couldn’t get down on nis knees anymore? C’mon.
I did like the epilogue, though.
***
I didn’t give the book a rating because—I’m sorry, Jill—I ended up skimming after about 25%. Too much of the first part of the book was taken up with their friends and clubbing and a wedding which didn’t seem to move the story forward. Then, suddenly, they were lusting after each other with no real build-up. Then they apparently fell in love? I guess so, but I really didn’t feel it.
And 37 really isn’t that old. Jordan couldn’t get down on nis knees anymore? C’mon.
I did like the epilogue, though.
Enjoyable story, likable characters. Little bland at times but still sweet.
emotional
medium-paced
I liked it well enough. I really appreciated that Jordan and Brett started with such a strong friendship. That gave a really easy feeling to the development of their relationship, a nice inevitability that isn't always a bad thing. It makes the story feel comforting. "Accidental kid acquisition" is a trope I generally enjoy and I thought it was handled pretty well here. The tragedy was shown, but didn't consume the narrative.
The main characters are Brett and Jordan. They're both in their late-thirties, have been best friends since highschool, and have never moved beyond friendship. And just when they may or may not have tried something more, Brett gets some terrible news. His older sister and brother-in-law have died in a car accident and, if that wasn't bad enough, he's the best option for taking care of his orphaned niece and nephews. Brett's parents are older and can only help so much. Brett is in way over his head. And Jordan's trying to do what he can to help.
The book starts on a happy note. The prologue shows us the first real interaction between Brett and Jordan in highschool. Then we jump forward in time, and the two are still best friends. We also see Brett with his sister and his niece and nephews. Not to mention, two of Brett and Jordan's closest friends are getting married. Then, things take a turn for the worse.
The book has some very sad moments, as it was bound to. Brett is trying his best to care for four devastated kids while also reeling from the loss of his sister and brother-in-law. He doesn't know if he'll get anything right, and he's exhausted. Seeing what the kids are going through is heartbreaking. It's a difficult time for everyone. But through all the sadness, the book itself isn't a "sad" book. The tone of the novel is of friendship, comfort, healing and love. And that's what makes it a good read.
I won't claim that this is a novel that'll change your life. But it's a comforting read with characters that are easy to care for, and a lot of heart. It's sweet, sometimes funny, sometimes sombre, sometimes hot, and always enjoyable. And after two novels that filled my mind with rage, it was just what I needed.
The book starts on a happy note. The prologue shows us the first real interaction between Brett and Jordan in highschool. Then we jump forward in time, and the two are still best friends. We also see Brett with his sister and his niece and nephews. Not to mention, two of Brett and Jordan's closest friends are getting married. Then, things take a turn for the worse.
The book has some very sad moments, as it was bound to. Brett is trying his best to care for four devastated kids while also reeling from the loss of his sister and brother-in-law. He doesn't know if he'll get anything right, and he's exhausted. Seeing what the kids are going through is heartbreaking. It's a difficult time for everyone. But through all the sadness, the book itself isn't a "sad" book. The tone of the novel is of friendship, comfort, healing and love. And that's what makes it a good read.
I won't claim that this is a novel that'll change your life. But it's a comforting read with characters that are easy to care for, and a lot of heart. It's sweet, sometimes funny, sometimes sombre, sometimes hot, and always enjoyable. And after two novels that filled my mind with rage, it was just what I needed.
3.25 ⭐
A sweet little story with the friends-to-lovers trope. I liked how smooth the transition between their friendship/companionship of 20 years and the new aspect of their relation (the physical one as much as the sentimental one) were. It's what I consider a very low angst book, in spite of the death of secondary characters, and the grief that goes along with. The kids were adorable, so does the relationship between both heroes & them.
It was sweet and short, I needed a break after my last more-than-5-stars book, so this one was more like a filler, but it was quite good, though.
A sweet little story with the friends-to-lovers trope. I liked how smooth the transition between their friendship/companionship of 20 years and the new aspect of their relation (the physical one as much as the sentimental one) were. It's what I consider a very low angst book, in spite of the death of secondary characters, and the grief that goes along with. The kids were adorable, so does the relationship between both heroes & them.
It was sweet and short, I needed a break after my last more-than-5-stars book, so this one was more like a filler, but it was quite good, though.
emotional
hopeful
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow. What an incredible book! I've always loved friends to lovers stories, but this one was so much more. There was hurt & comfort as well. It was amazing to follow the MCs as they learned & grew and realized what's truly important in life. This book really touched me, and I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next!
I recieved an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I recieved an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
3.5 stars. I was surprised by how much I liked this book with kids being front and center. It was a good exploration of grief where things weren't just magically better. They struggled with their loss right up to the end and I appreciated the more realistic approach.