Scan barcode
liza5326's review against another edition
5.0
This book completely seduced my inner Geek. All the little references just made me love it even more. And I loved watching Theo and Morris fight their way to their HEA. They were polar opposites, yet perfect together. And oh so hot!!! Plus the secondary characters were great, especially Theo's little brother Linc. This is my first book by Marguerite Labbe, but I am excited to read the next in the series.
kaa's review against another edition
4.0
A free copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Although this book started out VERY slowly, I ended up enjoying it a lot. Personally, I love romances that spend a lot of time developing characters and families (born or chosen). Family is really important to me and I appreciate seeing that reflected in fiction. A lot of the main storylines in this book involved family members, which was so lovely. I thought Linc, in particular, was very well written - he was very much the teenage boy, but still lovable. I do wish we had gotten a little more time with Morris's family, since there was so much focus on Theo's siblings.
The romance itself was sweet and low-key. Morris and Theo were wonderfully three-dimensional characters, and I really felt as though they were a good fit for each other. Despite the apparent differences between them, underneath they really had a lot in common, and I enjoyed getting to see them exploring that. I also loved how the conflicts between them were written - the author did a good job of taking these disagreements seriously and allowing the characters to have real anger and worry about them without ever verging into melodrama and overreaction for the sake of creating tension. However, there were times when it felt like the relationship abruptly became more serious without showing that development on-page.
I had two main complaints about this book. First, it felt too long. The first half in particular dragged on for me, and there were a number of places where I ended up skimming over long sections of excessive exposition. Second, I didn't see the need for the few sections where side characters were briefly given the POV. It seems as though this is likely build-up for the next books, but it took away from this story for me, especially as these characters faded into the background some as the book progressed. (Also, I am not a big fan of foster sibling romance, and introducing it offhandedly here was a bit off-putting.)
Overall, though, an enjoyable read. I may skip Dakota and Brendan's book, but I'll be watching for Felipe's story!
(Oh, and this cover is perfect. The comic book feel is great, and the model is just right for Morris.)
Although this book started out VERY slowly, I ended up enjoying it a lot. Personally, I love romances that spend a lot of time developing characters and families (born or chosen). Family is really important to me and I appreciate seeing that reflected in fiction. A lot of the main storylines in this book involved family members, which was so lovely. I thought Linc, in particular, was very well written - he was very much the teenage boy, but still lovable. I do wish we had gotten a little more time with Morris's family, since there was so much focus on Theo's siblings.
The romance itself was sweet and low-key. Morris and Theo were wonderfully three-dimensional characters, and I really felt as though they were a good fit for each other. Despite the apparent differences between them, underneath they really had a lot in common, and I enjoyed getting to see them exploring that. I also loved how the conflicts between them were written - the author did a good job of taking these disagreements seriously and allowing the characters to have real anger and worry about them without ever verging into melodrama and overreaction for the sake of creating tension. However, there were times when it felt like the relationship abruptly became more serious without showing that development on-page.
I had two main complaints about this book. First, it felt too long. The first half in particular dragged on for me, and there were a number of places where I ended up skimming over long sections of excessive exposition. Second, I didn't see the need for the few sections where side characters were briefly given the POV. It seems as though this is likely build-up for the next books, but it took away from this story for me, especially as these characters faded into the background some as the book progressed. (Also, I am not a big fan of foster sibling romance, and introducing it offhandedly here was a bit off-putting.)
Overall, though, an enjoyable read. I may skip Dakota and Brendan's book, but I'll be watching for Felipe's story!
(Oh, and this cover is perfect. The comic book feel is great, and the model is just right for Morris.)
robv's review against another edition
3.0
There was a lot to like about this, Morris and Theo are a great couple. But I felt it was very lacking in terms of plot. A lot of time was spent on Morris's friends, but their lives were kind of boring and ultimately inconsequential to the main story. Morris and Theo needed more scenes together. The main conflict being their inability to make time for each other made for a frustrating read. Everything went so fast when they finally committed.
About 3.5 stars for me, rounding down because of how long it took me to finish. I enjoy the author's style, will try more of her work.
About 3.5 stars for me, rounding down because of how long it took me to finish. I enjoy the author's style, will try more of her work.
the_novel_approach's review against another edition
5.0
I adored this book. I’m talking read it twice, and probably going to read it a third time after this review, because writing this is making me remember how good this book is. Part of the reason is how much I identified with Morris, as a crafter attending cons, and a geek. So, I was predisposed to love it, and the author backed it up with deep characters, steady pacing and a beautiful romance.
To be honest, I’ve had to rewrite this review countless times as most of the sentences I’ve started have gushed about the sweetness of the characters, the grounding of them in real life and a lifestyle I recognise and live. Morris’s insecurity stems not only from previous boyfriends who want to fix him but a society and family who didn’t understand the geek and didn’t quite accept it. The growth in him, both through the relationship, and because of it, is amazing to watch as he overcomes that insecurity and sees how it does affect the adult relationship he now has with his family.
Theo, on the other hand, feels the pressure of familial expectations too much, particularly as we learn 90% of them he places on himself. And through not only his growing romance with Morris but with his little brother, Lincoln, whom he willingly takes up the task of raising after his parents both tragically pass away. His pride in his family and its business drive him to overworking himself so much that it takes noticing the hot neighbour in his kilt to start seeing.
And that’s one of the things that I really liked about this story, how it wasn’t their partner’s love that made them better people but their own love for their partner. Not only the desire to be better and more for them, but also stopping to see themselves as the other might. With a lot of nudging from Lincoln, it’s his innocence and comfort in his own skin that a lot of younger geeks and nerds have that us older ones took longer to get.
I never wanted to put down this book and missed my bus stop frequently (well, maybe two times per read because I just went through it that fast). Its pacing and currents leave you begging for more. If I would have any complaint, it would be the very odd once-off point of view change about a third to half the way into the book from one of the protagonists to a side character. I don’t know if the author is trying to set up the next book in the series, but it stood out like a bit of broccoli in someone’s teeth. If any particular side character was to get a point of view, I definitely think it should have been Lincoln, not the guy who ran Morris’s favourite cons.
I also feel this book needs a massive shout-out to Morris’s niece Laila, a young girl paralysed from the waist down, who never lets it stop her and is a force to be reckoned with. The care and respect given to her and her handicap is fantastic, and it’s clear that she’s not letting it shrink her world. There’s a strong message on how her world is only shrunk by her family (completely out of love and nothing else) and how we should stop trying to tie down those who don’t have the exact same mobility or abilities as us. The author managed this without slapping us in the face with it like a wet fish but weaved it delicately into the story and love Morris had for Laila.
All I can say is, if you haven’t read this yet, why not?
Reviewed by Jenn for The Novel Approach
To be honest, I’ve had to rewrite this review countless times as most of the sentences I’ve started have gushed about the sweetness of the characters, the grounding of them in real life and a lifestyle I recognise and live. Morris’s insecurity stems not only from previous boyfriends who want to fix him but a society and family who didn’t understand the geek and didn’t quite accept it. The growth in him, both through the relationship, and because of it, is amazing to watch as he overcomes that insecurity and sees how it does affect the adult relationship he now has with his family.
Theo, on the other hand, feels the pressure of familial expectations too much, particularly as we learn 90% of them he places on himself. And through not only his growing romance with Morris but with his little brother, Lincoln, whom he willingly takes up the task of raising after his parents both tragically pass away. His pride in his family and its business drive him to overworking himself so much that it takes noticing the hot neighbour in his kilt to start seeing.
And that’s one of the things that I really liked about this story, how it wasn’t their partner’s love that made them better people but their own love for their partner. Not only the desire to be better and more for them, but also stopping to see themselves as the other might. With a lot of nudging from Lincoln, it’s his innocence and comfort in his own skin that a lot of younger geeks and nerds have that us older ones took longer to get.
I never wanted to put down this book and missed my bus stop frequently (well, maybe two times per read because I just went through it that fast). Its pacing and currents leave you begging for more. If I would have any complaint, it would be the very odd once-off point of view change about a third to half the way into the book from one of the protagonists to a side character. I don’t know if the author is trying to set up the next book in the series, but it stood out like a bit of broccoli in someone’s teeth. If any particular side character was to get a point of view, I definitely think it should have been Lincoln, not the guy who ran Morris’s favourite cons.
I also feel this book needs a massive shout-out to Morris’s niece Laila, a young girl paralysed from the waist down, who never lets it stop her and is a force to be reckoned with. The care and respect given to her and her handicap is fantastic, and it’s clear that she’s not letting it shrink her world. There’s a strong message on how her world is only shrunk by her family (completely out of love and nothing else) and how we should stop trying to tie down those who don’t have the exact same mobility or abilities as us. The author managed this without slapping us in the face with it like a wet fish but weaved it delicately into the story and love Morris had for Laila.
All I can say is, if you haven’t read this yet, why not?
Reviewed by Jenn for The Novel Approach
rissa53's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 really but I sooooo bumped it up for the Filipino representation ( lola, ginasa, and a Filipino hospital worker, I'm assuming NURSE) BECAUSE YES!
I liked both Morris and Theo but there was so much going on...and I feel like they never really spent time together (I know it was all behind the scenes but *shrugs*) and it went kinda fast, like WHAT?
But it was a nice read, I enjoyed the "geek" aspect. I've experienced one CON and it was like another world. It was so cool and I ALWAYS LOVE FOOD DESCRIPTIONS so there you go.
The next book is about Felipe and I am curious. ALSO WASN'T THAT WEIRD THAT BOTH FELIPE AND BRENDEN HAD THEIR OWN POV CHAPTERS? Like I was all, what was that? And then I saw that Felipe's book was next and the third was Brenden and Dakota's...weird still, totally threw me off a second.
I liked both Morris and Theo but there was so much going on...and I feel like they never really spent time together (I know it was all behind the scenes but *shrugs*) and it went kinda fast, like WHAT?
But it was a nice read, I enjoyed the "geek" aspect. I've experienced one CON and it was like another world. It was so cool and I ALWAYS LOVE FOOD DESCRIPTIONS so there you go.
The next book is about Felipe and I am curious. ALSO WASN'T THAT WEIRD THAT BOTH FELIPE AND BRENDEN HAD THEIR OWN POV CHAPTERS? Like I was all, what was that? And then I saw that Felipe's book was next and the third was Brenden and Dakota's...weird still, totally threw me off a second.
chickwriter's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable romance. My first by this author, but won't be my last.
qace90's review against another edition
4.0
4.5⭐️/5⭐️
Content Notes:
🤓 death of parents, cancer, car accident
🤓 casual ableism
🤓 alcohol consumption
🤓 amanormativity
🤓 explicit on page sexual content
🤓 mention of marijuana
🤓 pregnant secondary character
🤓 comparisons to teenage girls (“he was acting like a moody teenage girl”)
🤓 grief, anger
This is such a fun, light story. I love how big family is for both Morris and Theo, as well as how their interests are such a big part of their lives. They both own their own business and have a lot of passion for their job. There’s some great communication and supportive scenes throughout the book, and I loved how central community was for Morris. Just a really lovely read and looking forward to the secondary characters getting their own stories~
Content Notes:
🤓 death of parents, cancer, car accident
🤓 casual ableism
🤓 alcohol consumption
🤓 amanormativity
🤓 explicit on page sexual content
🤓 mention of marijuana
🤓 pregnant secondary character
🤓 comparisons to teenage girls (“he was acting like a moody teenage girl”)
🤓 grief, anger
This is such a fun, light story. I love how big family is for both Morris and Theo, as well as how their interests are such a big part of their lives. They both own their own business and have a lot of passion for their job. There’s some great communication and supportive scenes throughout the book, and I loved how central community was for Morris. Just a really lovely read and looking forward to the secondary characters getting their own stories~
fantasyliving's review
5.0
I think I’ve found my next series love with this book. Interesting and engaging characters. Clean and tidy writing style. Focused emotional damage that is pinpointed at the start and not added to later for drama points. Low angst, and adult reactions. Loved it.
Theo is all in with this fling he’s having with his neighbour, and is trying to finagle his way under Morris’ defences to get a forever man out of the deal. He’s using his charm and culinary expertise to win over Morris, even though Morris is heavily resistant.
Morris is happy with his life the way it is, and he will not allow another non-geek to try and change his profession or love for pop culture. He is enjoying his time with Theo but knows the other shoe will drop and their summer fling will fizzle out. Commitment is not in the cards for him, but being in the present and spending time with Theo when their schedules allow is giving him what he needs.
Theo really is true to Morris’ description. Adorable, sweet, and charming. He also knew how to subtly be mischievous without malice or hurting the object of his desire. I can tell you, I hate pranks, I hide when April 1 rolls around and feel sick when I see prank videos. I am deeply traumatised by being made fun of in school, and watching it happen to others, so I am extremely sensitive to jokes at other people’s expense. There was none of that in this story, but there was a sweet ribbing that allowed Morris and Theo to get to know each other on a deeper level through good natured joking and subtle mischief. I really appreciated the author’s talent for sliding it in there. It kept me reading and enjoying their warm natured personalities and support of each other. Whether they continued their relationship or ended it at some point, they were always warm and would remain friends. This is apparent in their every action with each other and the people around them.
Theo is all in with this fling he’s having with his neighbour, and is trying to finagle his way under Morris’ defences to get a forever man out of the deal. He’s using his charm and culinary expertise to win over Morris, even though Morris is heavily resistant.
Morris is happy with his life the way it is, and he will not allow another non-geek to try and change his profession or love for pop culture. He is enjoying his time with Theo but knows the other shoe will drop and their summer fling will fizzle out. Commitment is not in the cards for him, but being in the present and spending time with Theo when their schedules allow is giving him what he needs.
Theo really is true to Morris’ description. Adorable, sweet, and charming. He also knew how to subtly be mischievous without malice or hurting the object of his desire. I can tell you, I hate pranks, I hide when April 1 rolls around and feel sick when I see prank videos. I am deeply traumatised by being made fun of in school, and watching it happen to others, so I am extremely sensitive to jokes at other people’s expense. There was none of that in this story, but there was a sweet ribbing that allowed Morris and Theo to get to know each other on a deeper level through good natured joking and subtle mischief. I really appreciated the author’s talent for sliding it in there. It kept me reading and enjoying their warm natured personalities and support of each other. Whether they continued their relationship or ended it at some point, they were always warm and would remain friends. This is apparent in their every action with each other and the people around them.
More...