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a_reader_obsessed's review
2.0
2.5 Stars
Really easy reading about friends to lovers and second chances, as this was basically all about Sean and Jared finally getting their ducks in a row, airing out past misunderstandings and thus, moving on together.
This should’ve been a slam dunk but there were several things that just didn’t sit well with me - things like super fast progression, awkward dirty talk, and a crazy ex-girlfriend that was well…. crazy. Toss in shoddy editing that didn’t catch misspelled words, wrong words, and rough sentence structure, all of which just left for a disjointed read.
I wanted to love this hard. Points for little relationship angst once these two decide on truthful full disclosure. I loved the small town vibe and most of the side characters as well. Overall, a great happy ending showcasing just how well Sean and Jared were made for each other - it just took them 11 years to figure it out. Oy.
Really easy reading about friends to lovers and second chances, as this was basically all about Sean and Jared finally getting their ducks in a row, airing out past misunderstandings and thus, moving on together.
This should’ve been a slam dunk but there were several things that just didn’t sit well with me - things like super fast progression, awkward dirty talk, and a crazy ex-girlfriend that was well…. crazy. Toss in shoddy editing that didn’t catch misspelled words, wrong words, and rough sentence structure, all of which just left for a disjointed read.
I wanted to love this hard. Points for little relationship angst once these two decide on truthful full disclosure. I loved the small town vibe and most of the side characters as well. Overall, a great happy ending showcasing just how well Sean and Jared were made for each other - it just took them 11 years to figure it out. Oy.
nicola949's review
I enjoyed this friends-to-lovers story. I liked the characters and felt sympathetic to their plight. Back in High School, Seth and Jared were on the verge of acknowledging how they felt about each other, when events drove them apart for eleven years. The plot had some good elements. However, I do think this book didn't fully live up to it's potential.
There was opportunity to provide more depth to the characters, to share more of what happened in the time they were apart - a lot would have happened in those eleven years. Some aspects of the story were too rushed. For example, the events that lead to Seth and Jared separation were explained but only at a high level, not fully delving into the emotional fallout. In truth,, just seemed a bit too convenient.
The immediate forgiveness and starting a relationship also seemed unrealistic, at least without a more detailed discussion of feelings. I also really struggled to fully understand why
Even though I think there are a number of areas where the story could have benefited from more depth, I still enjoyed reading the story of Seth and Jared. It was a nice hour spent reading of two nice guys with great families, who finally get their happy ending! But not before a bit of drama provided by the bitchy and deranged girl from high school.
There was opportunity to provide more depth to the characters, to share more of what happened in the time they were apart - a lot would have happened in those eleven years. Some aspects of the story were too rushed. For example, the events that lead to Seth and Jared separation were explained but only at a high level, not fully delving into the emotional fallout. In truth,
Spoiler
Seth leaving the very next day after the graduation party and his new roommate intercepting Jared's letters and phone callThe immediate forgiveness and starting a relationship also seemed unrealistic, at least without a more detailed discussion of feelings. I also really struggled to fully understand why
Spoiler
Jared waited two whole years after deciding to try to win Seth, before approaching him. Not only did this not make much sense when surely Seth needed support during this time, but the two year gap didn't seem necessary for the plot.Even though I think there are a number of areas where the story could have benefited from more depth, I still enjoyed reading the story of Seth and Jared. It was a nice hour spent reading of two nice guys with great families, who finally get their happy ending! But not before a bit of drama provided by the bitchy and deranged girl from high school.
bfdbookblog's review
3.0
overall, i liked this story. there were good and bad pieces to it though.
i love friends to lovers and i love second chance romances. this had both. what i don't love is the second chance having to happen because of misunderstandings, miscommunication and partially because of malicious acts of others. i also thought their reunion was a bit rushed. there was a lot of hurt and 11 years to build up that hurt and yet it seemed they forgave each other overnight, which is another piece i had a hard time with because of the children involved.
seth was bullied in high school because he was 'out' (although it seemed more like people just assumed he was gay and he just never denied it instead of making a bold claim). jared seemed to protect him when he could but never knew the full extent of the damage being done or the reasons for it.
seth and jared seemed to be a perfect pair with complimenting personalities and i would have liked to see more of their relationship develop at a slower pace upon reuniting. they both had supportive parents and some good friends.
there were a couple of pretty outstanding characters in the book - namely skye and possibly brandon, holly and isaac but i don't think we got enough of them to fully appreciate them.
the suspense piece of it was a little predictable but not terrible.
i love friends to lovers and i love second chance romances. this had both. what i don't love is the second chance having to happen because of misunderstandings, miscommunication and partially because of malicious acts of others. i also thought their reunion was a bit rushed. there was a lot of hurt and 11 years to build up that hurt and yet it seemed they forgave each other overnight, which is another piece i had a hard time with because of the children involved.
seth was bullied in high school because he was 'out' (although it seemed more like people just assumed he was gay and he just never denied it instead of making a bold claim). jared seemed to protect him when he could but never knew the full extent of the damage being done or the reasons for it.
seth and jared seemed to be a perfect pair with complimenting personalities and i would have liked to see more of their relationship develop at a slower pace upon reuniting. they both had supportive parents and some good friends.
there were a couple of pretty outstanding characters in the book - namely skye and possibly brandon, holly and isaac but i don't think we got enough of them to fully appreciate them.
the suspense piece of it was a little predictable but not terrible.
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