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tiffreads82's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I loved this book. An emotional book dealing with dark themes and has spicy scenes addiction. I think it wrote about addiction and a very gritty and realistic way and yet had great humor even if some was dark I found myself laughing out loud a lot in this book despite it being emotional and heavy. As someone who deals with tragedy and difficult situations with humor and dark humor I truly appreciate it this book and it will be my top books of the year
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Drug abuse, Alcoholism, and Addiction
Moderate: Child death, Cancer, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
Minor: Blood and Grief
melist6's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Cursing, Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Drug use, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Child abuse, Miscarriage, Abandonment, Medical content, Violence, Death of parent, Vomit, and Homophobia
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, and Cancer
hidees13's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I put off reading this book for a long time, despite it being downloaded on my kindle because everyone on social media would always say how it nearly broke them, or they cried for days, and it stuck with them. I'm not a huge hurt/comfort trope fan, and I really dont read a lot that I know ahead of time is just tragic. However, this one kept getting such rave reviews.
So, the good -- I did like this book. I am glad I have read it. It kept my attention and I did avoid most responsibilities that day to keep reading. I liked both the main characters - even though I was sort of rooting against some of their behaviors. (Eg: The big bursts of anger from Jake, the deep insecurity and constant need for reassurance from Felix) I was caught up in their love story, and despite knowing what they were doing was a bad idea for their recovery, I still was rooting for them. Very cute.
The, not as good --
I agree with the other review someone posted that talked about the lack of conversation or insight into Jakes military service. THREE tours?! Have you ever met anyone that just did 3 deployments. Its significant! There is no way that doesn't impact his story. I felt like it was thrown in to make him look admirable, but without any real consideration if that was reasonable. (I don't really know much about military life, but after 3 tours he's kicked out after one fight?? Like, no appeals nothing? Giving up all the veteran benefits he'd be entitled to?... It felt like this was way too quick, not to mention how many service members have substance abuse problems, and PTSD from their time serving). I also would have liked to know more about his bisexual awakening, etc... How was that when he was a marine?
I also didn't find this book as heartbreaking as everyone said it was. Maybe I'm too cynical? Haha. I was at 50% and was like.. when is the big sad coming? I did feel emotions, but the only time I was near crying or had any tears was towards the end and it was really about the CJ/Jake relationship, that felt brutal.
Overall -- it was a good leisurely read, but nothing I'll come back for, or thats sticking with me long term. And don't get me wrong, that's ok!
So, the good -- I did like this book. I am glad I have read it. It kept my attention and I did avoid most responsibilities that day to keep reading. I liked both the main characters - even though I was sort of rooting against some of their behaviors. (Eg: The big bursts of anger from Jake, the deep insecurity and constant need for reassurance from Felix) I was caught up in their love story, and despite knowing what they were doing was a bad idea for their recovery, I still was rooting for them. Very cute.
The, not as good --
I agree with the other review someone posted that talked about the lack of conversation or insight into Jakes military service. THREE tours?! Have you ever met anyone that just did 3 deployments. Its significant! There is no way that doesn't impact his story. I felt like it was thrown in to make him look admirable, but without any real consideration if that was reasonable. (I don't really know much about military life, but after 3 tours he's kicked out after one fight?? Like, no appeals nothing? Giving up all the veteran benefits he'd be entitled to?... It felt like this was way too quick, not to mention how many service members have substance abuse problems, and PTSD from their time serving). I also would have liked to know more about his bisexual awakening, etc... How was that when he was a marine?
I also didn't find this book as heartbreaking as everyone said it was. Maybe I'm too cynical? Haha. I was at 50% and was like.. when is the big sad coming? I did feel emotions, but the only time I was near crying or had any tears was towards the end and it was really about the CJ/Jake relationship, that felt brutal.
Overall -- it was a good leisurely read, but nothing I'll come back for, or thats sticking with me long term. And don't get me wrong, that's ok!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Drug use
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
briochebun's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
2.75 out of 5 ☆’s.
“Because no one has ever looked at me the way Jake looks at me.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚
I have a lot of mixed feelings about “The Tragedy of Felix and Jake”.
I was unable to put this book down & was eager to see what happened next — but there were also some elements of the story that I was not a fan of.
Some of the characters featured in this story felt extremely hollow at times. I wanted Hector + Miguel + Dean to be utilized more as characters (I would’ve enjoyed seeing them become more present support systems for both Jake & Felix) — but that never ended up happening. I just wanted them all to have a bit more depth.
There were also some moments within the story that felt a bit forced (to create drama & therefore allow other things to happen down the line)? I understand that some events are needed to move the plot along — but the length of CJ’s outburst seemed rather unnecessary / out of character given what we have seen of his character prior to that moment (I understand that he was going through a difficult time & didn’t mean what he was saying, but it all still seemed a bit off the wall).
I also wish that we learned more about Jake’s past in the military. We were told that that was his childhood dream — but it didn’t feel like it while reading. It seemed as though Jake also had some anger issues & I wish that they would’ve been addressed at some point.
ੈ✩‧₊˚
TLDR: I went into this book with high hopes & came out wishing a couple of things would’ve been done a bit differently (others might feel differently though — so I always recommend going in with an open mind)!
“Because no one has ever looked at me the way Jake looks at me.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚
I have a lot of mixed feelings about “The Tragedy of Felix and Jake”.
I was unable to put this book down & was eager to see what happened next — but there were also some elements of the story that I was not a fan of.
Some of the characters featured in this story felt extremely hollow at times. I wanted Hector + Miguel + Dean to be utilized more as characters (I would’ve enjoyed seeing them become more present support systems for both Jake & Felix) — but that never ended up happening. I just wanted them all to have a bit more depth.
There were also some moments within the story that felt a bit forced (to create drama & therefore allow other things to happen down the line)? I understand that some events are needed to move the plot along — but the length of CJ’s outburst seemed rather unnecessary / out of character given what we have seen of his character prior to that moment (I understand that he was going through a difficult time & didn’t mean what he was saying, but it all still seemed a bit off the wall).
I also wish that we learned more about Jake’s past in the military. We were told that that was his childhood dream — but it didn’t feel like it while reading. It seemed as though Jake also had some anger issues & I wish that they would’ve been addressed at some point.
ੈ✩‧₊˚
TLDR: I went into this book with high hopes & came out wishing a couple of things would’ve been done a bit differently (others might feel differently though — so I always recommend going in with an open mind)!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Drug abuse, and Addiction
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, and Homophobia
Minor: Miscarriage, Death, and Child death
darknesslighttt's review
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
5.0
🐚 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 🐚
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: forbidden, found family, grumpy x sunshine, MM, small town
𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀: drug abuse & use, addiction, death, emotional abuse
THIS BOOK IS SO SO GOOD!
This book makes you go through all the possible feelings that always keep you in suspense.
Jake and Felix are both drug addicts trying to get over their addictions. After Jake has a slip after being sober for 7 years, he meets Felix, who becomes his sponsor. Of course, this goes in another direction because the two begin to have deep feelings for each other.
They will have a happy ending, but there is a long way to go. First, we have to find out their story, which is full of ups and downs.
Some of the aspects that I really liked: the fact that Felix was jealous of his cat, they both had folders on their phone with pictures of them, and Jake made Felix accept his hair.
Thank you J. Daniels and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read this amazing book in exchange for an honest review.
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: forbidden, found family, grumpy x sunshine, MM, small town
𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀: drug abuse & use, addiction, death, emotional abuse
THIS BOOK IS SO SO GOOD!
This book makes you go through all the possible feelings that always keep you in suspense.
Jake and Felix are both drug addicts trying to get over their addictions. After Jake has a slip after being sober for 7 years, he meets Felix, who becomes his sponsor. Of course, this goes in another direction because the two begin to have deep feelings for each other.
They will have a happy ending, but there is a long way to go. First, we have to find out their story, which is full of ups and downs.
Some of the aspects that I really liked: the fact that Felix was jealous of his cat, they both had folders on their phone with pictures of them, and Jake made Felix accept his hair.
Thank you J. Daniels and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read this amazing book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Drug abuse, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Death
anovelglimpse's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
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
5.0
Welcome back, J. Daniels. I've missed your books.
The Tragedy of Felix and Jake is one of those books where I feel like I should have so much to say for so many reasons, yet my mind is a little blank, so excuse me if this starts to feel like a big ramble. This was one of those books I felt deep in my soul. I've never been an addict, but I felt Jake and Felix's pain as they worked on their sobriety. They had so many different struggles - together and on their own. Even when things were good, they somehow hurt. I had wishes and hopes for Jake and Felix right along with them.
Jake Tully was pretty much what I expected. He was a mess. I expected to love this guy having loved his brother's character in What I Need. Jake's story was completely different, but I still saw pieces of CJ in Jake. He had a fierce need to protect the ones he loved and tried to do right by them. I loved him even when he was making choices that made me mad.
Felix... Well, Felix was a delightful surprise. There was something so sweet and almost innocent about him even though he had seen and been through a lot in his 23 years. His texts, thoughts, and interactions with Jake made me smile a lot. He was also a mess, but maybe less messy than Jake in some ways. Felix had his own demons to deal with. I adored him, even when he frustrated me.
Jake and Felix together were this thing I knew was going to be great but was worried was going to be disastrous. I'm not going into that statement further because to do so might give too much away. What I will say is that they had each other's backs and, at the end of the day, that's what mattered the most. Well, other than how much they loved and cared for each other.
This book is a standalone, but it's closely related to the Alabama Summers series. It was fun to be back in Ruxton, but it was a little weird and even uncomfortable at times to see some favorite characters through Jake and Felix's eyes. Jake and CJ's relationship was as sweet as it was hard to read. There were moments between these characters that pushed my limits, mostly because my heart broke for them.
I'm so happy J. Daniels has returned to the writing world. If The Tragedy of Felix and Jake is the example of what's to come, I can't wait for her next release.
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
The Tragedy of Felix and Jake is one of those books where I feel like I should have so much to say for so many reasons, yet my mind is a little blank, so excuse me if this starts to feel like a big ramble. This was one of those books I felt deep in my soul. I've never been an addict, but I felt Jake and Felix's pain as they worked on their sobriety. They had so many different struggles - together and on their own. Even when things were good, they somehow hurt. I had wishes and hopes for Jake and Felix right along with them.
Jake Tully was pretty much what I expected. He was a mess. I expected to love this guy having loved his brother's character in What I Need. Jake's story was completely different, but I still saw pieces of CJ in Jake. He had a fierce need to protect the ones he loved and tried to do right by them. I loved him even when he was making choices that made me mad.
Felix... Well, Felix was a delightful surprise. There was something so sweet and almost innocent about him even though he had seen and been through a lot in his 23 years. His texts, thoughts, and interactions with Jake made me smile a lot. He was also a mess, but maybe less messy than Jake in some ways. Felix had his own demons to deal with. I adored him, even when he frustrated me.
Jake and Felix together were this thing I knew was going to be great but was worried was going to be disastrous. I'm not going into that statement further because to do so might give too much away. What I will say is that they had each other's backs and, at the end of the day, that's what mattered the most. Well, other than how much they loved and cared for each other.
This book is a standalone, but it's closely related to the Alabama Summers series. It was fun to be back in Ruxton, but it was a little weird and even uncomfortable at times to see some favorite characters through Jake and Felix's eyes. Jake and CJ's relationship was as sweet as it was hard to read. There were moments between these characters that pushed my limits, mostly because my heart broke for them.
I'm so happy J. Daniels has returned to the writing world. If The Tragedy of Felix and Jake is the example of what's to come, I can't wait for her next release.
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Alcoholism, Sexual content, Addiction, and Drug use
Minor: Medical trauma, Grief, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, and Abandonment
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