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nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
4.0
This review and many others can be found on my blog - Feed Your Fiction Addiction
As Long as You Love Me is definitely my favorite book in this trilogy. I was hoping that the second book would help us understand Lauren and give us some insight into Rob, and that’s exactly what was delivered!
What I LOVED:
Lauren’s issues.
In the first book, I was a little confused about Lauren. I didn’t understand why she wanted to go back to Sharon so much and what it was about school that was so difficult for her. So, I was really happy to read this book and finally understand what was going on in Lauren’s head. Turns out, Lauren is painfully shy (suffering from severe anxiety) and doesn’t do well with new situations, so college was WAY out of her comfort zone. I felt like Aguirre really captured Lauren’s emotions and the pain that she suffered in these types of situations. She had some real issues that she needed to work through, but working through them wasn’t easy. Luckily, she had Rob’s friendship to help her through …
Rob and Lauren.
Rob had always doubted himself. He’d spent his entire life feeling like he was the kid with no real potential and living in his younger sister’s shadow. But, Lauren could see Rob’s real talent and his flair for woodworking and home renovating. She believed in him when no one else really did, and she encouraged him to pursue his dreams – she actually encouraged him to have dreams. I loved that the relationship between these two started out as friendship. Since they had known each other for years, there was a feeling of comfortableness between them from the very start – but that doesn’t mean that Aguirre jumped them straight into a relationship (which I appreciated!). Rob and Lauren were both much better together than apart, this was obvious. And I was rooting for them all the way.
Frenemies.
I loved that Lauren actually befriends one of her “enemies.” It really said a lot about the type of person that she was, and the type of person that she wanted to be.
The negatives:
No fight.
My one issue with the book is that when things start to go wrong for Rob and Lauren, Rob doesn’t really fight for them. We find out at the end what was going through his head, somewhat, but I felt a little sad that he didn’t put a little more effort into getting Lauren to change her mind when a certain something happened (which I won’t spoil).
So, once again, I highly recommend this one. It’s another fantastic installment in a sweet but serious NA trilogy! I give it 4/5 stars.
As Long as You Love Me is definitely my favorite book in this trilogy. I was hoping that the second book would help us understand Lauren and give us some insight into Rob, and that’s exactly what was delivered!
What I LOVED:
Lauren’s issues.
In the first book, I was a little confused about Lauren. I didn’t understand why she wanted to go back to Sharon so much and what it was about school that was so difficult for her. So, I was really happy to read this book and finally understand what was going on in Lauren’s head. Turns out, Lauren is painfully shy (suffering from severe anxiety) and doesn’t do well with new situations, so college was WAY out of her comfort zone. I felt like Aguirre really captured Lauren’s emotions and the pain that she suffered in these types of situations. She had some real issues that she needed to work through, but working through them wasn’t easy. Luckily, she had Rob’s friendship to help her through …
Rob and Lauren.
Rob had always doubted himself. He’d spent his entire life feeling like he was the kid with no real potential and living in his younger sister’s shadow. But, Lauren could see Rob’s real talent and his flair for woodworking and home renovating. She believed in him when no one else really did, and she encouraged him to pursue his dreams – she actually encouraged him to have dreams. I loved that the relationship between these two started out as friendship. Since they had known each other for years, there was a feeling of comfortableness between them from the very start – but that doesn’t mean that Aguirre jumped them straight into a relationship (which I appreciated!). Rob and Lauren were both much better together than apart, this was obvious. And I was rooting for them all the way.
Frenemies.
I loved that Lauren actually befriends one of her “enemies.” It really said a lot about the type of person that she was, and the type of person that she wanted to be.
The negatives:
No fight.
My one issue with the book is that when things start to go wrong for Rob and Lauren, Rob doesn’t really fight for them. We find out at the end what was going through his head, somewhat, but I felt a little sad that he didn’t put a little more effort into getting Lauren to change her mind when a certain something happened (which I won’t spoil).
So, once again, I highly recommend this one. It’s another fantastic installment in a sweet but serious NA trilogy! I give it 4/5 stars.
caseroo7's review against another edition
4.0
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
As Long As You Love Me is the second book in Ann Aguirre's 2B Trilogy, and I couldn't wait to read this one. While I liked the first book in the series I didn't love it, but I was really interested in Rob and Lauren's story. I ended up really enjoying this book, and I thought that it was much better than the first. It was so great to get to know both Lauren and Rob better, and I am looking forward to reading the next one from Ann Aguirre.
After struggling for years of being away from home, Lauren Barret finally decides that she needs to return to her small home town. She has many reasons for returning, but one she hasn't told anyone about. Lauren has always had feelings for her best friend's older brother, but most people don't know that it went beyond a childhood crush. Rob has always been the hot football player that wasn't capable of much of anything. But when Lauren returns to town and the two of them begin to spend time together, Lauren is determined to show Rob how great he really is. Lauren and Rob begin seeing each other, but both of them are still dealing with their own fears and insecurities. Things are going great between them until Rob gets an opportunity too good to pass up. As Lauren and Rob are suddenly faced with a crossroads they never expected, they must decide if things between them are worth the risk.
I was surprised how much I really loved Rob. In the first book, I really felt as though he was a jerk. He didn't seem to be close to his sister Nadia, and the few interactions they had seemed cold and as though he didn't even really like her. I couldn't understand what his deal was and why he treated her the way he did. But so much about him became clear in this book, and I really got to understand who he was and what had shaped him into the person he was. I felt so badly for him, because people only seemed to care about his looks and were pretty mean to him about everything else. He felt like he was unworthy and wasn't enough for anyone, and my heart broke for him. Lauren really had her work cut out for her in convincing him that he was special and that he was worth more than anyone else gave him credit for. I loved how she never gave up on him and how supportive she was of him. She saw him when no one else did, and loved him for who he had always been. These two were so perfect for each other and they just fit so well together. It was clear that they were made for each other, and their connection to each other was as hot as their chemistry with one another.
Overall, I really liked this book and it was definitely my favorite of the series so far. I loved Rob and Lauren, and I thought that their story was really interesting. I liked getting to really know Rob and getting to see him and Lauren both growing and moving forward with their lives. I will say that the reason for this rating rather than a five star was that this book just felt long to me. I thought that it could have easily been shortened, and it had some slow moments. I found my attention wandering a few times, and I think it was because of the length. I really did enjoy the story though, and I think that this book was absolutely worth the read. Each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone, but I was really glad that I had read the first book so that I had some of the back story on Lauren and Rob. I think NA and romance fans alike will enjoy this story, and I would recommend giving it a shot.
**ARC Provided by Harlequin**
As Long As You Love Me is the second book in Ann Aguirre's 2B Trilogy, and I couldn't wait to read this one. While I liked the first book in the series I didn't love it, but I was really interested in Rob and Lauren's story. I ended up really enjoying this book, and I thought that it was much better than the first. It was so great to get to know both Lauren and Rob better, and I am looking forward to reading the next one from Ann Aguirre.
After struggling for years of being away from home, Lauren Barret finally decides that she needs to return to her small home town. She has many reasons for returning, but one she hasn't told anyone about. Lauren has always had feelings for her best friend's older brother, but most people don't know that it went beyond a childhood crush. Rob has always been the hot football player that wasn't capable of much of anything. But when Lauren returns to town and the two of them begin to spend time together, Lauren is determined to show Rob how great he really is. Lauren and Rob begin seeing each other, but both of them are still dealing with their own fears and insecurities. Things are going great between them until Rob gets an opportunity too good to pass up. As Lauren and Rob are suddenly faced with a crossroads they never expected, they must decide if things between them are worth the risk.
I was surprised how much I really loved Rob. In the first book, I really felt as though he was a jerk. He didn't seem to be close to his sister Nadia, and the few interactions they had seemed cold and as though he didn't even really like her. I couldn't understand what his deal was and why he treated her the way he did. But so much about him became clear in this book, and I really got to understand who he was and what had shaped him into the person he was. I felt so badly for him, because people only seemed to care about his looks and were pretty mean to him about everything else. He felt like he was unworthy and wasn't enough for anyone, and my heart broke for him. Lauren really had her work cut out for her in convincing him that he was special and that he was worth more than anyone else gave him credit for. I loved how she never gave up on him and how supportive she was of him. She saw him when no one else did, and loved him for who he had always been. These two were so perfect for each other and they just fit so well together. It was clear that they were made for each other, and their connection to each other was as hot as their chemistry with one another.
Overall, I really liked this book and it was definitely my favorite of the series so far. I loved Rob and Lauren, and I thought that their story was really interesting. I liked getting to really know Rob and getting to see him and Lauren both growing and moving forward with their lives. I will say that the reason for this rating rather than a five star was that this book just felt long to me. I thought that it could have easily been shortened, and it had some slow moments. I found my attention wandering a few times, and I think it was because of the length. I really did enjoy the story though, and I think that this book was absolutely worth the read. Each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone, but I was really glad that I had read the first book so that I had some of the back story on Lauren and Rob. I think NA and romance fans alike will enjoy this story, and I would recommend giving it a shot.
**ARC Provided by Harlequin**
beyondevak's review against another edition
4.0
As Long As You Love Me was a super sweet romance. Although it had a slow start, in my opinion, the pacing picked up and remained pretty steady throughout, after a certain point. I really enjoyed the the story and found the characters to be interesting.
A Few Notables:
- Lauren and Avery's friendship was a complete surprise. I loved it! Their initial battle was outstanding. That they could forge a frienship after something like that was remarkable.
- Rob's cluelessness was something. He was so...but I still liked him a lot.
- I adored how Lauren's mom found love with a younger guy. I also loved how she was taking better care of herself after being single for so long.
- Woo hoo on Girls Night! (That club scene was hilarious.)
- Dealing with the issues of sexual abuse, incest, and the trama of betrayal was done magnificently.
- The HEA ending was so worth it. Yea!!!
A Few Notables:
- Lauren and Avery's friendship was a complete surprise. I loved it! Their initial battle was outstanding. That they could forge a frienship after something like that was remarkable.
- Rob's cluelessness was something. He was so...but I still liked him a lot.
- I adored how Lauren's mom found love with a younger guy. I also loved how she was taking better care of herself after being single for so long.
- Woo hoo on Girls Night! (That club scene was hilarious.)
- Dealing with the issues of sexual abuse, incest, and the trama of betrayal was done magnificently.
- The HEA ending was so worth it. Yea!!!
beastreader's review against another edition
3.0
I like this author's dark and edgy young adult books. So I thought I would try the author's take on the new adult genre. This genre is written about characters who are college age and are just starting to try and find themselves. This book is the second in a trilogy from the author. If you have read the first book, I Want It That Way, then you will recognize the characters that briefly appear in this book. They don't physically appear in this one but Lauren does communicate with them some. Plus, Nadia from the first book is Lauren's best friend and whom Rob is the big brother of.
I did like this book but I was not in love with it. Not in the way that I hoped to be. It is funny but I was actually hoping for more passion. Although I liked the scenes when Lauren and Rob did hook up. They were steamy. I would rate the story overall in this department a sweet/mild. I got Lauren and Rob taking their time and I will be the first to say that I do like when characters work up to it but it just seemed like they were walking on egg shells with each other before they did make that first move. Though a nice book for someone that wants to check out new adult stories without a lot of sex. You could say I am just spoiled on the author's darker side.
I did like this book but I was not in love with it. Not in the way that I hoped to be. It is funny but I was actually hoping for more passion. Although I liked the scenes when Lauren and Rob did hook up. They were steamy. I would rate the story overall in this department a sweet/mild. I got Lauren and Rob taking their time and I will be the first to say that I do like when characters work up to it but it just seemed like they were walking on egg shells with each other before they did make that first move. Though a nice book for someone that wants to check out new adult stories without a lot of sex. You could say I am just spoiled on the author's darker side.
lectorliber04's review against another edition
3.0
So it wasn't Max's story but Lauren's. What made, or rather who made me give it three stars and not two was Rob. I felt so bad for him, even in the first book of the series. Rob isn't book smart and his parents pretty much dismissed him, thinking that he not being as smart as Nadia would amount to be very little. Well, he showed them and I couldn't be happier. Rob is sweet, considerate, hard worker and extremely talented. However, no one knows or cares enough to look beyond his good looks. Lauren did and it was the best that ever happened to Rob. Lauren came back home after quitting university and Rob was there to be a good friend. Lauren had a crush on him since forever but never acted on it or said anything to Nadia. Like Rob, Lauren had to fight her own demons. I really enjoyed how Rob and Lauren grew as characters and in spite of being so young understood that being in love can never be an excuse to hide from our fears and challenges.
emilij0307's review against another edition
5.0
Be still my heart! Rob and Lauren FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!
I loved this book for many reasons but the primary reason are the themes around mental health, anxiety and depression! And I loved how while Lauren lies to Rob about not loving him, she didn’t just wallow when he left - SHE GOT HELP! This was about her taking care of herself before she could fully give herself to her relationship with Rob! That was my major take away from this book and I cannot wait to read the final book I. The series!
I loved this book for many reasons but the primary reason are the themes around mental health, anxiety and depression! And I loved how while Lauren lies to Rob about not loving him, she didn’t just wallow when he left - SHE GOT HELP! This was about her taking care of herself before she could fully give herself to her relationship with Rob! That was my major take away from this book and I cannot wait to read the final book I. The series!
papalbina's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
with [b:I Want It That Way|20945757|I Want It That Way (2B Trilogy #1)|Ann Aguirre|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1402937913s/20945757.jpg|40317178] i was delighted to find a story dealing with real college young people problems, but i have to admit that the book was kind of boring, because it didn't deal with nothing else beside that and the main character's love life. lauren was not a character i was much interested in at the end of the first book, but i was curious about her problems. that's why i picked this book up soon after i finished the first one.
my biggest problem with this book was the same as with the first one: it didn't happen much. there was no more story apart for lauren and rob's and that was a bit slow sometimes too. in the end, the whole book felt like watching a soap opera where nothing mostly happens, but you cannot stop watching just in case something happens. but the book had some advantages: there were hot, steamy scenes, and the love story was sweet.
i did like robert, he was such a great guy. i know he is hot because it was told, but i never felt it. he was so honest and had so many self-esteem issues i couldn't quite believe that he was soo handsome. i felt sorry for him because of the way his family treated him (or it was said they treated him). if he knows his limitations, he is much smarter than most of the people out there. i hated that he didn't dare because he thought he wasn't enough and loved the way lauren was able to support him and make him believe in himself.
sadly i didn't like lauren herself as much as robert. i thought that a great part of her didn't match what she told us she was. she kept her anxiety issues a secret, but at times i thought she was too outgoing, too extroverted and social to have such problems. probably she was overcompensating. anyway, it felt weird to me. at moments, i also felt like the issues and being a nerd were kind of tied together like one was the consequence of the other, but that could have been my appreciation.
all in all, i think the book is a nice contemporary romance fiction for adults. this one felt more for adults than the previous one, but probably because the problems the main character had to deal with weren't as material and tangible as money, scholarship and college. nevertheless, it was a good, entertaining read.
thank you to netgalley and harlequin for providing me with a copy of the book
with [b:I Want It That Way|20945757|I Want It That Way (2B Trilogy #1)|Ann Aguirre|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1402937913s/20945757.jpg|40317178] i was delighted to find a story dealing with real college young people problems, but i have to admit that the book was kind of boring, because it didn't deal with nothing else beside that and the main character's love life. lauren was not a character i was much interested in at the end of the first book, but i was curious about her problems. that's why i picked this book up soon after i finished the first one.
my biggest problem with this book was the same as with the first one: it didn't happen much. there was no more story apart for lauren and rob's and that was a bit slow sometimes too. in the end, the whole book felt like watching a soap opera where nothing mostly happens, but you cannot stop watching just in case something happens. but the book had some advantages: there were hot, steamy scenes, and the love story was sweet.
i did like robert, he was such a great guy. i know he is hot because it was told, but i never felt it. he was so honest and had so many self-esteem issues i couldn't quite believe that he was soo handsome. i felt sorry for him because of the way his family treated him (or it was said they treated him). if he knows his limitations, he is much smarter than most of the people out there. i hated that he didn't dare because he thought he wasn't enough and loved the way lauren was able to support him and make him believe in himself.
sadly i didn't like lauren herself as much as robert. i thought that a great part of her didn't match what she told us she was. she kept her anxiety issues a secret, but at times i thought she was too outgoing, too extroverted and social to have such problems. probably she was overcompensating. anyway, it felt weird to me. at moments, i also felt like the issues and being a nerd were kind of tied together like one was the consequence of the other, but that could have been my appreciation.
all in all, i think the book is a nice contemporary romance fiction for adults. this one felt more for adults than the previous one, but probably because the problems the main character had to deal with weren't as material and tangible as money, scholarship and college. nevertheless, it was a good, entertaining read.
thank you to netgalley and harlequin for providing me with a copy of the book
jaimejustreadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
This is the 2nd book in the 2B Trilogy and, in my opinion, better than the first book. I actually felt more for Rob and Lauren in book one than I did for Ty (Daniel) and Nadia and so I was looking forward to reading their story.
I did feel like I got to know them and connected more with their characters than I did Nadia and Ty and their story felt more "real". I do feel like the author rushes through the ending too quickly in this series though. There wasn't a lot of drama and things just kind of moved along as naturally as a relationship would,and then suddenly there was a rift and then, almost as quickly, there was a solution, yet the actual period of time between the two events was rather long.
This is a good series to read in between really emotional or angsty reads. I'm looking forward to reading the final book in the series to hear Max's story, he had my attention throughout book #1.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
I did feel like I got to know them and connected more with their characters than I did Nadia and Ty and their story felt more "real". I do feel like the author rushes through the ending too quickly in this series though. There wasn't a lot of drama and things just kind of moved along as naturally as a relationship would,and then suddenly there was a rift and then, almost as quickly, there was a solution, yet the actual period of time between the two events was rather long.
This is a good series to read in between really emotional or angsty reads. I'm looking forward to reading the final book in the series to hear Max's story, he had my attention throughout book #1.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
kaitrosereads's review against another edition
4.0
As Long As You Love Me, the second book in the 2B trilogy, cemented my love for Ann Aguirre’s new adult books. I enjoyed I Want It That Way but it seems like nothing compared to my love for As Long As You Love Me.
Rob and Lauren stole my heart from the very first page. I really connected with both of the characters. Rob is a very attractive but not so smart guy. He’s always been looked at as the dumb jock, not just by outsiders but by his whole family. His confidence is nonexistent and he sees himself going nowhere in life. Lauren is really one of the only people who sees potential in him. She is just as messed up as he is though, just in different ways. She has severe social anxiety and it has practically crippled her. She has moved back home from college and Rob is one of the only people in town for her to hang out with. What starts as a sweet friendship quickly develops into something more and the two of them bring out the best in each other. However, things are never smooth sailing so they face many trials, making you wonder if these two are destined for a happy ending or better off on their own.
Rob and Lauren’s flaws are what connected me to them because I could so easily relate to them. Ann Aguirre created characters that readers will easily be able to understand and sympathize with. It doesn’t hurt that Rob is also a dream guy. Lauren’s not too bad herself! She’s got a fabulous sense of humor and the banter between the two of them really just made me smile. I really liked that their relationship was far from perfect but they worked through their issues together. They didn’t keep anything from each other. If Rob did something that bothered Lauren, she let him know, and vice versa. They were very open about things and it was really refreshing. For once I didn’t want to reach into the book and knock some sense into the characters.
The story is far from action-packed but it’s still completely unputdownable. Rob and Lauren are enough to hook readers. I just wanted to know if they’d get their happy ending and if so, how everything would work out. It didn’t hurt that there were cameos from the characters of I Want It That Way. There was also just enough drama to keep things interesting. Things were far from perfect in Sharon, Nebraska and the honesty of the small town setting really added to how much I loved As Long As You Love Me.
Overall, As Long As You Love Me is a wonderful new adult novel that I think fans of the genre will adore. It’s a sweet contemporary story that will leave you with a smile on your face!
Rob and Lauren stole my heart from the very first page. I really connected with both of the characters. Rob is a very attractive but not so smart guy. He’s always been looked at as the dumb jock, not just by outsiders but by his whole family. His confidence is nonexistent and he sees himself going nowhere in life. Lauren is really one of the only people who sees potential in him. She is just as messed up as he is though, just in different ways. She has severe social anxiety and it has practically crippled her. She has moved back home from college and Rob is one of the only people in town for her to hang out with. What starts as a sweet friendship quickly develops into something more and the two of them bring out the best in each other. However, things are never smooth sailing so they face many trials, making you wonder if these two are destined for a happy ending or better off on their own.
Rob and Lauren’s flaws are what connected me to them because I could so easily relate to them. Ann Aguirre created characters that readers will easily be able to understand and sympathize with. It doesn’t hurt that Rob is also a dream guy. Lauren’s not too bad herself! She’s got a fabulous sense of humor and the banter between the two of them really just made me smile. I really liked that their relationship was far from perfect but they worked through their issues together. They didn’t keep anything from each other. If Rob did something that bothered Lauren, she let him know, and vice versa. They were very open about things and it was really refreshing. For once I didn’t want to reach into the book and knock some sense into the characters.
The story is far from action-packed but it’s still completely unputdownable. Rob and Lauren are enough to hook readers. I just wanted to know if they’d get their happy ending and if so, how everything would work out. It didn’t hurt that there were cameos from the characters of I Want It That Way. There was also just enough drama to keep things interesting. Things were far from perfect in Sharon, Nebraska and the honesty of the small town setting really added to how much I loved As Long As You Love Me.
Overall, As Long As You Love Me is a wonderful new adult novel that I think fans of the genre will adore. It’s a sweet contemporary story that will leave you with a smile on your face!
downthebookhole's review against another edition
4.0
*3.5*
*I would like to thank Ann Aguirre and her publisher for the copy of the book I received!*
This book is the second in the 2B Trilogy, the companion series by Ann Aguirre. Like I said in my review for the first book in this trilogy, this book reminded me of my time in college and hit on so many aspects of life that happen during those year in school and the struggles I was facing within my self.
I could probably use most of the same content I used in my first review because I feel the same about this book in regards to Aguirre’s writing and the plot line of the story.
“Her writing style gave the story such fun and playful feel. It was light and completely gripping. There were a few times that the story lacked some substantial information,but her writing and the overall story made me keep reading. At times there were the cliches and corny sentences that are usually found in romance novels, but there was also sassy dialogue and humor that I could totally understand.”
The way that Aguirre threads the romance novel with a true reality, is aww inspiring. She really makes you understand that even a deep love and all the mushy, corny stuff cannot stop life from going on and issues arising. She added real life issues and made the book more believable and not some fantasy fairy tale. Aguirre proves that happy endings can come for people facing all sorts of challenges in life.
Aguirre developed a great dynamic of friendships and characters that were in this book.I felt a connection to the characters and really understood them and their struggles because I have been there (for most of the issues). I totally could relate to Lauren and what she was going through- ending up back at home with no money and no job questioning life is something I know all too well.
But the smallness of the town meant everybody knew you, and there was some comfort in the familiarity and the gossip.”
-Ann Aguirre, As Long As You Love Me
I am Lauren, in so many ways and it was nice to see how she worked through her issues. Lauren was an awesome character who was quirky and her own person and realizing that there is no such thing as normal. Aguirre sure knows how to write swoon worthy male leads. Rob was the ultimate gentleman, the only issue I had with him is that he was too insecure and corny. I very much dislike when someone constantly needs praises and convincing that they are worth it and good enough/smart enough. It is sad that there are things in life that beat someone down so much that this is the case, but for me personally it just didn’t work in the book for me. I got uber annoyed with Rob a lot throughout the book. I loved the other relationships that were developed through the story. It showed all the different sides and issues that can come from mother/daughter relationships, friendships and frenemies. It was nice to see that there were other relationships worked on and not just an all consuming romance.
Overall this was a gripping, raw book that incorporates more than a romance but the struggles of mental illness and sexual abuse. It displayed the difficulties of being in college, struggling with yourself, money, classes, friendships and finding/keeping love
On top of writing a enthralling story Aguirre includes a playlist at the end of each other 2B trilogy books and I think it is one of the coolest things ever! I love when authors include playlist to go along with the book or a playlist of music they were listening to when they were writing the book!
*I would like to thank Ann Aguirre and her publisher for the copy of the book I received!*
This book is the second in the 2B Trilogy, the companion series by Ann Aguirre. Like I said in my review for the first book in this trilogy, this book reminded me of my time in college and hit on so many aspects of life that happen during those year in school and the struggles I was facing within my self.
I could probably use most of the same content I used in my first review because I feel the same about this book in regards to Aguirre’s writing and the plot line of the story.
“Her writing style gave the story such fun and playful feel. It was light and completely gripping. There were a few times that the story lacked some substantial information,but her writing and the overall story made me keep reading. At times there were the cliches and corny sentences that are usually found in romance novels, but there was also sassy dialogue and humor that I could totally understand.”
The way that Aguirre threads the romance novel with a true reality, is aww inspiring. She really makes you understand that even a deep love and all the mushy, corny stuff cannot stop life from going on and issues arising. She added real life issues and made the book more believable and not some fantasy fairy tale. Aguirre proves that happy endings can come for people facing all sorts of challenges in life.
Aguirre developed a great dynamic of friendships and characters that were in this book.I felt a connection to the characters and really understood them and their struggles because I have been there (for most of the issues). I totally could relate to Lauren and what she was going through- ending up back at home with no money and no job questioning life is something I know all too well.
But the smallness of the town meant everybody knew you, and there was some comfort in the familiarity and the gossip.”
-Ann Aguirre, As Long As You Love Me
I am Lauren, in so many ways and it was nice to see how she worked through her issues. Lauren was an awesome character who was quirky and her own person and realizing that there is no such thing as normal. Aguirre sure knows how to write swoon worthy male leads. Rob was the ultimate gentleman, the only issue I had with him is that he was too insecure and corny. I very much dislike when someone constantly needs praises and convincing that they are worth it and good enough/smart enough. It is sad that there are things in life that beat someone down so much that this is the case, but for me personally it just didn’t work in the book for me. I got uber annoyed with Rob a lot throughout the book. I loved the other relationships that were developed through the story. It showed all the different sides and issues that can come from mother/daughter relationships, friendships and frenemies. It was nice to see that there were other relationships worked on and not just an all consuming romance.
Overall this was a gripping, raw book that incorporates more than a romance but the struggles of mental illness and sexual abuse. It displayed the difficulties of being in college, struggling with yourself, money, classes, friendships and finding/keeping love
On top of writing a enthralling story Aguirre includes a playlist at the end of each other 2B trilogy books and I think it is one of the coolest things ever! I love when authors include playlist to go along with the book or a playlist of music they were listening to when they were writing the book!