Reviews - Ache | The StoryGraph

352 reviews for:

Ache

Marley Valentine

3.82 AVERAGE

amylferg's review

3.5

emotional fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

huade121's review against another edition

4.0

emotional lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

graciemac10's review against another edition

4.0

dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Jordan and Gael grew up together, best friends since they were kids and when Gael took Jordan under his wing and protected from bigger bullies.

As teens, their relationship blossomed into much more than friendship, at least for Jordan, who fell in love with Gael. When Jordan’s parents kick him out after he comes out as gay, Gael’s family takes him into the fold without a qualm and despite their traditionalist views.

Jordan and Gael had a moment in Vegas when they were eighteen, but nothing ever came of it since Gael thought Jordan rejected him. The truth is, Jordan wanted nothing more than to be with Gael, but didn’t trust that Gael wouldn’t leave him once he got over his “bi-curious” phase.

Now Gael’s engaged to Elaina but it doesn’t stop him from looking at Jordan longingly whenever he visits his old family home. Gael loves Elaina and so does his family, but the what-ifs plague him, especially when his family teases him about Jordan. It hasn’t escaped anyone in the family how the men look at each other. Even Elaina knows there’s some sort of history between them.

Then during Gael’s bachelor party weekend in Vegas, he is severely injured in a car accident, but not before he and Jordan get together, declare their love for each other and promise to be with each other in the new year.

This was a solid story with a sympathetic and likable couple at its center. I appreciated the way Jordan and Gael’s relationship and what is essentially a cheating trope, was handled and how Gael’s relationship with Elaina was reconciled.

If you’re in the mood for a sensitive, spicy and well-written mm romance, then this read is for you.

ambercunningham's review against another edition

4.0

emotional hopeful medium-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

Content Warnings

becca1326's review against another edition

4.5

emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Oh man. For a shorter book this one packed a punch. Don’t usually love the cheating troupe but this was done so well. Everything that happened after that was a lot.

I was devastated by the car crash. Cried. Also loved how the author show how they loved each even if he couldn’t remember them getting together. The picture at the end? Happy tears.

The title was so accurate. The pining and aching for each other. Chefs kiss!

Content Warnings

saltyseven's review against another edition

4.0

Marley Valentine has done it again and gave us an emotional, heartbreaking read. Their love for each other is so deep...

Gael and Jordan have been best friends since kindergarten. Jordan became part of Gael's family when he came out and was kicked out of his house. They shared such a beautiful and unique bond. Jordan has been in love with Gael for years and has loved him from afar, as Gael is engaged to a woman.

Jordan arranges a bachelor party for Gael in Vegas and continues to press down his feelings for him. Gael does some soul searching before he marries the wrong person. It’s actually beautiful, to be honest. Everyone around them can see how their feelings for each other are more than friendship, except for them.

This book is beautiful. My heart broke for them for all the years they were apart. I felt every emotion. Have tissues on hand. You will need them. No worries, there is also humor in the book. I love Marley Valentine's writing style. I read this book in one sitting. There are some triggers, mention of a miscarriage and cheating. I will add they are handled tastefully. My only constructive criticism is I wish it were a little more steamier than what it is. However, it didn’t take away from the plot.

sandyjoys's review against another edition

4.0

reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

ds_reading's review against another edition

4.25

challenging dark emotional sad 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: Complicated

justagiant's review against another edition

2.0

lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

shannahaun's review against another edition

3.75

emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-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

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