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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
I didnt particuraly liked this one.
The writing was juvenile (for the lack of a better description), there were a lot of cliche statements and the overdramatization didnt work here as in some of her other book.
I've read better from this author, but even then I'm not sure I'm a big fan of her writing style, I don't think it works for me.
The writing was juvenile (for the lack of a better description), there were a lot of cliche statements and the overdramatization didnt work here as in some of her other book.
I've read better from this author, but even then I'm not sure I'm a big fan of her writing style, I don't think it works for me.
DNF 60%
Life is too short for me, to have to force myself to read a book, that uses retrograde amnesia as a plot device.
Life is too short for me, to have to force myself to read a book, that uses retrograde amnesia as a plot device.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought this book was about your typical gay guy falling for his supposedly-straight BFF and
would have major pining throughout most of the book, but was disappointed to know that, not even quarter way in the story, the MCs confessed their years-long love for each other, even more disappointed that it was Jordan who discredited Gael's feelings a decade ago and made himself look like the long-suffering martyr who sacrificed his love to see his best friend get married to another woman.
Then, like stuff out of overly-dramatic soap operas, or your typically tragic Asian dramas, the universe throws a huge, out-of-left-field wrench to pour rain on their Vegas parade. And then Jordan tries again for that same self-sacrificing role that he insists on playing.
But gets schooled by an unexpected person.
I'm not too sure I can stomach the over-flowery professions of love, especially in front of an audience like they are performing Romeo and Juliette on stage.
Ache was definitely an ache but not in a good way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Injury/Injury detail
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Wow. Marley Valentine has once again blown me away with her stellar storytelling. This complex, intricately woven tale of Gael and Jordan had me experiencing every emotion there is. I was fully invested in the character arcs of both main characters and rooting for their happiness throughout.
I was so captivated by Gael and Jordan. So captured by their words, and their story, I couldn’t put it down. I was completely caught up by their heart wrenching yet beautiful love story. These two are so beautiful and your heart aches for these men and the love they have but hide. There is never a question of whether or not they want to be together or if they love each other. The question is how they make it work with the circumstances of life and emotional baggage they each carry. Their each have their own journey to navigate as well as the one they take together. And the reader is taken along with them each step of the way. Everything about this book from the writing to the characters to the prose. All of it. It’s mesmerising. The feelings it pulls from you and the heartfelt moments that you experience – there is just no justice when it comes to explaining it. I know my words could never do it justice anyway.
There is so much heart in this story. Gael and Jordan’s journey is a very turbulent story, filled to the brim with heartbreak and longing, yet also an incredible amount of tenderness and love. Marley Valentine is such a master at telling these stories. I just marvel at how wholly complex and intricate they are. It's not just the telling of a story, it is the complete weaving of the thoughts and feelings of the characters throughout that keep me so captivated and living in the moment of the story. I get lost in her books and I emotionally feel what these characters are going through every single time. Ache was so beautifully done, a gripping and highly emotional story. Words cannot convey how much I truly loved this book.
I was so captivated by Gael and Jordan. So captured by their words, and their story, I couldn’t put it down. I was completely caught up by their heart wrenching yet beautiful love story. These two are so beautiful and your heart aches for these men and the love they have but hide. There is never a question of whether or not they want to be together or if they love each other. The question is how they make it work with the circumstances of life and emotional baggage they each carry. Their each have their own journey to navigate as well as the one they take together. And the reader is taken along with them each step of the way. Everything about this book from the writing to the characters to the prose. All of it. It’s mesmerising. The feelings it pulls from you and the heartfelt moments that you experience – there is just no justice when it comes to explaining it. I know my words could never do it justice anyway.
There is so much heart in this story. Gael and Jordan’s journey is a very turbulent story, filled to the brim with heartbreak and longing, yet also an incredible amount of tenderness and love. Marley Valentine is such a master at telling these stories. I just marvel at how wholly complex and intricate they are. It's not just the telling of a story, it is the complete weaving of the thoughts and feelings of the characters throughout that keep me so captivated and living in the moment of the story. I get lost in her books and I emotionally feel what these characters are going through every single time. Ache was so beautifully done, a gripping and highly emotional story. Words cannot convey how much I truly loved this book.
oh man. I read and adored the short story. This book is not at all what i expected based on the short story, and not in a good way.
I would have been on board, maybe, for the tropes in this book had i been warned. but it was sold as friends to lovers, lots of unresolved angst and tension. instead we get clingy hookups, a brain injury, lost memories of the vegas weekend, and lots of misunderstandings. oh hell no. that's not what i wanted to read.
That the short story makes up a large portion of the book is not the issue, it's that the new stuff that was added before and after is awful and not at all how it was set up. I'll keep the short story and love it, but this book is a big fat no.
I would have been on board, maybe, for the tropes in this book had i been warned. but it was sold as friends to lovers, lots of unresolved angst and tension. instead we get clingy hookups, a brain injury, lost memories of the vegas weekend, and lots of misunderstandings. oh hell no. that's not what i wanted to read.
That the short story makes up a large portion of the book is not the issue, it's that the new stuff that was added before and after is awful and not at all how it was set up. I'll keep the short story and love it, but this book is a big fat no.
3.5
This book was sooo cute!! I seriously love friends to lovers. It just makes my heart sing with how precious it can be.
There were just 2 problems I had with this book. One being the amnesia plot line. I didn't know I hated amnesia romances until now. But dang, it pissed me off.
And 2, sometimes I mixed up the 2 POV's of Gael and Jordan. Just sometimes their voices kind of clashed and I'd forget who's POV I was reading.
But other than that, this was such a good friends to lovers story that left my heart... well... aching.
This book was sooo cute!! I seriously love friends to lovers. It just makes my heart sing with how precious it can be.
There were just 2 problems I had with this book. One being the amnesia plot line. I didn't know I hated amnesia romances until now. But dang, it pissed me off.
And 2, sometimes I mixed up the 2 POV's of Gael and Jordan. Just sometimes their voices kind of clashed and I'd forget who's POV I was reading.
But other than that, this was such a good friends to lovers story that left my heart... well... aching.
What to expect: LBGTQIA, sexual awakening, forbidden love, cheating, dual pov
I really like Marley's writing! This is my second one after Without You, and I really enjoy her storytelling. She does forbidden romance really well and the character development is great.
I really enjoyed this story and was invested the whole time, and I will definitely be checking out more of her books.
Spice: 3
I really like Marley's writing! This is my second one after Without You, and I really enjoy her storytelling. She does forbidden romance really well and the character development is great.
I really enjoyed this story and was invested the whole time, and I will definitely be checking out more of her books.
Spice: 3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident
Marley does such a good job of breaking your heart and then putting it back together and filling it with love. She always makes me cry sad and happy tears and this book was no different. I love a good friends to lovers story, as well. Teddy Hamilton and Gomez Pugh did so well on the audio for those like me who are audiobook lovers!