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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Yas Yas yas Yas yasssssss.
First of all, smut is not my jam.
So when it was suggested that I read a mm smut book (and by suggested I mean basically forced) I’ll be honest I wasn’t thrilled, way outside my comfort zone.
HOWEVER.
Oh my gosh.
This book, made me comffffyyy.
Jack & Max have an incredible history and a beautiful blossoming romance that just truly shows how finding the right person will make you the absolute best version of yourself.
And Emma, you fierce, brave queen.
I loved them all so much.
I laughed. a lot
I cried.
I squealed like a little school girl.
And I was just so happy sad when it ended.
If you have not read a book by Dianna Roman, you are missing out. We will be seeing her name on #1 best seller lists in no time!
First of all, smut is not my jam.
So when it was suggested that I read a mm smut book (and by suggested I mean basically forced) I’ll be honest I wasn’t thrilled, way outside my comfort zone.
HOWEVER.
Oh my gosh.
This book, made me comffffyyy.
Jack & Max have an incredible history and a beautiful blossoming romance that just truly shows how finding the right person will make you the absolute best version of yourself.
And Emma, you fierce, brave queen.
I loved them all so much.
I laughed. a lot
I cried.
I squealed like a little school girl.
And I was just so happy sad when it ended.
If you have not read a book by Dianna Roman, you are missing out. We will be seeing her name on #1 best seller lists in no time!
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. So happy to read this by a new to me author, as it was so this book is one for the records as the impact of loss isn't just felt by one person but many and the lives that have to keep on living afterwards. There is so much heartache and pain while reading Max and Jack's story. An awaking of feelings is put to the test but are either men really ready for the reality of those feelings, and giving Jack *murder-eyes* every chance he gets.
Okay is shameful to laugh at Max in his dilemma of awkward discovery, and Jack's with his spiral, because man this books a packs punch of hilariously funny while making the reader reel in on these characters. Two crazy sisters, and throw in the forced outing.
Losing Lainey had emotional and physical broke Max, having his best friend be there for Emma and him had been a blessing. Never realizing that Jack was keeping a secret close to his chest. Over six years of friendship was about to be put to a test that Max wasn't sure he was strong enough to handle. With one kiss Jack is about to out himself but what more is will it cost him his friendship in the proceedings? Jack was running and the only person he had left was Carrie, can he sister talk him down from the downward spiraling ledge he sets on. (which I just loved that little recluse!) Or Morgan coming onto Jack every chance she gets.
Okay is shameful to laugh at Max in his dilemma of awkward discovery, and Jack's with his spiral, because man this books a packs punch of hilariously funny while making the reader reel in on these characters. Two crazy sisters, and throw in the forced outing.
Losing Lainey had emotional and physical broke Max, having his best friend be there for Emma and him had been a blessing. Never realizing that Jack was keeping a secret close to his chest. Over six years of friendship was about to be put to a test that Max wasn't sure he was strong enough to handle. With one kiss Jack is about to out himself but what more is will it cost him his friendship in the proceedings? Jack was running and the only person he had left was Carrie, can he sister talk him down from the downward spiraling ledge he sets on. (which I just loved that little recluse!) Or Morgan coming onto Jack every chance she gets.
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
4.75
There were definitely some things I didn't like about this book: Jack's parents; Lainey's parents who then just disappear; unrealistic events; having to be either gay or straight with no other options - it felt like bisexual didn't exist at all, let alone pan, demi etc. all three could have been relevant for Max; but regardless, I really enjoyed this story of friends to lovers.
I cried so much throughout this book and my heart broke for Jack so many times. I just completely loved his character and his emotional rollercoaster felt real - the way he's all sunshine and light outwardly, but internally he's a catastrophiser and feels everything deeply.
Max was very difficult for me to like for so much of the book because his communication skills were frankly awful for someone who relies on getting his point across clearly in his profession. Once I got there though I really liked his character too, and I liked how he took control.
It was probably a bit too long, but it hit all the emotions I want from a story and I couldn't really pinpoint much I'd remove - I always like long books where you get to know characters really well. I loved the dual POV because without it I would never have liked Max at all. There were also some really good laugh out loud moments too, so on the emotional scale I rate with, I really couldn't ask for much more.
There were definitely some things I didn't like about this book: Jack's parents; Lainey's parents who then just disappear; unrealistic events; having to be either gay or straight with no other options - it felt like bisexual didn't exist at all, let alone pan, demi etc. all three could have been relevant for Max; but regardless, I really enjoyed this story of friends to lovers.
I cried so much throughout this book and my heart broke for Jack so many times. I just completely loved his character and his emotional rollercoaster felt real - the way he's all sunshine and light outwardly, but internally he's a catastrophiser and feels everything deeply.
Max was very difficult for me to like for so much of the book because his communication skills were frankly awful for someone who relies on getting his point across clearly in his profession. Once I got there though I really liked his character too, and I liked how he took control.
It was probably a bit too long, but it hit all the emotions I want from a story and I couldn't really pinpoint much I'd remove - I always like long books where you get to know characters really well. I loved the dual POV because without it I would never have liked Max at all. There were also some really good laugh out loud moments too, so on the emotional scale I rate with, I really couldn't ask for much more.
This was sweet and I appreciated MC2’s initial reaction.
My only thing was that I’m not a fan of the widower of a happy marriage trope. I kind of struggle with it.
My only thing was that I’m not a fan of the widower of a happy marriage trope. I kind of struggle with it.
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Contains: best friends to lovers, coming out to your straight best friend, baseball, grief, widower, single parent, player, struggle awakening, video tape drama, first time with a man.
I have read back my reviews and found a lot of complaints. But I assured you this book is amazing! I loved a ton of it. There is a lot to love. I did, however, point out what I would have like more. If these elements were in it, I would have given 5 stars, no questions asked.
This book is soooo cute and at the same time I found it sooooo long. From 60% to 100 % were the longest pages of the book, in my opinion. I knew he had to come out at some point, but the hfn that stretched to the drama was way too long.
On the other hand, the grief was handled beautifully. The challenge of Max, a single dad adjusting to a new life/routine with some struggle from the kid schedule and his job plus household chores, accurate and so well written. My heart hurts for him. But at least he had his best friend.
The best friend, a closeted baseball player, who hasn't even come out to his straight best friend. One day, to comfort him, he kisses him. The secret is out of the bag. Other than baseball and his friend and his little girl, his life is dull. Nothing important. And with only one gesture, his ideas spiral. He is sure that he will lose everything. And Max, well, he doesn't react very well, puts a big distance between them.
On the one hand, it breaks my heart, heartwrenching, but on the other hand.... Finally, a book where the character takes his time to confirm, panic, and struggle with all the new feelings that are awakening in him.
This book has an hea, but the way to there is long and rocky and beautifully written.
I would have taken more outside characters as the teammates or Taylor to help them, for them to confide, to show their support with more than a silent gesture even it it was an amazing gesture.
On another note, I still have not figured out how the father of the baseball player (I forgot his name and too lazy to check
I have read back my reviews and found a lot of complaints. But I assured you this book is amazing! I loved a ton of it. There is a lot to love. I did, however, point out what I would have like more. If these elements were in it, I would have given 5 stars, no questions asked.
This book is soooo cute and at the same time I found it sooooo long. From 60% to 100 % were the longest pages of the book, in my opinion. I knew he had to come out at some point, but the hfn that stretched to the drama was way too long.
On the other hand, the grief was handled beautifully. The challenge of Max, a single dad adjusting to a new life/routine with some struggle from the kid schedule and his job plus household chores, accurate and so well written. My heart hurts for him. But at least he had his best friend.
The best friend, a closeted baseball player, who hasn't even come out to his straight best friend. One day, to comfort him, he kisses him. The secret is out of the bag. Other than baseball and his friend and his little girl, his life is dull. Nothing important. And with only one gesture, his ideas spiral. He is sure that he will lose everything. And Max, well, he doesn't react very well, puts a big distance between them.
On the one hand, it breaks my heart, heartwrenching, but on the other hand.... Finally, a book where the character takes his time to confirm, panic, and struggle with all the new feelings that are awakening in him.
This book has an hea, but the way to there is long and rocky and beautifully written.
I would have taken more outside characters as the teammates or Taylor to help them, for them to confide, to show their support with more than a silent gesture even it it was an amazing gesture.
On another note, I still have not figured out how the father of the baseball player (I forgot his name and too lazy to check
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-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
This was so good but... the dead wife trope. Something about it feels so cheap to me. Maybe I see myself in the wives, so it feels unsettling when they exit the story early. They also always seem to be the coolest characters and genuine friends to the other mains. Idk...
Jack Spears = a great character. His bathtub breakdown and paranoia after an invasion of privacy: chef's kiss.
Max = uh... I'm iffy. I wanted to wring his neck through a lot of this, particularly from the start and the damn laundry room, but on the flip, once he accepted everything it felt almost too easy. Which is not fair of me to say.
Basically, I enjoyed this a lot. I also found it incredibly frustrating. It had a sweet epilogue that didn't feel corny or forced, which is always a great bonus.
Jack Spears = a great character. His bathtub breakdown and paranoia after an invasion of privacy: chef's kiss.
Max = uh... I'm iffy. I wanted to wring his neck through a lot of this, particularly from the start and the damn laundry room, but on the flip, once he accepted everything it felt almost too easy. Which is not fair of me to say.
Basically, I enjoyed this a lot. I also found it incredibly frustrating. It had a sweet epilogue that didn't feel corny or forced, which is always a great bonus.