A review by graciemac10
Ache by Marley Valentine

dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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.