A review by imme_van_gorp
Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

First read: February/March 2022 | ★4.5 stars
Second read: October 2022 | ★4.5 stars
Third read: May 2024 | ★5.0 stars

Oh my freaking god, this might possibly be the absolute cutest thing I’ve ever read.
It was completely unexpected, but I loved this book so much.

These characters were surprisingly lovable: they wormed their way into my heart, planted their arses there, and refused to move for the entire duration of the book. They were so sweet, so kind, so funny, so witty, and just so so cute and swoon-worthy!!

Theo and Jamie were obviously amazing characters and I loved them so much individually, but I loved the dynamic they had with each other even more. Their chemistry was pouring off of these pages and their banter was incredible.
I adored how they started off as friends, and were genuinely there for each other. I could see the pure love they had for one another, even aside from any type of romance. They shared a deeper connection, an understanding and respect for each other, but above all, a continual need and want to always be in each other’s company. They saw and did the little things; the things that are needed to have a functioning and true relationship, instead of merely a deep attraction.

This book is written entirely from Theo’s perspective, and, although I would have killed to see inside of Jamie’s head, this did help with the whole slow-burn aspect. After all, Theo is the most oblivious person on the planet, and doesn’t see his relationship with Jamie as anything more than friendship for a very long time. Meanwhile, Jamie was half-way in love with Theo from the start, desperately waiting for Theo to notice and answer him with the same feelings. Jamie wasn’t pushy, though. Never that.
I am an absolute sucker for (semi-)unrequited feelings, and it was perfectly done here. My heart was fluttering and my heart was swooning. I loved the way Jamie loved Theo, and I adored the way Theo cared for Jamie. Their relationship was perfect, and their road to finally being together was amazing.

I also really liked the supporting characters in this novel, especially Theo’s sister, Leone. She had such a sweet relationship with Theo as well as Jamie.

If I have to give some pointers, I would say that sometimes this book had some difficulties really staying in the moment. Certain situations seemed like they could have been further developed and delved into deeper.
I'm not sure if this problem had to do with the writing-style or the pacing, but... it unfortunately resulted in a slightly more superficial vibe during important moments, whereas I actually wanted to be fully emotionally into it. After all, that was exactly how I was feeling towards the characters: deep emotional investment!
This was honestly my one and only complaint with this book, though. Had this part been done better, then I’m sure I would have rated this the full 5 stars.

Long story short, this was highly enjoyable and absolutely adorable. If any of this author's other books have similar character and relationship arcs, then I can honestly not wait to read more by her!!