A review by bribreez
June First by Jennifer Hartmann

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

*Check trigger warnings before reading.

4.5⭐️/ 3-4🌶️

Jennifer Hartman always writes such intriguing, unique, and dare I say sometimes taboo stories that just work? Well, in this story it was one that definitely had a taboo element, but never fear it’s not what you might think it is. This story followed, Brant as one night changed their direction of his life entirely, and how he became part of the Bailey’s family, as well as a big part of June Bailey’s life. In true Jennifer Hartman style, she wrote this story with emotional depth, sadness, and the occasional brightness that emanated from Brant and June’s lives through out the years. Definitely a book I had been wanting to read for quite some time, and as per usual, Jennifer didn’t disappoint with her amazing writing and captivating storytelling.

First and foremost, this story is a taboo romance between foster siblings. No, the characters are not blood related therefore it’s not incest, they are just referred to as siblings since, Brant was adopted by June’s family when he was a kid. Brant joined the Bailey family after the horrific death’s of his parents, and had nowhere else to go. Luckily, Brant’s best friend’s family adopted him as one of their own, and was fully embraced as part of the family. Even when Brant was adopted, he just saw his best friend, Theo the same way, and never saw June as his sister, just someone who he cared deeply about and swore to always protect. I can see why some people had issues with this book, but I honestly had no issue while reading this book. If you’re not a fan of taboo romances then, this book won’t be for you. Just wanted to clear that up before people start saying this is an entirely different story that actually isn’t. 

Anyways, I really loved the way the story was set up. From the beginning, middle, and end, this story spanned over the years as Brant was six years old experiencing a traumatic tragedy, June being the newest addition to the Bailey family, and Brant becoming a part of a new family who loved him just as much as if he were their own. Seeing Brant’s life change overnight was crazy to me, especially reading what he experienced at a young age, it’s no surprise why he was so shocked by the events that occurred. Reading this book in the different ages of both Brant and June really illustrated them both growing up, as well as seeing their mindset at different points in their lives. As Brant got older, his life started to become more about figuring out his next moves, but also still being one hundred percent supportive of June. For June, seeing her go from the most adorable little baby to a preteen/teenage, to finally a woman really made a difference in seeing June go through different stages of her life. I will say even early on, seeing Brant and June start to form and later have their strong bond was heartwarming to see, especially as June was two years old, and Brant being so sweet and endearing with June. 

I should have known that Jennifer Hartman was going to emotional crush me with this book, and yet I shockingly wasn’t prepared for the water works that occurred when reading this story. In true Jennifer Hartman style, the middle half of the story took a turn in which something devastating happened, and it involved a character I didn’t expect to have such a visceral response to. The way my heart broke reading that specific chapter, and seeing the other characters reactions was heartbreaking and sad. Dang, Jennifer really knows how to make me cry! (Sigh) goes to show that even in the midst of June and Brant’s story, there was still other aspects that played into this emotional driven story. 

I KNEW going into this book it was going to be centered around foster siblings, and yet, I was still a bit unsure of when things started to switch into the romance part of this story. I think the way Jennifer wrote this book illustrated the initial guilt, shame, and distance Brant had when he started to realize his feelings for June weren’t the ones he should have been having for someone who was basically considered his family. *AGAIN THEY WERE NOT BLOOD RELATED! Even June came to the realization that the man she considered her brother was someone she secretly knew she shouldn’t be viewing as someone in a romantic way. The taboo element of the story was a gradual build up, a slow burn in a way that really honed in on both June and Brant fighting against their feelings for each other, but also wishing they could be more. 

Wow, this story really surprised me, and it was good. I will say that, this type of book may not be for everyone and that’s ok. I have read some taboo romances before, but never one that had this specific storyline of being foster siblings/ adopted siblings. I’ll admit, when things started to get romantic between Brant and June, I was a bit conflicted for certain reasons. Even when things started to take a turn when Brant and June were discovered being together, it was a bit of a mess and shock while reading. Just like any Jennifer Hartman book, she knows how to write captivating, emotionally stories, and oh boy did Jennifer wreck me during the middle portion of this book! I’m talking ugly sobbing, and feeling heartbroken! For me to cry, goes to show that I had a visceral reaction to the writing and characters in this book. Even towards the ending, and epilogue I found myself getting choked up over the beautiful ending Brant and June finally got. Through the ups and downs of life from losing loved ones, experiencing a forbidden love, and trying to navigate life itself, June and Brant fought to be together, and finally managed to get to a place where they were both ready to be together without losing sight of themselves. Jennifer wrote a taboo romance that was emotional, but also took into account the things that even the people in Brant and June’s lives weren’t automatically in favor of them being together, but it was more of a gradual progression that they learned to accept. Still not one hundred percent sure if I was a fan of the romance, but there were some aspects I liked about it. As a whole, I liked the emotional connection I experienced while reading, seeing the inner turmoil Brant experienced in trying to avoid falling further for June, and seeing June spreading her wings of independence. The ending and epilogue were written beautifully to end off Brant and June’s story together, sentimental and heartfelt that included the other characters too. 

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