A review by jamieb_19
Save the Game by J.J. Mulder

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense 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

4.5

Wars have been fought for less than a smile like Max Kuemper’s.

Ever since a traumatic event marred his sophomore year, Max Kuemper has kept his focus on his classes and hockey and has tried to make himself as invisible as possible everywhere else. Then one night, his late-night walks led him to an all-night diner where he met Luke Kelly, the cute, flirty waiter. Luke takes an instant liking to Max, and Max can’t help but be drawn in by his confidence and charm. Luke is the first person Max lets in after keeping everyone at arm’s length for so long, but Max’s secret looms large between them. Max fears he’ll lose Luke if it ever comes to light, but he also underestimates Luke’s commitment to their burgeoning relationship. In fact, clearing the air may be just the thing Max needs to finally get on the road to healing.

“Hello, you.”

What an emotional roller coaster! Right from the prologue, this book was quite the journey. It deals with an extremely difficult subject, but in a sensitive and caring way. My heart hurt for Max. I wanted to wrap him up and never let anything bad happen to him ever again. The poor guy really went through it and was suffering so much; it hurt to see him that way. I loved Luke for him so much. His sunshiny demeanor and general persistence in pursuing something with Max were just what Max needed. I also loved that despite everything he’d been through, Max was open to getting involved with Luke and kept grasping at a chance at normality again.

It was a bumpy road, though, as Max’s trauma reared its head at unexpected times. Luke was so wonderful with him, though, caring and patient, he made Max feel safe, and it was beautiful seeing the trust build between them. I don’t think I’ve ever read sex scenes that were quite as emotional as the ones in this book. They were beautiful and healing and often brought tears to my eyes.

I know he doesn’t belong to me, but I can’t help but feel that if someone were to be created specifically for me, they’d look and act a whole lot like Luke.

What happened to Max and the subsequent journey was difficult at times and hurt my heart to read, but the overall story balanced the heavier times with lighter moments. The flirting and general lightheartedness that Luke brought to the table were a welcome reprieve from the heavy moments, and I was thankful for it. I loved these two together, and it was worth the hard times to get to see how far Max came by the end of the book. I only wish that we had an epilogue. I’d love to see what the future holds for these two!

I can’t believe I was lucky enough to stumble across Luke Kelly in a fucking all-night diner, and I really can’t believe I might be lucky enough to hold onto him.