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ravenk28's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Hate crime, Mental illness, Sexual content, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Violence and Alcohol
tankytoon's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"I was glad he was persistent" - referring to Royal's tireless efforts in getting to know Camden, I feel the same sentiment towards this book, how glad I was that I did not give up reading it.
The two MC's couldn't be more different from each other: one a quiet recluse, living mostly in his own thoughts and music, and the other a sports star - but not your typical dumb jock. Both navigating their firsts with each other, first kiss, first relationship.
But it was so beautiful to see how far Camden has grown with Royal's gentle nudging, like a flower opening up to the sun. Blue is the light in Camden's darkness, drowning out the negative voices in Camden's head from years of his parents' censuring whispers.
For his part, Royal is the all-around good son, good brother, good friend, and good boyfriend. Loyal, almost to a fault, that he barely has time for himself. But then there's the constant support from his sister Indie and best friend Kai, who both have Royal's back despite fighting their own demons.
Royal and Camden's family also couldn't be more different from each other: one distant and discouraging, while the other open and loving, and it is here with Royal's family that Camden finally believes that the world isn't such a bad place after all, that there with the O' Connell's he can be free.
This book wouldn't have stood out among the usual tropey m/m romance without the well-written prose of A.M. Johnson. The feelings and emotions were elevated by the author's poetic and sensual use of words, especially during the sex scenes, that they were not crass or gratuitous, but convey so much love between the two characters.
The two MC's couldn't be more different from each other: one a quiet recluse, living mostly in his own thoughts and music, and the other a sports star - but not your typical dumb jock. Both navigating their firsts with each other, first kiss, first relationship.
But it was so beautiful to see how far Camden has grown with Royal's gentle nudging, like a flower opening up to the sun. Blue is the light in Camden's darkness, drowning out the negative voices in Camden's head from years of his parents' censuring whispers.
For his part, Royal is the all-around good son, good brother, good friend, and good boyfriend. Loyal, almost to a fault, that he barely has time for himself. But then there's the constant support from his sister Indie and best friend Kai, who both have Royal's back despite fighting their own demons.
Royal and Camden's family also couldn't be more different from each other: one distant and discouraging, while the other open and loving, and it is here with Royal's family that Camden finally believes that the world isn't such a bad place after all, that there with the O' Connell's he can be free.
This book wouldn't have stood out among the usual tropey m/m romance without the well-written prose of A.M. Johnson. The feelings and emotions were elevated by the author's poetic and sensual use of words, especially during the sex scenes, that they were not crass or gratuitous, but convey so much love between the two characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Hate crime, Homophobia, and Violence