cadiva's review against another edition
5.0
How much do I love thee, let me count the ways!
Oh sweet Lord this book is good. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly why it's so good, but it is.
It has a seriously slow burn romance between two radically different men who fall in love over house renovations.
It has an annoying ex who just can't let go and who takes things to the extremes.
It has a whole bunch of gay craftsmen who have suffered with losing contracting work because of their sexuality.
It has a bunch of beautifully depicted secondary characters including David's brilliantly cutting best friend and work colleague Michael, and Jackson's stereotype busting painter friend Gil. I hope we get their story next.
It has amazing sex, the first time these two go any further than just kissing is so incredibly passionate and when they finally make love the emotions fly off the page and sear your heart.
I loved the whole setting of this book, the feel of these turn of the century craftsman homes with their quirks and unique features, this book was firmly anchored in a world which felt real.
And the cover, well yes, indeed, where can I find my own David and Jackson please :D
Oh sweet Lord this book is good. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly why it's so good, but it is.
It has a seriously slow burn romance between two radically different men who fall in love over house renovations.
It has an annoying ex who just can't let go and who takes things to the extremes.
It has a whole bunch of gay craftsmen who have suffered with losing contracting work because of their sexuality.
It has a bunch of beautifully depicted secondary characters including David's brilliantly cutting best friend and work colleague Michael, and Jackson's stereotype busting painter friend Gil. I hope we get their story next.
It has amazing sex, the first time these two go any further than just kissing is so incredibly passionate and when they finally make love the emotions fly off the page and sear your heart.
I loved the whole setting of this book, the feel of these turn of the century craftsman homes with their quirks and unique features, this book was firmly anchored in a world which felt real.
And the cover, well yes, indeed, where can I find my own David and Jackson please :D
annen's review
4.0
This book was alright, it was a light,sweet romance but nothing particularly memorable in it.
The writing is good, the story flows well enough and both MCs are likeable.
I noted some strange inconsistencies like the author didn't remember all the details of the book eg
It was a nice book though.
The writing is good, the story flows well enough and both MCs are likeable.
I noted some strange inconsistencies like the author didn't remember all the details of the book eg
Spoiler
How is it that David can't shower in his house because of the problem with the sewer line but he uses the toilet and kitchen sink without a problem? or how is it that David needed to drive Jackson to the hospital because it would be an issue getting his mom in his truck but his mom had a Mercedes sedan that could have done the job? I mean Jackson's brother made quite a stink about how Jackson was going to deal with it, I kept wondering why his mother didn't have a car. Also how come all these rich men are working blue collar jobs that don't seem to pay much? Gil's family is loaded but he is a painter. Michael is next in line for the head of department but he is David's assistant not a second in command.It was a nice book though.
rissa53's review
3.0
3.5 really
I liked the story fine. I liked David and Jackson - I just felt bad because it felt like they were going through so much (which I can relate). I had some unanswered questions especially about what happened to David's car and who I thought the author alluded to (because why would it be pointed out...unless I was reading into it too much? LOL).
It seemed open-ended (not with David and Jackson) and I see that there is a second book...
I liked the story fine. I liked David and Jackson - I just felt bad because it felt like they were going through so much (which I can relate). I had some unanswered questions especially about what happened to David's car and who I thought the author alluded to (because why would it be pointed out...unless I was reading into it too much? LOL).
It seemed open-ended (not with David and Jackson) and I see that there is a second book...
digthewriter's review
3.0
2.5 rounded up. / This audiobook was over 9 hours long. Most that know me, know that I eat 9 hours audiobooks for second breakfast.
Still, this book was something – that felt like GOD, WILL THIS EVER END?! When I told my partner that I was still “reading” this book, she was like “seriously? Still?”
I wanted to like it. I mostly liked it. But…
I felt NOTHING for David.
Why did Jackson’s siblings need to be complete assholes? I have no idea. Can there be ANY characterization to why the asshole characters were actually assholes? – There was none.
Jackson’s older brother is running for office, and is a douche, with a wife he doesn’t deserve. And his sister is basically a rich, spoiled brat, and he’s the saviour who also just happens to be the gay son that no one liked? (Except for the mom).
I liked the storyline with Jackson taking care of his mom, and how he moved back home, but that was about it.
Even though this is an insta-love story – by the time we get to the sex and smut (which, I have to admit is the ONLY SAVING POINT of this book) – I am just so done with David and Trevor and Jackson that I couldn’t even appreciate it.
How many times is “goose flesh” mentioned in the story? I lost count after 10.
David – regardless of the fact has a strong mother, and a strong sister role model spends YEARS with Trevor and puts up w/ his shit – is COMPLETELY unrealistic. His dad was even chill after he’d come out to him. He had nothing but positive influences so for him to be with an ASS like Trevor – I didn’t buy it.
DID NOT BUY IT.
And I’m of the unpopular opinion here but the only character I felt that was truly well done was Trevor. He was a show-off that was seriously in debt, angry all the time with David because David was confident, and smart, and good with money. He bought the condo, he paid for everything, – Trevor was jealous of David. He wanted to control him b/c Trevor couldn’t control anything in his own damn life so he attacked the only good thing in his life. PERFECT CHARACTERIZATION of an asshole. Brilliant, really. Trevor was exactly like Jackson’s dad. The show off. In thousands of dollars in debt – the parallel was uncanny and really fantastic. I was actually impressed.
Now let’s get to the thing that COMPLETELY turned me off about this book. Even though I liked the author’s writing, she’s very very very talented, no doubt about it.
Right off the bat – I was turned off by the AMOUNT of domestic abuse. I felt like no warning was provided and all of sudden there’s so much domestic abuse. Trevor controls David. Manny’s ex-bf, beating the crap out of him. Then emotional abuse of Gil’s siblings not caring about their parents. Like, really…are all rich kids that spoiled and David is humble b/c his parents were just “middle class?”
Some of the other reviewers have said that there was tons of info-dump and in the beginning I didn’t mind it b/c no one wants to read about explicit domestic abuse, but after – when David’s making a cheese plate for a party and there’s this HUGE “hey it’s been 6 weeks – this is what happened” was annoying.
And David, oh my god, DAVID. Grow a fucking spine! He was with Trevor for over 5 years and did everything Trevor did – and then when he’s with Jackson, he gets a matching tattoo w/ only knowing him for 2 months? (If that?) OMG, I really did not like David. NOT AT ALL. All his snark with Michael was supposed to be funny, and comic relief, but it was just annoying.
And then one last thing. The tattoo. There was like no after-care. As someone who has several tattoos – and for an author that paid so much attention to the smallest details in the story (the house, the architecture, what Jackson works, his pale-blue eyes, his truck, David’s car, the neighbour's dog, the piping, the plumbing, the heat, the mom, the sister, the food…) Oh his tattoo has a plastic wrap. He got a tattoo at 2 pm and then later after the party – the plastic is still there? You are supposed to wash it with anti-bacterial and you cannot wear tight jeans if you get a tattoo on your hip – the first day – and the next morning when they wake up and rush to Jackson’s mom’s house – there’s no application of lotion or anything for the tattoo – esp when it’s all about David riding him the night before b/c the burn on his skin would be too much. OH, GET IT TOGETHER!
The story ends with David still scared that Trevor is out there somewhere and he has PTSD – and maybe the second book in the series might explore that – but given that David is such a dependent and needy motherfucker, he would have TOLD Jackson his fears. The whole point was that Jackson was different and comforting (than Trevor) and if David really trusted him, he would share his fears. Especially if Jackson makes him feel safe.
I was really turned off by David’s characterization, you guys. I can’t even.
Still, this book was something – that felt like GOD, WILL THIS EVER END?! When I told my partner that I was still “reading” this book, she was like “seriously? Still?”
I wanted to like it. I mostly liked it. But…
I felt NOTHING for David.
Why did Jackson’s siblings need to be complete assholes? I have no idea. Can there be ANY characterization to why the asshole characters were actually assholes? – There was none.
Jackson’s older brother is running for office, and is a douche, with a wife he doesn’t deserve. And his sister is basically a rich, spoiled brat, and he’s the saviour who also just happens to be the gay son that no one liked? (Except for the mom).
I liked the storyline with Jackson taking care of his mom, and how he moved back home, but that was about it.
Even though this is an insta-love story – by the time we get to the sex and smut (which, I have to admit is the ONLY SAVING POINT of this book) – I am just so done with David and Trevor and Jackson that I couldn’t even appreciate it.
How many times is “goose flesh” mentioned in the story? I lost count after 10.
David – regardless of the fact has a strong mother, and a strong sister role model spends YEARS with Trevor and puts up w/ his shit – is COMPLETELY unrealistic. His dad was even chill after he’d come out to him. He had nothing but positive influences so for him to be with an ASS like Trevor – I didn’t buy it.
DID NOT BUY IT.
And I’m of the unpopular opinion here but the only character I felt that was truly well done was Trevor. He was a show-off that was seriously in debt, angry all the time with David because David was confident, and smart, and good with money. He bought the condo, he paid for everything, – Trevor was jealous of David. He wanted to control him b/c Trevor couldn’t control anything in his own damn life so he attacked the only good thing in his life. PERFECT CHARACTERIZATION of an asshole. Brilliant, really. Trevor was exactly like Jackson’s dad. The show off. In thousands of dollars in debt – the parallel was uncanny and really fantastic. I was actually impressed.
Now let’s get to the thing that COMPLETELY turned me off about this book. Even though I liked the author’s writing, she’s very very very talented, no doubt about it.
Right off the bat – I was turned off by the AMOUNT of domestic abuse. I felt like no warning was provided and all of sudden there’s so much domestic abuse. Trevor controls David. Manny’s ex-bf, beating the crap out of him. Then emotional abuse of Gil’s siblings not caring about their parents. Like, really…are all rich kids that spoiled and David is humble b/c his parents were just “middle class?”
Some of the other reviewers have said that there was tons of info-dump and in the beginning I didn’t mind it b/c no one wants to read about explicit domestic abuse, but after – when David’s making a cheese plate for a party and there’s this HUGE “hey it’s been 6 weeks – this is what happened” was annoying.
And David, oh my god, DAVID. Grow a fucking spine! He was with Trevor for over 5 years and did everything Trevor did – and then when he’s with Jackson, he gets a matching tattoo w/ only knowing him for 2 months? (If that?) OMG, I really did not like David. NOT AT ALL. All his snark with Michael was supposed to be funny, and comic relief, but it was just annoying.
And then one last thing. The tattoo. There was like no after-care. As someone who has several tattoos – and for an author that paid so much attention to the smallest details in the story (the house, the architecture, what Jackson works, his pale-blue eyes, his truck, David’s car, the neighbour's dog, the piping, the plumbing, the heat, the mom, the sister, the food…) Oh his tattoo has a plastic wrap. He got a tattoo at 2 pm and then later after the party – the plastic is still there? You are supposed to wash it with anti-bacterial and you cannot wear tight jeans if you get a tattoo on your hip – the first day – and the next morning when they wake up and rush to Jackson’s mom’s house – there’s no application of lotion or anything for the tattoo – esp when it’s all about David riding him the night before b/c the burn on his skin would be too much. OH, GET IT TOGETHER!
The story ends with David still scared that Trevor is out there somewhere and he has PTSD – and maybe the second book in the series might explore that – but given that David is such a dependent and needy motherfucker, he would have TOLD Jackson his fears. The whole point was that Jackson was different and comforting (than Trevor) and if David really trusted him, he would share his fears. Especially if Jackson makes him feel safe.
I was really turned off by David’s characterization, you guys. I can’t even.
tink535's review
3.0
Very very sweet, enjoyed the story, the narration was just not quite right for me.
cadiva's review
5.0
How much do I love thee, let me count the ways!
Oh sweet Lord this book is good. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly why it's so good, but it is.
It has a seriously slow burn romance between two radically different men who fall in love over house renovations.
It has an annoying ex who just can't let go and who takes things to the extremes.
It has a whole bunch of gay craftsmen who have suffered with losing contracting work because of their sexuality.
It has a bunch of beautifully depicted secondary characters including David's brilliantly cutting best friend and work colleague Michael, and Jackson's stereotype busting painter friend Gil. I hope we get their story next.
It has amazing sex, the first time these two go any further than just kissing is so incredibly passionate and when they finally make love the emotions fly off the page and sear your heart.
I loved the whole setting of this book, the feel of these turn of the century craftsman homes with their quirks and unique features, this book was firmly anchored in a world which felt real.
And the cover, well yes, indeed, where can I find my own David and Jackson please :D
Oh sweet Lord this book is good. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly why it's so good, but it is.
It has a seriously slow burn romance between two radically different men who fall in love over house renovations.
It has an annoying ex who just can't let go and who takes things to the extremes.
It has a whole bunch of gay craftsmen who have suffered with losing contracting work because of their sexuality.
It has a bunch of beautifully depicted secondary characters including David's brilliantly cutting best friend and work colleague Michael, and Jackson's stereotype busting painter friend Gil. I hope we get their story next.
It has amazing sex, the first time these two go any further than just kissing is so incredibly passionate and when they finally make love the emotions fly off the page and sear your heart.
I loved the whole setting of this book, the feel of these turn of the century craftsman homes with their quirks and unique features, this book was firmly anchored in a world which felt real.
And the cover, well yes, indeed, where can I find my own David and Jackson please :D
mindforbooks's review against another edition
4.0
A hug in a book. Really sweet and just comforting to read. Felt Autumnal. For me all the characters were extremely likable and it just was all so lovely. It moves slow but also the relationship development is kind of fast and it's got pretty much a little bit of everything. I'm away on my hollibops at the end of the week and I'm annoyed I didn't save this for then. It's perfect 'by the pool' reading but works equally as well as a 'Sunday in PJ's' read as well.
Oh and beware, this book contains a FIERCE wild animal!!
My thanks to Susan for the recommendation. I've been having a bit of a slump of late and have been mostly sticking to rereads. I feel reinvigorated!!
swamphag's review
5.0
I am always excited when I can give a book five stars because it means the book was so good that I’d read it over and over.
This book gave me the warm fuzzies and Jackson was such a great character because he was one of those strong, slightly scary types that are secretly a marshmallow inside, but super competent. David was great because he was going through a lot but was still really supportive of his mom and Jackson.
It was a slow burn romance, but it didn’t fizzle out or get boring. Instead Copland used the secondary characters to add depth to the book, but also to make their romance more complex and three-dimensional. The side characters in this book were really fleshed out, but they didn’t take focus away from David and Jackson. This is something I always love in any book because friendships are the most important thing for me, but I like when an author can balance that with a romance.
I was so happy that this book didn’t end up being really melodramatic despite the bad ex intervening in David’s life. Sure Trevor caused a lot of problems, but it was part of the plot and Copland used it to bring David and Jackson closer instead of having it cause drama between them. That was something I really appreciated about this book and wish other books would do instead of having someone flounce off in a rage causing drama just for the sake of it.
Even though Jackson was kind of a gruff, buff, no-nonsense kind of guy, and David was more effeminate (self-described!), artistic, and indoors-y, there was no conflict just because they had different interests/personalities. Copland used their differences as a way they could get to know each other and be supportive, without being too up in each other’s businesses. For example: Jackson goes and finds nice furniture for David because he knows he’s an interior designer, whereas David tries to help Jackson find construction work.
This book was something I really enjoyed reading because I loved getting to know all of the characters and was really able to root for David and Jackson to be together.
Originally posted over at JLR: https://justloveromance.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/david-renewed-diana-copland/
This book gave me the warm fuzzies and Jackson was such a great character because he was one of those strong, slightly scary types that are secretly a marshmallow inside, but super competent. David was great because he was going through a lot but was still really supportive of his mom and Jackson.
It was a slow burn romance, but it didn’t fizzle out or get boring. Instead Copland used the secondary characters to add depth to the book, but also to make their romance more complex and three-dimensional. The side characters in this book were really fleshed out, but they didn’t take focus away from David and Jackson. This is something I always love in any book because friendships are the most important thing for me, but I like when an author can balance that with a romance.
I was so happy that this book didn’t end up being really melodramatic despite the bad ex intervening in David’s life. Sure Trevor caused a lot of problems, but it was part of the plot and Copland used it to bring David and Jackson closer instead of having it cause drama between them. That was something I really appreciated about this book and wish other books would do instead of having someone flounce off in a rage causing drama just for the sake of it.
Even though Jackson was kind of a gruff, buff, no-nonsense kind of guy, and David was more effeminate (self-described!), artistic, and indoors-y, there was no conflict just because they had different interests/personalities. Copland used their differences as a way they could get to know each other and be supportive, without being too up in each other’s businesses. For example: Jackson goes and finds nice furniture for David because he knows he’s an interior designer, whereas David tries to help Jackson find construction work.
This book was something I really enjoyed reading because I loved getting to know all of the characters and was really able to root for David and Jackson to be together.
Originally posted over at JLR: https://justloveromance.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/david-renewed-diana-copland/
tja055f6's review
5.0
5 freakin stars!!!! A slow burn m/m romance OMG I need more of you in my life ! And talk about passion!! I just loved the hell out of this book!!
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