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justnic83's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
rihoward's review against another edition
4.0
I just discovered this author this year and am a fan. She has a natural ability at creating a scene and setting a mood. I read the previous books out of order but it did not stop me from developing a major crush on the Stonewood brothers.
The author covered some pretty heavy topics in this book and I appreciated that because they are topics that need to be discussed instead of pushed under the rug. Especially, in the case of Jay. It generally isn't a redeemable quality in a hero but in this case, it was important because it showed how important he was to overcome. Mikka was a bit more of a problem for me. I didn't like the excuses that she used but I guess that is par for the course sadly enough for many in her situation.
That being said, I struggled a bit more with connecting with this book. The writing style felt different than the previous books and I wanted certain scenes fleshed out more, especially, in regard to Dougie. The last couple of chapters when everything happened seemed to come up fast and that was a bit disappointing because this book had the potential for more angst and more depth. However, even though this was not my favorite of the three books, I am still a huge fan of this author and look forward to seeing what she does next.
The author covered some pretty heavy topics in this book and I appreciated that because they are topics that need to be discussed instead of pushed under the rug. Especially, in the case of Jay. It generally isn't a redeemable quality in a hero but in this case, it was important because it showed how important he was to overcome. Mikka was a bit more of a problem for me. I didn't like the excuses that she used but I guess that is par for the course sadly enough for many in her situation.
That being said, I struggled a bit more with connecting with this book. The writing style felt different than the previous books and I wanted certain scenes fleshed out more, especially, in regard to Dougie. The last couple of chapters when everything happened seemed to come up fast and that was a bit disappointing because this book had the potential for more angst and more depth. However, even though this was not my favorite of the three books, I am still a huge fan of this author and look forward to seeing what she does next.
bookmarkedtbr's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Tropes: forced proximity, friends to lovers, small town, assistant/boss
FMC: Mikka - in a toxic relationship, takes her job as assistant to Jay very seriously
MMC: Jay - addict, actor, deeply cares for Mikka
Intimacy: On page
Summary
Mikka is Jay's PA and friend, and she has a nice life. Well, that is if she overlooks all of her boyfriend's red flags and Jay's addiction. Her life is moving along its predetermined path when Jay kisses her out of the blue. Now there are confusing feelings to work through and instead of getting the distance needed for that, she's forced to spend a month with him in his hometown as he shoots his next role.
Thoughts
I absolutely adored this book. I think about the characters often, if I'm honest. I did the weird thing (again) where I read this book before the other two in the series and it made me so excited to go to the beginning and learn about the relationships I saw glimpses of in this novel.
The dynamic between Mikka and Jay is so complex and real. Nothing comes easy for them and though they are good friends, they both still have a lot to learn about the other. Reading as their relationship grows is so gratifying and I left the story feeling like one of their friends. Even with the relatability, this novel still delivers on swoon-worthy moments and wild twists that you only see on TV. This is the book that made me a fan of Shain Rose and I've never looked back.
FMC: Mikka - in a toxic relationship, takes her job as assistant to Jay very seriously
MMC: Jay - addict, actor, deeply cares for Mikka
Intimacy: On page
Summary
Mikka is Jay's PA and friend, and she has a nice life. Well, that is if she overlooks all of her boyfriend's red flags and Jay's addiction. Her life is moving along its predetermined path when Jay kisses her out of the blue. Now there are confusing feelings to work through and instead of getting the distance needed for that, she's forced to spend a month with him in his hometown as he shoots his next role.
Thoughts
I absolutely adored this book. I think about the characters often, if I'm honest. I did the weird thing (again) where I read this book before the other two in the series and it made me so excited to go to the beginning and learn about the relationships I saw glimpses of in this novel.
The dynamic between Mikka and Jay is so complex and real. Nothing comes easy for them and though they are good friends, they both still have a lot to learn about the other. Reading as their relationship grows is so gratifying and I left the story feeling like one of their friends. Even with the relatability, this novel still delivers on swoon-worthy moments and wild twists that you only see on TV. This is the book that made me a fan of Shain Rose and I've never looked back.
angiehobkirk's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-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
keygen14's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ng0pandaa's review against another edition
4.0
I was not prepared for this book at all! It broke my heart in so many places but I still loved it so much. This book hit so many topics that were so near and dear to me, but it felt super rushed. I get that they were good friends for quite a few years, but it all felt super abrupt in how fast they fell. I was left wanting more of the story and how they endured trying to get back to normal. I thoroughly enjoyed every single one of the Stonewood brothers stories and I can’t wait to read more of this authors books.
minkydo's review against another edition
4.0
Hard topics, but fun read!
Jay and Meek had some tough issues to tackle, but I loved how they connected with one another. Meek's mom was a hoot! Lorraine was adorable and hilarious!
Jay and Meek had some tough issues to tackle, but I loved how they connected with one another. Meek's mom was a hoot! Lorraine was adorable and hilarious!
aj_readz's review against another edition
3.0
Would be higher but I do not understand why he needed to randomly be a drug addict for no good reason.