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bitchie's review against another edition
4.0
Well, this was one of those "I was only going to read a couple of chapters and see if I like it, and then I couldn't put it down, and read all night" books!
This was practically A Christmas Carol, only with no Christmas, or spirits, and no greed, but Jacob had such a negative, Scrooge like attitude. He was outright rude on numerous occasions, and there's really no excuse for his behavior. But now I'm going to say that, I actually did understand. He was trying to hard to protect himself, that his anger and pain forced him to push everyone away before they could get too close. Wylde showed up in his life at just the right time, when his relationship with his friend/fuck buddy Patrick was changing and Jacob was falling apart.
Wylde was just a delight! He was an ocean of calm and sweetness and light, and he was just what Jacob needed. I loved the slow burn that went on here, watching Wylde creep right inside Jacob's defenses. Sure, Jacob seemed to change overnight (and all it took was Wylde's ass, not a few silly spirits!), but it made sense if you were paying attention. Jacob pushed everyone away, but he positively ached for love and affection.
I did have a few little niggles, which is what kept this from being 5 stars. I had hoped that Jacob's first boyfriend would have cropped back up in the story, especially when, and I found Jacob's mother's reason for leaving them very silly. All that time they could have had together, lost! I'd rather those questions have remained unanswered, because they just added a bit more drama in a guy's life that already had enough.
Still, all in all, I really enjoyed this book, and indeed, could not put it down, reading all night, and when I was already tired, at that!
This was practically A Christmas Carol, only with no Christmas, or spirits, and no greed, but Jacob had such a negative, Scrooge like attitude. He was outright rude on numerous occasions, and there's really no excuse for his behavior. But now I'm going to say that, I actually did understand. He was trying to hard to protect himself, that his anger and pain forced him to push everyone away before they could get too close. Wylde showed up in his life at just the right time, when his relationship with his friend/fuck buddy Patrick was changing and Jacob was falling apart.
Wylde was just a delight! He was an ocean of calm and sweetness and light, and he was just what Jacob needed. I loved the slow burn that went on here, watching Wylde creep right inside Jacob's defenses. Sure, Jacob seemed to change overnight (and all it took was Wylde's ass, not a few silly spirits!), but it made sense if you were paying attention. Jacob pushed everyone away, but he positively ached for love and affection.
I did have a few little niggles, which is what kept this from being 5 stars. I had hoped that Jacob's first boyfriend would have cropped back up in the story, especially when
Spoiler
Jacob had to go home after his father diedStill, all in all, I really enjoyed this book, and indeed, could not put it down, reading all night, and when I was already tired, at that!
evethingiread's review against another edition
3.0
The first few chapters made it difficult to connect with the character. I'm not sure if it was chapters or otherwise since I listened to this on Audiobook. I just mean that the first section was long. I think it would've made more sense if it was a shorter Prologue, but I also get that we needed to know Jacob's history. This author is really amazing, I've read a lot of her books, so I knew it was all going to go somewhere worth it.
Loved both characters. it was a sweet story.
Loved both characters. it was a sweet story.
drez80's review
1.0
I think it's safe to say this author is not for me. I skimmed this one as well. There are always so many things going on that don't add to the story or plot at all, and I couldn't care less about them. This one took forever to get going because we got to see two of Jacob's failed relationships that made him the a-hole he is today, but we only got Wylde's relationship issues from him telling other people or remembering. I could have done without all of Jacob's ridiculous backstory and just learned about his past as I read as well. Also, there was never any chemistry between the MCs or between Jacob and Patrick. Same for the other book I tried to read. The characters just bore me.
Oh, and I'm not usually one to harp on grammar. I do consider myself to be a bit of a grammer nazi, but I know that things get missed when books are edited; however, both books that I've read/tried to read by this author had horrific grammatical errors. I assumed based on all of the rave reviews I've seen and heard over this author's work that there wouldn't be so many basic errors. The errors made it even harder to get through her book.
Oh, and I'm not usually one to harp on grammar. I do consider myself to be a bit of a grammer nazi, but I know that things get missed when books are edited; however, both books that I've read/tried to read by this author had horrific grammatical errors. I assumed based on all of the rave reviews I've seen and heard over this author's work that there wouldn't be so many basic errors. The errors made it even harder to get through her book.
evaxo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Really enjoyed this, absolutely loved Wlyde's character. Jacob was an arse and initially I didn't think I'd warm up to him, but seeing the change love had on him was fantastic. Good realistic take on grump and sunshine love.
The negatives I have are that the author tried too hard to have a perfectly sweet ending, ending up with unbelievable explanations. I just can't agree with his mother abandoning their family because she was dying, yet she continued to live for another 25 years having no contact with her son, who had been abused by his alcoholic father. Author should have made her realise she was a lesbian and have her leave due to the town being homophobic, I bet Jacob would understand that. I also didn't connect with the father apparently being super involved in Jacobs life in secret, taking photos of all his successes, bragging about his great gay son, yet belittled him and hit him in person and never tried to reach out? Nah, makes no sense. it's okay for some things to never be perfect and reach a happy resolution, as long as the character is now happy leave their past be, please.
The negatives I have are that the author tried too hard to have a perfectly sweet ending, ending up with unbelievable explanations.
diana8524's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
cris3ma's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
pattyfgd's review
5.0
The Secrets in My Scowl
By: A.E. Via
Narrated by: Tor Thom
Broody and a loner, Jacob has created his own monster. He was burned before and refuses to let himself feel. Top it off with being the best divorce attorney in the state, and he finds himself jaded when it comes to relationships. Wild has move his wedding planning boutique into the same building across of Jacob's office. And when these two first meet, there is no way anything would ever develop between them. Until Wild sees Jacob. Really sees the man. This is a beautiful love story of hurt, deceit, and hopelessness that has the chance to be turned to love, trust and a bright future. I absolutely love the story line, the characters and the reasons for the scowl. A E Via brings out the emotional turmoil of young love and how it shapes our lives. This story is realistic and compassionate. Wild is unpredictable and funny, protective and loving, the total opposite of Jacob and it makes the story show just how love is found in the most unlikely places.
Tor Thom voices this one from his heart. Both characters are emotionally charged and he pulls out the feelings for each. He creates each one with a voice that fits the character, from the broody Jacob to the creative Wild. It's heartfelt and sensitive, brought to life in a fantastic performance.
By: A.E. Via
Narrated by: Tor Thom
Broody and a loner, Jacob has created his own monster. He was burned before and refuses to let himself feel. Top it off with being the best divorce attorney in the state, and he finds himself jaded when it comes to relationships. Wild has move his wedding planning boutique into the same building across of Jacob's office. And when these two first meet, there is no way anything would ever develop between them. Until Wild sees Jacob. Really sees the man. This is a beautiful love story of hurt, deceit, and hopelessness that has the chance to be turned to love, trust and a bright future. I absolutely love the story line, the characters and the reasons for the scowl. A E Via brings out the emotional turmoil of young love and how it shapes our lives. This story is realistic and compassionate. Wild is unpredictable and funny, protective and loving, the total opposite of Jacob and it makes the story show just how love is found in the most unlikely places.
Tor Thom voices this one from his heart. Both characters are emotionally charged and he pulls out the feelings for each. He creates each one with a voice that fits the character, from the broody Jacob to the creative Wild. It's heartfelt and sensitive, brought to life in a fantastic performance.
latoinombra's review against another edition
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25