ju_51's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
merryfaith's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.75
steel_city_peach's review
3.0
Disappointing
This book frustrated me. I really wanted to like it, but it just didn’t work for me. The storyline wasn’t believable. There was so much unnecessary angst. I don’t love the fake relationship trope in general. It didn’t make sense in this story. I’m not an animal lover, so I didn’t enjoy their dogs being major characters in the book. The nonstop references to their dogs “the boys” felt like overkill. What did work for me was the second chance trope. That was the best element of the story. I just felt like this story had so much potential, but it never came to fruition.
This book frustrated me. I really wanted to like it, but it just didn’t work for me. The storyline wasn’t believable. There was so much unnecessary angst. I don’t love the fake relationship trope in general. It didn’t make sense in this story. I’m not an animal lover, so I didn’t enjoy their dogs being major characters in the book. The nonstop references to their dogs “the boys” felt like overkill. What did work for me was the second chance trope. That was the best element of the story. I just felt like this story had so much potential, but it never came to fruition.
endemictoearth's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
So sweet! And the dogs were adorable, too. I wish the cover had the dogs on it or something; it’s just a purple cityscape. Anyhow, I loved that there were understandable reasons they parted, but never got over each other. The meddlesome grandmother does not bug nearly as much as in most romance novels, and there are no true villains. No third act break, just them figuring out how to trust each other and themselves again. I have several other Jayce Ellis books on my kindle, hope to get to them sooner rather than later.
richajain's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
This was cute! The beginning was a little confusing in terms of the writing style, but as the plot picked up, it improved and I was definitely happy with it. DeShawn and Malik were both really well fleshed out characters, and the double POV certainly helped. I liked the story and pacing, and everything wrapped up perfectly in the end. There's no third act drama (which I strongly despise so this gets extra points for it).
Overall, a short and sweet mxm romance!❤️🔥
Overall, a short and sweet mxm romance!❤️🔥
brea435's review
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
shannanh's review
5.0
This was such an emotional read to me. DeShawn and Malik thought they were divorced years ago, until DeShawn's grandmother calls them back home due to failing health, and they find out they are not. They end up pretending like they're still together, and try to fight their growing emotions towards each other. You'll have to read it to find out if they're successful with that.
I really enjoyed this MM romance story. It kept me wondering what was going to happen next. I will be looking for future works from this author.
I really enjoyed this MM romance story. It kept me wondering what was going to happen next. I will be looking for future works from this author.
steffiraquel's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Terminal illness
Moderate: Cancer, Alcohol, Grief, and Death
Minor: Death of parent, Addiction, and Homophobia
mommasaystoread's review
4.0
If You Love Something is a fake relationship romance - wait, it's a second chance romance - well, it's both, and it's a get you right in the feels kind of story from beginning to end. DeShawn and Malik have such good chemistry, which is nothing short of what I expect from Jayce Ellis. The story is a great combination of emotional, sweet, and sexy, and the writing is engaging and entertaining. True to form for this author, every character adds something to the story. Be it good or bad, there aren't many throwaway characters in Ellis's books. In this one, I liked most of them. I guess it wouldn't be giving anything away since the info is in the blurb - the only character I really didn't like was Robert, DeShawn's uncle, and we're not supposed to like him. To sum it up, this is another great read by Jayce Ellis. It's perfect for curling up in your favorite chair and whiling away a few hours or a solid choice for a weekend read.
risa39's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0