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brim010's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
_bookish_lauren's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.5
Overall: 4.5/5
Spice level: 2.5/5
Tropes: childhood best friends to lovers, small town
Representation: interracial MM, MC Luka is gay and MC Rook is demisexual
CW: parental illness, parental death (off page)
This childhood best friends to lovers story was damn near perfect. The connection between Rook and Luka felt effortless from their very first time meeting as kids. They had the best friendship story I've seen written in a long time.
And the way the author navigated Rook's sexuality and his self-discovery was done with such care and compassion.
This was truly a beautiful story and is one of my favorites for 2024 so far.
I appreciated that the author kept the parental death off page but took care in showing the characters processing their grief alone and in community. It was so important to their development.
Overall, I had no real criticism for this book. It was so well done! Johnson's writing is always beautifully emotional. With just a touch of spice.
Spice level: 2.5/5
Tropes: childhood best friends to lovers, small town
Representation: interracial MM, MC Luka is gay and MC Rook is demisexual
CW: parental illness, parental death (off page)
This childhood best friends to lovers story was damn near perfect. The connection between Rook and Luka felt effortless from their very first time meeting as kids. They had the best friendship story I've seen written in a long time.
And the way the author navigated Rook's sexuality and his self-discovery was done with such care and compassion.
This was truly a beautiful story and is one of my favorites for 2024 so far.
I appreciated that the author kept the parental death off page but took care in showing the characters processing their grief alone and in community. It was so important to their development.
Overall, I had no real criticism for this book. It was so well done! Johnson's writing is always beautifully emotional. With just a touch of spice.
Moderate: Cancer, Terminal illness, and Grief
Minor: Death of parent
kjnrose's review against another edition
5.0
OML, what an absolutely wonderful story. This was hard to read at times it's so emotional, but that's not a bad thing. I love Luka and Rook and the love they go through. This story tells of their friendship from beginning to their HEA. Can't wait to see what's next.
_amy_leigh_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
4.75
Super sweet, small town, best childhood friends to lovers romance
vickyramirezy's review against another edition
3.0
I liked that Rook being demi was continuously addressed throughout the book, with him behaving accordingly. Other romance books use this as a plot point at the beginning and then kind of let it go. I liked how this book did it, I respected it.
bookpimpfairy's review against another edition
5.0
Words cannot express the beauty and pain of this book. Best work to date of AM Johnson, it felt like reading poetry in story form, a truly magical experience. Rook & Luca have taken the hard way to finding their place but once they do wow magical. Luca has always been too much in his hear to go for what makes him happy, but when tragedy happens , with words of hope and encouragement he finally takes that big step towards happiness and its perfection. This is one of those books that will stick with you for a long time. Grab the tissue and enjoy the ride.
aboulle's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful and emotional story about friends to more between Luka and Rook who happens to be demisexual. The story is low angst but will pull at your heartstrings in the best way.
I highly recommend this read!
I highly recommend this read!
beco's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
3.0
kymreads33's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
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? It's complicated
4.75