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happygolucky47's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Homophobia, and Religious bigotry
dirtshake's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-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? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Sexual content, and Religious bigotry
paytoncuellar's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse and Toxic relationship
Darker, highly sexual content but all sexual interactions are as consensual as they can be. Quick read with a HEA.graceheartsbooks's review
4.5
I came for the fencing romance and stayed for the discussions on religious tramua (that’s a compliment by the way😅).
No joke though, Issac was very relatable to me as an asexual ex-Catholic. It’s so hard to figure out what you believed versus what you’ve been taught—especially not knowing whether or not you want to even be practicing or believe in any possible higher power.
Mostly I was shocked by how I got lost in this world (ironic for a book set in modern day but you get what I was mean). I meant to read the first chapter quickly before bed and then wound up finishing six chapters. Also Colin and Owen were fun side characters—neither of them were tolerating Oliver’s bs (and frankly neither was I lol)
(Although, I will say, once Oliver settled into a relationship w/ Issac he became very sweet and I appreciated that. Not that he necessarily changed as a person but that he allowed himself to vulnerable around somebody. And he’s clearly a good brother to his siblings🥰)
Oh, and there was some fencing involved. I didn’t even know fencing romances were a thing but I’m glad I found them (no offense to hockey romances but it’s not a sport I’m that familiar with and they seem to be everywhere lol). Now all I need is to find a volleyball romance and my life will be complete.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Self harm
lovelyinnature's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
It gives what it set out to give and I love both the boys actually.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Homophobia
madscientistcat's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual content, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Mental illness
_bookish_lauren's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
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? No
4.0
Overall: 4/5
Spice level: 3/5
Tropes: fling to forever, virgin, sports, college, opposites attract
Representation: MMCs are gay and bisexual
CW: Religious trauma, homophobia, family violence
I'm a fan of Gray's work, though this was my first venture into Jaxon's. The co-authoring was a great pairing. The chemistry between Oliver and Isaac was explosive, and there was a very unique aspect to how Isaac decided to offer his virginity up. Literally an offer he couldn't refuse.
The plot pacing worked pretty well, although there were spots where the dialogue was fairly repetitive within the same scene, along with actions of the characters. But overall, the book was great. Please make sure you check the trigger warnings on this story because there is some violence toward a character at the hands of his family in more than one scene.
Without spoiling too much, I did also feel that their ending came a little quick for people their age, especially Isaac. It fit the direction of the story itself, but I'd hoped it would've been put in a far out epilogue versus being within the main storyline.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Oliver and Isaac were a great match and I really loved the supporting characters they had around them. Isaac's roommate and Oliver's siblings. They were amazing.
Spice level: 3/5
Tropes: fling to forever, virgin, sports, college, opposites attract
Representation: MMCs are gay and bisexual
CW: Religious trauma, homophobia, family violence
I'm a fan of Gray's work, though this was my first venture into Jaxon's. The co-authoring was a great pairing. The chemistry between Oliver and Isaac was explosive, and there was a very unique aspect to how Isaac decided to offer his virginity up. Literally an offer he couldn't refuse.
The plot pacing worked pretty well, although there were spots where the dialogue was fairly repetitive within the same scene, along with actions of the characters. But overall, the book was great. Please make sure you check the trigger warnings on this story because there is some violence toward a character at the hands of his family in more than one scene.
Without spoiling too much, I did also feel that their ending came a little quick for people their age, especially Isaac. It fit the direction of the story itself, but I'd hoped it would've been put in a far out epilogue versus being within the main storyline.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Oliver and Isaac were a great match and I really loved the supporting characters they had around them. Isaac's roommate and Oliver's siblings. They were amazing.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, and Religious bigotry