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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
geooo's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Religious bigotry
fiamac's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The flow of storytelling isn’t always smooth, and there are some gaps in the character development and world building. But the dynamic between brothers Oliver and Owen is pure gold. These two characters are a delight.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, and Classism
emilia777's review
dnf for now, i just didn’t like or connect with any of the characters. i’ve been in a reading slump for a while and this just couldn’t pull me out of it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual content, Religious bigotry, and Stalking
wildatheart1339's review
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
Minor: Mental illness and Alcohol
_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