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rebornbookdragon's review
3.0
I went into this one with no expectations and it certainly was a positive surprise. It interested me from the first page and I loved seeing the flashbacks and the clear signs of their feelings throughout the story before they even realized it themselves. The characters, both the MC and side characters, are so complex and real and I just really want read all of their books, 'cause it seems they all have a story to tell.
However, it's quite a big book and a tad too much focus on a conflict that shouldn't really take up so much time and space as it did. At least not considering the circumstances and the setting, although it definitely did add to the suspense and angsty back-and-forth between Andy and Shane.
But the star of the book is Alex Brennan. Oh how much I love that clueless, hopeless man that always is there for his friends and family. I mean, those three families, Veldons-Johnstons-Brennans, are a perfect example of a found family (although the 'conflict' brought its perfectness down a notch) and as I'm always a sucker for a found family - theirs is no exception.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this ARC in exchange of a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
However, it's quite a big book and a tad too much focus on a conflict that shouldn't really take up so much time and space as it did. At least not considering the circumstances and the setting, although it definitely did add to the suspense and angsty back-and-forth between Andy and Shane.
But the star of the book is Alex Brennan. Oh how much I love that clueless, hopeless man that always is there for his friends and family. I mean, those three families, Veldons-Johnstons-Brennans, are a perfect example of a found family (although the 'conflict' brought its perfectness down a notch) and as I'm always a sucker for a found family - theirs is no exception.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this ARC in exchange of a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
nachoaveragebooklover's review
3.0
After reading the first book, I was excited to jump into Shane's story because I really enjoyed his character in the first. He's funny and a little mysterious and I wanted to know about his secret relationship. It turns out they have a lot of history, like seventeen years worth, which you would not have known at all while reading the first book. Unfortunately, this book fell into the same problem the previous one did, everything is pretty drawn out and the characters circle the same problems again and again.
Andy is afraid for everyone to know that he's gay and thinks he isn't good enough for Shane. Shane would happily tell everyone that he's in love with Andy, regardless of the consequences, but holds back for Andy's sake and not knowing where Andy really stands. They both have issues with their surnames and the stigma around them, similar to how Ellie felt in the first book.
We also continue to see Alex and Ellie's relationship, though I wish they had continued more with a happy ending instead of continuing to have the same struggles they did in their book. They're together, but still suck at communicating and Alex is dragging his feet to set a date to marry Ellie.
I did like the sweet and steamy moments between Shane and Andy. They were seriously steamy, which I enjoyed more than I expected to. They also both clearly love each other so much and when a traumatic event happens, it brought them closer and brings everything more out in the open. At least they get a happy ending (I think)!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Andy is afraid for everyone to know that he's gay and thinks he isn't good enough for Shane. Shane would happily tell everyone that he's in love with Andy, regardless of the consequences, but holds back for Andy's sake and not knowing where Andy really stands. They both have issues with their surnames and the stigma around them, similar to how Ellie felt in the first book.
We also continue to see Alex and Ellie's relationship, though I wish they had continued more with a happy ending instead of continuing to have the same struggles they did in their book. They're together, but still suck at communicating and Alex is dragging his feet to set a date to marry Ellie.
I did like the sweet and steamy moments between Shane and Andy. They were seriously steamy, which I enjoyed more than I expected to. They also both clearly love each other so much and when a traumatic event happens, it brought them closer and brings everything more out in the open. At least they get a happy ending (I think)!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
jpbooklife's review
5.0
The writing in this book was so good. I was invested in these characters from the first chapter. This is a MM romance book and a friends to lovers. The longing, the love, the desire that Shane and Andy felt leapt off the page at me. I could feel their turmoil in my heart. So many emotions.
I also really enjoyed the dynamic between the group of friends. The way they ribbed each other and gave each other a hard time, but were always there to support and care in their own special way, made the friendships seem more like family. They got along they way I would picture a group of guys in a very small town would. It felt natural and real.
This book had me laughing, crying, and loving. I enjoyed this from beginning to end.
I also really enjoyed the dynamic between the group of friends. The way they ribbed each other and gave each other a hard time, but were always there to support and care in their own special way, made the friendships seem more like family. They got along they way I would picture a group of guys in a very small town would. It felt natural and real.
This book had me laughing, crying, and loving. I enjoyed this from beginning to end.
finitha's review
4.0
I have mixed feelings on this one. Since the story doesn't take place in the 16th or 18th century or in a brutal society that looks down on homosexuality with hostility, I still can't fathom what all this fuss is about. Couldn't they really confess their love and get it over with? Well, nothing is as simple as that. Inner demons are always the worst.
Shane and Andy have been in a secret relationship for seventeen years now, emphasis on the 'secret' here. Since it is a closely-knit community, keeping it hidden means, it is more or less an emotional, non-touchy relationship. Why can't they come out of the closet? Several reasons: Andy's family is not well-liked and he may lose customers from his pub. Shane, on the other hand, is from a wealthy background and is not sure about his family's reaction to this piece of news. Then there is the fact that it all started when one is a minor. Even though it is the said minor who initiated everything, will anyone really believe it? So you see, it is not easy even in this century.
Told from the perspectives of both protagonists, we get to see the agonies and frustrations they undergo and our first reservations on them slowly fade to a sense of pathos. It does end happily but the reality this story addresses can never be forgotten.
Shane and Andy have been in a secret relationship for seventeen years now, emphasis on the 'secret' here. Since it is a closely-knit community, keeping it hidden means, it is more or less an emotional, non-touchy relationship. Why can't they come out of the closet? Several reasons: Andy's family is not well-liked and he may lose customers from his pub. Shane, on the other hand, is from a wealthy background and is not sure about his family's reaction to this piece of news. Then there is the fact that it all started when one is a minor. Even though it is the said minor who initiated everything, will anyone really believe it? So you see, it is not easy even in this century.
Told from the perspectives of both protagonists, we get to see the agonies and frustrations they undergo and our first reservations on them slowly fade to a sense of pathos. It does end happily but the reality this story addresses can never be forgotten.
coco_lolo's review
Maybe this is my own fault, since The First Man is the second book in a series, but I assumed it was more companion-like. And it could be! But what I read had me feeling out of depth and like I didn't know anything about anyone. There wasn't a real anchor for me.
Speaking of anchor, there's no groundwork here. Yes, we eventually got some backstory (I made it 22% in before skimming the rest), but the characters' history together didn't come in until later, at odds points. On top of that, we're dropped in expecting to know every secondary character. Aside from angst, neither Shane nor Andy really had personalities. And I love some good angst, but this was too much needless back and forth.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Speaking of anchor, there's no groundwork here. Yes, we eventually got some backstory (I made it 22% in before skimming the rest), but the characters' history together didn't come in until later, at odds points. On top of that, we're dropped in expecting to know every secondary character. Aside from angst, neither Shane nor Andy really had personalities. And I love some good angst, but this was too much needless back and forth.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
theeclecticreview's review
4.0
Shane and Andy are in love. Seems straightforward, right? Wrong. They live in a small town of 192 people, 70% of the people are over 60 years old, and their families and friends don’t know about their relationship. Oh, and did I mention it has been going on for seventeen years.
As they both fight hard to deny their feelings, Shane and Andy realize they can’t be without each other. It’s frustrating to watch two good men who love each other so deeply prevent themselves from being truly happy. Andy likes routine and hates breaking old habits. He feels safe hiding away. Hiding his true self. He’s been the only provider for his brother for years and he has worked hard to get out from under all the debts his father had accumulated before he died. So his sense of responsibility is strong and he feels like Shane deserves so much better than him. Shane is confident and sure of his feelings for Andy and he’s tired of hiding it. And now that his friends and family are noticing, what better way to convince Andy that it is only him that Shane wants.
Shane and Andy’s story is very emotional and heartbreaking as they suffer alone and together. In fact, I shed a tear or two desperately wanting them to be together. What I respected most about this book was the love and support Andy and Shane get from their family and friends. Yes, some were angry about being lied to because of the lack of trust, but they come around.
I adored this refreshingly honest and mature romance with M/M protagonists. In addition, the supporting characters are a fantastic and invaluable complement to the story. I can’t wait to read more from this series.
Thank you to Ms. Kelly for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
As they both fight hard to deny their feelings, Shane and Andy realize they can’t be without each other. It’s frustrating to watch two good men who love each other so deeply prevent themselves from being truly happy. Andy likes routine and hates breaking old habits. He feels safe hiding away. Hiding his true self. He’s been the only provider for his brother for years and he has worked hard to get out from under all the debts his father had accumulated before he died. So his sense of responsibility is strong and he feels like Shane deserves so much better than him. Shane is confident and sure of his feelings for Andy and he’s tired of hiding it. And now that his friends and family are noticing, what better way to convince Andy that it is only him that Shane wants.
Shane and Andy’s story is very emotional and heartbreaking as they suffer alone and together. In fact, I shed a tear or two desperately wanting them to be together. What I respected most about this book was the love and support Andy and Shane get from their family and friends. Yes, some were angry about being lied to because of the lack of trust, but they come around.
I adored this refreshingly honest and mature romance with M/M protagonists. In addition, the supporting characters are a fantastic and invaluable complement to the story. I can’t wait to read more from this series.
Thank you to Ms. Kelly for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
ameserole's review
3.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So since Shane was my spirit animal in the first book, I was very excited to dive into The First Man. I loved Shane and Andy, like so much. Yet, the whole push/pull thing for them still weren't vibing with me. Plus seeing Alex and Ellie throughout this book just kind of annoyed me all over again because of how they were in their own book.
Don't get me wrong, Shane and Andy had their ups and downs too. The drama was kind of predictable but I just had a feeling that they would get their own little HEA. I would also like to mention that Justin was completely adorable and I will eat his broccoli whenever.
In the end, I'm definitely intrigued to dive into the next book.
So since Shane was my spirit animal in the first book, I was very excited to dive into The First Man. I loved Shane and Andy, like so much. Yet, the whole push/pull thing for them still weren't vibing with me. Plus seeing Alex and Ellie throughout this book just kind of annoyed me all over again because of how they were in their own book.
Don't get me wrong, Shane and Andy had their ups and downs too. The drama was kind of predictable but I just had a feeling that they would get their own little HEA. I would also like to mention that Justin was completely adorable and I will eat his broccoli whenever.
In the end, I'm definitely intrigued to dive into the next book.
amino_acid's review
The writing reminded me too much of the other book in the series which I absolutely hated
stine_reads's review
4.0
This book hit me right in the feelings!
So much angst and love and pining - it's perfect for what I consider comfort reading.
The characters are complex and flawed and just...perfect.
To be recommended!
So much angst and love and pining - it's perfect for what I consider comfort reading.
The characters are complex and flawed and just...perfect.
To be recommended!
kimberlycarrington's review
1.0
[Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the ebook. This review is my honest opinion but just another opinion, you should read this book and judge it by yourself]
Insoportable. Tenía muy buena pinta porque son dos personajes que no intuyes que puedan ser pareja en el libro anterior y en este libro te enteras de que lo suyo viene de lejos, pero mira, he acabado pidiendo la hora, haciendo pertiguismo y dando mi reino por un The End.
Es excesivamente repetitivo, los personajes parecen estar en un círculo vicioso del que no quieren salir, son muy planos, no logras conectar con ellos... En serio, fatal.
Lo mejor es que lo he terminado y lo puedo olvidar.
Insoportable. Tenía muy buena pinta porque son dos personajes que no intuyes que puedan ser pareja en el libro anterior y en este libro te enteras de que lo suyo viene de lejos, pero mira, he acabado pidiendo la hora, haciendo pertiguismo y dando mi reino por un The End.
Es excesivamente repetitivo, los personajes parecen estar en un círculo vicioso del que no quieren salir, son muy planos, no logras conectar con ellos... En serio, fatal.
Lo mejor es que lo he terminado y lo puedo olvidar.