I feel like my words wouldn't do justice to the perfection that this story is. I finished the book 3 days ago, but I still think about it every day and in every hour. I just can't let the characters and their story go, and I find myself in a need of re-read it right now. Is it possible to feel this strongly? To want to re-read it after just finishing it? To fall in love with people who aren't real, just words and emotions on pages?
I fell in love with this story sometime in the early chapters. When I found out that Andrew, whom POV we see the story, is the older one in this age-gap relationship. When I found out that Andrew isn't perfect and he suffers deeply. When I saw that Andrew is seeing himself old (at 34) and unattractive? Anyway, when I saw Andrew, when I really saw him, I fell in love.
Then came Coley, and he felt the pull too.
Coley is 20, and as we're seeing the story from Andrew's POV, we don't know that Coley is straight or not, just assume as Andrew does. And Andrew's gaydar suggests that Coley is straight... ;)
The story is written with beautiful - not kidding, beautiful words. Travis writes so beautifully and so deeply emotional. I loved reading this book, every page is a gem. The world and character building, the emotional arc, the romance and the erotica - wow, the erotica! It was so pure and REAL!
Loved how they got friendlier slowly and how cute Coley was with Andrew. Loved how Andrew was anxious but deep down was so hot for Coley and couldn't wait to put his hand on him, or vice versa.
And when the cat was out of the bag... wow. I didn't see that hotness coming. Andrew's depression and anxiety with his job and his love life (or ex-boyfriend) was so well portrayed. Coley's friends and job was quite different but they were well written too and I enjoyed the gardening stuffs. The 14 year age gap doesn't look as big, especially seeing that Andrew is only 34 (which is NOT old!), but I loved how it was portrayed. Andrew was concerned (while he forgot that he had a bigger age-gap with his ex-boyfriend), while Coley not so much.
The casual things they did, being naked in a house, eating breakfast, laying in bed, going out in the rain, sex in the garden... :) All of these made the story more real. And the 4th of July day... ahhhh. The strawberries!♥
The ending was super sweet. It has the awaited drama, because no HEA is worth a damn without fighting for it, but it was so greatly written too and with perfect emotional background. Nothing and no one was perfect but they got to their HEA and it was worth everything. (but I'm a little concerned about Andrew's decision, because earlier he said to Coley that being a teacher is what he is and loves doing, so... what now?)
This whole story is so real, both the characters and the setting they are living in. You feel you could meet them on the street, hug them and talk to them. This story is the realest thing I've read in a while.
Travis' magic is an added bonus to this story, because without it, it would be just another age-gap romance with depression and anxiety. There are hundreds of stories out there with this, but somehow this stands out. I love the way Travis writes and how he uses the perfect words. Beautifully written is the perfect description for it.
Gender and sexuality of the author is the last I think about when I'm reading a story, but sometimes you can just tell if it's written by a gay male author, it's more authentic and more life and real like. And I loved this fact in this book.
Oh, my god. I knew I won't shut up about this book, but wow, it was a long review. I just can't wait for it to release and for everyone to read it, because it's the best thing that could happen to you. READ IT.
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Best romance I've ever read - SUCH a pleasant surprise!
This book was stellar from start to finish. I found myself laughing out loud at Andrew's hilarious interior monologue (and his sarcastic, biting wit), but then I'd turn the page and feel so deeply for him in his fragile vulnerability. This author skillfully takes us on an enjoyable and surprisingly revealing rollercoaster through all of those voices in our head: the ones that go from being our biggest cheerleader to our worst enemy in an instant. I felt for each and every character, the plot kept me guessing, and Andrew and Coley's romance made my heart swell much more than expected. There are no stereotypes here. Just real, flawed, beautiful, funny, heart-forward people who all crave love, have insecurities, and hope as hard as they can for a happy ending. I've never encountered a steamy romance written with such insight, eloquence, and ...poetry. This book, and this fabulous new author, proves that we can have pages of passion without sacrificing an elevated narrative. I recommend it very highly, and look forward to reading anything Travis Beaudoin writes.
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2022
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Top reviews from other countries
- Kelly BertolacciniReviewed in Australia on February 6, 2023
Beautifully written, lovely romance
