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Kieran & Drew
Kieran Appleby can't wait until graduation to escape his life in the Keys. His only friend is the school janitor, his father doesn’t talk to him, and Kieran doesn’t know how to mention he’s gay. No wonder he daydreams about college anywhere but Florida. High school baseball star Drew Anderson has only one wish in to be able to care for those he loves. With an absent father, an agoraphobic mother, and a closet he's not ready to come out of, he can barely stand under the pressure. No one knows how alone he feels. When Drew finally notices Kieran's long-time crush, it jumpstarts a relationship that introduces them to sex, intimacy, and love. Neither has ever been this happy. But lasting happiness is evasive, and Kieran’s desperation to get out of Florida and Drew’s desire to stay and care for his family cannot be reconciled.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2013
8 people are currently reading
839 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Gilbert
4 books182 followersL.A. Gilbert currently lives in a small British town where not much of anything ever really occurs. Jumping from job to job, she has no real qualifications in anything and is blithely proud of it. Between spectacularly failing driving test after test, she generally spends her free time reading about beautiful gay men, if not attempting to write about them. She is perhaps not the most outgoing of people, but is certainly one of the most cheerful.
Her aspirations are to eventually leave England and see a real, live whale (London's zoo is poorly lacking in that respect) and to perhaps one day hold in her hands a published copy of her own work.
One down.
Her aspirations are to eventually leave England and see a real, live whale (London's zoo is poorly lacking in that respect) and to perhaps one day hold in her hands a published copy of her own work.
One down.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
September 14, 2018
4.5 stars
This just became one of my favorite YA stories in this genre, a classic tale about a geek/outcast and popular jock falling in love.
Ah, bring back the 80s!
Surely there's fanfic about Andrew and Brian somewhere out there?
Drew and Kieran are seniors in high school. Drew is popular and athletic to Kieran's geeky, weird, and shy. But when Drew finds out about Kieran's unrequited crush, he doesn't mind at all; Drew wants what Kieran's offering.
In the end, both guys need each other. The power of balance shifts, and shifts again.
Kieran has to rebuild his relationship with his dad, whom I wanted to smack over the head for keeping his big secret from Kieran for so long. He meant well, but he was, as Kieran put it, an idiot!
And Drew, already taking care of his agoraphobic mother, has a family tragedy that leaves him empty and grieving.
Never mind the toils of high school life: dealing with bullies and grumpy art teachers, doodling hearts with initials in your notebook, and being scared to own your sexuality lest it changes everything.
These are the small shames and the big ones, when you feel like you don't quite belong in your own skin and life would be better if only you were someone or somewhere else.
Oh god, there were so many FEELS here. And it all felt so real.
This is what it's like to be young, scared, and in love, to be yearning and fearful of revealing your true self. This is what it's like to find your best friend, your soul mate, have your first kiss, make out in the art supply room, and learn to drive a stick shift under your boyfriend's smirking watch.
So much tenderness and steaminess, so much sweet, sweet angst.
But so worth it in the end. That epilogue. *swoons*
Sometimes you do stay with your first love.
This just became one of my favorite YA stories in this genre, a classic tale about a geek/outcast and popular jock falling in love.
Ah, bring back the 80s!
Surely there's fanfic about Andrew and Brian somewhere out there?
Drew and Kieran are seniors in high school. Drew is popular and athletic to Kieran's geeky, weird, and shy. But when Drew finds out about Kieran's unrequited crush, he doesn't mind at all; Drew wants what Kieran's offering.
In the end, both guys need each other. The power of balance shifts, and shifts again.
Kieran has to rebuild his relationship with his dad, whom I wanted to smack over the head for keeping his big secret from Kieran for so long. He meant well, but he was, as Kieran put it, an idiot!
And Drew, already taking care of his agoraphobic mother, has a family tragedy that leaves him empty and grieving.
Never mind the toils of high school life: dealing with bullies and grumpy art teachers, doodling hearts with initials in your notebook, and being scared to own your sexuality lest it changes everything.
These are the small shames and the big ones, when you feel like you don't quite belong in your own skin and life would be better if only you were someone or somewhere else.
Oh god, there were so many FEELS here. And it all felt so real.
This is what it's like to be young, scared, and in love, to be yearning and fearful of revealing your true self. This is what it's like to find your best friend, your soul mate, have your first kiss, make out in the art supply room, and learn to drive a stick shift under your boyfriend's smirking watch.
So much tenderness and steaminess, so much sweet, sweet angst.
But so worth it in the end. That epilogue. *swoons*
Sometimes you do stay with your first love.
March 24, 2013
GAHHHH!!! Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back IN!... I can't get out of YA-land!!!! (ummm...yes, I quoted the Godfather to describe my YA kick...and yes, I am sorry for that...)
3.5 strong stars...again!
Ok, ok...so…since I am, admittedly, in a YA phase…I can write this review w/o being embarrassed of how much I really enjoyed this book! :)
Yes, it’s formulaic. In fact, for the first 1/2 of the book, I was having some serious déjà vu. It was plot point by plot point the exact same book as the other YA I had read the day before! (and at the time, with characters that were less charming and adorable to me).
But, what this book did well…it went BEYOND that formula. All the things I was complaining about in my head for the first 1/2 (I don’t get their chemistry. I don’t find the characters that developed. No way this goes beyond 3 stars for me…) were all faced head-on and dealt with. Nothing swept under the carpet. It felt like a Part 2…and I liked it more and more as I continued to read it!
Kieran is the social outcast, the lonely, awkward boy. But he was not weak as this type of character is oftentimes written to be. And I really grew fond of him as he started to grow into himself. Plus, he’s like uber-awesome sci-fi, graphic novels fan…adorbs.
Drew is the popular jock, terrified of being outed, with the weight of the world on his shoulders. I loved this kid. Despite his confusion and his inability to handle it all, his heart was so pure. HE was the one I wanted to take into my arms and take care of.
Their relationship was nothing really outside of physical in the beginning. But, as their second chance came around, I really came to enjoy the friendship and love they were building. The author did such a good job of writing real teenaged boys: teasing each other, struggling to open up and be vulnerable to one another…and even their fears of the unknown in intimacy…just good stuff.
The end was predictable…but the epilogue was a nice “the end” to the story.
Really enjoyed this one…a tiny bit of angst and a whole lot of sweet…
March 25, 2013
Oh, my, I'm going to be the first and only person giving this novel a 2-stars (so far). I feel like a rebel *lol*. But again, my rating will always an answer to the simple question: "In the end, do I like it or not?" And my answer for this is. BIG FAT NO. For one issue that feels personal to me, when it comes to life choices. I'll explain in a minute...
I don't have problems with Ms. Gilbert's writing. I like her writing. I find both Kieran and Gilbert to be wonderful characters ... and them being young adults with the complications of feelings, choosing boyfriends over best friends, dealing with family and life choices, are making up for good reading.
But I have niggles. Niggles that are important personally. And one of them is BIG. This is going to be long, so better prepared ^^
One
Like I said, I like Ms. Gilbert's writing. Except when she is taking that an elbow jab towards Twilight. Not because I love the franchise (I loved book #1 but then the series went down the hill for me) but the way it is mentioned in this book isn't entertaining. I know that I might sound petty and stereotyping; but I cannot bring myself to believe that teenagers like Kieran and Drew, in a small town like Cedar Keys (population 1,000) watch foreign language film with subtitles and easily throw names like John Ajvide Lindqvist.
This coming from teenagers. Really?!
Yeah, again, I am stereotyping, and it's wrong, but I can't help rolling my eyes in disbelief. Especially, it doesn't show up anymore in the whole book. This liking indie/foreign movie attitude. Nope, they go back to American culture of movies and comic books (in which Kieran nerding over the lightning sabre or Drew making reference to 'the famous boom box' scene). Which is way more believable to me.
Throwing names like Lindqvist (why not bring Stieg Larsson or Lasse Hallström - that guy directed "What's Eating Gilbert Grape", AWESOME movie! - while you're at it) as a way to show that these teens are cooler than people who like "Twilight"? Not so much.
Two
Several things are bothering me because they're introduced; then gone: 1) Toby. He comes. He wrecks things. He's gone. What the hell?? I want justice for the kind of behavior he does to Kieran. 2) Drew's uncle ().
Three
Drew is being shitty to Kieran -- I understand his fear, he is a teenager after all. But see, I'm big on groveling in a book. HUGE groveling. Unfortunately, I don't feel that from Drew
Four
Drew also being shitty to Matt. His best friend. See #3
Five
Now, this, this is where the book fails me. Again, my reason is personal. And as you can see, I'm the ONLY reader who has problem with it. I am never, EVER, a big fan in a storyline where one sacrifices his hopes and dreams for the name of love. Maybe it's my upbringing. My parents always taught me that I have to have dreams of my own and trying to achieve it is important. Because life is short and regrets will not take you anywhere. So what's my problem with this book?
Oh. NO. MAJOR NO. Not for me. I dislike this kind of plot. Immensely. Because I don't feel like any of that is Kieran's dream. I feel like Kieran is the one making all the compromise. He is the one even willing to be a 'secret' because Drew is not yet comfortable with their relationship. Yes, I'm reacting strongly at it. But it's a major issue for me. MAJOR. HUGE. SIGNIFICANT.
Which is why, I couldn't rate this more than 2-stars (meaning I dislike it, but not hate it) ...
I will still keep an eye on Ms. Gilbert's books though since I love the other three of hers.
And remember, this is MY issues. Your mileage may vary and you might not even see things in the same way. So please, check other reviews first before you decide, yes?
PS: Read Sunne's comment to my review Here and Here . She has different perspectives to my issues and really valid points too. I just don't see things the way she does, so we both "agree to disagree" :). But please, read hers so you can get a more complete picture before deciding. Okay?
I don't have problems with Ms. Gilbert's writing. I like her writing. I find both Kieran and Gilbert to be wonderful characters ... and them being young adults with the complications of feelings, choosing boyfriends over best friends, dealing with family and life choices, are making up for good reading.
But I have niggles. Niggles that are important personally. And one of them is BIG. This is going to be long, so better prepared ^^
One
Like I said, I like Ms. Gilbert's writing. Except when she is taking that an elbow jab towards Twilight. Not because I love the franchise (I loved book #1 but then the series went down the hill for me) but the way it is mentioned in this book isn't entertaining. I know that I might sound petty and stereotyping; but I cannot bring myself to believe that teenagers like Kieran and Drew, in a small town like Cedar Keys (population 1,000) watch foreign language film with subtitles and easily throw names like John Ajvide Lindqvist.
This coming from teenagers. Really?!
Yeah, again, I am stereotyping, and it's wrong, but I can't help rolling my eyes in disbelief. Especially, it doesn't show up anymore in the whole book. This liking indie/foreign movie attitude. Nope, they go back to American culture of movies and comic books (in which Kieran nerding over the lightning sabre or Drew making reference to 'the famous boom box' scene). Which is way more believable to me.
Throwing names like Lindqvist (why not bring Stieg Larsson or Lasse Hallström - that guy directed "What's Eating Gilbert Grape", AWESOME movie! - while you're at it) as a way to show that these teens are cooler than people who like "Twilight"? Not so much.
Two
Several things are bothering me because they're introduced; then gone: 1) Toby. He comes. He wrecks things. He's gone. What the hell?? I want justice for the kind of behavior he does to Kieran. 2) Drew's uncle ().
Three
Drew is being shitty to Kieran -- I understand his fear, he is a teenager after all. But see, I'm big on groveling in a book. HUGE groveling. Unfortunately, I don't feel that from Drew
Four
Drew also being shitty to Matt. His best friend. See #3
Five
Now, this, this is where the book fails me. Again, my reason is personal. And as you can see, I'm the ONLY reader who has problem with it. I am never, EVER, a big fan in a storyline where one sacrifices his hopes and dreams for the name of love. Maybe it's my upbringing. My parents always taught me that I have to have dreams of my own and trying to achieve it is important. Because life is short and regrets will not take you anywhere. So what's my problem with this book?
Oh. NO. MAJOR NO. Not for me. I dislike this kind of plot. Immensely. Because I don't feel like any of that is Kieran's dream. I feel like Kieran is the one making all the compromise. He is the one even willing to be a 'secret' because Drew is not yet comfortable with their relationship. Yes, I'm reacting strongly at it. But it's a major issue for me. MAJOR. HUGE. SIGNIFICANT.
Which is why, I couldn't rate this more than 2-stars (meaning I dislike it, but not hate it) ...
I will still keep an eye on Ms. Gilbert's books though since I love the other three of hers.
And remember, this is MY issues. Your mileage may vary and you might not even see things in the same way. So please, check other reviews first before you decide, yes?
PS: Read Sunne's comment to my review Here and Here . She has different perspectives to my issues and really valid points too. I just don't see things the way she does, so we both "agree to disagree" :). But please, read hers so you can get a more complete picture before deciding. Okay?
April 2, 2019
3.75 Stars
Kieran is a senior at the high school in a small town. He used to feel awkward and uncomfortable around other students. He got bullied, has no friends, they thought of him as a freak. He couldn’t wait to escape this town and go somewhere far far away…
Drew’s father divorced his mother five years ago and had his own brand new family. He didn’t really visit anymore or call. Now, it was his responsibility to look after his mom (she had agoraphobia). So after graduation, he needed to be home…
Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel. It’s an emotional read, a bit angsty and slow-paced. This was my first read by this author and won’t be my last. All in all, I liked it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Kieran is a senior at the high school in a small town. He used to feel awkward and uncomfortable around other students. He got bullied, has no friends, they thought of him as a freak. He couldn’t wait to escape this town and go somewhere far far away…
Drew’s father divorced his mother five years ago and had his own brand new family. He didn’t really visit anymore or call. Now, it was his responsibility to look after his mom (she had agoraphobia). So after graduation, he needed to be home…
Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel. It’s an emotional read, a bit angsty and slow-paced. This was my first read by this author and won’t be my last. All in all, I liked it and hope you enjoy it as well!
March 8, 2013
So, I slunk off during my lunch hour to the tiny office at the end of my ward to read the last 20% or so of this book. And here a nurse found me crying over my kindle and asked me what the matter was. I couldn't very well tell her that the gay romance between these two teenage boys is so sweet it is totally making me lose my shit. So, I mumbled something about allergies.
May 14, 2016
"...people never stay with their first loves.”
But sometimes they do.
I 've never stopped being around teenagers, even when I stopped being a teenager myself. This story had one the most realistic portrayals of teenage behavior I have ever read.
There is no melodrama here, but there is angst (which, thankfully, doesn't override the story). The conflicts are real:
Bullying. Teenagers who feel that they don't fit in. Parents who mean well, but they screwed up somewhere along the way, and now they 're the enemy. Kids that have to be the parent in the family. Decisions about the future.
The characters are real. They make mistakes. Sometimes they 're selfless, some others they 're selfish. They 're scared but try to act tough. They make mistakes. They talk rude, or they can be incredibly sappy. THEY MAKE MISTAKES. And they forgive so easily. Because teenagers. I would never forgive an older version of Drew for his behavior towards Kieran. But come on....can you honelstly blame a 17 year-old jock for being scared shitless and running away after falling for a guy?
Also, there is sex. Just the right amount. I love that the author did not shy away from it like it often happens with this subgenre. Not because I'm a perv, which I am, but because teenagers, especially 17/18 year-old-boys are horny all the time, and they do have sex!
Here, the sex was just right. Awkward and imperfect, but new and enthousiastic, frantic but also sweet.
“You’re totally terrified.” [...]
“Uh, well maybe… just a little bit? I’m mostly really happy about hopefully having sex for the first time, though.”
“I like that we’re… people always remember their firsts, don’t they?” He looked up at Drew and fisted his hand in the front of his T-shirt. “They remember always, even when they’re long gone and it was forever ago.”
In the end, everything comes together so beautifuly. Every detail throughout the story, matters to the ending. The epilogue is perfection.
The trope of this book might be common, but the execution was perfect. It will stay with me, and although I'm very picky with YA/NA books, I can highly recommend this one.
March 2, 2013
I have a thing for quiet unassuming books that innocently pull you in, giving the impression of being something you can easily put down because, hey there's really not much going on and you've read something like this before only flashier, but then it's three hours later and your stomach is growling, you've missed breakfast, none of your weekend to-do list is getting done, and you don't give a fuck because you're hooked and would rather starve than close your Kindle. Sure, nothing has changed - the pace is still pretty slow, the characters subdued and realistic, but that's just it. You're practically inhaling the book because it's so simple and low-key and engaging and just so damn earnest. Kieran & Drew is such a book.
Kieran is the odd guy in school no one's friends with and Drew is the hot all-American athlete everybody likes. After Drew finds out Kieran has a crush on him, a friendship starts which is quickly followed by smexin in the art room. They discover sex, themselves, and I try to find other cliches I can stick in this review to help me describe the guys' growth as they navigate their senior year in high school.
Superficially, it was the usual geek and jock story that had coming of age and GFY/OFY elements in it. At its core, it kinda was the usual geek and jock story that had coming of age and GFY/OFY elements in it. There was a comic geek whose dad didn't pay him any attention, a jock who had his own family issues, a homophobic asshole, teenagers and their random acts of casual cruelty, and a good dose of teenage drama and angst.
The thing, though, was it was all written in such a way that you felt the angst and the drama and all the other plot-things without being repeatedly hit over the head with it. Nothing was overdone and the MCs were such likable characters that any issues I may have had dim in the light of their simple but relatable narrative.
Kieran presented his story with blunt self reflection that prevented him from coming off as whiny or pathetic. He could also have come off as ungrateful or heartless a time or two, but he was just honest enough about what drove him that I forgave him before I even started to think about disliking him. Also, high school is brutal and you sometimes need a dose of selfishness just to help you survive.
But while I prolly could relate more to Kieran, this book worked as well as it did for me because of Drew and his quiet strength.
I read a sample of another book before I picked this up and decided to pass because the MC in that was pretty much slapping people's faces with his balls. And not in a kinky way. More like in a "getting all up in people's faces unnecessarily and making random growly threats just so they can see how badass I am" kinda way. Such a turn off.
Anyway, Drew was nothing like that. He didn't need to pull his pants down to show people he has balls of steel. He just went on being nice and kind and considerate and a pillar of fucking strength for the people he cared about. You didn't need to see his balls to know he had them and he didn't need to slap you in the face with them to show their strength. They were like ninja balls.
The flow of the story was admittedly slow, but I never even once thought of it as dragging. Kieran's and Drew's POV were both engaging that you feel good and satisfied even when there was really nothing much going on. And I loved that they both only ever came out on-page to the people they care about. I mean, public outings have the drama I pretty much live for when it comes to my GFY/OFY books, but this was in keeping with Kieran and Drew's relationship. Nothing flashy or too dramatic, but still sincere and touching.
So, with all this understated awesomeness that I only recently realized is like catnip for me, why am I not giving this book 5 stars? Well, it was the geek part of it, you see. I mean, I buy the fact that Kieran's a comic book and creepy movies geek. However, some of the mentions of the usual pop culture geek stuff came through as a bit trying-too-hard. You know, like when a teacher uses teenage lingo to show how "hip" they are but coming off as patronizing assholes. I'd say it's me and that I've always had a problem with random mentions of Middle Earth or the Daleks in my romance books and that I've always disliked it, but I've read books that threw a shitload of pop culture stuff at me and loved it, so it's not me, book. It's you.
Also, the dig about Twilight and how books are better than movies? Not appreciated. I agree, but I didn't appreciate it. I have no problems with characters having opinions about stuff, but if the two MCs have the exact same opinion, it feels less like their opinion and more like the author's. And it really takes me out of the world the author worked hard to put me in. I read something like that and I can almost feel the author elbowing me and going, "Right? Right?".
Small niggles, though, compared with how beautiful the story was told and how memorable Kieran and Drew were.
Recommended for those who like done-to-death stories with characters that stay with you not because they were too loud or different but because they were simple and ordinary (sad but true, Kieran).
Kieran is the odd guy in school no one's friends with and Drew is the hot all-American athlete everybody likes. After Drew finds out Kieran has a crush on him, a friendship starts which is quickly followed by smexin in the art room. They discover sex, themselves, and I try to find other cliches I can stick in this review to help me describe the guys' growth as they navigate their senior year in high school.
Superficially, it was the usual geek and jock story that had coming of age and GFY/OFY elements in it. At its core, it kinda was the usual geek and jock story that had coming of age and GFY/OFY elements in it. There was a comic geek whose dad didn't pay him any attention, a jock who had his own family issues, a homophobic asshole, teenagers and their random acts of casual cruelty, and a good dose of teenage drama and angst.
The thing, though, was it was all written in such a way that you felt the angst and the drama and all the other plot-things without being repeatedly hit over the head with it. Nothing was overdone and the MCs were such likable characters that any issues I may have had dim in the light of their simple but relatable narrative.
Kieran presented his story with blunt self reflection that prevented him from coming off as whiny or pathetic. He could also have come off as ungrateful or heartless a time or two, but he was just honest enough about what drove him that I forgave him before I even started to think about disliking him. Also, high school is brutal and you sometimes need a dose of selfishness just to help you survive.
But while I prolly could relate more to Kieran, this book worked as well as it did for me because of Drew and his quiet strength.
I read a sample of another book before I picked this up and decided to pass because the MC in that was pretty much slapping people's faces with his balls. And not in a kinky way. More like in a "getting all up in people's faces unnecessarily and making random growly threats just so they can see how badass I am" kinda way. Such a turn off.
Anyway, Drew was nothing like that. He didn't need to pull his pants down to show people he has balls of steel. He just went on being nice and kind and considerate and a pillar of fucking strength for the people he cared about. You didn't need to see his balls to know he had them and he didn't need to slap you in the face with them to show their strength. They were like ninja balls.
The flow of the story was admittedly slow, but I never even once thought of it as dragging. Kieran's and Drew's POV were both engaging that you feel good and satisfied even when there was really nothing much going on. And I loved that they both only ever came out on-page to the people they care about. I mean, public outings have the drama I pretty much live for when it comes to my GFY/OFY books, but this was in keeping with Kieran and Drew's relationship. Nothing flashy or too dramatic, but still sincere and touching.
So, with all this understated awesomeness that I only recently realized is like catnip for me, why am I not giving this book 5 stars? Well, it was the geek part of it, you see. I mean, I buy the fact that Kieran's a comic book and creepy movies geek. However, some of the mentions of the usual pop culture geek stuff came through as a bit trying-too-hard. You know, like when a teacher uses teenage lingo to show how "hip" they are but coming off as patronizing assholes. I'd say it's me and that I've always had a problem with random mentions of Middle Earth or the Daleks in my romance books and that I've always disliked it, but I've read books that threw a shitload of pop culture stuff at me and loved it, so it's not me, book. It's you.
Also, the dig about Twilight and how books are better than movies? Not appreciated. I agree, but I didn't appreciate it. I have no problems with characters having opinions about stuff, but if the two MCs have the exact same opinion, it feels less like their opinion and more like the author's. And it really takes me out of the world the author worked hard to put me in. I read something like that and I can almost feel the author elbowing me and going, "Right? Right?".
Small niggles, though, compared with how beautiful the story was told and how memorable Kieran and Drew were.
Recommended for those who like done-to-death stories with characters that stay with you not because they were too loud or different but because they were simple and ordinary (sad but true, Kieran).
March 7, 2013
Ah, what a lovely, heart warming story that I couldn't put down. I literally read the whole thing in one sitting...well, I may or may not have stopped to take a potty break.
Honestly, everything about this story was predictable...from the beginning to the middle to the end. There were absolutely no shocking plot twists and no single moment where I shouted "What the fuck just happened?!" No, there was nothing exciting like that. Just two high school seniors, opposites yet soul mates, discovering each other and then proving that first loves really can stay together forever.
It was sweet. It was sad. It was funny. It was even a little smutty at times...but overall, it touched my heart and made me smile. That was all I needed for tonight.
Honestly, everything about this story was predictable...from the beginning to the middle to the end. There were absolutely no shocking plot twists and no single moment where I shouted "What the fuck just happened?!" No, there was nothing exciting like that. Just two high school seniors, opposites yet soul mates, discovering each other and then proving that first loves really can stay together forever.
It was sweet. It was sad. It was funny. It was even a little smutty at times...but overall, it touched my heart and made me smile. That was all I needed for tonight.
June 10, 2017
4.5 Stars
I think I just fell in love.
I adored EVERYTHING about this story (maybe with the exception of that cover - deceptively ominous much?!).
I was fully engaged for every single second of this sweet, unassuming love story. Kieran and Drew were equally endearing and so very relatable. Their coming together was so beautiful and honest and tender and romantic and realistic and several other lovely descriptive words that I won't bore you with further.
I laughed, I cried, I sympathized and then I cried again, for good measure. And thanks to that much appreciated epilogue, I was left with a dopey grin on my face and a ridiculously happy heart.
L.A. Gilbert is now officially on my radar!
*adds another treasured book to my favourites folder*
I think I just fell in love.
I adored EVERYTHING about this story (maybe with the exception of that cover - deceptively ominous much?!).
I was fully engaged for every single second of this sweet, unassuming love story. Kieran and Drew were equally endearing and so very relatable. Their coming together was so beautiful and honest and tender and romantic and realistic and several other lovely descriptive words that I won't bore you with further.
I laughed, I cried, I sympathized and then I cried again, for good measure. And thanks to that much appreciated epilogue, I was left with a dopey grin on my face and a ridiculously happy heart.
L.A. Gilbert is now officially on my radar!
*adds another treasured book to my favourites folder*
March 3, 2013
You know most times when I think I know the way a books going to go I’m normally completely way off. I wish I had been wrong this time, sadly what I thought was going to happen did and so now I’m a wreck.
The characters in this book are extremely believable. Kieran especially was a guy I could totally feel for. His sense of worthlessness pulled at my heart and I wanted to beat his dad over the head at times.
Drew was another real character. His way of handling things had me again wanting to inflict some pain, while at the same time I could understand his reaction. That’s not to say he wasn’t a complete Douche Bag at times.
I did have a few niggles for some side characters.
I did love Kieran’s dads story even if it was predictable lol
On the whole this is an emotional roller coaster read, and while I was pulled into the story from the start I did have a few niggles that stop me giving it a full 5 stars.
The characters in this book are extremely believable. Kieran especially was a guy I could totally feel for. His sense of worthlessness pulled at my heart and I wanted to beat his dad over the head at times.
Drew was another real character. His way of handling things had me again wanting to inflict some pain, while at the same time I could understand his reaction. That’s not to say he wasn’t a complete Douche Bag at times.
I did have a few niggles for some side characters.
I did love Kieran’s dads story even if it was predictable lol
On the whole this is an emotional roller coaster read, and while I was pulled into the story from the start I did have a few niggles that stop me giving it a full 5 stars.
May 15, 2013
I have a thing for Jock/Geek stories, and I think its because I love seeing the underdog get his day and the bullies get their comeuppance. This is slightly different though and doesn't quite follow the usual set rulings that most of these stores follow. Yes Kieran is the geeky loner who crushes from afar on Drew the jock and we have the cruel jock who torments him but there is something slightly different about this tale that I think separates it from most of the others. First of all this is uber hot in the love scene department and definitely more graphic than most YA stories but I think more than anything its the character of Drew who slightly bucks the trend of the usual Jocks that we read about. For one he's not the spoilt rich kid, secondly he's sporty but he ultimately wants to be a fireman and thirdly his reaction and getting together with Kieran is completely different to the usual ' geek gets asked to tutor jock so that's how they meet and fall in love' trope that is used such a lot in Jock/geek romances. Getting detention isn't quite as hard to cope with as Kieran expects!
There's a truck load of angst and drama in this book and a lot of it revolves around Kieran and Drew's respective dysfunctional family lives as well as the secrecy of their relationship and the misunderstandings that evolve from it. Eye rolling moments and exasperation comes thick and fast but for me that's what these books are all about, and what make them so compelling. Stories like this just wouldn't be the same if it was all sweetness and light. Borrring!!
These are young men on the cusp of adulthood and lets be honest, everything at that age is a drama ... Nobody goes through their teen years without feeling as if the world and its wife hates them! So even though there were times when I wanted to screech at them both for being silly stubborn ( and at times self absorbed ) boys and not talking things out between them, of course I was still rooting for them to make it work and got all starry eyed and mushy at all the appropriate spots. Do they get their HEA... Well I will say they have to work really hard but I was definitely in warm fuzzyland when I'd finished! No spoilers there really .....
It had some great supporting characters and back stories that fleshed out the angsty romance, so personally I had to give it the full 5 because again it had me glued to my kindle and I fell in heart with both the boys and their true romance. Its all about pure enjoyment with me and I enjoyed this a lot, in fact I loved it. Keeper!
There's a truck load of angst and drama in this book and a lot of it revolves around Kieran and Drew's respective dysfunctional family lives as well as the secrecy of their relationship and the misunderstandings that evolve from it. Eye rolling moments and exasperation comes thick and fast but for me that's what these books are all about, and what make them so compelling. Stories like this just wouldn't be the same if it was all sweetness and light. Borrring!!
These are young men on the cusp of adulthood and lets be honest, everything at that age is a drama ... Nobody goes through their teen years without feeling as if the world and its wife hates them! So even though there were times when I wanted to screech at them both for being silly stubborn ( and at times self absorbed ) boys and not talking things out between them, of course I was still rooting for them to make it work and got all starry eyed and mushy at all the appropriate spots. Do they get their HEA... Well I will say they have to work really hard but I was definitely in warm fuzzyland when I'd finished! No spoilers there really .....
It had some great supporting characters and back stories that fleshed out the angsty romance, so personally I had to give it the full 5 because again it had me glued to my kindle and I fell in heart with both the boys and their true romance. Its all about pure enjoyment with me and I enjoyed this a lot, in fact I loved it. Keeper!
June 26, 2013
This was a solid YA/NA coming of age story with just the right amount of angst. Kieran and Drew are high school seniors living in a small town in Florida. Drew is a jock and Kieran is the class "freak". Both have family issues that are playing a key role in their after graduation plans. When Drew discovers that Kieran has a crush on him, he decides to get to know him better.
Of course, this is high school and neither boy is "out", so the relationship is going to suffer. While the plot is nothing new in the YA/NA universe, I really was drawn in by both the characters, especially Kieran. The two main characters are very sweet together and you could feel the emotion the author was trying to put out there. My heart broke for Kieran an the loneliness/rejection he felt even from his own father.
A well done coming of age story wrapped up with a sweet HEA.
Of course, this is high school and neither boy is "out", so the relationship is going to suffer. While the plot is nothing new in the YA/NA universe, I really was drawn in by both the characters, especially Kieran. The two main characters are very sweet together and you could feel the emotion the author was trying to put out there. My heart broke for Kieran an the loneliness/rejection he felt even from his own father.
A well done coming of age story wrapped up with a sweet HEA.
March 2, 2013
This story enters well-traveled territory: geek has a crush on jock, jock is just realizing he's gay, they have a secret relationship. The difference is that I felt their emotions deeply. They're young and awkward and they hurt each other and fuck things up, but there are also moments of genuine sweetness. I loved the characters and I was invested in their journey.
Minus one star because many of the pop culture references fell flat, and because of some editing inconsistencies. (I suspect they tried to Americanize most of the author's Britishness, but they didn't quite succeed.)
Minus one star because many of the pop culture references fell flat, and because of some editing inconsistencies. (I suspect they tried to Americanize most of the author's Britishness, but they didn't quite succeed.)
March 2, 2013
Only one word for this: absolutely beautiful- damn, that’s two! :)
If you’ve read LA Gilbert before and are familiar with her style this will not come as a surprise to you. Kieran and Drew is an incredibly sweet story that will get under your skin and keep you rooting for these two beautiful characters from the get go. As all her stories this bears no urgency and is not written as a fast paced novel but that only gives you more time to enjoy it and to get attached to the characters.
I know I say this about all of her novels but I absolutely LOVE how she manages to write such real characters. Drew and Kieran are so well done that you never feel like you’re reading a story and everything is make-believe. They feel like two real teenagers, experiencing live, discovering themselves, their sexuality, their first love. For me,their journey was breathtaking.
Usually when you read novels involving teenagers (and adults also) the characters are a little too good to be true and are often seen through rose colored glasses. I absolutely loved how full of faults Kieran and Drew were. They weren’t perfect. They were two stupid kids making mistakes, being selfish, self- absorbed, cowards. But they realized it and got over it. People with a lifetime of experience make the same mistakes so it could only be expected out of them two. I loved that the author wrote them this way.
For a story featuring two virgin teenagers she wrote, in my opinion, her best sex scenes. They were so incredibly hot, even the fumbling at the beginning. But she also made them incredibly sweet and lovely. They were perfect.
There are two twists with this story near the end that I totally saw from the beginning but was totally cool with. Also, the story does have some weakish points but they could be easily ignored ‘cause the story sucks you in so beautifully.
This read was also very emotional without being too angsty. This is one of those books that make me feel everything the characters are feeling . I’ll admit to crying a little /lot near the end and to having my heart squeezed with emotion a few times in this story.
The epilogue was deeply appreciated even if I’d love to read more about those years in between.
Like I said: absolutely beautiful!
If you’ve read LA Gilbert before and are familiar with her style this will not come as a surprise to you. Kieran and Drew is an incredibly sweet story that will get under your skin and keep you rooting for these two beautiful characters from the get go. As all her stories this bears no urgency and is not written as a fast paced novel but that only gives you more time to enjoy it and to get attached to the characters.
I know I say this about all of her novels but I absolutely LOVE how she manages to write such real characters. Drew and Kieran are so well done that you never feel like you’re reading a story and everything is make-believe. They feel like two real teenagers, experiencing live, discovering themselves, their sexuality, their first love. For me,their journey was breathtaking.
Usually when you read novels involving teenagers (and adults also) the characters are a little too good to be true and are often seen through rose colored glasses. I absolutely loved how full of faults Kieran and Drew were. They weren’t perfect. They were two stupid kids making mistakes, being selfish, self- absorbed, cowards. But they realized it and got over it. People with a lifetime of experience make the same mistakes so it could only be expected out of them two. I loved that the author wrote them this way.
For a story featuring two virgin teenagers she wrote, in my opinion, her best sex scenes. They were so incredibly hot, even the fumbling at the beginning. But she also made them incredibly sweet and lovely. They were perfect.
There are two twists with this story near the end that I totally saw from the beginning but was totally cool with. Also, the story does have some weakish points but they could be easily ignored ‘cause the story sucks you in so beautifully.
This read was also very emotional without being too angsty. This is one of those books that make me feel everything the characters are feeling . I’ll admit to crying a little /lot near the end and to having my heart squeezed with emotion a few times in this story.
The epilogue was deeply appreciated even if I’d love to read more about those years in between.
Like I said: absolutely beautiful!
April 15, 2013
The characters made this book a wonderful read. Keiran was so lonely and painfully isolated at school, ridiculed and viewed as a 'freak' because he was different to his peers. Drew, outwardly the popular baseball player, was dealing with the pressures of having to look after his agoraphobic mother.
Both boys are finishing high school and planning their next steps. Drew is trapped in his home town, not able to leave his mother. Keiran, on the other hand, can't wait to escape and has plans to move as far away as possible.
Keiran and Drew commence a relationship which culminates in having to make decisions about their future. The story is slightly predictable, as Drew hides his sexuality and Keiran experiences problems with his father, but so well written.
I liked the slow build up of the sexual aspects of the relationship. Aged 18, Keiran is desperate for a physical relationship "If the small-town lifestyle wasn't enough to make him want to leave, then a desperate urge to have actual sex with another human being was." However, the sex between Keiran and Drew is entwined with the emotion, as they both slowly start to explore the physical side of their relationship.
4.5 stars
Both boys are finishing high school and planning their next steps. Drew is trapped in his home town, not able to leave his mother. Keiran, on the other hand, can't wait to escape and has plans to move as far away as possible.
Keiran and Drew commence a relationship which culminates in having to make decisions about their future. The story is slightly predictable, as Drew hides his sexuality and Keiran experiences problems with his father, but so well written.
I liked the slow build up of the sexual aspects of the relationship. Aged 18, Keiran is desperate for a physical relationship "If the small-town lifestyle wasn't enough to make him want to leave, then a desperate urge to have actual sex with another human being was." However, the sex between Keiran and Drew is entwined with the emotion, as they both slowly start to explore the physical side of their relationship.
4.5 stars
March 3, 2013
A very good read, although the dad-story-line was rather predictable and in the end it settled a bit too smooth.
September 6, 2014
Buddy reading with my girls Mish and Dani! My *first* snowman read!!!
April 5, 2014
The ending's bothering me. Hmmm...
March 3, 2013
Kieran and Drew is really cute sweet story. I loved this book. Both MC's were sweet and confused. I wanted to wrap them in a hug and squeeze them to death. I found myself laughing sometimes and worried other times. I was emotional especially closer to the end of the book. I never cry at books but emotional I can get and this had me anxious. If I could give this 10 stars I would.
Kieran was the "different" character. He dressed differently and had no friends. I found him to be easy to like. He was different and that appealed to me. His dad's secret was not a hard one for me to guess. It became kind of easy to guess after a while. I had to laugh when it all came out. His dad's "girlfriend" was a hoot.
Drew, I felt sorry for him. He had to deal with a lot and it was not made any easier by his father. His mother's struggles became his and it was harder for him, I loved how the author wrote Drew. He could have been the biggest ass of all. Instead he was a sweetheart. I really loved him, but I connected with Kieran better.
I loved Matt and Drew's mom and eventually Kieran's dad. The secondary characters helped to make this story as nice as it was. The two MC's stole my heart though. I have a special little place for them. I would love to see a sequel. But I would be happy to have it end the way it did. I love stories that end well.
Highly recommend this!
Kieran was the "different" character. He dressed differently and had no friends. I found him to be easy to like. He was different and that appealed to me. His dad's secret was not a hard one for me to guess. It became kind of easy to guess after a while. I had to laugh when it all came out. His dad's "girlfriend" was a hoot.
Drew, I felt sorry for him. He had to deal with a lot and it was not made any easier by his father. His mother's struggles became his and it was harder for him, I loved how the author wrote Drew. He could have been the biggest ass of all. Instead he was a sweetheart. I really loved him, but I connected with Kieran better.
I loved Matt and Drew's mom and eventually Kieran's dad. The secondary characters helped to make this story as nice as it was. The two MC's stole my heart though. I have a special little place for them. I would love to see a sequel. But I would be happy to have it end the way it did. I love stories that end well.
Highly recommend this!
August 18, 2015
Slowish start, but soon warmed up. Loved the characters of Kieran and Drew, and the surprise twist with Kieran's dad, wonderful. Would love to know what happened to Drew's bestie Matt though cos he seemed to disappear....anyhoo, 4 stars from me.
March 7, 2013
4.25 Stars
I am not usually a fan of High School age characters but this story was simply amazing. Very well written, so real and so real life. Both Kieran and Drew have family issues that haunt them, as do most high schooler's. But the difference is in having friends to fall back on. Drew is very popular and a jock...more friends than he can shake a stick at. Kieran? None, no one wants to be seen with the freak. So very sad.
Drew, of course, sees past the oddity that is Kieran and quietly befriends him, realizes he is gay because of him, and ends up hurting him because he is still a dumb kid and finds it easier to run away from his problems than confront them. No fault seriously given to Drew here because he is young and immature. He goes through his own pain figuring out how to be gay and still keep his family and friends.
Takes a break up, family and friends confrontations, and listening to your own heart, but the boys figure it out, and in the end true love, even first love, wins out.
So sweet and so worth the read.
I am not usually a fan of High School age characters but this story was simply amazing. Very well written, so real and so real life. Both Kieran and Drew have family issues that haunt them, as do most high schooler's. But the difference is in having friends to fall back on. Drew is very popular and a jock...more friends than he can shake a stick at. Kieran? None, no one wants to be seen with the freak. So very sad.
Drew, of course, sees past the oddity that is Kieran and quietly befriends him, realizes he is gay because of him, and ends up hurting him because he is still a dumb kid and finds it easier to run away from his problems than confront them. No fault seriously given to Drew here because he is young and immature. He goes through his own pain figuring out how to be gay and still keep his family and friends.
Takes a break up, family and friends confrontations, and listening to your own heart, but the boys figure it out, and in the end true love, even first love, wins out.
So sweet and so worth the read.
March 12, 2013
This is a "geek meets jock"-highschool story.
Oh...another one of these. They are all cute and I've read a lot of them already.
Well - not this one. It is a sign of a really good author to give us a known theme and make something totally new out of it.
Just to make this clear - I loved the story.
I loved the guys - they are the best example that not everything is as it looks like.
This is the kind of book that draws you in, keeps you reading...despite you originally thought that it would be easy to put aside because it's not flashy, thrilling, exciting. But it's in it's own silent way captivating.
L.A. Gilbert is now an autobuy for me.
Oh...another one of these. They are all cute and I've read a lot of them already.
Well - not this one. It is a sign of a really good author to give us a known theme and make something totally new out of it.
Just to make this clear - I loved the story.
I loved the guys - they are the best example that not everything is as it looks like.
This is the kind of book that draws you in, keeps you reading...despite you originally thought that it would be easy to put aside because it's not flashy, thrilling, exciting. But it's in it's own silent way captivating.
L.A. Gilbert is now an autobuy for me.
October 13, 2015
I'm officially an L.A. Gilbert fan! I am a sucker for sappy dialogue and this just turned up the notch. The story build-up was flawless and enjoyable. Bits of humor, lots of loving, and not that much angst. Perfect! And Kieran and Drew are just total adorbs. The connection and chemistry were there. The conflicts affect you deeply. The love scenes were one of the best I've read. Sweet and heated; I was in heaven. Will definitely be reading and looking forward to more of L.A.'s work in the future.
June 15, 2016
What a sweet story.
This was like a clasic teenager love story but in a gay version and I loved.
If you wanna read it it's better don't know much about the book, just is a clasic geek and a popular jock falling in love in a really well written story.
This was like a clasic teenager love story but in a gay version and I loved.
If you wanna read it it's better don't know much about the book, just is a clasic geek and a popular jock falling in love in a really well written story.
June 1, 2017
5+++++++++++++++++++++++++ STARS!
God this book! I was freaking awesome! I didn't want it to end. This book is going to stay with me for awhile.
God this book! I was freaking awesome! I didn't want it to end. This book is going to stay with me for awhile.
February 24, 2013
3~3.5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Now this is a difficult book for me to review because I got some negative emotions at the beginning from this author. I understand that we have our likes and dislikes, and our opinions matter to us, but when you start slanting books or movies you don’t like in your current work, while all the while you’re in the middle of an exact replica of a scene from said book, it’s just not cool.
I’m talking about a scene here that was so remarkably similar to the one in Twilight when Bella Swan is having a talk with an admirer and dear Edward beside her takes an interest on their conversation. Anyone who has read it will know the scene I’m talking about as it marked the beginning of the pair’s relationship. Same here with the difference that there is no Bella, but a Kieran and oh, yeah, Kieran and Drew are having similar thoughts about the absurd Twilight book/movie… Now again, I don’t mind opinions, but please refrain from replicating scenes from books/movies you dislike…
Another interesting thing for me was the fact that this book, with the exception of the above scene, awfully reminded me of Outfield Menace by Mark A. Roeder. Yes, Roeder’s book is set back in the 50’s but other than that I kept going on flashbacks and comparison.
Admittedly this book was much better approached and the characters had an outstanding realistic portrayal. They not only felt real, but they felt closer to today’s youth than any other character I’ve read recently.
The core of the story is a classic jock/geek type. Kieran is the weird guy, the odd one, always feeling out of place and alone. He (thinks) is the only gay in a very small town, he is weird and therefore sneered at constantly by his peers and, what probably hurts him more, he has a nonexistent relationship with his dad. Sure, he never lack money or luxury, but being in a single parent family, with his dad all day way from the house Kieran is completely alone. No friends, no family, no lover, no one to talk to and being bullied at school.
And here comes Drew, gorgeous, strong, a jock with the most incredible smile oh, and the guy Kieran harbors a huge crush for. Drew has never thought about Kieran, the quiet guy who tries as much as possible to be invisible, but utterly failing on a daily basis. But when he notices their initials looped on hearts on Kieran’s notebook, it hits him that Kieran might be… into him.
What follows is a great story that I really, really liked. The character’s emotions, while being very juvenile and very teen-like lacked the unbearable drama that we usually witness whenever teens are involved, and that was invigorating. Oh, I’m not saying this book was drama free as both boys have some heavy family and emotional issues. An agoraphobic mother going hand to hand with a father that abandoned him and an uncle overseas has Drew trapped between a rock and a hard place. And a father that doesn’t see him in addition to being the freak of the school has Kieran on the brick of mentally falling. But all those added wonderfully to the story.
It also impressed me the turn around the author managed for her characters in the end. How beautifully she turned the roles and made it all happen without stepping over sappy clichés.
Honestly if it wasn’t for the above mentioned things that I disliked, this book was easily a 4~4.5 hearts for me. Anyhow this book is quite entertaining and will give you a fit of laughter in the end, for which I must warn that you should NOT be drinking or reading less you want to be snorting it out of your nose like I did, and if you’re ever so slightly inclined toward Contemporary Romance I strongly recommend it for you.
Thommie
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Now this is a difficult book for me to review because I got some negative emotions at the beginning from this author. I understand that we have our likes and dislikes, and our opinions matter to us, but when you start slanting books or movies you don’t like in your current work, while all the while you’re in the middle of an exact replica of a scene from said book, it’s just not cool.
I’m talking about a scene here that was so remarkably similar to the one in Twilight when Bella Swan is having a talk with an admirer and dear Edward beside her takes an interest on their conversation. Anyone who has read it will know the scene I’m talking about as it marked the beginning of the pair’s relationship. Same here with the difference that there is no Bella, but a Kieran and oh, yeah, Kieran and Drew are having similar thoughts about the absurd Twilight book/movie… Now again, I don’t mind opinions, but please refrain from replicating scenes from books/movies you dislike…
Another interesting thing for me was the fact that this book, with the exception of the above scene, awfully reminded me of Outfield Menace by Mark A. Roeder. Yes, Roeder’s book is set back in the 50’s but other than that I kept going on flashbacks and comparison.
Admittedly this book was much better approached and the characters had an outstanding realistic portrayal. They not only felt real, but they felt closer to today’s youth than any other character I’ve read recently.
The core of the story is a classic jock/geek type. Kieran is the weird guy, the odd one, always feeling out of place and alone. He (thinks) is the only gay in a very small town, he is weird and therefore sneered at constantly by his peers and, what probably hurts him more, he has a nonexistent relationship with his dad. Sure, he never lack money or luxury, but being in a single parent family, with his dad all day way from the house Kieran is completely alone. No friends, no family, no lover, no one to talk to and being bullied at school.
And here comes Drew, gorgeous, strong, a jock with the most incredible smile oh, and the guy Kieran harbors a huge crush for. Drew has never thought about Kieran, the quiet guy who tries as much as possible to be invisible, but utterly failing on a daily basis. But when he notices their initials looped on hearts on Kieran’s notebook, it hits him that Kieran might be… into him.
What follows is a great story that I really, really liked. The character’s emotions, while being very juvenile and very teen-like lacked the unbearable drama that we usually witness whenever teens are involved, and that was invigorating. Oh, I’m not saying this book was drama free as both boys have some heavy family and emotional issues. An agoraphobic mother going hand to hand with a father that abandoned him and an uncle overseas has Drew trapped between a rock and a hard place. And a father that doesn’t see him in addition to being the freak of the school has Kieran on the brick of mentally falling. But all those added wonderfully to the story.
It also impressed me the turn around the author managed for her characters in the end. How beautifully she turned the roles and made it all happen without stepping over sappy clichés.
Honestly if it wasn’t for the above mentioned things that I disliked, this book was easily a 4~4.5 hearts for me. Anyhow this book is quite entertaining and will give you a fit of laughter in the end, for which I must warn that you should NOT be drinking or reading less you want to be snorting it out of your nose like I did, and if you’re ever so slightly inclined toward Contemporary Romance I strongly recommend it for you.
Thommie
March 30, 2013
This is a nice (though predictable) coming of age story. Kieran is an almost eighteen-year-old high school senior who is counting down the days until he can graduate high school and disappear from his small town. He is considered a freak at school and is bullied as a result. His only friend is the school janitor. His only parent, his father, is absent more often than not and the two of them have not had much of relationship in over two years. Kieran exists by day-by-day looking forward to the day when he can finally leave the town and begin his life somewhere where no one knows him.
Drew, on the other hand, is a popular baseball player at the high school. He's well liked and has a lot of friends. On the outside he seems like a typical teenage boy, a happy teenage boy. On the inside he is hurting due to family issues that very few people are aware of.
Drew and Kieran come together after a humiliating moment for Kieran in their art class. What starts off as a quick conversation between the two boys turns into a secret relationship.
The first half of this book is predictable: Straight boy jock who is secretly gay falls for the school nerd who gets bullied. In no way am I making light of bullying. I just find this scenario too common in YA books these days. Granted the story changed up around the halfway mark but the background remained the same.
Overall, this is a nice coming of age story. My heart broke for both characters throughout but everything came together nicely.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Drew, on the other hand, is a popular baseball player at the high school. He's well liked and has a lot of friends. On the outside he seems like a typical teenage boy, a happy teenage boy. On the inside he is hurting due to family issues that very few people are aware of.
Drew and Kieran come together after a humiliating moment for Kieran in their art class. What starts off as a quick conversation between the two boys turns into a secret relationship.
The first half of this book is predictable: Straight boy jock who is secretly gay falls for the school nerd who gets bullied. In no way am I making light of bullying. I just find this scenario too common in YA books these days. Granted the story changed up around the halfway mark but the background remained the same.
Overall, this is a nice coming of age story. My heart broke for both characters throughout but everything came together nicely.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 25, 2013
This book was well written I thought. I wished there was more inner dialogue maybe to show how much these characters loved each other and to show that they thought of each other often and such and how amazing it was that they found each other, etc.
I thought the dialogue was very well done and included some good banter and seemed very natural.
There were points in this that were angsty, and I understand the conflict of it, as conflict is usually needed in stories. Towards the end, it was a bit tiring, but as I was satisfied with the ending, that's alright. And it wasn't incredibly angsty or incredibly annoyingly so.
I'd even love to read a sequel to this, although I'm not sure there will be one as it included an epilogue. But I liked this book a lot and I think lll re-read it.
Additionally, although this book is about two high school seniors, I would not call it YA as it does have sex scenes. Just a head's up to fellow readers if they want to know.
I thought the dialogue was very well done and included some good banter and seemed very natural.
There were points in this that were angsty, and I understand the conflict of it, as conflict is usually needed in stories. Towards the end, it was a bit tiring, but as I was satisfied with the ending, that's alright. And it wasn't incredibly angsty or incredibly annoyingly so.
I'd even love to read a sequel to this, although I'm not sure there will be one as it included an epilogue. But I liked this book a lot and I think lll re-read it.
Additionally, although this book is about two high school seniors, I would not call it YA as it does have sex scenes. Just a head's up to fellow readers if they want to know.
May 28, 2017
This is my second book by L. A. Gilbert and like the first, this was a 5 ++++ star read. The perfect balance of angst, sweet, sexy, emotional read. A new favorite author for me!!!
January 25, 2016
4.5 Stars
I finally pulled this one off of my endless to-read list and gave it a chance. I am glad I did!
It is a very entertaining YA tale about two high school seniors finding love despite a whole lotta crap thrown their way.
Sometimes books like this are just what I need. There is a sweetness along with all the coming-of-age angsty stuff that makes a great escape from the real world.
I also want to say that I have really enjoyed LA Gilbert's books. As a British author she does a very good job of writing contemporary stories set in the United States. I have read a few books by out of country authors that don't get our teenage conversational vernacular right, and that can really pull me out of a story. It has become one of my reading pet peeves. When I read a story set in the U,S the characters should talk and think like they are from the US, and that includes slang and other chit chat. L.A. Gilbert has done this better than some other authors I have read in the M/M Romance genre.
If you like M/M stories involving coming of age high schoolers - especially the hunky jock and the geeky outcast theme - this book should be included in your to-read list.
I finally pulled this one off of my endless to-read list and gave it a chance. I am glad I did!
It is a very entertaining YA tale about two high school seniors finding love despite a whole lotta crap thrown their way.
Sometimes books like this are just what I need. There is a sweetness along with all the coming-of-age angsty stuff that makes a great escape from the real world.
I also want to say that I have really enjoyed LA Gilbert's books. As a British author she does a very good job of writing contemporary stories set in the United States. I have read a few books by out of country authors that don't get our teenage conversational vernacular right, and that can really pull me out of a story. It has become one of my reading pet peeves. When I read a story set in the U,S the characters should talk and think like they are from the US, and that includes slang and other chit chat. L.A. Gilbert has done this better than some other authors I have read in the M/M Romance genre.
If you like M/M stories involving coming of age high schoolers - especially the hunky jock and the geeky outcast theme - this book should be included in your to-read list.
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