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The Science of Love #1
Newton's Laws of Attraction
Rory was Ben's oldest and best friend until senior year of high school, when they confessed they'd harbored feelings for each other all along. They enjoyed only a few months of happiness until Ben chose closeted popularity over true love… and he's regretted it ever since.
Eight years later, Ben is out and proud and teaching art at the same high school he graduated from. When he learns the chemistry teacher is retiring, he's excited to meet her replacement until he finds out the brand new teacher is none other than Rory Newton—the first love he's never quite gotten over. Despite a painfully awkward start, it doesn't take Ben long to realize he'll do whatever it takes to win Rory back. But it's starting to look like even his best might not be enough.
Eight years later, Ben is out and proud and teaching art at the same high school he graduated from. When he learns the chemistry teacher is retiring, he's excited to meet her replacement until he finds out the brand new teacher is none other than Rory Newton—the first love he's never quite gotten over. Despite a painfully awkward start, it doesn't take Ben long to realize he'll do whatever it takes to win Rory back. But it's starting to look like even his best might not be enough.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2013
28 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
M.J. O'Shea
86 books948 followersMJ O’Shea has never met a music festival, paintbrush, or
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
September 1, 2016
**3.5 stars**
SO typically M.J. O'Shea, and a really cute best friends-to-lovers story... but there was a painful lack of communication there that KILLED me!
I want to talk about the narration a bit because I went back and forth about how I felt about the audiobook narrator, George Somerset. I think in the end I settled on "strongly like," and he helped me bump this up to 3.5 stars. I appreciated the emotion in his voice, and he sounded pretty age-apporpriate, though his voice for Rory was uber-gravelly and his regular speaking voice was a little... soft-sounding for what I imagined for Ben. However, I always like when I feel like a narrator is in it. Like, fully committed. I'll give it to George Somerset, he really gave it his all. I think I'd listen to more stuff from him in the future.
In terms of the book itself, I think the strongest part was Ben's little group of friends. I loved Fen (I DIED when I saw he has his own book in the series! I knew you were a little toooo interested in the gay clubs, Fen!) and their little teacher clique. Sure, it didn't actually feel like they were teachers, but they were so darn CUTE that I sort of forgave this book its mistakes.
The whole moving from not speaking to sort of friends, to friends, to friends-with-benefits, and so forth was pretty predictable, as was a lot of the drama that came later. Still, I couldn't help but fall in love with this story a little. It was an easy and adorable listen, and I think most M.J. fans will enjoy this one.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
November 30, 2013
Utterly aggravating story.
The miscommunication/no communication that ruled the entire story--ENTIRE story, like up to the last five pages infuriated me. I wanted to strangle both characters and while I was doing that I wondered if I could smash their heads against the floor to knock some sense into them.
Horrible thing to say when the two protagonists are so Gosh Darn adorable. I'd have been more forgiving if this torture didn't last the entire book. I liked the setting and secondary characters. But seriously, a never-ending awkward dance for the whole book where nothing else happens except the illustration of Ben and Rory's stupidness…Aargh!
I know I'll be in the minority with this one. So, you all, contemplating this one--there's undoubtedly 50 glittery gold stars ratings for my miserly one.
The miscommunication/no communication that ruled the entire story--ENTIRE story, like up to the last five pages infuriated me. I wanted to strangle both characters and while I was doing that I wondered if I could smash their heads against the floor to knock some sense into them.
Horrible thing to say when the two protagonists are so Gosh Darn adorable. I'd have been more forgiving if this torture didn't last the entire book. I liked the setting and secondary characters. But seriously, a never-ending awkward dance for the whole book where nothing else happens except the illustration of Ben and Rory's stupidness…Aargh!
I know I'll be in the minority with this one. So, you all, contemplating this one--there's undoubtedly 50 glittery gold stars ratings for my miserly one.
August 6, 2016
3 reluctant stars because I love the way MJ O'Shea writes.
This is an angsty-as-hell book about estranged best friends who meet again.
When he's a teenager, Ben chooses being cool and pleasing his dad over his best friend/first love, Rory. When Rory comes back into town to teach at his old high school where Ben also teaches, Ben hopes he and Rory can reconcile. But Rory is not really down with that idea.
I didn't mind that Rory was tentative and careful, that he wanted to be friends with Ben first. I get it. Ben broke his heart. But the whole make-me-feel-better, be-my-fuck-buddy thing so did not work for me. Rory was a total arse. Yeah, Ben was a jerk first, but Ben was 17, and he apologized and groveled. Rory was just cruel.
Because we only get Ben's POV, I never understood what Rory's motivation for acting the way he did was.
There was a HEA. These guys are soulmates, etc. But the ending was a little rushed, and I was less excited about it than I normally would be for a HEA.
I read this in preparation for the companion book
coming out soon.
It's Fen's story, and I liked Fen in this book, so hopefully book 2 proves less aggravating.
This is an angsty-as-hell book about estranged best friends who meet again.
When he's a teenager, Ben chooses being cool and pleasing his dad over his best friend/first love, Rory. When Rory comes back into town to teach at his old high school where Ben also teaches, Ben hopes he and Rory can reconcile. But Rory is not really down with that idea.
I didn't mind that Rory was tentative and careful, that he wanted to be friends with Ben first. I get it. Ben broke his heart. But the whole make-me-feel-better, be-my-fuck-buddy thing so did not work for me. Rory was a total arse. Yeah, Ben was a jerk first, but Ben was 17, and he apologized and groveled. Rory was just cruel.
Because we only get Ben's POV, I never understood what Rory's motivation for acting the way he did was.
There was a HEA. These guys are soulmates, etc. But the ending was a little rushed, and I was less excited about it than I normally would be for a HEA.
I read this in preparation for the companion book
coming out soon.
It's Fen's story, and I liked Fen in this book, so hopefully book 2 proves less aggravating.
August 14, 2016
I'm going to admit I judged this book by it's cover, and to me the cover said quirky rom-com with a nerdy science teacher. What did I get? A punch in the heart. Nothing told me I would be tied up in knots on the verge of tears with my heart breaking for the majority of the story, but I loved every minute of it.
Best friends since Rory moved in next door at age 7, Ben and Rory were inseparable. While it may have taken 10 years to admit their feelings for each other the summer before their senior year of high school, once that's done they know they are meant to be together forever and always. Cut to 8 years later and Ben is preparing to return to his job as an art teacher at his old high school, only to find that the new science teacher is none other than Rory. Wait a minute? They're not together? What happened?
Well we don't have to wait long to find out that Ben at 17, acted like an idiot and did something that destroyed their relationship. It is clear that he regrets what happened and that his actions have haunted him over the past 8 years, and who could blame Rory for not wanting to have anything to do with him now. Ben, however is determined to apologize and do whatever it takes to get back into Rory's good graces. It is obvious that he still loves Rory and he isn't going to give up easily. Rory, however is not going to give in to Ben without making him work for it. Hard. Really hard. In fact my heart broke again and again watching Ben take anything Rory was willing to give. It got the the point where I wanted to punch Rory. From tentative friendship, to friends with benefits, to maybe something more. Just when things seem to have settled, M.J. O'Shea plunged the knife back into my chest. Seriously? How hard does this have to be? Luckily for Ben he has a wonderful support group of friends, who made for a fun group of secondary characters.
So, if you like friends to lovers becoming enemies to lovers, second chance romance with plenty of angst and being put through an emotional wringer, read this book. I couldn't put it down. The only other thing I could have wanted from this book was a little bit of Ben and Rory couple time at the end. My suggestion to M.J. O'Shea? Give Fen his own book and make sure Ben and Rory are there to help him out.
Best friends since Rory moved in next door at age 7, Ben and Rory were inseparable. While it may have taken 10 years to admit their feelings for each other the summer before their senior year of high school, once that's done they know they are meant to be together forever and always. Cut to 8 years later and Ben is preparing to return to his job as an art teacher at his old high school, only to find that the new science teacher is none other than Rory. Wait a minute? They're not together? What happened?
Well we don't have to wait long to find out that Ben at 17, acted like an idiot and did something that destroyed their relationship. It is clear that he regrets what happened and that his actions have haunted him over the past 8 years, and who could blame Rory for not wanting to have anything to do with him now. Ben, however is determined to apologize and do whatever it takes to get back into Rory's good graces. It is obvious that he still loves Rory and he isn't going to give up easily. Rory, however is not going to give in to Ben without making him work for it. Hard. Really hard. In fact my heart broke again and again watching Ben take anything Rory was willing to give. It got the the point where I wanted to punch Rory. From tentative friendship, to friends with benefits, to maybe something more. Just when things seem to have settled, M.J. O'Shea plunged the knife back into my chest. Seriously? How hard does this have to be? Luckily for Ben he has a wonderful support group of friends, who made for a fun group of secondary characters.
So, if you like friends to lovers becoming enemies to lovers, second chance romance with plenty of angst and being put through an emotional wringer, read this book. I couldn't put it down. The only other thing I could have wanted from this book was a little bit of Ben and Rory couple time at the end. My suggestion to M.J. O'Shea? Give Fen his own book and make sure Ben and Rory are there to help him out.
July 13, 2014
I am absolutely, positively…uncertain about this one. At times I LOVED it, and then I wasn’t feeling the love, and then it was back. I hopped back and forth across the love/hate fence so many times, I lost count.
Why so wishy-washy?
Why hot and cold?
It was full of misunderstandings and missed opportunities and I wanted to fix everything. I wanted to put the story on pause, drop a love note in the mail (one to each of them, signed by the other) and save them from unnecessary heartache. It was driving me crazy!
Best of friends, Rory and Ben are inseparable from an early age. High school brings many changes; acknowledging their feelings run deeper and then pressures of fitting in with the jocks and the ‘cool’ kids. Classic geek and jock romance blooms. The unbreakable friendship is broken, but we don’t know why.
Fast forward eight years and we have an unexpected reunion. Rory fills the open teaching position in their old high school where Ben teaches art. It takes a whole thirty seconds to realize the fire still burns bright, yet unfortunately it’s one-sided. Bitterness and anger overshadow any attraction Rory may still have. Their story unfolds and it’s ugly. I was SO upset with Ben. I wasn’t alone. Ben hates his teenage self’s decisions, he despises the pain he caused, and longs for a remedy for a broken heart. If he can’t reclaim his soul mate can he at least recover his long lost best friend? Does the power of forgiveness have an expiration date? When is it too late to say ‘I’m sorry’?
Despite my abundant frustrations with Ben, I enjoyed all of the characters. Strong charismatic cast with an engaging tale to tell. Solid writing with an equal balance of emotions tied their past to their future. I did have some niggles with some of the silly antics the teachers pulled, but the night of dancing was one of my favorite scenes.
If you fancy first love, second chances and friends-to-enemies then the magnetic lure of their story is bound to pull you in. School may be out for the summer, but I'm very much looking forward to what's up next for the guys in their sequel. *fingers crossed* I have a feelin' it's going to be a steamy summer break.
*3.5 ohh-so-good-oh-so-maddening stars*
Why so wishy-washy?
Why hot and cold?
It was full of misunderstandings and missed opportunities and I wanted to fix everything. I wanted to put the story on pause, drop a love note in the mail (one to each of them, signed by the other) and save them from unnecessary heartache. It was driving me crazy!
Best of friends, Rory and Ben are inseparable from an early age. High school brings many changes; acknowledging their feelings run deeper and then pressures of fitting in with the jocks and the ‘cool’ kids. Classic geek and jock romance blooms. The unbreakable friendship is broken, but we don’t know why.
Fast forward eight years and we have an unexpected reunion. Rory fills the open teaching position in their old high school where Ben teaches art. It takes a whole thirty seconds to realize the fire still burns bright, yet unfortunately it’s one-sided. Bitterness and anger overshadow any attraction Rory may still have. Their story unfolds and it’s ugly. I was SO upset with Ben. I wasn’t alone. Ben hates his teenage self’s decisions, he despises the pain he caused, and longs for a remedy for a broken heart. If he can’t reclaim his soul mate can he at least recover his long lost best friend? Does the power of forgiveness have an expiration date? When is it too late to say ‘I’m sorry’?
Despite my abundant frustrations with Ben, I enjoyed all of the characters. Strong charismatic cast with an engaging tale to tell. Solid writing with an equal balance of emotions tied their past to their future. I did have some niggles with some of the silly antics the teachers pulled, but the night of dancing was one of my favorite scenes.
If you fancy first love, second chances and friends-to-enemies then the magnetic lure of their story is bound to pull you in. School may be out for the summer, but I'm very much looking forward to what's up next for the guys in their sequel. *fingers crossed* I have a feelin' it's going to be a steamy summer break.
*3.5 ohh-so-good-oh-so-maddening stars*
March 1, 2014
3.5*
This is one of those stories that I would have LOVED if I had been able to have both POVs.
Rory and Ben have been best friends since first grade, inseparable and very attached.
That eventually changes in to more, but then peer pressure and teenage stupidity and angst hits and Ben dumps Rory in a very cruel and hurtful way.
Now 8 years later he might get a chance to make that mistake right.
I could imagine how Rory felt, as a teen and even now. He says his heart was broken and I can very much believe it was.
Ben wore him down and things change again..it's this part I have trouble with. I can see that Rory is probably just trying to protect himself and doesn't intend to hurt Ben the same way he was hurt, but, yeah! that part was tough and I guess I wanted a little more explaining and talking, just a little! before the forgiving happened.
If I had maybe been able to see in to Rory's heart and watched him suffer I'm sure I would see it a little more clearly.
This is one of those stories that I would have LOVED if I had been able to have both POVs.
Rory and Ben have been best friends since first grade, inseparable and very attached.
That eventually changes in to more, but then peer pressure and teenage stupidity and angst hits and Ben dumps Rory in a very cruel and hurtful way.
Now 8 years later he might get a chance to make that mistake right.
I could imagine how Rory felt, as a teen and even now. He says his heart was broken and I can very much believe it was.
Ben wore him down and things change again..it's this part I have trouble with. I can see that Rory is probably just trying to protect himself and doesn't intend to hurt Ben the same way he was hurt, but, yeah! that part was tough and I guess I wanted a little more explaining and talking, just a little! before the forgiving happened.
If I had maybe been able to see in to Rory's heart and watched him suffer I'm sure I would see it a little more clearly.
November 23, 2013
Quick fun fact – Though many believe Isaac Newton was the first to discover the law of attraction, it was in fact discovered much earlier by ancient Greeks!
Uh… bored yet? Me too. To be frank, I never understood physics when I was in high school. The words always went over my head and I would sit there blank faced, feeling pathetic. School sucked. Science sucked. The laws of attraction sucked! The only thing that didn’t suck, for me, was all the physics and chemistry applied in this Newton’s laws of attraction. Because really, man. That was one hell of a ride.
Rory and Ben’s friendship kicks off in a weirdly and comically violent way and that innocent interaction creates the strong base to their new found friendship; the bond which grows stronger day by day after that. They become so attached to each other that they are inseparable. Spending most of the time with the other, doing everything together, sleeping in one bed, cuddled – and as they grow, Ben finds this relationship getting complicated. He begins to discover the attraction and the urges that he had never felt for anyone before before. Imagine his relief and ecstasy when he finds that his best friend Rory Newton returned those feelings. Their friendship turns into something more. The feelings of young love are confessed, promises made, dreams of a beautiful future is woven and then …
Then we travel in time, moving forth by eight years. It’s the school’s first day and Ben is the art instructor. He sits with his co-workers talking about guys he had been with. Guys who aren’t Rory. And to add more to the suspense, the principal introduces the new chem. teacher to them – Rory Newton. Ben experiences a mix of shock, disbelief, happiness and guilt after seeing the guy who once was everything to him and who he wanted that to be once again. But Rory, well, he can’t even spare Ben a glance.
Why? What happens that their promises of forever are broken?
The scenario is mystifying and the future is suddenly uncertain. Rory’s stubbornness via his gestures or his “Please, don’t!” gives away the extent of his past agony. But Ben’s constant attempts to make him listen to what he has to say earns a pity as well. He truly seems to be feeling the regret of his decisions made back then. I’d expect some may even hate Ben for what he did, find him annoying but I second the fact which Ben’s friend and co-worker Fen states – He was young back then and people do make rash decisions when they are young – which they grow up to regret. Ben was the typical, hopelessly romantic character in this book who I believed to have his flaws, his insecurities and his guilt. He wasn’t perfect, yet he grew on me.
Rory reasonably keeps his distance initially but slowly begins to give in as time passes. I loved to see them rediscovering their once lost friendship and love at this pace. With M.J.’s fine writing, we get to feel Ben’s pleasure and eagerness for more as their relationship makes progress towards improvement with baby steps. I was cool with that, I was even okay with Rory dating someone else. I would have been surprised if he hadn’t been because that was necessary for Ben to realize the predicament that he had created with one mistake. What I wasn’t okay with was the way author decided to make Keith (the guy Rory dates) the bad guy to get rid of him. A stale idea that is used over and over again just so that the lovers can get back together – and that was my sole disappointment.
But sudden burst of Sappy Romance hits me and all is forgotten. Well, that is my weakest point!
Their “Always have, always will” quotes settles a fluttery feeling inside my tummy every time Ben and Rory say them. It’s their personal thing and I love that they have it. Those words are no less than the sweetness of Celine Dion’s voice every time I hear her singing for Jack and Rose’s love.
Yeah, call me pathetic. I am pathetically romantic at heart.
But that is not all that makes this story so special. Love is one part of it, true friendship is another. I would die to have friends like Fen and Jeremy in my life. They are amazing, supportive, the looking-out-for-each-other kind of friends. Especially, Fen. The trouble twins – Ben and Fen. Indeed.
Fen’s one liners are the highlights of this book.
Hilarity reaches its peak when all four of them decide to hit this gay bar in town when they are drunk. Jeremy just goes along so that he could amuse his wife and Fen – well, he is just crazy. They are these cute dorks that everyone would definitely adore to pieces.
The story is wrapped up quite sensibly with not-more-not-less scenes. I was a bit exasperated by Rory’s behavior in the pen-ultimate chapter of the book but finally he comes around. “Because I took so damn long to come to come to my senses” - he tells Ben and the couple get their deserving “Always have, always will” ending!
I must say - Ben, Rory and the gang kept me quite entertained for a few hours and the time invested in them was worth it for me. I am sure Romance-readers will love them too and this cute story of their love will reside in hearts forever.
Read the review on The Blog of Sid Love
Uh… bored yet? Me too. To be frank, I never understood physics when I was in high school. The words always went over my head and I would sit there blank faced, feeling pathetic. School sucked. Science sucked. The laws of attraction sucked! The only thing that didn’t suck, for me, was all the physics and chemistry applied in this Newton’s laws of attraction. Because really, man. That was one hell of a ride.
Rory and Ben’s friendship kicks off in a weirdly and comically violent way and that innocent interaction creates the strong base to their new found friendship; the bond which grows stronger day by day after that. They become so attached to each other that they are inseparable. Spending most of the time with the other, doing everything together, sleeping in one bed, cuddled – and as they grow, Ben finds this relationship getting complicated. He begins to discover the attraction and the urges that he had never felt for anyone before before. Imagine his relief and ecstasy when he finds that his best friend Rory Newton returned those feelings. Their friendship turns into something more. The feelings of young love are confessed, promises made, dreams of a beautiful future is woven and then …
Then we travel in time, moving forth by eight years. It’s the school’s first day and Ben is the art instructor. He sits with his co-workers talking about guys he had been with. Guys who aren’t Rory. And to add more to the suspense, the principal introduces the new chem. teacher to them – Rory Newton. Ben experiences a mix of shock, disbelief, happiness and guilt after seeing the guy who once was everything to him and who he wanted that to be once again. But Rory, well, he can’t even spare Ben a glance.
Why? What happens that their promises of forever are broken?
The scenario is mystifying and the future is suddenly uncertain. Rory’s stubbornness via his gestures or his “Please, don’t!” gives away the extent of his past agony. But Ben’s constant attempts to make him listen to what he has to say earns a pity as well. He truly seems to be feeling the regret of his decisions made back then. I’d expect some may even hate Ben for what he did, find him annoying but I second the fact which Ben’s friend and co-worker Fen states – He was young back then and people do make rash decisions when they are young – which they grow up to regret. Ben was the typical, hopelessly romantic character in this book who I believed to have his flaws, his insecurities and his guilt. He wasn’t perfect, yet he grew on me.
Rory reasonably keeps his distance initially but slowly begins to give in as time passes. I loved to see them rediscovering their once lost friendship and love at this pace. With M.J.’s fine writing, we get to feel Ben’s pleasure and eagerness for more as their relationship makes progress towards improvement with baby steps. I was cool with that, I was even okay with Rory dating someone else. I would have been surprised if he hadn’t been because that was necessary for Ben to realize the predicament that he had created with one mistake. What I wasn’t okay with was the way author decided to make Keith (the guy Rory dates) the bad guy to get rid of him. A stale idea that is used over and over again just so that the lovers can get back together – and that was my sole disappointment.
But sudden burst of Sappy Romance hits me and all is forgotten. Well, that is my weakest point!
“What are you doing, Ro?” Ben teased. He ruffled Rory’s curls and went to turn him back toward the living room.
“It’s cold. I miss sleeping with you.”
Sober. Instantly completely painfully sober. “You can’t say stuff like that to me,” he whispered.
“But I do miss it. I sleep better when you’re there. Always have.”
“Always will,” Ben echoed without even thinking.
Their “Always have, always will” quotes settles a fluttery feeling inside my tummy every time Ben and Rory say them. It’s their personal thing and I love that they have it. Those words are no less than the sweetness of Celine Dion’s voice every time I hear her singing for Jack and Rose’s love.
Yeah, call me pathetic. I am pathetically romantic at heart.
But that is not all that makes this story so special. Love is one part of it, true friendship is another. I would die to have friends like Fen and Jeremy in my life. They are amazing, supportive, the looking-out-for-each-other kind of friends. Especially, Fen. The trouble twins – Ben and Fen. Indeed.
Fen’s one liners are the highlights of this book.
“Dude, quit looking at him like that.” Fen reached across the table and swatted Ben’s arm.
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. Like he’s an enormous creamy cupcake and you’ve been on a diet since birth.”
Hilarity reaches its peak when all four of them decide to hit this gay bar in town when they are drunk. Jeremy just goes along so that he could amuse his wife and Fen – well, he is just crazy. They are these cute dorks that everyone would definitely adore to pieces.
The story is wrapped up quite sensibly with not-more-not-less scenes. I was a bit exasperated by Rory’s behavior in the pen-ultimate chapter of the book but finally he comes around. “Because I took so damn long to come to come to my senses” - he tells Ben and the couple get their deserving “Always have, always will” ending!
I must say - Ben, Rory and the gang kept me quite entertained for a few hours and the time invested in them was worth it for me. I am sure Romance-readers will love them too and this cute story of their love will reside in hearts forever.
Read the review on The Blog of Sid Love
December 20, 2013
Another one of the 3 star reads. I liked it enough to finish and yes, Ben was stupid as a teenager (who wasn't, ha!). But poor guy, he didn't deserve to be treated like that by Rory. Good for him to put an end to that. Yes, in the end Rory came to his senses, but I would have enjoyed it more if Ben had been less forgiving. Rory got off too easy.
February 3, 2014
The last 20% I spent misty eyed or sniffling. Very sweet read thank you to my buddies for another great BR.
November 25, 2013
°•○★5 Stars ~ KAPOW!★○•°
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Be prepared for a big squee filled love fest of a review because I adored this book! Probably my favorite of hers to date. I am a huge fan of the reconnecting with your one true love trope and anybody else who is has to read this one. There are parts of this book that hurt my heart and parts that made it swell and soar. The love story is wonderful love story and I loved every freaking minute of this book.
Their story is told from Ben’s POV. Part of the book does delve into their pasts pretty early in the book. This sets the stage for just how close and connected Rory and Ben were in high school. This part of the book is very sweet with that innocent and pure sexiness that includes literally thinking you’ll die if you don’t kiss someone. Loved that feeling and we get to see that building between the MCs. All while the impending doom in hanging over their heads. You know something went wrong with their relationship and when it happens it hurts. Bad! Ben faces up to the worst mistake of his life later on in the book and boy does he pay for it. Rory is hired as a teacher at the same school they attended. The same school Ben works at, so he has to face him and what he did to Rory, while pining away for him. I found myself wishing right along side Ben that Rory would show a little forgiveness or any sign that he still had feelings for Ben. Counting every little win that chipped away at the wall Rory put up after Ben broke his heart.
For most of the book I loved being strung along waiting for that moment when Rory would give in. I did want to smack some sense into Rory at one point but that only highlighted how much I wanted these guys together. Sometimes building that need is what makes me fall so hard for the MCs and I fell hard for Rory and Ben.
Ben’s, and later Rory’s, friends were so much fun. I liked how open to them being gay they were but at the same time totally willing to give shit when needed. They were a great addition to the story. I will say I was kind of mad at Ben in the beginning and then at Rory later in the story. The author seriously plays with our emotions while getting these guys together. AND I loved every minute of it! A little pain and conflict makes the HEA so much sweeter in the end.
So, yes, buy this book. Read it! I swooned and cried and wanted to scream at and hug the characters. But we get our HEA and it made me so happy! LOVED this book. I highly recommend it to anybody who likes an angsty love story about getting that second chance to get your everything back. ♥ I want to wrap this book in hearts dammit!!
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Be prepared for a big squee filled love fest of a review because I adored this book! Probably my favorite of hers to date. I am a huge fan of the reconnecting with your one true love trope and anybody else who is has to read this one. There are parts of this book that hurt my heart and parts that made it swell and soar. The love story is wonderful love story and I loved every freaking minute of this book.
Their story is told from Ben’s POV. Part of the book does delve into their pasts pretty early in the book. This sets the stage for just how close and connected Rory and Ben were in high school. This part of the book is very sweet with that innocent and pure sexiness that includes literally thinking you’ll die if you don’t kiss someone. Loved that feeling and we get to see that building between the MCs. All while the impending doom in hanging over their heads. You know something went wrong with their relationship and when it happens it hurts. Bad! Ben faces up to the worst mistake of his life later on in the book and boy does he pay for it. Rory is hired as a teacher at the same school they attended. The same school Ben works at, so he has to face him and what he did to Rory, while pining away for him. I found myself wishing right along side Ben that Rory would show a little forgiveness or any sign that he still had feelings for Ben. Counting every little win that chipped away at the wall Rory put up after Ben broke his heart.
For most of the book I loved being strung along waiting for that moment when Rory would give in. I did want to smack some sense into Rory at one point but that only highlighted how much I wanted these guys together. Sometimes building that need is what makes me fall so hard for the MCs and I fell hard for Rory and Ben.
Ben’s, and later Rory’s, friends were so much fun. I liked how open to them being gay they were but at the same time totally willing to give shit when needed. They were a great addition to the story. I will say I was kind of mad at Ben in the beginning and then at Rory later in the story. The author seriously plays with our emotions while getting these guys together. AND I loved every minute of it! A little pain and conflict makes the HEA so much sweeter in the end.
So, yes, buy this book. Read it! I swooned and cried and wanted to scream at and hug the characters. But we get our HEA and it made me so happy! LOVED this book. I highly recommend it to anybody who likes an angsty love story about getting that second chance to get your everything back. ♥ I want to wrap this book in hearts dammit!!
March 27, 2014
3.5 Stars
In a lot of ways, this book felt like lazy summer afternoons, first love, and the joys of being a kid. Ben made mistakes back in high school and Rory suffered for them. Fast forward eight years and they're back in high school again ... as teachers. Their attempt to forge a friendship (sometimes with benes) from the ashes of their failedrelationship whatever was charming and frustrating in turns. The proverbial tables were definitely turned and Ben got his just desserts ... and then some. While I understood Rory's unwillingness to get involved with Ben, his maintained distance in the face of Ben's obvious enthrallment was - in a word - cold. And uncalled for. I'm happy it all worked out but it was too much of a quick fix for me to get over being pissy at Rory.
Bottom line: glutton for punishment but it all (sorta) worked out in the end.
In a lot of ways, this book felt like lazy summer afternoons, first love, and the joys of being a kid. Ben made mistakes back in high school and Rory suffered for them. Fast forward eight years and they're back in high school again ... as teachers. Their attempt to forge a friendship (sometimes with benes) from the ashes of their failed
Bottom line: glutton for punishment but it all (sorta) worked out in the end.
December 6, 2013
While I love a H.E.A. I was a little disappointed that Ben took Rory back so easily. When Ben fucked up back in highschool and then came back as a teacher, Rory made Ben really work at it to become friends again, so I think Rory should have had to try a little harder to get Ben back as adults. And WTF, on the night Ben is going to cook for Rory and tell him he loves him Rory goes out on a date and then has the fucking nerve to come to Bens house later and crawl in bed! My heart Broke for Ben when that happened, and nothing else was ever said about it, I find that incredibly annoying! Aside from all my bitching, I really did like this story!
December 15, 2023
I love MJ’s writing, and I loved this story. Ben was so awful to Rory as a teenager that it only made sense for Rory to be afraid of committing again. I loved the slow burn and have been reading so many happy holiday stories I needed the angst. It just made the ending all that more rewarding.
August 5, 2016
This was a cute and quick read. Although, somewhere towards the end it began to transition from cute into irritating. Mostly due to Rory. Sigh, I liked him in the beginning. A lot. But man, I was not a fan of him by the end. Not even a little bit.
I usually like the whole miscommunication thing, but here it drove me insane. There was way too much of it. Two people with no knowledge of each others spoken language would communicate better than these two.
Anyway, this was still adorable. It was fun, with mild irritation thrown in towards the end (maybe they make a cream for that?). At one point I'm pretty sure it was raining on my face. They were tears of sadness, pain and frustration all mixed together in a salty cocktail.
Also, I cheekily marked this as abuse. It just seems like the MC's enjoy taking turns torturing each other emotionally as a form of punishment for perceived wrongs. It's a vicious cycle that is luckily broken eventually. You have to wait for it though. A very long time. You should probably bring something to rea... well, damn.
3 Stars
I usually like the whole miscommunication thing, but here it drove me insane. There was way too much of it. Two people with no knowledge of each others spoken language would communicate better than these two.
Anyway, this was still adorable. It was fun, with mild irritation thrown in towards the end (maybe they make a cream for that?). At one point I'm pretty sure it was raining on my face. They were tears of sadness, pain and frustration all mixed together in a salty cocktail.
Also, I cheekily marked this as abuse. It just seems like the MC's enjoy taking turns torturing each other emotionally as a form of punishment for perceived wrongs. It's a vicious cycle that is luckily broken eventually. You have to wait for it though. A very long time. You should probably bring something to rea... well, damn.
3 Stars
August 15, 2014
4.5 stars!! I think this book solidifies the fact that I am a complete and utter angst whore. This whole book was a great big pile of angst. First love angst, heartbreak angst, unrequited love angst. My heart was hurting for at least 80% of the book. And I freaking loved it! I ached for Rory and what he went through in high school. I ached for Ben and what he was going through now. I see a lot of mixed reviews, so apparently this much angst isn’t for everyone. But it definitely worked for me. Moving on to Impractical Magic!
January 18, 2014
My first M.J. O'Shea book and one I enjoyed. Best friends to lovers is one of my favourite storyline, add in the fact that one protagonist royally makes a hash of things and you have a cute little story.
November 29, 2013
I need to think about this one more before I review it.
June 8, 2014
I agree with Anke and the revenge "f" didn't help.
November 30, 2013
This was both wonderful and heartbreaking. My heart actually ached the whole entire time. Something I've always loved about MJ's work is the sweet romances and the beautiful forever-love that she writes about. This one had both of those things, but it was also much more angsty and heartbreaking than I had expected. I wasn't prepared! Eurgh. I become more and more of an emotional wreck as I continued to read, and then I just couldn't put the book down because I needed Ben and Rory to be happy and to realise that they belonged together.
I freaking ADORED Ben. He's possibly my favourite MJ character ever. Jeez, I know he did something stupid when he was younger but that's just part of being young and naive, isn't it? You make stupid mistakes and he was just a kid! My heart really did break for him because he suffered so much, and he regretted what he did to Rory when they were kids every single day. It was all he could think about. It was always on his mind. I can't even imagine how he must have felt most of the time. I just wanted to hug him and make everything better! Actually, I wanted to drag Rory over to Ben by his hair, slap him upside the head, and tell him to stop being such an asshat and just TELL HIM YOU LOVE HIM ALREADY. Jeez! I started off feeling bad for Rory too, because he'd been hurt deeply by the man he had loved. But as the story went along I just started to get mad with him. He was leading Ben on, messing him around, and just screwing with his feelings in a way that really made me cross. Ben really suffered in this story, and I fucking loved him so much.
There were a couple of scenes that will definitely stick with me for a long time. In particular, the scene where Ben is cooking enchiladas and he phones Rory, but Rory tells him he's going on a date. That entire scene and the aftermath was painful and heart wrenching, and incredibly moving. I had tears in my eyes. MJ really can pack an emotional punch with her stories!
My only issue? Where the heck is the epilogue?! I can't believe it ended there! I was totally expecting an epilogue or something, and then I turned the page to find 'About the Author' and I was like "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! No no NOO this can't be happening!" That just shows how invested I was in the story and the characters. I wanted to see their happy ending, and I feel like we missed it! I had to suffer through so much heartache to see Ben and Rory FINALLY get back together and for Rory to come to his senses, and then I didn't get to enjoy it for as long as I had hoped cos the story just... ended. I was crushed! It's not that there wasn't a HEA, but I wanted MORE!
Also, let me quickly mention Fen. All the way through the story, Ben points out that Fen is straight. But it's also hinted that the guy might not be quite as straight as people think he is. And then towards the end we are told he's seeing someone, and he's very discreet about it. Am I sensing a story here? Cos I definitely think there's a story there ;) Please please let there be a story there, because then perhaps I'll get my chance to see more of Ben and Rory.
So yeah, I really loved this. Even if MJ did basically rip my heart out several times. And then Rory trampled on it. PLEASE LET THERE ME MORE.
I freaking ADORED Ben. He's possibly my favourite MJ character ever. Jeez, I know he did something stupid when he was younger but that's just part of being young and naive, isn't it? You make stupid mistakes and he was just a kid! My heart really did break for him because he suffered so much, and he regretted what he did to Rory when they were kids every single day. It was all he could think about. It was always on his mind. I can't even imagine how he must have felt most of the time. I just wanted to hug him and make everything better! Actually, I wanted to drag Rory over to Ben by his hair, slap him upside the head, and tell him to stop being such an asshat and just TELL HIM YOU LOVE HIM ALREADY. Jeez! I started off feeling bad for Rory too, because he'd been hurt deeply by the man he had loved. But as the story went along I just started to get mad with him. He was leading Ben on, messing him around, and just screwing with his feelings in a way that really made me cross. Ben really suffered in this story, and I fucking loved him so much.
There were a couple of scenes that will definitely stick with me for a long time. In particular, the scene where Ben is cooking enchiladas and he phones Rory, but Rory tells him he's going on a date. That entire scene and the aftermath was painful and heart wrenching, and incredibly moving. I had tears in my eyes. MJ really can pack an emotional punch with her stories!
My only issue? Where the heck is the epilogue?! I can't believe it ended there! I was totally expecting an epilogue or something, and then I turned the page to find 'About the Author' and I was like "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! No no NOO this can't be happening!" That just shows how invested I was in the story and the characters. I wanted to see their happy ending, and I feel like we missed it! I had to suffer through so much heartache to see Ben and Rory FINALLY get back together and for Rory to come to his senses, and then I didn't get to enjoy it for as long as I had hoped cos the story just... ended. I was crushed! It's not that there wasn't a HEA, but I wanted MORE!
Also, let me quickly mention Fen. All the way through the story, Ben points out that Fen is straight. But it's also hinted that the guy might not be quite as straight as people think he is. And then towards the end we are told he's seeing someone, and he's very discreet about it. Am I sensing a story here? Cos I definitely think there's a story there ;) Please please let there be a story there, because then perhaps I'll get my chance to see more of Ben and Rory.
So yeah, I really loved this. Even if MJ did basically rip my heart out several times. And then Rory trampled on it. PLEASE LET THERE ME MORE.
September 16, 2024
Seriously, I am wavering between 3 and 4 but I think I will stick with 4. There are books that I have to suspend belief with and I breeze through. There are books I have to suspend belief and can not breeze through. This one rests somewhere right in the middle. My brain questioned a lot but I kept turning the pages. This hurt my heart but also made me smile. I waited a very long time to read it and feel happy that I finally did. I hate, hate, hate long separations but this one, well, they were just kids and as a kid once, I know it hurts and it builds but, well, I rooted for them. I have done hurtful things and have hurtful things done to me and second chances, yeah, they should be welcome, allowed and they should win. Read.
Want to read
August 5, 2016You know this is going to be cuteness personified.
February 21, 2016
Wish it had an epilogue or a 15th chapter.
December 13, 2023
Quite emotional read. Sweet moments, some happy times and lots of sadness and longing.
I would have loved to also get Rory's POV and for the ending to be cut less short.
3.5 stars
I would have loved to also get Rory's POV and for the ending to be cut less short.
3.5 stars
May 30, 2015
I needed MORE from this book. I loved Ben and Fen, and I started to like Rory, but I needed to know some of Rory's reasoning. I get Ben screwed him over at 17, but the whole "probably" cheating on Ben when they were kinda dating was just too much. I'll read the next book, because I wanna know what happens with Fen.
I'm glad I got this as a 99cent deal from Dreamspinner. I think I'd be upset to have paid full price.
I'm glad I got this as a 99cent deal from Dreamspinner. I think I'd be upset to have paid full price.
March 10, 2014
I think this is my favorite of this author's solo efforts. This book had just the right amount of fluff and heat and relationship angst, without falling into the trap of too sweet or too over the top. Really just a sweet little read. My only complaint is that it was totally told from Ben's POV, and I would have really liked at least a chapter or two from Rory's, just to know what he was thinking.
January 23, 2015
I enjoyed the story up until the end. It was just too abrupt after suffering through all that angst and separation between our MC's.
August 22, 2019
Audiobook reviewWhen Ben was in high school he fell in love with the boy next door, his best friend, and the guy he spent all waking (and many sleeping) hours with. They were joined at the hip and one was rarely seen without the other. When he realized that Rory felt the same way he was over the moon. But say the happiness that lasts, peer pressure and a wish to fit in with the popular kids made him turn his back on Rory and all the love they shared. Now, eight years later that’s still his biggest regret, he’s also still very much in love with Rory Newton. When Rory is hired on as the new chemistry teacher at the school where he teaches he hopes that they can mend what was broken and start again.
When they meet again, there are a lot of feelings bubbling to the surface – on both sides. The hurt but also the love. They still loved each other even if the trust wasn’t there anymore – mostly from Rory’s side. I can understand that, I mean Ben truly broke his heart back when they were seventeen. So I get that there would be some back and forth between Ben and Rory, at least in the beginning. But I still feel like Rory took advantage of the situation, stringing Ben along and not really giving him a fair shot. Never noticing or caring really, how much the situation hurt Ben. And rubbing his other relationships in Ben’s face was just cruel. So yeah, this book has some angst to it, and more than once I wanted to hit Rory over the head, wanted them to truly talk and figure things out.
It was a pleasure to listen to George Somerset. I enjoyed his voice, it had a pleasant ring to it. I think my favourite part was when he narrated Ben and Rory as boys, the intensity of falling in love for the first time, the first kiss. He handled it beautifully. You could feel the happiness coming from the boys. It was all very innocent back then, so sweet. It was always easy to follow along as he had distinct voices for the characters. There was one thing with this audio that was a bit distracting, and that was the background noise. Throughout there was this buzzing sound that you could hear when there was a bit of silence. It took a while for me to notice it, but when I did, I couldn’t not hear it anymore.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
December 9, 2024
I’ve tried a few books by this author now and I think they just aren’t for me. I started this book absolutely loving it. I was so excited thinking I finally found one I really enjoyed by them but then I started getting more and more angry at one of the MCs and it never went away unfortunately.
This is a single POV story told by Ben. At first I was totally on Rory’s side that Ben screwed up and I really enjoyed seeing Ben trying to be friends with Rory and apologizing etc. But when we think about it he screwed up when they were seventeen. He really didn’t know any better. Rory was a complete jackass to Ben in their 20s and kept stringing him along just to pull the rug out from under him and to me that is not acceptable! And there was barely any grovelling or anything. I don’t know. It just didn’t sit right for me and even when Rory confessed his feelings and they ended up together I wasn’t happy for them. Ben deserved better!
Anyways 🤣 if you enjoy this author and don’t mind other man drama and annoyingness then hey, give it a try. Hope you enjoy it more than I did!
This is a single POV story told by Ben. At first I was totally on Rory’s side that Ben screwed up and I really enjoyed seeing Ben trying to be friends with Rory and apologizing etc. But when we think about it he screwed up when they were seventeen. He really didn’t know any better. Rory was a complete jackass to Ben in their 20s and kept stringing him along just to pull the rug out from under him and to me that is not acceptable! And there was barely any grovelling or anything. I don’t know. It just didn’t sit right for me and even when Rory confessed his feelings and they ended up together I wasn’t happy for them. Ben deserved better!
Anyways 🤣 if you enjoy this author and don’t mind other man drama and annoyingness then hey, give it a try. Hope you enjoy it more than I did!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
3.5*
I lived their teenage bonding years; the progression between best friends to intimacy felt natural.
The push-and-pull of the 10-years-after could have been explained better. Dualing perspectives might have enriched the novel and helped fill in the gaps.
But the author really makes us feel the misery of being separated from one's other half in the final third. As the poet James Wright wrote in "A Blessing",
They love each other./ There is no loneliness like theirs.
I lived their teenage bonding years; the progression between best friends to intimacy felt natural.
The push-and-pull of the 10-years-after could have been explained better. Dualing perspectives might have enriched the novel and helped fill in the gaps.
But the author really makes us feel the misery of being separated from one's other half in the final third. As the poet James Wright wrote in "A Blessing",
They love each other./ There is no loneliness like theirs.
March 2, 2021
These days most people throw around the concept of a best friend, with laughing about BFF's, and taking for granted the unwavering loyalty, friendship, and love a true best friend would have. Ben and Rory have been best friends since they were seven. Tied at the hip, always together, no real interest in any other friends, and knowing they'll be friends forever - that kind of best friend. Senior year in high school they realize they each share the same feelings of romantic love with each other and life couldn't get any better. Except Ben does something supremely stupid and succumbs to peer pressure so he denies he's gay and in love with Rory, breaking both of their hearts.
Eight years later Ben is out and proud and the art teacher at his old high school. First day of teachers back for the new year and there's Rory, the new science teacher, which means his lab is right next door to Ben's art room. Oh boy. Rory is still the only guy Ben has ever loved, the only guy he ever wanted to be boyfriends with, but thinking about what Ben did to Rory just to have a little popularity, still makes Ben sick to this day. The thing is, though, he's got to try to repair their friendship, at least, because otherwise it's going to be a very long school year. Ben isn't so sure how successful he's going to be because Rory barely even looks at him, yet he just knows he's got to try. Ben does get a chance to apologize, but Rory pretty much shuts it down and says they can be coworkers, and that's it.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Eight years later Ben is out and proud and the art teacher at his old high school. First day of teachers back for the new year and there's Rory, the new science teacher, which means his lab is right next door to Ben's art room. Oh boy. Rory is still the only guy Ben has ever loved, the only guy he ever wanted to be boyfriends with, but thinking about what Ben did to Rory just to have a little popularity, still makes Ben sick to this day. The thing is, though, he's got to try to repair their friendship, at least, because otherwise it's going to be a very long school year. Ben isn't so sure how successful he's going to be because Rory barely even looks at him, yet he just knows he's got to try. Ben does get a chance to apologize, but Rory pretty much shuts it down and says they can be coworkers, and that's it.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
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