Just Between Us

by J.H. Trumble

Seventeen-year-old Luke Chesser is trying to forget his spectacular failure of a love life. He practices marching band moves for hours in the hot Texas sun, deals with his disapproving father, and slyly checks out the new band field tech, Curtis Cameron. Before long, Luke is falling harder than he knew he could. And this time, he intends to play it right. Since testing positive for HIV, Curtis has careened between numbness and fear. Too ashamed to tell anyone, Curtis can't possibly act on his feelings. And Luke--impulsive, funny, and more tempting than he realizes--won't take a hint. Even when Curtis distances himself it backfires, leaving him with no idea how to protect Luke from the truth. Confronting a sensitive topic with candor and aplomb, acclaimed author J. H. Trumble renders a modern love story as sweet, sharp, and messy as the real thing, where easy answers are elusive, and sometimes the only impossible thing is to walk away. Praise For J. H. Trumble's Don't Let Me Go "A sexy, vibrant, and heartfelt debut." --Martin Wilson, award-winning author of What They Always Tell Us "Deeply moving. . .will be appreciated by adults and teens alike." -- Publishers Weekly , starred review "A charming story. Trumble's love for the characters is evident on every page, and it's contagious." --Robin Reardon, author of A Secret Edge

Genres: LGBT, Young Adult, M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Gay, Queer

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2013

About the author

J.H. Trumble is a Texas native and graduate of Sam Houston State University. You can visit the author online at http://www.jhtrumble.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

Reviews

[David James · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with any J.H. Trumble novel, I lost myself as Just Between Us began and found myself in the end. Just Between Us is powerful, and not only because of its subject matter. Trumble is a master at creating characters and subtle movements between them that connect the dots of their hearts. Truly, Just Between Us is a story between its characters. Each one has a story, a purpose. There is fear and avoidance. Loathing and understanding. Hatred and respect. And the beautiful thing about this book is how all these separate stories collide as if they always had been together. J.H. Trumble writes characters you live, not read. And sometimes that realization of character can be a fearful thing, especially when their fears seem so real. But in the end, fear is not the lesson learned here. Instead, hope fills these pages and, just between the characters, that inescapable pull of unconditional love conquers all.

Beautiful.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god. You now how you read a book and it hits you so hard you just have to sit there for awhile? That's how this one was. I will write a review as soon as I recover.

Just Between Us is J.H. Trumble’s third novel. It re-acquaints us with Luke Chesser, who we met in her first novel Don’t Let Me Go. So many times I have loved a book by a new author desperately. I have awaited the next book and the next with heretofore unknown levels of anticipation only to be heartbroken by the disappointment when the follow up books don’t live up to the standards set in the debut. This is NOT the case with J.H. Trumble. All three of her novels have maintained the quality level of writing, editing and publishing that the first book established. Trumble is a genius. She doesn’t crank out a book every month or two, but when she does release one, you can count on a deeply moving story that will stay with you. A story that will make you feel things deeply and cry and laugh along with the characters she creates.

I fell in love with Luke in Don’t Let Me Go and was looking forward to him getting his own shot at the happiness he was unable to find in DLMG. In Just Between Us, we find Luke a junior in high school. His father is very disapproving of him and very hard on him. His parents have separated once already due to his father’s hatred of his sexuality. Luke plays clarinet in the marching band. There is a new band tech (kind of a section leader) who catches more than just Luke’s eye.

Curtis Cameron is kind of a legend within the marching band. He is a former student, only two years older than Luke. When Curtis graduated from high school, he went away to college. Curtis let go and lived a wild, drunken, sex-filled freshman year. He was reckless, and often didn’t remember who he had sex with the night before or if they used a condom. He quickly tired of that life style and the way it left him feeling about himself. He decided to stay closer to home for his sophomore year and to be more mature and responsible. He is helping out his former band director by working with the current band over the summer.

Luke and Curtis find out that they are neighbors. They fall into a relationship which finds them both developing strong feelings quickly. During a hurricane and it’s aftermath, they work closely together to help each others’ families out and those of their entire neighborhood. Curtis’s sister can see the developing feelings. Their mother is dead and it is just the two of them with their dad.

Curtis gets a phone call from a former lover telling him that Curtis had given him HIV. Curtis’s world caved in on him. At first he didn’t want to get tested. He just couldn’t. When he finally did get tested, he was positive. He couldn’t deal with the diagnosis. He waited weeks to accept it. During this time, he had limited contact with Luke, who was already in love with him. When they did have any sexual contact (not penetrative sex) he would freak out and clean them up immediately. Then he would push Luke even further away. This was all part of Curtis’s inability to accept the fact that he was HIV positive. Months go by and Curtis is keeping Luke at a distance. He still hasn’t sought treatment as the virus progresses.

On a nice Fall day, Luke takes his brother, Matt, out to practice his fly fishing casting for his Boy Scout badge. Matt has a serious allergy to ant bites and is supposed to carry and Epi-pen with him at all times. He has left it at home and gets bitten repeatedly. Matt’s reaction causes him to stop breathing. Luke calls 911, then Curtis, who comes right away. The EMTs are able to get Matt breathing and Curtis takes Luke along to the hospital.

Luke’s mother is a doctor at the hospital, so she joins them pretty quickly in the ER. Matt will be fine, and Curtis is there for Luke. He takes him home and feeds him and cares for him and tries to assuage Luke’s guilt over not making sure the Epi-pen was in Matt’s pocket. Luke’s father shows up and after Curtis leaves, he hits Luke. This is the final straw for Luke’s mom, Dad is gone for good.

As Curtis comes to terms with his health and tells his father, a weight is lifted. He gets treatment and soon, his viral load is improving. The side effects of the drugs are not pleasant but they are saving his life. He joins a support group and is able to see others with HIV living happy, fulfilling lives. But Curtis still keeps Luke at a distance. They are still in love and have no interest in any other guys. By the end of the book, there is hope for them. But, in Just Between Us as in Trumble’s other novels, it is just a hint. Just enough to make my heart jump and make me smile. Smile big!

I have said it before, but it bears saying again, J.H. Trumble excels at feelings (or as my friend Kade calls them, feels!) I felt the pain rip through Curtis when he got his diagnosis. I felt the joy jumping around in Luke’s stomach during their first kiss. I smiled along with them, laughed with them and cried with them. Boy, did I cry with them. I wanted to hit Luke’s dad really, really hard. I wanted to hug them all (except Luke’s dad). To be fair, daddy dearest did show signs of softening by the end of the book. That is Trumble’s style. No one is irredeemable. There is always hope.

No matter the seriousness of the issue tackled in Just Between Us, and make no mistake, it is not to be take lightly, Trumble gives us hope. She handles the subject with a delicacy and honesty that gets the message across that it is very serious. She also illustrates that in life, serious subjects are usually surrounded by love, family, friends and laughter. It’s not all about the hopelessness and fear and shame.

Just Between Us is a great book. It is appropriate for the YA audience while still being mature and layered enough for her adult fans. This book doesn’t come out until late September. Please do yourself a favor if you haven’t read Don't Let Me Go and Where You Are please read them while waiting for this release. They are all serious and emotional for the most part. But as she always does, J.H. Trumble gives us hope. I can’t recommend this book strongly enough.

[LenaRibka]

DNF at 35%.

It was my fault. Again. I was in the mood for a sweet YA story, but I picked up the wrong book. I was blinded by the high rating and didn't care about reading a blurb first. As the story had taken a strange twist, I decided to read the blurb. Oh, a drama, okay, well, I'll give it a try. It were my thoughts after.
But the plot kept on moving further in the wrong direction.
Is Curtis supposed to be a nice guy next door or a victim or just an idiot? He is for sure a drama's focus.
You know, I have a problem with guys who still fail to understand that they have a kind of responsibility not only for themselves but for another guys too. It is like driving drunk around: you can crash a tree and die, but you can crash another car too and you could be not the only one who can die.
To find out that your ex was tested HIV- positive is awful enough but to remain stubborn and arrogant ('not from me') and not to make a HIV- test IMMEDIATELY was simply stupid.
We're talking here not about the 80s!

But of course we don't dare to think THAT about Curtis, he means to be a positive MC.

The story before I gave up:

Luke's POV-ah, he doesn't like me because he doesn't want to kiss me and I am so sad and suffer.

Curtis's POV- he is so cute, I want him, but he is too young, too innocent, he deserves something better, it's why the best way for both of us is to keep him on distance.


Not my cuppa.

[☆ Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, yet another really good read from Trumble.

I read "Don't Let Me Go" two years ago, but as Goodreads didn't show "Just Between Us" as being related, I only just realized that Luke was in both books.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Luke and Curtis become friends, then somewhat more than friends, but less than either of them truly wanted.

Their journey to finally become the 'more' that they dreamed of was full of angst as they dealt with a very serious life complication that most YA characters never have to overcome.

Their characters were both amazing, both with faults, both with insecurities and flaws, both with a need and love for the other that they didn't want to let go.

My only criticism of the book is that once they reconciled and decided to give it a shot, the book ended very abruptly. Even just a few more pages (and a kiss or two) could have wrapped the story up in a bit better package for me -- but I loved the book nonetheless.

4 1/2 Stars. Highly recommended.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I don’t want this, Luke,” he whispers into my neck. “But I can’t make it go away. Nobody can make it go away.”

I don`t think I ever have read such a powerfull book with such a strong message! This is the book I have been wanting to read. An extremely well written book about an actual problem. No corny boy meets girl-girl-meets boy-boy and girl falls in love-boy and girls gets married-boy and girl lives happily ever after- crap, this book deals with a serious and sensative subject matter. And it is dealt with both beautiifully and realistic. This is not an easy and light read. It is a book about a lot of pain and hurt. But it truly is a must read! Any angst lover will more then love this. I can´t recommend it enough. I think this is a book that everyone would benefit from reading. It shows life from a side that should be shown more often. It is both educatinal in a sense and deeply human. Life isn´always rainbows and unicorns. Sometimes it is enough to forgot to wear a condom and you word is turned upside down.

"I want to lie down, but I can’t bring myself to leave the steamy confines of the shower. It feels safe in here. No one looking at me with pity or disgust. No questions. No explanations."

First let me sat, that if you don´t read J H Trumble you really should start! Both Where You Are and Don´t Let Me Go are incredible. Especially "Where You Are" is a masterpiece, but both are amzzing.

We firs met Luke Chesser in "Don´t Let Me Go". I did not like him at all in that book. He was the annoying, akward, immature kid that came between two guys meant to be. But in this book his story continues, and my picture of him changes wholehearty. My heart actually broke for him a bit when I read how his dad treated him, what a homophobic jackass! I even admired him occasionally how he stood by and supported Curtis, even when he treated Luke like shit.

"My eyes feel heavy. Just a little while. I’ll fall asleep, and then I’ll fall forever asleep. It’ll be so easy. "

But Curtis Cameron was the one I fell for from page one. We all knew from the beginning what would happen to him, and the journey there was so hard and sad to watch. I just wanted to stop the time and stop reading, yet I couldn´t. It was like a train wreck, you want to look away, you just can´t. And when he eventually finds out, it´s described so precisely to you and me would react that it´s painful to read. My heart broke for him over and over. I could easily have highlighted all the parts that was in Curtis´s POV. So sad and yet so beautifull. "J H Trumble" is fast becoming my favorite author.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a light and fluffy read, this ain’t it. But, if you’re looking for a powerful story with amazing characters dealing with a difficult subject matter, I highly recommend Just Between Us. I loved it!!!

J.H. Trumble is a “new to me” author. I was trying to catch up on some of the books that appeared on the several of the “M/M Best of 2013” lists and stumbled upon this one. I love YA and coming of age, so I decided to give it a go. From what I understand, it is a standalone read, but some characters from Trumble’s previous books appear in this one. I definitely plan to go back and read those (once I’ve recovered from this one!).

I immediately connected with both Luke and Curtis. I love that it was written in first-person with alternating POV’s. My heart broke for Curtis when he got his diagnosis. My heart broke for Luke when Curtis repeatedly pushed him away. This is not an easy read, but so worth it! I only wish there had been an epilogue!!

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke Chesser gets his own book. I have to admit, I wasn't quite sure what to think about that when I found out that J.H. Trumble was getting set to publish this novel, but given how much I loved the previous book in which Luke first appeared (Don't Let Me Go) and knowing how that book ended, I knew I wouldn't be able to stay away.

Since the events of Don't Let Me Go, Luke has grown up quite a bit. He's standing up for himself, he's letting his natural leadership qualities emerge, and he's approaching relationships a bit more responsibly. That being said, he's still quite impulsive when he decides he really likes someone.

The object of his affection, Curtis Cameron, was a golden boy at the school Luke has relocated to, but he went off the rails during his freshman year of college. Now he's sort of back in town, going to school closer to home to keep him grounded and working with the school band that Luke is a part of and in which Curtis was a star. Unfortunately, his year of irresponsibility is forcing Curtis to pay a steep, serious price, one that seriously threatens to prevent him and Luke from doing what you know they really want to do: love each other.

I won't sugarcoat this book and say that it's all sunshine and lollipops. It deals with some incredibly serious subject matter, and it's truly heartbreaking at times. However, I think it's worth the emotional pull-and-tug that Trumble puts the reader through, and I imagine most people who liked Don't Let Me Go and/or Jay Bell's Seasons series will enjoy this novel, as well.

One last thing: the book cover is one of the most amazing I've seen on just about any work of fiction. It's simple and understated, but it conveys a warmth and comfort that leaped out at me as soon as I opened the box in which this book arrived.

[Liam Ostermann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this novel. In fact I hated it. It is type of 'gay' romance novel that, to me, is just heterosexual chic lit written with Adam and Ken instead of Adam and Eve. As far as I am concerned there is a lot to be said about growing up queer but to pretend it is the same as growing up straight does no do anyone any favours. This is one of those novels which are written by those who are not, and do not like, what males, particularly teenage males are. These writers don't like the way teenage males are obsessed, preoccupied with and very often ruled by their dicks. Writers like J.H. Trumble and others don't want them to be the hormone driven, spunk producing, sex obsessessives they are. They want teenage males to be something or someone else.

What is amazing to me is that this sort of gay MM romance novel, largely produced by USA writers has certain similarities to the Japanese 'Boy Love' literature written by and drawn by women and aimed at women. The difference is that the female Japanese authors and readers completely embrace everything about the physical side of two boys loving each other - while the stories are strung out over many episodes the last the Japanese female readers want is for their boys in the stories to spend their time being all lovey dovey and discussing feelings. They want those boys to find each other and get down and dirty, even though full consumation, usually, only comes at the end of the multi-volumned tale, and while they may not draw the 'member virilus' they can show a hand (or hands) holding it as it bountifully spurts all over the boys very naked anatomies. But they are romances as well, great ones, I strongly recommend the Japanese MM romances instead of this sort of tosch. Reading crap like this is like covering piano legs so as not to encourage naughty thoughts.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just Between Us tells the story of Luke Chesser, a high school junior who's fallen out love one too many times, and Curtis Cameron, a college student who works as a field tech after a wild first year of college. Luke acts cautiously around Curtis at first, but when he finds himself falling for the older guy, his feelings complicate everything - especially his already strained relationship with his father. Curtis has never dealt with too much hardship before testing positive for HIV; now, he must manage not only his disease but his budding relationship with Luke as well. As the two get closer and closer, their conflicts push them further and further apart, and they must choose between holding on and letting go.

Though painful, I enjoyed reading about Curtis's discovery of his HIV status. His denial, outrage, and eventual acceptance struck me as honest and heart-wrenching, and I'm glad this book gives a resource to individuals who have gone or who are going through a similar experience. I also liked certain character interactions, like the rapport between Curtis and his roommate Jaleel and the camaraderie between Luke and his brother Matt.

The relationship between Curtis and Luke, while interesting to read about, felt forced by the end of the book. I loved the development of their feelings and a few of the tender moments they shared, but throughout the story they rehashed the same conflicts over and over. I understand that what they were going through individually affected their actions toward one another, however, the violence and immaturity incorporated into the book never reached a meaningful closure or summit.

The main problem I possess with this novel is that it focuses so much on the relationship between Luke and Curtis that it fails to develop each of them fully on their own. Curtis's recovery felt way too rushed, and his issues with alcohol, violence, and his family were all glossed over in favor of the angst he faced with Luke. At one point a character asks Luke "why do you love Curtis?" Luke isn't really able to come up with a reason, and that lack of an answer exemplifies my emotions. I wish Luke had even more development with his family or his own self-esteem as opposed to just fretting over a quickly-built relationship with Curtis.

Overall, a good book, and it's one I'd recommend to those who wish to read about a serodiscordant relationship. I liked the one portrayed in Queer as Folk more, but Trumble still writes about the harsher emotions in a genuine way.

[Russ · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.H. Trumble has fast become my favorite author and Just Between Us is another wonderful, touching, coming of age story that explores the difficulty of love between adolescent men - this time, when HIV rears its ugly head. The tale continues the saga of Luke Chesser, the geekily-endearing third wheel from Trumble's first novel, Don't Let Me Go. Now a junior in high school, Luke meets Curtis, a high school band field tech, home after a disappointing and unfettered first year at UT. Their growing attraction heats up just as Curtis gets the bad news.

For the record, AIDS and its aftermath is a difficult subject for any gay man of my generation and I'm no exception. I had to overcome my reluctance before I could read this story and I am so glad I did. Trumble masterfully handles the fear and discomfort associated with a positive HIV test and renders the gut-wrenching emotions of that prognosis with truth and understanding. Curtis struggles to figure out the right thing to do and his missteps are both maddening and understandable. I found myself wondering what I would do if, God forbid, I was ever in the same situation. Any story that can make a reader look into his own soul like that is worth the journey.

Ultimately this is a tale of hope. Truly a masterful saga that will have meaning for anyone growing up today.

Buy the book. Read the story. Tell your friends.

[Kaje Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well-done novel about Curtis, a young gay college student, and Luke, the high-school 17-year-old he is interested in, as they come to grips with the fact that Curtis has tested positive for HIV. This was very realistically done, avoiding both melodrama and excessive simplicity. The reactions of all the characters, from the gay guys, to their parents, siblings and friends, were really well portrayed. The resolution was positive, but plausible, and the journey there had some twists.

This is a book I would recommend to anyone who likes realistic YA stories, especially as it deals with a topic that is so timely. Being HIV+ is a fact of life for a scary number of young people, gay and straight. Here it is not minimized, and yet is presented in a context of family and romance, of personal growth with both successes and major mistakes. Only the present-tense narration, and somewhat sparse writing style, were drawbacks for me. I felt set off at a little distance from the characters, and while I read through eagerly for the outcome of their story, the major events in the guys' lives didn't have the emotional impact they might have carried for me. This may be an actual plus, for those who like their YA stories with a less-angsty tone. Definitely recommended reading.

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

This book is related to her other book, right? Isn't the MC from Don't Let Me Go?

[Brigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. If you're not reading this author, you need to start.

[Izengabe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mi pesar se queda en un tres. Me gustó mucho el primer acercamiento entre ellos y hasta alrededor del 70% me tuvo enganchada, pero el final se me hizo un poco pesado.
Curtis me cayó mal durante casi todo el libro, últimamente estoy tan cansada de tanta corrección y buenas maneras que esto es algo que incluso agradezco 😅, pero es que Curtis... Sinceramente, no sé qué ve Luke en él... Tampoco me parecieron muy creíbles algunas de sus acciones y actitudes.

Edito reseña porque se me olvidaba un dato muy importate. En el libro aparece escrita en español la frase "Sí, señor" así, como la veis, con la tilde!!! No podía creer lo que veían mis ojos, me emocioné y todo...

[Jason · Rating 1 out of 5]

pts: 1.5

I want to prime this review by being very honest. Not only am I going to slaughter this book, but this review will also have MAJOR spoilers, for both this one, as well as its predecessor, Don’t Let Me Go (read this. it's good. the PTSD portions are almost spot on!). With that said, I strongly encourage you to read Don’t Let Me Go (loved it) , and then stop, or, if you must, library it.



On with it…

We know Luke from his previous appearance in DLMG. He was a meddler in Nate and Adam’s relationship; understandably, because Nate was a needy, emotionally immature parasite/bitch.

Luke, once again, falls greatly in love with Curtis, and it’s here where the picket-fence is built far too hastily. I must note, though, that I can relate to the budding years of my sexual identity and jumping a lot of things.

unbeknownst to Curtis, he’s acquired HIV. (bye, bye, picket-fence)

Detour: Now I want to stop here for a mild, Jay gets distracted moment. Some reviews have been all like, “He should have told Luke!!!! grrrr” and/or “Why didn't he get tested before. He knew something was on the up?!!!”. I don't know if these individuals are gay, and/or if they fucked around in the ‘90s-most of 00. These were scary times, and I think a lot of men who lived through that time can relate to that sort of resistance, to being frightened as fuck with the prospect of getting HIV, and the anxiety around ‘the test’. Now, I won't be arrogant here. I realize that times prior to this were horrible, with deaths well into the thousands, and fear abound in our community. But it goes w/out saying that any sort of sexual relationship w/ a guy carried the loaded gun feeling.


Ok, back.

So, we have C struggle with the concept of getting the test, mostly because he believes the prospect of being pos was shelled out by a former fuck-bud with a vendetta—this isn't absurd. it happens.

The dilemma, both emotionally and physically, is that this ambiguity has a crane to a building effect on his relationship w/ Luke. If we peddle back to our understanding of Luke, his emotional immaturity, inexperience, and the fact he carries around Nate-the-users-abusive-and-betrayal, this is the perfect storm for his own disorientation, and feeling of disequilibrium.

Outside this relationship is the complete lack of support, both from L’s mom, who enables an abusive dad, and has her own lack of self-agency and self determination, and a dad who has beaten him—it’s worth noting w/out any legal repercussions—. L has a really supportive bro, younger, but his sarcasm and maturity, is vodka and fizz to the lemon of L’s life. He's pretty cool shit.

C has a supportive roommate in college, whose arrogant, and maybe just a bit too Brady Bunch supportive. There could be criticisms of him being too stereotypical black, but that’s for you to decide. But, he’s sturdy, and he’s there.

C’s dad is single, and his complex understanding of his emotions and C’s, is in direct contrast to L’s mom.

C’s sister is much the same as Juliet in DLMG; annoying, clingy, with a jumpy personality.

Oh, and we have a guy who acts like a stick poking a bee’s nest. this one is drake, but you might confuse him with Justin from DLMG, cause he's the SAME PERSON.





Tech issues:

This book is written in chapters that correspond with the first-person perspectives of C and L. Unlike DLMG, written from Nate’s perspective, focusing on the past or present, this one was linear. Ultimately this just didn't work. While the author attempted to sew these chapters together, an approach Jay Bell does a decent job at, she really dropped the ball. It just didn't flow together.

The biggest issue, though, is the continued lack of effort to include an indicator of who was talking. In instances of lengthy conversation, with two characters that were at times indistinguishable, the lack of these indicators was confusing.

I sliced 1 pt for these two issues.



Content , and the other 3 pt deduction…. (I jumbled this a bit. I the hope that, while they are spoilers, they will still come as a surprise.)

It’s framed like DLMG. Many of the characters are repetitive, and fun-house mirrored versions of DLMG characters.

w/out giving too much away, there is a point in the book where C gets in an accident, but what is ultimately peculiar is that C’s dad says to his daughter, “Did you bring a change of clothes?”, and then tells her to get some and then meet them at the hospital. This is RIGHT after he lost his crap. This was grating, because it was a major departure from the close-nit family ties they shared. She was in a robe. I’m terribly sorry, but if my bro was almost dying, would I give a shit about clothes? no…. (I don't have a bro, but you get the idea). Also, the ambulance was RIGHT there, but, right, pick C up, almost dead, and put him in a car. Nice call, Mrs. Doogie Howser,

Then there is the major problems w/ L’s child abuse. In DLMG his dad beat him to the point that it left numerous red lashes on his back. His dad was involved, the school was involved, all of Nate’s fam were involved, and so were a bunch of Nate’s mates. In that case the state was not informed (WTF, right?!). But this isn't the most troubling part. We learn from JBU that L’s mom was unaware of it. Let’s stop here. So Nate’s friends recognized it right off, the school was involved, but L’s mom, super protective mommy, was unaware? give me a fucking break. No hugs for weeks? L didn't take his shirt off? L’s bro, all up in L’s space wasn’t involved, and didn't tell their mom?

What’s worse is that it happens again in JBU. L’s dad punches him, and L’s mom is aware of this. Does she call the cops? no. But she does plenty of victim blaming, and half-asses compassion, while trying placate L’s dad. Her behavior, by which I mean flexing her parental muscle, while harping on losing a husband, is super-sized irresponsibility.

This churns out a recursive pattern of ambivalence, victim blaming, L’s self blame, and it’s a terrible notion to release onto a YA population (NOTE: Yearly, referrals to state child protective services involve 6.6 million children, and around 3.2 million of those children are subject to an investigated report.). For those watching the Fosters, you'll notice a Brandon/Dad sorta relationship (ex: L’s dad saying, “was I a bad father?”. well yes, daddy, you ripped his back raw, and punched him a year later.)…





But the worst affront is the indifference to the dangers of HIV. On the surface there is this notion that it is a deadly, and a life changing event, but this is almost exclusively relayed via C. L on the other hand mostly dismisses these factors, saying outrageous shit like…

‘I understand exactly what she is saying. “Mom, if getting HIV is the worst thing that ever happens to me, I’ll consider myself lucky”. First WTF. He’s watching C disintegrate, both emotionally and physically from the meds. Yet he doesn't compute the seriousness of this disease? He does, sometimes, but it's like "oh look. A hangnail".

Secondly, let’s take a look at his mom’s reaction, a reaction, mind you, from a DOCTOR….

Mom (no indicators of who’s talking, of course): “No talking you out of this?”
I (L) shake my head.
THEN THIS: “She rests her chin in her hands. ‘When did you get to be so grown up?’

I mean, honestly? a doctor? a mother? before PreP? This type of indifference is ‘grown up’?!?!!?

This whole exchange is just the tip of mounting irresponsibility in the way HIV is handled in this novel.

I just can’t… i just can’t… This is like my disappointment w/ Sam Donovan, Project Runway, regurgitation of jumpsuits, times a billion.


Project Runway Scoring:






Resources:

Per usual for LGBT youth, http://www.thetrevorproject.org/ (suicide hotline… 24/7)

HIV testing, resources…. https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/...

[marky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why are you doing this Curtis?

But I know why. I can't help myself. I can't let him go. I'm as bound to him as the moon to the earth. He keeps me in orbit; and maybe I do the same for him.

Since when the last time I really cried over a book? Few days ago? Weeks ago? But honestly this story did a great job to get all the freaking emotions out of me. I smiled so wide like a psycho killer clown waiting for the next victim. And I cried silently crawling on my bed that hurt my throat.

A very compelling and heartbreaking novel that spoke to my heart. That opened my eyes wide to the things that needed to be seen and voicers needed to be heard.

J. H Trumble perfectly filled the book with great characters. I felt so close to everyone of them. That I could feel their love, joy, remorse, sadness, anger, fear. Curtis and Luke taught me everything not to stop fighting a battle even there is no assurance of winning. And the worst part is fighting without no one to hold on to. No one to share the burdens that weighing you down. Just fight. You have to.

This is not just about those people who have HIV/AIDS or any sexually transmitted diseases, it's also about us. An us who can be their hope and strength. Not to be those people who do nothing but judge.

I never thought I'm going to be this emotional. This is an awesome book. Go read it!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whole time I was reading this, I kept thinking I didn't like it, that I wasn't enjoying myself, and that maybe I should just give up on this book entirely. It was just so hard. But hours later, when I had finished the entire book in one long, long, oh-my-good-golly-I-gotta-pee session, I had to concede that maybe I did like it a little, after all.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

JH Trumble, I am at a loss for words.

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my third book by J.H. Trumble, and her writing style and stories continue to dazzle. Trumble isn't afraid to tackle the tough stuff (affair with a teacher, anyone?), and she does it again expertly with this novel about two young guys, a budding love affair and HIV.

The MCs in Just Between Us are Luke and Curtis. You might remember Luke as the harlot antagonist from Don’t Let Me Go. (You might also infer from my use of the word harlot that I didn't much like Luke when I started Just Between Us. Sorry I’m not sorry?) Luke’s young—just 17—so I *guess* I forgive him for being a home wrecker. ;) And listen, the great thing about Luke is that he’s totally…devoted when he finds somebody he likes. I can also forgive him because Luke’s family is rough. While his mom and little brother support him, his dad is horrifically homophobic and just plain mean. I’ll put it this way: Luke’s dad is a kid’s worst nightmare to come out to.

Curtis isn't exactly old and wise himself. At 19, he’s returned home to the Houston area after a wild and crazy freshman year at UT Austin. Curtis loved hard and played hard while he was in Austin, and he’s about to get some pretty shocking news: he has HIV. Curtis gets the news just after things start to get serious between him and Luke, so naturally he pushes Luke away.

It was painful to watch Curtis self-destruct. He had a supportive family, and I so wanted him to rely on and reach out to them. Unfortunately, he doesn't, and he also delays seeking treatment for his disease. This was so heartbreaking and frustrating to read, but it also felt very real. I can imagine this might be the response of many who receive such a shocking and life-altering diagnosis, especially at such a young age.

I really liked the way the secondary characters were written, from Curtis’ roommate Jaleel to his sister and dad, to Luke’s family; they were all drawn realistically and were funny and interesting additions to the story.

What didn't work for me, though, was the extended angst fest. Like I said, Curtis’ response to his diagnosis was irritating (like, I wanted to reach into the book and shake him, more than twice). I got bogged down in both Luke and Curtis’ internal thought processes. I walked away thinking this was a solid, important read, but I also thought the book could have been a lot more effective with 50 or so fewer pages. I also thought both guys read significantly older than 17 and 19. Props for their maturity but…was it realistic? I’m not so sure.

Just Between Us deals with an issue that I hope young people are still taking seriously and treating with the healthy fear and respect it deserves. I’m a huge fan of Trumble’s work, and I’m looking forward to reading more from her (just as soon as she writes it, please!).

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why do I have this oh so annoying penchant for reading books that are written so well that they rip my heart out & stomp on it? Just Between Us was another of the same. It was not one that I could just sit & read through in one sitting. The intensity of the plot made me read this in several sessions because I would have to put it down to contemplate what just happened, what has happened, and how it will all tie in eventually to the conclusion. Luke & Curtis as a couple looked to be a story for the ages. Both felt this inexplicable pull towards each other & wanted desperately to act on it but when Curtis is diagnosed with HIV, suddenly that future is put on hold, or as Curtis wanted to happen, shot down entirely. This is where I was surprised at how much strength Luke had. He cared so much for Curtis that he was willing to be his strength, he was willing to be there for him, and was willing to be with him no matter the outcome. I can't imagine being diagnosed with HIV. I imagine I would've reacted as Curtis did, if not worse. He retreated, throwing everything and everyone aside including Luke, because he felt that he wasn't worth anyone's time much less love anymore. We all make mistakes but no one is willing to give up on someone because of a mistake, no matter how bad the ramifications are. That's what love is and that's what Luke had for Curtis. But the threat, current & future just wouldn't let Curtis take Luke's hand & race off into the sunset. Here's where I felt as if their love story was careening off of a cliff of no return. I was angry. Honestly, Curtis could not see just how much Luke was willing? I'm not deluded though. I know that Curtis was doing what he thought was necessary as he though there was no more future for him & Luke, much less himself. He was willing to give up for good. Not even Luke had enough strength to combat that for long. I never got the impression that either of them gave up for good because of the aforementioned inexplicable pull they had towards each other. Perhaps that's this true love thing I keep hearing about? I rated this book as 4 stars for purely immature reasons. It was engaging, thoughtful, intense, and poignant about such a terrifying disease. But it did not give me a happy ending! No riding off into the sunset for these two. But again, I'm not deluded. I know that life doesn't work like that. There aren't happy endings for everyone. There was however a redeeming glimmer of hope at the end which saved this book from sailing out of my window in the rush of anger that I felt at this couple that were beyond perfect for each other but wouldn't let themselves be. Just in case my point never came across, I loved this book as I do all of hers. I wouldn't have or write about my intense feelings for someone I did not love.

[BookChic Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Trumble's debut (and I have a blurb from that review listed in this book and her previous one, Where You Are, under GuysLitWire) and was excited to be a part of this blog tour so I could fit reading this into my schedule. So many books, so little time! I still haven't gotten around to reading her second book, Where You Are.

To start off, I'd like to say that if you haven't read any of Trumble's books yet, read them in order. They're all separate stories, but there are characters that make appearances in each book. One of her guest blogs on this tour mentions each of the gay characters in each book. I'd completely forgotten that both Luke and Curtis, the main characters of this book, make an appearance in Don't Let Me Go (and in Where You Are). Then there was the inclusion of Robert, who had his own story in Where You Are, and it just makes me want to re-read her debut and read the second book to see all these connections.

Anyway, this was another wonderful story from Trumble, tackling the HIV issue so gracefully. I'm dealing with my own medical issues currently (not HIV) and reading Curtis' chapters after getting his prognosis felt extremely similar to how I currently feel about my diagnosis. It really affected me in a big way, and his reaction is so realistic and the reader really feels for him. Luke was also a wonderful character and it's nice to learn more about him and the way his mind works in this book.

Trumble just has such a way with character interactions. They're so believable and there's so many different relationships going on, as there's a lot of characters and they're all talking to each other. She makes each character believable and a fully realized individual. I particularly liked Luke's little brother Matt, Curtis' twin sister Corinne, and Curtis' roommate Jaleel (who wasn't around too much, but I liked their scenes together).

Overall, just another awesome book from Trumble. I'm even more excited to read Where You Are now, and am looking forward to more books from her. It's great to see an author writing these wonderful, poignant gay romance novels. Fan for life here!

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Between Us is the third book by J.H. Trumble that I have read in the past seven months and just like her first two she has scored another clear winner with this one. Since my own book deals with a young gay man in his late teens, I have sought to read books with a similar theme in hopes of learning from others what for me at least works and what does not. It was this mindset that led me to read her first novel Don’t Let Me Go. Having enjoyed that so much I then read Where You Are which I enjoyed even more. Just Between Us is her most recent work. While each of her novels has a common thread of young gay men in love, the author successfully tackles very different topics in each. Don’t Let Me Go focuses on issues of gay-bashing and the challenges of trying to keep alive a relationship when two people are living more than a thousand miles apart. Where You Are dares to take on the explosive issue of student/teacher intimacy. Just Between Us chronicles the hurdles of two people being attracted to each other and then having one of them learn that he is HIV positive.

The main characters of this work are Luke Chesser and Curtis Cameron, ages 17 and 19 respectively. Luke was a major secondary character in Don’t Let Me Go. He is a high school junior and is still recovering from having his heart broken in his first romantic fling. Having an abusive, homophobic father does not help matters any. Fortunately for him his physician mom and younger brother are loving and supportive. He is a member of the school’s marching band which is a big part of his life and that helps to fill in some of life’s blank spaces. Curtis is in college but attended the same high school as Luke. After spending a good portion of his time partying in his college freshmen year he returns home and helps out as a field tech in Luke’s marching band. Unlike Luke, Curtis’ widowed dad is very accepting of his being gay as is his twin sister. The two young men soon become attracted to one another and start spending time together while postponing any sexual intimacy.

The proverbial you-know-what hits the fan when Curtis learns he is HIV positive. By now he cares deeply about Luke and is terrified that he may infect him if they have sex. The remainder of the story focuses on how these conflicted lovers and others around them deal with the news. Having been a sexually active gay man before and during the Age of AIDS and having watched scores of friends succumb to the disease, I fully appreciate what devastating news this normally is for someone. While HIV/AIDS is today not the death sentence that thirty years ago most people viewed it to be, it is a terrifying and life-altering experience for those who contract it and the people who love them. The author does a superior job depicting Curtis’ coping with the news and the stages of grief he experiences: denial, anger, depression and eventual acceptance. The reaction of Luke and others is likewise very believable. The author once again tackles a difficult issue and avoids creating clichéd characters and situations. This is a very moving, at times heart-breaking and at other times triumphal story. Just as she did in Where You Are, the story is told from the perspective of the two main characters and the technique works as effectively in this book as it did in the earlier one.

Rereading my review of her previous works, I see that what impressed me about those stories is much of what I so enjoyed reading this one. Of Don’t Let Me Go I wrote: “a very sweet, tender coming-of-age novel but not one that is overly sweet, throwing in enough drama and darkness to make it all seem very real. All of the characters have their flaws… He is impulsive and foolish at times and certainly does his share of dumb things. There are times when I wanted to kick him in the butt and other times when I wanted to tell him to stop being so insecure.” Of Where You Are I commented: “He is tormented trying to figure out what is the right thing to do, struggling with the collision course of wanting to be there for Robert, the growing sexual attraction he and Robert are feeling for one another, and his terror of where all of this may lead.” Except for proper names, the comments are just as true about this work. That in no way suggests the author is somehow using a cookie-cutter approach to her writing but rather that she has the rare gift to make her stories and characters appealing and believable. Not wanting to spoil too much of the plot I will simply say there were several times when I became very choked up reading this book and my eyes started filling with tears. That does not happen often when I am reading and I can only say thank you ever so much Ms. Trumble for your incredible writing talent and for giving me hours of enjoyable reading. You are a true inspiration for me in my efforts. For anyone who has not read any of her books put all three at or near the top of your To Read list. You are in for some phenomenal works. And please, please another book soon I hope!

[Jamie Deacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.H. Trumble isn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects, as anyone familiar with her work will know, and this latest novel is no exception. We’ve all made mistakes, done or said things we wish we could go back and change. More often than not, we’re given the chance to learn from our mistakes and move on, but for one of the heroes in ‘Just Between Us’, it isn’t so simple. A few months of recklessness ends up jeopardizing everything he values—his college education, the boy he loves, even his life.

Seventeen-year-old Luke Chesser hasn’t had much luck where relationships are concerned. The last boy he lost his heart to? Well, it turned out he was crazy about someone else. To make matters worse, since Luke came out, his father has refused to accept his sexuality and, as a result, the atmosphere at home is strained. At school, Luke throws himself into practicing his moves for the marching band, which is how he meets the new field tech, Curtis Cameron. Suddenly Luke is falling in love all over again. This time, however, he is determined to get his happy ending.

But life isn’t a fairy tale, as Curtis discovers to his cost. At nineteen, he has everything going for him—a supportive family, the talent to pursue a career in music, and, if he’s reading the signs right, a cute boyfriend in Luke. Then Curtis tests positive for HIV, and his comfortable world crumbles around him. Terrified and ashamed, he can’t bring himself to tell anyone, least of all Luke. Before it has even begun, their budding romance is over. Curtis’s own future might be bleak, but there’s no way he’s dragging sweet, impulsive Luke down with him.

What the author has achieved with this book is quite remarkable. She has taken HIV, a disease that exists far beyond the realm of the average person’s experience, and turned it into something which is both horrifyingly real and rather too close for comfort. It’s easy to think it could never happen to us. If Curtis’s story has taught me anything though, it’s that no one is infallible, and a single careless act can alter the course of our lives forever.

Yet, for all its grim moments, this is very much a novel about hope. It’s about one young man’s courage as he struggles to piece his world back together, and the steadfast loyalty of the boy who helps him through. Most of all, it’s a novel about love. Not the idealistic, hearts-and-flowers kind of love, but a love that is messy and complex and achingly intense. Life may not be a fairy tale, and happiness is by no means guaranteed, but this only makes finding it all the more special.

NOTE: this book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I've seen some AWESOME reviews for this book, so I'm going to go ahead and put in my own official review for this book.

Just Between Us by J.H. Trumble is the book that I was desperately waiting for.
Luke Chesser, the secondary character in 'Don't Let Me Go' is now in the spotlight in Trumble's third novel. He's back in the same town, but a new school.
Curtis is in college and the assistant director at the high school. At first, he sees Luke as a clumsy, but lovable kid, but as he gets to know Luke and his family, everything changes.
Curtis gets a shocking diagnosis. He's HIV positive.
As Luke and Curtis struggle to create a relationship with such a disease between them, there are other forces that conspire to separate them .. but mostly it's Curtis who is determined to keep Luke at arm's length to 'protect' him. But what is he to do when Luke refuses to go?
This is the story that fans have been waiting for. And it was exactly what I wanted in a book about them.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't like to give too much away in my reviews, just that once again JH had me wanting more but not wanting to read it because I didn't want it to end! And dam it! I just wanted to go back and read Don't Let Me go again!

How do I feel right now, number 9 from this Buzzfeed list sums it up. LOL



http://www.buzzfeed.com/harpercollins...

[Chase Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trumble built up my love for the characters and then raked my heart over the coals. I loved every minute of it, even though it tore me apart inside. Beautifully written and potently moving, Just Between Us left me thinking about Luke and Curtis long after I finished reading it.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book wrapped around a tough, timely topic. (I'm not going to spoil it for you!)
But even if you hated Luke in DON'T LET ME GO, you should still give this a shot.

[Roger Hyttinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awhile back, I wrote a review of J.H. Trumble’s book “Don’t Let Me Go” during which I expressed how much I loved that book. I was delighted to see that the Goodread’s Young Adult LGBT fiction group featured another of her books, Just Between Us” for February’s read – not that I needed an excuse to read another of this wonderful author’s books.

Luke is Back!

I was pleased to see a familiar face – seventeen year old Luke Chesser, who served as a secondary character in Don’t Let Me Go. This time, he gets his own book…well, sort of….he shares it with Curtis Cameron (more on him in a bit). While it certainly can be helpful to have read Don’t Let Me Go, it is not necessary – this book stands entirely on its own.

That being said, in “Just Between Us” we see Luke, still freshly heartbroken from the Adam/Nate debacle in the first book, now living in Texas with his mother (I was relived to see his abusive father out of the picture – at least for the time being). He is still very much involved with the marching band at his new high school and during practice, notices the handsome and charming nineteen year-old Curtis Cameron, the new band field tech who had graduated from the same high school. Luke plays hard to get at first but it doesn’t take long before Curtis’s charming way digs right into Luke’s heart and he find himself falling hard for Curtis – and Curtis for him. The two become inseparable….for awhile.

Curtis
Curtis attempts to convince himself that Luke is too young, that he doesn’t want to get involved with a high school student. But he can’t help himself…Luke is just too darned sweet and shy. But before their relationship has a chance to get off the ground, Curtis receives a shocking phone-call while at a family gathering from his ex-lover who accuses Curtis of infecting him with HIV.

Curtis blows it off, not taking the call seriously although it is still in the back of his mind. He finds himself reluctant to take his and Luke’s relationship to the next level just in case. Luke, realizing that Curtis is avoiding physical intimacy, begins pressuring Curtis even more. Curtis finally breaks down and gets tested so he can, with a clear conscience, begin a relationship with Luke.

The World Comes Crashing Down

Curtis discovers he’s HIV Positive. Ashamed and horrified, he refuses to begin treatment, living in what can best be classified as a state of denial. His life spirals downward and he inadvertently cuts himself off from Luke and his supportive family because of his own shame and self-loathing. But moreover, he decides that he cannot – and will not – ever consider having a relationship with Luke. He simply cannot risk infecting this sweet young man with this terrible disease. So before it even begins, their budding relationship is over as Curtis erects more and more impenetrable walls between him and Luke.

This is where the reading gets tough. As a reader, I found it excruciating at times to take this journey with Curtis, watching him self-destruct before our eyes. Being a product of the 80’s, I lost many dear friends to AIDS so I found this book exceptionally difficult to get through in places, as it brought up memories of people whose lives were cut way too short. Luckily, times are different these days and if the patient begins treatment in time, most can expect to live a long life. I applaud the author for presenting timely, well-researched information on HIV and attempting to clear up the many misconceptions surrounding this disease.

Everyone Finds Out

Luke learns the truth about why Curtis had practically cut him out of his life and lashes out in anger and hurt at Curtis. It is about this time that Curtis makes it very clear that they will never have a relationship together. Against his better judgment, Luke promises not to tell Curtis’s family about the illness. We continue to witness Curtis’s slow decline, which is utterly heartbreaking in and of itself, but equally upsetting to watch is his complete rejection of Luke, who is willing to stand by his side no matter what, throughout the good and the bad.

Finally, due to circumstances out of the control of Curtis’, the cat is out of the bag – his family learns the truth.

The Verdict

This was an incredibly touching portrayal of a young man who finds out he is HIV positive. The characters are extremely well-developed and I felt that the reader could really relate to everything Curtis was going thorough – including his shame, fear, disgust, self-pity and self-hatred. While one may not agree with Curtis’s methods, one can certainly understand his fear of infecting the young man that he had grown to love with a potentially life-threatening disease. The character of Luke, who was portrayed as clingy and somewhat needed in Don’t Let Me Go ended up being the adult in the relationship and was called upon to make some tough decisions.

This story made me laugh in places, cry in places and often, wished I could wring Curtis’s neck until he came to his senses. The characters in this novel, including the secondary ones, truly come to life on the pages in all their tenacity, shame, love, hate, fear and human follies. This compelling and powerful character-driven story tackled a sensitive issue with expertise and compassion .

My only niggle with the book – and it’s a personal preference niggle – was that it is written using multiple first point of view; that is to say, one chapter is told from Curtis’s first person perspective while the next is told from Luke’s. I found this a little bit distracting and a couple of times, had to peek back at the beginning of the chapter to refresh my memory on whose mind we were seeing the world through.

Just Between Us is not a light and fluffy feel-good type of read but rather is a heartfelt and at times, raw & gritty peak into the life of a college student recently diagnosed with HIV and the young man who chooses to love him regardless. Recommended!!

- Originally published on my blog at www.rogerhyttinen.com

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm finally allowing myself to write a review of this lovely story.

There are many good, enjoyable books out there; some of them you miss after the fact; however, the ones that grip you and stay with you long after seem far and few between. This book definitely belongs in that category.

To be honest, the first thing that jumped out at me with this book was the cover. I found it by accident under my Young Adult recs and I am so happy I did. Of course once I saw who the author was I was completely on board, having read Where You Are earlier this year and enjoyed that one thoroughly as well.

But this book, oh this book. What can I say except for the feels. Luke Chesser is such an endearing character. He is so easy to relate to and love. I know he gets a bad rap from Trumble's previous novel in which he was a minor character, Don't Let Me Go (which I didn't even realize Luke was a part of. So, of course I had to read that, too) but haven't we all been a Luke? Whatever our gender, age, or sexual orientation, we've probably fallen for someone unattainable and then met someone else who is just as amazing who we fall even harder for and head over heels in love with, and unlike the previous relationship, this one is meant to last. And yet, what happens when the person we love has had their world rocked with a life changing diagnosis, and won't let us be there for them?

This is the question Just Between Us explores, and does it with aplomb. Luke's dealing with a lot when he develops a rocky-at-first bond with Curtis Cameron. In short, he's had his heart broken by a guy who was in love with someone else, and his father is abusive and homophobic. To say he is unsupportive of Luke's life is an understatement. Add to that Luke can be a bit of klutz on the field with his marching band and you get a picture of how not perfect things are in the beginning of this book for Luke.

And then there's Curtis. Charming, confident, older. A band legend. How could Luke not fall for him, and when the two get to know each other better, how could he not fall for Luke? But just as in life, love and relationships are never easy, which is something we see happen to Curtis and Luke.

Just as things are really blossoming between the two of them, Curtis gets devastating news. He's HIV positive after having a little too much fun his freshman year of college. Suddenly Curtis pulls back from his loving family and Luke, ashamed of himself, afraid of hurting someone else, not able to come to grips with the fact that he still has a long life ahead of him, and doing everything in his power to ignore his situation.

It's so painful to watch Curtis keep Luke an at arm's length, especially when anyone can see how much they love each other. There were so many times I wanted to jump into the book and knock some sense into Curtis, but reading every emotion he was feeling, I couldn't help but hurt for him.

Trumble brings us back to an important topic: HIV. For some reason we have stopped talking about it and even thinking about it, but this story is proof that the stigma still exists as does the virus.

In the end, we're there with Luke and Curtis as they struggle to come to terms with their relationship and left moved at their resolution.

I have to admit, I did want a bit more from the ending, but if you read DLMG and WYA, you know Curtis and Luke have prevailed and are still together, which just makes me squee with delight!

It's been over a month since I finished this book, and I'm still thinking about these two, rooting for them and wishing I could stay with them a bit longer in their world just to ensure they are happy and in love, because despite whatever hardships and obstacles a relationship may face, unconditional love is always beautiful and can bring forth a rainbow after the darkest of storms.

If you haven't read this book, you should. Like, now. And while you're at it, read DLMG and WYA, also by Trumble.

[Sleepless Dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me try to word what I think because I had so many ideas for this review and I'm really scared I won't say everything I want.

I wanted to read this for the sole reason that it has non straight characters as leads. To me, that's incredibly important and I fully and completely support any book that has that (though I wish there would be more of the less known genders, like pan romantics and bisexuals, I guess gay romances are a good beginning). I didn't know this author has all of the same characters in their books, I think that's awesome and will definitely read more.

What makes a book compelling? It's a question I've been asking myself for a while. This author has mastered it. The story itself seems too bland, a guy getting HIV and his relationship with a guy through that. I could not put this book down. I'd assume a book like this wouldn't be addicting but I couldn't stop thinking about it when I wasn't reading.

The characters don't shine or dazzle. It's not thrown in your face. The characters simply are and before you know it, you're in love with them. Your heart stops whenever the plot twists and suddenly, two hours have passed and you did not work on your tanach paper because whoa. I feel like I know Luke and Curtis, like they're real people. I loved the chemistry between them and their dialogues were awesome. I also loved all the minor characters, I loved how evolved they were.

I will say that the beginning is slow. Also, around the middle, it gets slightly repetitive (especially in the parts where it's just one fight after another, or when they just go to the hospital like 4 times) but the story picks up quickly. The author has clearly crafted something wonderful here.

It's been said but I'll repeat it. The subject is so important. I actually didn't know much about HIV and found myself reading about it because of this book (which is so important and I love that literature and art can inspire us to learn more and be aware). I think the author attacks the subject amazingly. I especially loved the discussion about how cancer isn't considered shameful while HIV is and how wrong that is.

I also liked all the other subjects that are intertwined. The relationships between Luke and father, the importance of families, the obvious importance of running (fine, I'm obsessed but I love that even in this book, running is important, it's just really cool okay).

Being a flutist, I need to point out that clarinet is an inferior instrument. I loved the part music plays (ha. Ha. Get it? Get it?).

All in all, it's a great book. I definitely recommend it, for everyone who wants a character driven story, with honest truth and wonderful minor characters (Jameel, you are life).