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Just a Footnote
NO LONGER PUBLISHED.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
10 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
Maya Jean
9 books94 followersMaya spends most of her time imagining happily ever afters for the characters that live in her head. If she's not plotting how to heal broken hearts for her characters then she’s spending time with her precocious daughter. She loves baking competitions, listening to the same song on repeat for months, and discussing the latest pop culture event in a group chat with her best friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 20, 2024
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Ahhh what a wonder debut this was! Aiden and Liam's story was just so achy and love filled and I was teary eyed for quite a lot of this. It's not an easy read for sure. I appreciated that Aiden's path to love and happiness and healing was a difficult and uncomfortable one for me. Because there's authenticity in that unrepentant way of telling a powerful story. And even though the root of it was one marked by a past filled with pain and violence, Aiden, Archer and Miles' story by extension, was still such an enriching and hopeful one. This felt deeply personal and transformative, experiencing this love story through Aiden's eyes and heart. Liam was a masterpiece of a human, and altogether I'm just so happy that though their HEA was challenging to get to, it was so worth it in the end!
My heart was full of emotions right from the start; from the dedication, right through the story, and then all the way to the very end of the acknowledgements. It's just such an important thing to celebrate when someone enlivens a space that allows them to be seen. It's a testimony that makes me cry every single time, because I've had people watching out for me all of my life, and I know that there were kids out there who weren't as lucky.
I loved how this story ended, and ofc I FELT EVERYTHING for Aiden, but the Liams of the world cannot be celebrated enough for doing the tough stuff like digging in, holding on and loving hard, when the loving is the easy part, but the receiving heart fights it like a feral wildcat on the brink of madness.
Because that's the crux of neglect and abuse really. You don't have a shape that isn't carved by tooth and claw, and to receive-ask for-feel worthy of something as big and pure and clean as love, especially when you think that what's within your walls is pulp ugliness, is pretty much like a battle waged on malnourished fronts that have to learn how to first accept being fed.
So I'm happy this story had a happy ending when so many others do not. I absolutely loved Miles and the aspects of found family in this. Because this story was also about defining what that is...the who what where you call home, and all the hearts you belong to that you find yourself rooted in that makes it so.
This was a wonderful and emotional debut, and I hope everyone will be as moved and impacted by Aiden and Liam's story as I was. Maya Jean is an extraordinary talent and I look forward to everything she releases in the future because I am certain I will love it all!
Ahhh what a wonder debut this was! Aiden and Liam's story was just so achy and love filled and I was teary eyed for quite a lot of this. It's not an easy read for sure. I appreciated that Aiden's path to love and happiness and healing was a difficult and uncomfortable one for me. Because there's authenticity in that unrepentant way of telling a powerful story. And even though the root of it was one marked by a past filled with pain and violence, Aiden, Archer and Miles' story by extension, was still such an enriching and hopeful one. This felt deeply personal and transformative, experiencing this love story through Aiden's eyes and heart. Liam was a masterpiece of a human, and altogether I'm just so happy that though their HEA was challenging to get to, it was so worth it in the end!
My heart was full of emotions right from the start; from the dedication, right through the story, and then all the way to the very end of the acknowledgements. It's just such an important thing to celebrate when someone enlivens a space that allows them to be seen. It's a testimony that makes me cry every single time, because I've had people watching out for me all of my life, and I know that there were kids out there who weren't as lucky.
I loved how this story ended, and ofc I FELT EVERYTHING for Aiden, but the Liams of the world cannot be celebrated enough for doing the tough stuff like digging in, holding on and loving hard, when the loving is the easy part, but the receiving heart fights it like a feral wildcat on the brink of madness.
Because that's the crux of neglect and abuse really. You don't have a shape that isn't carved by tooth and claw, and to receive-ask for-feel worthy of something as big and pure and clean as love, especially when you think that what's within your walls is pulp ugliness, is pretty much like a battle waged on malnourished fronts that have to learn how to first accept being fed.
So I'm happy this story had a happy ending when so many others do not. I absolutely loved Miles and the aspects of found family in this. Because this story was also about defining what that is...the who what where you call home, and all the hearts you belong to that you find yourself rooted in that makes it so.
This was a wonderful and emotional debut, and I hope everyone will be as moved and impacted by Aiden and Liam's story as I was. Maya Jean is an extraordinary talent and I look forward to everything she releases in the future because I am certain I will love it all!
February 22, 2024
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
Just a Footnote was a very emotional, but thankfully healing in the end, journey. An amazing debut, packed full of feelings and emotions and complex characters.
I love dual POV’s, but keeping it only from Aiden’s perspective made so much more sense for this story. ‘Cause it is ultimately Aiden’s story to tell, his soul that needed mending, his heart on the line.
Huge kudos to Liam and his patience, ‘cause Aiden was such a broken soul and so so oblivious, but he just kept being there and loving him. We need more Liam’s in the world.
I loved how everyone and their mother knew what was up between these two, but sweet oblivious Aiden was like ‘no one can know, shhh it’s a secret’.
The found family vibes made this read a touch more special, making me fall in love with every single one of them, and the gorgeous writing style made me fall even more. I’m a sucker for poetic styles, soul-crushing love, strong emotions, and Maya Jean had it all.
Forewarning, don’t go into this expecting that much hockey. Liam is a hockey player, we see a couple games and stuff, but it is told from Aiden’s side (the non-hockey player). This isn’t a sports romance for me, it’s a heart-filled, hurt/comfort, ‘I’ll love you even when you can’t’ type romance.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Past child abuse and parental neglect
- Past drug abuse (parent)
- Self esteem issues
- Mentions of death of a parent (cancer)
- MC with panic attacks/disassociation
- Hockey player vs med student
- Brother’s best friend
- Friends-with-benefits to lovers
- Demi-romantic MC
- Strict top/bottom
- Frotting
- Dry humping
- Brief choking/breath play
“I’m just a footnote in your life. We need to let one another go or we’re going to just keep breaking each other's hearts.” “No, you’re the whole damn book.”
Just a Footnote was a very emotional, but thankfully healing in the end, journey. An amazing debut, packed full of feelings and emotions and complex characters.
I love dual POV’s, but keeping it only from Aiden’s perspective made so much more sense for this story. ‘Cause it is ultimately Aiden’s story to tell, his soul that needed mending, his heart on the line.
“Why are you the way that you are?” “Trauma,” Archer and Aiden say in unison.
Huge kudos to Liam and his patience, ‘cause Aiden was such a broken soul and so so oblivious, but he just kept being there and loving him. We need more Liam’s in the world.
I loved how everyone and their mother knew what was up between these two, but sweet oblivious Aiden was like ‘no one can know, shhh it’s a secret’.
«Aiden feels stupid for how long it took him to realize Liam was it for him. Will always be it. No one else will ever stand a chance.»
The found family vibes made this read a touch more special, making me fall in love with every single one of them, and the gorgeous writing style made me fall even more. I’m a sucker for poetic styles, soul-crushing love, strong emotions, and Maya Jean had it all.
«Then the kiss stops, but neither of them pull away. Instead they just breathe each other in, eyes locked, and Aiden feels again like he’s untethered from the earth. Floating up, up, and away.»
Forewarning, don’t go into this expecting that much hockey. Liam is a hockey player, we see a couple games and stuff, but it is told from Aiden’s side (the non-hockey player). This isn’t a sports romance for me, it’s a heart-filled, hurt/comfort, ‘I’ll love you even when you can’t’ type romance.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Past child abuse and parental neglect
- Past drug abuse (parent)
- Self esteem issues
- Mentions of death of a parent (cancer)
- MC with panic attacks/disassociation
- Hockey player vs med student
- Brother’s best friend
- Friends-with-benefits to lovers
- Demi-romantic MC
- Strict top/bottom
- Frotting
- Dry humping
- Brief choking/breath play
February 11, 2024
“I love the freckles here,” Liam admits quietly, running his fingers over said freckles. “Little kisses from the sun. I’m jealous they get to stay there forever.”
UGH guys, this was ridiculously good. It's probably the best debut I've read in a long time. I flew through it so fast I think I have whiplash.
These characters are angels. One of my fave things in a romance is a patient, loving man, and Liam had that in spades. Just when I think I'm done with fictional hockey players, this man comes along, and suddenly, I'm back where I started.
Aiden, on the other hand, broke my frigging heart. I have a weakness for MCs who feel like they are undeserving of love, so naturally, I ate this up. Aiden's emotional journey is definitely a highlight of this book. I will think about him fondly and often. Ya girl was giggling, blushing and tearing up, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
If you are looking for a brothers best friends romance with excellent demiromantic rep then this is the one for you. This relationship was put together perfectly. I can't wait to see where Maya takes her writing in the future.
Also will be playing the Cardigan bridge over and over bc its so them
Ratings
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
* I received an arc and this is my honest review*
UGH guys, this was ridiculously good. It's probably the best debut I've read in a long time. I flew through it so fast I think I have whiplash.
These characters are angels. One of my fave things in a romance is a patient, loving man, and Liam had that in spades. Just when I think I'm done with fictional hockey players, this man comes along, and suddenly, I'm back where I started.
Aiden, on the other hand, broke my frigging heart. I have a weakness for MCs who feel like they are undeserving of love, so naturally, I ate this up. Aiden's emotional journey is definitely a highlight of this book. I will think about him fondly and often. Ya girl was giggling, blushing and tearing up, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
If you are looking for a brothers best friends romance with excellent demiromantic rep then this is the one for you. This relationship was put together perfectly. I can't wait to see where Maya takes her writing in the future.
Also will be playing the Cardigan bridge over and over bc its so them
Ratings
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
* I received an arc and this is my honest review*
March 5, 2024
✰ 2.25 stars ✰
“Everything will work out if you just let me love you.”
At times, writing reviews can feel like a double-edged sword. For just as much as its purpose is to express one's thoughts on the reading experience, so too does it inadvertently influence others of what to expect if and when they choose to read said book. So, just as true as it is that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so too is it necessary for one to have the chance to form their own opinion - without preamble or outside interference. So, please do keep this in mind, should you read this, that any fault I felt that marred my overall enjoyment are truly my own personal reasons.
“He told himself not to fall in love. But Aiden has always been bad at listening to himself.”
There were three significant strikes that were more than Just a Footnote to how it affected my reading experience that made it difficult for me to ignore.
After the prologue, the story is divided into the before and after of their relationship, so I found it a bit unnecessary for the prologue to be repeated verbatim in the middle of the story, to indicate where their story picks up from; rather, it kinda ruined the tempo of the story, instead. And while I don't mind the third person narrative, the writing had a slight fanfiction-esque feel to it that I couldn't quite shake off. 🙍🏻♀️ And after reading the Author's Note, it further confirmed my suspicion of why it had that particular vibe to it. I'm not saying that writing or reading fanfiction has a bad quality to it! I just felt that because of that feeling that we're thrown into their lives and joined the fray of the timeline - rather than building up their history and background, much like how characters in fanfiction already exist - there lacked a certain depth to the characters than made it difficult for me to connect with them. To the point that all the plot lines were very surface level and no impactful or meaningful development to them. 😮💨
Aiden and his twin brother, Archer shared a strong resemblance to the Minyard twins from the All for the Game series that became a bit obvious at times; as in, it could have easily been a fanfiction-inspired by their respective traits, and no one would have been the wiser. I won't go into detail about what those similarities were as it would be unfair to those who have not read the series and for those who are familiar with it - well, they can determine on their own. 🙂 Besides - apart from one telling mention that struck a nerve with me, I have no basis to support the claim the author has even read or heard of the series; so again, this is merely my own personal assessment. 😐
“The chance of having Liam if only for a moment is more than worth the risk of splintering his heart wide open.
“Do you still not want me?” Liam asks quietly.
“I always want you,” Aiden whispers brokenly.”
The final grievance was that the entire premise of the story was based on a miss-assumption that didn't even have much gumption to it. I don't fault Aiden for being self-deprecating or intuitively protective of his own heart because he has been led to believe meaningless sex without feelings is the only way to go because he is so unlovable due to his past trauma - so undeserving a future that could be his - 'Love hurts, like thousands of shards of glass scraping his heart'. 😥 But, the roundabout way he treated the situation with Liam and how the time spent handling it was then disregarded in an instant such as this - there wasn't a strong enough reason behind all this ill-timed angsty behavior, which then in a surprise twist of events was immediately resolved just be talking to each other - and in a swift judgment call that forced them in the same proximity. 😩😩 So much of the repetitive avoidance and denial of feelings could have been prevented if Aiden hadn't gone about it in such a fashion that while may be fitting to his own personal concerns, it just became redundant.
“Love has a cost. If people love you then they have power over you. They can hurt you, break you, use that love against you.”
But, I did feel bad for Aiden - I did. He's protecting his heart from the inevitable hurt that he's convinced himself that he will eventually have to face. His own self-worth has been so destroyed by his traumatic childhood that in order to cover up that hurt he hides behind the shadow of a friends with benefits pact that will never allow anyone to get close to his heart apart from Archer, who he would give up everything for, despite how affectionate and caring Liam was towards him. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 'When did Liam’s happiness start to mean as much to him as Archer’s? When has he ever really cared for someone's happiness?' Despite how Liam may be Archer's best friend, he's only ever looked at Aiden - wanted him. How Liam was willing to sacrifice everything for his happiness and never shy away from showing how much he meant to him. There were some really adorable and tender moments between the two that I thought were very sweet. I only just wished the story hadn't followed the typical trajectory of friends with benefits to something more - that something that didn't really land with me. 🙎🏻♀️
Liam was the whole nine yards of perfection and understanding - very sweet and caring and kind and considerate - so very affectionate in his devotion for Adrien. Their intimate scenes were touched with such warmth and desire - even when he was in denial and refusing to admit that he was falling - Liam never pushed him. 'The moment is so full of safety, contentment and love. How had he denied himself this for so long?' I just wish Liam could have felt like a more fleshed out character; yes, I know we get to learn in passing about his past and how that deepens their love for each other, but it was just that - a fleeting nature to their dynamic. 😕
I didn't feel enough to believe it - to make me want to care about their HEA - hard-earned or fought for! Perhaps hindered at how the writing glossed over Adrien's past - very light as if it was just touch and go with his personal issues - more concerned in depicting just how true their love for each other had become. We never got the full scope of his struggles and his path to healing himself - simply brushed off for the sake of addressing that proverbial elephant in the room, instead. I'm not trying to trounce upon love - I'm the biggest romantic at heart! 🥺 I liked their confessions, that wrist-kiss was so precious - the epilogue, while cheesily predictable was endearing - Liam was a determined dear and I admire his resilience -'he stares Aiden down, daring him to fight this, fight against the inevitable tide of his love' - and it was a shame that the bonus epilogue was the only scene from Liam's point of view. I just needed something more for it to click with me - something was severely lacking. 😔
“He waits for the inevitable fear or self- loathing for being vulnerable but it never comes. All he can think about is Liam.”
I give debut novels a chance for two reasons: fomo and a kindred understanding of how daunting it is to be a newcomer in entering a well-developed and established niche of a community, where there are already so many reputable names in the field, and you're trying to stand and find your footing. And as that still very much resonates with me - even now as a newbie reviewer - the notable and impossible to overlook issues that I found prevented me from giving it a higher rating. I still do very much wish the author all the best for her future success. Who knows? Maybe the second time around, it may very well be a welcome surprise. ✨
“Everything will work out if you just let me love you.”
At times, writing reviews can feel like a double-edged sword. For just as much as its purpose is to express one's thoughts on the reading experience, so too does it inadvertently influence others of what to expect if and when they choose to read said book. So, just as true as it is that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so too is it necessary for one to have the chance to form their own opinion - without preamble or outside interference. So, please do keep this in mind, should you read this, that any fault I felt that marred my overall enjoyment are truly my own personal reasons.
“He told himself not to fall in love. But Aiden has always been bad at listening to himself.”
There were three significant strikes that were more than Just a Footnote to how it affected my reading experience that made it difficult for me to ignore.
After the prologue, the story is divided into the before and after of their relationship, so I found it a bit unnecessary for the prologue to be repeated verbatim in the middle of the story, to indicate where their story picks up from; rather, it kinda ruined the tempo of the story, instead. And while I don't mind the third person narrative, the writing had a slight fanfiction-esque feel to it that I couldn't quite shake off. 🙍🏻♀️ And after reading the Author's Note, it further confirmed my suspicion of why it had that particular vibe to it. I'm not saying that writing or reading fanfiction has a bad quality to it! I just felt that because of that feeling that we're thrown into their lives and joined the fray of the timeline - rather than building up their history and background, much like how characters in fanfiction already exist - there lacked a certain depth to the characters than made it difficult for me to connect with them. To the point that all the plot lines were very surface level and no impactful or meaningful development to them. 😮💨
Aiden and his twin brother, Archer shared a strong resemblance to the Minyard twins from the All for the Game series that became a bit obvious at times; as in, it could have easily been a fanfiction-inspired by their respective traits, and no one would have been the wiser. I won't go into detail about what those similarities were as it would be unfair to those who have not read the series and for those who are familiar with it - well, they can determine on their own. 🙂 Besides - apart from one telling mention that struck a nerve with me, I have no basis to support the claim the author has even read or heard of the series; so again, this is merely my own personal assessment. 😐
“The chance of having Liam if only for a moment is more than worth the risk of splintering his heart wide open.
“Do you still not want me?” Liam asks quietly.
“I always want you,” Aiden whispers brokenly.”
The final grievance was that the entire premise of the story was based on a miss-assumption that didn't even have much gumption to it. I don't fault Aiden for being self-deprecating or intuitively protective of his own heart because he has been led to believe meaningless sex without feelings is the only way to go because he is so unlovable due to his past trauma - so undeserving a future that could be his - 'Love hurts, like thousands of shards of glass scraping his heart'. 😥 But, the roundabout way he treated the situation with Liam and how the time spent handling it was then disregarded in an instant such as this - there wasn't a strong enough reason behind all this ill-timed angsty behavior, which then in a surprise twist of events was immediately resolved just be talking to each other - and in a swift judgment call that forced them in the same proximity. 😩😩 So much of the repetitive avoidance and denial of feelings could have been prevented if Aiden hadn't gone about it in such a fashion that while may be fitting to his own personal concerns, it just became redundant.
“Love has a cost. If people love you then they have power over you. They can hurt you, break you, use that love against you.”
But, I did feel bad for Aiden - I did. He's protecting his heart from the inevitable hurt that he's convinced himself that he will eventually have to face. His own self-worth has been so destroyed by his traumatic childhood that in order to cover up that hurt he hides behind the shadow of a friends with benefits pact that will never allow anyone to get close to his heart apart from Archer, who he would give up everything for, despite how affectionate and caring Liam was towards him. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 'When did Liam’s happiness start to mean as much to him as Archer’s? When has he ever really cared for someone's happiness?' Despite how Liam may be Archer's best friend, he's only ever looked at Aiden - wanted him. How Liam was willing to sacrifice everything for his happiness and never shy away from showing how much he meant to him. There were some really adorable and tender moments between the two that I thought were very sweet. I only just wished the story hadn't followed the typical trajectory of friends with benefits to something more - that something that didn't really land with me. 🙎🏻♀️
Liam was the whole nine yards of perfection and understanding - very sweet and caring and kind and considerate - so very affectionate in his devotion for Adrien. Their intimate scenes were touched with such warmth and desire - even when he was in denial and refusing to admit that he was falling - Liam never pushed him. 'The moment is so full of safety, contentment and love. How had he denied himself this for so long?' I just wish Liam could have felt like a more fleshed out character; yes, I know we get to learn in passing about his past and how that deepens their love for each other, but it was just that - a fleeting nature to their dynamic. 😕
I didn't feel enough to believe it - to make me want to care about their HEA - hard-earned or fought for! Perhaps hindered at how the writing glossed over Adrien's past - very light as if it was just touch and go with his personal issues - more concerned in depicting just how true their love for each other had become. We never got the full scope of his struggles and his path to healing himself - simply brushed off for the sake of addressing that proverbial elephant in the room, instead. I'm not trying to trounce upon love - I'm the biggest romantic at heart! 🥺 I liked their confessions, that wrist-kiss was so precious - the epilogue, while cheesily predictable was endearing - Liam was a determined dear and I admire his resilience -'he stares Aiden down, daring him to fight this, fight against the inevitable tide of his love' - and it was a shame that the bonus epilogue was the only scene from Liam's point of view. I just needed something more for it to click with me - something was severely lacking. 😔
“He waits for the inevitable fear or self- loathing for being vulnerable but it never comes. All he can think about is Liam.”
I give debut novels a chance for two reasons: fomo and a kindred understanding of how daunting it is to be a newcomer in entering a well-developed and established niche of a community, where there are already so many reputable names in the field, and you're trying to stand and find your footing. And as that still very much resonates with me - even now as a newbie reviewer - the notable and impossible to overlook issues that I found prevented me from giving it a higher rating. I still do very much wish the author all the best for her future success. Who knows? Maybe the second time around, it may very well be a welcome surprise. ✨
February 13, 2024
Love has a cost. If people love you then they have power over you. They can hurt you, break you, use that love against you.
I’m going to start off by mentioning the writing style - third person present - because I feel like this is what’s going to put people off and I hope my review explains why it’s the perfect choice for this book.
Aiden has had a tough life and as a result his walls are sky high. He barely has room in his heart for his brother and his brother’s boyfriend, no one else has a chance. So when said brother’s best friend Liam starts showing interest Aiden can only believe this is a friends with benefits situation. However, since this is told third person present, we the readers know that Liam is smitten from the start.
It’s heartbreaking to read how little Aiden values himself and though he grows to really care for Liam he still thinks this is just a hookup since in his mind Liam deserves better. Again, because we see the truth and because we know what’s coming it hurt so much.
The growth here (primarily on Aiden’s side) is just so emotional and perfect. I felt everything and when Liam was trying to make him understand his feelings I cried so hard. I think about these two every day since I finished and I don’t see that stopping. Liam, patient, kind Liam is definitely an ultimate book boyfriend and I want to wrap Aiden up in a blanket and cuddle him forever. The ending was so perfect for them and I’m so excited to see what Maya does next!
“Don’t apologize for being you. I love you just as you are. But you’re not going to succeed at pushing me away. You’re mine now. Let that settle in your heart for a little bit, but I’m not going anywhere. Got it?”
I’ve likened it to Riley Nash’s Hold Me Under for a few reasons: sports, childhood trauma/parental abuse, found family, but mostly the I love you flaws and all/ just let me love you vibes and the overall feeling I had when reading both (I appreciate this is very specific but it brought out similar emotions for me).
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
I’m going to start off by mentioning the writing style - third person present - because I feel like this is what’s going to put people off and I hope my review explains why it’s the perfect choice for this book.
Aiden has had a tough life and as a result his walls are sky high. He barely has room in his heart for his brother and his brother’s boyfriend, no one else has a chance. So when said brother’s best friend Liam starts showing interest Aiden can only believe this is a friends with benefits situation. However, since this is told third person present, we the readers know that Liam is smitten from the start.
It’s heartbreaking to read how little Aiden values himself and though he grows to really care for Liam he still thinks this is just a hookup since in his mind Liam deserves better. Again, because we see the truth and because we know what’s coming it hurt so much.
The growth here (primarily on Aiden’s side) is just so emotional and perfect. I felt everything and when Liam was trying to make him understand his feelings I cried so hard. I think about these two every day since I finished and I don’t see that stopping. Liam, patient, kind Liam is definitely an ultimate book boyfriend and I want to wrap Aiden up in a blanket and cuddle him forever. The ending was so perfect for them and I’m so excited to see what Maya does next!
“Don’t apologize for being you. I love you just as you are. But you’re not going to succeed at pushing me away. You’re mine now. Let that settle in your heart for a little bit, but I’m not going anywhere. Got it?”
I’ve likened it to Riley Nash’s Hold Me Under for a few reasons: sports, childhood trauma/parental abuse, found family, but mostly the I love you flaws and all/ just let me love you vibes and the overall feeling I had when reading both (I appreciate this is very specific but it brought out similar emotions for me).
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
March 5, 2024
Not an easy read, but a very interesting take on an aromantic character.
It starts with a bang in the prologue by: we have Aiden and Liam, having sex, and Aiden leaving (obviously breaking up with Liam, but without saying the words), returning to his room where he breaks down, telling himself that it’s for Liam’s own good.
Confused? Yes, me too, but it will make sense, I promise.
The book is divided in two halves - the “before” the breakup, and the “after”.
Before I dive into it: the reason why I felt a bit detached from the whole story probably was due to the fact that it’s written in 3rd person pov in present tense. I’m not a huge fan of that, it feels like the character wants to keep me at arm’s length while only letting me catching glimpses of what he feels, and that keeps me from fully “identifying“ with the character (and the story). I don’t know if that makes sense to you, but it is what it is 😅
Back to the story: I admittedly felt annoyed with Aiden. I didn’t understand why he was so bent upon the whole “no feelings” thing when it was obvious that not only Liam’s perfect golden-retriever-boyfriend material, but Aiden himself is (reluctantly) falling in love. But at some point I realised that he’s probably aromantic (which is a difficult character choice for a romance), but he seems to deal with some kind of childhood trauma (which is a bit confusing at first, seeing as his twin brother Archer is perfectly happy and they spent almost their entire youth together).
So yeah. I kind of wasn’t sure what to make of it, but I kept going because of the glowing arc reviews.
It changed at around 50%, when the story timeline caught up with the prologue and we jumped to the “after the breakup” part.
And here, we get to understand a bit more why Aiden behaves the way he does. While I still couldn’t really connect to him as a character, I loved how everyone around him took care of him, seeing what he himself wouldn’t allow himself to hope for.
After reading Amina’s review , I realised that my main issue wasn’t, in fact, that I couldn’t empathise enough with Aiden because he’s aromantic and I’m the polar opposite, but more the fact that his past issues were glossed over and resolved too easily.
Considering this seems to be this author debut, I’ll rate it with 3.25 stars - I loved some parts and most of the characters, but the (probably intentional) distance between me as a reader and the main character kept me from fully immersing myself into the story.
I’d love to read Archer and Miles’ story!
It starts with a bang in the prologue by: we have Aiden and Liam, having sex, and Aiden leaving (obviously breaking up with Liam, but without saying the words), returning to his room where he breaks down, telling himself that it’s for Liam’s own good.
Confused? Yes, me too, but it will make sense, I promise.
The book is divided in two halves - the “before” the breakup, and the “after”.
Before I dive into it: the reason why I felt a bit detached from the whole story probably was due to the fact that it’s written in 3rd person pov in present tense. I’m not a huge fan of that, it feels like the character wants to keep me at arm’s length while only letting me catching glimpses of what he feels, and that keeps me from fully “identifying“ with the character (and the story). I don’t know if that makes sense to you, but it is what it is 😅
Back to the story: I admittedly felt annoyed with Aiden. I didn’t understand why he was so bent upon the whole “no feelings” thing when it was obvious that not only Liam’s perfect golden-retriever-boyfriend material, but Aiden himself is (reluctantly) falling in love. But at some point I realised that he’s probably aromantic (which is a difficult character choice for a romance), but he seems to deal with some kind of childhood trauma (which is a bit confusing at first, seeing as his twin brother Archer is perfectly happy and they spent almost their entire youth together).
So yeah. I kind of wasn’t sure what to make of it, but I kept going because of the glowing arc reviews.
It changed at around 50%, when the story timeline caught up with the prologue and we jumped to the “after the breakup” part.
And here, we get to understand a bit more why Aiden behaves the way he does. While I still couldn’t really connect to him as a character, I loved how everyone around him took care of him, seeing what he himself wouldn’t allow himself to hope for.
After reading Amina’s review , I realised that my main issue wasn’t, in fact, that I couldn’t empathise enough with Aiden because he’s aromantic and I’m the polar opposite, but more the fact that his past issues were glossed over and resolved too easily.
Considering this seems to be this author debut, I’ll rate it with 3.25 stars - I loved some parts and most of the characters, but the (probably intentional) distance between me as a reader and the main character kept me from fully immersing myself into the story.
I’d love to read Archer and Miles’ story!
March 3, 2024
Cute read with wholesome characters 💛
Full rtc :)
Full rtc :)
February 15, 2024
5/5⭐️ 3.5/5🌶️
Holy moly. This book.
This is such a sweet and heartbreaking story about a broken man and the man that loves him unconditionally.
From the blurb and teasers for this book, I thought it was going to just be an angst-fest but I was so happy that it was more mild. The angst in this book is mostly between the reader and Aiden (and Aiden with himself 🙄). The hurt/comfort is also both situational and encompassing the whole book in a way.
Aiden is the broken man with an airport full of baggage that he wears like armor. He “doesn’t love” and doesn’t feel capable of any level of feelings for anyone. The only person he cares about is his twin brother, Archer (and maybe Miles🙃).
Liam is a golden retriever of a man. He loves wholeheartedly and is a pillar for Aiden. He knows when to push and pull, when to call him out, when to shut up. He just knows. He’s not perfect but he’s in it.
I love that this book shows how easily something you say in passing, a throwaway comment, can impact relationships around you.
Aiden is an amazing portrayal of a martyr and it broke my heart on more than one occasion.
I never expected this book to make me cry but oh boy, it did. Not because it’s a sad book, it’s just relatable and my heart can’t not break for someone that believes he’s undeserving of happiness.
This book is told in 3rd person (present) and is only Aiden’s POV. It’s got a yummy hockey boy and the bad boy with the leather jacket 😎
Read it.
Okay, bye.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but this is my honest and voluntary opinion! 🖤
Holy moly. This book.
This is such a sweet and heartbreaking story about a broken man and the man that loves him unconditionally.
From the blurb and teasers for this book, I thought it was going to just be an angst-fest but I was so happy that it was more mild. The angst in this book is mostly between the reader and Aiden (and Aiden with himself 🙄). The hurt/comfort is also both situational and encompassing the whole book in a way.
Aiden is the broken man with an airport full of baggage that he wears like armor. He “doesn’t love” and doesn’t feel capable of any level of feelings for anyone. The only person he cares about is his twin brother, Archer (and maybe Miles🙃).
Liam is a golden retriever of a man. He loves wholeheartedly and is a pillar for Aiden. He knows when to push and pull, when to call him out, when to shut up. He just knows. He’s not perfect but he’s in it.
I love that this book shows how easily something you say in passing, a throwaway comment, can impact relationships around you.
Aiden is an amazing portrayal of a martyr and it broke my heart on more than one occasion.
I never expected this book to make me cry but oh boy, it did. Not because it’s a sad book, it’s just relatable and my heart can’t not break for someone that believes he’s undeserving of happiness.
This book is told in 3rd person (present) and is only Aiden’s POV. It’s got a yummy hockey boy and the bad boy with the leather jacket 😎
Read it.
Okay, bye.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but this is my honest and voluntary opinion! 🖤
January 28, 2024
“Liam. How can he want someone so much and regret them at the same time.”
How do you write a review for a book that means so much to you? Thats so personal to you? (iykyk) How do you put into words how much Aiden and Liam deserve the happy ending they got? How do you put into words the emotions these two put me through??? 🫠
The EMOTIONS I went through and am still going through. Liam and Aiden had me laughing, sweating, shaking, stressing out, full on tummy ache, blushing, crying (just a tear or seven) and over all just falling so in love with them.
Aiden 🤝🏾 me
love has a cost and it’s never genuine
Aiden knew hooking up with his twin brother’s best friend was a bad idea, but did he listen to himself??? Absolutely not. From the beginning you know Aiden doesn’t do relationships he doesn’t do love, so when the love bug gets him, we all know he’s fucked. 🤭
From there on every decision he makes is FOR Liam because he thinks Liam DESERVES BETTER. but Aiden baby, Liam WANTS AND NEEDS YOU!!!!!!
Aiden wants hotshot NHL star Liam Walsh to have that “picture perfect life” they both think Liam wants. So he goes on with the fwb scene because he knows there’s an end date. He’s convinced himself that it can’t be any more than that, that Liam doesn’t and can’t love him back.
Oh Aiden baby. If you only knew. Everyone else does :(
so when he starts to push Liam away, ugh my heart.
“He doesn’t want Liam to be with someone else. He wants Liam to be with him. He wants to have something with Liam. A life? Maybe. But that’s not possible.”
The soft and cute moments mixed into this are everything. Aiden letting his guard down with Liam and just living in the moment and allowing himself to be happy. You can FEEL the shift in Aiden as the book goes on. You can feel the love he radiates for Liam and the love Liam has for Aiden as well. 😭
“I like your nose. It’s cute when you scrunch it up when you’re distracted or I’ve said something that irritates you.”
But you guys, chapter fucking 12. When I say I highlighted like 80% of that chapter, I wish I was lying. Everything in this chapter will live rent free in my head for the rest of eternity.
The way BOTH Aiden and Liam are finally able to admit their love. The way they BOTH realize the other has been all in from the beginning.
If this is where I shed a tear or seven, please mind your business. 🫣
“Tears spring to Aiden’s eyes. Something about being wanted by Liam unhinges all the emotions he’s spent so long carefully pushing down.”
Throwing myself in trafficcccccccc.
Aiden and Liam deserve every bit of happiness and so much more. Aiden deserves to be loved and taken care of and Liam will spend the rest of his life doing that 😭
Hey Alexa, where can I find my own Liam Walsh???
This is such a perfect debut novel by this author I can not wait to see what happens next 😉🥰
anyways, I received an arc from the author and this is my honest (maybe too honest?) review🫡
How do you write a review for a book that means so much to you? Thats so personal to you? (iykyk) How do you put into words how much Aiden and Liam deserve the happy ending they got? How do you put into words the emotions these two put me through??? 🫠
The EMOTIONS I went through and am still going through. Liam and Aiden had me laughing, sweating, shaking, stressing out, full on tummy ache, blushing, crying (just a tear or seven) and over all just falling so in love with them.
Aiden 🤝🏾 me
love has a cost and it’s never genuine
Aiden knew hooking up with his twin brother’s best friend was a bad idea, but did he listen to himself??? Absolutely not. From the beginning you know Aiden doesn’t do relationships he doesn’t do love, so when the love bug gets him, we all know he’s fucked. 🤭
From there on every decision he makes is FOR Liam because he thinks Liam DESERVES BETTER. but Aiden baby, Liam WANTS AND NEEDS YOU!!!!!!
Aiden wants hotshot NHL star Liam Walsh to have that “picture perfect life” they both think Liam wants. So he goes on with the fwb scene because he knows there’s an end date. He’s convinced himself that it can’t be any more than that, that Liam doesn’t and can’t love him back.
Oh Aiden baby. If you only knew. Everyone else does :(
so when he starts to push Liam away, ugh my heart.
“He doesn’t want Liam to be with someone else. He wants Liam to be with him. He wants to have something with Liam. A life? Maybe. But that’s not possible.”
The soft and cute moments mixed into this are everything. Aiden letting his guard down with Liam and just living in the moment and allowing himself to be happy. You can FEEL the shift in Aiden as the book goes on. You can feel the love he radiates for Liam and the love Liam has for Aiden as well. 😭
“I like your nose. It’s cute when you scrunch it up when you’re distracted or I’ve said something that irritates you.”
But you guys, chapter fucking 12. When I say I highlighted like 80% of that chapter, I wish I was lying. Everything in this chapter will live rent free in my head for the rest of eternity.
The way BOTH Aiden and Liam are finally able to admit their love. The way they BOTH realize the other has been all in from the beginning.
If this is where I shed a tear or seven, please mind your business. 🫣
“Tears spring to Aiden’s eyes. Something about being wanted by Liam unhinges all the emotions he’s spent so long carefully pushing down.”
Throwing myself in trafficcccccccc.
Aiden and Liam deserve every bit of happiness and so much more. Aiden deserves to be loved and taken care of and Liam will spend the rest of his life doing that 😭
Hey Alexa, where can I find my own Liam Walsh???
This is such a perfect debut novel by this author I can not wait to see what happens next 😉🥰
anyways, I received an arc from the author and this is my honest (maybe too honest?) review🫡
February 1, 2024
Aiden and Liam forever.
I am such a sucker for a good brother’s best friend romance.. plus, opposites attract AND hurt/comfort?? COME ON.
I binged this book in less than 24 hours.. my sleep suffered for sure, but it was so worth it. I laughed.. I cried.. I blushed 🤭 these two will take you on a journey.. and you will fall in love with them both, just like I did. I will protect Aiden with my life.. and Liam is perfect.. and when I say perfect, I mean PERFECT.. I want one 😅 He is soooo sweet, patient and understanding.. they are soulmates and you can’t convince me otherwise.
I am so amazed by this debut and can’t wait for future stories from this author 😊
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I am such a sucker for a good brother’s best friend romance.. plus, opposites attract AND hurt/comfort?? COME ON.
I binged this book in less than 24 hours.. my sleep suffered for sure, but it was so worth it. I laughed.. I cried.. I blushed 🤭 these two will take you on a journey.. and you will fall in love with them both, just like I did. I will protect Aiden with my life.. and Liam is perfect.. and when I say perfect, I mean PERFECT.. I want one 😅 He is soooo sweet, patient and understanding.. they are soulmates and you can’t convince me otherwise.
I am so amazed by this debut and can’t wait for future stories from this author 😊
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
March 23, 2025
Infinite 💫 this was one of those books you finish and think: It was made for me!
I wanted to write a full review just to praise this book, but honestly, I’m at a loss for words. I loved everything about it—even the things I didn’t like. I just loved it. I’m so grateful to have read this; it warmed me in a way I can’t quite put into words.
While I was reading, a commercial came on with *The Power of Love* by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. It played more than once, and the song got stuck in my head—fitting so perfectly with this book. I got emotional so many times, torn between wanting to slap Aiden and wanting to love him, wishing I could shake him and make him see that the doubt was always in *his* mind. But I’m so glad he finally saw what he deserved—that he found happiness.
And Liam… my god. What a baby boy. A pure perfect golden boy, with as much patience as he had love. Their story was everything. He was restless, he believed and gave the time and love Aiden didn’t know he needed.
The pining was pure perfection, the balance between hurt and comfort was beautifully done. Their dynamic was perfect, the found family, the care. God I’m in love 🥰
Knowing how personal and intimate this story is to the author makes it even more special. I feel blessed to have read it—especially since it was unpublished—because I already had it on my Kindle. I got to fully melt into Aiden and Liam’s story, and I’m so grateful for that. And this was her debut 🙌🥹🙏
So the Power of Love ❤️
“Feels like fire
I'm so in love with you
Dreams are like angels
They keep bad at bay, bad at bay
Love is the light
Scaring darkness away, yeah
I'm so in love with you
Purge the soul
Make love your goal
The power of love
A force from above
Cleaning my soul
Flame on, burn desire
Love with tongues of fire
Purge the soul
Make love your goal”
I wanted to write a full review just to praise this book, but honestly, I’m at a loss for words. I loved everything about it—even the things I didn’t like. I just loved it. I’m so grateful to have read this; it warmed me in a way I can’t quite put into words.
While I was reading, a commercial came on with *The Power of Love* by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. It played more than once, and the song got stuck in my head—fitting so perfectly with this book. I got emotional so many times, torn between wanting to slap Aiden and wanting to love him, wishing I could shake him and make him see that the doubt was always in *his* mind. But I’m so glad he finally saw what he deserved—that he found happiness.
And Liam… my god. What a baby boy. A pure perfect golden boy, with as much patience as he had love. Their story was everything. He was restless, he believed and gave the time and love Aiden didn’t know he needed.
The pining was pure perfection, the balance between hurt and comfort was beautifully done. Their dynamic was perfect, the found family, the care. God I’m in love 🥰
Knowing how personal and intimate this story is to the author makes it even more special. I feel blessed to have read it—especially since it was unpublished—because I already had it on my Kindle. I got to fully melt into Aiden and Liam’s story, and I’m so grateful for that. And this was her debut 🙌🥹🙏
So the Power of Love ❤️
“Feels like fire
I'm so in love with you
Dreams are like angels
They keep bad at bay, bad at bay
Love is the light
Scaring darkness away, yeah
I'm so in love with you
Purge the soul
Make love your goal
The power of love
A force from above
Cleaning my soul
Flame on, burn desire
Love with tongues of fire
Purge the soul
Make love your goal”
February 17, 2024
4.5⭐️
I was surprised by Just a Footnote, because theoretically there are several things in this book that might not have worked for me. It's written in the third person, with a single POV and the steam isn't as descriptive as I normally like, BUT there was one factor that changed everything. Aiden Clark.
I was totally captivated by Aiden and his sarcastic personality. I found him unique and so different from the MCs we're used to. He wasn't a particularly nice person and at the same time I recognized so much of myself in his loneliness and his desire to keep people away from him. I recognized myself in his anxiety. As much as Aiden didn't reveal himself to those closest to him, he didn't reveal himself to the reader either.
Being inside Aiden's head wasn't always easy. At times I was hurting for him, and at others I wanted to hug him and comfort him. I know he wouldn't have let me. And just like Liam, his love interest, I had to be patient. At no time did I lose patience with Aiden, even when he was trying to run away, when he was lying or when he was underestimating himself. I followed him on his journey, at his pace. I know that for any other MC I would have been annoyed, but never for Aiden. He made me feel so much, and I wanted so much for him.
It took a really talented writer to make me like all those things I don't usually enjoy. Maya Jean’s debut novel is an experience I'll never forget. I learned so much about myself through Aiden's eyes and that's a priceless gift.
I was surprised by Just a Footnote, because theoretically there are several things in this book that might not have worked for me. It's written in the third person, with a single POV and the steam isn't as descriptive as I normally like, BUT there was one factor that changed everything. Aiden Clark.
I was totally captivated by Aiden and his sarcastic personality. I found him unique and so different from the MCs we're used to. He wasn't a particularly nice person and at the same time I recognized so much of myself in his loneliness and his desire to keep people away from him. I recognized myself in his anxiety. As much as Aiden didn't reveal himself to those closest to him, he didn't reveal himself to the reader either.
Being inside Aiden's head wasn't always easy. At times I was hurting for him, and at others I wanted to hug him and comfort him. I know he wouldn't have let me. And just like Liam, his love interest, I had to be patient. At no time did I lose patience with Aiden, even when he was trying to run away, when he was lying or when he was underestimating himself. I followed him on his journey, at his pace. I know that for any other MC I would have been annoyed, but never for Aiden. He made me feel so much, and I wanted so much for him.
It took a really talented writer to make me like all those things I don't usually enjoy. Maya Jean’s debut novel is an experience I'll never forget. I learned so much about myself through Aiden's eyes and that's a priceless gift.
February 16, 2024
4.5⭐️
☆ Twin Brother’s Best Friend
☆ Hockey
☆ Secret Relationship
☆ A lot of Pining
☆ Idiots-to-Lovers
Oh Aiden, Aiden, Aiden. My little self-deprecating baby who is completely oblivious to the love that surrounds him. Love is all around you, but you don't even see it. You are so loved!
Aiden is a complex character and we're in his head for the entire book, so be mentally prepared for quite a journey. My heart broke for him all along as he struggled to accept love from others. I instantly loved him even if I wanted to shake him sometimes. Liam was such a blessing in his life. I only wish we could have heard his thoughts too because this man was unhappy and I wanted to hug him many times. He deserves all the happiness in the world (they both do!). He's amazing, he never gave up on Aiden, he was always there for him and it's exactly what Aiden needed.
Aiden's traumas make it incredibly difficult for him to open his heart, but it's through the unwavering presence of Liam that he begins to realize his worth. Aiden and Liam touched my heart deeply and their story was beautiful. I just fell in love with them. The moments they spent together in their little "snow globe" were everything, I could picture it so well in my mind. It gave me cozy and feel-good vibes.
All the secondary characters were amazing as well. I loved Archer and Miles very much. Their support and love for their brother and friend melted my heart. It was very sweet.
Maya Jean's debut novel truly impressed me. The way she portrayed the brokenness of Aiden and the love he's capable of was beautifully done. Just a Footnote is a captivating tale of love, self-acceptance and the power of opening your heart to others. If you love stories about broken boys, a lot (a lot!) of pining, and idiots-in-love, this book is for you.
[ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴀʀᴄ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴍʏ ʜᴏɴᴇꜱᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ]
☆ Twin Brother’s Best Friend
☆ Hockey
☆ Secret Relationship
☆ A lot of Pining
☆ Idiots-to-Lovers
Oh Aiden, Aiden, Aiden. My little self-deprecating baby who is completely oblivious to the love that surrounds him. Love is all around you, but you don't even see it. You are so loved!
Aiden is a complex character and we're in his head for the entire book, so be mentally prepared for quite a journey. My heart broke for him all along as he struggled to accept love from others. I instantly loved him even if I wanted to shake him sometimes. Liam was such a blessing in his life. I only wish we could have heard his thoughts too because this man was unhappy and I wanted to hug him many times. He deserves all the happiness in the world (they both do!). He's amazing, he never gave up on Aiden, he was always there for him and it's exactly what Aiden needed.
Aiden's traumas make it incredibly difficult for him to open his heart, but it's through the unwavering presence of Liam that he begins to realize his worth. Aiden and Liam touched my heart deeply and their story was beautiful. I just fell in love with them. The moments they spent together in their little "snow globe" were everything, I could picture it so well in my mind. It gave me cozy and feel-good vibes.
All the secondary characters were amazing as well. I loved Archer and Miles very much. Their support and love for their brother and friend melted my heart. It was very sweet.
Maya Jean's debut novel truly impressed me. The way she portrayed the brokenness of Aiden and the love he's capable of was beautifully done. Just a Footnote is a captivating tale of love, self-acceptance and the power of opening your heart to others. If you love stories about broken boys, a lot (a lot!) of pining, and idiots-in-love, this book is for you.
[ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴀʀᴄ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴍʏ ʜᴏɴᴇꜱᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ]
February 15, 2024
What a ride.
"Just a Footnote" is an absolutely impressive, brilliantly written debut and I feel like I've been on the adventure of a lifetime with Aiden and Liam, Archer and Miles: my heart is simultaneously giddy with joy over that ending and heartbroken it's over.
It took me quite a few days to read this through, because I kept feeling the need to savour it, all the words and all the feelings, the love and the heartache, the absolutely incredible found family atmosphere and the gorgeous, complex romance between Liam and Aiden.
I've been so lucky recently with my reads: I keep meeting protagonists that think and feel things that seemed to be plucked straight from my head. My experience with Aiden was exactly like that: even though I spent half of the book wanting to shake him because of how stubborn he was, how blind, he still felt wholly relatable, and his insecurities and his self-doubt, his self-sabotaging instincts, the deep-set certainty of being unlovable and unknowable, the constant fear... I understood where he was coming from even when I wanted to scream in frustration, and I felt and cried alongside him. And his character arc, the growth! Now that's how you do it.
The characters around him were equally impressive and unforgettable. Archer and Miles, and their love story, made me feel so many things despite them being only secondary characters (I LOVE THEM SO MUCH), and Liam... Well, where do I start? Liam's the absolute best. He's the sunshine to Aiden's grumpy; he's got that irresistible golden retriever energy; he's so swoon-worthy I'm actually devastated that he isn't a real man; he's also H O T, and his possessive, mean streak in bed was *chef's kiss*
Yep, I have a huge crush on him.
Aiden and Liam's romance is a rollercoaster ride of pining, heartache, miscommunication and, especially, love. They made me tear up and swoon, and despite wanting to jump into the book to strangle Aiden at times in frustration, I KNOW that overcoming deep-set fears and trauma is never linear, and that convincing yourself that you deserve love and happiness feels impossible sometimes, so I totally understood where Aiden was coming from, and my heart broke over and over for him. Easy isn't realistic, and people are complex, contradictory messes, so I have to applaud Maya Jean not only for the way she depicted their relationship in such a realistic, but still heartfelt, manner, but also for the way she handled Aiden, and Aiden's development as a character.
Also, the writing? Freaking gorgeous.
I'm damned excited to read more by this author. I wonder if her next book will be in this same hockey universe? I hope so, because some minor characters felt promising, and I REALLY want to see Liam and Aiden again.
I wholly recommend.
TWs/CWs: childhood abuse, panic attacks.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Just a Footnote" is an absolutely impressive, brilliantly written debut and I feel like I've been on the adventure of a lifetime with Aiden and Liam, Archer and Miles: my heart is simultaneously giddy with joy over that ending and heartbroken it's over.
It took me quite a few days to read this through, because I kept feeling the need to savour it, all the words and all the feelings, the love and the heartache, the absolutely incredible found family atmosphere and the gorgeous, complex romance between Liam and Aiden.
I've been so lucky recently with my reads: I keep meeting protagonists that think and feel things that seemed to be plucked straight from my head. My experience with Aiden was exactly like that: even though I spent half of the book wanting to shake him because of how stubborn he was, how blind, he still felt wholly relatable, and his insecurities and his self-doubt, his self-sabotaging instincts, the deep-set certainty of being unlovable and unknowable, the constant fear... I understood where he was coming from even when I wanted to scream in frustration, and I felt and cried alongside him. And his character arc, the growth! Now that's how you do it.
The characters around him were equally impressive and unforgettable. Archer and Miles, and their love story, made me feel so many things despite them being only secondary characters (I LOVE THEM SO MUCH), and Liam... Well, where do I start? Liam's the absolute best. He's the sunshine to Aiden's grumpy; he's got that irresistible golden retriever energy; he's so swoon-worthy I'm actually devastated that he isn't a real man; he's also H O T, and his possessive, mean streak in bed was *chef's kiss*
Yep, I have a huge crush on him.
Aiden and Liam's romance is a rollercoaster ride of pining, heartache, miscommunication and, especially, love. They made me tear up and swoon, and despite wanting to jump into the book to strangle Aiden at times in frustration, I KNOW that overcoming deep-set fears and trauma is never linear, and that convincing yourself that you deserve love and happiness feels impossible sometimes, so I totally understood where Aiden was coming from, and my heart broke over and over for him. Easy isn't realistic, and people are complex, contradictory messes, so I have to applaud Maya Jean not only for the way she depicted their relationship in such a realistic, but still heartfelt, manner, but also for the way she handled Aiden, and Aiden's development as a character.
Also, the writing? Freaking gorgeous.
I'm damned excited to read more by this author. I wonder if her next book will be in this same hockey universe? I hope so, because some minor characters felt promising, and I REALLY want to see Liam and Aiden again.
I wholly recommend.
TWs/CWs: childhood abuse, panic attacks.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
March 4, 2024Thank you to everyone that loved this book and supported me through this process. This story was too real, too raw, contained more of me than it should’ve and I could not handle the idea of people hating it. I was not prepared for publishing and it got more attention than I expected. I love writing and I love these characters but I was not adequately prepared to share them. I wish Aiden and Liam had stayed just mine. So I’m unpublishing their story to shelter them back in my heart where they are safe and sound forever.
If you read it … thanks. I might return again but it will be with something far less personal. Thank you again for all your support.
Love, Maya Jean
If you read it … thanks. I might return again but it will be with something far less personal. Thank you again for all your support.
Love, Maya Jean
February 10, 2024
5 stars
If you're looking for a MM book with the perfect representation of soulmates, search no longer because this is the one.
The level of angst and pining in this story is way over my comfort level but all the tears I cried are worth it. My heart broke since the first two words, unrequited love, and I had to read it in one sitting because I need the HEA.
Aiden and Liam go to friends by proximity (Liam is Archer's, Aiden's twin, best friends) to hookups to lovers and their journey is painful, heartbreaking, emotional and beautiful.
Liam is a sunshine, a NHL promise, admired by everyone, raised in a loving family; Aiden is a loner, he doesn't let anyone close, except for his twin brother, who is his whole world; they grew up with an abusive mother first and then in a lot of foster homes and for years, Archer is been his sole rock. The result of his upbringing is that he believes he's unworthy to be loved (not only by a partner, but also by friends).
Luckily Liam has no intentions of giving up on him and he will do whatever it takes to make Aiden feel how much he loves him.
Like I said there are a lot of heartbreaking events, but also swoony and sweet moments between them. The HEA is perfect, even if I would have liked an epilogue more far in the future.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel, I really hope the author will start soon another story because she's very talented.
I absolutely recommend this book.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
If you're looking for a MM book with the perfect representation of soulmates, search no longer because this is the one.
The level of angst and pining in this story is way over my comfort level but all the tears I cried are worth it. My heart broke since the first two words, unrequited love, and I had to read it in one sitting because I need the HEA.
Aiden and Liam go to friends by proximity (Liam is Archer's, Aiden's twin, best friends) to hookups to lovers and their journey is painful, heartbreaking, emotional and beautiful.
Liam is a sunshine, a NHL promise, admired by everyone, raised in a loving family; Aiden is a loner, he doesn't let anyone close, except for his twin brother, who is his whole world; they grew up with an abusive mother first and then in a lot of foster homes and for years, Archer is been his sole rock. The result of his upbringing is that he believes he's unworthy to be loved (not only by a partner, but also by friends).
Luckily Liam has no intentions of giving up on him and he will do whatever it takes to make Aiden feel how much he loves him.
Like I said there are a lot of heartbreaking events, but also swoony and sweet moments between them. The HEA is perfect, even if I would have liked an epilogue more far in the future.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel, I really hope the author will start soon another story because she's very talented.
I absolutely recommend this book.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
February 12, 2024
*I received an ARC from this author in exchange for my honest review.
It took me a little bit to get into this, mostly because you really do go on a journey with Aiden and at times in the beginning, he’s doesn’t make it easy to like him.
It’s written in third person present which isn’t my fave and it takes me a bit longer than usual to get used it. The chapters are also very long which I don’t love at the start of a book because it takes me a while to be invested enough to read lengthy chapters for some reason 😂
By halfway I wanted to shake some sense into Aiden but I also could not put the book down then. I inhaled the second half. I never expected to end up loving Aiden as much as I did and I think you’d need to be unwell not to love Liam.
Not gonna lie, I’m kind of gagging for Archer and Miles whole backstory 🥹
It was a beautiful story about a man who doesn’t feel worthy of love, learning to let someone in. I definitely felt all the feels by the end.
This is a great debut and I’m excited to see future books from this author.
It took me a little bit to get into this, mostly because you really do go on a journey with Aiden and at times in the beginning, he’s doesn’t make it easy to like him.
It’s written in third person present which isn’t my fave and it takes me a bit longer than usual to get used it. The chapters are also very long which I don’t love at the start of a book because it takes me a while to be invested enough to read lengthy chapters for some reason 😂
By halfway I wanted to shake some sense into Aiden but I also could not put the book down then. I inhaled the second half. I never expected to end up loving Aiden as much as I did and I think you’d need to be unwell not to love Liam.
Not gonna lie, I’m kind of gagging for Archer and Miles whole backstory 🥹
It was a beautiful story about a man who doesn’t feel worthy of love, learning to let someone in. I definitely felt all the feels by the end.
This is a great debut and I’m excited to see future books from this author.
February 9, 2024
Stunning debut by this author. I fell for Aiden and Liam hard and fast. The dynamic between these two was moving and felt genuine. The struggle of wanting something but being too afraid to go after it is something I think a lot of people will relate to. Aiden was very dear to me, and I was so happy for him to find someone like Liam who was full of reassurances and chose him unconditionally.
Brothers best friend is a top tier trope which made this book even better but paired with opposites attract???? Please, those two are basically my kryptonite tropes and they were so well written in this book. Plus hockey romance.
There were so many sweet and tender moments in this book, Aiden’s fear and reluctance are very real, but the moments he lets himself just feel? Perfection. The growth that Aiden has throughout was so moving, all he wants is what he thinks is best for Liam and slowly but surely he accepts that’s what’s best for Liam is himself 🥹
Liam is so boyfriend is ridiculous. Everyone needs a Liam fr
This book has settled itself in my heart and will not be moving any time soon. I can’t wait to read more from this author!!
*I received an arc and this is my honest review
Brothers best friend is a top tier trope which made this book even better but paired with opposites attract???? Please, those two are basically my kryptonite tropes and they were so well written in this book. Plus hockey romance.
There were so many sweet and tender moments in this book, Aiden’s fear and reluctance are very real, but the moments he lets himself just feel? Perfection. The growth that Aiden has throughout was so moving, all he wants is what he thinks is best for Liam and slowly but surely he accepts that’s what’s best for Liam is himself 🥹
Liam is so boyfriend is ridiculous. Everyone needs a Liam fr
This book has settled itself in my heart and will not be moving any time soon. I can’t wait to read more from this author!!
*I received an arc and this is my honest review
February 10, 2024
✨ARC REVIEW✨
Aiden and Liam broke my heart, especially Aiden, so many times. The Pining™️ was strong with this story and it hurt sooo much. As a fellow cPTSD sufferer, I felt Aiden struggles to the bone. He doesn't believe he deserves love, he feels unworthy of it, and he's going to keep himself at a distance even if it kills him because he believes Liam deserves better. When it gets too much, he runs away. My dude, you are both deserving of happiness *proceeds to slap him on the back of the head*.
I've read pretty few on point representations of the aro/ace spectrum and this two characters are one of them.
Liam is such a sweetheart, so steady, patient and understanding. I loved him for Aiden, Liam was what he needed but couldn't really accept.
The friendships were another strong point in this story, not only the reluctant one with Miles through Archer, but Skylar and Anna were great. I loved how much support they gave to our MCs and how much the truly saw Aiden.
When the HEA arrived, it was like a balm to my little black soul.
Awesome debut novel.
Aiden and Liam broke my heart, especially Aiden, so many times. The Pining™️ was strong with this story and it hurt sooo much. As a fellow cPTSD sufferer, I felt Aiden struggles to the bone. He doesn't believe he deserves love, he feels unworthy of it, and he's going to keep himself at a distance even if it kills him because he believes Liam deserves better. When it gets too much, he runs away. My dude, you are both deserving of happiness *proceeds to slap him on the back of the head*.
I've read pretty few on point representations of the aro/ace spectrum and this two characters are one of them.
Liam is such a sweetheart, so steady, patient and understanding. I loved him for Aiden, Liam was what he needed but couldn't really accept.
The friendships were another strong point in this story, not only the reluctant one with Miles through Archer, but Skylar and Anna were great. I loved how much support they gave to our MCs and how much the truly saw Aiden.
When the HEA arrived, it was like a balm to my little black soul.
Awesome debut novel.
March 1, 2024
Dnf. This really needs an editor, or maybe it was written by an AI.
Here are some examples, this happens on every page pretty much:
„Half the time they’re in Miles' room and half the time they're at Archer and Aiden’s shared dorm. It’s a toss up where they end up half the time.“
„Twenty pages on whatever the fuck his professor assigned him are due in three days and he only has two pages written. Fuck. Thankfully his paper is due at the end of the week, but he still has to suffer through his labs sick as hell.“
„Between Archer’s hockey scholarship and Aiden’s academic scholarship their college and living expenses are paid for but that was it.“
Also, stuff like this does not make Aiden sound smart, just like a child:
„It’s hard for him to enjoy movies or television because usually he has the entire plot of it figured out in the first few minutes.“
Here are some examples, this happens on every page pretty much:
„Half the time they’re in Miles' room and half the time they're at Archer and Aiden’s shared dorm. It’s a toss up where they end up half the time.“
„Twenty pages on whatever the fuck his professor assigned him are due in three days and he only has two pages written. Fuck. Thankfully his paper is due at the end of the week, but he still has to suffer through his labs sick as hell.“
„Between Archer’s hockey scholarship and Aiden’s academic scholarship their college and living expenses are paid for but that was it.“
Also, stuff like this does not make Aiden sound smart, just like a child:
„It’s hard for him to enjoy movies or television because usually he has the entire plot of it figured out in the first few minutes.“
February 11, 2024
ARC Review
Just A Footnote by Maya Jean
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Wow, what an amazing debut novel for this author.
Brother’s best friend is one of my favorite tropes and this one didn’t disappoint. I fell in love with both characters right from the beginning. My poor Aiden boy grew up in the foster system with his twin brother and had a horrible childhood full of abuse. He grows up terrified of falling in love and even more scared to let someone love him. But Liam doesn’t care. He knows Aiden is worthy of love and doesn’t give up on him. I’m so glad these characters were able to find their HEA 🩷
“The man is the love of his life. The sun in his sky on his darkest days. The star in a dark night that leads him home when he’s lost. The taste on his tongue when nothing else holds any flavor. The air in his lungs when he breathes. No doubt their hearts beat perfectly in sync”
“Don’t make me live without you anymore. I’m not above begging, Aiden. If you walk away from me again there won’t be anything worth for me to go back to anymore. You mean more to me than ten Olympic golds. More to me than twenty Stanley Cups. I’m so fucking in love with you. Just let me love you. Let me.”
The only thing I didn’t love about this book is that it’s 3rd POV and only from Aiden’s side. But that’s more of just a me problem lol
I can’t wait to read more from Maya 🫶🏻
Just A Footnote by Maya Jean
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Wow, what an amazing debut novel for this author.
Brother’s best friend is one of my favorite tropes and this one didn’t disappoint. I fell in love with both characters right from the beginning. My poor Aiden boy grew up in the foster system with his twin brother and had a horrible childhood full of abuse. He grows up terrified of falling in love and even more scared to let someone love him. But Liam doesn’t care. He knows Aiden is worthy of love and doesn’t give up on him. I’m so glad these characters were able to find their HEA 🩷
“The man is the love of his life. The sun in his sky on his darkest days. The star in a dark night that leads him home when he’s lost. The taste on his tongue when nothing else holds any flavor. The air in his lungs when he breathes. No doubt their hearts beat perfectly in sync”
“Don’t make me live without you anymore. I’m not above begging, Aiden. If you walk away from me again there won’t be anything worth for me to go back to anymore. You mean more to me than ten Olympic golds. More to me than twenty Stanley Cups. I’m so fucking in love with you. Just let me love you. Let me.”
The only thing I didn’t love about this book is that it’s 3rd POV and only from Aiden’s side. But that’s more of just a me problem lol
I can’t wait to read more from Maya 🫶🏻
March 4, 2024
100/5 stars!
Wow. This book was amazing. The fact that this is a debut book is crazy. I loved and hated Aiden at the same time for being so oblivious to Liam’s love for him. But at the same time I understood why he was the way he was. Chapter 8 & 9 destroyed me. Liam was just perfect for Aiden and I’m so so glad they got their hard fought HEA.
Wow. This book was amazing. The fact that this is a debut book is crazy. I loved and hated Aiden at the same time for being so oblivious to Liam’s love for him. But at the same time I understood why he was the way he was. Chapter 8 & 9 destroyed me. Liam was just perfect for Aiden and I’m so so glad they got their hard fought HEA.
March 1, 2024
__________ • __________
First of all brothers, best friend, Yes thank you. Give me, give me, give me!!
“And don’t fall in love with me. I don’t do love. I don’t do relationships. All this will ever be is harmless fooling around because you’re hot and honestly, I’m tired of looking for hookups.”
Reading about Aiden’s broken heart and Liam giving his all to fix it
Makes me so happy I mean don’t get me wrong sometimes I just wanted to jump into the pages and shake Aiden violently and get him to see reason but reading about how Liam stayed persistent in the love he had for him was so amazing, I mean, imagine being “broken” and someone just love you so much that no matter how hard you try to push them away you can’t.
I want a Liam sooo bad, he’s so boyfriend coded in the most golden retriever way I have ever read about 😩😩😩
The Mutual pining in this book made me so happy we only get Aiden‘s pov, but it was like we could feel Liam being in love with him the whole time
“ tears spring to Aidan’s eyes. Something about being wanted by Liam unhinges all the emotions he’s spent so long carefully, pushing down.”
I’m not crying you are
And When Liam realised what he really means’s to Aiden got me going soft and the way that maya writes about feelings in this book is so mesmerising, I love reading about men crying, showing feelings and supporting each other🥹
Let’s be honest, these two are soulmates
Well overall
I really like this book and I’m definitely going to read it again
I’m gonna give it a 4/5 stars the reason why it doesn’t get 5 is because I would’ve loved if it was a bit longer not saying that it was short book, but that I would’ve loved to read more about their story like a bit of about how their life was after they got official together.
Aiden and Liam deserves the world, I fell for them so quick, I almost got whiplash I relate so much to Aiden and how hard it is to accept. Love when you think you don’t deserve it.
__________• __________
I would definitely recommend this book ❤️❤️
First of all brothers, best friend, Yes thank you. Give me, give me, give me!!
“And don’t fall in love with me. I don’t do love. I don’t do relationships. All this will ever be is harmless fooling around because you’re hot and honestly, I’m tired of looking for hookups.”
Reading about Aiden’s broken heart and Liam giving his all to fix it
Makes me so happy I mean don’t get me wrong sometimes I just wanted to jump into the pages and shake Aiden violently and get him to see reason but reading about how Liam stayed persistent in the love he had for him was so amazing, I mean, imagine being “broken” and someone just love you so much that no matter how hard you try to push them away you can’t.
I want a Liam sooo bad, he’s so boyfriend coded in the most golden retriever way I have ever read about 😩😩😩
The Mutual pining in this book made me so happy we only get Aiden‘s pov, but it was like we could feel Liam being in love with him the whole time
“ tears spring to Aidan’s eyes. Something about being wanted by Liam unhinges all the emotions he’s spent so long carefully, pushing down.”
I’m not crying you are
And When Liam realised what he really means’s to Aiden got me going soft and the way that maya writes about feelings in this book is so mesmerising, I love reading about men crying, showing feelings and supporting each other🥹
Let’s be honest, these two are soulmates
Well overall
I really like this book and I’m definitely going to read it again
I’m gonna give it a 4/5 stars the reason why it doesn’t get 5 is because I would’ve loved if it was a bit longer not saying that it was short book, but that I would’ve loved to read more about their story like a bit of about how their life was after they got official together.
Aiden and Liam deserves the world, I fell for them so quick, I almost got whiplash I relate so much to Aiden and how hard it is to accept. Love when you think you don’t deserve it.
__________• __________
I would definitely recommend this book ❤️❤️
February 23, 2024
ARC review
♥ Twin brothers best friend
♥ Hurt/comfort
♥ Pining!!!! (Lots of pining)
♥ Hockey romance
♥ Demiromantic rep
What an amazing debut!
I feel like anything I say won’t do this book justice. It was incredible. I haven’t highlighted so many quotes in a long time & whenever I look back at them they make me want to CRY
“𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆,” 𝑳𝒊𝒂𝒎 𝒂𝒅𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒍𝒚, 𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒍𝒆𝒔. “𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒏. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒋𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓.”
I don’t know what I expected from Liam when I started, but him being the most loving, supportive and patient guy to Aiden was such a lovely surprise.
“𝑳𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖,” 𝑳𝒊𝒂𝒎 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒔, 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. “𝑳𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
And Aiden 😭😭 I just wanted to give him the biggest hug ever 😭 That poor boy, he deserved so much love (and he got it)
“𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰’𝒎 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐. 𝑳𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒈𝒐 𝒕𝒐𝒐. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑾𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒐 𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔.”
“𝑵𝒐, 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌,”
This book truely made me feel so many emotions and I loved it so much 🫶🏻
**I received an ARC and this is my honest review**
♥ Twin brothers best friend
♥ Hurt/comfort
♥ Pining!!!! (Lots of pining)
♥ Hockey romance
♥ Demiromantic rep
What an amazing debut!
I feel like anything I say won’t do this book justice. It was incredible. I haven’t highlighted so many quotes in a long time & whenever I look back at them they make me want to CRY
“𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆,” 𝑳𝒊𝒂𝒎 𝒂𝒅𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒍𝒚, 𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒍𝒆𝒔. “𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒏. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒋𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓.”
I don’t know what I expected from Liam when I started, but him being the most loving, supportive and patient guy to Aiden was such a lovely surprise.
“𝑳𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖,” 𝑳𝒊𝒂𝒎 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒔, 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. “𝑳𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
And Aiden 😭😭 I just wanted to give him the biggest hug ever 😭 That poor boy, he deserved so much love (and he got it)
“𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰’𝒎 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐. 𝑳𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒈𝒐 𝒕𝒐𝒐. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑾𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒐 𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔.”
“𝑵𝒐, 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌,”
This book truely made me feel so many emotions and I loved it so much 🫶🏻
**I received an ARC and this is my honest review**
June 28, 2024
"How can he be homesick for a person?"
I'm so in love with Aiden, he needs all the hugs and I volunteer to give them to him. He's so damaged and has been so hurt and broken that he can't accept love for himself because he doesn't think he deserves it. He's afraid to let someone in because that just means they can better hurt him, so he tries to keep everyone but his brother at arm's length. Until Liam. Who was only supposed to be a secret one time hookup.
Liam though? He's so wonderful, and warm, and so steadfast in his love while still only giving Aiden what he can handle. He can go toe to toe with Aiden in the sass department, has enough patience for the both of them, and can be so earnest my heart can't handle it.
This book made me cry more than once, it's so wonderful, and beautiful, and sad, and I fell so in love with Aiden and Liam both. It also has its really funny moments that had me laughing out loud, and the smut was super hot. Aiden and Liam really are amazing and I'm so glad they finally got to be happy together ❤️
I think this might've been the first time I've read an aro-spectrum character in a romantic relationship (Aiden is demi romantic though he thought he was aro for most of his life) and I loved the portrayal of it.
Sadly, the author has chosen to unpublish the book, so it's no longer available. I had a copy from right when it was released that I only just got around to reading. While I understand her reasons, I hope maybe one day she'll rerelase this story as it deserves to be read and loved.
February 13, 2024
I was lucky enough to be gifted this ARC in return for an honest review.
I believe this is the authors debut novel so congrats on a Wonderful achievement Maya Jean!
I really enjoyed Aiden & Liam’s story. There’s a lot of depth and I felt like I really got to know the characters, right from the beginning.
The mental health aspects were written well and I especially liked that it was consistently ongoing, and there wasn’t just an easy fix. It felt realistic and a part of the character not just a side ‘issue’.
I’m a big fan of angsty love stories and this one didn’t disappoint. They deal with a lot and it’s a hard won HEA. But I won’t risk any spoilers!
The only downside to this book in my personal opinion was the third person telling. I don’t usually have an issue with that style but in this case there were times it felt like it was a combination of third person and first person. Especially as it’s purely from Aiden’s point of view.
Hockey lovers, there is enough hockey talk and at game scenes to really enjoy this being a hockey romance. It’s not hugely detailed in the game retelling and that makes sense as Aiden isn’t a big fan. But I enjoyed that hockey was a big part of their lives and that he was the odd one out from his brother and friends being athletes.
Side note, I almost felt like this could be considered a Christmas novel as Christmas is an important time for these characters due to their pasts and there are plenty of Christmassy scenes and snow covered NYC mentions.
Grumpy/Sunshine
Hockey player & Med Student
Mental health rep
Demi Rep
Friends with benefits/hidden relationship
Twin brothers best friend
Angst
Found family
Also includes these aspects which may be triggering:
Childhood trauma/Foster care
Anxiety & panic attacks
Parental neglect & Drug Use
I believe this is the authors debut novel so congrats on a Wonderful achievement Maya Jean!
I really enjoyed Aiden & Liam’s story. There’s a lot of depth and I felt like I really got to know the characters, right from the beginning.
The mental health aspects were written well and I especially liked that it was consistently ongoing, and there wasn’t just an easy fix. It felt realistic and a part of the character not just a side ‘issue’.
I’m a big fan of angsty love stories and this one didn’t disappoint. They deal with a lot and it’s a hard won HEA. But I won’t risk any spoilers!
The only downside to this book in my personal opinion was the third person telling. I don’t usually have an issue with that style but in this case there were times it felt like it was a combination of third person and first person. Especially as it’s purely from Aiden’s point of view.
Hockey lovers, there is enough hockey talk and at game scenes to really enjoy this being a hockey romance. It’s not hugely detailed in the game retelling and that makes sense as Aiden isn’t a big fan. But I enjoyed that hockey was a big part of their lives and that he was the odd one out from his brother and friends being athletes.
Side note, I almost felt like this could be considered a Christmas novel as Christmas is an important time for these characters due to their pasts and there are plenty of Christmassy scenes and snow covered NYC mentions.
Grumpy/Sunshine
Hockey player & Med Student
Mental health rep
Demi Rep
Friends with benefits/hidden relationship
Twin brothers best friend
Angst
Found family
Also includes these aspects which may be triggering:
Childhood trauma/Foster care
Anxiety & panic attacks
Parental neglect & Drug Use
February 21, 2024
[ARC REVIEW]JUST A FOOTNOTE is a debut novel by Maya Jean and omg,I love the book,I read the book like I was on a mission,I immersed myself into the story.It’s a beautifully written story.
The book is about overcoming trauma,learning to love yourself and believing you deserve love,care and kindness like everyone else’s no matter what anyone drummed into your ears for years that you don’t deserve those things.No matter how someone broke you spirit,Everyone deserves happiness and a second chance to live the life they want especially Aiden and his twin brother.And I’m happy Aiden had Someone like Liam in his life.Liam was patient,loved and care for Aiden.He was there for him and listen to him.They both deserved the Happy Ending they got.Liam work through is trauma and opening himself up to love and trust and Lean on Aiden was the best part of the story for me,I was so proud of him.
ᥫ᭡. TWIN BROTHER’S BESTFRIEND/TEAMMATE
ᥫ᭡. HOCKEY ROMANCE
ᥫ᭡. HURT / COMFORT
ᥫ᭡. OVERCOMING TRAUMA
ᥫ᭡. SECRET RELATIONSHIP
ᥫ᭡. FOUND FAMILY
ᥫ᭡. OPPOSITE ATTRACTS
ᥫ᭡. FRIENDS TO LOVERS
ᥫ᭡. ID!OTS INLOVE
ᥫ᭡. PINING
The book is about overcoming trauma,learning to love yourself and believing you deserve love,care and kindness like everyone else’s no matter what anyone drummed into your ears for years that you don’t deserve those things.No matter how someone broke you spirit,Everyone deserves happiness and a second chance to live the life they want especially Aiden and his twin brother.And I’m happy Aiden had Someone like Liam in his life.Liam was patient,loved and care for Aiden.He was there for him and listen to him.They both deserved the Happy Ending they got.Liam work through is trauma and opening himself up to love and trust and Lean on Aiden was the best part of the story for me,I was so proud of him.
ᥫ᭡. TWIN BROTHER’S BESTFRIEND/TEAMMATE
ᥫ᭡. HOCKEY ROMANCE
ᥫ᭡. HURT / COMFORT
ᥫ᭡. OVERCOMING TRAUMA
ᥫ᭡. SECRET RELATIONSHIP
ᥫ᭡. FOUND FAMILY
ᥫ᭡. OPPOSITE ATTRACTS
ᥫ᭡. FRIENDS TO LOVERS
ᥫ᭡. ID!OTS INLOVE
ᥫ᭡. PINING
March 1, 2024
I’m pretty picky about the hockey romances that I read these days but this was one of the best new release MM hockey romances that I’ve read.
The angst and pining in this book was NEXT LEVEL! The writing was so incredible that I felt the emotions along with the characters. There were A LOT of tears.
- brother’s best friend
- bi-awakening
- pining
- hurt/comfort
This book follows Aiden who is a college student as he falls in love with his twin brother’s best friend and teammate, Liam. Aiden has a lot of his own trauma to overcome through this book and we slowly learn why he feels as though he can’t be in a relationship. Liam on the other hand, loves freely. But Aiden is not an easy person to love, especially when you thought you were straight.
They have to hide their hookups from Aiden’s twin and Liam’s best friend, Archer. Can they be as secret as they thought? Do they want to be?
This was an absolutely outstanding debut novel from Maya and I can’t wait to read more from them.
This book was provided to me as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The angst and pining in this book was NEXT LEVEL! The writing was so incredible that I felt the emotions along with the characters. There were A LOT of tears.
- brother’s best friend
- bi-awakening
- pining
- hurt/comfort
This book follows Aiden who is a college student as he falls in love with his twin brother’s best friend and teammate, Liam. Aiden has a lot of his own trauma to overcome through this book and we slowly learn why he feels as though he can’t be in a relationship. Liam on the other hand, loves freely. But Aiden is not an easy person to love, especially when you thought you were straight.
They have to hide their hookups from Aiden’s twin and Liam’s best friend, Archer. Can they be as secret as they thought? Do they want to be?
This was an absolutely outstanding debut novel from Maya and I can’t wait to read more from them.
This book was provided to me as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2024
Wowwwww this was a hard earned happy ever after 😅 I really felt like banging my head against the wall with Aiden at times but I’m so glad he came around and let Liam in. Liam was probably the biggest sweetheart I’ve read in a while 😭 the cutest and most understanding man ever!
My only issue with this book was that it took a while for me to get into with it been written in third person present tense, it threw me off a bit. I really enjoyed it after getting over that! I would love a bonus epilogue for these two in the future, I need more of their happy ending!
⭐️I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review ⭐️
My only issue with this book was that it took a while for me to get into with it been written in third person present tense, it threw me off a bit. I really enjoyed it after getting over that! I would love a bonus epilogue for these two in the future, I need more of their happy ending!
⭐️I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review ⭐️
February 29, 2024
This was one of the best debut novels I have ever read. The way Maya was able to capture the emotion of the two main characters was exquisite. I love a book with a sexual awakening and I felt like this one was done so well. It was obvious to everyone (besides Aiden) that Liam was intrigued by him from the start.
Liam was the most beautiful, cinnamon roll I’ve ever read. He was so interested in everything about Aiden from the start. Seeing him find excuses to be around him was so cute. He was patient and understanding with all of Aiden’s issues and genuinely wanted to show him he was worthy of love.
Aiden had a tough life and it made him very cautious around other people. To see him open up to Liam and begin to form a friendship was so sweet. I loved that he could not figure out what the “feeling” he kept having around Liam was. Seeing him struggle and then start to open up felt so authentic. And the HEA was so worth it.
My only complaint about the book was it is written in 3rd person POV. This isn’t a problem for a lot of people but for me it gets confusing at times. I don’t think it takes away from the story at all and the writing was exceptional. 10/10 recommend.
I received an ARC of this book from GRR, this is my honest and voluntary review
Liam was the most beautiful, cinnamon roll I’ve ever read. He was so interested in everything about Aiden from the start. Seeing him find excuses to be around him was so cute. He was patient and understanding with all of Aiden’s issues and genuinely wanted to show him he was worthy of love.
Aiden had a tough life and it made him very cautious around other people. To see him open up to Liam and begin to form a friendship was so sweet. I loved that he could not figure out what the “feeling” he kept having around Liam was. Seeing him struggle and then start to open up felt so authentic. And the HEA was so worth it.
My only complaint about the book was it is written in 3rd person POV. This isn’t a problem for a lot of people but for me it gets confusing at times. I don’t think it takes away from the story at all and the writing was exceptional. 10/10 recommend.
I received an ARC of this book from GRR, this is my honest and voluntary review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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