What do you think?
Rate this book
Developing From The Negatives
The thing with Polaroids is, sometimes the clear picture will only develop when it's shaken around a little and left to rest. It’s one of the things Ace lives by. Even if Polaroids get shaken too much, get left out in the sun too long, get damaged, they’ll still tell a wonderful story. No matter how long they might take to develop.
Ace Turner's life is luxury, glamour and every expensive brand of wine you can think of. The only problem? He doesn't care for any of it. He’ll take a fruity cocktail over a glass of wine any day. Life in Hollywood isn’t what he imagined whenever he thought of making it big. He's signed away his life to the higher-ups in Hollywood, and he's been paying the price ever since. Hoping to rectify the one mistake that haunts him, he sets out on not only changing his own life, but also that of those around him.
Oliver Bennett thought life would get better once he left his college days behind. It turns out he couldn’t have been more wrong. The only thing keeping him afloat is his passion for filmmaking and the one cup of coffee he lets himself have every morning. Having to say goodbye to his passion project, the one film he’s always wanted to make, he's all but forced to take on a project that will, at the very least, keep him fed and off the street. Even if it means dealing with Ace Turner on a daily basis.
Will their story be able to survive the vices of Hollywood?
Ace Turner's life is luxury, glamour and every expensive brand of wine you can think of. The only problem? He doesn't care for any of it. He’ll take a fruity cocktail over a glass of wine any day. Life in Hollywood isn’t what he imagined whenever he thought of making it big. He's signed away his life to the higher-ups in Hollywood, and he's been paying the price ever since. Hoping to rectify the one mistake that haunts him, he sets out on not only changing his own life, but also that of those around him.
Oliver Bennett thought life would get better once he left his college days behind. It turns out he couldn’t have been more wrong. The only thing keeping him afloat is his passion for filmmaking and the one cup of coffee he lets himself have every morning. Having to say goodbye to his passion project, the one film he’s always wanted to make, he's all but forced to take on a project that will, at the very least, keep him fed and off the street. Even if it means dealing with Ace Turner on a daily basis.
Will their story be able to survive the vices of Hollywood?
- GenresM M Romance
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2024
3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Anouk de Rooij
7 books16 followersHi there! I'm Anouk, I write cozy queer romcoms. They're all stories with low angst, low spice, big feelings and found families.
I hope that, when you read them, it gives you just that little moment to escape from your day to day life.
You can find me on Instagram as well, @authoranoukderooij.
I hope that, when you read them, it gives you just that little moment to escape from your day to day life.
You can find me on Instagram as well, @authoranoukderooij.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 13, 2024
“For people that crave a soft kind of love.”
This quote says it all. When reading Developing from the negatives you can be sure that you will experience the loveliest, softest kind of love. You can’t help but root for the main characters from start to finish. I love the way Anouk gives a detailed description and the fact that you get both POVs makes this story two interesting to read.
Once again Anouk writes about the queer community and shows that there is still a long way to go when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation (this time in Hollywood).
If you are looking for a lovely quick read, exes to lovers, right person wrong time kind of vibe, then this is definitely for you. It is such a nicely written book that will put a smile on your face and make you feel very cozy. This is like a signature for Anouk’s writing at this point.
I absolutely loved this book and i highly recommend it! <3
This quote says it all. When reading Developing from the negatives you can be sure that you will experience the loveliest, softest kind of love. You can’t help but root for the main characters from start to finish. I love the way Anouk gives a detailed description and the fact that you get both POVs makes this story two interesting to read.
Once again Anouk writes about the queer community and shows that there is still a long way to go when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation (this time in Hollywood).
If you are looking for a lovely quick read, exes to lovers, right person wrong time kind of vibe, then this is definitely for you. It is such a nicely written book that will put a smile on your face and make you feel very cozy. This is like a signature for Anouk’s writing at this point.
I absolutely loved this book and i highly recommend it! <3
August 3, 2024
Such a sweet second chance story!
I would gladly read more pages about these two softies. Ace and Oliver are just too precious.
And while I loved the story, it would be nice to dive in deeper. Would love to see more groveling on Ace's part and more in-depth conversations between two MCs, because they were both clearly heartbroken by certain events. It felt like Ace never really knew how exactly Oliver felt.
Anyway, I definitely recommend this story! Also, it feels like Anouk just became another auto-buy author for me, just after this one book, so yay!
I would gladly read more pages about these two softies. Ace and Oliver are just too precious.
And while I loved the story, it would be nice to dive in deeper. Would love to see more groveling on Ace's part and more in-depth conversations between two MCs, because they were both clearly heartbroken by certain events. It felt like Ace never really knew how exactly Oliver felt.
Anyway, I definitely recommend this story! Also, it feels like Anouk just became another auto-buy author for me, just after this one book, so yay!
May 3, 2024
I have no words for what I just read. Developing from the negatives is my first read by @authoranoukderooij and I was immediately attracted from the cover so I had to read it.
This book shook me to the core. It made me realize how much bigotry there is still out there,. It shoved me how many prejudices people still have, especially if we're talking about enviroments like Hollywood.
Ace is sick of faking, sick of portraying what his managment wants instead of being himself. He's tired of hiding his homosexuality due to contracts and NDA's, he's tired of the acting roles who made him famous, the's sick of being known for what he's not.
So he takes control of his life and hires Oliver, the filmmaker. His first and only love he lost to fame. His biggest regret, the one he tries to make amends to.
Oliver is a documentary filmmaker, he still lives the dream, but he lives it in poverty due to some mistakes, which lead him to be utterly, devastatingly with nothing more than ramen to eat. So he had to accept Oliver's offer, even if seeing his long lost love is nothing but painful.
As they start shooting their secret project, honesty gets a very important role. They speak, they reconnect, and admit their feelings were never gone. Anouk's delicate writing shines in this part of the book, where the realization of what they both lost hits hard and both want to make amends. But it's everything but easy, you struggle with both the MC's, with their choices, you understand why they still have feelings for each other, and you feel anger as well as disppointment. The backstory is huge, what you feel is even bigger, and you're left with nothing but pride as both take back what fame took away from them, feeling nothing but acomplished with them.
The second chance, the redemption, the joy of self discovery and letting other people see through you in honest way, are just a few of the arguments you deal in this book and Anouks writing makes it immensely enjoyable to read through it, even if the story is rather painful, still so worth it.
This book shook me to the core. It made me realize how much bigotry there is still out there,. It shoved me how many prejudices people still have, especially if we're talking about enviroments like Hollywood.
Ace is sick of faking, sick of portraying what his managment wants instead of being himself. He's tired of hiding his homosexuality due to contracts and NDA's, he's tired of the acting roles who made him famous, the's sick of being known for what he's not.
So he takes control of his life and hires Oliver, the filmmaker. His first and only love he lost to fame. His biggest regret, the one he tries to make amends to.
Oliver is a documentary filmmaker, he still lives the dream, but he lives it in poverty due to some mistakes, which lead him to be utterly, devastatingly with nothing more than ramen to eat. So he had to accept Oliver's offer, even if seeing his long lost love is nothing but painful.
As they start shooting their secret project, honesty gets a very important role. They speak, they reconnect, and admit their feelings were never gone. Anouk's delicate writing shines in this part of the book, where the realization of what they both lost hits hard and both want to make amends. But it's everything but easy, you struggle with both the MC's, with their choices, you understand why they still have feelings for each other, and you feel anger as well as disppointment. The backstory is huge, what you feel is even bigger, and you're left with nothing but pride as both take back what fame took away from them, feeling nothing but acomplished with them.
The second chance, the redemption, the joy of self discovery and letting other people see through you in honest way, are just a few of the arguments you deal in this book and Anouks writing makes it immensely enjoyable to read through it, even if the story is rather painful, still so worth it.
April 7, 2024
boyfriends who spill breakfast on their clothes stay together
I've come across a lot of chaotic gays in my life but damn oliver
i do wish we would've gotten a clearer physical description of the characters earlier, they were a little hazy and frankly i don't remember what any of the characters look like.
two words spoken by the woman and i already dislike ace's mother.
i like the idea of the interview transcripts, however it does mean we don't get to see olivers reaction to ace's family's lies in real time and lessens some of the impact it might've had
chapter 14 gave me a whiplash, it could've used some more buildup and i wish previous scenes had more tension. the gala was great but some other interactions felt almost glossed over. if ace had been painted as this guy desperate to mend things with his collage sweetheart back and we would've seen those attempted apologies it would've hit harder. while also painting oliver as someone who thought he was over ace but realises he might not be, yet also unsure if he can forgive ace. these traits are there but making them clearer would lead to a stronger impact even if you're not going for a full on romcom vibe. this would also make the dinner scene a good climax for that storyline even if the dinner itself wasn't meant as an opening for an apology.
remember kids, read documents thoroughly before signing
the second half of this book is really nice, unfortunately the first half feels a little flat and aside from what i mentioned above i can't really pinpoint why.
i will say the ending was incredibly beautiful and i would be lying if i said i didn't shed a tear or two.
I've come across a lot of chaotic gays in my life but damn oliver
i do wish we would've gotten a clearer physical description of the characters earlier, they were a little hazy and frankly i don't remember what any of the characters look like.
two words spoken by the woman and i already dislike ace's mother.
i like the idea of the interview transcripts, however it does mean we don't get to see olivers reaction to ace's family's lies in real time and lessens some of the impact it might've had
chapter 14 gave me a whiplash, it could've used some more buildup and i wish previous scenes had more tension. the gala was great but some other interactions felt almost glossed over. if ace had been painted as this guy desperate to mend things with his collage sweetheart back and we would've seen those attempted apologies it would've hit harder. while also painting oliver as someone who thought he was over ace but realises he might not be, yet also unsure if he can forgive ace. these traits are there but making them clearer would lead to a stronger impact even if you're not going for a full on romcom vibe. this would also make the dinner scene a good climax for that storyline even if the dinner itself wasn't meant as an opening for an apology.
remember kids, read documents thoroughly before signing
the second half of this book is really nice, unfortunately the first half feels a little flat and aside from what i mentioned above i can't really pinpoint why.
i will say the ending was incredibly beautiful and i would be lying if i said i didn't shed a tear or two.
January 17, 2025
“Developing from the Negatives” is such a book that captivates you from the very first page! I mean, I just couldn’t put it down because I was so eager to find out what was going to happen!
What truly makes this book amazing is that you follow the story from two different perspectives. I loved seeing how the lives of Ace and Oliver unfolded and how they became intertwined.
And let’s talk about those characters - they felt so real! I could really empathize with their world and their feelings. And the way the book examines LGBTQ experiences and coming out within Hollywood just feels super relevant and important.
In short, “Developing from the Negatives” is an absolute must-read for anyone looking for a captivating story with authentic characters and important themes. Seriously, you won’t regret it!
What truly makes this book amazing is that you follow the story from two different perspectives. I loved seeing how the lives of Ace and Oliver unfolded and how they became intertwined.
And let’s talk about those characters - they felt so real! I could really empathize with their world and their feelings. And the way the book examines LGBTQ experiences and coming out within Hollywood just feels super relevant and important.
In short, “Developing from the Negatives” is an absolute must-read for anyone looking for a captivating story with authentic characters and important themes. Seriously, you won’t regret it!
April 14, 2024
Was a great book. Loved the clumsy mc1 Oliver. Felt like a nice development of characters over time and well understanding of this world and place this story took. Felt like a nice right person wrong time story I could read again.
May 6, 2024
Loved this book!
October 10, 2024
What a sweet and fun story! Developing From the Negatives is a quick read that I would've finished in one sitting if I'd had the time. Ace and Oliver were lovely together, and they often brought a smile to my face.
If you're looking for a light and enjoyable read, this book is highly recommended!
If you're looking for a light and enjoyable read, this book is highly recommended!
July 26, 2024
A beautiful second chance, coming out story set in Hollywood, between an actor and a reporter who were split by the industry, or better said by people brainwashing Ace. Finally, after 10 years he finds the courage to fight the system and have the life he wants for both of them. Oliver is adorable, and the story is really nice!
May 30, 2024
The cover captivated me, and I couldn't wait to read this bittersweet MM second chance romance with depth and feeling.
This is my first ever read from Anouk and I am impressed with both her writing style and the original storyline.
I really enjoyed the dual POV:
Ash is a famous, successful Hollywood actor who has let himself be ruled by his management to present himself as a heartthrob leading man.
Oliver is the nerdy, klutzy but clever film maker who is still striving to hit the big time. He is dedicated to his craft but has hit the skids due to financial difficulties.
I loved how Oliver celebrated his gayness but didn't try to coerce Ash out of the closet. Instead, he was supportive, and they worked together to both be what each other needed and find a way around the obstacles in their paths.
The book explores the prejudices that still prevail against the Queer community and how the fight to be 'yourself' is not an easy journey.
(I would have liked to read more of their backstory from their college days... but that is just a trivial niggle)
This is my first ever read from Anouk and I am impressed with both her writing style and the original storyline.
I really enjoyed the dual POV:
Ash is a famous, successful Hollywood actor who has let himself be ruled by his management to present himself as a heartthrob leading man.
Oliver is the nerdy, klutzy but clever film maker who is still striving to hit the big time. He is dedicated to his craft but has hit the skids due to financial difficulties.
I loved how Oliver celebrated his gayness but didn't try to coerce Ash out of the closet. Instead, he was supportive, and they worked together to both be what each other needed and find a way around the obstacles in their paths.
The book explores the prejudices that still prevail against the Queer community and how the fight to be 'yourself' is not an easy journey.
(I would have liked to read more of their backstory from their college days... but that is just a trivial niggle)
April 12, 2024
Received the ARC in exchange for an honest review and here it goes!
This book takes the cake on chaotic gays!!!
For real though, I've never seen a clumsier guy than Oliver. And I love that!!
The book is very well paced and it's easy flowing so you wouldn't find boring pages in this one.
Given that it's shorter than most books I read, I didn't think it lacked in the character building and the storyline. It sure did though seemed to end on the part we were most waiting for..or atleast I was.
I still feel it could've extended for a few more pages and given me more closure on how it turns out at the end.
Imma keep it 4 stars till Anouk promises me a sequel!!!
This book takes the cake on chaotic gays!!!
For real though, I've never seen a clumsier guy than Oliver. And I love that!!
The book is very well paced and it's easy flowing so you wouldn't find boring pages in this one.
Given that it's shorter than most books I read, I didn't think it lacked in the character building and the storyline. It sure did though seemed to end on the part we were most waiting for..or atleast I was.
I still feel it could've extended for a few more pages and given me more closure on how it turns out at the end.
Imma keep it 4 stars till Anouk promises me a sequel!!!
March 25, 2024
This second chance romance reads like a movie, which makes sense given its Hollywood setting. The main characters, Ace and Oliver, are as sweet as a cozy cup of hot chocolate and I was rooting for them until the last page. There’s wonderful LGBT representation, not only in the main characters but in the other areas of the story as well. It’s a quick, cozy read that will have you smiling the entire time.
April 22, 2024
This was a cute, fun read. It was a great palette cleanser as I was going in between book series and needed something light hearted. This book made me laugh, almost cry, and made me root for the main characters. I liked how it handled LGBTQ issues and showed how Hollywood still needs to do more. I kinda wish it was a little longer though. I wish we had a little more time to grow with the characters but I loved it nonetheless
June 5, 2024
Meet Ace, the Hollywood hottie, who has a secret. Oliver, the man behind the man, is hired to help Ace tell his secret and take back his life. Will Ace and Oliver find a way to tell the story and find each other, or will Hollywood tear them apart again?
Only reading the book will tell you.
Only reading the book will tell you.
April 23, 2024
Is it a good idea to get back with an ex?
Initially, trying to rekindle a romance with an ex doesn't sound like the best idea. However, in this case, he's the one Hollywood heartthrob Ace Turner can't forget: His college sweetheart, Oliver Bennett.
He´s the one that got away, and Ace thinks about him every day... So, it's time for a second chance!
Because honestly, a filmmaker and a Hollywood star seem like a match made in heaven.
In the spirit of "it's never too late to say sorry," Ace comes up with a screen-worthy plan to get Oliver back into his life. He offers the documentary filmmaker a job that he probably wouldn't decline: Ace's coming out story.
This plan is challenging in the superficial glitz and glam world of Hollywood, where the queer community still faces judgment. Revealing his truth could significantly impact Ace's career. But after years of wearing the mask of the flawless shiny star, nothing is as important to him as living authentically and according to his values. So, if he can also win back his ex through their collaboration, that would be the ultimate victory for Ace. Being the idealist that he is, Oliver agrees to the project...
In my opinion, "Developing From The Negatives" was such a fun read. This queer red carpet romance centers around Ace's coming out journey and the revival of his past relationship with Oliver. The documentary serves as a fantastic setup for their love story and provides an excellent way to reintroduce Oliver into Ace’s life. Their collaboration on the project led to so many beautiful moments between them. Ace and Oliver definitely have cinematic chemistry!
I love how this book combines the MLM romance and Ace's coming out while embracing the glamour and allure of Hollywood. Personally, I'm a huge fan of the storytelling and the nuanced characters. They both have their unique strengths and weaknesses, which makes them feel real and authentic.
The idea to alternate between Ace's and Oliver's points of view was brilliant. It puts the spotlight on both sides of the love story and provides the perfect script to showcase their perspectives on their shared past as well as their thoughts on their developing chemistry and passion in the present.
I personally was more invested in Ace's POVs because to me, he had more character development. In the past, his unsafe family environment and pressure from the industry led to his decision to end things with Oliver. Now, with the help of Oliver and a group of supportive people in his life, Ace can not only make amends with Oliver, but he can also free himself from the limitations imposed on him.
Therefore the red carpet moment where Ace and Oliver are stealing the spotlight and showing off some award-worthy affection, to me, is definitely the highlight of the book. The documentary they release afterwards not only becomes a platform for Ace's coming out but also serves as a call-out to the industry for forcing Ace to hide his true identity.
To me the happy ending makes the story well rounded. I found it really touching, that Ace is finally able to live authentically with the freedom to love and date openly. But ultimately, the epilogue made it a truly scene-stealing romance!
So, returning to the initial question: Is it a good idea to get back with an ex?
In this romantic narrative, the answer is yes. It is highlighted that reconnection can happen if both partners are compatible and still harbor feelings for each other, but are also willing to do their own inner work and work on themselves as a couple.
This leads readers to the essence of the story: communication is key for any healthy relationship.
Ace and Oliver's romance showcases that honesty and effective communication are necessary to make things work and are therefore the foundation of a successful partnership.
I also agree with Ace that no amount of fame or money could outweigh living authentically and true to oneself. I absolutely love that message - it's one of the book's strongest points for me.
Therefore, Ace summoning the courage to come out and live authentically was an inspiring and empowering read.
Initially, trying to rekindle a romance with an ex doesn't sound like the best idea. However, in this case, he's the one Hollywood heartthrob Ace Turner can't forget: His college sweetheart, Oliver Bennett.
He´s the one that got away, and Ace thinks about him every day... So, it's time for a second chance!
Because honestly, a filmmaker and a Hollywood star seem like a match made in heaven.
In the spirit of "it's never too late to say sorry," Ace comes up with a screen-worthy plan to get Oliver back into his life. He offers the documentary filmmaker a job that he probably wouldn't decline: Ace's coming out story.
This plan is challenging in the superficial glitz and glam world of Hollywood, where the queer community still faces judgment. Revealing his truth could significantly impact Ace's career. But after years of wearing the mask of the flawless shiny star, nothing is as important to him as living authentically and according to his values. So, if he can also win back his ex through their collaboration, that would be the ultimate victory for Ace. Being the idealist that he is, Oliver agrees to the project...
In my opinion, "Developing From The Negatives" was such a fun read. This queer red carpet romance centers around Ace's coming out journey and the revival of his past relationship with Oliver. The documentary serves as a fantastic setup for their love story and provides an excellent way to reintroduce Oliver into Ace’s life. Their collaboration on the project led to so many beautiful moments between them. Ace and Oliver definitely have cinematic chemistry!
I love how this book combines the MLM romance and Ace's coming out while embracing the glamour and allure of Hollywood. Personally, I'm a huge fan of the storytelling and the nuanced characters. They both have their unique strengths and weaknesses, which makes them feel real and authentic.
The idea to alternate between Ace's and Oliver's points of view was brilliant. It puts the spotlight on both sides of the love story and provides the perfect script to showcase their perspectives on their shared past as well as their thoughts on their developing chemistry and passion in the present.
I personally was more invested in Ace's POVs because to me, he had more character development. In the past, his unsafe family environment and pressure from the industry led to his decision to end things with Oliver. Now, with the help of Oliver and a group of supportive people in his life, Ace can not only make amends with Oliver, but he can also free himself from the limitations imposed on him.
Therefore the red carpet moment where Ace and Oliver are stealing the spotlight and showing off some award-worthy affection, to me, is definitely the highlight of the book. The documentary they release afterwards not only becomes a platform for Ace's coming out but also serves as a call-out to the industry for forcing Ace to hide his true identity.
To me the happy ending makes the story well rounded. I found it really touching, that Ace is finally able to live authentically with the freedom to love and date openly. But ultimately, the epilogue made it a truly scene-stealing romance!
So, returning to the initial question: Is it a good idea to get back with an ex?
In this romantic narrative, the answer is yes. It is highlighted that reconnection can happen if both partners are compatible and still harbor feelings for each other, but are also willing to do their own inner work and work on themselves as a couple.
This leads readers to the essence of the story: communication is key for any healthy relationship.
Ace and Oliver's romance showcases that honesty and effective communication are necessary to make things work and are therefore the foundation of a successful partnership.
I also agree with Ace that no amount of fame or money could outweigh living authentically and true to oneself. I absolutely love that message - it's one of the book's strongest points for me.
Therefore, Ace summoning the courage to come out and live authentically was an inspiring and empowering read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2024
Ace and Oliver are once young lovers who separated with good intention but poor execution. Not quite enemies but definitely not friends they have somewhat worked over the years to avoid the same spaces. Ace is the next big thing, he's the heartthrob to be but he's ready to be the change the industry needs to see. He wants a movie or more correctly a documentary to show the world all of him, but he's missing one thing: Oliver and his skills. Oliver is a filmaker and always had an eye for seeing talent namely in his ex, Ace. But despite being out, he's had some hard times in his career. But his PA sends a wildly secret project his way and he's in need so he signs on. Much to Oliver's disbelief the project is not only for Ace and is about Ace. Oliver realizes his attempts to deny the feelings he still has for his first love are fruitless but this opportunity will be fruitful so he must succeed. Ace has always been in love with Oliver and thanks to the legalese that has defined his life and career, his heart only has room for one. As time goes on the walls come down and the love resumes. It doesn't take much for the men to realizes they are fooling themselves but no one else on their love for each other. But when Ace divulged the true reason behind their breakup Oliver is crushed all over again but now he understands and can receive it in a better way but he mad that he wasn't included in the decision making. But their love can come at the perfect time sometime to make up for lost time and moments. This story is low angst and a beautiful shorter length story that allows you to see into the hearts of both MMCs as well as their found family in the industry with their own twist. This was my first read by this author and definitely not my last.
November 6, 2024
➸ 4 stars
"For the people that crave a soft kind of love, where a simple touch says more than enough,"
This book was honest in so many ways. Not only by displaying the judgement the Queer community faces in Hollywood but also by showing that people are flawed. The characters themselves aren't perfect. Even though it might seem like it to the outside world, both characters are deeply flawed within. That makes them even more loveable and connectable.
Ace and Oliver show the perfect example of how to rekindle your love and how important communication is through all of it. The book contains the story of not only their love but also the fear and pressure that comes along with publicly displaying your sexuality. Their thought process is perfectly displayed within the book. You get to love them both for their thoughts and action.
In the end, the book shows how important it is to be true to yourself. It shows that you need to make your happiness a priority. It shows that the way to happiness is sometimes hard, but in the end it is truly worth it.
My only criticism is clearly that I needed more time with these amazing characters. I would have loved to read more about them and explore their relationship further.
"For the people that crave a soft kind of love, where a simple touch says more than enough,"
This book was honest in so many ways. Not only by displaying the judgement the Queer community faces in Hollywood but also by showing that people are flawed. The characters themselves aren't perfect. Even though it might seem like it to the outside world, both characters are deeply flawed within. That makes them even more loveable and connectable.
Ace and Oliver show the perfect example of how to rekindle your love and how important communication is through all of it. The book contains the story of not only their love but also the fear and pressure that comes along with publicly displaying your sexuality. Their thought process is perfectly displayed within the book. You get to love them both for their thoughts and action.
In the end, the book shows how important it is to be true to yourself. It shows that you need to make your happiness a priority. It shows that the way to happiness is sometimes hard, but in the end it is truly worth it.
My only criticism is clearly that I needed more time with these amazing characters. I would have loved to read more about them and explore their relationship further.
March 25, 2024
I don't know how to put this book into words. It is so beautifully written. From start to finish this book is amazing. The love between these two is amazing. The story behind this stunning book is one that is perfect for today. It goes to show that just because someone looks like they have everything, that doesn't mean they do. It is so wonderfully written. It gives you hope that everyone will find their HEA. I look forward to reading many more by this author because she has a way to reach across the pages and pull you in, in a way I have not had happen before! I highly recommend this book.
August 26, 2024
Developing from the Negatives is a cute book about two lovers finding each other again. It's a feel-good romance that reads away easily but also makes you want to read the next chapter immediately after you finished the previous one. I can't wait to read more of this author's work.
December 29, 2024
A feel good second chance romance
June 3, 2024
"The way that he loved me had shaped me as a person, as an artist. He had been the muse to ignite my inspiration all those years ago, the one thing that worked like an anchor for my dreams." - Oliver
-------
Some possible triggers: immature and snobbish parent, being and feeling forced to hide sexual orientation, drinking (some unhealthy drinking habits) and invasion of privacy.
Spice level: 0. This is a closed door romance.
------
Developing From the Negatives is a beautiful MM romance. It has heart and a sweet romance.
I liked Oliver. He was an adorable, chaotic gay. And I liked his passion for flimmaking. Ace was an intriguing character. He feels things very deeply, but keeps alot to himself. I was invested in their romance. With Ace, who wanted his second chance after messing things up. And with Oliver, who struggled with all his emotions regarding his ex coming back into his life.
I wanted more personal moments between them. And also not just be told about them. I would have liked a bit more build up. To make their first kiss even sweeter and to savor their journey as two exes working together to a loving couple. I aso wanted more groveling, but that's a personal preference.
This story is a gem, but it needs some polishing to be the best it can be. And the romance could be fleshed out a bit more. I really enjoyed this story though. If you read or like MM romances, consider adding this to your tbr.
I received an ARC copy via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Anouk de Rooij. ❤
-------
Some possible triggers: immature and snobbish parent, being and feeling forced to hide sexual orientation, drinking (some unhealthy drinking habits) and invasion of privacy.
Spice level: 0. This is a closed door romance.
------
Developing From the Negatives is a beautiful MM romance. It has heart and a sweet romance.
I liked Oliver. He was an adorable, chaotic gay. And I liked his passion for flimmaking. Ace was an intriguing character. He feels things very deeply, but keeps alot to himself. I was invested in their romance. With Ace, who wanted his second chance after messing things up. And with Oliver, who struggled with all his emotions regarding his ex coming back into his life.
I wanted more personal moments between them. And also not just be told about them. I would have liked a bit more build up. To make their first kiss even sweeter and to savor their journey as two exes working together to a loving couple. I aso wanted more groveling, but that's a personal preference.
This story is a gem, but it needs some polishing to be the best it can be. And the romance could be fleshed out a bit more. I really enjoyed this story though. If you read or like MM romances, consider adding this to your tbr.
I received an ARC copy via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Anouk de Rooij. ❤
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews