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Sweaters & Cigarettes
Theo can’t stop looking at Max. With those black clothes and piercings, and that sarcastic charm that’s enough to intimidate pretty much anyone, he’s not exactly what you would call ordinary. Especially not when Theo is as ordinary as it gets, for a high schooler, along with all the insecurity and awkwardness that comes with it.
Basically, Max is everything Theo is not, but no matter how hard Theo tries, he can’t get him off his mind. He’s honestly crushing on him so hard, that it’s not even funny.
Theo has never spoken to Max, has even tried to hate him, but when their paths actually cross, their first conversation takes a surprising turn. And before long, they both find themselves falling harder and faster than they ever could have anticipated.
Sweaters & Cigarettes is a story about first love, first times, and all the sweet thrills that go along with it.
(This book has some mature content)
Basically, Max is everything Theo is not, but no matter how hard Theo tries, he can’t get him off his mind. He’s honestly crushing on him so hard, that it’s not even funny.
Theo has never spoken to Max, has even tried to hate him, but when their paths actually cross, their first conversation takes a surprising turn. And before long, they both find themselves falling harder and faster than they ever could have anticipated.
Sweaters & Cigarettes is a story about first love, first times, and all the sweet thrills that go along with it.
(This book has some mature content)
484 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2014
18 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Mika Fox
7 books63 followersMika is an author who loves to write about love, and among her works are contemporary relationship dramas, as well as fantasy-esque romance adventures. Most of her stories center on LGBT protagonists and relationships.
She moves around a bit, is still trying to make sense of being an adult, and she has a weakness for chocolate, movies, and superheroes.
Sweaters & Cigarettes #1 on Amazon UK's best seller list of Gay & Lesbian Fiction for Young Adults
(Jan, 2015)
She moves around a bit, is still trying to make sense of being an adult, and she has a weakness for chocolate, movies, and superheroes.
Sweaters & Cigarettes #1 on Amazon UK's best seller list of Gay & Lesbian Fiction for Young Adults
(Jan, 2015)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 15, 2015
I loved Max and Theo together right from their first kiss! I enjoyed this enough to give it five stars - my only reservation was that it was a little longer than it had to be.
August 17, 2015
I enjoyed this, but... and it's not a big but, just me being picky. Sweaters & Cigarettes is really well written, the story was sweet and the character's voices distinct and genuine. This could easily have been four stars for me but, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but...it was too long. At points it became repetative and I found myself skimming until something came up that moved the story along. I wanted it a little tighter. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed it, and will definitely look for more from this author.
Want to read
September 28, 2014Originally a Dean/Castiel fanfic, apparently. Dunno if I'll read the published version or the original.
January 7, 2015
ughhh i love this so much, i fell in love with the characters and the story
January 12, 2015
I was a fan of this story way before it became a published book. It is so heartwarming and beautiful.
September 18, 2014
I’m not into love stories (mostly, I read for the sex) but damn did I fall in love with this couple. I was so in love that I didn’t want the book to end and frequently reread previous chapters so that I could prolong their story.
Sweaters and Cigarettes features realistic characters, who each had their problems and insecurities that I could relate to. Each character had their own identity and brought depth to the story, particularly the minor characters of Riley and Cassie. It is impossible not to love Theo’s little brother, Riley, he’s just so sweet and observant, and Cassie brought a smile to my face with some of her remarks. The relationships that developed in this book, both romantic and platonic, were beautifully done.
One of my favourite things about this book is that when Theo is uncomfortable with a sexual act or isn’t ready, Max doesn’t push him. The respect and consideration between the two really made the couple, as well with Theo reading Max and knowing when to mention something or not. Fox really balances the smut and the fluff in this book, including extremely hot scenes and deliciously cute scenes.
Finally finishing S&C was sad, but I closed the book with a smile on my face. Fox captures the relationship of this teenage couple in a way that made me believe there is so much more of their story, that their relationship will progress, and things will change, maybe one day they’ll part ways, but the months they had that I joined them for were worth everything.
Sweaters and Cigarettes features realistic characters, who each had their problems and insecurities that I could relate to. Each character had their own identity and brought depth to the story, particularly the minor characters of Riley and Cassie. It is impossible not to love Theo’s little brother, Riley, he’s just so sweet and observant, and Cassie brought a smile to my face with some of her remarks. The relationships that developed in this book, both romantic and platonic, were beautifully done.
One of my favourite things about this book is that when Theo is uncomfortable with a sexual act or isn’t ready, Max doesn’t push him. The respect and consideration between the two really made the couple, as well with Theo reading Max and knowing when to mention something or not. Fox really balances the smut and the fluff in this book, including extremely hot scenes and deliciously cute scenes.
Finally finishing S&C was sad, but I closed the book with a smile on my face. Fox captures the relationship of this teenage couple in a way that made me believe there is so much more of their story, that their relationship will progress, and things will change, maybe one day they’ll part ways, but the months they had that I joined them for were worth everything.
August 22, 2024
First, let me start off by saying. I really, really wanted to like this book. I thought I was going to like this book. Unfortunately, I didn't.
My main problem with the book was repetitiveness. The book was telling me over and over how Theo never heard someone talk like Max. He was forever saying how he had a crush on Max. Chapter after chapter. In one chapter, we get this steamy, hot scene. And then the entire thing is recapped in the very next chapter. I feel like I didn't need that part since I had just read about it. I didn't forget.
The next thing that bothered me was that Theo never really seemed to know how he was feeling. He felt one way and then a completely different way in the same sentence. There was a lot of contradictory feelings. And a few oxymorons in terms of feelings too.
Thirdly, I didn't think there was enough character development. I found myself not really caring about them. I didn't care if they were together or not. There was no build-up to their relationship. First chapter in and they're basically together. It moved too fast, in my opinion. I found myself not believing they loved each other. It was like the author was telling them how to feel instead of them showing me how they feel.
All in all I just didn't enjoy it and I had to struggle to get through it. Two stars.
I hate to say. It should have stayed a Destiel fanfic 😭
My main problem with the book was repetitiveness. The book was telling me over and over how Theo never heard someone talk like Max. He was forever saying how he had a crush on Max. Chapter after chapter. In one chapter, we get this steamy, hot scene. And then the entire thing is recapped in the very next chapter. I feel like I didn't need that part since I had just read about it. I didn't forget.
The next thing that bothered me was that Theo never really seemed to know how he was feeling. He felt one way and then a completely different way in the same sentence. There was a lot of contradictory feelings. And a few oxymorons in terms of feelings too.
Thirdly, I didn't think there was enough character development. I found myself not really caring about them. I didn't care if they were together or not. There was no build-up to their relationship. First chapter in and they're basically together. It moved too fast, in my opinion. I found myself not believing they loved each other. It was like the author was telling them how to feel instead of them showing me how they feel.
All in all I just didn't enjoy it and I had to struggle to get through it. Two stars.
I hate to say. It should have stayed a Destiel fanfic 😭
December 12, 2014
A solid 4.5 stars for this one. I loved it but was disappointed with the HFN ending. This is about Theo the geeky virgin and Max the goth who is not stranger to one night stands. We follow the development of their relationship from their first kiss behind the school. Max kisses Theo as a way to shut him up after a ridiculous argument over who is better - superman or batman. The span of the whole thing is the last 5 months of their senior year, leading up to graduation. It somehow feels wrong to love the chemistry between the two MC's and their sexual encounters since they are only 18 but wow, they were seriously hot together. We see what their home lives are like and feel somewhat sorry for Max as his parents aren't exactly interested in him and Theos parents aren't exactly encouraging after seeing Max who looks rather intimidating. Despite everything against them, they make it work. I'd've liked an epilogue or a look into their future tho.
October 9, 2014
When I first read this blurb I knew I had to read this. When I actually started reading it .. I thought I was in YA heaven! It was soo good .. It was all I could do to put it down when my attention was needed elsewhere. Max .. *sigh* I love emo boys .. and he was just the sweetest thing ever! Him and Theo were sickly sweet together .. a heck of a lot of fluff but it was really good fluff and noo drama what so ever between them .. oddly enough if was the parents. So that was nice .. but this book was just simply too long and drawn out. I think it would have been totally fine with 300 pages or less. It was just barely holding my interest so I finally had to start skimming at 81%! But without a doubt Max was the best thing about this book!!
August 16, 2015
Sweet
Yay I finally finished the book !!!
Pff what a struggle
It was just so long….
(hey that’s just my opinion )
How Max and Theo first meet and talk/have a discussion/argue about Superman&Batman
was just so funny,
Max finally couldn’t stand it anymore and kissed Theo just to shut him up not expecting that Theo liked kissing him back
(I found that so adorable)
Max and Theo together was just so sweet I loved them!!
Their relationship progressed slowly they make out a lot but it takes a while before they go to second base ect.
I liked reading this book but after a while it felt like I just keep reading the same thing
and I skimmed a lot hence the reason I struggled to finish.
I liked the cover!
Yay I finally finished the book !!!
Pff what a struggle
It was just so long….
(hey that’s just my opinion )
How Max and Theo first meet and talk/have a discussion/argue about Superman&Batman
was just so funny,
Max finally couldn’t stand it anymore and kissed Theo just to shut him up not expecting that Theo liked kissing him back
(I found that so adorable)
Max and Theo together was just so sweet I loved them!!
Their relationship progressed slowly they make out a lot but it takes a while before they go to second base ect.
I liked reading this book but after a while it felt like I just keep reading the same thing
and I skimmed a lot hence the reason I struggled to finish.
I liked the cover!
April 26, 2016
Awe this book was so freaking cute and hot and cute and YA.
I mean the rela was YA but the sex was grown.
But in all actuality i really liked the writing. It worked for me.
The book is long.
LONG
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
Mare~Slitsread
I mean the rela was YA but the sex was grown.
But in all actuality i really liked the writing. It worked for me.
The book is long.
LONG
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
Mare~Slitsread
May 22, 2015
WAY better then it thought
January 28, 2016
So freaking cute. Really an enjoyable read.
April 13, 2017
Sweaters & Cigarettes is an exceptional, highly detailed, blow by blow (pun not intended) accounting of the formation of a romantic relationship between two gay teen boys. The action starts on the very first page, so there is no prelude to work through. And then the author slowly takes the reader on the journey of how Theo and Max get to know each other and ultimately fall in love. The book is also a tale of opposites attract, with the straight-laced, quiet Theo and the tattooed, pierced, dark Max. I really enjoyed this story, and the characters are eminently likable. Supporting characters are well drawn. My only problem with the book, and it's a biggie, is the author's and editor's (if there was an editor) inability to correctly use the comma. Without exaggeration, there are at least 500 too many commas in this book. The author keeps placing commas where they do not belong, thus improperly chopping up sentences and making the text difficult to read. There could be 1,000 too many commas in this book, I'm just going with my conservative estimate of 500. The comma problem is ridiculous, and takes away from the reading experience. But the story and characters are great, and the book certainly deserves 4 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend this book. Just be prepared for a lot of false pauses created by unnecessary commas.
October 13, 2015
Wow
This could easily be a guilty pleasure. Oh the angst and reward of teenage love. Even though it's about high school kids,it's very rewarding in its way and although just the slightest saccharine, I guess I needed it. Exactly right. It could have easily been shortened a bit, but I kind of like the way it drew out. It really gives you time to get to know the boys, and change with them as they grow together.
This could easily be a guilty pleasure. Oh the angst and reward of teenage love. Even though it's about high school kids,it's very rewarding in its way and although just the slightest saccharine, I guess I needed it. Exactly right. It could have easily been shortened a bit, but I kind of like the way it drew out. It really gives you time to get to know the boys, and change with them as they grow together.
October 26, 2014
Although the writing could of been way better, I really enjoyed the storyline and thought it was sweet and overall good:)
December 19, 2014
Absolutely loved.
July 8, 2016
4.25 stars. This was a winner for me. Sweet and hot, although a tiny bit too long.
February 2, 2016
3.5-4 Stars: Feel in love with Max and Theo!!! It was a little to long and dragged out for me. I was hoping for HEA not HFN but overall it was a great book!
November 19, 2018
Although there is nothing unique about a story where a “good boy” and “the bad boy” fall in love, I did enjoy this book. It was interesting to see the evolution of the two boys’ different personalities rubbing off on each other.
What strikes me as odd about this story is there is not one occurrence of gay bashing or name calling. Where there is one instance of bullying aimed at Theo, it has nothing to do with his being gay. Where is this utopian city? Where two boys meet face-to-face for the first time in school behind a building, do some verbal sparring, share kisses and phone numbers, all in the space of time that exists between two classes. Where kids don’t even need to “come out” to their friends and family? Where parents don’t even blink when their son has gay boyfriends. Where admonishment for PDA in school is nonexistent. Where Theo and Max openly make out and share vodka from a flask at a school dance without interference from adult chaperones. This is truly an alternate universe.
In similar stories, two boys merely holding hands in school creates an uproar, but in this story full out PDA between Theo and Max go virtually unnoticed by both students and staff.
Usually, in stories such as this, I appreciate some mature content. But, in this story I was so overdosed by the many explicit sex scenes, I started finding them almost monotonous and overshadowing the story line. I think it would have been more effective to intersperse sex scenes that were explicit with others left more to the reader’s imagination.
What strikes me as odd about this story is there is not one occurrence of gay bashing or name calling. Where there is one instance of bullying aimed at Theo, it has nothing to do with his being gay. Where is this utopian city? Where two boys meet face-to-face for the first time in school behind a building, do some verbal sparring, share kisses and phone numbers, all in the space of time that exists between two classes. Where kids don’t even need to “come out” to their friends and family? Where parents don’t even blink when their son has gay boyfriends. Where admonishment for PDA in school is nonexistent. Where Theo and Max openly make out and share vodka from a flask at a school dance without interference from adult chaperones. This is truly an alternate universe.
In similar stories, two boys merely holding hands in school creates an uproar, but in this story full out PDA between Theo and Max go virtually unnoticed by both students and staff.
Usually, in stories such as this, I appreciate some mature content. But, in this story I was so overdosed by the many explicit sex scenes, I started finding them almost monotonous and overshadowing the story line. I think it would have been more effective to intersperse sex scenes that were explicit with others left more to the reader’s imagination.
May 16, 2018
I enjoyed this thoroughly, but it was just waaaaaay too long. When they already got together on page 2 of this near 500 page book, I was wondering what was left of the plot (hint: there's none). I mean, there's no suspense whatsoever.
If you want plot, stay faaaar away from this story. If you're in the mood for some super randy teenagers (seriously) with some really suburban, middle-class issues, this is your book. And that's not totally meant in a bad way, just that there are worse things in this world than having to move away from your high-school boyfriend of, like, a month.
Aaaanyway, nicely written and even I sped through it, a girl who can barely finish a novella without counting pages👍🏻
If you want plot, stay faaaar away from this story. If you're in the mood for some super randy teenagers (seriously) with some really suburban, middle-class issues, this is your book. And that's not totally meant in a bad way, just that there are worse things in this world than having to move away from your high-school boyfriend of, like, a month.
Aaaanyway, nicely written and even I sped through it, a girl who can barely finish a novella without counting pages👍🏻
December 21, 2017
So apparently it was a fanfic before beign published. I didn't know that before reading and never really noticed.
I liked the story. It flew pretty well, although it was maybe a bit too long, and the characters were really lovable. I couldn't help but cheer for them all throughout the book. It was nice too, to see the development between them, without too much miscommunication or problems that I usually see in YA books (no love triangle! No love rival! Yes!)
One flaw though: I don't really like the trope virgin boy/experienced boy (but who only has had one-night stands before). It might be only me though.
I liked the story. It flew pretty well, although it was maybe a bit too long, and the characters were really lovable. I couldn't help but cheer for them all throughout the book. It was nice too, to see the development between them, without too much miscommunication or problems that I usually see in YA books (no love triangle! No love rival! Yes!)
One flaw though: I don't really like the trope virgin boy/experienced boy (but who only has had one-night stands before). It might be only me though.
January 30, 2024
so i read the original fanfic of this years ago and i really loved it (yes i was a big supernatural fan embarrassing now). now the fanfic is no longer available and neither seeming is this version as i couldn’t find it anywhere! but one website had it so i got to read it. i did enjoy this but not as much as i did when i was 15. for one i didn’t read the r slur being used so much which really threw me and also the story is soooo long. after a while i grew a little bored of everything as there wasn’t a plot really.
September 25, 2017
DNF at 32%. Real rating 1.2 stars - rounded down to 1 star. There are many issues with this book - the poor writing style, the need for an editor, the plot holes that (I'm assuming) make sense when written as a fanfic but become confusing when not addressed by the author in the updated 'book' form, the fetishisation and infantilisation of the gay characters and the stilted dialogue which becomes grating after a while. Had I known that this was a poorly updated fanfic I would have avoided.
May 16, 2017
Genius at Love.
This is the kind of book you read with a smile on your face. Theo and Max were amazing together from the first page to the last. The book was sweet, sexy and Theo' s first time couldn't ' have been wrote more perfectly. I'm usually a fairly fast reader but you will want to take your time with this one.
This is the kind of book you read with a smile on your face. Theo and Max were amazing together from the first page to the last. The book was sweet, sexy and Theo' s first time couldn't ' have been wrote more perfectly. I'm usually a fairly fast reader but you will want to take your time with this one.
June 3, 2018
What a sweet couple. I loved the slow burn, and then realised I was reading YA. I suspect I am a little too old for this genre, and I started skimming entire sections. Still loved this couple and would love to read about them all grown up
October 13, 2020
Wonderful book
This is an amazing book, I recommend this to anybody who is gay or enjoys mlm relationships. This read is a very loving story which will suck you in and make you not want to stay reading it.
This is an amazing book, I recommend this to anybody who is gay or enjoys mlm relationships. This read is a very loving story which will suck you in and make you not want to stay reading it.
June 25, 2018
Cute story, i just found it unnecessarily long with a lot of loose ends.
September 29, 2021
originally, I read this as a Destiel fic, so re-reading it with Theo and Max was confusing but I still enjoyed it just as I did before
Read
October 24, 2021i started reading it but then i just couldn’t get it out of my head tust it was originally a desteil fanfic and i just couldn’t continue
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews