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Platonic
Mark Savoy and Daniel O'Shea were high school sweethearts who planned their forevers together. But when Mark went to college in California rather than follow Daniel to New York, he embarked on his own decade-long search for independence, sexual confidence and love. When Mark lands a job in New York and again crosses Daniel's path, they slowly rebuild their fractured friendship through texts and emails. If they finally agree to see each other, will they be able to keep it platonic? Or will the spark of a long-lost love reignite just as Daniel accepts a job overseas? Platonic is a story of trials, growth and learning from the past in order to build a future.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2014
4 people are currently reading
1467 people want to read
About the author
Kate Paddington
5 books50 followersA veteran writer of fanfic to her online readers, Kate Paddington wrote her first work of fan fiction at age 12. Today, at age 26, she has degrees in philosophy and chemistry, and is currently completing a PhD in biophysics. A native of Australia, she has published numerous academic papers as part of her research. Platonic is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 24, 2014
The best 24 hours of my life spent reading. (Truly, I started this book about 8 am and finished about 8 am... I amaze even myself!)
Some books are just meant to be read for entertainment, and some are placed in our lives as a testament of how real life does imitate art.
Platonic was not mere entertainment, it was a beautifully written love story that will stay with me for a long time. THIS is the type of story every author wishes they can write. One full of angst and regrets and laughs and hope and wonderment.
Mark and Daniel started off too young and fell too hard. But all that and a few well placed guardian angels were enough to restore their fate and faith and bring them to HEA.
Now about Patrick...
Some books are just meant to be read for entertainment, and some are placed in our lives as a testament of how real life does imitate art.
Platonic was not mere entertainment, it was a beautifully written love story that will stay with me for a long time. THIS is the type of story every author wishes they can write. One full of angst and regrets and laughs and hope and wonderment.
Mark and Daniel started off too young and fell too hard. But all that and a few well placed guardian angels were enough to restore their fate and faith and bring them to HEA.
Now about Patrick...
November 30, 2021
DNF @ 35%
I love second chance romances but this one didn't work for me. I prefer these types of romances to be written in specific ways and this book took the wrong direction at nearly every intersection. The magic of a second chance romance is supposed to be that a reader is so emotionally connected with both characters and their past relationship that their reunion and second chance is full of emotion. Unfortunately, the author's plotting decisions resulted in me not emotionally connecting with the couple or their previous relationship. Thus, I didn't care about their reunion and that's the whole point of a second chance romance.
The main problem is that the author focused too heavily on Mark, which meant I had no emotional connection to Daniel and didn't know him or care about him when the reunion happened. Also, the author focused more on Mark's other romances than his first relationship with Daniel. The entire first chapter is Mark starting a fuck buddy relationship with Patrick (his professor, which is a trope I dislike anyway), complete with a very long and very detailed sex scene and Mark wanting more from their relationship while Patrick refuses. The second chapter is Mark reminiscing about his past relationships...except not the one he had with Daniel. This pattern of not focusing enough on Mark and Daniel continued. When Mark is reminiscing about his relationship with Daniel, he's talking to Patrick, who constantly interrupts the re-telling with commentary. Instead of getting to know Daniel and getting connected to his and Mark's prior relationship, I was more interested in Patrick because he had received enough attention and development that he was basically a main character.
It didn't help matters that Mark and Daniel's break up happened for a very stupid reason and felt forced. The break up is one of the most important aspects of a second chance romance and it needs to be done well. This one wasn't. Other characters acknowledge how stupid Mark had been to cause the break up and that led to my other issue: I didn't like Mark.
In all of his romantic relationships, Mark constantly paints himself as the victim while in reality, he's incredibly selfish and a bad romantic partner. An unfortunate side effect of the author deciding to include lots of details about Mark's romantic history is that a pattern emerged: Mark is only ever concerned with what he wants out of a relationship and rarely considers how his actions hurt his partners. Not only that, but he constantly wallows in self-pity and convinces himself that the reason the relationship ended is because of the other person, not himself. With Jason, Mark could tell that Jason wasn't comfortable with his sexuality or having sex and instead of discussing it and deciding to part ways, Mark cheats on him and justifies his cheating by saying he couldn't handle the lack of sex. With Ben, Mark tells him that Daniel is his soulmate and how he and Daniel are meant to be together and then Mark gets upset when Ben (who is in love with Mark) gets annoyed about this and breaks up with Mark. With Daniel, The only person Mark isn't able to manipulate is Patrick, who can tell that Mark isn't relationship material and refuses to have anything serious with him. The more I learned about Mark, the less I liked him.
For all of these reasons, I wasn't interested in seeing how Mark and Daniel get back together, and that's the whole reason to read a second chance romance, so this wasn't the book for me.
I love second chance romances but this one didn't work for me. I prefer these types of romances to be written in specific ways and this book took the wrong direction at nearly every intersection. The magic of a second chance romance is supposed to be that a reader is so emotionally connected with both characters and their past relationship that their reunion and second chance is full of emotion. Unfortunately, the author's plotting decisions resulted in me not emotionally connecting with the couple or their previous relationship. Thus, I didn't care about their reunion and that's the whole point of a second chance romance.
The main problem is that the author focused too heavily on Mark, which meant I had no emotional connection to Daniel and didn't know him or care about him when the reunion happened. Also, the author focused more on Mark's other romances than his first relationship with Daniel. The entire first chapter is Mark starting a fuck buddy relationship with Patrick (his professor, which is a trope I dislike anyway), complete with a very long and very detailed sex scene and Mark wanting more from their relationship while Patrick refuses. The second chapter is Mark reminiscing about his past relationships...except not the one he had with Daniel. This pattern of not focusing enough on Mark and Daniel continued. When Mark is reminiscing about his relationship with Daniel, he's talking to Patrick, who constantly interrupts the re-telling with commentary. Instead of getting to know Daniel and getting connected to his and Mark's prior relationship, I was more interested in Patrick because he had received enough attention and development that he was basically a main character.
It didn't help matters that Mark and Daniel's break up happened for a very stupid reason and felt forced. The break up is one of the most important aspects of a second chance romance and it needs to be done well. This one wasn't. Other characters acknowledge how stupid Mark had been to cause the break up and that led to my other issue: I didn't like Mark.
In all of his romantic relationships, Mark constantly paints himself as the victim while in reality, he's incredibly selfish and a bad romantic partner. An unfortunate side effect of the author deciding to include lots of details about Mark's romantic history is that a pattern emerged: Mark is only ever concerned with what he wants out of a relationship and rarely considers how his actions hurt his partners. Not only that, but he constantly wallows in self-pity and convinces himself that the reason the relationship ended is because of the other person, not himself. With Jason, Mark could tell that Jason wasn't comfortable with his sexuality or having sex and instead of discussing it and deciding to part ways, Mark cheats on him and justifies his cheating by saying he couldn't handle the lack of sex. With Ben, Mark tells him that Daniel is his soulmate and how he and Daniel are meant to be together and then Mark gets upset when Ben (who is in love with Mark) gets annoyed about this and breaks up with Mark. With Daniel, The only person Mark isn't able to manipulate is Patrick, who can tell that Mark isn't relationship material and refuses to have anything serious with him. The more I learned about Mark, the less I liked him.
For all of these reasons, I wasn't interested in seeing how Mark and Daniel get back together, and that's the whole reason to read a second chance romance, so this wasn't the book for me.
November 14, 2015
Я ещё никогда, никогда! Не читала таких затянутых, буквально высосанных из ничего книг. Сил моих больше нет.
Секс на две (!) главы, а потом душ, завтрак и ещё секс, а потом ещё... И ещё... И я сейчас не о кинках или изысканной эротике говорю, там такая приторная ваниль, что аж на зубах скрипит((
Тройка за начало книги, там мне все понравилось.
Секс на две (!) главы, а потом душ, завтрак и ещё секс, а потом ещё... И ещё... И я сейчас не о кинках или изысканной эротике говорю, там такая приторная ваниль, что аж на зубах скрипит((
Тройка за начало книги, там мне все понравилось.
July 31, 2014
Those wanting a heartwarming romance with a believable feel will find Platonic just such a read. This is a character-driven tale of lost love and the chance to try again and with its likable characters and believable emotions you can't help but enjoy the ride.
Daniel was heartbroken when Mark left him. The hurt tainted everything and left him leery of relationships and getting hurt again. He found success in business and it's that he clung to, keeping his heart safe. Meeting Mark again throws him into confusion as he had put him firmly in the past. It won't be easy to regain what he once had with Mark as he's grown older and wiser but if fate has its way these two men who are perfect for each other might find their way back to each other again.
After ending his relationship with Daniel, Mark headed off to California to make a life for himself, full of new friends and relationships. All these relationships never dimmed the feelings he had for Daniel though and when he comes into contact with his first love he desperately wants to try again. Things don't go easy though as Daniel still feels hurt over Mark's treatment of him. Mark grew up a lot while separated from Daniel, he learned from his mistakes, and came to appreciate what he once had but it won't be easy to relive the past. With enough heartache he might just be able to create an even stronger relationship born of maturity.
This was a sentimental story with two likable and strong-willed leads. Their pasts allowed them to grow up, not always easily, but to help them appreciate what's really important in life. The feelings around their reunion were believable and their relationship progressed at a steady pace that helped you understand what they finally found with each other. The romance itself is steamy which kept me turning the pages. Luckily the steaminess was tempered by emotional intensity that showed a relationship worth fighting for. The secondary characters were equally likable and played off the two leads nicely. All-in-all this wasn't a defining book but it was a pleasant and emotional read that was a nice debut for Ms. Paddington and I look forward to where her talent will take her.
Daniel was heartbroken when Mark left him. The hurt tainted everything and left him leery of relationships and getting hurt again. He found success in business and it's that he clung to, keeping his heart safe. Meeting Mark again throws him into confusion as he had put him firmly in the past. It won't be easy to regain what he once had with Mark as he's grown older and wiser but if fate has its way these two men who are perfect for each other might find their way back to each other again.
After ending his relationship with Daniel, Mark headed off to California to make a life for himself, full of new friends and relationships. All these relationships never dimmed the feelings he had for Daniel though and when he comes into contact with his first love he desperately wants to try again. Things don't go easy though as Daniel still feels hurt over Mark's treatment of him. Mark grew up a lot while separated from Daniel, he learned from his mistakes, and came to appreciate what he once had but it won't be easy to relive the past. With enough heartache he might just be able to create an even stronger relationship born of maturity.
This was a sentimental story with two likable and strong-willed leads. Their pasts allowed them to grow up, not always easily, but to help them appreciate what's really important in life. The feelings around their reunion were believable and their relationship progressed at a steady pace that helped you understand what they finally found with each other. The romance itself is steamy which kept me turning the pages. Luckily the steaminess was tempered by emotional intensity that showed a relationship worth fighting for. The secondary characters were equally likable and played off the two leads nicely. All-in-all this wasn't a defining book but it was a pleasant and emotional read that was a nice debut for Ms. Paddington and I look forward to where her talent will take her.
August 14, 2014
3.5 stars rounded up.
Full disclosure: this was an impulse buy based on the summary - I'm sucker reunited soul mate tropes . I wasn't aware of any previous incarnations nor the source material for it. Mark and Daniel were high school sweethearts and best friends that were separated by distance and the fickleness of youth. It follows Mark's career and growth, coming to terms to his regret in letting go his one true love. The second act involves their reunion and their attempt to keep it platonic and rebuild their friendship. The final act shows them navigating the choppy waters of a real adult relationship.
To be honest, I enjoyed the first act a lot more than the rest. It was fast paced and immensely readable, striking the right emotional chord to make it bittersweet in all the right places. The rest was still solid but it was a little too sickly sweet for my tastes. Their little romps into city, handholding in the park etc. were a bit clichéd. It just began to drag on and on with most of scenes feeling superfluous and unnecessary. Also, the character development of the high school era friends was largely assumed. I would have appreciated a bit more of an introduction. I needed the epilogue to be a bit more substantial and to be further in the future. Overall, it was cute little story and I enjoyed reading it.
Full disclosure: this was an impulse buy based on the summary - I'm sucker reunited soul mate tropes . I wasn't aware of any previous incarnations nor the source material for it. Mark and Daniel were high school sweethearts and best friends that were separated by distance and the fickleness of youth. It follows Mark's career and growth, coming to terms to his regret in letting go his one true love. The second act involves their reunion and their attempt to keep it platonic and rebuild their friendship. The final act shows them navigating the choppy waters of a real adult relationship.
To be honest, I enjoyed the first act a lot more than the rest. It was fast paced and immensely readable, striking the right emotional chord to make it bittersweet in all the right places. The rest was still solid but it was a little too sickly sweet for my tastes. Their little romps into city, handholding in the park etc. were a bit clichéd. It just began to drag on and on with most of scenes feeling superfluous and unnecessary. Also, the character development of the high school era friends was largely assumed. I would have appreciated a bit more of an introduction. I needed the epilogue to be a bit more substantial and to be further in the future. Overall, it was cute little story and I enjoyed reading it.
August 7, 2014
This well-crafted story, to me, carries the feel of riding the train. You sit and watch out of the darkened windows between stations, picking up details and snippets of what is happening outside, and then you pull into the station, look out through the windows or the doors into the world beyond and get a full snapshot. And then, you move along to the next station, still getting snippets and still thinking about what came before, the through-line building and building.
Platonic is a story of hurt and healing, of sex and sweetness, of loss and love. The development of protagonist Mark Savoy, is presented in so succinct yet understated a way that you barely even notice it until it catches up to you. The supporting cast, particularly one Patrick Hunt, are colourful and jump right off the page in that fully realised way that makes you want to be friends with them as well. And Daniel O'Shea... Well. I have a soft spot for him all of my very own, but it was Mark that made me fall a little bit in love with him, too.
Enjoyable from beginning to end, this is a frank and honest look at the problems and joys of being utterly, completely, lost in love--and becoming the person you were meant to be with and without it.
Platonic is a story of hurt and healing, of sex and sweetness, of loss and love. The development of protagonist Mark Savoy, is presented in so succinct yet understated a way that you barely even notice it until it catches up to you. The supporting cast, particularly one Patrick Hunt, are colourful and jump right off the page in that fully realised way that makes you want to be friends with them as well. And Daniel O'Shea... Well. I have a soft spot for him all of my very own, but it was Mark that made me fall a little bit in love with him, too.
Enjoyable from beginning to end, this is a frank and honest look at the problems and joys of being utterly, completely, lost in love--and becoming the person you were meant to be with and without it.
August 7, 2014
I loved this book: there was something delicious about watching Mark's journey over the years, touching down in spots to explore his growth. Experiencing the changes Mark goes through in order to be the man ready for a relationship and commitment, readiness for a love that is inevitable was truly special was a great experience. The latter half of the book really picked up a speed for me that was wonderful to read.
August 21, 2014
We overuse the term "can't get enough of you," but man, that phrase would apply to the lovers in this ridiculously sexy novel. They really CAN'T get enough of each other, which makes for steamy, gluttonous, gorgeous love and sex scenes that go on forever and yet never seem to be too much.
I loved this story about grown-up love, the kind that upends your heart but not your life. Fantastic.
I loved this story about grown-up love, the kind that upends your heart but not your life. Fantastic.
August 4, 2015
I finished this book last night, at 3.30 am. I think that says quite a bit about the readability of this story.
I've been a fan of Kate's fanfiction for a few years now, so I definitely knew what kind of story and which quality I should expect. The book did not disappoint.
This book contains quite a few graphic sex scenes, which were not necessary for me. I get that there will be people who disagree with me, and say that those scenes are an important part of the story. I don't disagree with that, but it's not my personal preference to read sex scenes in a long novel, they don't appeal to me that much.
Then on to the story.
Platonic is well written, but the story is amazing. I'm a huge fan of this kind of stories, where a couple gets back together after a few years. Kate Paddington was able to show us the love Daniel and Mark still had for each other, even during the time where they were apart. It could've come off as if Mark was unhealthily obsessed with Daniel, but it didn't at all. The personal growth Mark went through was very interesting to read, since his issues are those of young people/couples struggle with.
Mark's relationship with his parents was pretty clear in this book, but I think there would've been a way to explain it more within the story. Because now we can only assume how this relationship came to be (aside from Mark's dad apparently being kind of an ass).
I would be very interested in reading Daniel's side of the story and his personal struggle with the same issues. But just because we only had Mark's point of view, the reader discovered Daniel's feelings along with Mark. So that was definitely a strong part of this book.
The epilogue would ideally have been placed a little more in the future, but that may be because of my need to see characters end up happily married with children. Though that's definitely implied, I would've loved to see a glimpse of that side of their story.
Then a little side note on the physical copy of the book: the paper felt a little too thin and too white to me. I payed about 20€ for it, and I expected a book that had better paper.
I'm going to end this review with my favorite passages/sentences in the book.
* On page 103, I love the last 2 sentences. It's this little piece in the book where you get more information (they don't realize they're texting more) about the story because of an external 3rd person narrator.
* Page 112: the "Do you ever think of me?" conversation. Because I feel like that's when they realize they're going to be together again.
* Page 126: This is where they realize their date's a date even though neither of them expected it. And it's a beautiful piece of writing.
* Page 129: That kiss.
* Page 183: The flashforward with the suit to the wedding: first time you know they're actually gonna spend
their life together.
* Page 202: "I miss the tactility-...". I love this, because I get this.
I've been a fan of Kate's fanfiction for a few years now, so I definitely knew what kind of story and which quality I should expect. The book did not disappoint.
This book contains quite a few graphic sex scenes, which were not necessary for me. I get that there will be people who disagree with me, and say that those scenes are an important part of the story. I don't disagree with that, but it's not my personal preference to read sex scenes in a long novel, they don't appeal to me that much.
Then on to the story.
Platonic is well written, but the story is amazing. I'm a huge fan of this kind of stories, where a couple gets back together after a few years. Kate Paddington was able to show us the love Daniel and Mark still had for each other, even during the time where they were apart. It could've come off as if Mark was unhealthily obsessed with Daniel, but it didn't at all. The personal growth Mark went through was very interesting to read, since his issues are those of young people/couples struggle with.
Mark's relationship with his parents was pretty clear in this book, but I think there would've been a way to explain it more within the story. Because now we can only assume how this relationship came to be (aside from Mark's dad apparently being kind of an ass).
I would be very interested in reading Daniel's side of the story and his personal struggle with the same issues. But just because we only had Mark's point of view, the reader discovered Daniel's feelings along with Mark. So that was definitely a strong part of this book.
The epilogue would ideally have been placed a little more in the future, but that may be because of my need to see characters end up happily married with children. Though that's definitely implied, I would've loved to see a glimpse of that side of their story.
Then a little side note on the physical copy of the book: the paper felt a little too thin and too white to me. I payed about 20€ for it, and I expected a book that had better paper.
I'm going to end this review with my favorite passages/sentences in the book.
* On page 103, I love the last 2 sentences. It's this little piece in the book where you get more information (they don't realize they're texting more) about the story because of an external 3rd person narrator.
* Page 112: the "Do you ever think of me?" conversation. Because I feel like that's when they realize they're going to be together again.
* Page 126: This is where they realize their date's a date even though neither of them expected it. And it's a beautiful piece of writing.
* Page 129: That kiss.
* Page 183: The flashforward with the suit to the wedding: first time you know they're actually gonna spend
their life together.
* Page 202: "I miss the tactility-...". I love this, because I get this.
January 24, 2015
This started out on a strong note. We were introduced to Mark, a law student at Stanford, and one of the hottest (and most detailedly described) sex scene I've read this year (well it's technically been 20+ days, but still) with Patrick, one of his professor. I was like Patrick who? Since from the blurb it said Daniel. But as things turned out Patrick does play a crucial role in Mark's romantic awakening as he makes his way towards his one twu wuv (read: Mark doesn't end up with Patrick)
The entire cinematic shebang between Mark and Daniel unfolds bits by bits as Mark navigates his life (and relationships) from Stanford eventually to New York. It's nice to read about it in this manner, interwoven in the main timeline through fragments via Mark's recount to Patrick. Otherwise it would have been done with flashbacks and that's a big no-no for me.
Then we got to know Daniel, the other sweetheart in this equation, who dreamt of pursuing art but now not. But he did reach New York. This must sound confusing to those who haven't read the book, but it all makes sense when you touch it, I promise.
I did at one point rooted for Mark vs. Patrick, he's just cool and level-headed in a way. But the eventual reunion between Mark & Daniel won me over, and by then it's almost all unicorns and rainbows, despite some tiny hiccups, I guess.
At some point I noticed the book is written in present tense, which could be icky for some, but I honestly didn't notice. The author has a smooth, natural way to her writing that clicks well with me. I love the scene of Mark & Daniel's "date". There's a sense of uncertainty, and vulnerability from both characters that I love. She's a bit inconsistent tho (hence the 4 stars) as towards the very end it's a lot of telling. A does this. B does that. A tells B that this does that. When she actually writes dialogues it's very nice to read, but when she does this kind of summary I'm just errr.
I like Patrick a LOT. I hope he gets his own book. He's made it super clear that he's not the relationship type, it would be interesting to watch him being proven wrong. But it would be hard to find a match that would genuinely change him in a way that feels plausible. Hmmm. Anyway I rambled.
I would still recommend this book for those who dig the "the one that got away" trope as personally I think this is one of the better-done books of the theme.
The entire cinematic shebang between Mark and Daniel unfolds bits by bits as Mark navigates his life (and relationships) from Stanford eventually to New York. It's nice to read about it in this manner, interwoven in the main timeline through fragments via Mark's recount to Patrick. Otherwise it would have been done with flashbacks and that's a big no-no for me.
Then we got to know Daniel, the other sweetheart in this equation, who dreamt of pursuing art but now not. But he did reach New York. This must sound confusing to those who haven't read the book, but it all makes sense when you touch it, I promise.
I did at one point rooted for Mark vs. Patrick, he's just cool and level-headed in a way. But the eventual reunion between Mark & Daniel won me over, and by then it's almost all unicorns and rainbows, despite some tiny hiccups, I guess.
At some point I noticed the book is written in present tense, which could be icky for some, but I honestly didn't notice. The author has a smooth, natural way to her writing that clicks well with me. I love the scene of Mark & Daniel's "date". There's a sense of uncertainty, and vulnerability from both characters that I love. She's a bit inconsistent tho (hence the 4 stars) as towards the very end it's a lot of telling. A does this. B does that. A tells B that this does that. When she actually writes dialogues it's very nice to read, but when she does this kind of summary I'm just errr.
I like Patrick a LOT. I hope he gets his own book. He's made it super clear that he's not the relationship type, it would be interesting to watch him being proven wrong. But it would be hard to find a match that would genuinely change him in a way that feels plausible. Hmmm. Anyway I rambled.
I would still recommend this book for those who dig the "the one that got away" trope as personally I think this is one of the better-done books of the theme.
July 29, 2014
Mark heads to California after the demise of his highschool relationship with Daniel a young man with a broken heart. He experiences life, makes his share of mistakes, and a few good friends. Through it all, he is never quite able to let go of the love that burned in his heart for Daniel, his first love.
Daniel has spent the last decade in New York, reveling in the lifestyle of fashion and creating a name and business for himself. Though the memory of Mark remains, both the passion of first love, and hurt he suffered over the loss have faded with the passage of time.
When Mark and Daniel meet for the first time in ten years, both have become men who are strong, independent, and successful in their chosen fields. As the close friendship they once shared slowly begins to regrow, the thought of what might have been crosses their minds. Will taking a second chance on each other bring them the happily ever after dreamed of so long ago, or is history destined to repeat itself once again?
A heartwarming tale of youth and love, Platonic is well written and steadily paced, as it slowly unfurls into the full grown maturity of adulthood. Platonic takes readers a passionate journey of self awareness and discovery. While it didn't blow me away, I thoroughly enjoyed this refreshingly real taste of life and love as we know it. The supporting cast of friends and family is especially entertaining. Platonic is an excellent first effort by Author Kate Paddington,and I hope to read more from her in the future!
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews
Daniel has spent the last decade in New York, reveling in the lifestyle of fashion and creating a name and business for himself. Though the memory of Mark remains, both the passion of first love, and hurt he suffered over the loss have faded with the passage of time.
When Mark and Daniel meet for the first time in ten years, both have become men who are strong, independent, and successful in their chosen fields. As the close friendship they once shared slowly begins to regrow, the thought of what might have been crosses their minds. Will taking a second chance on each other bring them the happily ever after dreamed of so long ago, or is history destined to repeat itself once again?
A heartwarming tale of youth and love, Platonic is well written and steadily paced, as it slowly unfurls into the full grown maturity of adulthood. Platonic takes readers a passionate journey of self awareness and discovery. While it didn't blow me away, I thoroughly enjoyed this refreshingly real taste of life and love as we know it. The supporting cast of friends and family is especially entertaining. Platonic is an excellent first effort by Author Kate Paddington,and I hope to read more from her in the future!
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews
August 2, 2015
I bought this because I loved the blurb and am a person rooting for second chances. The plot really, is amazing. The twists were unique and not at all cliched. The buildup was appreciated. But somewhere along the way, it got boring very fast. I had major issues with the pacing -- there were chapters which were too fast and then abruptly went way too slow. And then there's the sex! I don't think I'd get to say this, but there was just too much sex. I mean lengthy, descriptive sex. I had to skip a lot of those to allow me to get to the meat of the story. I could have given this a higher rating if not for that. Because really, the writing is great -- very mature and commendable. I loved the character arcs. I think this is a good debut novel, but not good good. Like oh-god-i-am-a-fan good. But I do hope the author improves and writes more in the future just so she can prove me wrong.
July 31, 2014
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Kate Paddington's Platonic.
Paddington writes a thoroughly sexy (and sex-filled!) story that frames each of the relationships she portrays, ultimately leading back to Mark and Daniel, illustrating what they’ve learned about themselves in the process. Once they finally manage to carve out time for each other after meeting up again, you’re left with equal parts of “please make this work this time” and “oh no!” Still, you can feel the draw they have to each other, so it’s lovely to watch the way their separate life lessons have shaped their second chance.
This is a romance, in the truest sense, where the couple just happens to be gay. Paddington looks at relationships and sex to reveal their complexities and her understanding of them.
It’s a lovely read full of feeling (and LOTS of sex!).
Paddington writes a thoroughly sexy (and sex-filled!) story that frames each of the relationships she portrays, ultimately leading back to Mark and Daniel, illustrating what they’ve learned about themselves in the process. Once they finally manage to carve out time for each other after meeting up again, you’re left with equal parts of “please make this work this time” and “oh no!” Still, you can feel the draw they have to each other, so it’s lovely to watch the way their separate life lessons have shaped their second chance.
This is a romance, in the truest sense, where the couple just happens to be gay. Paddington looks at relationships and sex to reveal their complexities and her understanding of them.
It’s a lovely read full of feeling (and LOTS of sex!).
August 19, 2014
As the publisher and the author don't hide the fact that this novel originated as a piece of fanfiction, I'm not going to hide the fact that I read said piece of fanfiction.
I think this novel is a very good example of how you can work with a text to make it deeper and richer. The characters are certainly now Kate's characters and the storyline has been made more sophisticated and more grown-up.
The glimpses we get of the teenage Mark and Daniel have this nostalgic feel to it, even the parts where their relationship is dissolving.
I really like how the author allows the characters to grow up and gain the tools to make their relationship work out the second time around. The characters still have the same flaws but the second time around, they don't allow them to control their lives.
All in all, I think this is a rather classy contemporary romance. I'm pretty impressed.
I think this novel is a very good example of how you can work with a text to make it deeper and richer. The characters are certainly now Kate's characters and the storyline has been made more sophisticated and more grown-up.
The glimpses we get of the teenage Mark and Daniel have this nostalgic feel to it, even the parts where their relationship is dissolving.
I really like how the author allows the characters to grow up and gain the tools to make their relationship work out the second time around. The characters still have the same flaws but the second time around, they don't allow them to control their lives.
All in all, I think this is a rather classy contemporary romance. I'm pretty impressed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2014
Really liked the story. There were points where, although the sex is integral to the story and the characters' growth, the "reunion scene" went on a little too long. LOL Yes, I know this is a romance/erotica but it seemed to drag on a bit too long. ;-) In the big scheme of things, this is a very minor complaint. I'd read the source material and it was a favorite of mine, so I was really excited to see it extended to novel length and the changes made to the characters really make it a very well done original novel. Congrats Kate!
When I was reading the epilogue I thought I'd really like to read a follow up story about the wedding and them settling into domestic life. You KNOW they'd have little fights & tiffs all the while loving each other. They both have demanding careers and even though they are living in the same city problems will arise. :-)
When I was reading the epilogue I thought I'd really like to read a follow up story about the wedding and them settling into domestic life. You KNOW they'd have little fights & tiffs all the while loving each other. They both have demanding careers and even though they are living in the same city problems will arise. :-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2015
The star of this book is Patrick, one of the supporting characters who is rendered with a clarity and a suggestion of inner conflict that completely sucked me in.
The main love story is good and sweet especially if the reunion between exes thing is your trope, but I'm convinced this book has a 5* sequel and it's all about Patrick.
Some minor issues with how university works in the U.S. (but again, if you're here for the student/teacher factor in that part of the story, you don't care).
Lots of hot erotic scenes, but they're better on a second read when you have a better handle on the characters.
Definitely will brighten up your commute!
The main love story is good and sweet especially if the reunion between exes thing is your trope, but I'm convinced this book has a 5* sequel and it's all about Patrick.
Some minor issues with how university works in the U.S. (but again, if you're here for the student/teacher factor in that part of the story, you don't care).
Lots of hot erotic scenes, but they're better on a second read when you have a better handle on the characters.
Definitely will brighten up your commute!
October 17, 2014
This book was an amazing read. All of the characters were extremely likable and you wanted them to have their happily ever after. I liked that the love interests had lost each other and we got to enjoy their journey back to each other while creating the lives that they always wanted. I would defiantly recommend this book.
November 13, 2014
I felt like the story was about sex scenes than an actual plot....Which is fine if you like reading sex scenes but after the 5th one I was totally over it. If you are looking for a book strictly for entertainment that requires absolutely no thinking at all, this is it.
February 19, 2015
This was so adorable, and fun, and angsty and sexy and I absolutely loved it! Occasionally I found I stumbled over the odd bit of prose, but it was so occasionally that I really didn't mind. The quality of the plot (*cough cough*) totally made up for it, and I just loved it!
September 6, 2014
I really liked this one and for the first part of the book, I couldn't put it down. After the MCs got together, however, the story lost a bit of thunder for me.
December 31, 2014
Loved this. Please write some more soon, Kate!
April 23, 2016
I really liked the love story in the book. One of my fave characters was Patrick, because he as fun and different and gave Mark really good advice and listened to him.
November 22, 2017
This was a very enjoyable read, but I'm mystified as to why this book is called "Platonic". There is nothing platonic about any of the relationships described in it. Nothing whatsoever. So I'm baffled.
Basically, this is a story about reconnecting with an old love, and trying not to make the same mistakes that wrecked you last time.
The retelling of how Mark and Daniel met and fell in love will have you smiling, because they're head over heels and so sweet together, and their vision of the future they will have together is ridiculously over the top.
And then you get to the part where their inability to communicate ruins their relationship, and you can't help rolling your eyes and nodding along as Mark's friend Patrick chews him out about it. Already, you're anticipating them getting together again. Because you can feel that longing, that draw, that spark between them.
You groan when they start a long-distance relationship, because wasn't that what killed their love last time? But you keep rooting for them, because true love conquers all, right?
Lovely story, and I adore the side characters Rita and Patrick.
Basically, this is a story about reconnecting with an old love, and trying not to make the same mistakes that wrecked you last time.
The retelling of how Mark and Daniel met and fell in love will have you smiling, because they're head over heels and so sweet together, and their vision of the future they will have together is ridiculously over the top.
And then you get to the part where their inability to communicate ruins their relationship, and you can't help rolling your eyes and nodding along as Mark's friend Patrick chews him out about it. Already, you're anticipating them getting together again. Because you can feel that longing, that draw, that spark between them.
You groan when they start a long-distance relationship, because wasn't that what killed their love last time? But you keep rooting for them, because true love conquers all, right?
Lovely story, and I adore the side characters Rita and Patrick.
February 8, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ This book was kind of slow and hard for me to get into. It seems like the story itself took a while to get off the ground and I feel like there was no real buildup between Mark and Daniel forming a friendship and getting to know each other as adults and them rekindling their relationship. It all just felt a little rushed to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2018
I've read the "reunited with your ex" story a bunch of times. Sometimes they're good, sometimes, not so much. This was amazing. There is a lot of focus on the in-between time and the MCs growth as a person. The execution was great. I'll be keeping an eye out for future titles from Kate Paddington.
June 28, 2025
2.5 stars
It did feel like a fanfic, and that should be taken as a compliment, but not the type I’m into. It was rushed, yet I enjoyed it most of the time. Except for the sex scenes, but that’s just my ace self speaking.
It did feel like a fanfic, and that should be taken as a compliment, but not the type I’m into. It was rushed, yet I enjoyed it most of the time. Except for the sex scenes, but that’s just my ace self speaking.
May 24, 2022
Patrick deserves his own book. He truly carried the whole first half of the book.
January 11, 2023
i need a lobotomy immediately how was this published
November 2, 2014
I received Platonic in a giveaway. Winning the book did not alter my honest review of the novel. I must say, I really enjoyed the touching storyline. While not a huge fan of angst-filled novels, This was done without the high school drama that usually accompanies the young love break-ups. This had a more natural feel-- it should be said, I didn't agree with the reasons the main characters separated in the beginning, but I was able to overcome my eye-roll moment to read on, as the author is very engaging.
It should also be noted, while the love/sex scenes in the book were emotional and loving, the depth of detail the author felt necessary, was somewhat pornographic for this hetro female (didn't need to know some of this, really). Be prepared for graphic MM sex. Over all, the story was slow in many parts, due to the need to fill in what happened over their ten year separation, but the writer managed to hold my interest.
It should also be noted, while the love/sex scenes in the book were emotional and loving, the depth of detail the author felt necessary, was somewhat pornographic for this hetro female (didn't need to know some of this, really). Be prepared for graphic MM sex. Over all, the story was slow in many parts, due to the need to fill in what happened over their ten year separation, but the writer managed to hold my interest.
July 31, 2014
"Platonic" is a perfect example of the parts of a love story that you never hear but should, where idealism fails and reality asserts itself, and you then walk the path between what people think they want out of love and what they end up needing out of it. It's a solid, entertaining, moving read that defies romantic conventions while still providing the satisfaction of mending hurt and seeing the characters grow into adulthood maintaining what had drawn them together in the first place. It is a refreshing take on the contemporary setup with well-written erotica and delightful supporting characters. A must read!
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