What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bones of You
Oliver Andrews is wholly focused on the final stages of his education at Cambridge University when a well meaning friend upends his world with a simple email attachment: a video from a U.S. morning show. The moment he watches the video of his one-time love Seth Larsen, now a Broadway star, Oliver must begin making a series of choices that could lead him back to love or break his heart. The Bones of You is full of laughter and tears, with a collection of irritable Hungarians, flirtatious Irishwomen and actors abusing Shakespeare coloring Oliver and Seth s attempts at reconciliation.
396 pages, Paperback
First published November 18, 2014
12 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
Laura Stone
3 books148 followersLaura Stone, a descendant of pioneer polygamists from the early days of the Mormon Church and a former Gospel Doctrine teacher, keeps busy as a media blogger, ghostwriter and novelist when she's not raising her youngest child and puttering in gardens.
While the majority of her family still lives in Utah, she resides in her home state of Texas because it's where the good tamales are.
While the majority of her family still lives in Utah, she resides in her home state of Texas because it's where the good tamales are.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
not-in-a-million-years
December 16, 2014P2P by a BBA.
January 4, 2016
Reviewed by Brandilyn for Prism Book Alliance. When I first read the blurb for The Bones of You by Laura Stone, I said I had to have that book. Then I put off reading it until the last possible minute. Why? I knew it was going to break my heart. I was not wrong. This book is an emotional rollercoaster from the first page to the last. Find the whole review at http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
January 17, 2015
There's an emotional depth to the characters Stone treats us with in this story that has stayed with me since I read it. This is a love story that aches in it's highs and lows, with characters to root so much for and a relationship I really believed in. Stone's writing is wonderful, lovely prose I had to tear myself away from (so reluctantly!) and secondary characters that were pure win. I know I'll be reading this book again and again over the years.
February 23, 2017
Seth and Oliver, the main protagonists in this book, are extremely well-written. Their personalities and their personal history are nuanced and detailed. I was fascinated to get to know these two men as the book went on, slowly revealing more and more of their character. I was fascinated by the lives these two men had lived and were living. I found myself trying to take my time to savor the story bit by bit, not to rush through until the end.
That being said, this is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last chapter. You can’t know what the final decision will be until it’s made. There are a hundred scenarios that could make the story work out in a whole different way than it did, and the ending, when it happens, is exactly how I wanted it to end, despite not knowing what would happen.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story, characters with depth, and a well-written romance.
That being said, this is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last chapter. You can’t know what the final decision will be until it’s made. There are a hundred scenarios that could make the story work out in a whole different way than it did, and the ending, when it happens, is exactly how I wanted it to end, despite not knowing what would happen.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story, characters with depth, and a well-written romance.
February 12, 2015
Amazing, beautiful, stunning... I was sucked in from the very first moment... Oliver & Seth are drawn so clearly...!!! I haven't ever read a book this lovely and enjoyable, and I've read a ton of romance novels. I don't think I've ever read a romance involving two main protagonists who are so clearly individual, strong characters in their own right, undefined by the other and only by themselves, yet also inextricably and intricately linked and formed by their past. Bravo!!
January 12, 2015
[NON-SPECIFIC SPOILERS]
The Bones of You by Laura Stone, at face value, is about lovers reunited. Oliver and Seth are high school sweethearts who break up when their life choices take them in different directions, only to find their way back to each other after several years have passed. But that's just the surface. The bones of the story, if you will, is the complicated, sometimes agonizing process of two people facing both the wounds of their past and the choices confronting them in the present to figure out if they can share a future.
I knew it was gonna end happily. It's a romance, for chrissake, the genre practically demands it. But at certain points during the story, especially the ones dealing with the depth of hurt two basically good and decent people can cause each other despite--or maybe because of--the intense love they share, I wondered if I would make it through the book in one piece. Stone's clear, unpretentious language and raw emotional honesty made me want to flinch from the page sometimes. One, because she made it so easy to empathize with her characters to the point where I felt an actual, physical ache, and two, Oliver and Seth seemed so real and present that I sometimes felt like a voyeur into two of my friends' most intimate moments.
The resolution, when it comes, is cathartic and satisfying. The tightness in my chest loosened at the same time as Oliver's, and as deeply invested as I was in their heartache, I was also ecstatic when it healed. Stone gives them a happy ending that feels all the more precious for having been painfully earned, and the readers get to bask in that warmth for a while before the gentle closing of curtains. I have no doubt I'll read this book again and again, just to revisit Oliver and Seth, or to wander around in the vivid versions of New York and London that Stone's fantastic sense of place has captured. It's easy to fall in love with this story, and hard to let it go.
The Bones of You by Laura Stone, at face value, is about lovers reunited. Oliver and Seth are high school sweethearts who break up when their life choices take them in different directions, only to find their way back to each other after several years have passed. But that's just the surface. The bones of the story, if you will, is the complicated, sometimes agonizing process of two people facing both the wounds of their past and the choices confronting them in the present to figure out if they can share a future.
I knew it was gonna end happily. It's a romance, for chrissake, the genre practically demands it. But at certain points during the story, especially the ones dealing with the depth of hurt two basically good and decent people can cause each other despite--or maybe because of--the intense love they share, I wondered if I would make it through the book in one piece. Stone's clear, unpretentious language and raw emotional honesty made me want to flinch from the page sometimes. One, because she made it so easy to empathize with her characters to the point where I felt an actual, physical ache, and two, Oliver and Seth seemed so real and present that I sometimes felt like a voyeur into two of my friends' most intimate moments.
The resolution, when it comes, is cathartic and satisfying. The tightness in my chest loosened at the same time as Oliver's, and as deeply invested as I was in their heartache, I was also ecstatic when it healed. Stone gives them a happy ending that feels all the more precious for having been painfully earned, and the readers get to bask in that warmth for a while before the gentle closing of curtains. I have no doubt I'll read this book again and again, just to revisit Oliver and Seth, or to wander around in the vivid versions of New York and London that Stone's fantastic sense of place has captured. It's easy to fall in love with this story, and hard to let it go.
January 12, 2015
Thrilled and enthralled — that describes my reaction to reading this wonderful debut novel by Laura Stone. Seth and Oliver are high school sweethearts separated by time and distance. In the five years since they were last together, Seth has gone on to become the darling of the New York stage and appeared on a national morning TV show. After seeing his appearance on TV, Oliver decides to go see Seth in his play and just … watch. He isn't going to talk to Seth, just enjoy his friend's success from a seat in the theater.
Fate has a different plan, and it leads to bit-by-bit heartbreak as Oliver is torn apart by past anguish and misery of what might have been. Just when you are tearing up over the turn of the story, something happens to bring a smile to your face and a bit of sunshine to the book. I couldn't put it down. Characters who appear at first to be formulaic turn out to be unique and special. A plot of lost love reunited is instead so much more. The characters are richly developed, even the secondary characters. I'm hoping to see another book that gives them their own stage and story development.
By the time the book ended I was in love with the characters to the point I couldn't let them go. As many romance novels as I read, it surprised me that I couldn't predict the conclusion of the story of Seth and Oliver. It was difficult to pick up another book knowing Seth, Oliver, Moira and the others wouldn't be there. My own life was enriched by this story and these characters. Laura Stone is an author to remember and follow. I highly recommend The Bones of You as a beautifully written book and a story to enjoy.
Fate has a different plan, and it leads to bit-by-bit heartbreak as Oliver is torn apart by past anguish and misery of what might have been. Just when you are tearing up over the turn of the story, something happens to bring a smile to your face and a bit of sunshine to the book. I couldn't put it down. Characters who appear at first to be formulaic turn out to be unique and special. A plot of lost love reunited is instead so much more. The characters are richly developed, even the secondary characters. I'm hoping to see another book that gives them their own stage and story development.
By the time the book ended I was in love with the characters to the point I couldn't let them go. As many romance novels as I read, it surprised me that I couldn't predict the conclusion of the story of Seth and Oliver. It was difficult to pick up another book knowing Seth, Oliver, Moira and the others wouldn't be there. My own life was enriched by this story and these characters. Laura Stone is an author to remember and follow. I highly recommend The Bones of You as a beautifully written book and a story to enjoy.
August 2, 2015
This is the kind of book you just can't put down, but at the same time you want to read it slowly just so it won't ever end.
I fell in love with the characters so hard and fast I don't quite know what to do with myself now that I'm done reading about them. This is a story about love and longing and working towards that happily ever after, but it's more than that too: it's a story about friendship and connection and about being true to your own heart to keep it whole, to be able to make others happy.
This is not just a story about two people in love trying to find their own happiness. It's a story about two people loving each other enough to want happiness for each other. This is a story about friendship.
I think my favourite character is Seth's dad, to be honest. If we could have more parents like him in literature I'd be very happy.
But on second thought, I don't think I can even name a favourite character. I loved them all! I loved everyone and I loved their journey and I loved their honesty throughout it. This is *exactly* the kind of love story I'd like to see more of. I'll be rereading this. Possibly very soon. And I'll make everyone I know read it too, because THIS IS WONDERFUL. Definitely a new favourite!
I fell in love with the characters so hard and fast I don't quite know what to do with myself now that I'm done reading about them. This is a story about love and longing and working towards that happily ever after, but it's more than that too: it's a story about friendship and connection and about being true to your own heart to keep it whole, to be able to make others happy.
This is not just a story about two people in love trying to find their own happiness. It's a story about two people loving each other enough to want happiness for each other. This is a story about friendship.
I think my favourite character is Seth's dad, to be honest. If we could have more parents like him in literature I'd be very happy.
But on second thought, I don't think I can even name a favourite character. I loved them all! I loved everyone and I loved their journey and I loved their honesty throughout it. This is *exactly* the kind of love story I'd like to see more of. I'll be rereading this. Possibly very soon. And I'll make everyone I know read it too, because THIS IS WONDERFUL. Definitely a new favourite!
March 28, 2015
4.5 stars. This took practically the whole month for me to finish, because I was so distracted with class, and work and netflix and other such things, but by the time I reached the end of this I was absolutely enamored with it. The build of the relationship between the characters was frustrating at times (misunderstandings are always like that) but it was so slow and perfect and real that it warmed my heart. This is a simple story, but it was written so well that it didn't seem that way, and I loved it! Can't wait for the next book that Laura Stone puts out!
April 27, 2015
I've been wanting to read this book for a while now, but for some reason I haven't been able to find time to do so. Well, until yesterday, that is. I've heard such lovely things about this book, and truth be told, I was a bit scared that I would be disappointed.
But...I wasn't. I loved how fleshed out the characters were. I grew to love them as I read. Stone has this way of writing that just gets to me, and I don't know why, but it's simple, straight-forward and every single word is right. I laughed and cried with the characters, torn between hope and tears, just like Oliver and Seth. The story was so believable, with all the hopes and fears. It felt logical to me that they had these worries because of their past. I never sighed because of overly dramatic reactions, or plot points that felt as though they were just there to add drama.
I also loved how they did put priority on what they wanted in life, and their own dreams, unlike many romance books where someone often needs to make a huge sacrifice for their love to work. That felt new and fresh. Also the fact that they grew during the book, realising their own faults and flaws, and learning from them, was so great.
There's always a tell for me, when I've read a great book, and it's when I've finished it and put it down and I can't seem to remember how I used to live before. And guess what? No surprises here! When I finished The Bones of You, I was sort of staring into a wall for a few minutes, trying to adapt to a world outside this book, and then promptly went back to reread my favourite parts.
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who wants a great read. This book has everything: the plot, the characters and terrific writing. It's hard to find books this great these days. I will return to this story and these characters many, many times.
But...I wasn't. I loved how fleshed out the characters were. I grew to love them as I read. Stone has this way of writing that just gets to me, and I don't know why, but it's simple, straight-forward and every single word is right. I laughed and cried with the characters, torn between hope and tears, just like Oliver and Seth. The story was so believable, with all the hopes and fears. It felt logical to me that they had these worries because of their past. I never sighed because of overly dramatic reactions, or plot points that felt as though they were just there to add drama.
I also loved how they did put priority on what they wanted in life, and their own dreams, unlike many romance books where someone often needs to make a huge sacrifice for their love to work. That felt new and fresh. Also the fact that they grew during the book, realising their own faults and flaws, and learning from them, was so great.
There's always a tell for me, when I've read a great book, and it's when I've finished it and put it down and I can't seem to remember how I used to live before. And guess what? No surprises here! When I finished The Bones of You, I was sort of staring into a wall for a few minutes, trying to adapt to a world outside this book, and then promptly went back to reread my favourite parts.
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who wants a great read. This book has everything: the plot, the characters and terrific writing. It's hard to find books this great these days. I will return to this story and these characters many, many times.
November 19, 2014
Seth and Oliver have a complicated history that started with their relationship in high-school. Tolerance is low in small town Kansas and growing up gay can be down right dangerous. Both boys have challenging backgrounds and have been hurt in the past. Their young love is unable to stand the test of time, distance and immaturity.
Both Seth and Oliver have perused other relationships since their separation, but the attraction of their first love remains. An unexpected second chance at love forces each man to face the mistakes that drove them apart.
While hindsight may be 20/20, it is also easy to fall back into old habits. Just when things are starting to look up for the charismatic couple again, history threatens to repeat itself, proving that sometimes you have to look backwards in order to move forward again.
THE BONES OF YOU is a complex and emotional story that focuses on love, loss and second chances. Told from Oliver's perspective, his internal dialog is raw and gut-wrenchingly honesty. Seth is a little harder to identify with, as readers get to know him through Oliver's thoughts and impressions. The cast of secondary characters is dynamic and entertaining, often bringing much needed comedic relief to the otherwise intense story. While opposite in many ways, the two main characters have an elemental chemistry that struck a deep chord and kept me engaged. Well written and steadily paced, it is thought provoking in many ways and offers a slightly different twist to the traditional story line of rekindling lost love.
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews
Both Seth and Oliver have perused other relationships since their separation, but the attraction of their first love remains. An unexpected second chance at love forces each man to face the mistakes that drove them apart.
While hindsight may be 20/20, it is also easy to fall back into old habits. Just when things are starting to look up for the charismatic couple again, history threatens to repeat itself, proving that sometimes you have to look backwards in order to move forward again.
THE BONES OF YOU is a complex and emotional story that focuses on love, loss and second chances. Told from Oliver's perspective, his internal dialog is raw and gut-wrenchingly honesty. Seth is a little harder to identify with, as readers get to know him through Oliver's thoughts and impressions. The cast of secondary characters is dynamic and entertaining, often bringing much needed comedic relief to the otherwise intense story. While opposite in many ways, the two main characters have an elemental chemistry that struck a deep chord and kept me engaged. Well written and steadily paced, it is thought provoking in many ways and offers a slightly different twist to the traditional story line of rekindling lost love.
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews
February 28, 2015
Full disclosure: I know the author (and am so excited for her first published book), so my review is very likely not impartial.
An engaging, thoughtful romance. The story sucked me in, and I became very invested in whether Oliver and Seth could ultimately make it work. The strengths of the book are: the chemistry between the protagonists (Oliver and Seth), the humor and wit throughout, and the exploration of how to make a relationship work while also balancing the individual ambitions of the two parties. I think Stone particularly captures well the challenges of a romance with an academic: schools they are accepted or hired at are not always in the academic's control or conveniently located for anyone involved.
My only issue with the story is: I get that we're seeing things from Oliver's perspective, but Seth (and his family) comes across as too perfect. I would have liked for Seth's mistakes and weaknesses to be demonstrated for the reader, even if Oliver continues to think Seth is perfect. However, that's not a huge issue, and I still think this is a strong first novel and am excited for what Stone writes next!
An engaging, thoughtful romance. The story sucked me in, and I became very invested in whether Oliver and Seth could ultimately make it work. The strengths of the book are: the chemistry between the protagonists (Oliver and Seth), the humor and wit throughout, and the exploration of how to make a relationship work while also balancing the individual ambitions of the two parties. I think Stone particularly captures well the challenges of a romance with an academic: schools they are accepted or hired at are not always in the academic's control or conveniently located for anyone involved.
My only issue with the story is: I get that we're seeing things from Oliver's perspective, but Seth (and his family) comes across as too perfect. I would have liked for Seth's mistakes and weaknesses to be demonstrated for the reader, even if Oliver continues to think Seth is perfect. However, that's not a huge issue, and I still think this is a strong first novel and am excited for what Stone writes next!
February 2, 2015
This is an author who never met a thesaurus she didn't like. She uses the biggest words she possibly can at all times, whether or not they're appropriate, and as a result many of her sentences sound overly formal and awkward. The two leads, both young guys in their early twenties, talk like middle aged country club patrons.
I tried, but I couldn't make myself sympathize with either main character. The protagonist in particular is almost unbelievably whiny and his inner monologue just isn't very interesting. He doesn't do much, other than mope. Everything about the central relationship drama feels overblown to me, considering the low stakes involved; you'd expect these kinds of histrionics from characters whose lives are in danger, not ones whose biggest problem hinges on one of them choosing a grad school.
Disappointing.
I tried, but I couldn't make myself sympathize with either main character. The protagonist in particular is almost unbelievably whiny and his inner monologue just isn't very interesting. He doesn't do much, other than mope. Everything about the central relationship drama feels overblown to me, considering the low stakes involved; you'd expect these kinds of histrionics from characters whose lives are in danger, not ones whose biggest problem hinges on one of them choosing a grad school.
Disappointing.
April 25, 2017
LOVELY. <3 Maybe a litttttle long. But, so lovely.
See my full review here!: http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
See my full review here!: http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
February 5, 2015
This is a beautiful book. There’s no denying that. It’s a gorgeous tale of two men who get a second chance at their first love. Unfortunately for them, the timing of their reconnection is such that history is bound to repeat itself -- this time on an international scale -- if they don’t try a new approach to solving the problems that caused their split in the first place.
The process is drawn out, as it must be with the two of them living busy lives on separate continents. When they do come together in an effort to make it work, the moments they share are weighted with a sense of inevitability, but they can’t quite decide it’s reconciliation or a permanent split that’s inevitable.
While I loved the richness of this story, particularly in how well the locations and secondary characters are fleshed out, there is a caveat: the same doesn’t quite hold true for the main characters.
This is the third Interlude Press book I’ve read that started out as fanfiction, and it is the first one for which, to me, that fact is evident. Oliver and Seth are so similar to the television characters the fanfiction was about -- how they met, their histories, their interests, their personalities, even their looks to an extent -- that I couldn’t picture them as their own characters, but as the television characters I’ve known and loved for several years. I had hoped that would change as I got deeper into the book, but the opposite was true -- the more details that were revealed about them, the more they resembled those other characters instead of themselves.
I’ve rated this book as five stars, and I stand by that rating because it truly is a spectacular tale. However, I can’t help but wish the author had spent a little more time shaping the main characters’ personalities and backstories.
The process is drawn out, as it must be with the two of them living busy lives on separate continents. When they do come together in an effort to make it work, the moments they share are weighted with a sense of inevitability, but they can’t quite decide it’s reconciliation or a permanent split that’s inevitable.
While I loved the richness of this story, particularly in how well the locations and secondary characters are fleshed out, there is a caveat: the same doesn’t quite hold true for the main characters.
This is the third Interlude Press book I’ve read that started out as fanfiction, and it is the first one for which, to me, that fact is evident. Oliver and Seth are so similar to the television characters the fanfiction was about -- how they met, their histories, their interests, their personalities, even their looks to an extent -- that I couldn’t picture them as their own characters, but as the television characters I’ve known and loved for several years. I had hoped that would change as I got deeper into the book, but the opposite was true -- the more details that were revealed about them, the more they resembled those other characters instead of themselves.
I’ve rated this book as five stars, and I stand by that rating because it truly is a spectacular tale. However, I can’t help but wish the author had spent a little more time shaping the main characters’ personalities and backstories.
August 12, 2016
I read this book feeling like I was constantly on the edge of my seat. I cried, I laughed, I smiled. I felt this book incredibly deeply. Seth and Oliver were sublime - perfect imperfection. I had questions - lots of them. I screamed at my Kindle (probably making others wonder what was going on in my hotel room in quiet Madison, WI) and I didn't understand. Fundamentally - I could not understand why the choice Oliver was making even was in question. I think that's the connection and the emotional pull - me trying to figure out "why" and not being able too. I wondered if it was an age thing? a male thing? a what thing?
And the tenderness, love - it was exquisite. The sexual tension is high and certainly the sex is hot (though overall there is not that much of it if you consider the length of the book) but it was one of the few times when I felt the love and the devotion come through as if it was startlingly red in a white room. I rarely re-read books but this one is a def. keeper.
And the tenderness, love - it was exquisite. The sexual tension is high and certainly the sex is hot (though overall there is not that much of it if you consider the length of the book) but it was one of the few times when I felt the love and the devotion come through as if it was startlingly red in a white room. I rarely re-read books but this one is a def. keeper.
April 15, 2016
This was such an adorable book! I love second-chance stories, and this was quite a page turner of a story. I loved Oliver, but I absolutely ADORED Seth, even Moira... Such a snarky wit and sense of humour. I so wish I could just pop out the snark that easily...*sighs
The plot went along at a slow and steady pace, but I never felt bored or any impulse to skip and hurry along. Well... Just once at the end, but that was because I was so sleepy but wanted to finish before I could succumb to the temptation of rest.
A really sweet story that I'm DEFINITELY going to revisit in the near future, and all the credit goes to Seth and Moira!;-) Sorry, Oliver.
Oh, the one star I'm deducting is because of the few typos that messed with the flow of my reading. Story-wise, the book is perfect for me!<3
The plot went along at a slow and steady pace, but I never felt bored or any impulse to skip and hurry along. Well... Just once at the end, but that was because I was so sleepy but wanted to finish before I could succumb to the temptation of rest.
A really sweet story that I'm DEFINITELY going to revisit in the near future, and all the credit goes to Seth and Moira!;-) Sorry, Oliver.
Oh, the one star I'm deducting is because of the few typos that messed with the flow of my reading. Story-wise, the book is perfect for me!<3
September 24, 2015
Identifying as queer, it can be difficult to come across romance that truly hits home in a way that has impact. Laura Stone has crafted a truly excellent novel, though, and my eyes still sting from the tears I cried toward the end. (Good ones, I assure you.) She has a way with words, so that you feel every bit of longing that the main character does. There are some lines throughout which are utterly hilarious, and others which I dare say would put a crack in even the most hardened of hearts. It's easy to buy into a fantasy where love is easy while you're reading - though difficult to have the tendrils of it weave into your consciousness so they may stay, but the love in "The Bones of You" is tempered by such realistic concepts that it remains powerful even once the book is closed.
The narrative is a hopeful one throughout, even at its most dire, and is a credit to the work as it really helps to sell the POV of the main character. None of the characters ever feel like caricatures, even though there are some which could perhaps have benefited from more time to develop. That said, this is romance. The story of Oliver and Seth is what matters and it is done carefully and with a deft hand. The descriptions throughout are evocative, the dialogue is well-handled so that everyone keeps their own voice without blending into a sameness, and it takes the pain and strife that so many queer narratives have drowned themselves in over the years and uses it as a seed from which something beautiful grows.
The narrative is a hopeful one throughout, even at its most dire, and is a credit to the work as it really helps to sell the POV of the main character. None of the characters ever feel like caricatures, even though there are some which could perhaps have benefited from more time to develop. That said, this is romance. The story of Oliver and Seth is what matters and it is done carefully and with a deft hand. The descriptions throughout are evocative, the dialogue is well-handled so that everyone keeps their own voice without blending into a sameness, and it takes the pain and strife that so many queer narratives have drowned themselves in over the years and uses it as a seed from which something beautiful grows.
April 8, 2017
What a LOVELY book. *happy sigh* I’m such a sucker for these types of stories. Laura Stone’s The Bones of You ticked so many of my fave story elements boxes: it’s New Adult (with a little YA also); it’s friends-to-lovers; it’s a second chance love story; the character development and relationship histories—and not just between the two MCs—are fantastic; and the dialogue and writing style are fresh and engaging. I fell right into this story. And despite a couple of verrry minor issues, I was completely on board for the entire ride.
I loved what Stone did with the initial setup. We first get to know Oliver as he learns what his first love, Seth, is up to via a video an old friend sent to him. Because of making an initial connection to Oliver—watching him agonize over whether to go to New York to see Seth, or whether to try to talk to him if he does go, and seeing how devastated he was over their break up—it was easy to make certain assumptions about what happened between them. As everything unfolds and we see things more through Seth’s eyes and heart as well, we’re reminded that things are rarely that black-and-white.
What is abundantly clear, however, is that at one point these guys were each other’s ENTIRE worlds. Through flashbacks, and both of their reactions upon seeing one another again, there is zero doubt about how in love they were. And still are. Their connection is undeniable, even after the five-year separation.
Seth was so sweet and earnest and so true to himself. I loved him so much. I also loved the roles that both Oliver and Seth’s dad, Big Mike, played in allowing Seth to feel secure enough that he could be himself. The love that Big Mike had for his kid was the stuff of legend. I completely adored how important Seth’s dad was to Oliver, as well. My heart tugged so hard at how much he missed having Big Mike in his life, almost as much as he had missed Seth.
Oliver was also wonderful. I was rooting so hard for him throughout the entire book. He never wavered in his conviction that he and Seth were meant to be together; unfortunately, he was decidedly less sure about what he was ultimately meant to do with his life. His indecision over whether to stay at Cambridge or pursue a program in New York was the entire point of conflict in the story. A conflict which I felt was dragged out just a wee bit too long. That was honestly my only point of contention, and, as I said, it’s a small beef. But, I did feel like things wandered a little and got a bit repetitive in as far as Oliver went round and round and round with what to do.
In fact, in hindsight, both guys were a bit wrong-headed in some of their choices, but I was so wrapped up in their feelings and longings that I didn’t consider it until later. It bothered me a bit that for some reason Oliver was the one who was supposed to compromise or sacrifice. I realize Seth was super talented, but he could have put his dream on hold to be with Oliver in Boston in the beginning, and then they could have gone to NY together. While reading the story, though, Seth was just so hurt and certain he couldn’t do it again—the waiting for Oliver and long distance relationship—that I couldn’t help sympathizing with him. These guys both had me constantly wanting to hug them!
There was so much more that I loved in the story, too… I LOVED the parallels between Seth’s musical and his and Oliver’s past relationship. So well done and clever. I loved, loved the supporting cast: Big Mike, Gus, Moira, and even the grumpy Hungarian. There was quite a bit of scene stealing going on from this crew! And, I also loved how strongly Oliver felt about his work, which he started largely because of Seth, and how important it was to him. Oliver saw first-hand the damage bullying can do and the difference support programs for LGBT kids can make. He wanted somehow to make a difference.
“Before Bakerfield, he’d been a boy determined to hide himself, to be what was expected of him. Then he realized that it was okay to be himself, that no one was judging him. Not his peers at least—he still had to pretend at home to appease his father. But until he reached out to Seth and watched him transform, Oliver hadn’t understood what real strength was, what the power of support could do for a person.”
So many wonderful, powerful messages. Stone did an amazing job with this one.
The Bones of You is a gorgeous book that I waited way too long to read. I’m so glad I finally took the time to get to know Oliver and Seth, and to discover the beautiful story that’s behind that incredibly beautiful cover!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach Reviews
I loved what Stone did with the initial setup. We first get to know Oliver as he learns what his first love, Seth, is up to via a video an old friend sent to him. Because of making an initial connection to Oliver—watching him agonize over whether to go to New York to see Seth, or whether to try to talk to him if he does go, and seeing how devastated he was over their break up—it was easy to make certain assumptions about what happened between them. As everything unfolds and we see things more through Seth’s eyes and heart as well, we’re reminded that things are rarely that black-and-white.
What is abundantly clear, however, is that at one point these guys were each other’s ENTIRE worlds. Through flashbacks, and both of their reactions upon seeing one another again, there is zero doubt about how in love they were. And still are. Their connection is undeniable, even after the five-year separation.
Seth was so sweet and earnest and so true to himself. I loved him so much. I also loved the roles that both Oliver and Seth’s dad, Big Mike, played in allowing Seth to feel secure enough that he could be himself. The love that Big Mike had for his kid was the stuff of legend. I completely adored how important Seth’s dad was to Oliver, as well. My heart tugged so hard at how much he missed having Big Mike in his life, almost as much as he had missed Seth.
Oliver was also wonderful. I was rooting so hard for him throughout the entire book. He never wavered in his conviction that he and Seth were meant to be together; unfortunately, he was decidedly less sure about what he was ultimately meant to do with his life. His indecision over whether to stay at Cambridge or pursue a program in New York was the entire point of conflict in the story. A conflict which I felt was dragged out just a wee bit too long. That was honestly my only point of contention, and, as I said, it’s a small beef. But, I did feel like things wandered a little and got a bit repetitive in as far as Oliver went round and round and round with what to do.
In fact, in hindsight, both guys were a bit wrong-headed in some of their choices, but I was so wrapped up in their feelings and longings that I didn’t consider it until later. It bothered me a bit that for some reason Oliver was the one who was supposed to compromise or sacrifice. I realize Seth was super talented, but he could have put his dream on hold to be with Oliver in Boston in the beginning, and then they could have gone to NY together. While reading the story, though, Seth was just so hurt and certain he couldn’t do it again—the waiting for Oliver and long distance relationship—that I couldn’t help sympathizing with him. These guys both had me constantly wanting to hug them!
There was so much more that I loved in the story, too… I LOVED the parallels between Seth’s musical and his and Oliver’s past relationship. So well done and clever. I loved, loved the supporting cast: Big Mike, Gus, Moira, and even the grumpy Hungarian. There was quite a bit of scene stealing going on from this crew! And, I also loved how strongly Oliver felt about his work, which he started largely because of Seth, and how important it was to him. Oliver saw first-hand the damage bullying can do and the difference support programs for LGBT kids can make. He wanted somehow to make a difference.
“Before Bakerfield, he’d been a boy determined to hide himself, to be what was expected of him. Then he realized that it was okay to be himself, that no one was judging him. Not his peers at least—he still had to pretend at home to appease his father. But until he reached out to Seth and watched him transform, Oliver hadn’t understood what real strength was, what the power of support could do for a person.”
So many wonderful, powerful messages. Stone did an amazing job with this one.
The Bones of You is a gorgeous book that I waited way too long to read. I’m so glad I finally took the time to get to know Oliver and Seth, and to discover the beautiful story that’s behind that incredibly beautiful cover!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach Reviews
June 15, 2019
The first thing I noticed about this book when I started it was that it was huge, legitimately long like it had been quite some time since my kindle had that many dots under a title. But, my relationship with book lengths is often secondary to how much I enjoy the book. I have come to realise that books that I finish in 2 days or less I almost always like. The more number of days I take to read a book directly implies that I'm not enjoying it as much, so in such a scenario length is always a secondary consideration. A thousand-page book read in two days would never feel as long as two hundred page book read over a week.
So, though the length caught me off guard initially. I liked the book quite a lot so it didn't make that much of a difference. In fact, I appreciate that the author took such a lot of time to set up these two characters and their story while still managing to make the story interesting from the very start.
I was hooked four lines into the story and if it wasn't for RL standing in the way I would probably have kept reading till the morning.
I feel like this book was trying to answer the question; does love really fix everything? I think the author managed to really set up these characters in ways that their struggle was real. To be together while being fulfilled professionally as well. You would think that would make this to be a dry read but Laura Stone definitely knows how to spin a tale.
Seth and Oliver are like a legend. They really are like Romeo and Juliet in their way. Their love is inspiring. These two were amazing together, the fact that these two loved each other the way they did was the driving force behind this story, it was the motor propelling the boat without which the story wouldn't really be going anywhere.
The week in London started feeling a little drab especially as the main conflict had been set up perfectly at the beginning of that trip and I really couldn't manage to control my urge to know what happened next, so the fact that we had to wait to know the resolution to the story made the journey to the end of that trip a little unbearable.
I find it really hard to explain why I liked this story, I personally love stories where love fixes everything. So, you would think this would be a bit of a challenge for me but it wasn't instead it was a wonderful experience. That's exactly how I would describe my time reading this book, as an experience. It raises questions and it makes you think while giving you an amazing story with such beautiful characters who feel so real that I couldn't help shedding a few tears at moments.
So, though the length caught me off guard initially. I liked the book quite a lot so it didn't make that much of a difference. In fact, I appreciate that the author took such a lot of time to set up these two characters and their story while still managing to make the story interesting from the very start.
I was hooked four lines into the story and if it wasn't for RL standing in the way I would probably have kept reading till the morning.
I feel like this book was trying to answer the question; does love really fix everything? I think the author managed to really set up these characters in ways that their struggle was real. To be together while being fulfilled professionally as well. You would think that would make this to be a dry read but Laura Stone definitely knows how to spin a tale.
Seth and Oliver are like a legend. They really are like Romeo and Juliet in their way. Their love is inspiring. These two were amazing together, the fact that these two loved each other the way they did was the driving force behind this story, it was the motor propelling the boat without which the story wouldn't really be going anywhere.
The week in London started feeling a little drab especially as the main conflict had been set up perfectly at the beginning of that trip and I really couldn't manage to control my urge to know what happened next, so the fact that we had to wait to know the resolution to the story made the journey to the end of that trip a little unbearable.
I find it really hard to explain why I liked this story, I personally love stories where love fixes everything. So, you would think this would be a bit of a challenge for me but it wasn't instead it was a wonderful experience. That's exactly how I would describe my time reading this book, as an experience. It raises questions and it makes you think while giving you an amazing story with such beautiful characters who feel so real that I couldn't help shedding a few tears at moments.
June 28, 2019
This book took my two weeks to read, not necessarily because it was long, but because there was so much emotion packed in that sometimes I would get overwhelmed while reading it. Having said that, I loved it. I loved the complexity of the characters and the detail that Stone put into every scene.
Extremely long, yet incredibly worth it.
Extremely long, yet incredibly worth it.
September 15, 2016
PHEW, this book was LOOOOONG!
It was ALMOST a 2 star read for me, since I skimmed quite a few pages; the navel gazing was driving me insane.
BUT Moira and Seth bumped my rating up.
So Oliver and Seth were childhood sweethearts, and each others first AND big love. But Oliver screwed it up, when he sort of dropped their agreement for Oliver to join Seth in New York, and they broke up.
Oliver is now studying at Cambridge and he is laser focused, but not LIVING his life. A friend sends him the video of Seth performing in national TV in the States, and that makes Oliver reevaluate his life and his choices. Seth is making it on Broadway, and their friend invites Oliver to one of Seth's performances when Oliver is home for christmas.
What follows is an angsty, navel gazing journey for Oliver to decide for once to choose Seth, and thereby love.
I get that Oliver have some AMAZING opportunities after he graduates, and that it IS a hard choice in regards to his career for the rest of his life. But this dude have been missing Seth (and Seth's dad Big Mike) like crazy, also he is not happy-happy, and for me it was a NO-BRAINER around the 200 page mark, but he kept humming and hawing and I seriously felt like smacking him. Especially because he sees Seth and discovers how much he STILL loves him. How his life has not been a life since Seth left.
Seth was seriously one of my favourite characters in a long time. He was so freaking NICE and adorable and not-manipulating, and I was rooting for him. He almost broke my heart with this:
"I am, once again, waiting for you to decide I'm worth picking..."
Jeebus fucking christ Oliver, get your head out of your ass!
Moira, Big Mike and Big Mike's mechanics offered a lot of comic relief, which was needed and they were the reason I bumped my rating up, because Oliver was a SLOW/infuriating/navel gazing character, and this book could easily have been 100 pages shorter.
I get that it is not easy deciding your life, and that you should always weigh your options, but the love described between Seth and Oliver is a once-in-a-lifetime-thing, and you do not throw that shit away for a job.
Also Oliver had TWO amazing job options, so no matter WHAT he chose, he would still not be thrown out on the street. Lastly a job will not keep you warm at night (well it will pay your bills of course), and a job will not hold your hand, laugh at your jokes and be there for you when times are tough.
I think my issue with this book is that the love described is all-encompassing and STILL Oliver is SO focused on the future career-opportunities for himself, that it contradicted the love that was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime-thing (if that makes sense...).
All in all I liked the book and most of the characters, but it was LONG.
It was ALMOST a 2 star read for me, since I skimmed quite a few pages; the navel gazing was driving me insane.
BUT Moira and Seth bumped my rating up.
So Oliver and Seth were childhood sweethearts, and each others first AND big love. But Oliver screwed it up, when he sort of dropped their agreement for Oliver to join Seth in New York, and they broke up.
Oliver is now studying at Cambridge and he is laser focused, but not LIVING his life. A friend sends him the video of Seth performing in national TV in the States, and that makes Oliver reevaluate his life and his choices. Seth is making it on Broadway, and their friend invites Oliver to one of Seth's performances when Oliver is home for christmas.
What follows is an angsty, navel gazing journey for Oliver to decide for once to choose Seth, and thereby love.
I get that Oliver have some AMAZING opportunities after he graduates, and that it IS a hard choice in regards to his career for the rest of his life. But this dude have been missing Seth (and Seth's dad Big Mike) like crazy, also he is not happy-happy, and for me it was a NO-BRAINER around the 200 page mark, but he kept humming and hawing and I seriously felt like smacking him. Especially because he sees Seth and discovers how much he STILL loves him. How his life has not been a life since Seth left.
Seth was seriously one of my favourite characters in a long time. He was so freaking NICE and adorable and not-manipulating, and I was rooting for him. He almost broke my heart with this:
"I am, once again, waiting for you to decide I'm worth picking..."
Jeebus fucking christ Oliver, get your head out of your ass!
Moira, Big Mike and Big Mike's mechanics offered a lot of comic relief, which was needed and they were the reason I bumped my rating up, because Oliver was a SLOW/infuriating/navel gazing character, and this book could easily have been 100 pages shorter.
I get that it is not easy deciding your life, and that you should always weigh your options, but the love described between Seth and Oliver is a once-in-a-lifetime-thing, and you do not throw that shit away for a job.
Also Oliver had TWO amazing job options, so no matter WHAT he chose, he would still not be thrown out on the street. Lastly a job will not keep you warm at night (well it will pay your bills of course), and a job will not hold your hand, laugh at your jokes and be there for you when times are tough.
I think my issue with this book is that the love described is all-encompassing and STILL Oliver is SO focused on the future career-opportunities for himself, that it contradicted the love that was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime-thing (if that makes sense...).
All in all I liked the book and most of the characters, but it was LONG.
July 4, 2018
Never has a book title been more apt, in my opinion, because as I read this story, it seeped into my very bones, and left me gasping at every new revelation, teary-eyed at the palpable pain and longing both Oliver and Seth exude, and the whole time fiercely rooting for them to get back together and stay together, as they were always meant to be.
I would have made other choices than Oliver, definitely. He pursued the subject he was passionate about single-mindedly, letting everything else fall to the wayside, whereas I based my decision on where I'd go for my higher studies on dorms that I liked the look of and wanted to live in :-) I must say, though, that I've never yet regretted that shallow decision. Best one I ever made. It led to my dream job and my dream man, without any dilemmas or obstacles getting in the way.
Anyway, back to the book... I love how three-dimensial even the supporting characters are - Moira is a hoot, and Gus is wonderful as the quiet but supportive friend giving Oliver a push in the right direction. I've never been to Cambridge, but this book made me homesick for the place, if that is even possible. I want to see it all: the library, the tree, the wooded lane where Oliver takes his walks, the boats on the river, etc.
Wonderful story, beautifully written. Read it if you haven't so far. You won't regret it, trust me.
I would have made other choices than Oliver, definitely. He pursued the subject he was passionate about single-mindedly, letting everything else fall to the wayside, whereas I based my decision on where I'd go for my higher studies on dorms that I liked the look of and wanted to live in :-) I must say, though, that I've never yet regretted that shallow decision. Best one I ever made. It led to my dream job and my dream man, without any dilemmas or obstacles getting in the way.
Anyway, back to the book... I love how three-dimensial even the supporting characters are - Moira is a hoot, and Gus is wonderful as the quiet but supportive friend giving Oliver a push in the right direction. I've never been to Cambridge, but this book made me homesick for the place, if that is even possible. I want to see it all: the library, the tree, the wooded lane where Oliver takes his walks, the boats on the river, etc.
Wonderful story, beautifully written. Read it if you haven't so far. You won't regret it, trust me.
January 17, 2016
I loved everything about this book, to be honest. Stones has a way of writing that isn't just telling someone the story, but making them live the story with the characters. The pacing was great, in my opinion, and how we piece by piece got to see the past between Seth and Oliver.
The cause of their former breakup was logical and natural. I could understand why things had ended, and why they both had a hard time of letting the past go.
The side characters where different and I loved them all from the start. This book was beautiful to read, and I hope everyone does, because this writer has such a talent.
The cause of their former breakup was logical and natural. I could understand why things had ended, and why they both had a hard time of letting the past go.
The side characters where different and I loved them all from the start. This book was beautiful to read, and I hope everyone does, because this writer has such a talent.
June 27, 2019
I picked up this book after meeting the lovely author at the LA Times Festival of Books this last spring. I knew nothing about it, but the story sounded sweet. I am ever so glad I picked this book up. It was a truly wonderful story about first love and a second chance. I was utterly captivated.
The love between Oliver and Seth was so sweet. Sure there were little inklings of things that twitched in the back of my mind a little bit, but I was more in love with the story than those things could affect it. They were just such a wonderful couple together I just wanted everything to work out.
This was such a rich and heartwarming story. I loved the second chance these two men found together as they finally grew up and became the men who could be there in strong support of their partner. There were parts of this story that tore at my part and I felt for both men in their struggle. The details really enriched the story for me as I struggled with Oliver to figure a way to what his heart really wanted.
The love between Oliver and Seth was so sweet. Sure there were little inklings of things that twitched in the back of my mind a little bit, but I was more in love with the story than those things could affect it. They were just such a wonderful couple together I just wanted everything to work out.
This was such a rich and heartwarming story. I loved the second chance these two men found together as they finally grew up and became the men who could be there in strong support of their partner. There were parts of this story that tore at my part and I felt for both men in their struggle. The details really enriched the story for me as I struggled with Oliver to figure a way to what his heart really wanted.
April 8, 2017
This book was a wonderful story of second chance love. I'll be honest to say, it did seem long though. That being said, Seth and Oliver are as sweet as can be and you will be pulled in for their lovely romance.
April 5, 2016
From my review tag on tumblr:
I am aware of Stone’s writing, and I’ve read Where There’s Smoke (the scene where Wes and David think Kurt is an oblivious idiot never fails to make me laugh). I had heard of the original, but I never clicked on the link.
To this day, I still have to read the original.
But screw the original for now, because this is all about Oliver and Seth. Gosh, this is one of my new favourite books. I loved this so much. I loved the distance between Cambridge and New York, I live for Seth’s amazing biker family, I wish Moira would kiss me on the cheeks… gosh.
And when they finally thought they had figured it out, Ol gets an amazing offer from Cambridge University and his favourite professor. I could relate to Oliver a lot. I even put him on my list of “fictional characters that helped me through my uni process”. Ol has to chose his PhD, and now with Seth back in his life, the option “stay in Cambridge” is a lot harder.
But here’s the thing I could relate to the most: Oliver keeps putting it off. He has the “I’ll do it later” plan, and eventually, it is one month away and he still hasn’t made a choice. He lives his life without looking further than 2 weeks, and I do too.
Of course, NYU decides to make it a lot harder for him, and they offer him an amazing deal too. Now he has to choose between Cambrigde (which is only one year paid, but he can actually change the policy of the UK with the help of the government) or Silver (which is 3 years paid, plus a job offer). And then there is Seth, living in New York.
Gosh, enough about Ol.
Seth, my man! Can I just applaud Stone for the Broadway show she created? While reading this book, I wrote this in a goodreads status:
“Okay, I just need to talk about the show. I know it isn’t real and all that jazz, but I seriously applauded when it ended (aka when Stone wrote about the curtain call). Just… Love story between two men, one of them William Shakespeare, mixed with rock music versions of popular sonnets. Damn, this is a mix between Something Rotten! and Hamilton.”
Really, I got up and gave a fictional Broadway show written in a book a standing o. I mean, is there a way Stone can actually write this? I’d love to see this.
And his family and friends. Big Mike is amazing, and I love that he is so supportive of his son. Seth doesn’t really fit in with the others (they’re all bikers, holy sh-) with his fashion, hairspray and Broadway, but his dad doesn’t make him feel like he’s less than Little Mike and the others.
I kept picturing Big Mike, a huge biker with tattoos and all, in a Broadway theatre looking so proud and yelling “THAT IS MY SON!!!!” every time Seth took his final bow during curtain call. I couldn’t stop laughing.
And then the two of them together. I get that they got hurt, and that they’re only trying to protect themselves and their feelings (especially Seth), I’m happy that they still managed to actually talk things through. So many times, couples get back together, but it goes wrong because they can’t move on from the thing that tore them apart in the first place. Oliver also had to learn that Seth can’t keep waiting for him if he decides to stay in Cambridge.
There are two people in a relationship, and the Bones of You gave us a perfect example of that.
I am aware of Stone’s writing, and I’ve read Where There’s Smoke (the scene where Wes and David think Kurt is an oblivious idiot never fails to make me laugh). I had heard of the original, but I never clicked on the link.
To this day, I still have to read the original.
But screw the original for now, because this is all about Oliver and Seth. Gosh, this is one of my new favourite books. I loved this so much. I loved the distance between Cambridge and New York, I live for Seth’s amazing biker family, I wish Moira would kiss me on the cheeks… gosh.
And when they finally thought they had figured it out, Ol gets an amazing offer from Cambridge University and his favourite professor. I could relate to Oliver a lot. I even put him on my list of “fictional characters that helped me through my uni process”. Ol has to chose his PhD, and now with Seth back in his life, the option “stay in Cambridge” is a lot harder.
But here’s the thing I could relate to the most: Oliver keeps putting it off. He has the “I’ll do it later” plan, and eventually, it is one month away and he still hasn’t made a choice. He lives his life without looking further than 2 weeks, and I do too.
Of course, NYU decides to make it a lot harder for him, and they offer him an amazing deal too. Now he has to choose between Cambrigde (which is only one year paid, but he can actually change the policy of the UK with the help of the government) or Silver (which is 3 years paid, plus a job offer). And then there is Seth, living in New York.
Gosh, enough about Ol.
Seth, my man! Can I just applaud Stone for the Broadway show she created? While reading this book, I wrote this in a goodreads status:
“Okay, I just need to talk about the show. I know it isn’t real and all that jazz, but I seriously applauded when it ended (aka when Stone wrote about the curtain call). Just… Love story between two men, one of them William Shakespeare, mixed with rock music versions of popular sonnets. Damn, this is a mix between Something Rotten! and Hamilton.”
Really, I got up and gave a fictional Broadway show written in a book a standing o. I mean, is there a way Stone can actually write this? I’d love to see this.
And his family and friends. Big Mike is amazing, and I love that he is so supportive of his son. Seth doesn’t really fit in with the others (they’re all bikers, holy sh-) with his fashion, hairspray and Broadway, but his dad doesn’t make him feel like he’s less than Little Mike and the others.
I kept picturing Big Mike, a huge biker with tattoos and all, in a Broadway theatre looking so proud and yelling “THAT IS MY SON!!!!” every time Seth took his final bow during curtain call. I couldn’t stop laughing.
And then the two of them together. I get that they got hurt, and that they’re only trying to protect themselves and their feelings (especially Seth), I’m happy that they still managed to actually talk things through. So many times, couples get back together, but it goes wrong because they can’t move on from the thing that tore them apart in the first place. Oliver also had to learn that Seth can’t keep waiting for him if he decides to stay in Cambridge.
There are two people in a relationship, and the Bones of You gave us a perfect example of that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2019
A gripping story of young love lost and adult love found. Laura's characters leap off the page. I really want to hang out with Moira.
May 28, 2015
3.5 stars. I was so excited to finally get my hands on an Interlude Press book, having won a free eBook of my choice from the company's 5000 follower giveaway. I chose this one (since it was the most expensive, but shhh.)
Anyone with any basic knowledge of Glee, or Kurt and Blaine's story can tell this book is heavily based off of them. The whole point of this publishing company is fanfiction authors giving permission to rework their stories into published novels. I'm starting off by saying that that's not a bad thing, as other reviewers of this book seem to think.
However, was this the best book ever? Absolutely not. I think Oliver is too dependent on other people, specifically Seth, for his happiness, and I think that's a really terrible, toxic lesson to teach people, to base your happiness and self-worth on the opinions of others. I think Seth's back and forth with his feelings about Oliver and their situation, and Seth's general attitude was incredibly annoying and caused as much stress for me as it did for Oliver.
But the intentionally achingly slow build-up to was the most frustrating thing, but it's what kept me reading. That, plus the deep, true love these characters have for each other that gives me hope for the future gets it an overall positive rating from me.
tl;dr I did genuinely enjoy this book. I'm just glad I didn't have to play 20 bucks for it.
Anyone with any basic knowledge of Glee, or Kurt and Blaine's story can tell this book is heavily based off of them. The whole point of this publishing company is fanfiction authors giving permission to rework their stories into published novels. I'm starting off by saying that that's not a bad thing, as other reviewers of this book seem to think.
However, was this the best book ever? Absolutely not. I think Oliver is too dependent on other people, specifically Seth, for his happiness, and I think that's a really terrible, toxic lesson to teach people, to base your happiness and self-worth on the opinions of others. I think Seth's back and forth with his feelings about Oliver and their situation, and Seth's general attitude was incredibly annoying and caused as much stress for me as it did for Oliver.
But the intentionally achingly slow build-up to was the most frustrating thing, but it's what kept me reading. That, plus the deep, true love these characters have for each other that gives me hope for the future gets it an overall positive rating from me.
tl;dr I did genuinely enjoy this book. I'm just glad I didn't have to play 20 bucks for it.
July 2, 2018
Seth and Oliver were high school sweethearts who thought they would be together forever, but when Oliver decides to not follow Seth to New York for college, they break up and spend the next couple of years trying to replace the other in their lives. When a mutual friend sends Oliver a link to a performance done by Seth. It lights a fire under Oliver and they are able to reconnect, but will this reconnection just be a repeat of years earlier.
I really enjoyed both Seth and Oliver as well as all of the secondary characters. This was coming of age and show the real strain trying to maintain a long distance relationship can have on a couple or even just friends.
I really enjoyed both Seth and Oliver as well as all of the secondary characters. This was coming of age and show the real strain trying to maintain a long distance relationship can have on a couple or even just friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews