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We May Be Fractured
A Queer coming-of-age with a touch of romance that explores the complexities of love, identity, grief, and the true meaning of home.
Eighteen-year-old Aaron is on the brink of fleeing London for Australia, hoping to honour his late sister’s dream. But on the eve of his departure, Aaron is caught with weed at a party, arrested, and sentenced to community service cleaning up the grounds and reviving the gardens of a neglected local retirement centre, anchoring him to the very city he longs to escape.
At the centre, Aaron meets an eclectic crew of misfits, including Landon, a fellow young offender with a reputation for trouble. As Aaron spends more time with the group — especially with Landon — he begins to feel a sense of belonging he never expected. Beneath Landon’s tough exterior, Aaron discovers a kindred spirit, someone who sees beyond his scars, both physical and emotional.
Through sleeplessness and late-night conversations, a connection sparks unlike anything Aaron has ever known. For the first time, he feels attracted to someone.
Just as Aaron begins to embrace his demisexuality, Landon’s difficult past resurfaces, threatening their fragile relationship. Torn between honouring his sister's memory and staying with Landon, Aaron must decide where his true “Neverland” lies: in Australia or right where he is.
Eighteen-year-old Aaron is on the brink of fleeing London for Australia, hoping to honour his late sister’s dream. But on the eve of his departure, Aaron is caught with weed at a party, arrested, and sentenced to community service cleaning up the grounds and reviving the gardens of a neglected local retirement centre, anchoring him to the very city he longs to escape.
At the centre, Aaron meets an eclectic crew of misfits, including Landon, a fellow young offender with a reputation for trouble. As Aaron spends more time with the group — especially with Landon — he begins to feel a sense of belonging he never expected. Beneath Landon’s tough exterior, Aaron discovers a kindred spirit, someone who sees beyond his scars, both physical and emotional.
Through sleeplessness and late-night conversations, a connection sparks unlike anything Aaron has ever known. For the first time, he feels attracted to someone.
Just as Aaron begins to embrace his demisexuality, Landon’s difficult past resurfaces, threatening their fragile relationship. Torn between honouring his sister's memory and staying with Landon, Aaron must decide where his true “Neverland” lies: in Australia or right where he is.
ebook
First published August 12, 2025
9 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Lascar
2 books14 followersBorn in Boston (USA) and raised in Naples (Italy), Jessica has always
had a desire to explore beyond borders, leading her to live in Japan, the
Netherlands, Germany, and now the UK. These experiences have given
her a deep appreciation for different cultures and a sense of being a true
citizen of the world.
Writing is her way of making sense of things—a space to explore the
complexities of identity and belonging. During the pandemic, she redis-
covered this passion, leading to the publication of her first YA novel in
Italy, Love is a Mess, which won the Italian Wattys Award in 2021.
For the past 11 years, Jessica has called London home, and the city’s rich
diversity inspires her to dive deeper into LGBTQ+ themes in her stories,
with a special focus on the asexual spectrum, reflecting her own experi-
ence as demisexual.
When she’s not writing, Jessica brings her creativity to the fintech world
as a digital product designer. She’s also on a mission to perfect the art of
sourdough baking and stays busy as the chief tin-opener for her two cats.
had a desire to explore beyond borders, leading her to live in Japan, the
Netherlands, Germany, and now the UK. These experiences have given
her a deep appreciation for different cultures and a sense of being a true
citizen of the world.
Writing is her way of making sense of things—a space to explore the
complexities of identity and belonging. During the pandemic, she redis-
covered this passion, leading to the publication of her first YA novel in
Italy, Love is a Mess, which won the Italian Wattys Award in 2021.
For the past 11 years, Jessica has called London home, and the city’s rich
diversity inspires her to dive deeper into LGBTQ+ themes in her stories,
with a special focus on the asexual spectrum, reflecting her own experi-
ence as demisexual.
When she’s not writing, Jessica brings her creativity to the fintech world
as a digital product designer. She’s also on a mission to perfect the art of
sourdough baking and stays busy as the chief tin-opener for her two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 26, 2025
I really wanted to like this book after seeing a TikTok creator review it and say that if you enjoyed the All for the Game series you would like this book. That made me curious, since AFTG is one of my favorite series. But after reading, it didn’t just feel “familiar” it felt like a weaker, watered-down version of the original.
For example, Aaron was clearly written to mirror Neil. You could argue otherwise because Aaron has a family (his aunt like Neil had his uncle), but the parallels are hard to ignore. The car crash, for instance, mirrors the burning car moment in AFTG, where Neil’s life begins to change. Then there are the scars which felt like a direct copy — and Aaron being demi, which is fine on its own, but paired with everything else, it came across as recycled. Where Neil was endearing and easy to root for, Aaron just came off as unlikable.
Landon, on the other hand, was also clearly written with Andrew in mind. The wrist scars, the sweet tooth, the juvenile record, the foster system, even the estranged cousin and sister — all of it lined up too neatly. Then there’s the “yes/no” dynamic: while I respect the emphasis on consent, the way it played out was almost identical to Andrew and Neil’s relationship. Even the moment where Landon tells Aaron to put his hands on his shoulders during a kiss felt copied. And when Landon called Aaron a “liar” and a “rabbit”? That was very familiar, because it was the same language Andrew used with Neil.
The side characters also felt like thinly disguised versions of AFTG ones. Nyle, Landon’s cousin, was basically Nicky: the same personality, the same forceful approach to Aaron’s sexuality, and even the dynamic where Landon protects him, takes the blame, and ends up at the community center — exactly like Andrew did for Nicky. The other characters calling Landon “the psycho” echoed how Andrew was called “the monster.” Landon’s sister (whose name I can’t even remember because she was so irrelevant) was just a copy of Aaron from AFTG, with the same cold sibling relationship but while Aaron was an interesting character and put something to the story Landon’s sister was lacking. Even Landon’s friend felt like a stand-in for Renee.
Sure, the plot itself was different — Aaron having a sister and following through on her dream gave it a new direction. But the characters felt so much like rip-offs of my favorite series that I couldn’t enjoy it.
And that’s only scratching the surface. If I really broke it down point by point, there would be even more examples.
I get that authors are inspired by other stories, and that’s totally fair, but this went beyond inspiration and felt like imitation. I wanted to enjoy it, but instead, I kept rolling my eyes and forcing myself to finish. Where Neil was a character I loved, Aaron just irritated me, and the relationship between Aaron and Landon never came close to having the depth or chemistry that Andrew and Neil did.
For example, Aaron was clearly written to mirror Neil. You could argue otherwise because Aaron has a family (his aunt like Neil had his uncle), but the parallels are hard to ignore. The car crash, for instance, mirrors the burning car moment in AFTG, where Neil’s life begins to change. Then there are the scars which felt like a direct copy — and Aaron being demi, which is fine on its own, but paired with everything else, it came across as recycled. Where Neil was endearing and easy to root for, Aaron just came off as unlikable.
Landon, on the other hand, was also clearly written with Andrew in mind. The wrist scars, the sweet tooth, the juvenile record, the foster system, even the estranged cousin and sister — all of it lined up too neatly. Then there’s the “yes/no” dynamic: while I respect the emphasis on consent, the way it played out was almost identical to Andrew and Neil’s relationship. Even the moment where Landon tells Aaron to put his hands on his shoulders during a kiss felt copied. And when Landon called Aaron a “liar” and a “rabbit”? That was very familiar, because it was the same language Andrew used with Neil.
The side characters also felt like thinly disguised versions of AFTG ones. Nyle, Landon’s cousin, was basically Nicky: the same personality, the same forceful approach to Aaron’s sexuality, and even the dynamic where Landon protects him, takes the blame, and ends up at the community center — exactly like Andrew did for Nicky. The other characters calling Landon “the psycho” echoed how Andrew was called “the monster.” Landon’s sister (whose name I can’t even remember because she was so irrelevant) was just a copy of Aaron from AFTG, with the same cold sibling relationship but while Aaron was an interesting character and put something to the story Landon’s sister was lacking. Even Landon’s friend felt like a stand-in for Renee.
Sure, the plot itself was different — Aaron having a sister and following through on her dream gave it a new direction. But the characters felt so much like rip-offs of my favorite series that I couldn’t enjoy it.
And that’s only scratching the surface. If I really broke it down point by point, there would be even more examples.
I get that authors are inspired by other stories, and that’s totally fair, but this went beyond inspiration and felt like imitation. I wanted to enjoy it, but instead, I kept rolling my eyes and forcing myself to finish. Where Neil was a character I loved, Aaron just irritated me, and the relationship between Aaron and Landon never came close to having the depth or chemistry that Andrew and Neil did.
August 21, 2025
OH THIS WAS SO CUTE 🥹💕🤧🫂❤️🩹
We’re following Aaron, a teen boy living with grief + survivor’s guilt from being the only one to survive the car accident that killed his family. He wants to restart his life on the other side of the planet, but when his plans go awry, he’s forced to confront his issues.
I reeeeally liked Aaron as a MC! He was flawed and sometimes frustrating, but it was sooo realistic! I also LOVED the asexual-spectrum representation in this book! 🖤🩶🤍💜
Landon was also such an interesting character! I loved learning more about him; his issues with his family, the foster system and the thing with that one foster father were just heartbreaking, and they were so well-developed. I also really loved the focus on consent when it came to Landon. And he was suuuuch a sweet and considerate LI!
Aaron and Landon’s relationship was so cute! 2 grumpy and unsociable people finding comfort in each other is just top tier 🙂↕️ 🙂↕️ 🙂↕️!!! I loved their initial banter and distaste for each other, their friendship slowly growing, and then their bond becoming something more… 🤭 This book had me feeling butterflies at hand-holding!!!!!!!!!! 🤧🦋
I also liked the SCs, although I wish we’d seen a bit more of them. Ria and Aunt Olivia were probably my favourites. I also wish Cliff had been a bigger part of the story. I also didn’t want to see the trial scene, but that might just be because it’s triggering to me 💔.
Anyways. I REEEEALLY liked this book (I literally would stay up until 2 and 3 am to continue reading…………… ordering a physical copy RIGHT NOW), and I can’t wait to read what this author writes next! 💕
We’re following Aaron, a teen boy living with grief + survivor’s guilt from being the only one to survive the car accident that killed his family. He wants to restart his life on the other side of the planet, but when his plans go awry, he’s forced to confront his issues.
I reeeeally liked Aaron as a MC! He was flawed and sometimes frustrating, but it was sooo realistic! I also LOVED the asexual-spectrum representation in this book! 🖤🩶🤍💜
Landon was also such an interesting character! I loved learning more about him; his issues with his family, the foster system and the thing with that one foster father were just heartbreaking, and they were so well-developed. I also really loved the focus on consent when it came to Landon. And he was suuuuch a sweet and considerate LI!
Aaron and Landon’s relationship was so cute! 2 grumpy and unsociable people finding comfort in each other is just top tier 🙂↕️ 🙂↕️ 🙂↕️!!! I loved their initial banter and distaste for each other, their friendship slowly growing, and then their bond becoming something more… 🤭 This book had me feeling butterflies at hand-holding!!!!!!!!!! 🤧🦋
I also liked the SCs, although I wish we’d seen a bit more of them. Ria and Aunt Olivia were probably my favourites. I also wish Cliff had been a bigger part of the story. I also didn’t want to see the trial scene, but that might just be because it’s triggering to me 💔.
Anyways. I REEEEALLY liked this book (I literally would stay up until 2 and 3 am to continue reading…………… ordering a physical copy RIGHT NOW), and I can’t wait to read what this author writes next! 💕
August 17, 2025
This book was a very nice read, with a big focus on survival and perseverance. After being the sole survival of the car crash that killed Aaron's sister and his (emotionally abusive/toxic) parents, the guy struggles with a severe case ov survivor's guilt. Then he meets this group of people at the court ordered community service he has to do, who all have their own trauma, issues, and it's found family galore. But obviously not without issues, because all of them have a bunch of baggage, and trying to break through each other's shells is incredibly difficult.
The love story between Aaron and Landon is one that reads really naturally, where trust issues, sexual trauma, and self discovery on the asexual spectrum all play a big role.
If you feel like reading about two sad queers discovering love, going to therapy, and healing, with some seriously good and wide variety of representation, then I do recommend this book.
I received an ARC copy of this book
The love story between Aaron and Landon is one that reads really naturally, where trust issues, sexual trauma, and self discovery on the asexual spectrum all play a big role.
If you feel like reading about two sad queers discovering love, going to therapy, and healing, with some seriously good and wide variety of representation, then I do recommend this book.
I received an ARC copy of this book
September 9, 2025
Avevo già letto questa storia un paio di anni fa quando era stata pubblicata su wattpad, ma questa versione finale è DIECI VOLTE PIU BELLA!
Non solo il romanzo è scritto benissimo, ma è anche strutturato in modo che l'evoluzione della storia e dei personaggi si sviluppino nei tempi giusti, in modo logico e genuino. Quindi, niente fast pace. Il romance soprattutto è mooooolto slow burn, e non c'è nulla di esplicito per quanto riguarda lo spicy.
La trama si concentra principalmente sulla crescita personale di Aaron e il superamento del suo lutto, anche grazie all'aiuto di una found family che non si sarebbe mai aspettato di incontrare.
Si vede l'influenza di "All for the game" per quanto riguarda un po' le caratteristiche di alcuni personaggi, ma a parte questo la storia è originale e coinvolgente e i protagonisti ti catturano il cuore.
La demisessualità di Aaron viene spiegata molto bene e ho adorato il modo in cui affronta l'argomento intimità con Landon. Altri temi davvero delicati vendono poi gestiti con delicatezza e chiarezza, anche se il finale riguardo a una situazione con Landon, secondo me, poteva prendere un po' più di tempo. Quella conclusione mi è sembrata troppo sbrigativa 🫣
Grazie Jessica per avermi dato la possibilità di leggere questa meraviglia 💜
Non solo il romanzo è scritto benissimo, ma è anche strutturato in modo che l'evoluzione della storia e dei personaggi si sviluppino nei tempi giusti, in modo logico e genuino. Quindi, niente fast pace. Il romance soprattutto è mooooolto slow burn, e non c'è nulla di esplicito per quanto riguarda lo spicy.
La trama si concentra principalmente sulla crescita personale di Aaron e il superamento del suo lutto, anche grazie all'aiuto di una found family che non si sarebbe mai aspettato di incontrare.
Si vede l'influenza di "All for the game" per quanto riguarda un po' le caratteristiche di alcuni personaggi, ma a parte questo la storia è originale e coinvolgente e i protagonisti ti catturano il cuore.
La demisessualità di Aaron viene spiegata molto bene e ho adorato il modo in cui affronta l'argomento intimità con Landon. Altri temi davvero delicati vendono poi gestiti con delicatezza e chiarezza, anche se il finale riguardo a una situazione con Landon, secondo me, poteva prendere un po' più di tempo. Quella conclusione mi è sembrata troppo sbrigativa 🫣
Grazie Jessica per avermi dato la possibilità di leggere questa meraviglia 💜
dnf
September 20, 2025Dnf at 54%
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my review.
This was pitched to me as a book perfect for fans of All for the game series by Nora Sakavic but reading the blurb, I expected the similarity would be in a group of misfits becoming a found family, which is something that I really like so I was really exciting to read We may be fractured.
I enjoyed the beginning, but after I met all the characters, I could see that all of them were inspired by characters from the aftg series, and it became really weird for me.
The story is original and quite interesting, however so many things are inspired by aftg, and the characters suffer because of it. They just don’t work for me, and I became really bored after few chapters, because I couldn’t care about them at all. It hurts me to say this as I was really excited to read this, but I decided to eventually dnf, because I started skipping paragraphs.
If there’s one thing I like about We may be fractures is the ace representation. I could relate to Aaron feelings towards sex (at least in the bits I read).
Do I think it’s a bad book? No, and I think if you haven’t read or didn’t enjoy aftg, you could possibly enjoy this more as it’s similar but without all the messed up stuff.
I’m deeply grateful for getting a free copy, and it pains me that I can’t give it positive review.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my review.
This was pitched to me as a book perfect for fans of All for the game series by Nora Sakavic but reading the blurb, I expected the similarity would be in a group of misfits becoming a found family, which is something that I really like so I was really exciting to read We may be fractured.
I enjoyed the beginning, but after I met all the characters, I could see that all of them were inspired by characters from the aftg series, and it became really weird for me.
The story is original and quite interesting, however so many things are inspired by aftg, and the characters suffer because of it. They just don’t work for me, and I became really bored after few chapters, because I couldn’t care about them at all. It hurts me to say this as I was really excited to read this, but I decided to eventually dnf, because I started skipping paragraphs.
If there’s one thing I like about We may be fractures is the ace representation. I could relate to Aaron feelings towards sex (at least in the bits I read).
Do I think it’s a bad book? No, and I think if you haven’t read or didn’t enjoy aftg, you could possibly enjoy this more as it’s similar but without all the messed up stuff.
I’m deeply grateful for getting a free copy, and it pains me that I can’t give it positive review.
August 9, 2025
Aaron has plans to run but is forced to face everything instead.
At first it felt like the British sci-fi show Misfits, but it became far more emotional.
They’re not just struggling with their poor choices, but their pasts, missed opportunities and sexuality.
Aaron’s struggle with understanding being Demi was so fucking real. I wish I had had this kind of rep as a youth, or even the amount of resources there are now.
They’re such a sweet couple. They read each other so well and Aaron being so understanding and safe for Landon was beyond heartwarming.
I loved them
Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this novel.
At first it felt like the British sci-fi show Misfits, but it became far more emotional.
They’re not just struggling with their poor choices, but their pasts, missed opportunities and sexuality.
Aaron’s struggle with understanding being Demi was so fucking real. I wish I had had this kind of rep as a youth, or even the amount of resources there are now.
They’re such a sweet couple. They read each other so well and Aaron being so understanding and safe for Landon was beyond heartwarming.
I loved them
Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this novel.
September 3, 2025
well that was fucking amazing
September 4, 2025
Honestly, it wouldn't be as bad if it was something original. It wasn't. It felt like the author read All For the Game series and decided to publish her fanfiction as a full ass book. It was like getting All for the Game from AliExpress.
The only good thing there, was that it was a fast read. Unfortunately I wanted something original with a slight vibe of Andreil. Not their clunky wannabes.
The only good thing there, was that it was a fast read. Unfortunately I wanted something original with a slight vibe of Andreil. Not their clunky wannabes.
August 12, 2025
2.5 stars
ARC review
Unfortunately this was not for me. There were some good elements that I enjoyed but these were undermined by what felt like strange choices and the story overall was not well executed in my opinion. For example after a really important moment for the two main characters that was built up to be intimate and special, another character teases them about it and is incredibly disrespectful. That was such a strange choice and made me question the book’s capacity to respectfully deal with the very heavy topics it took on. Another issue I had was with the early characterisation - in order to make the two leads seem like “bad boys” they said and did things that read like cliched posturing rather than strong identity construction. Other things that bothered me were inconsistent time jumps and the completely ridiculous and selfish decisions Aaron made. Overall this was not unreadable but I wouldn’t recommend it.
ARC review
Unfortunately this was not for me. There were some good elements that I enjoyed but these were undermined by what felt like strange choices and the story overall was not well executed in my opinion. For example after a really important moment for the two main characters that was built up to be intimate and special, another character teases them about it and is incredibly disrespectful. That was such a strange choice and made me question the book’s capacity to respectfully deal with the very heavy topics it took on. Another issue I had was with the early characterisation - in order to make the two leads seem like “bad boys” they said and did things that read like cliched posturing rather than strong identity construction. Other things that bothered me were inconsistent time jumps and the completely ridiculous and selfish decisions Aaron made. Overall this was not unreadable but I wouldn’t recommend it.
July 28, 2025
È stato un immenso piacere poter leggere questo libro in anteprima.
Una storia colorata SLOWBURN con una stupenda rappresentazione demisessuale e le vibes alla "All for the game" 💜
Aaron e Landon mi sono entrati nel cuore, insieme alla loro found family sopra le righe.
Ottima caratterizzazione dei personaggi e della nascita/crescita della storia d'amore. Lenta, fatta di tanti baby steps e tanto, tanto consenso - che, tristemente, molto spesso viene a mancare nelle storie Boys love.
Una storia dolce, ma che tratta anche di temi molto delicati, quindi procedete con cautela.
Ve la super consiglio! 💜
Una storia colorata SLOWBURN con una stupenda rappresentazione demisessuale e le vibes alla "All for the game" 💜
Aaron e Landon mi sono entrati nel cuore, insieme alla loro found family sopra le righe.
Ottima caratterizzazione dei personaggi e della nascita/crescita della storia d'amore. Lenta, fatta di tanti baby steps e tanto, tanto consenso - che, tristemente, molto spesso viene a mancare nelle storie Boys love.
Una storia dolce, ma che tratta anche di temi molto delicati, quindi procedete con cautela.
Ve la super consiglio! 💜
September 7, 2025
This Book is a 4-star all the way.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The plot-⭐⭐⭐⭐��
The Characters-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unputdownable-⭐⭐⭐⭐
The writing-⭐⭐⭐⭐
The emotions-⭐⭐⭐.5 (WE DIDN'T GET ENOUGH OF LANDON)
And I'm writing this to explain to you and myself why
Everything in bold is what I didn't like what the book.
Landon is so so so so so likeable, and I give zero fucks to people who think otherwise.
He is just this character who wears distrust like a badge of honour, who has gone through a lot, who has a hard time accepting people without being wary of them beacuse he knows that people don't want nothing; there will always be something that they want in exchange and he has given his heart too many times and gotten it back shattered, whether it was his multiple familes or his family sometimes.
DESPITE THIS, He is someone who's able to see things beyond the surface, giving a chance to others when nobody else does, like the tree, for example. He has a unique perspective on life. He shows his love through the small things, even to his family. He respects people's boundaries and is willing to be a listener. He is soo much more than the psycho people think of him as. He notices and remembers the details that matter. His podcasts showed us a layer of him that I couldn't get enough of.
So you know what the issue was?
We didn't get enough of Landon's pov. The story was sooo good, but WE DIDN'T GET LANDON'S POV, and he's the one who has to accept that Aaron is going to leave for Australia and never come back, once again opening his heart to someone who wasn't going to stay for long. We got a little glimpse of his thoughts through the podcasts at 85% OF THE BOOK
Aaron has also had a difficult childhood, having to be around his parents, who fought, creating a toxic surrounding, and controlled his life and his big sister's life, Tori, who died in a tragic accident.
He has a promise he needs to fulfil a promise for Tori, so he is all set to go to Australia, their Neverland.
But he finds not only his Neverland in London with Landon and his newfound family, but life doesn't make it an easy journey.
I love how accepting he is about Landon's personal trauma and respecting boundaries, making sure he doesn't cross them until Landon wants him to, because he simply wants Landon; he doesn't want the sex, he simply wants him.
But he has to accept his own demons about the accident and let go of thinking of the what-ifs and realise Neverland may be closer than he thought.
He also has strong opinions and a perspective about life, which he thought made him different from his mates, especially about sex and soulmates and desire. He is also colourblind.
The other guys:
Nyle has a way to brighten the day, but may not know the boundaries of a person. He deserves more credit than what Aaron gave him, especially considering he would've been homeless without him
Ria is just so sweet and so helpful. She is a cinnamon roll and can be a tiger at the same time.
Didn't like Maeve tooo much
Cliff was just a character.
Fell and Auntie Olivia are very accepting and have a lot of knowledge.
They just become this family for him in a way that wraps your soul in a warm blanket, or can become way too chaotic.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The plot-⭐⭐⭐⭐��
The Characters-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unputdownable-⭐⭐⭐⭐
The writing-⭐⭐⭐⭐
The emotions-⭐⭐⭐.5 (WE DIDN'T GET ENOUGH OF LANDON)
And I'm writing this to explain to you and myself why
Everything in bold is what I didn't like what the book.
Landon is so so so so so likeable, and I give zero fucks to people who think otherwise.
He is just this character who wears distrust like a badge of honour, who has gone through a lot, who has a hard time accepting people without being wary of them beacuse he knows that people don't want nothing; there will always be something that they want in exchange and he has given his heart too many times and gotten it back shattered, whether it was his multiple familes or his family sometimes.
DESPITE THIS, He is someone who's able to see things beyond the surface, giving a chance to others when nobody else does, like the tree, for example. He has a unique perspective on life. He shows his love through the small things, even to his family. He respects people's boundaries and is willing to be a listener. He is soo much more than the psycho people think of him as. He notices and remembers the details that matter. His podcasts showed us a layer of him that I couldn't get enough of.
So you know what the issue was?
We didn't get enough of Landon's pov. The story was sooo good, but WE DIDN'T GET LANDON'S POV, and he's the one who has to accept that Aaron is going to leave for Australia and never come back, once again opening his heart to someone who wasn't going to stay for long. We got a little glimpse of his thoughts through the podcasts at 85% OF THE BOOK
Aaron has also had a difficult childhood, having to be around his parents, who fought, creating a toxic surrounding, and controlled his life and his big sister's life, Tori, who died in a tragic accident.
He has a promise he needs to fulfil a promise for Tori, so he is all set to go to Australia, their Neverland.
But he finds not only his Neverland in London with Landon and his newfound family, but life doesn't make it an easy journey.
I love how accepting he is about Landon's personal trauma and respecting boundaries, making sure he doesn't cross them until Landon wants him to, because he simply wants Landon; he doesn't want the sex, he simply wants him.
But he has to accept his own demons about the accident and let go of thinking of the what-ifs and realise Neverland may be closer than he thought.
He also has strong opinions and a perspective about life, which he thought made him different from his mates, especially about sex and soulmates and desire. He is also colourblind.
The other guys:
Nyle has a way to brighten the day, but may not know the boundaries of a person. He deserves more credit than what Aaron gave him, especially considering he would've been homeless without him
Ria is just so sweet and so helpful. She is a cinnamon roll and can be a tiger at the same time.
Didn't like Maeve tooo much
Cliff was just a character.
Fell and Auntie Olivia are very accepting and have a lot of knowledge.
They just become this family for him in a way that wraps your soul in a warm blanket, or can become way too chaotic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2025
This was an enjoyable read but not entirely my cup of tea. The writing style fell a little flat for me and several things were repeated too often that they began to grate. That aside, I wanted to know where we were being taken – I had questions about Tori and Australia and Landon and what choices Aaron would make at the many crossroads he found himself at.
Aaron…had his trauma and Australia but other than that he didn’t quite feel rounded. He had very little interests outside of The Southern Lights. Aaron was desperate to go to Australia, but I never felt like he actually did want to go other than it being a promise. I appreciated his sudden realisation mid-story and his chat with Ria about it, though that too felt a little quick, or maybe that’s just my very very slow acceptance of myself talking. I did enjoy the crumbs that were left for us throughout the story and how unashamed Aaron was of that part of himself.
I liked Landon (though I did read his name as London several times) and felt his persona as ‘the pycho’ worked since it was very much a front from the off. Cliff felt shallow in that he was incredibly angry at Aaron for very little and then forgave him all at once. Maeve, I struggled to remember and I kept confusing her and Ria. Luzanne I didn’t get a grip on at all. Nyle was unlikeable though at least consistently so. He did grow on me, and I applauded his flamboyance and dedication to being true to himself (reminding me in his best moments of Hans Brecht in Druck). I kept thinking Fell was much older due to his comparison to Aunt Olivia though I found him a fascinating character and would’ve loved more of him.
There are a lot of heavy topics discussed here, and I do feel like the author deals with them well though in places the story felt…slightly artificially flawed, like the writer had a checklist she was working from – everything was just a little too distinct to feel natural. The characters are given space to be angry and upset as well as doing their best to regulate their emotions and speak about their problems. That balance was nice to see as sometimes it feels like writers are afraid to let their protagonists show ugly emotions.
I was curious about the constant mentions of what song was playing and I enjoyed the way they got woven into the scenes especially when we ‘listen’ to the podcast that is smattered throughout. It’s told in a completely different voice to what we’re given from Aaron and I appreciated that contrast.
My favourite scene was probably when Landon and Aaron break down each other’s barriers enough to spend time together in the summerhouse – it’s such a sweet and supportive scene. I don’t want to say too much though. (I also love their late-night date where Aaron realises that Landon is afraid of the dark – beautiful scene!)
This was a good book, and I did enjoy reading it but there were several quirks of the writer’s style that I’ve seen in some popular YA/NA novels which just don’t work for me. They clearly do work for other people though so if you’re a fan of William Hussey and Kacen Callender then you’ll probably enjoy this one!
Aaron…had his trauma and Australia but other than that he didn’t quite feel rounded. He had very little interests outside of The Southern Lights. Aaron was desperate to go to Australia, but I never felt like he actually did want to go other than it being a promise. I appreciated his sudden realisation mid-story and his chat with Ria about it, though that too felt a little quick, or maybe that’s just my very very slow acceptance of myself talking. I did enjoy the crumbs that were left for us throughout the story and how unashamed Aaron was of that part of himself.
I liked Landon (though I did read his name as London several times) and felt his persona as ‘the pycho’ worked since it was very much a front from the off. Cliff felt shallow in that he was incredibly angry at Aaron for very little and then forgave him all at once. Maeve, I struggled to remember and I kept confusing her and Ria. Luzanne I didn’t get a grip on at all. Nyle was unlikeable though at least consistently so. He did grow on me, and I applauded his flamboyance and dedication to being true to himself (reminding me in his best moments of Hans Brecht in Druck). I kept thinking Fell was much older due to his comparison to Aunt Olivia though I found him a fascinating character and would’ve loved more of him.
There are a lot of heavy topics discussed here, and I do feel like the author deals with them well though in places the story felt…slightly artificially flawed, like the writer had a checklist she was working from – everything was just a little too distinct to feel natural. The characters are given space to be angry and upset as well as doing their best to regulate their emotions and speak about their problems. That balance was nice to see as sometimes it feels like writers are afraid to let their protagonists show ugly emotions.
I was curious about the constant mentions of what song was playing and I enjoyed the way they got woven into the scenes especially when we ‘listen’ to the podcast that is smattered throughout. It’s told in a completely different voice to what we’re given from Aaron and I appreciated that contrast.
My favourite scene was probably when Landon and Aaron break down each other’s barriers enough to spend time together in the summerhouse – it’s such a sweet and supportive scene. I don’t want to say too much though. (I also love their late-night date where Aaron realises that Landon is afraid of the dark – beautiful scene!)
This was a good book, and I did enjoy reading it but there were several quirks of the writer’s style that I’ve seen in some popular YA/NA novels which just don’t work for me. They clearly do work for other people though so if you’re a fan of William Hussey and Kacen Callender then you’ll probably enjoy this one!
August 9, 2025
"Each of them had carved out their own special place in his life, turning his world into something richer and more…colourful." - Aaron
"Just because someone took something from us without asking, doesn’t mean we can’t still give freely when we want to." - London
Aaron has his life all planned out when he gets caught and has to do community service with a group of strangers, who later turn out to become very important to him, his found family. He was planning to move away, but instead he had to stay for a few months to finish his community service. He ended up living with them and unexpectedly learned a lot about himself in that time. Aaron made a promise to someone, and he only saw that; he stopped thinking about himself. Aaron is grieving, and he has a lot of survivor guilt. London helped him with thinking about his own dreams.
London is such an interesting mystery. He is very sweet, and he pays attention to everyone around him. The people he cares about mean a lot to him, even if he doesn't show it in words; to other people he usually looks closed off. Aaron and London share a lot of moments together when they can't sleep. They helped each other and were there to listen. They share a lot of similarities; they are both running away from certain feelings because that seems less painful, but in reality, it was holding them back.
"They were fractured, sure, no gold filling their cracks, but that was what made them real. That was what made them beautiful."
I love that they never asked questions, that they allowed the other person to talk whenever they were ready to share that piece of themselves. This is a slow burn; the romance was not the most important part of the book; it was mostly later on and in the background. I really appreciated that! They didn't expect to find love; they found understanding and connection first, a safe person to explore with at their own pace. To heal themselves, and by doing so they unexpectedly started to heal each other. They can't change what happened to them, but they can change how they move forward and who they let in. They have a say in their future, and this friend group is a part of that future.
This book focused more on Aaron's process, while getting to know himself more, he discovered that he is demi and he started to allow himself to heal and think about what he wants and his dreams. I really love how all the characters and their feelings were portrayed and that the focus was on the character growth, Jessica is an amazing author, and I'm definitely going to follow her journey.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
"Just because someone took something from us without asking, doesn’t mean we can’t still give freely when we want to." - London
Aaron has his life all planned out when he gets caught and has to do community service with a group of strangers, who later turn out to become very important to him, his found family. He was planning to move away, but instead he had to stay for a few months to finish his community service. He ended up living with them and unexpectedly learned a lot about himself in that time. Aaron made a promise to someone, and he only saw that; he stopped thinking about himself. Aaron is grieving, and he has a lot of survivor guilt. London helped him with thinking about his own dreams.
London is such an interesting mystery. He is very sweet, and he pays attention to everyone around him. The people he cares about mean a lot to him, even if he doesn't show it in words; to other people he usually looks closed off. Aaron and London share a lot of moments together when they can't sleep. They helped each other and were there to listen. They share a lot of similarities; they are both running away from certain feelings because that seems less painful, but in reality, it was holding them back.
"They were fractured, sure, no gold filling their cracks, but that was what made them real. That was what made them beautiful."
I love that they never asked questions, that they allowed the other person to talk whenever they were ready to share that piece of themselves. This is a slow burn; the romance was not the most important part of the book; it was mostly later on and in the background. I really appreciated that! They didn't expect to find love; they found understanding and connection first, a safe person to explore with at their own pace. To heal themselves, and by doing so they unexpectedly started to heal each other. They can't change what happened to them, but they can change how they move forward and who they let in. They have a say in their future, and this friend group is a part of that future.
This book focused more on Aaron's process, while getting to know himself more, he discovered that he is demi and he started to allow himself to heal and think about what he wants and his dreams. I really love how all the characters and their feelings were portrayed and that the focus was on the character growth, Jessica is an amazing author, and I'm definitely going to follow her journey.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
November 24, 2025
2.75 ⭐
I don’t know why, but I don’t seem to vibe with this author, yet I don’t want to accept it.
To be fair, I enjoyed this novel more than her first one (which I DNFd). I thought the characters had more depth and the story was better paced and well thought. Dialogues made sense and so did the dynamics between the cast.
I also loved the asexuality aspect. I think she portrayed this reality extremely well and she created a narrative and a conversation around the spectrum that is reflective of the experience of a good part of the asexual community. It is hard to put asexuality on paper without depicting stereotypes or generalising the experience of many people, and depriving it of meaning and validity, but I think Jessica Lascar has done an amazing job.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who are looking for a good asexuality representation, as well as to those who want to understand this spectrum better but don’t really know where to start.
However - and here’s what nobody will like to hear - it felt like a slightly different version of all for the game. There were some scenes and some dialogues that felt like they were copied, pasted and slightly altered from that series and it kind of made the whole book feel like a fanfic. It lost the novelty and its original kick and it was such a shame!
Also, with English not being my first language, I could notice all the bits and bobs that the author tried to insert to make the characters sound British, maybe in the hope of giving the reader a realistic portrait of British people… and kind of failed? Some paragraphs were full of idioms and occasionally not even used in the right context. I was reading some bits out loud to my British husband and he looked so confused at times 🥲
It was not perfect, but I still enjoyed my time with it. I think the author has a lot of potential and she just needs to find her way, maybe dare and break out of her shell. I will give her another chance because I see that she has grown and I have faith in her abilities and skills, and I know she got a story somewhere that will make me change my mind completely.
I will still recommend it because I think the story wasn’t for me, but it was far from being crap. I believe someone else out there can enjoy it way more than I did, but I also will keep on recommending it because of that amazing asexuality representation because we need more of it and this author has now set a standard that might be difficult to outbest.
I don’t know why, but I don’t seem to vibe with this author, yet I don’t want to accept it.
To be fair, I enjoyed this novel more than her first one (which I DNFd). I thought the characters had more depth and the story was better paced and well thought. Dialogues made sense and so did the dynamics between the cast.
I also loved the asexuality aspect. I think she portrayed this reality extremely well and she created a narrative and a conversation around the spectrum that is reflective of the experience of a good part of the asexual community. It is hard to put asexuality on paper without depicting stereotypes or generalising the experience of many people, and depriving it of meaning and validity, but I think Jessica Lascar has done an amazing job.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who are looking for a good asexuality representation, as well as to those who want to understand this spectrum better but don’t really know where to start.
However - and here’s what nobody will like to hear - it felt like a slightly different version of all for the game. There were some scenes and some dialogues that felt like they were copied, pasted and slightly altered from that series and it kind of made the whole book feel like a fanfic. It lost the novelty and its original kick and it was such a shame!
Also, with English not being my first language, I could notice all the bits and bobs that the author tried to insert to make the characters sound British, maybe in the hope of giving the reader a realistic portrait of British people… and kind of failed? Some paragraphs were full of idioms and occasionally not even used in the right context. I was reading some bits out loud to my British husband and he looked so confused at times 🥲
It was not perfect, but I still enjoyed my time with it. I think the author has a lot of potential and she just needs to find her way, maybe dare and break out of her shell. I will give her another chance because I see that she has grown and I have faith in her abilities and skills, and I know she got a story somewhere that will make me change my mind completely.
I will still recommend it because I think the story wasn’t for me, but it was far from being crap. I believe someone else out there can enjoy it way more than I did, but I also will keep on recommending it because of that amazing asexuality representation because we need more of it and this author has now set a standard that might be difficult to outbest.
September 3, 2025
This book has the best demisexual representation I've ever seen. I don't know how many passages I've highlighted because I finally felt so seen!
It's not easy to explain what it means to be a demisexual, and I think the representation here helps a great deal. I really loved the fact that Aaron's journey is not a linear one, and he has to work through his identity and sexuality to discover himself.
This is a lovely coming-of-age story centered around self-discovery, found family, and belonging.
The two leds are not lovable characters, but that's what makes them interesting as you get to know two really flawed and closed off people that fight a big battle every day. A battle against their internal demons, and that's why they're not alaways showing their best traits, but for the people who get it this is exactly what it looks like.
I like that Aaron and Landon are both grumpy, ass**les sometimes, selfish, and still very broken . I appreaciate that there's no saviour here, just two broken souls connecting with each other, not trying to fix the other, but smothing the hard edges and learming how to keep going on even when life has been horrible to you.
I also like the fact that there's no trauma dump, but both Aaron and Landon take their time to get to know each other and it's really beatiful to read. You can feel what they're feeling along the way, starting from perfect strangers, friends, and then something more. Their intimacy is delicate, and you're not going to find any spicy scene. I found it super relatable as someone on the ace spectrum, where little gestures are more important than big ones.
There is also not grand declaration of love, and I found it endearing instead how every gesture they make toward each other is so suble and only understood by them (like the banana drawings for example! that had me in tears). A lot of times we see grand gestures in movies, but tru love is subtle.
I don't want to make spoilers, but I also loved how every song at the beginning of each chapter will find its meaning later on, and also how all the little podcast snippets are a very lovely mystery to solve... now that I know about it, I'm going to re-read them from the start!
Overall, this is a tender coming-of-age story with a touch of romance and beautiful demisexual representation
It's not easy to explain what it means to be a demisexual, and I think the representation here helps a great deal. I really loved the fact that Aaron's journey is not a linear one, and he has to work through his identity and sexuality to discover himself.
This is a lovely coming-of-age story centered around self-discovery, found family, and belonging.
The two leds are not lovable characters, but that's what makes them interesting as you get to know two really flawed and closed off people that fight a big battle every day. A battle against their internal demons, and that's why they're not alaways showing their best traits, but for the people who get it this is exactly what it looks like.
I like that Aaron and Landon are both grumpy, ass**les sometimes, selfish, and still very broken . I appreaciate that there's no saviour here, just two broken souls connecting with each other, not trying to fix the other, but smothing the hard edges and learming how to keep going on even when life has been horrible to you.
I also like the fact that there's no trauma dump, but both Aaron and Landon take their time to get to know each other and it's really beatiful to read. You can feel what they're feeling along the way, starting from perfect strangers, friends, and then something more. Their intimacy is delicate, and you're not going to find any spicy scene. I found it super relatable as someone on the ace spectrum, where little gestures are more important than big ones.
There is also not grand declaration of love, and I found it endearing instead how every gesture they make toward each other is so suble and only understood by them (like the banana drawings for example! that had me in tears). A lot of times we see grand gestures in movies, but tru love is subtle.
I don't want to make spoilers, but I also loved how every song at the beginning of each chapter will find its meaning later on, and also how all the little podcast snippets are a very lovely mystery to solve... now that I know about it, I'm going to re-read them from the start!
Overall, this is a tender coming-of-age story with a touch of romance and beautiful demisexual representation
September 9, 2025
I'm happy to be an ARC reader for this book.
I wanted to read this one explicitly because it's outside of my comfort zone for reading. Contemporary character dramas can be stressful for me because I so badly want to just do something to help the characters - clear up a misunderstanding, advocate for them, find a solution, just listen to them talk, literally anything. Which I can't. Because they're fictional characters in a book I'm reading. So I end up just stress reading and feeling helpless because I can't help the people who are hurting.
Fantasy is easier for me because, hey, I know there's nothing I can do to help fight a dragon, you know?
I write all this to say, if you're similar to me, it's okay to acknowledge we are not the intended audience for this book. Because that's what this book is going to ask us to do - sit with the emotions of the characters, knowing we can do nothing to help them feel better, and witness them as they gradually come to their own place of healing.
And, if that is what you love in a story, I do recommend it. I can see why it's had responses from all over the spectrum. There were times, particularly when meeting new characters, when I felt like I was watching the set of a carefully curated cast of characters. All of the characters felt alive to me, but they also felt like they had specific roles in Aaron's journey. The roles were varied - they definitely aren't all there to be his buddies and best supports. But it did at times feel like some of the characters knew they weren't the main characters (at least for now).
Aaron will always have a special place in my heart. Granted, it's right next to Holden Caulfield from "Catcher in the Rye." But my heart warmed to him from the first page, which just added to the stress-reading.
Ms. Lascar's writing is strong in making breathing, emotive characters in engaging settings. I also feel there's room for her to grow and I hope to follow her career as she continues to write.
In summary, I wasn't the right audience for this book, but I'm glad I gave it a chance. I think it will definitely cause a lively discussion in book clubs, and it's a herald of a growing storyteller.
I wanted to read this one explicitly because it's outside of my comfort zone for reading. Contemporary character dramas can be stressful for me because I so badly want to just do something to help the characters - clear up a misunderstanding, advocate for them, find a solution, just listen to them talk, literally anything. Which I can't. Because they're fictional characters in a book I'm reading. So I end up just stress reading and feeling helpless because I can't help the people who are hurting.
Fantasy is easier for me because, hey, I know there's nothing I can do to help fight a dragon, you know?
I write all this to say, if you're similar to me, it's okay to acknowledge we are not the intended audience for this book. Because that's what this book is going to ask us to do - sit with the emotions of the characters, knowing we can do nothing to help them feel better, and witness them as they gradually come to their own place of healing.
And, if that is what you love in a story, I do recommend it. I can see why it's had responses from all over the spectrum. There were times, particularly when meeting new characters, when I felt like I was watching the set of a carefully curated cast of characters. All of the characters felt alive to me, but they also felt like they had specific roles in Aaron's journey. The roles were varied - they definitely aren't all there to be his buddies and best supports. But it did at times feel like some of the characters knew they weren't the main characters (at least for now).
Aaron will always have a special place in my heart. Granted, it's right next to Holden Caulfield from "Catcher in the Rye." But my heart warmed to him from the first page, which just added to the stress-reading.
Ms. Lascar's writing is strong in making breathing, emotive characters in engaging settings. I also feel there's room for her to grow and I hope to follow her career as she continues to write.
In summary, I wasn't the right audience for this book, but I'm glad I gave it a chance. I think it will definitely cause a lively discussion in book clubs, and it's a herald of a growing storyteller.
September 5, 2025
non è un libro terribile, ma tante cose secondo me andrebbero aggiustate.
i personaggi secondari li ho percepiti stereotipati e piatti. i protagonisti hanno così tanti traumi passati che non sanno neanche come comportarsi: passano dall'essere degli stronzi colossali, a comportarsi come le migliori persone sulla Terra (e posso anche capirlo come atteggiamento, ma a volte mi è sembrato davvero forzato).
inoltre ci sono stati dei dettagli sbagliati, forse piccoli e sono io troppo puntigliosa, che si sarebbero potuti risolvere se l'autrice avesse fatto qualche ricerca in più:
- asessualità ≠ sex repulsed. essere asessuali significa non provare attrazione sessuale, ma NON PER FORZA vuol dire ripudiare il sesso. al contrario, molte persone ace provano comunque piacere nel farlo, per esempio con lx partner.
- il ciliegio con una malattia fungina... innanzitutto se era così importante, essendo commemorativo, perché non è stato chiamato un agronomo che avrebbe potuto individuare subito il problema? o chiamarlo nel momento in cui Landon ha capito di cosa si trattasse? le malattie degli alberi sarebbero meglio le curassero degli esperti, e non dei teenager da poco adulti che potano rami senza avere la minima conoscenza in materia. per non parlare del fatto che l'albero sarebbe bello che andato visto che doveva aspettare sempre una settimana per le prossime cure. (di sta roba probabilmente mi sarò accorta solo io, sono gli effetti collaterali dell'aver fatto l'agrario alle superiori).
- il processo alla fine. ora l'inglese non è la mia prima lingua e sono ancora nuova alla lettura in originale, quindi forse potrei essermi persa qualche indicazione temporale, ma risolvono tutto sto casino in UN GIORNO? un giorno solo di processo?
- come cazzo ha fatto Aaron a non rendersi conto che i drink non erano alcolici? e non ditemi "si è fatto suggestionare" perché non ci credo. se non sei abituato a bere l'alcol ti sale subito, se sei abituato ti rendi conto che ciò che bevi non ha dell'alcol.
vabbè. Nyle che la mattina del processo contro un tizio che ha fatto abusi sessuali dice ad Aaron e Landon (persona che ha subito SA) se vogliono consigli su sesso perché per lui la sera prima sono durati poco... 🤡
almeno devo dire che la rappresentazione del lutto è resa bene ed è credibile, così come ciò che prova Landon su tutta la questione dell'abuso.
ciò che mi ha anche fatto alzare la valutazione è che è estremamente scorrevole.
i personaggi secondari li ho percepiti stereotipati e piatti. i protagonisti hanno così tanti traumi passati che non sanno neanche come comportarsi: passano dall'essere degli stronzi colossali, a comportarsi come le migliori persone sulla Terra (e posso anche capirlo come atteggiamento, ma a volte mi è sembrato davvero forzato).
inoltre ci sono stati dei dettagli sbagliati, forse piccoli e sono io troppo puntigliosa, che si sarebbero potuti risolvere se l'autrice avesse fatto qualche ricerca in più:
- asessualità ≠ sex repulsed. essere asessuali significa non provare attrazione sessuale, ma NON PER FORZA vuol dire ripudiare il sesso. al contrario, molte persone ace provano comunque piacere nel farlo, per esempio con lx partner.
- il ciliegio con una malattia fungina... innanzitutto se era così importante, essendo commemorativo, perché non è stato chiamato un agronomo che avrebbe potuto individuare subito il problema? o chiamarlo nel momento in cui Landon ha capito di cosa si trattasse? le malattie degli alberi sarebbero meglio le curassero degli esperti, e non dei teenager da poco adulti che potano rami senza avere la minima conoscenza in materia. per non parlare del fatto che l'albero sarebbe bello che andato visto che doveva aspettare sempre una settimana per le prossime cure. (di sta roba probabilmente mi sarò accorta solo io, sono gli effetti collaterali dell'aver fatto l'agrario alle superiori).
- il processo alla fine. ora l'inglese non è la mia prima lingua e sono ancora nuova alla lettura in originale, quindi forse potrei essermi persa qualche indicazione temporale, ma risolvono tutto sto casino in UN GIORNO? un giorno solo di processo?
- come cazzo ha fatto Aaron a non rendersi conto che i drink non erano alcolici? e non ditemi "si è fatto suggestionare" perché non ci credo. se non sei abituato a bere l'alcol ti sale subito, se sei abituato ti rendi conto che ciò che bevi non ha dell'alcol.
vabbè. Nyle che la mattina del processo contro un tizio che ha fatto abusi sessuali dice ad Aaron e Landon (persona che ha subito SA) se vogliono consigli su sesso perché per lui la sera prima sono durati poco... 🤡
almeno devo dire che la rappresentazione del lutto è resa bene ed è credibile, così come ciò che prova Landon su tutta la questione dell'abuso.
ciò che mi ha anche fatto alzare la valutazione è che è estremamente scorrevole.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2025
Okay, okay! Loved this! Some highlights for me:
✨ The characters! Y’all know I gravitate toward character-driven stories, and the dynamics between Aaron and Landon and Nyle and Maeve and Ria and all were just… so lovely. So rough. So hard. So healing. A cast of broken new adults trying to find their place in the world (and with each other) by finding themselves first.
✨ The demisexual rep! I love aspec discovery stories, and the way Aaron learns about his leanings through both direct conversations on sexuality (from characters that Get It™️, and some that *really* don’t 🫣) and simply feeling it out for himself was lovely. His emotional spiral when he realizes “oh snap! this is more than friend-attraction!” for the first time was REAL.
✨ All the little ways Landon sees Aaron.
✨ All the little ways Aaron values Landon.
✨ Ria’s tough-love moments!! (THANK YOU FOR HELPING THESE BOYS FIGURE IT OUT. THEY WERE KILLING ME.)
✨ The overall tone and pacing of the book. It was a slow-burn… without feeling slow. (Is that a thing?) While dealing with lots of heavy topics — grief in various forms, past abuse, sexuality discovery, etc. — there’s an undercurrent of hope and curiosity to the narrative that keeps the flow going.
This book definitely gives A Series of Rooms by A.J. Barlowe vibes, with a dash of Andrew/Neil (from AFTG) tension! 👀
✨ All the moments of Aaron’s lament in his survivor’s guilt as part of the grief. (And both his aunt and Landon’s dual understanding and comfort through that.)
✨ Landon and Aaron’s friendship-to-romance relationship just felt SO natural and genuine. That was the core of the book and for good reason!
__
**SPOILER BELOW**
I don’t know that I needed the specifics within the courtroom — almost felt invasive being in that moment with Landon? but maybe that’s the Point, too — and I kind of wish we had more closure on the Australia logistics side (maybe a quick conversation or at least a glimpse at grieving with Tori’s boyfriend?), but neither took away from the book for me!
Still absolutely loved this one. 💜
✨ The characters! Y’all know I gravitate toward character-driven stories, and the dynamics between Aaron and Landon and Nyle and Maeve and Ria and all were just… so lovely. So rough. So hard. So healing. A cast of broken new adults trying to find their place in the world (and with each other) by finding themselves first.
✨ The demisexual rep! I love aspec discovery stories, and the way Aaron learns about his leanings through both direct conversations on sexuality (from characters that Get It™️, and some that *really* don’t 🫣) and simply feeling it out for himself was lovely. His emotional spiral when he realizes “oh snap! this is more than friend-attraction!” for the first time was REAL.
✨ All the little ways Landon sees Aaron.
✨ All the little ways Aaron values Landon.
✨ Ria’s tough-love moments!! (THANK YOU FOR HELPING THESE BOYS FIGURE IT OUT. THEY WERE KILLING ME.)
✨ The overall tone and pacing of the book. It was a slow-burn… without feeling slow. (Is that a thing?) While dealing with lots of heavy topics — grief in various forms, past abuse, sexuality discovery, etc. — there’s an undercurrent of hope and curiosity to the narrative that keeps the flow going.
This book definitely gives A Series of Rooms by A.J. Barlowe vibes, with a dash of Andrew/Neil (from AFTG) tension! 👀
✨ All the moments of Aaron’s lament in his survivor’s guilt as part of the grief. (And both his aunt and Landon’s dual understanding and comfort through that.)
✨ Landon and Aaron’s friendship-to-romance relationship just felt SO natural and genuine. That was the core of the book and for good reason!
__
**SPOILER BELOW**
I don’t know that I needed the specifics within the courtroom — almost felt invasive being in that moment with Landon? but maybe that’s the Point, too — and I kind of wish we had more closure on the Australia logistics side (maybe a quick conversation or at least a glimpse at grieving with Tori’s boyfriend?), but neither took away from the book for me!
Still absolutely loved this one. 💜
July 16, 2025
Thanks Jessica Lascar for the eARC, in exchange for an honest review. I adored this book!!! Aaron has just been moving through the day to day ever since the accident and he lost her. But he made a promise and he’s finally going to fulfill that, he’s moving to Australia and going to be working at a wildlife preserve. It’s everything is sister wanted to do and now he’ll do it for her. That is until he’s caught with weed at a party, that’s not even his. Now he’s stuck in London, couch surfing, until his community service is completed. Joining him is an odd group of people that Aaron coins the misfits. This includes Landon, who the rest of the group deems a “Psycho” and tells him to stay away from him. But there’s something about Landon. They initially dislike one another then slowly become friends. But Aaron is drawn to him like he’s never been drawn to someone before. When it comes to sex Aaron has never had any need for it or gotten any satisfaction from it. It’s basically what it is. But Landon ignites him like no one ever has. They both have their own trauma that they are dealing with and Aaron is leaving for Australia as soon as he can. But the way he feels for Landon is something he’s never felt before. Things get more complicated when Landon’s past comes in. Are these two headed towards something? Or will their grief and trauma come between them? I am really beginning to love these rom-com-traum stories! The feelings and emotions are so deep that it really hits you in the feels! A beautiful story of love, sexual identity, grief, trauma, and working towards healing! A very quick ready that Is unputdownable! Highly recommend checking this one out!
August 26, 2025
This is a queer coming-of-age story with romance—not a romance about queerness.
It’s an emotional and insightful exploration of that moment in a New Adult’s life when everything is thrown out of focus—when the plan you thought you had no longer fits, and the world feels unrecognizable.
Aaron is facing all this and more. After surviving the car crash that took his family, he’s living with his aunt—a woman whose intuitive support and understanding of grief and guilt provide a quiet, powerful foundation. I had tears in my eyes when I learned the origin of the pendant Aaron wears every day. The symbolism behind it tore my heart out. That’s the kind of care and detail Jessica Lascar brings to We May Be Fractured.
Aaron’s choice to spend his gap year working at a wildlife park in Australia speaks volumes about his soul. But socially and romantically, he’s unmoored. After missing his flight due to a party mishap, he begins a journey of self-discovery. Meeting Landon becomes a turning point—not just in romance, but in identity.
Lascar’s writing is direct, immediate, emotional, and real. This book doesn’t just read—it feels. Watching Aaron navigate community service, his shifting friendship with Griff, and his work on the Cherry Tree reveals the soul of a young man learning to live again.
But it’s Aaron’s discovery of his romantic and sexual orientation that truly shines. Readers will cheer him on as he learns to celebrate himself, feel safe and seen, and find someone who cherishes him. His aunt began that process—but only Aaron can finish it.
A beautiful, soul-gripping debut.
PS. This book belongs on more than just an LGBTQ+ shelf. Its value lies in how clearly, directly, and transparently it opens a window into the wonderings, emotions, confusion, and fears of someone trying to paint a picture of who they are. It’s a powerful read for anyone working with New Adults—educators, counselors, mentors—because it invites you into a character’s world that feels all too real. This isn’t just a story about identity; it’s a story about the emotional labor of becoming.
#WeMayBeFractured by Jessica Lascar is a poignant New Adult novel that explores growing up, grief, identity, and queer self-discovery through the emotionally raw journey of Aaron, a young man rebuilding his life after tragedy. This story blends themes of healing, romantic awakening, and chosen family. Perfect for readers seeking LGBTQ+ representation, emotionally intelligent storytelling, and character-driven narratives that center vulnerability, growth, and resilience. #SueShelfLGBTQ #RedReviews4You #QueerLit #NewAdultBooks #GriefHealing #OwnVoices #Bookstagram #IdentityJourney #EmotionalReads #GapYearFiction
It’s an emotional and insightful exploration of that moment in a New Adult’s life when everything is thrown out of focus—when the plan you thought you had no longer fits, and the world feels unrecognizable.
Aaron is facing all this and more. After surviving the car crash that took his family, he’s living with his aunt—a woman whose intuitive support and understanding of grief and guilt provide a quiet, powerful foundation. I had tears in my eyes when I learned the origin of the pendant Aaron wears every day. The symbolism behind it tore my heart out. That’s the kind of care and detail Jessica Lascar brings to We May Be Fractured.
Aaron’s choice to spend his gap year working at a wildlife park in Australia speaks volumes about his soul. But socially and romantically, he’s unmoored. After missing his flight due to a party mishap, he begins a journey of self-discovery. Meeting Landon becomes a turning point—not just in romance, but in identity.
Lascar’s writing is direct, immediate, emotional, and real. This book doesn’t just read—it feels. Watching Aaron navigate community service, his shifting friendship with Griff, and his work on the Cherry Tree reveals the soul of a young man learning to live again.
But it’s Aaron’s discovery of his romantic and sexual orientation that truly shines. Readers will cheer him on as he learns to celebrate himself, feel safe and seen, and find someone who cherishes him. His aunt began that process—but only Aaron can finish it.
A beautiful, soul-gripping debut.
PS. This book belongs on more than just an LGBTQ+ shelf. Its value lies in how clearly, directly, and transparently it opens a window into the wonderings, emotions, confusion, and fears of someone trying to paint a picture of who they are. It’s a powerful read for anyone working with New Adults—educators, counselors, mentors—because it invites you into a character’s world that feels all too real. This isn’t just a story about identity; it’s a story about the emotional labor of becoming.
#WeMayBeFractured by Jessica Lascar is a poignant New Adult novel that explores growing up, grief, identity, and queer self-discovery through the emotionally raw journey of Aaron, a young man rebuilding his life after tragedy. This story blends themes of healing, romantic awakening, and chosen family. Perfect for readers seeking LGBTQ+ representation, emotionally intelligent storytelling, and character-driven narratives that center vulnerability, growth, and resilience. #SueShelfLGBTQ #RedReviews4You #QueerLit #NewAdultBooks #GriefHealing #OwnVoices #Bookstagram #IdentityJourney #EmotionalReads #GapYearFiction
August 9, 2025
3.75 Stars
This was a lot. A lot happened in the 400 pages of this book.
I'll start by saying that I didn't care for Aaron or Landon at the beginning. I found Aaron to be absolutely insufferable and Landon to be pretentious. They both had a lot of growing and changing to do and I think by the end of this, they did that enough that both characters were relatable and charming.
The story itself was beautiful. Navigating life after such personal tragedy, having to find yourself while holding onto so much guilt and grief, and being yourself no matter what. There were parts of this book I found to be really heart warming and other parts I found to be heart wrenching. I'm not even going to kind of lie, I was absolutely holding my breath for most of chapter 33.
The sense of found family bonds mixed with healing blood family bonds and a relationship that meshed well with everything going on made this book stand out.
Make sure you check the trigger warnings for this before reading!
This was a lot. A lot happened in the 400 pages of this book.
I'll start by saying that I didn't care for Aaron or Landon at the beginning. I found Aaron to be absolutely insufferable and Landon to be pretentious. They both had a lot of growing and changing to do and I think by the end of this, they did that enough that both characters were relatable and charming.
The story itself was beautiful. Navigating life after such personal tragedy, having to find yourself while holding onto so much guilt and grief, and being yourself no matter what. There were parts of this book I found to be really heart warming and other parts I found to be heart wrenching. I'm not even going to kind of lie, I was absolutely holding my breath for most of chapter 33.
The sense of found family bonds mixed with healing blood family bonds and a relationship that meshed well with everything going on made this book stand out.
Make sure you check the trigger warnings for this before reading!
August 24, 2025
4.5⭐
Thank you Jessica Lascar, NineStar Press and Coloured Pages Book Tour for the ARC.
𝐖𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 is a Queer coming-of-age novel, with a touch of romance that explores the complexities of love, identity, grief, and the true meaning of home.
Aaron had the rest of his life planned out before he was arrested and sentenced to carry out four months of community service with a group of strangers — who turned out to be future found family. This novel is close to my heart because of the emotions I felt while reading this book. I related to each character for different reasons and quirks, which made this reading experience so much enjoyable.
𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 didn't plan on staying back. He planned to flee to Australia, hoping to honour his late sister’s dream. He had everything planned out — except being arrested and sentenced to community service. He is a survivor who is grieving too hard and alone, while also dealing with survival guilt and existential crisis. He's unsure of his sexuality and dealing with all his trauma was destroying him. Reading about him overcoming everything and falling in love with himself was such a rewarding journey. He's very respectful, to his boundaries and anyone else's.
𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧 was such a mysterious character. He's always seen as the dark and dangerous criminal that no one should mess with but he's secretly a very sweet guy who has a tough exterior. He's not the conventional family member someone would ask for but he makes an effort for everything, and would do anything for them — even if his methods are unconventional. His affection isn't always shown in words but rather his actions and behaviour.
Their relationship was built from hate to yearning to love. They're both struggling and hurting and then falling in love with each other and helping each other heal and move on was beautiful to read about. Their love is sensual and assuring, a security to them. They listened to each other and were always there for each other. Their romance was slowburn and a subplot which played a very important role in framing the entire book.
There are so many themes covered in this book, from grief, abuse, color blindness, sexuality, identity, existence, friendship and love all throughout the book. There are other heavier topics discussed which made my heart hurt so much by the end.
If you love a found family, diverse representation and existence explored in a book, this is the perfect New Adult book to read!
Thank you Jessica Lascar, NineStar Press and Coloured Pages Book Tour for the ARC.
𝐖𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 is a Queer coming-of-age novel, with a touch of romance that explores the complexities of love, identity, grief, and the true meaning of home.
Aaron had the rest of his life planned out before he was arrested and sentenced to carry out four months of community service with a group of strangers — who turned out to be future found family. This novel is close to my heart because of the emotions I felt while reading this book. I related to each character for different reasons and quirks, which made this reading experience so much enjoyable.
𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 didn't plan on staying back. He planned to flee to Australia, hoping to honour his late sister’s dream. He had everything planned out — except being arrested and sentenced to community service. He is a survivor who is grieving too hard and alone, while also dealing with survival guilt and existential crisis. He's unsure of his sexuality and dealing with all his trauma was destroying him. Reading about him overcoming everything and falling in love with himself was such a rewarding journey. He's very respectful, to his boundaries and anyone else's.
𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧 was such a mysterious character. He's always seen as the dark and dangerous criminal that no one should mess with but he's secretly a very sweet guy who has a tough exterior. He's not the conventional family member someone would ask for but he makes an effort for everything, and would do anything for them — even if his methods are unconventional. His affection isn't always shown in words but rather his actions and behaviour.
Their relationship was built from hate to yearning to love. They're both struggling and hurting and then falling in love with each other and helping each other heal and move on was beautiful to read about. Their love is sensual and assuring, a security to them. They listened to each other and were always there for each other. Their romance was slowburn and a subplot which played a very important role in framing the entire book.
There are so many themes covered in this book, from grief, abuse, color blindness, sexuality, identity, existence, friendship and love all throughout the book. There are other heavier topics discussed which made my heart hurt so much by the end.
If you love a found family, diverse representation and existence explored in a book, this is the perfect New Adult book to read!
August 12, 2025
Your honour, I love them. I love these broken boys so much. They are everything!
No proper review from me. I just want to sit in my feelings for as long as I can without being analytical about what I think of the book. Just know that I stayed up past 3am to finish the book because I simply could not stop. May have even shed some tears at some point. So much heart tugging that I physically ache for them. Ugh
Signed up for the ace rep, stayed for the found/chosen family, the journey of navigating grief and survivor’s guilt, and the slow burn vibes without sacrificing pacing. Thank you Jessica for this beautiful story about Aaron and Landon 💕
No proper review from me. I just want to sit in my feelings for as long as I can without being analytical about what I think of the book. Just know that I stayed up past 3am to finish the book because I simply could not stop. May have even shed some tears at some point. So much heart tugging that I physically ache for them. Ugh
Signed up for the ace rep, stayed for the found/chosen family, the journey of navigating grief and survivor’s guilt, and the slow burn vibes without sacrificing pacing. Thank you Jessica for this beautiful story about Aaron and Landon 💕
July 15, 2025
This novel is very close to my heart. It’s taken three years of living with these characters, pushing through doubt, rejection, and rounds of re-writing. Now that it’s finally here, it’s no longer just mine. It’s yours too.
Please read the content warnings carefully, as the story explores some sensitive themes.
But at its core, this book is a love letter to resilience, and to every queer kid still searching, still healing, still wondering if there’s a place for them. I hope this story finds you, wraps around you like a blanket, and reminds you: you are not alone.
Please read the content warnings carefully, as the story explores some sensitive themes.
But at its core, this book is a love letter to resilience, and to every queer kid still searching, still healing, still wondering if there’s a place for them. I hope this story finds you, wraps around you like a blanket, and reminds you: you are not alone.
August 12, 2025
4.5 stars. A very touching double hurt/comfort featuring two young men struggling to survive after very traumatic pasts. Both try to cope very differently and fairly unsuccessfully, but being able to actually see the other when no one else could was quite beautiful. Most of the story is written in the POV of Aaron, which did work well. The other characters were a great group and a wonderful potential found family. Excellent debut novel.
August 20, 2025
A beautiful, queer story - I really enjoyed the way asexuality was portrayed in this book. This is a great "found family" type story, and I think fans of All for the Game will also really like this, it has familar vibes to that series - a very raw story filled with emotion, and encorporating songs into each chapter was really nice too.
August 29, 2025
i was waiting for this book to come out, and even though the story was not about what i thought it would be, it totally lived up to my expectations and wonderfully showed what trauma can do to an adolescent.
November 6, 2025
Ich liebe dieses Buch so sehr, es ist ein Buch was mich tief berührt hatt. Es war sehr fesselnd eine achterbahnfahrt an Emotionen, ich habe mich selten so verstanden in einem Buch gefühlt.🥰🏳️🌈
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