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Spotlight New Adult #2
Fallen Again
It's too easy to fall in love with Jake. Don't do it.
Despite living in two different countries, Lindsay Kresta and Jake Berkeley have loved each other as friends since their senior year in college. She’s his emergency contact, his "zombie apocalypse buddy," and his holiday dinner companion.
But now that he’s known as Jacob Berkeley, star of a wildly successful TV show, he shows up with big news days before her big work conference. He wants to save forests again, work in environmental research…and he wants her.
Don't fall in love with Jake. Easier said than done.
This title was previously published as Never Just Friends.
This is a Standalone Romance with No Cliffhanger.
Despite living in two different countries, Lindsay Kresta and Jake Berkeley have loved each other as friends since their senior year in college. She’s his emergency contact, his "zombie apocalypse buddy," and his holiday dinner companion.
But now that he’s known as Jacob Berkeley, star of a wildly successful TV show, he shows up with big news days before her big work conference. He wants to save forests again, work in environmental research…and he wants her.
Don't fall in love with Jake. Easier said than done.
This title was previously published as Never Just Friends.
This is a Standalone Romance with No Cliffhanger.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2014
About the author
Mina V. Esguerra
47 books600 followersMina V. Esguerra writes contemporary romance and young adult novellas. She has a bachelor's degree in Communication and a master's degree in Development Communication, put to good use in her work as trainer and content management consultant. Mina lives in Metro Manila, Philippines, with her husband and daughter.
She finds inspiration in the lives and experiences of other people, so the answer to "Is this story based on you?" is always, always "No."
She finds inspiration in the lives and experiences of other people, so the answer to "Is this story based on you?" is always, always "No."
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 25, 2018
"But he wasn’t her best friend, no. That would be crazy. Calling him that would let them fall into that awful cliché, and list them among the dozens, if not hundreds or thousands, of platonic male-female “best friends” out there who were really just waiting for the other to wake up and smell the love already."
This was a short, sweet and light read. As expected with Mina V. Esguerra.
I remember so much high school days, when I think of her, Ms. Mina. She was the author of a lot of many novels I have loved from Summit Books/Summit Media. These books were the first English books written by Filipino authors that I was exposed to and had to save up my allowance to get.
So there's always a bittersweet feeling when you come back to them.
Anyway, I am happy that I decided finally to read this. It's a lot shorter than what I usually read, a whole lot lighter than what I normally like, but sometimes you just need something feel-good, you know?
I love the way her main characters were written. Jacob and Lindsay were very direct with what they want. Lindsay may have been a bit doubtful or with a slower catch up, but it was all well in the end.
This book was a perfect amount of fluff and hot stuff, so that's good, too. Who knew that I'd learn a lot about international enviromental programs? Good bonus.
Will read a lot of her newer stuff. This was a really good one. 💕
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌻 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Hero:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Heroine:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Romance:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Pacing:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Ending:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Page Turner:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐
☁ FINAL VERDICT : 4/5 // ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ☁
April 6, 2016
The second book in the Addison Hill, “Fallen Again” feature best friends’ Lindsay and Jake. He’s a reality star of a successful, adventurous, mystery show. Hot, sensible, a darling dressed like a daydream. While, Lindsay is the business-oriented heroine who happens to be his zombie-apocalypse buddy. They try so hard to keep their friendship as platonic as they could be, but some things are completely inevitable.
When authors repetitively bait their readers with the same gray tropes, it gets exhausting easily. One of the things I noticed about this series, Esguerra doesn’t suspend the “get together” of her characters. I like how that is not the focal stress. You could actually experience the characters rehashing their history and making new memories together. You get to see them in a relationship rather than the whole I-am-chasing-you spiels without the character buildup.
In addition, I genuinely enjoyed the nerdy quips of Lindsay and Jake. Zombies and apocalypse? Sounds, like The Walking Dead relationship goals.
My wrap-up review for Addison Hill is also posted at Hollywood News Source.
When authors repetitively bait their readers with the same gray tropes, it gets exhausting easily. One of the things I noticed about this series, Esguerra doesn’t suspend the “get together” of her characters. I like how that is not the focal stress. You could actually experience the characters rehashing their history and making new memories together. You get to see them in a relationship rather than the whole I-am-chasing-you spiels without the character buildup.
In addition, I genuinely enjoyed the nerdy quips of Lindsay and Jake. Zombies and apocalypse? Sounds, like The Walking Dead relationship goals.
My wrap-up review for Addison Hill is also posted at Hollywood News Source.
April 4, 2017
3.5 stars
Super quick read, super adorable but I want moooooooore. I loved Lindsay and Jake, their relationship was adorable and I really truly just NEED MORE.
Super quick read, super adorable but I want moooooooore. I loved Lindsay and Jake, their relationship was adorable and I really truly just NEED MORE.
February 9, 2015
Blurb:
"It's too easy to fall in love with Jake. Don't do it.
Lindsay and Jake have loved each other (as friends) since their senior year in college, and she made sure they didn’t become more than that. The guy now known as Jacob Berkeley, star of a wildly successful TV show, was always too much for her. Too handsome, too many questionable hookups, too restless. Also sensitive, fun, and genuinely caring. She's his emergency contact, his "zombie apocalypse buddy," his holiday dinner companion.
They've kept up this low-maintenance friendship for years, surviving graduation, their new careers, her move to New York City to work as an environment consultant. But then, days before a big climate change conference, he shows up, with big news. Jake wants to pick up what he never managed to finish in college. He wants to save forests again, work in environmental research - and he wants her.
Don't fall in love with Jake...Why again?"
REVIEW:
This is my first attempt ever to write a book review. So pardon me if I won't get it right. I already have too many pending reviews to be done which I owe to Ms. Mina (I can't seem to get myself read her books and post a review asap because of work and stuff but I intend to make it up to her. Hi Ms. Mina!! Hehee) So here goes...
I have read almost all of Ms. Mina's books; from her Chic Manila Series to the Interim Goddess of Love trilogy to the Spotlight Series and her Anthology contributions. She was also the one who introduced other awesome indie Filipina writers to me and I am really glad she did. She's also one of the most accommodating and kind (beautiful, as well) author I know.
Okay, so back to Lindsay and Jake's story..
By reading the blurb written above (or at the back of the book, if you have the paperback copy) you may think that their story is a cliche one, a story of two best friends who have feelings for each other but were afraid to confess because they are scared that by doing that it will ruin their relationship, then your in for a surprise.
What I love about Lindsay and Jake is that they are straight-forward and were not afraid of saying what they feel for each other and that they are very open-minded of things happening around them.
I also love how Ms. Mina didn't use cliche problems like either of the two main characters having a girlfriend/boyfriend when they realized they like each other and such.
This story is under the category of Spotlight series, together with The Harder We Fall (Daria and Nicholas!!!!!!) and Playing Autumn (Haley and Oliver!!!!!!) which I also have a copy and will post a review of each, one of these days. These stories are more mature than her previous stories, but still awesome anyway.
Guide Questions for Book Club Discussions
I don't have a book club so I decided to answer the guide questions in the book here...
1. What's keeping you (or what kept you) from pursuing a romantic relationship with a friend?
I think the fear of ruining what we already have is one thing that kept me from pursuing a romantic relationship with a friend. The awesome adventures together, those late-night calls just to annoy the other and those pig-out sessions? Those were the things that I am afraid of losing once I dove in a romantic relationship with a friend and if it fails.
2. What's your opinion on people who have casual relationships(or non relationships)?
People in our generation now are more open-minded of the things happening around us than those of the people from our parent's generation. I think it's just okay to have a casual relationships(or non-relationships) as long as its consensual and they are responsible enough to know what they're getting themselves into.
3. Who would be your "zombie apocalypse buddy" and what qualities does that person have?
This one is a very hard question. I don't want to choose just one buddy because if we were the only two, it would be very boring. So, I think I'll choose Team Dirty ( I swear, the reason behind the name is not as dirty as what you think lol) as my zombie apocalypse buddies. I chose them because there is no dull moment whenever I have them around. I think we can survive because we all know we have each other's back no matter what.
4. What circumstances would lead you to reconsider a relationship with someone you had already "given up on"?
Umm.. This I'm not sure how to answer. Right now, I don't think reconsidering a relationship with someone I already have given up on is possible because I believe that its not healthy for someone to go back to something that they already have left behind.
5. If sudden events made you reevaluate your life, what would you change?
Maybe there are things that I would want to change but I would not because I think that all those decisions helped me be who I am today. (It may sound cliched but it's true)
"It's too easy to fall in love with Jake. Don't do it.
Lindsay and Jake have loved each other (as friends) since their senior year in college, and she made sure they didn’t become more than that. The guy now known as Jacob Berkeley, star of a wildly successful TV show, was always too much for her. Too handsome, too many questionable hookups, too restless. Also sensitive, fun, and genuinely caring. She's his emergency contact, his "zombie apocalypse buddy," his holiday dinner companion.
They've kept up this low-maintenance friendship for years, surviving graduation, their new careers, her move to New York City to work as an environment consultant. But then, days before a big climate change conference, he shows up, with big news. Jake wants to pick up what he never managed to finish in college. He wants to save forests again, work in environmental research - and he wants her.
Don't fall in love with Jake...Why again?"
REVIEW:
This is my first attempt ever to write a book review. So pardon me if I won't get it right. I already have too many pending reviews to be done which I owe to Ms. Mina (I can't seem to get myself read her books and post a review asap because of work and stuff but I intend to make it up to her. Hi Ms. Mina!! Hehee) So here goes...
I have read almost all of Ms. Mina's books; from her Chic Manila Series to the Interim Goddess of Love trilogy to the Spotlight Series and her Anthology contributions. She was also the one who introduced other awesome indie Filipina writers to me and I am really glad she did. She's also one of the most accommodating and kind (beautiful, as well) author I know.
Okay, so back to Lindsay and Jake's story..
By reading the blurb written above (or at the back of the book, if you have the paperback copy) you may think that their story is a cliche one, a story of two best friends who have feelings for each other but were afraid to confess because they are scared that by doing that it will ruin their relationship, then your in for a surprise.
What I love about Lindsay and Jake is that they are straight-forward and were not afraid of saying what they feel for each other and that they are very open-minded of things happening around them.
I also love how Ms. Mina didn't use cliche problems like either of the two main characters having a girlfriend/boyfriend when they realized they like each other and such.
This story is under the category of Spotlight series, together with The Harder We Fall (Daria and Nicholas!!!!!!) and Playing Autumn (Haley and Oliver!!!!!!) which I also have a copy and will post a review of each, one of these days. These stories are more mature than her previous stories, but still awesome anyway.
Guide Questions for Book Club Discussions
I don't have a book club so I decided to answer the guide questions in the book here...
1. What's keeping you (or what kept you) from pursuing a romantic relationship with a friend?
I think the fear of ruining what we already have is one thing that kept me from pursuing a romantic relationship with a friend. The awesome adventures together, those late-night calls just to annoy the other and those pig-out sessions? Those were the things that I am afraid of losing once I dove in a romantic relationship with a friend and if it fails.
2. What's your opinion on people who have casual relationships(or non relationships)?
People in our generation now are more open-minded of the things happening around us than those of the people from our parent's generation. I think it's just okay to have a casual relationships(or non-relationships) as long as its consensual and they are responsible enough to know what they're getting themselves into.
3. Who would be your "zombie apocalypse buddy" and what qualities does that person have?
This one is a very hard question. I don't want to choose just one buddy because if we were the only two, it would be very boring. So, I think I'll choose Team Dirty ( I swear, the reason behind the name is not as dirty as what you think lol) as my zombie apocalypse buddies. I chose them because there is no dull moment whenever I have them around. I think we can survive because we all know we have each other's back no matter what.
4. What circumstances would lead you to reconsider a relationship with someone you had already "given up on"?
Umm.. This I'm not sure how to answer. Right now, I don't think reconsidering a relationship with someone I already have given up on is possible because I believe that its not healthy for someone to go back to something that they already have left behind.
5. If sudden events made you reevaluate your life, what would you change?
Maybe there are things that I would want to change but I would not because I think that all those decisions helped me be who I am today. (It may sound cliched but it's true)
October 22, 2015
* Originally published on book blog WillReadforFeels.com.
* I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I never thought I'd find a book by author Mina V. Esguerra that I liked better than Fairy Tale Fail, but as far as faves go, it looks like there’s a new champ in town. Never Just Friends features a hot actor who’s made it big with a hit TV show and the environmental development worker who’s been his best friend since before he dropped out of college in pursuit of bright lights. But, yes, my Ellie-and-Lucas fandom has now been replaced by a squeal-filled Lindsay-and-Jake love.
I’d had this book on my TBR list for quite some time, but the author’s print book launch shot it to the top of my priorities. And boy was I glad. Because the fun factor of this book is through the roof.
Never mind the too-cute-to-handle moments between Lindsay and Jake, and ignore the fact that sexy environmentalist actors are so many levels of swoon-worthy, you’d need to stack mattresses up above our heads. I just loved the little details like the zombie apocalypse banter and the way the author just totally flung herself headlong into creating a TV show from scratch. I would love to read books based on Jake’s fictional show, Rage Eternal.
Going back to business, though, I found Lindsay a believably insecure yet very driven and focused character. In fact, the combination of her drive and relentlessness offers a great contrast to her marked vulnerability, at least as far as Jake is concerned, and it’s something that just plain works.
Plus, I enjoyed seeing more through the love interest’s eyes in this book than I usually expect in an MVE novel. It only served to underscore Jake’s swoon-worthy commitment to pursuing a chance at love with Lindsay, not to mention that it helped us see that, as charming and delicious Jake might appear on the outside, inside he’s an adorable dork (or geek, if you prefer), making him all the more perfect for the main character.
Like Esguerra’s more recent books (and markedly unlike her older titles), this book does contain sex scenes but I found that these worked because the author manged to infuse these raunchy scenes with humor and levity, so uniquely so that I’d say the “Minaness” of the novel remained intact.
I sped through this read in three hours or less, and I found I still had the squealies over it the next day, which is always a good sign when it comes to romance.
* I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I never thought I'd find a book by author Mina V. Esguerra that I liked better than Fairy Tale Fail, but as far as faves go, it looks like there’s a new champ in town. Never Just Friends features a hot actor who’s made it big with a hit TV show and the environmental development worker who’s been his best friend since before he dropped out of college in pursuit of bright lights. But, yes, my Ellie-and-Lucas fandom has now been replaced by a squeal-filled Lindsay-and-Jake love.
I’d had this book on my TBR list for quite some time, but the author’s print book launch shot it to the top of my priorities. And boy was I glad. Because the fun factor of this book is through the roof.
Never mind the too-cute-to-handle moments between Lindsay and Jake, and ignore the fact that sexy environmentalist actors are so many levels of swoon-worthy, you’d need to stack mattresses up above our heads. I just loved the little details like the zombie apocalypse banter and the way the author just totally flung herself headlong into creating a TV show from scratch. I would love to read books based on Jake’s fictional show, Rage Eternal.
Going back to business, though, I found Lindsay a believably insecure yet very driven and focused character. In fact, the combination of her drive and relentlessness offers a great contrast to her marked vulnerability, at least as far as Jake is concerned, and it’s something that just plain works.
Plus, I enjoyed seeing more through the love interest’s eyes in this book than I usually expect in an MVE novel. It only served to underscore Jake’s swoon-worthy commitment to pursuing a chance at love with Lindsay, not to mention that it helped us see that, as charming and delicious Jake might appear on the outside, inside he’s an adorable dork (or geek, if you prefer), making him all the more perfect for the main character.
Like Esguerra’s more recent books (and markedly unlike her older titles), this book does contain sex scenes but I found that these worked because the author manged to infuse these raunchy scenes with humor and levity, so uniquely so that I’d say the “Minaness” of the novel remained intact.
I sped through this read in three hours or less, and I found I still had the squealies over it the next day, which is always a good sign when it comes to romance.
July 16, 2015
Just like The Harder We Fall, I finished reading this in one sitting. I liked the first book better but this was still a fun read. Jake and Lindsay have been friends for years, they didn't want to label themselves as best friends so they call themselves zombie apocalypse partners instead. They never really talked about whether they can date but both of them have thought about it. I liked Jake's no nonsense approach to this - that he finally made a move because he knew he wanted to be with Lindsay and he wanted to see if she felt the same way. I felt like there was no unnecessary drama in their story, more of a slow realization (in Linday's part) of how things could be if they gave themselves a chance to be together. I also liked how involved Lindsay's family is in their friendship/relationship. It was interesting to read about Lindsay's job and the development work that she does. Nice way of making people more aware of the difficulties in conservation and preservation work. I thought it was nice that Jake is also interested in that work and they're thrown together when he becomes a spokesperson for Lindsay's firm.
April 26, 2015
A different kind of Mina Esguerra work that I have read. Mainly because the story involved steamier scenes bit lesser emotional attachment unlike her previous stories.
It is interesting that the story touches on preserving the environment but most of the times, I'm overwhelmed by jargons.
It is interesting that the story touches on preserving the environment but most of the times, I'm overwhelmed by jargons.
August 26, 2018
Okay, friends! This is my first ever #romanceclass read (I won a copy of this book from Ms. Dawn Lanuza’s giveaway) and boy, do I liked it? Oh, I LOVED EVERY FUCKING THING ABOUT IT!
Never Just Friends is a story that gave me more insights about no-label relationships. Like in Lindsay and Jake’s case, everyone is rooting for them but they’re too complicated to be labeled as “just friends.” Moreover, they’re too guarded to cross that damn line to the “lovers zone.” I mean, they are this kind of couple that never was but always should have been and the question if they became an endgame is something y’all should find for yourselves when you read the book. As for me while I’m reading, I really want to jump in front of them and shout,
“YOU TWO SHOULD BE TOGETHER!”
Also, the whole idea of Jake being in a television series with a story about time traveling and crime-busting won my heart. It reminded me of my favorite hunters aka Sam and Dean from Supernatural. Plus, the thumb-tucked-in scene in the last part of the book killed me. (Yes, I’m actually writing this review from my grave because I’m dead) haha kidding, I’m only dead because of those steamy and sexy scenes between Lindsay and Jake. Whoop! You guys know what I mean.
Can we also talk about how Ms. Esguerra accurately wrote the ups and downs of being an environmentalist and how things work in the real world? Of course, I am not the most reliable person to point those things out, but the problems faced by their organization was so close to reality that there were some statements in the book I find myself agreeing with. I am also in awe of Jake’s counter-arguments with France about the organization’s fund management for its present and previous projects. I was like, “Dude, you have a face and a brain to die for. You were born for this you could easily earn your spot in the team!”
The only thing I’m sad about this book is the fact that it is too short. No, it does not affect the quality of the story. I‘m just being greedy and I want more. I’m also aware that Ms. Esguerra has a lot of books (not to mention other #romanceclass authors) so I think there’s really nothing to be sad about. I’m just glad I was able to read a #romancelass book let alone one by its famous writer. I heard so many good things about her and the community from my fellow Filipino readers and I have been meaning to read at least one from its authors. Now that I was given the chance to do that, I am proud to say that I became an instant fan. (Just as I expected haha, I can’t help it. I’m a very moony-woo-woo person!) Better late than never so yes, here’s to more #romanceclass reads from this day onwards!
P.S. I strive to have Lindsay’s level of no emotional bearing relationship with other people. I just feel like we’re somehow the same since I also once had a low-maintenance friendship that didn’t work out the way I expected. (Huhu, that’s also in my senior year) In other words, I simply like that Lindsay know what she wants and she was never sorry for it. That’s one of my biggest takeaways from the book aside from the general truth that it’s never too late to be whoever you want.
Never Just Friends is a story that gave me more insights about no-label relationships. Like in Lindsay and Jake’s case, everyone is rooting for them but they’re too complicated to be labeled as “just friends.” Moreover, they’re too guarded to cross that damn line to the “lovers zone.” I mean, they are this kind of couple that never was but always should have been and the question if they became an endgame is something y’all should find for yourselves when you read the book. As for me while I’m reading, I really want to jump in front of them and shout,
“YOU TWO SHOULD BE TOGETHER!”
Also, the whole idea of Jake being in a television series with a story about time traveling and crime-busting won my heart. It reminded me of my favorite hunters aka Sam and Dean from Supernatural. Plus, the thumb-tucked-in scene in the last part of the book killed me. (Yes, I’m actually writing this review from my grave because I’m dead) haha kidding, I’m only dead because of those steamy and sexy scenes between Lindsay and Jake. Whoop! You guys know what I mean.
Can we also talk about how Ms. Esguerra accurately wrote the ups and downs of being an environmentalist and how things work in the real world? Of course, I am not the most reliable person to point those things out, but the problems faced by their organization was so close to reality that there were some statements in the book I find myself agreeing with. I am also in awe of Jake’s counter-arguments with France about the organization’s fund management for its present and previous projects. I was like, “Dude, you have a face and a brain to die for. You were born for this you could easily earn your spot in the team!”
The only thing I’m sad about this book is the fact that it is too short. No, it does not affect the quality of the story. I‘m just being greedy and I want more. I’m also aware that Ms. Esguerra has a lot of books (not to mention other #romanceclass authors) so I think there’s really nothing to be sad about. I’m just glad I was able to read a #romancelass book let alone one by its famous writer. I heard so many good things about her and the community from my fellow Filipino readers and I have been meaning to read at least one from its authors. Now that I was given the chance to do that, I am proud to say that I became an instant fan. (Just as I expected haha, I can’t help it. I’m a very moony-woo-woo person!) Better late than never so yes, here’s to more #romanceclass reads from this day onwards!
P.S. I strive to have Lindsay’s level of no emotional bearing relationship with other people. I just feel like we’re somehow the same since I also once had a low-maintenance friendship that didn’t work out the way I expected. (Huhu, that’s also in my senior year) In other words, I simply like that Lindsay know what she wants and she was never sorry for it. That’s one of my biggest takeaways from the book aside from the general truth that it’s never too late to be whoever you want.
July 1, 2015
If Lindsey and Jake's love story were ever a headline for those Facebook posts, it's definitely a link people with click: Lindsey works for an environmental protection agency, and Jake is a famous TV star. They are long-time friends who met in university and are secretly in love with each other. They finally have a chance to reconnect and see if sparks will fly.
The fun part? It's Jake who makes the first move. It's Jake who wants to commit, and it's Lindsey who is hesitant about giving their relationship a chance.
I've been reflecting on these 2 lines since I read it, because I think it perfectly highlights the challenges faced by couples in a contemporary romance: love is no longer the end goal, but is only part of the journey because commitment (and marriage) isn't automatic.
Since I read mostly historical romances, I couldn't help but compare the two genres. I kept trying to see differences between contemporary and historical romance issues -- but, found how some exchanges are startlingly similar: there are issues of trust and truth, of me versus we, etc.
At the heart of their problem are two things:
#1 After years of being friends, Jake dropped out of Lindsey's life with no explanation. Leaving Lindsey to wonder about it.
#2 They're both casually seeing other people.
I thought the second issue was a bit tricky to tackle, but Mina Esguerra really did a good job of untangling it. The author recognized it was messy, and allowed her characters to experience the repercussions. I thought she handled it in a realistic way, especially with the awkward confrontation. (Read pp. 94-96)
I could see the depth of friendship between our main characters, and it made me realise just how risky this new stage is for them -- and how much they would lose if it didn't work out. But Jake is determined, and Lindsey loves him. I thought half the battle had been won already.
The other issue is about truth and trust -- something happened in Jake's life that Lindsey didn't know about. It's a scary position for a friend to be in -- to be kept out of the dark of something, and then be left to imagine the worst possible situations. It's even more scary when you are actually in love with said friend. I understand how betrayed Lindsey felt, and why she is hesitant to trust Jake completely. Jake has a history of leaving whenever the situation got too overwhelming (college finals, etc) -- and Lindsey doesn't want to be the one left behind again.
Lindsay and Jake are working on an environmental issue, and, as seen in the author's acknowledgement page, she had done her research very well, having thanked a number of resource persons. And it amazed me how well Esguerra was able to translate such complicated concepts and made them accessible and easy to understand. It is also a testament to how precise her writing and vision is -- one can sense the intent to shine the spotlight on the problems facing environmental advocates, especially when it comes to raising awareness and funds. But Mina Esguerra is able to give enough detail to make one curious, but not too much that it would overshadow the primary focus of this story -- which is Jake and Lindsey. There really is a wonderful balance to her story.
While there is a happy ending to this story, one also gets a sense that it isn't happily-ever-after -- which is not a bad thing, really. You know that this is a couple who will continue to work and negotiate and talk in order to make their relationship work. So, yes, there's an ending -- but it really isn't the end. (Such a post-modern thing. ^_^)
The one very, very small aspect of the story that continues to bug me is this: isn't there a rule about mixing romance and work? Lindsey and Jake seem to be breaking this particular rule, and none of their friends (or Lindsey's family) or their boss seem to mind.
The fun part? It's Jake who makes the first move. It's Jake who wants to commit, and it's Lindsey who is hesitant about giving their relationship a chance.
"You love me, don't you?"
"Yes," she said quickly. "That's not the problem at all."
-p. 83
I've been reflecting on these 2 lines since I read it, because I think it perfectly highlights the challenges faced by couples in a contemporary romance: love is no longer the end goal, but is only part of the journey because commitment (and marriage) isn't automatic.
Since I read mostly historical romances, I couldn't help but compare the two genres. I kept trying to see differences between contemporary and historical romance issues -- but, found how some exchanges are startlingly similar: there are issues of trust and truth, of me versus we, etc.
At the heart of their problem are two things:
#1 After years of being friends, Jake dropped out of Lindsey's life with no explanation. Leaving Lindsey to wonder about it.
#2 They're both casually seeing other people.
I thought the second issue was a bit tricky to tackle, but Mina Esguerra really did a good job of untangling it. The author recognized it was messy, and allowed her characters to experience the repercussions. I thought she handled it in a realistic way, especially with the awkward confrontation. (Read pp. 94-96)
I could see the depth of friendship between our main characters, and it made me realise just how risky this new stage is for them -- and how much they would lose if it didn't work out. But Jake is determined, and Lindsey loves him. I thought half the battle had been won already.
The other issue is about truth and trust -- something happened in Jake's life that Lindsey didn't know about. It's a scary position for a friend to be in -- to be kept out of the dark of something, and then be left to imagine the worst possible situations. It's even more scary when you are actually in love with said friend. I understand how betrayed Lindsey felt, and why she is hesitant to trust Jake completely. Jake has a history of leaving whenever the situation got too overwhelming (college finals, etc) -- and Lindsey doesn't want to be the one left behind again.
Lindsay and Jake are working on an environmental issue, and, as seen in the author's acknowledgement page, she had done her research very well, having thanked a number of resource persons. And it amazed me how well Esguerra was able to translate such complicated concepts and made them accessible and easy to understand. It is also a testament to how precise her writing and vision is -- one can sense the intent to shine the spotlight on the problems facing environmental advocates, especially when it comes to raising awareness and funds. But Mina Esguerra is able to give enough detail to make one curious, but not too much that it would overshadow the primary focus of this story -- which is Jake and Lindsey. There really is a wonderful balance to her story.
While there is a happy ending to this story, one also gets a sense that it isn't happily-ever-after -- which is not a bad thing, really. You know that this is a couple who will continue to work and negotiate and talk in order to make their relationship work. So, yes, there's an ending -- but it really isn't the end. (Such a post-modern thing. ^_^)
The one very, very small aspect of the story that continues to bug me is this: isn't there a rule about mixing romance and work? Lindsey and Jake seem to be breaking this particular rule, and none of their friends (or Lindsey's family) or their boss seem to mind.
August 3, 2018
This book had a lot of potential, but ultimately it felt a bit...rushed?
This is the second book in the Addison Hill series, which is branded as NA, I guess because of the age of the protagonists (early 20s). They aren't actually in college, but they did meet their senior year. I didn't read the first book and this worked as a standalone.
Anyway, things move very quickly in this book. Jake, who is now a famous TV actor, has agreed to do promotion with Lindsay's environmental firm. When she shows up with his contracts, he jumps right in with his intentions: he wants to be more than friends. I loved the flashbacks to their initial meetings, but there weren't enough of them, so I guess this is one way that it moved too fast for me. He's not pulling any punches, telling Lindsay he loves her and wants to be with her right off the bat. It doesn't take long for them to be intimate. So then the rest of the book is Lindsay coming around to accepting that they can be permanent and not just a three-week fling while he works with her firm. On the one hand, it's nice to see a character not dance around with their feelings, but on the other hand, it makes their relationship feel sort of anti-climactic. I love a slow burn, and this is far from it.
Of course, y'all know by now that friends-to-lovers is my absolute favorite trope. I loved the friendship between Jake and Lindsay--they have running jokes about being partners on The Amazing Race and surviving the zombie apocalypse together. He is friends with her sister and brother-in-law and is therefore already part of the family in a way, and other people in their lives seem to have expected them to get together eventually. (They also have happy hours each year after getting results from their semiannual STI testing at the doctor. I thought that was kind of funny...but also a bit weird. It made me think about groping and sex in crowded nightclubs, which I could do without because who wants reminding about that time in their life?)
There were also some subplots or elements only partially developed that I felt didn't add anything to the overall story--like the conflict between Lindsay and her ex-fuck buddy's girlfriend, some guy named Rocco who wants to throw a wrench in her relationship, etc. There's this big to do about how Jake comes to his "must be with Lindsay" moment and that also could've been a lot more of an emotional punch if things weren't so rushed.
I guess this felt more like a novella but wasn't written as such, so too much is packed into too few pages. I wanted more build-up to a relationship and more character development. However, I look forward to delving into the author's back catalog.
(PS, I would watch the shit out of the fictional TV show made up for this book, just sayin'.)
This is the second book in the Addison Hill series, which is branded as NA, I guess because of the age of the protagonists (early 20s). They aren't actually in college, but they did meet their senior year. I didn't read the first book and this worked as a standalone.
Anyway, things move very quickly in this book. Jake, who is now a famous TV actor, has agreed to do promotion with Lindsay's environmental firm. When she shows up with his contracts, he jumps right in with his intentions: he wants to be more than friends. I loved the flashbacks to their initial meetings, but there weren't enough of them, so I guess this is one way that it moved too fast for me. He's not pulling any punches, telling Lindsay he loves her and wants to be with her right off the bat. It doesn't take long for them to be intimate. So then the rest of the book is Lindsay coming around to accepting that they can be permanent and not just a three-week fling while he works with her firm. On the one hand, it's nice to see a character not dance around with their feelings, but on the other hand, it makes their relationship feel sort of anti-climactic. I love a slow burn, and this is far from it.
Of course, y'all know by now that friends-to-lovers is my absolute favorite trope. I loved the friendship between Jake and Lindsay--they have running jokes about being partners on The Amazing Race and surviving the zombie apocalypse together. He is friends with her sister and brother-in-law and is therefore already part of the family in a way, and other people in their lives seem to have expected them to get together eventually. (They also have happy hours each year after getting results from their semiannual STI testing at the doctor. I thought that was kind of funny...but also a bit weird. It made me think about groping and sex in crowded nightclubs, which I could do without because who wants reminding about that time in their life?)
There were also some subplots or elements only partially developed that I felt didn't add anything to the overall story--like the conflict between Lindsay and her ex-fuck buddy's girlfriend, some guy named Rocco who wants to throw a wrench in her relationship, etc. There's this big to do about how Jake comes to his "must be with Lindsay" moment and that also could've been a lot more of an emotional punch if things weren't so rushed.
I guess this felt more like a novella but wasn't written as such, so too much is packed into too few pages. I wanted more build-up to a relationship and more character development. However, I look forward to delving into the author's back catalog.
(PS, I would watch the shit out of the fictional TV show made up for this book, just sayin'.)
March 18, 2015
**Review originally posted on my blog.**
The book cover alone triggered my curiosity as a different side of Mina V. Esguerra is about to be revealed in her new masterpiece. I haven’t read any works by Filipino authors with steamy scenes in it, so reading this book would be a new experience for me. With no preconceived notions or expectations, I felt a bit excited as I anticipated how I would react to this book after finishing it.
I loved the fact that Mina V. Esguerra stepped out of the norm and explored a different setting. The main characters were based in America and Mina was able to capture its culture and lifestyle through her characters. From the moment the main characters were introduced to us, it was evident that they had an undeniable chemistry together. The attraction they felt for one another pushed them to reflect about what they truly want in their lives. But of course, as in every relationship, it’s not always perfect. Confused about Jake’s true intentions, Lindsay refused to listen to her heart. It was definitely a bumpy road they encountered, but in the end, I liked how the conflict was resolved, impressed even. This made Jake even more likeable and swoon-worthy.
Overall, this book just raised Mina V. Esguerra into a whole new level. Despite being just a quick read, Never Just Friends satisfyingly portrayed a love story between two people. Mina V. Esguerra surely narrated the story well and even wrote the detailed steamy scenes remarkably awesome. The character development of the main characters can truly be seen as the story progressed. Her inclusion of the zombie apocalypse in the story did not make it awkward or random. I was impressed that it fitted the story fine and served a significant part in the characters’ relationship as well as in the plotline. Never Just Friends was definitely an enjoyable read.
The book cover alone triggered my curiosity as a different side of Mina V. Esguerra is about to be revealed in her new masterpiece. I haven’t read any works by Filipino authors with steamy scenes in it, so reading this book would be a new experience for me. With no preconceived notions or expectations, I felt a bit excited as I anticipated how I would react to this book after finishing it.
I loved the fact that Mina V. Esguerra stepped out of the norm and explored a different setting. The main characters were based in America and Mina was able to capture its culture and lifestyle through her characters. From the moment the main characters were introduced to us, it was evident that they had an undeniable chemistry together. The attraction they felt for one another pushed them to reflect about what they truly want in their lives. But of course, as in every relationship, it’s not always perfect. Confused about Jake’s true intentions, Lindsay refused to listen to her heart. It was definitely a bumpy road they encountered, but in the end, I liked how the conflict was resolved, impressed even. This made Jake even more likeable and swoon-worthy.
Overall, this book just raised Mina V. Esguerra into a whole new level. Despite being just a quick read, Never Just Friends satisfyingly portrayed a love story between two people. Mina V. Esguerra surely narrated the story well and even wrote the detailed steamy scenes remarkably awesome. The character development of the main characters can truly be seen as the story progressed. Her inclusion of the zombie apocalypse in the story did not make it awkward or random. I was impressed that it fitted the story fine and served a significant part in the characters’ relationship as well as in the plotline. Never Just Friends was definitely an enjoyable read.
April 1, 2016
*was gifted a copy for BINIBINI'S FilipinoFridays*
This was amazing, and completely surprising for me after the first book left me slightly wanting. Told from both Lindsay and Jake's POV, I really fell hard for this pair. I was a little wary in the beginning because of how the first book left its impressions, but by the end of the first chapter, I was curious. By the end of the first flashback, I was like, "I need more of this NOW."
I just can't get over how perfect it was. The flow was great, Jake was a confident hottie with a brain (thank God) and the social skills to give Lindsay's business peeps a run for their corporate money. He made it so interesting for me, more so because Lindsay was hesitant with him. When a woman is that hesitant, you can't help but wonder what really happened to the both of them to have her question his perfection.
A few lines tripped me up (technical errors) but aside from that, everything else is seriously deserving of more than five stars. Not only did the writing flow, it set up a beautiful and terrifying moment for Lindsay and Jake (and I guess me as the reader) to wonder if something could ever be too good to be true. And I loved that the author made it so beautifully easy to connect with the characters while still maintaining that slight distance for mystery. I also ALSO loved how solid Jake was by this point of the story; his accomplishment made it easy to better handle Lindsay's own struggles with doubt about love.
Overall this is a great romance with depth and mystery that hooked me in the entire time, and by the end of the book, I was left feeling more than satisfied and mushy. A definite recommend!
This was amazing, and completely surprising for me after the first book left me slightly wanting. Told from both Lindsay and Jake's POV, I really fell hard for this pair. I was a little wary in the beginning because of how the first book left its impressions, but by the end of the first chapter, I was curious. By the end of the first flashback, I was like, "I need more of this NOW."
I just can't get over how perfect it was. The flow was great, Jake was a confident hottie with a brain (thank God) and the social skills to give Lindsay's business peeps a run for their corporate money. He made it so interesting for me, more so because Lindsay was hesitant with him. When a woman is that hesitant, you can't help but wonder what really happened to the both of them to have her question his perfection.
A few lines tripped me up (technical errors) but aside from that, everything else is seriously deserving of more than five stars. Not only did the writing flow, it set up a beautiful and terrifying moment for Lindsay and Jake (and I guess me as the reader) to wonder if something could ever be too good to be true. And I loved that the author made it so beautifully easy to connect with the characters while still maintaining that slight distance for mystery. I also ALSO loved how solid Jake was by this point of the story; his accomplishment made it easy to better handle Lindsay's own struggles with doubt about love.
Overall this is a great romance with depth and mystery that hooked me in the entire time, and by the end of the book, I was left feeling more than satisfied and mushy. A definite recommend!
October 18, 2015
Series review originally posted at Chachic's Book Nook.
Just like Falling Hard, I finished reading Fallen Again one sitting (those titles can get a little confusing). I liked the first book better but this was still a fun read. Jake and Lindsay have been friends for years, they didn't want to label themselves as best friends so they call themselves zombie apocalypse partners instead. They never really talked about whether they can date each other, but both of them have thought about it. I liked Jake's no-nonsense approach to this - that he finally made a move because he knew he wanted to be with Lindsay and he wanted to see if she felt the same way. Similar to the first book, I felt like there was no unnecessary drama in their story, more of a slow realization (in Linday's part, because Jake was already convinced) of how things could be if they gave themselves the chance to be together. I also liked how involved Lindsay's family is in their friendship/relationship. It was interesting to read about Lindsay's job and the development work that she does. Nice way of making people more aware of the difficulties in conservation and preservation work. I thought it was nice that Jake is also interested in that line of work and they're thrown together when he becomes a spokesperson for Lindsay's firm. I think it's kind of hot that Jake is a famous actor who wants to be in development. Another short and fun installment in Mina's Addison Hill series.
Just like Falling Hard, I finished reading Fallen Again one sitting (those titles can get a little confusing). I liked the first book better but this was still a fun read. Jake and Lindsay have been friends for years, they didn't want to label themselves as best friends so they call themselves zombie apocalypse partners instead. They never really talked about whether they can date each other, but both of them have thought about it. I liked Jake's no-nonsense approach to this - that he finally made a move because he knew he wanted to be with Lindsay and he wanted to see if she felt the same way. Similar to the first book, I felt like there was no unnecessary drama in their story, more of a slow realization (in Linday's part, because Jake was already convinced) of how things could be if they gave themselves the chance to be together. I also liked how involved Lindsay's family is in their friendship/relationship. It was interesting to read about Lindsay's job and the development work that she does. Nice way of making people more aware of the difficulties in conservation and preservation work. I thought it was nice that Jake is also interested in that line of work and they're thrown together when he becomes a spokesperson for Lindsay's firm. I think it's kind of hot that Jake is a famous actor who wants to be in development. Another short and fun installment in Mina's Addison Hill series.
July 31, 2016
Posted: https://aishiteruhachi.wordpress.com/...
This a first for me reading steamy scenes from a book by MVE. And it's just as good as her other works.
What I can say about Lindsay and Jake's story is that they both know what they wanted. They wanted each other but no one really dared to risk their friendship to a new level until Jake came back to NY for a project. He did tried to push the idea of them being together.
The idea was to be together for three weeks and if it did work out, they would talk about being together together. But if it does not, they would have to be on their separate ways. And they did worked it up.
What I really liked is that their relationship have less drama, not to cheesy convos, bitchy present of ex lovers, too-proud ex lover, supportive sister and brother-in-law and both of them knows what they want with each other. Though Lindsay came to the point where she didn't know what to do with things Jake wanted, good thing that he never gave up on her. I really like happy endings.
This a first for me reading steamy scenes from a book by MVE. And it's just as good as her other works.
What I can say about Lindsay and Jake's story is that they both know what they wanted. They wanted each other but no one really dared to risk their friendship to a new level until Jake came back to NY for a project. He did tried to push the idea of them being together.
The idea was to be together for three weeks and if it did work out, they would talk about being together together. But if it does not, they would have to be on their separate ways. And they did worked it up.
What I really liked is that their relationship have less drama, not to cheesy convos, bitchy present of ex lovers, too-proud ex lover, supportive sister and brother-in-law and both of them knows what they want with each other. Though Lindsay came to the point where she didn't know what to do with things Jake wanted, good thing that he never gave up on her. I really like happy endings.
December 6, 2014
There's an emotional distance in this story that's palpable and disturbing.
Lindsay and Jacob were friends back in college before Jacob took off to be a movie star. Now Jacob is back as a consultant to Lindsay's environmental project. Seems this is something he wanted to finish since he dropped out of environmental sciences.
That said, the story didn't feel romantic enough. It was very calculated and measured. Each of them had past lovers and their lives had moved on with very little involvement. Each was capable of living without the other. Lindsay had a series of friends with benefits, while Jacob had a full fledged love affair with a costar which ended badly.
It's a very intellectual story, a discussion of relationships and trust, and an education on environmental consulting work, fund raising, and other office politics. But at the end, I really didn't see what changed. I guess it's because I didn't bond with the main characters and couldn't feel anything other than her emotional numbness and his neediness. Perhaps that is the entire point of the story.
Lindsay and Jacob were friends back in college before Jacob took off to be a movie star. Now Jacob is back as a consultant to Lindsay's environmental project. Seems this is something he wanted to finish since he dropped out of environmental sciences.
That said, the story didn't feel romantic enough. It was very calculated and measured. Each of them had past lovers and their lives had moved on with very little involvement. Each was capable of living without the other. Lindsay had a series of friends with benefits, while Jacob had a full fledged love affair with a costar which ended badly.
It's a very intellectual story, a discussion of relationships and trust, and an education on environmental consulting work, fund raising, and other office politics. But at the end, I really didn't see what changed. I guess it's because I didn't bond with the main characters and couldn't feel anything other than her emotional numbness and his neediness. Perhaps that is the entire point of the story.
June 20, 2015
Jake and Lindsay have been best friends since college, celebrating yearly "All Clear Happy Hours" and promising to have each other's back in the event of a zombie apocalypse. But after college, Jake becomes the star of a hit tv show that's filmed in Canada and Lindsay moves to NY to become an environmental consultant.
After being out of touch for nearly a year, Jake shows up out of the blue professing his love and determined to take their friendship to another level. Now it's up for Lindsay to decide whether or not she wants to put their friendship on the line to risk a chance at something better.
This book was just ok. It was a short story and I never really developed a connection to either character. I think a more detailed story about their college friendship would have made this a better book.
After being out of touch for nearly a year, Jake shows up out of the blue professing his love and determined to take their friendship to another level. Now it's up for Lindsay to decide whether or not she wants to put their friendship on the line to risk a chance at something better.
This book was just ok. It was a short story and I never really developed a connection to either character. I think a more detailed story about their college friendship would have made this a better book.
September 26, 2015
I was given a complementary copy for an honest review by author Mina V. Esguerra. This is book 2 of the Addison Hill series by the author.
Lindsay Kresta and Jake Berkeley went to college together and while she went off to work for environmental air quality he went on to become a star. Now they are brought back together and Jake wants things back the way they were but can they or will time play against them.
The author wrote a smooth flowing story with great interaction of the characters.
This is for any romance book reader.
Lindsay Kresta and Jake Berkeley went to college together and while she went off to work for environmental air quality he went on to become a star. Now they are brought back together and Jake wants things back the way they were but can they or will time play against them.
The author wrote a smooth flowing story with great interaction of the characters.
This is for any romance book reader.
March 25, 2015
More of a 2.5.
This book didn't wow me, which is surprising because MVE's books usually do. At least the first two I read did. I waited and persevered, hoping there would be a fun twist somewhere in the middle. But it never came. :(
Steamy scenes were steamy, there was no overt drama, and the characters were likable. But this book was just meh.
This book didn't wow me, which is surprising because MVE's books usually do. At least the first two I read did. I waited and persevered, hoping there would be a fun twist somewhere in the middle. But it never came. :(
Steamy scenes were steamy, there was no overt drama, and the characters were likable. But this book was just meh.
Read
July 18, 2017Original Rating: DNF (Zero stars)
Quick review over at The Bookaholic Blurbs!
Thank you Anvil Publishing for sending a finished review copy!
Quick review over at The Bookaholic Blurbs!
Thank you Anvil Publishing for sending a finished review copy!
March 22, 2015
Less drama and not so romantic over the top. I believe in some instances some people doesn't really dwell to much in flattery and cheesy romance kind of love. The story itself mirrors a relationship that is straightforward and know what it wants. Well, it happens in real life.
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