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Theta Alpha Gamma #2
Love, Hypothetically
3 hrs 2 mins
Paul's been called many things—graduate student, humanities tutor, jock-hater, even broke—but "forgiving" isn't one of them. When the new women's softball coach at Calapooya college specifically requests Paul to tutor his athletes, Paul's forced to put aside his strict "no athletes" policy for the sake of his paycheck.
Enter Trevor Gardiner, former Major League Baseball player and Paul’s high school boyfriend. Yeah, that one—the guy who sacrificed Paul for the safety of his closet and his future career. But Trevor’s come out and retired from baseball, and now he’s looking for forgiveness and a second chance.
There’s no earthly reason Paul should give him one, but he keeps letting the man state his case. And touch him. And take him sailing. The waters are far from smooth, though, and Paul says awful things to Trevor he isn’t sure he means. Now Paul has to decide: apologize and forgive Trevor for everything, or chalk it up as revenge and move on.
Paul's been called many things—graduate student, humanities tutor, jock-hater, even broke—but "forgiving" isn't one of them. When the new women's softball coach at Calapooya college specifically requests Paul to tutor his athletes, Paul's forced to put aside his strict "no athletes" policy for the sake of his paycheck.
Enter Trevor Gardiner, former Major League Baseball player and Paul’s high school boyfriend. Yeah, that one—the guy who sacrificed Paul for the safety of his closet and his future career. But Trevor’s come out and retired from baseball, and now he’s looking for forgiveness and a second chance.
There’s no earthly reason Paul should give him one, but he keeps letting the man state his case. And touch him. And take him sailing. The waters are far from smooth, though, and Paul says awful things to Trevor he isn’t sure he means. Now Paul has to decide: apologize and forgive Trevor for everything, or chalk it up as revenge and move on.
4 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 25, 2012
29 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
About the author
Anne Tenino
22 books669 followersCatalyzed by her discovery of LGBTQ romance, Anne Tenino left the lucrative fields of art history, non-profit fundraising, and domestic engineering (in that order) to follow her dream of become a starving romance author. For good or ill, her snarky, silly, quasi-British sense of humor came along for the ride.
Anne applies her particular blend of romance, comedy, and gay protagonists to contemporary, scifi, and paranormal tales. Her works have won many awards; her novel, Frat Boy and Toppy, is frequently referred to as a gay romance classic; she’s been featured in RT Book Reviews magazine; she holds the position of VP of Programming at her local RWA chapter; and she’s achieved bestseller status on Amazon’s gay romance list.
Born and raised in Oregon, Anne now lives in Portland with her family, who have all taken a sacred oath never to read her books. When not crocheting genitalia, growing tomatoes, driving teenagers around, or cooking something obscure, she can be found at her computer, procrastinating. Possibly while also lying on the couch, eating bon-bons.
Check out what Anne’s up to now by visiting her site. http://annetenino.com
Links:
Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
Riptide:
http://www.riptidepublishing.com/auth...
Chicks & Dicks:
http://chicksndicks.blogspot.com
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/AnneTenino
Goodreads profile:
http://www.goodreads.com/annetenino
Anne applies her particular blend of romance, comedy, and gay protagonists to contemporary, scifi, and paranormal tales. Her works have won many awards; her novel, Frat Boy and Toppy, is frequently referred to as a gay romance classic; she’s been featured in RT Book Reviews magazine; she holds the position of VP of Programming at her local RWA chapter; and she’s achieved bestseller status on Amazon’s gay romance list.
Born and raised in Oregon, Anne now lives in Portland with her family, who have all taken a sacred oath never to read her books. When not crocheting genitalia, growing tomatoes, driving teenagers around, or cooking something obscure, she can be found at her computer, procrastinating. Possibly while also lying on the couch, eating bon-bons.
Check out what Anne’s up to now by visiting her site. http://annetenino.com
Links:
Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
Riptide:
http://www.riptidepublishing.com/auth...
Chicks & Dicks:
http://chicksndicks.blogspot.com
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/AnneTenino
Goodreads profile:
http://www.goodreads.com/annetenino
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
September 1, 2016
*Re-read in audio format*
Original review found here.
**New audiobook rating: 4.5 stars**
I'm a HUGE fan of the Theta Alpha Gamma series by Anne Tenino, and I had nothing but good memories of this book, which I read originally over three years ago.
Love, Hypothetically features one of my FAVORITE tropes in romance EVER, which is the enemies-to-lovers theme, but more specifically, the former-betrayer-to-lover theme. This is a cousin to the former-bully-to-lover trope, which... gah, gets me every time! I love when someone has to truly grovel after formally wronging a love interest. It sparks deep emotions inside of me, and it usually leads to me really loving a book.
It is always interesting how my opinions change about a certain book over the years and as my reading tastes change with time. On re-read, I found myself wanting MORE from the plot. This book is novella length, and I realized that I really needed about 100 more pages to feel fully satisfied. I wasn't really ready to fully forgive Trevor, the jock who strung along, outed, and then ditched Paul. I could have used pages upon pages of Paul crying and torturing Trevor. (I'm really sick, huh??)
I still loved how light this book was and how unexpectedly SEXY it was. I love Anne Tenino for that. I even really enjoyed Paul of the prickly personality, whose snarky attitude I found to be really enticing. This book is truly happy, comfort reading for me, as is this whole series.
If I had to rate this book on content alone, I would probably give it 4 stars, which means that I really liked it. However, the audiobook narration by Nick J. Russo EASILY bumped it up 1/2 a star. Nick J. Russo is fast becoming one of my favorite narrators, and he KILLED it again with another amazing performance. His voices for both MCs were perfection, and his work on this book made it on to my coveted narrator-amazing list.
I hope and pray that Anne Tenino continues on with this series because it holds a special place in my heart. There are few books that I'll re-read, and Love, Hypothetically is one of them, especially now that Nick J. Russo is part of the picture.
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review**
September 10, 2016
**4.5 stars**
I've said it before and I'll say it 1,000 times over, Anne Tenino just writes stuff that I love to read. She writes these little hot, funny, light books that push all of my buttons in the best way. I rate for enjoyment level and I enjoy the HECK out of her books. This one was no exception.
"Love, Hypothetically" was an adorable story about reunited lovers. I disliked Paul from Frat Boy and Toppy, but Anne did a fab job of placing me inside his head here and making me root for him. In only 94 pages, I got a complete story with some hot scenes and great chemistry. Keep 'um coming Ms. Tenino!!
I've said it before and I'll say it 1,000 times over, Anne Tenino just writes stuff that I love to read. She writes these little hot, funny, light books that push all of my buttons in the best way. I rate for enjoyment level and I enjoy the HECK out of her books. This one was no exception.
"Love, Hypothetically" was an adorable story about reunited lovers. I disliked Paul from Frat Boy and Toppy, but Anne did a fab job of placing me inside his head here and making me root for him. In only 94 pages, I got a complete story with some hot scenes and great chemistry. Keep 'um coming Ms. Tenino!!
August 23, 2012
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
I was very eager to read this follow up to Frat Boy and Toppy when I saw that the author was carrying on into a series. Not simply because I liked that book so much, because I really did, but also because I was really eager to see how Anne Tenino would redeem Paul. In Frat Boy, Paul was the bastard friend of Sebastian, who was livid that his friend was falling for a brainless jock and frat boy. No matter where their relationship led, every time Paul found himself around Brad (the frat boy jock Sebastian was falling in love with), he couldn't keep his mouth shut. It was obvious that there was more to Paul, other than being stuck up, snobbish, elitist. You could tell that there was a real aversion to jocks, just that he's too proud to say why. Love, Hypothetically gives us that story, plunked straight into the middle of Paul's neuroses, and showing the way he looks at the world around him.
Paul uses dark humor, elitism, and arrogance to cover the depth of the hurt that his one real relationship caused him. His first love, Trevor, chose his promising baseball career over their relationship in the most humiliating and sacrificial way -- a pain he never dealt with, and consequently altered him into the jaded and untrusting graduate student he currently is. Now, Trevor is back and Paul doesn't know what to do about it. He can't face his own feelings honestly, and the friends he once had who could have done it for him he has pushed away. Trevor is asking for forgiveness and a chance to see if they can rekindle their old relationship, but Paul doesn't know if he can trust him again.
Though shorter, this story definitely lived up to my hopes, having really enjoyed the first book about Brad and Sebastian. Paul is an interesting character himself, and I think that the reason he's compelling is that we get to know him first through Brad's POV, in the first book. Paul doesn't treat him well, and for most of the book comes off as a bitter bastard. Now, sinking into Paul's own point of view gives us a chance to understand him better. I expected a different character, honestly. I thought Paul would be a little more lost, but what we see here is a character who, while he might have a skewed perception about some things, is very frankly real about his own shortcomings. He knows that he's bitter, that he keeps his friends at an arm's length. The real problem is that he doesn't know if he can change that, or even if he wants to. Getting close to people is what got him in trouble in the first place.
For the most part, I'm not a fan of flashbacks, and I was worried when Chapter 2 went back to Paul's high school days with Trevor. That doesn't last, for those of you who, like me, aren't fans of going back and forth in time. It's a personal choice that, unless done supremely well, seems to aggravate me endlessly, so I was happy to see that that wasn't the case here. I liked Trevor. He comes off as a stock romance character at first. He's almost perfect (well, at least in in the present time). He's making up for misdeeds and comes in to try to sweep Paul off his feet. In fact, this plot line isn't that original. But still, it becomes it's own story. Paul and Trevor push past the usual plot of relationship failing in the past, to meeting again, to getting to know each other, to having a small problem to work out, to HEA. When they actually get down to talking about how they feel, the author allows Paul to be Paul. In doing so, Paul uses those old defense mechanisms like he really means them. Allowing the character not to hold their punches, to be realistic and not always perfectly understanding gave the story what it needed to come to a successful resolution.
Recommended.
I was very eager to read this follow up to Frat Boy and Toppy when I saw that the author was carrying on into a series. Not simply because I liked that book so much, because I really did, but also because I was really eager to see how Anne Tenino would redeem Paul. In Frat Boy, Paul was the bastard friend of Sebastian, who was livid that his friend was falling for a brainless jock and frat boy. No matter where their relationship led, every time Paul found himself around Brad (the frat boy jock Sebastian was falling in love with), he couldn't keep his mouth shut. It was obvious that there was more to Paul, other than being stuck up, snobbish, elitist. You could tell that there was a real aversion to jocks, just that he's too proud to say why. Love, Hypothetically gives us that story, plunked straight into the middle of Paul's neuroses, and showing the way he looks at the world around him.
Paul uses dark humor, elitism, and arrogance to cover the depth of the hurt that his one real relationship caused him. His first love, Trevor, chose his promising baseball career over their relationship in the most humiliating and sacrificial way -- a pain he never dealt with, and consequently altered him into the jaded and untrusting graduate student he currently is. Now, Trevor is back and Paul doesn't know what to do about it. He can't face his own feelings honestly, and the friends he once had who could have done it for him he has pushed away. Trevor is asking for forgiveness and a chance to see if they can rekindle their old relationship, but Paul doesn't know if he can trust him again.
Though shorter, this story definitely lived up to my hopes, having really enjoyed the first book about Brad and Sebastian. Paul is an interesting character himself, and I think that the reason he's compelling is that we get to know him first through Brad's POV, in the first book. Paul doesn't treat him well, and for most of the book comes off as a bitter bastard. Now, sinking into Paul's own point of view gives us a chance to understand him better. I expected a different character, honestly. I thought Paul would be a little more lost, but what we see here is a character who, while he might have a skewed perception about some things, is very frankly real about his own shortcomings. He knows that he's bitter, that he keeps his friends at an arm's length. The real problem is that he doesn't know if he can change that, or even if he wants to. Getting close to people is what got him in trouble in the first place.
For the most part, I'm not a fan of flashbacks, and I was worried when Chapter 2 went back to Paul's high school days with Trevor. That doesn't last, for those of you who, like me, aren't fans of going back and forth in time. It's a personal choice that, unless done supremely well, seems to aggravate me endlessly, so I was happy to see that that wasn't the case here. I liked Trevor. He comes off as a stock romance character at first. He's almost perfect (well, at least in in the present time). He's making up for misdeeds and comes in to try to sweep Paul off his feet. In fact, this plot line isn't that original. But still, it becomes it's own story. Paul and Trevor push past the usual plot of relationship failing in the past, to meeting again, to getting to know each other, to having a small problem to work out, to HEA. When they actually get down to talking about how they feel, the author allows Paul to be Paul. In doing so, Paul uses those old defense mechanisms like he really means them. Allowing the character not to hold their punches, to be realistic and not always perfectly understanding gave the story what it needed to come to a successful resolution.
Recommended.
July 20, 2014
3.5--
Dammitall
--Stars!!!
Was it just me or was "dammitall" used a bit excessively??
Aside from that, I enjoyed this one. I don't think quite as much as Frat Boy and Toppy. But it was still funny, and sweet and sexy.
Apparently we met Paul, one of the MCs, in Frat Boy...I don't remember him at all.
Paul has a thing against jocks. As in he hates them. All thanks to baseball playing Trevor.
Paul fell in love with Trevor in high school. But Trevor being the jock he was, kept his sexuality in the closet. All it took was one locker room incident for Trevor to throw Paul and his sexuality under the bus.
Paul hasn't really gotten over the betrayal. He and Trevor go their separate ways. Paul's pretty bitter about everything that went down. I actually really liked bitter Paul, he was funny.
Flash Forward 9 years and Trevor is back. Turns out he hasn't gotten over Paul, despite the way he treated him in high school. And he wants another chance.
Seeing Trevor brings back a lot of old feelings for Paul. Can Paul forgive Trevor and give things another shot??
This was a quick read....with a little bit of steam and some laugh out loud moments.
Was it just me or was "dammitall" used a bit excessively??
Aside from that, I enjoyed this one. I don't think quite as much as Frat Boy and Toppy. But it was still funny, and sweet and sexy.
Apparently we met Paul, one of the MCs, in Frat Boy...I don't remember him at all.
Paul has a thing against jocks. As in he hates them. All thanks to baseball playing Trevor.
Paul fell in love with Trevor in high school. But Trevor being the jock he was, kept his sexuality in the closet. All it took was one locker room incident for Trevor to throw Paul and his sexuality under the bus.
Paul hasn't really gotten over the betrayal. He and Trevor go their separate ways. Paul's pretty bitter about everything that went down. I actually really liked bitter Paul, he was funny.
Flash Forward 9 years and Trevor is back. Turns out he hasn't gotten over Paul, despite the way he treated him in high school. And he wants another chance.
Seeing Trevor brings back a lot of old feelings for Paul. Can Paul forgive Trevor and give things another shot??
This was a quick read....with a little bit of steam and some laugh out loud moments.
February 27, 2013
I did not like Paul in Frat Boy and Toppy I thought he was an ass and treated Brad horribly so I love when an author can turn a character around and have me rooting for them instead.
I actually ended up feeling quite sorry for Paul. He held onto his anger for too long though. Even if things hadn't worked out with him and Trevor I'd like to think that Paul would have be able to let go of some of his bitterness after Trevor apologized. I hope anyway.
I thought Trevor had a lot of guts to approach Paul and try to work things out. We all do things we regret but it takes a level of bravery that few people possess to try and make things right.
I really enjoyed the boating elements in this one, so much so, that I'm going to go looking for other M/M books with that type of theme.
I loved the idea that forgiveness is possible if you work for it and happiness can be achieved if you open yourself to it. This was a good read for me and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I actually ended up feeling quite sorry for Paul. He held onto his anger for too long though. Even if things hadn't worked out with him and Trevor I'd like to think that Paul would have be able to let go of some of his bitterness after Trevor apologized. I hope anyway.
I thought Trevor had a lot of guts to approach Paul and try to work things out. We all do things we regret but it takes a level of bravery that few people possess to try and make things right.
I really enjoyed the boating elements in this one, so much so, that I'm going to go looking for other M/M books with that type of theme.
I loved the idea that forgiveness is possible if you work for it and happiness can be achieved if you open yourself to it. This was a good read for me and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
November 4, 2021
A short fun read.
August 13, 2016
I love this book!
Are you in the mood for a great short read? Then look no further! This was an awesome shorty! It had it all. It was sweet, funny, angsty, emotional, and smutty.
This is the story second story in the Theta Alpha Gamma series by Anne Tenino. Although technically it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first story first just so you can experience what a great writer Anne Tenino is. Paul was such a bitch in the first book- I wasn't sure if I'd like him- ever. Well, not only did I like him- now I love him.
Me during the reading of this book:
I've been conflicted on how to rate it to be honest. Because I wanted it to be longer, my heart says 4. I do want to mention I wanted more- not because the story is lacking but because I didn't want it to end. Then again, it's not meant to be a full length book, and in my opinion, this is 5 star quality writing. I'll be going with 4.5 stars rounded up. Any book than can make me shed a tear on one page and have me giggling on the next deserves the round up not down.
Definitely recommend not only this book but the author- she's great!
Are you in the mood for a great short read? Then look no further! This was an awesome shorty! It had it all. It was sweet, funny, angsty, emotional, and smutty.
This is the story second story in the Theta Alpha Gamma series by Anne Tenino. Although technically it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first story first just so you can experience what a great writer Anne Tenino is. Paul was such a bitch in the first book- I wasn't sure if I'd like him- ever. Well, not only did I like him- now I love him.
Me during the reading of this book:
I've been conflicted on how to rate it to be honest. Because I wanted it to be longer, my heart says 4. I do want to mention I wanted more- not because the story is lacking but because I didn't want it to end. Then again, it's not meant to be a full length book, and in my opinion, this is 5 star quality writing. I'll be going with 4.5 stars rounded up. Any book than can make me shed a tear on one page and have me giggling on the next deserves the round up not down.
Definitely recommend not only this book but the author- she's great!
Read
July 13, 2012As hilariously adorable and sweet as you'd expect any Anne Tenino story to be. She gets better and better with each piece she writes. If you're looking for a feel-good, laugh-out-loud contemporary romance you can read on a single sunny afternoon, this is a perfect choice.
May 7, 2013
I never really liked Paul but he was an interesting character. I was hoping for more development in this book, but it fell flat. We were told what happens to Paul when he was in high school but we weren't given enough time to feel his pain. Everything got back to the present day and worked itself out far too quickly. I'm glad I understand him more and it was fun seeing Sebastian, Brad, and Toby again but other than that it I had very little connection to Paul or even Trevor for that matter.
Also, the humor was toned down a lot in this book and that's what I absolutely love the most in Tenino's books.
August 30, 2012
4.5 Stars
OMG! How stupid am I that I didn’t realize this was a sequel to Frat Boy and Toppy when I started reading it. I thought Paul seemed familiar and the feel of the book reminded me of something that I just couldn’t put my finger on until the light bulb finally went off when I hit the halfway mark. *head hits desk*
Did it matter? Not really, but things did click when I realized it. Like the fact I could now remember why it seemed so familiar...Paul... I remember Paul being an ass in Frat Boy and Toppy, is still an ass in this book and even though I should really dislike him, I couldn't, I liked him even when I wanted to cuff him upside the head for how he treats Trevor and poor Trevor made me cry. That beautiful thing he does for Paul I had tears running down my cheeks it was so romantic and tears because I kind of figured what was coming and I could feel the hurt Trevor was going to feel before he did, this is the place I wanted to cuff Paul upside his head or better yet kick him in the ass. Well needless to say it all works out in the end I got my all important HEA!
I love the way Anne Tenino writes, no one does “snark” better, so the book worked for me from the start. It’s sweet, sexy and funny it had me laughing out loud, with nothing that I would call angst, just a really good “feel good” book. My one niggle that seems to be a theme with books lately....too short! There was a sense of the story being rushed as I neared the end.
I highly recommend this book and while it works as a standalone you should read Frat Boy and Toppy first. :-D
OMG! How stupid am I that I didn’t realize this was a sequel to Frat Boy and Toppy when I started reading it. I thought Paul seemed familiar and the feel of the book reminded me of something that I just couldn’t put my finger on until the light bulb finally went off when I hit the halfway mark. *head hits desk*
Did it matter? Not really, but things did click when I realized it. Like the fact I could now remember why it seemed so familiar...Paul... I remember Paul being an ass in Frat Boy and Toppy, is still an ass in this book and even though I should really dislike him, I couldn't, I liked him even when I wanted to cuff him upside the head for how he treats Trevor and poor Trevor made me cry. That beautiful thing he does for Paul I had tears running down my cheeks it was so romantic and tears because I kind of figured what was coming and I could feel the hurt Trevor was going to feel before he did, this is the place I wanted to cuff Paul upside his head or better yet kick him in the ass. Well needless to say it all works out in the end I got my all important HEA!
I love the way Anne Tenino writes, no one does “snark” better, so the book worked for me from the start. It’s sweet, sexy and funny it had me laughing out loud, with nothing that I would call angst, just a really good “feel good” book. My one niggle that seems to be a theme with books lately....too short! There was a sense of the story being rushed as I neared the end.
I highly recommend this book and while it works as a standalone you should read Frat Boy and Toppy first. :-D
May 22, 2017
I was really loving this, and then it just sort of turned on a dime and had it's nice sappy ending and I felt like there was a huge chunk missing from the middle. Not to say that I didn't like the ending, I just had a hard time following the leap. This needed about 20 more pages.
5/17 re-read: I liked this better the second time, I think. Gave me lots of warm fuzzies, though I do see what I was talking about before. There could have been a little more communication before the HEA. Both characters needed to earn it just a bit more but it didn't bother me too much this time around. 4 stars.
5/17 re-read: I liked this better the second time, I think. Gave me lots of warm fuzzies, though I do see what I was talking about before. There could have been a little more communication before the HEA. Both characters needed to earn it just a bit more but it didn't bother me too much this time around. 4 stars.
August 29, 2012
3.5 Stars
I really hated Paul in Frat Boy and Toppy and I wasn't sure if I was ever going to like him once I figured out this was his story. But I was wrong. I really felt bad for him once I found out why he really hated/mistrusted jocks: his high school boyfriend Trevor badly betrayed him...9 years ago. I was ok with Paul forgiving Trevor...it had been 9 years! But I didn't like how they were instantly back in love after like...A DAY!! It had been 9 years!!
Eh, but the sex was HOT!! I just didn't love this book as much as I did the previous one.
Author, can we please get Toby's story next?
I really hated Paul in Frat Boy and Toppy and I wasn't sure if I was ever going to like him once I figured out this was his story. But I was wrong. I really felt bad for him once I found out why he really hated/mistrusted jocks: his high school boyfriend Trevor badly betrayed him...9 years ago. I was ok with Paul forgiving Trevor...it had been 9 years! But I didn't like how they were instantly back in love after like...A DAY!! It had been 9 years!!
Eh, but the sex was HOT!! I just didn't love this book as much as I did the previous one.
Author, can we please get Toby's story next?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2016
Really disliked Paul in the last one but he grew on me. Love this writers style.
Plus face fucking in the first 20%. Woohooo.
Plus face fucking in the first 20%. Woohooo.
November 17, 2014
Grade: B+
Once again, I am forced to abandon my beloved and lazy One-Quote Review format because there were just too many good ones to choose from. One hundred pages, sixty "damn, that's good" highlights - you do the math.
It takes a lot of skill to turn a villain into a worthy hero. Yes, Paul was an evil little worm in the first book. But he freely admits his worminess (I just made that up) and he does something about it.
For a relatively new author, Tenino is remarkably good at the elusive art of showing instead of telling. She avoids cheesy angstifying and lets Paul stumble through his anger and confusion and guilt with his usual dark humor:
Paul eventually figures it out, and - with reluctant forgiveness and help from Brad and Sebastian - finally gets the guy:
So by the time we get to that hard-won HEA, it's easy to share Frat Boy Brad's protective stance:
The only issue that kept Love, Hypothetically from being an A grade was a formatting annoyance with the titular "well, hypothetically speaking" scene in the bar. The long monologue paragraphs were difficult to read on my Kindle Touch - which means it would be even more of a struggle on a smaller device. I had to page back to read a few of Paul's charmingly convoluted explanations a second time because I missed an important bit of self-discovery on the first pass.
But that won't stop me from reading it again.
Once again, I am forced to abandon my beloved and lazy One-Quote Review format because there were just too many good ones to choose from. One hundred pages, sixty "damn, that's good" highlights - you do the math.
"How does one go about about changing one's life?" he asked. Toby seemed to know a lot of useless crap, maybe he'd know the answer to this question.
It takes a lot of skill to turn a villain into a worthy hero. Yes, Paul was an evil little worm in the first book. But he freely admits his worminess (I just made that up) and he does something about it.
"I'm a prick. A prickly, bitter volatile prick, destined to splat on the floor of life."
"...So stop being one."
"...What, you think it's that easy? I just decide to stop, and bam! No more prickliness? It takes action, man. I have to do things, take positive steps. I have to apologize and obtain forgiveness."
For a relatively new author, Tenino is remarkably good at the elusive art of showing instead of telling. She avoids cheesy angstifying and lets Paul stumble through his anger and confusion and guilt with his usual dark humor:
Just.... How in the hell did one prepare oneself for apologizing? Was there some kind of training program? Had Tony Horton produced an exercise video about it?
Paul eventually figures it out, and - with reluctant forgiveness and help from Brad and Sebastian - finally gets the guy:
"All those years without you, I never had anything happen worth remembering. You came back and that all changed in a few days."
So by the time we get to that hard-won HEA, it's easy to share Frat Boy Brad's protective stance:
"...I don't have to threaten to kick your ass if you're a dick to Paul, right, dude? Because up until yesterday, I didn't even really like him, but you know, I'd do what needs to be done."
The only issue that kept Love, Hypothetically from being an A grade was a formatting annoyance with the titular "well, hypothetically speaking" scene in the bar. The long monologue paragraphs were difficult to read on my Kindle Touch - which means it would be even more of a struggle on a smaller device. I had to page back to read a few of Paul's charmingly convoluted explanations a second time because I missed an important bit of self-discovery on the first pass.
But that won't stop me from reading it again.
August 25, 2012
Been waiting for this story since I finished reading Brad and Sebastian's story, seeing that we get introduced to this prickly douchebag, Paul, in that book. And prickly douchebags are one of life's more fascinating things.
The blurb pretty much sums up the way the story goes nice and tidy. The plot line isn't a particularly strong one. Or maybe I should call it predictable instead of weak.
Boy falls in love with jock, jock hurts boy, jock tries to make amends, boy hurts jock, kiss and make up. And that's it. But in between there's the absurdly entertaining dialogues between Toby (the somewhat reluctant friend) and Paul, Trevor's (the jock) sweetly rushed romantic gestures, a nappie wielding friend with a parasite baby, and a nice reunion with my favorite Frat boy and his Toppy.
Compared to book 1 in this series, this one has a pretty different flavor to it. Where book 1 made me laugh til my stomach hurts at points, this made me give my Kindle acidic grins and quiet chuckles. Paul isn't a particularly funny guy, he's bitter, wounded, keeping everyone at an arms length, and with no brain to mouth filter. He's not a likeable guy. But he knows all this. And the fact that he knows exactly who he is, makes him likeable. On the other hand, Trevor is almost a little too good to be true, and I can't say I connected with the guy all that much. But Paul likes him, so hey..
All in all, it's an enjoyable, easy read from one of my favorite authors. Now gimme gimme Toby's story :D
The blurb pretty much sums up the way the story goes nice and tidy. The plot line isn't a particularly strong one. Or maybe I should call it predictable instead of weak.
Boy falls in love with jock, jock hurts boy, jock tries to make amends, boy hurts jock, kiss and make up. And that's it. But in between there's the absurdly entertaining dialogues between Toby (the somewhat reluctant friend) and Paul, Trevor's (the jock) sweetly rushed romantic gestures, a nappie wielding friend with a parasite baby, and a nice reunion with my favorite Frat boy and his Toppy.
Compared to book 1 in this series, this one has a pretty different flavor to it. Where book 1 made me laugh til my stomach hurts at points, this made me give my Kindle acidic grins and quiet chuckles. Paul isn't a particularly funny guy, he's bitter, wounded, keeping everyone at an arms length, and with no brain to mouth filter. He's not a likeable guy. But he knows all this. And the fact that he knows exactly who he is, makes him likeable. On the other hand, Trevor is almost a little too good to be true, and I can't say I connected with the guy all that much. But Paul likes him, so hey..
All in all, it's an enjoyable, easy read from one of my favorite authors. Now gimme gimme Toby's story :D
February 24, 2013
Paul is a porcupine, very prickly and abrasive, I know he has his reasons but it still took a bit for me to like him.
I did feel for him with what his Highschool boyfriend, and I use that term loosely, did to him, literally outing him and leaving him to suffer the consequences.
Trevor was a jock, with dreams of a pro ball future and he was a teenager, so it was understandable that he didn't react as he must have wished he did, given age and maturity.
He comes back into Paul's life and grovels, I love a good grovel, and I have to say Trevor did a good job of it. :)
Paul needs to overcome his issues with Trevor and his own insecurities and stop standing in his own way, I might have wished for a little bit longer 'courting' and getting to know each other again, but a nice story for a second chance at love.
I did feel for him with what his Highschool boyfriend, and I use that term loosely, did to him, literally outing him and leaving him to suffer the consequences.
Trevor was a jock, with dreams of a pro ball future and he was a teenager, so it was understandable that he didn't react as he must have wished he did, given age and maturity.
He comes back into Paul's life and grovels, I love a good grovel, and I have to say Trevor did a good job of it. :)
Paul needs to overcome his issues with Trevor and his own insecurities and stop standing in his own way, I might have wished for a little bit longer 'courting' and getting to know each other again, but a nice story for a second chance at love.
August 30, 2012
I hadn't read Frat Boy and Toppy, the first book in this series, but this follow-up novella seemed pretty self-contained, and it was. I'm sure you would get more out of it if you've read FBAT, but overall I thought this was a nice enjoyable read, even on its own.
The story focuses on Paul, a graduate student who is reunited with his high school baseball player lover after a nine-year break, a break that was preceded by a betrayal that for Paul, was unforgivable and colored all his future interactions with anyone remotely athletic.
Paul's pithy, acerbic voice was fun to read, and it was easy to sympathize with him once you had a better idea of why he was so bitter. I also appreciated Trevor's remorseful hopefulness, a feeling that you can see came from both age and loss. As a reader, I felt hope for both of them, and I liked their reigniting chemistry.
My main beef with the story is that it's pretty short, at about 100 pages. I wouldn't have minded more time with Trevor and Paul. (They were fun to read together.) That, and after a big conflict, Paul rehashes his feelings and tries to figure out what to do with three different friends before we get to the end-run. This part probably felt the most meaningful to those who read the first book since some characters from that pop up here. I understood the back-story, and the importance of revisiting it, especially for closing a loop from book 1, but I think it slowed the pacing down a little, and felt a bit repetitive and drawn-out over that whole section.
One thing that I really liked though, and thought was clever, was Paul's inner thoughts in the beginning, discussing what kinds of kids he usually tutors—-either the miscreants who party too much, or morons who have a mental block with specific subjects. Once that sank in, I knew Paul was in the latter group, no matter how smart he thinks he is. After that, the story was him figuring out how, with the right inspiration and guidance, he can move his block and move on. (Or in this case, return back.)
In the end, it was a fun read, and a nice (and needed) chaser after a much heavier book that I had just finished.
I wonder if there will be a book #3 (and will it focus on Toby?)
The story focuses on Paul, a graduate student who is reunited with his high school baseball player lover after a nine-year break, a break that was preceded by a betrayal that for Paul, was unforgivable and colored all his future interactions with anyone remotely athletic.
Paul's pithy, acerbic voice was fun to read, and it was easy to sympathize with him once you had a better idea of why he was so bitter. I also appreciated Trevor's remorseful hopefulness, a feeling that you can see came from both age and loss. As a reader, I felt hope for both of them, and I liked their reigniting chemistry.
My main beef with the story is that it's pretty short, at about 100 pages. I wouldn't have minded more time with Trevor and Paul. (They were fun to read together.) That, and after a big conflict, Paul rehashes his feelings and tries to figure out what to do with three different friends before we get to the end-run. This part probably felt the most meaningful to those who read the first book since some characters from that pop up here. I understood the back-story, and the importance of revisiting it, especially for closing a loop from book 1, but I think it slowed the pacing down a little, and felt a bit repetitive and drawn-out over that whole section.
One thing that I really liked though, and thought was clever, was Paul's inner thoughts in the beginning, discussing what kinds of kids he usually tutors—-either the miscreants who party too much, or morons who have a mental block with specific subjects. Once that sank in, I knew Paul was in the latter group, no matter how smart he thinks he is. After that, the story was him figuring out how, with the right inspiration and guidance, he can move his block and move on. (Or in this case, return back.)
In the end, it was a fun read, and a nice (and needed) chaser after a much heavier book that I had just finished.
I wonder if there will be a book #3 (and will it focus on Toby?)
September 5, 2012
“I’m a prick. A prickly bitter, volatile prick, destined to splat on the floor of life.” That quote from Paul about himself really sums up exactly who Paul is. He has had his heart broken and it has left him a bitter and sometimes very heartless individual. He has gotten so used to being a cynical ass that he doesn’t let the lack of people in his life get to him. To say Paul has trust issues would be a huge understatement.
In walks the new girls softball team coach Trevor. Trevor just happens to be the guy who broke Paul’s heart. Trevor was so easy to love and hate. What he did to Paul is horrible, but we are talking about the cruel things teens do to fit in and not be different from the norm. The grown up Trevor was so easy to love. He still wants Paul. He is willing to go above and beyond in fixing his wrongs to get Paul.
Paul does not make his road to a happily ever after easy. His personality quirks make for a very rough go at love. He literally turns the possibility of love into a disaster. Not being a Paul fan from reading him in Frat Boy and Toppy I was pleased to see that his actions made for difficult circumstances.
There is a scene that takes place in a bar between Toby and Paul. I do believe it was my favorite part of Love, Hypothetically. It allows Paul to be seen as a human with feeling who has the capabilities to care about others. It also lets readers see an incredible friend that Paul, Sebastian, and Brad have in Toby. I do hope that we get to see more of Toby. This is the type of person you want in your life as a friend.
I think Love, Hypothetically could be read as a stand-alone. I can guarantee that the moment you meet Brad and Sebastian you’re going to want to read Frat Boy and Toppy. If anything as a reader you’re going to want to know about the pancake reference. I was very pleased that Sebastian got as much page time as they did. I think I need to check out some of this Anne’s other books while I impatiently wait for the next in this series to come out!
In walks the new girls softball team coach Trevor. Trevor just happens to be the guy who broke Paul’s heart. Trevor was so easy to love and hate. What he did to Paul is horrible, but we are talking about the cruel things teens do to fit in and not be different from the norm. The grown up Trevor was so easy to love. He still wants Paul. He is willing to go above and beyond in fixing his wrongs to get Paul.
Paul does not make his road to a happily ever after easy. His personality quirks make for a very rough go at love. He literally turns the possibility of love into a disaster. Not being a Paul fan from reading him in Frat Boy and Toppy I was pleased to see that his actions made for difficult circumstances.
There is a scene that takes place in a bar between Toby and Paul. I do believe it was my favorite part of Love, Hypothetically. It allows Paul to be seen as a human with feeling who has the capabilities to care about others. It also lets readers see an incredible friend that Paul, Sebastian, and Brad have in Toby. I do hope that we get to see more of Toby. This is the type of person you want in your life as a friend.
I think Love, Hypothetically could be read as a stand-alone. I can guarantee that the moment you meet Brad and Sebastian you’re going to want to read Frat Boy and Toppy. If anything as a reader you’re going to want to know about the pancake reference. I was very pleased that Sebastian got as much page time as they did. I think I need to check out some of this Anne’s other books while I impatiently wait for the next in this series to come out!
October 24, 2014
I'm so glad I finally read Paul's story. He was so unlikable as Sebastian's roommate in Frat Boy and Toppy you knew there had to be something there.
When Paul finds his first love Trevor, the man who broke his heart so many years ago, is now a coach at the same college where Paul is, he has to come to terms with the feelings that have festered since high school. While Paul may understand the motives for Trevor's betrayal, it doesn't mean that he can forgive so easily. Paul quickly finds himself being courted by Trevor, but even knowing that Trevor is truly regretful, he can't bring himself to trust him. As Paul finds that maybe opening up to his friends might not be such a bad thing, he realizes that it will also require him to look at the way he has treated his former housemates and Sebastian's boyfriend Brad, and possibly do some groveling of his own.
Although the TAG house doesn't play a role in this story, it is still full of the series' signature humor, crazy conversations and sweetness. A must read for any fans of the TAG series.
When Paul finds his first love Trevor, the man who broke his heart so many years ago, is now a coach at the same college where Paul is, he has to come to terms with the feelings that have festered since high school. While Paul may understand the motives for Trevor's betrayal, it doesn't mean that he can forgive so easily. Paul quickly finds himself being courted by Trevor, but even knowing that Trevor is truly regretful, he can't bring himself to trust him. As Paul finds that maybe opening up to his friends might not be such a bad thing, he realizes that it will also require him to look at the way he has treated his former housemates and Sebastian's boyfriend Brad, and possibly do some groveling of his own.
Although the TAG house doesn't play a role in this story, it is still full of the series' signature humor, crazy conversations and sweetness. A must read for any fans of the TAG series.
March 29, 2016
Ok, I admit it: I love it when they grovel.
The more they have to work for it, the better.
I totally disliked Paul in the first book but I loved him on this one. Prickly and abrasive, Paul made me laugh out loud. I felt very sorry for him after what Trevor did when they were in high school, no wonder he was so bitter. Even so, knowing today's Trevor I couldn't hate him, he knew what he had lost and came back to fight for it (and grovel!).
Short, funny and sweet, another great addition to the series!
The more they have to work for it, the better.
I totally disliked Paul in the first book but I loved him on this one. Prickly and abrasive, Paul made me laugh out loud. I felt very sorry for him after what Trevor did when they were in high school, no wonder he was so bitter. Even so, knowing today's Trevor I couldn't hate him, he knew what he had lost and came back to fight for it (and grovel!).
Short, funny and sweet, another great addition to the series!
August 29, 2012
I really liked this book. It is what I describe as a 'happy read'. It has some quirky characters, just the right amount of angst, some knotty problems, romance, lurrrrrve, resolution and forgiveness, the right pace and it has a happy ending too and no cliff hangers. One of the things I liked about this story was that Paul wasn't particularly endearing and its good to see the romantic perspective from some one who isn't completely nice and sounds rather grumpy. I was half way through when I realised that this is a sequel and that's great too because it means that there is more to come. I like this series and future books will go to the top of my must - read- immediately queue.
September 4, 2018
La culpa la tiene la lista de second chance mm romance XDDDDD
August 31, 2012
Paul and Trevor had a secret relationship together in high school. Paul considered himself in love, although they never really talked about their feelings much. Trevor was a big time baseball player, with a pretend girlfriend. Although he had the hots for Paul, he never wanted to reciprocate oral sex or do anything “too gay.” One day while starting to fool around in the shower together, they get caught by a teammate of Trevor’s. Trevor immediately plays the hetero card, blaming Paul for trying to come onto him, dually forcing Paul out of the closet and humiliating him. Paul can not forgive Trevor for this, as Trevor goes onto play in the major leagues, still in the closet.
Now nine years have past, and Paul is still very bitter over the whole thing. He is just an anti-social, grumpy person in general. He is a tutor for a AA college, and gets a message that the new women’s softball coach wants him to tutor several of his players. And guess who the new coach is?
Trevor is back in town and now all these years later, wants Paul back. Paul just wants revenge for the embarrassment that Trevor caused. Deep down, Paul was not only embarrassed but he lost the person he loved all those years ago and has never gotten over it.
I’ve said it in the past, but I love cranky heroes. I love the self deprecating humor, the grumpiness, and the foul mood they are in when shoved in the face with a big surprise aka the high school crush back after nine years. Paul is still so pissed off about Trevor outing him, yet not outing himself and choosing baseball over a relationship. But now Trevor is back, more mature, out to the world and wants Paul back. Paul kind of falls for Trevor’s sexy advances and then feels even more pity that he let himself do that.
This one is okay, the sex is hot, kind of angry at first, which can be fun in a sex scene. But I kind of feel like, the basis of the two of these guys deciding to give their relationship another shot is all based on sex. We don’t see them court each other, except with blow jobs and sex on a boat (although I’ll never complain about sex on a boat!). Told in Paul’s point of view, he turns to friends for consultation, but we never really get into Trevor’s mind to see exactly how he feels about all this. I’m not convinced that they actually work through their issues. It felt more like Paul worked through some of his issues with the help of his friends, and we don’t really know the extent of Trevor’s internal battle. But I think we miss the two of them working it out together. I wish we could have seen that more.
This is novella length, so it is a quick read, and like I said, Paul made me smile a few times because he really is a grump. This is the second book I’ve read by Anne Tenino and I’ll be back for another.
Rating; C+
Now nine years have past, and Paul is still very bitter over the whole thing. He is just an anti-social, grumpy person in general. He is a tutor for a AA college, and gets a message that the new women’s softball coach wants him to tutor several of his players. And guess who the new coach is?
Trevor is back in town and now all these years later, wants Paul back. Paul just wants revenge for the embarrassment that Trevor caused. Deep down, Paul was not only embarrassed but he lost the person he loved all those years ago and has never gotten over it.
I’ve said it in the past, but I love cranky heroes. I love the self deprecating humor, the grumpiness, and the foul mood they are in when shoved in the face with a big surprise aka the high school crush back after nine years. Paul is still so pissed off about Trevor outing him, yet not outing himself and choosing baseball over a relationship. But now Trevor is back, more mature, out to the world and wants Paul back. Paul kind of falls for Trevor’s sexy advances and then feels even more pity that he let himself do that.
This one is okay, the sex is hot, kind of angry at first, which can be fun in a sex scene. But I kind of feel like, the basis of the two of these guys deciding to give their relationship another shot is all based on sex. We don’t see them court each other, except with blow jobs and sex on a boat (although I’ll never complain about sex on a boat!). Told in Paul’s point of view, he turns to friends for consultation, but we never really get into Trevor’s mind to see exactly how he feels about all this. I’m not convinced that they actually work through their issues. It felt more like Paul worked through some of his issues with the help of his friends, and we don’t really know the extent of Trevor’s internal battle. But I think we miss the two of them working it out together. I wish we could have seen that more.
This is novella length, so it is a quick read, and like I said, Paul made me smile a few times because he really is a grump. This is the second book I’ve read by Anne Tenino and I’ll be back for another.
Rating; C+
June 24, 2014
Meet Paul. Paul is a bit of a grumpy old man on the outside.
Honestly, this applies to Paul’s inside as well. Paul is a bit of an asshole. As he says himself:
I’m a prick. A prickly, bitter, volatile prick, destined to splat on the floor of life.
He is quite difficult to like…he is bitter, he is vindictive, he is childish and just like the stereotypical grumpy old man, he seems to dislike the younger, „wilder“ generation…
Like when Paul and Trevor go sailing:
When Paul got pissed off at a speedboat cutting them off and stood up, shouting, „You kids get the hell off my lake!“ Trevor yanked him down before they bounced in its wake and he got tossed overboard“
Paul is also not really a philanthropist:
He spent Thursday in the tutoring center, where he was visited by the usual parade of morons and miscreants […]
However, despite his prickliness, he is quite special, and he is very endearing in his weirdness and in his awkwardness when it comes to social behavior.
Paul is not someone I would immediately have fallen in love with as a character (like with Brad from #1), but that doesn't matter, since the author manages to make me feel what Trevor feels, and I somehow ended up feeling a lot for Paul, be it sympathy or just the remaining chock that a guy like Paul is the MC of a romance story.
I had two „issues“ with this book:
For me, the story would have been even better if Trevor’s POV would have been included. It would have been great to read what Trevor felt for Paul back in their high school days, and see more of the reasons behind his continued love for our grumpy Paul.
Another tiny, personal thing is that I prefer to read about the beginning of a relationship, there is nothing that gets my heart going than those first tentative steps that ultimately result in hot schmexing. However, this story makes it up for me in the sweetness of their new relationship. As much as Paul tries to convince himself that what Trevor did is unforgivable, his body and heart betrays him over and over. And Paul is definitely a guy who should let his heart rule every now and then.
I was kind of expecting Paul to transform totally into a better person by the end of the book, you know, that kind of „transformed by love“ blabla stuff…but I was happy to see that he kept his somewhat diva-behavior until the very end. He wouldn’t be Paul otherwise and surprisingly, I found myself wanting him to stay exactly like that♡.
Honestly, this applies to Paul’s inside as well. Paul is a bit of an asshole. As he says himself:
I’m a prick. A prickly, bitter, volatile prick, destined to splat on the floor of life.
He is quite difficult to like…he is bitter, he is vindictive, he is childish and just like the stereotypical grumpy old man, he seems to dislike the younger, „wilder“ generation…
Like when Paul and Trevor go sailing:
When Paul got pissed off at a speedboat cutting them off and stood up, shouting, „You kids get the hell off my lake!“ Trevor yanked him down before they bounced in its wake and he got tossed overboard“
Paul is also not really a philanthropist:
He spent Thursday in the tutoring center, where he was visited by the usual parade of morons and miscreants […]
However, despite his prickliness, he is quite special, and he is very endearing in his weirdness and in his awkwardness when it comes to social behavior.
Paul is not someone I would immediately have fallen in love with as a character (like with Brad from #1), but that doesn't matter, since the author manages to make me feel what Trevor feels, and I somehow ended up feeling a lot for Paul, be it sympathy or just the remaining chock that a guy like Paul is the MC of a romance story.
I had two „issues“ with this book:
For me, the story would have been even better if Trevor’s POV would have been included. It would have been great to read what Trevor felt for Paul back in their high school days, and see more of the reasons behind his continued love for our grumpy Paul.
Another tiny, personal thing is that I prefer to read about the beginning of a relationship, there is nothing that gets my heart going than those first tentative steps that ultimately result in hot schmexing. However, this story makes it up for me in the sweetness of their new relationship. As much as Paul tries to convince himself that what Trevor did is unforgivable, his body and heart betrays him over and over. And Paul is definitely a guy who should let his heart rule every now and then.
I was kind of expecting Paul to transform totally into a better person by the end of the book, you know, that kind of „transformed by love“ blabla stuff…but I was happy to see that he kept his somewhat diva-behavior until the very end. He wouldn’t be Paul otherwise and surprisingly, I found myself wanting him to stay exactly like that♡.
August 27, 2012
This review was posted at Under the Covers
I'm really not sure what I was expecting going into this book. I liked Paul from the previous book but yes, he was a jerk to his friend and his new boyfriend. Obviously I was expecting him to have hangups about something and that there was a story behind why he acted like an ass at the mere thought that Brad was a jock.
But what I wasn't prepared for was this story. LOVE, HYPOTHETICALLY was really a beautiful love story of reunited lovers, high school sweethearts that hit a bump in the road that veered them off track for a while but they're getting their second chance at love. While it was sad that Paul and Trevor couldn't stay together then, and what Trevor did was awful, it is also understandable. There were reasons, there was pressure. It was about love or his future and as a teenager who is still figuring out that he's gay and has to deal with that, everything else was too much.
Paul surprised me as well. Where I was expecting to find out he was a flirt and slept around, turns out that he's not the slut I thought he was. He does put value into giving his body to someone and in his heart, there truly only has been Trevor. Even after the heartache, the betrayal and the hurt.
When Trevor comes back, I thought he did everything perfect. He did some groveling, he tried some wooing. And what I found most endearing is that he's not coming back as a perfect guy, all gorgeous looking. He's not at the top anymore, he started loosing his hair. But the same love is still there.
And last but not least, the friendships. After everything Paul did, it was great to see him make amends and have his friends understand why he did the things he did.
If anything, I was expecting this book to be sexier or funnier, and although there was still plenty of sexual tension and a few very hot encounters as well as some funny moments and quotes, it was also a lot more emotional than the first book. There was a connection between them that went beyond the physical and beyond the jokes and I kept holding my breath for the right moment when Paul would finally give in and forgive Trevor.
Now I can't wait for the next one!
*ARC provided by publisher
I'm really not sure what I was expecting going into this book. I liked Paul from the previous book but yes, he was a jerk to his friend and his new boyfriend. Obviously I was expecting him to have hangups about something and that there was a story behind why he acted like an ass at the mere thought that Brad was a jock.
But what I wasn't prepared for was this story. LOVE, HYPOTHETICALLY was really a beautiful love story of reunited lovers, high school sweethearts that hit a bump in the road that veered them off track for a while but they're getting their second chance at love. While it was sad that Paul and Trevor couldn't stay together then, and what Trevor did was awful, it is also understandable. There were reasons, there was pressure. It was about love or his future and as a teenager who is still figuring out that he's gay and has to deal with that, everything else was too much.
Paul surprised me as well. Where I was expecting to find out he was a flirt and slept around, turns out that he's not the slut I thought he was. He does put value into giving his body to someone and in his heart, there truly only has been Trevor. Even after the heartache, the betrayal and the hurt.
When Trevor comes back, I thought he did everything perfect. He did some groveling, he tried some wooing. And what I found most endearing is that he's not coming back as a perfect guy, all gorgeous looking. He's not at the top anymore, he started loosing his hair. But the same love is still there.
And last but not least, the friendships. After everything Paul did, it was great to see him make amends and have his friends understand why he did the things he did.
If anything, I was expecting this book to be sexier or funnier, and although there was still plenty of sexual tension and a few very hot encounters as well as some funny moments and quotes, it was also a lot more emotional than the first book. There was a connection between them that went beyond the physical and beyond the jokes and I kept holding my breath for the right moment when Paul would finally give in and forgive Trevor.
Now I can't wait for the next one!
*ARC provided by publisher
December 18, 2012
3.5 stars
Paul was Sebastian's not-so-nice roommate in Frat Boy and Toppy. He has been hurt in love and to say that he doesn't do relationships or doesn't like jocks in an understatement. His experience with both has left much to be desired, so he avoids them like the plague. Then in comes Trevor, the new softball coach. Trevor happens to be Paul's high school boyfriend and the guy who broke his heart. He has come back to try a relationship with Paul again, but his apologies and amends are useless. Or are they?
I liked Trevor, I really did. It takes a great man to admit that he was wrong and to do it repeatedly and in an honest way is something to be admired. On the one hand, I was cheering him on and on the other I wanted him to grovel a little more. By the time they went sailing I was a goner. I understood where each man was coming from, but I could have smacked Paul for his stubbornness regardless.
The writing was very good even if the story felt rushed to me, which is the only reason why I stopped at 3.5 stars. The story was filled with all kinds of emotions along with a lot of chemistry and Paul's neurosis. Although I did find Paul to be somewhat funny, at times he came across as just hurtful, which I attributed as a defense mechanism learned from his horrible high school experience. I was glad to see that after all was said and done, he recognized that he did wrong by Trevor and that he tried to better himself in that regard. I enjoyed their chemistry, especially Trevor's reactions to Paul's touch. He was such a big guy and he really let go with Paul when they were together and I enjoyed it throughly.
In this installment we don't get a lot of secondary characters, but the ones that did make an appearance were great and added to the story. Once again, I enjoyed visiting Sebastian and Brad as well as Toby, the other roommate. He really did catch my attention this time and I would love to read his story.
Paul was Sebastian's not-so-nice roommate in Frat Boy and Toppy. He has been hurt in love and to say that he doesn't do relationships or doesn't like jocks in an understatement. His experience with both has left much to be desired, so he avoids them like the plague. Then in comes Trevor, the new softball coach. Trevor happens to be Paul's high school boyfriend and the guy who broke his heart. He has come back to try a relationship with Paul again, but his apologies and amends are useless. Or are they?
I liked Trevor, I really did. It takes a great man to admit that he was wrong and to do it repeatedly and in an honest way is something to be admired. On the one hand, I was cheering him on and on the other I wanted him to grovel a little more. By the time they went sailing I was a goner. I understood where each man was coming from, but I could have smacked Paul for his stubbornness regardless.
The writing was very good even if the story felt rushed to me, which is the only reason why I stopped at 3.5 stars. The story was filled with all kinds of emotions along with a lot of chemistry and Paul's neurosis. Although I did find Paul to be somewhat funny, at times he came across as just hurtful, which I attributed as a defense mechanism learned from his horrible high school experience. I was glad to see that after all was said and done, he recognized that he did wrong by Trevor and that he tried to better himself in that regard. I enjoyed their chemistry, especially Trevor's reactions to Paul's touch. He was such a big guy and he really let go with Paul when they were together and I enjoyed it throughly.
In this installment we don't get a lot of secondary characters, but the ones that did make an appearance were great and added to the story. Once again, I enjoyed visiting Sebastian and Brad as well as Toby, the other roommate. He really did catch my attention this time and I would love to read his story.
September 7, 2012
I loved Frat Boy and Toppy and was immediately interested in Sebastian's grumpy roommate, Paul. I wanted to know why he hated jocks so much!
Love Hypothetically is Paul's story. In high school, he had a secret relationship with the star baseball player, Trevor. When Trevor humiliated and outed Paul in order to save his own ass, Paul was devastated. To Paul, athletes are not to be trusted and are only good for hurting people. Ten years later, Trevor is now the coach for the women softball team at Calapooya college. Trevor needs a tutor for some of his players and he wants Paul to be that tutor. Trevor also wants to apologize to Paul and to ask for his forgiveness. And if Paul's willing, to give their relationship another chance. Paul doesn't want Trevor's apology and nor does he believe Trevor deserves his forgiveness. Paul's been burned by Trevor once. He won't let it happen again.
I really liked Paul in Frat Boy and Toppy and found his grouchiness endearing and at times funny. Unfortunately, that grumpiness lost its appeal in Love, Hypothetically. Paul was too grumpy and angry, even with his own friends and it wore thin really fast. I didn't feel like any of the issues between Paul and Trevor were resolved and other than a few lackluster sex scenes, felt like not enough was spent developing the relationship. Ten years had passed, I wanted more emotion when they got back together. I felt a disconnect between the two characters and was not invested in their happiness. Paul does own up to his own crap in the end but by then it was a little too late. also this book wasn't hot.
Overall I found Love, Hypothetically lacking the heart and the heat and the humor that made Frat Boy and Toppy so great. I found the sex scenes lacking heat and imagination and the romance to be underdeveloped.
Love Hypothetically is Paul's story. In high school, he had a secret relationship with the star baseball player, Trevor. When Trevor humiliated and outed Paul in order to save his own ass, Paul was devastated. To Paul, athletes are not to be trusted and are only good for hurting people. Ten years later, Trevor is now the coach for the women softball team at Calapooya college. Trevor needs a tutor for some of his players and he wants Paul to be that tutor. Trevor also wants to apologize to Paul and to ask for his forgiveness. And if Paul's willing, to give their relationship another chance. Paul doesn't want Trevor's apology and nor does he believe Trevor deserves his forgiveness. Paul's been burned by Trevor once. He won't let it happen again.
I really liked Paul in Frat Boy and Toppy and found his grouchiness endearing and at times funny. Unfortunately, that grumpiness lost its appeal in Love, Hypothetically. Paul was too grumpy and angry, even with his own friends and it wore thin really fast. I didn't feel like any of the issues between Paul and Trevor were resolved and other than a few lackluster sex scenes, felt like not enough was spent developing the relationship. Ten years had passed, I wanted more emotion when they got back together. I felt a disconnect between the two characters and was not invested in their happiness. Paul does own up to his own crap in the end but by then it was a little too late. also this book wasn't hot.
Overall I found Love, Hypothetically lacking the heart and the heat and the humor that made Frat Boy and Toppy so great. I found the sex scenes lacking heat and imagination and the romance to be underdeveloped.
August 18, 2013
4.5 Stars!! It’s no secret that I adore Anne Tenino! I love her books and the characters she writes. They are always full of personality. And this book was no different. You may remember Paul as Sebastian’s roommate from Frat Boy and Toppy. Paul is kind of judgmental, not a big fan of jocks or frat boys, and prone to “little fits” where he shoots off his mouth without thinking. I loved him and his “hypothetical” conversation with his friend Toby. They were hilarious!!
Anyway, Paul is tutoring for the summer and finds out that the new women’s softball coach has requested him specifically to tutor some of his athletes. Paul comes to find out that said coach is actually his high school boyfriend. The one that painfully outed Paul, but remained firmly inside his closet for the sake of his dream of playing major league baseball. Well now he’s retired from baseball and already come out, but can Paul find it in his heart to give him a second chance? Very sweet story! Wish it had been a little bit longer. I enjoyed catching up with Sebastian and Brad again. I hope Toby gets his own story sometime soon :)
Anyway, Paul is tutoring for the summer and finds out that the new women’s softball coach has requested him specifically to tutor some of his athletes. Paul comes to find out that said coach is actually his high school boyfriend. The one that painfully outed Paul, but remained firmly inside his closet for the sake of his dream of playing major league baseball. Well now he’s retired from baseball and already come out, but can Paul find it in his heart to give him a second chance? Very sweet story! Wish it had been a little bit longer. I enjoyed catching up with Sebastian and Brad again. I hope Toby gets his own story sometime soon :)
August 25, 2013
I just love a story that makes me feel good. I probably should have re-read Frat Boy and Toppy once I realized this was a sequel but it reads well independently and as soon as I started reading, Sebastian and Brad were easily remembered. In this sequel, Paul, a grad study who may hold the title for most cynical and annoying character I've read, meets his old high school lover, Trevor. Problem is that Trevor denied his love for Paul when they were caught in the showers in the boy's locker room at the end of senior year. It not only broke Paul's heart, it outed him to the whole school.
Paul holds his resentment and ultimately finds a way to break Trevor's heart in this story. It turns out that he doesn't find any satisfaction in that and needs to start turning his cynicism off and learn how to be happy.
I just loved this story! It was a wonderful "feel good" kind of story, easy to read, hot, with really engaging characters. I hope the series continues and that Paul's friend Toby gets his chance for a HEA of his own.
Paul holds his resentment and ultimately finds a way to break Trevor's heart in this story. It turns out that he doesn't find any satisfaction in that and needs to start turning his cynicism off and learn how to be happy.
I just loved this story! It was a wonderful "feel good" kind of story, easy to read, hot, with really engaging characters. I hope the series continues and that Paul's friend Toby gets his chance for a HEA of his own.
April 14, 2013
Awwww, I loved this. Maybe even more than
Frat Boy and Toppy
. It was shorter and less graphically sexy, though just as funny and sweet. And I definitely think the story was deeper.
It was great exploration of what it means to trust and forgive the person you love. I don't blame Paul for his sort of assholey behavior in this book at all. Chances are high that in this same scenario, I would have done and said the same (if not worse). If someone I loved had "sacrificed" me (as Paul puts it) in the way that Trevor did to him, I don't know that I would have ever recovered - especially at that age. I would have been a bitter, mistrustful, jock-hating bitch, too. And Trevor really did push things too fast after just showing up out of the blue after nine years.
But I was glad they worked everything out in the end - I wonder if everyone, deep down, fantasizes about their first love one day returning and saying they never got over you. I know I sometimes do.
The more I read from Anne Tenino, the more I like her!
It was great exploration of what it means to trust and forgive the person you love. I don't blame Paul for his sort of assholey behavior in this book at all. Chances are high that in this same scenario, I would have done and said the same (if not worse). If someone I loved had "sacrificed" me (as Paul puts it) in the way that Trevor did to him, I don't know that I would have ever recovered - especially at that age. I would have been a bitter, mistrustful, jock-hating bitch, too. And Trevor really did push things too fast after just showing up out of the blue after nine years.
But I was glad they worked everything out in the end - I wonder if everyone, deep down, fantasizes about their first love one day returning and saying they never got over you. I know I sometimes do.
The more I read from Anne Tenino, the more I like her!
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