What do you think?
Rate this book
Lover's Journey #1
Dawn to Dusk
Edi’s life is made up of precious moments. That first encounter with Robert in rural Romania at eleven. A summer spent together in the same setting a year later. Their first text exchange in high school. The first sexual experience. The first heartbreak—the second and third and fourth chance. The point of total breakdown and the despair of failing. More love than anyone could have warned him about. No matter how much time passes, no matter how different their paths, every meeting brings Edi and Robert closer together. Those stolen moments shine brighter than any. Yet loving Robert is not easy, not when Edi wants to be true to himself and is met with dishonesty. Or when Robert keeps parading new conquests and ignores Edi more often than not. Edi has always loved Robert, but he must decide if his journey leads to or away from his childhood friend. Is it true love or is Edi just unable to let go?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2016
12 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Alina Popescu
75 books180 followersI am a writer, traveler, blogger, and coffee addict. I started writing stories when I was 10 and kept doing it as a hobby till a few years ago. I prefer fantasy and sci-fi when it comes to writing and I am currently working on a vampire series, Bad Blood. Book I of the series, The Edge of hope, was published in April 2014.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 16, 2018
OK... I so so so so wanted to love this book. But while exquisite torture can be wonderful in small doses Edi's constant forgiving Robert apparently hurts me more than it hurts him. Due to that I am giving this book 4.25 stars. I will move on to the next book in this series because truthfully excepting Robert I LOVE this book and I can only hope that Edi finally wises up soon. Yeah apparently I am a glutton for punishment. I have loved every book by this author that I have read thus far and my hatred for Robert does not change that. The author has truly done something no other has... I mean I have strongly disliked many characters by many authors over the years.. but never have I so despised one like this. OK enough ranting... I love this author's talent at telling a story and so many characters in this book feel like they are close friends, part of me wished we got to see inside Robert's head, because part of me (a tiny part) feels bad for him and his inability to actually truly care about anyone. Anyway... after a break I will dive back into this incredible twisted shit storm and stick it out to hopefully, finally see Edi happy!
May 19, 2017
2nd Reread: Edi still leaves me in shock. I get why he's not everybody's favorite, but this character really touches me on a personal level and I will always love Alina Popescu for writing this book.
Initial Read: This book completely blew me away. I read it all in one sitting, and when I finished it all I could do was sit in silence and think about Edi and the choices he'd made to get where he was. He reminded me so much of myself and my own first love that reading this book was as probably as close as I could get to reliving that time in my life.
I began the book smiling, reading about this young boy who wanted nothing more than to impress the older kid and enjoy every minute of summer before going back to school. Edi was sweet, simple, and a little bit stubborn.
As the years passed and Edi grew I found myself no longer smiling. Edi was still the same old Edi, but he was older, and his awareness of his feelings, both for Robert and the place he grew up, definitely pulled in a heavier tone.
This book was a true coming of age tale, and I loved every bittersweet page. Popescu perfectly captured what it means to grow up and watch the magic fade away right before your eyes.
Edi's relationship with Robert was, well, disappointing. Not in the sense that it made me dislike the book, but in the sense that it planted that seed of angst and guilt? in my chest that lingered there for hours, even after finishing the novel. My story was so very similar to Edi's and yet here I was, passing judgement on this character for being so passive and accepting when he should be angry.
Despite the frustration I felt, Edi is the type of MC that I couldn't help but love. His concern for his own wellbeing was completely sidelined by his love for Robert, something I'm all too familiar with. My connection to Edi as a character is very personal, but I don't think it's necessary to that extent to enjoy this book.
I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for book 2!!!
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
Initial Read: This book completely blew me away. I read it all in one sitting, and when I finished it all I could do was sit in silence and think about Edi and the choices he'd made to get where he was. He reminded me so much of myself and my own first love that reading this book was as probably as close as I could get to reliving that time in my life.
I began the book smiling, reading about this young boy who wanted nothing more than to impress the older kid and enjoy every minute of summer before going back to school. Edi was sweet, simple, and a little bit stubborn.
If I had to hide who I liked, I damn well wouldn't conform to their short hair demands.
As the years passed and Edi grew I found myself no longer smiling. Edi was still the same old Edi, but he was older, and his awareness of his feelings, both for Robert and the place he grew up, definitely pulled in a heavier tone.
The library had made the past summers better. Whenever I missed him most, I'd go there and look for books I knew he'd read.
This book was a true coming of age tale, and I loved every bittersweet page. Popescu perfectly captured what it means to grow up and watch the magic fade away right before your eyes.
Tiny and almost dried out of existence, with the shrinking walls and dying grass, this was still the cradle of all my boyish adventures. I felt it slip through my fingers. I'd enjoy myself, but I'd never again be awed by this place. I'd outgrown it.
Edi's relationship with Robert was, well, disappointing. Not in the sense that it made me dislike the book, but in the sense that it planted that seed of angst and guilt? in my chest that lingered there for hours, even after finishing the novel. My story was so very similar to Edi's and yet here I was, passing judgement on this character for being so passive and accepting when he should be angry.
Didn't everybody say first loves are supposed to be all great and unforgettable? Why the f*ck did they leave out the part about hurting so bad, you'd want to tear your soul out?
Despite the frustration I felt, Edi is the type of MC that I couldn't help but love. His concern for his own wellbeing was completely sidelined by his love for Robert, something I'm all too familiar with. My connection to Edi as a character is very personal, but I don't think it's necessary to that extent to enjoy this book.
I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for book 2!!!
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
August 8, 2018
* 4 nostalgic/ sweet childhood memories/ things that we do out of love stars*
July 16, 2017
Review Coming
August 9, 2016
Original Blog Post: Blog Tour, Review, Excerpt & #Giveaway: Dawn to Dusk Series: Lover’s Journey, Book One by Alina Popescu
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Before you read this review, take note of the title. Dawn to Dusk, Lover’s Journey, Book One.
Now that you've read it, take it to heart for it's telling of what this read is all about. A journey two boys take as they grow into themselves. Their life begins on that first meeting, Dawn, and this installment ends when things are seemingly okay but one is left questioning, Dusk. A journey of falling in love, getting heartbroken, and falling in love, or back to love, again.
These lovers' journey takes time to read for it has this tendency to bring back memories that may hurt, or may make you laugh. It calls on emotions similar to elation but at times, anger when things don't go the way they should.
I don't like to spoil the details, for the title says it all. The events that unfold, they begin when Robert and Edi are young and they think and act as young children do. As they grow up, they question their feelings and doubt the sanity of it. Experimentation, questioning, doubting, they go through the gamut of emotions. They hurt, they heal, they are molded into who they are as they finally reach that point in life when they face reality and learn to accept.
This was a difficult read at times, but I love Alina Popescu's style. she always manages to put a twist there somewhere, a change from the norm that makes you cock your head and wonder where she's going to lead us.
As usual, her writing is a joy to read, the question comes in for I don't know where this will lead me, when the next installment comes in. This book ends at dusk, that uncertain time of our lives where it's neither light nor dark and the anticipation for something bigger hangs in the air. What the future brings, well, I'm sure that's going to be another journey we'll have to look forward to.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Before you read this review, take note of the title. Dawn to Dusk, Lover’s Journey, Book One.
Now that you've read it, take it to heart for it's telling of what this read is all about. A journey two boys take as they grow into themselves. Their life begins on that first meeting, Dawn, and this installment ends when things are seemingly okay but one is left questioning, Dusk. A journey of falling in love, getting heartbroken, and falling in love, or back to love, again.
These lovers' journey takes time to read for it has this tendency to bring back memories that may hurt, or may make you laugh. It calls on emotions similar to elation but at times, anger when things don't go the way they should.
I don't like to spoil the details, for the title says it all. The events that unfold, they begin when Robert and Edi are young and they think and act as young children do. As they grow up, they question their feelings and doubt the sanity of it. Experimentation, questioning, doubting, they go through the gamut of emotions. They hurt, they heal, they are molded into who they are as they finally reach that point in life when they face reality and learn to accept.
This was a difficult read at times, but I love Alina Popescu's style. she always manages to put a twist there somewhere, a change from the norm that makes you cock your head and wonder where she's going to lead us.
As usual, her writing is a joy to read, the question comes in for I don't know where this will lead me, when the next installment comes in. This book ends at dusk, that uncertain time of our lives where it's neither light nor dark and the anticipation for something bigger hangs in the air. What the future brings, well, I'm sure that's going to be another journey we'll have to look forward to.
August 10, 2016
**copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Edi meets Robert while visiting his grandma over summer vacation. Robert is also visiting family from his home in, Bucharest, the Capital City of Romania. Edi, 11, and Robert, 15, spend the summer playing in the forest and taking long walks to the near by creek. Then Robert suddenly disappears one morning, without so much as a goodbye, but they sporadically continue to see one another over the summers as they grow up and into college and adulthood.
I thought this would be a sweet story. Two kids who grow up spending their summers together and falling in love, but I hated Robert. He was a complete asshole!! He was so mean, spoiled and selfish. I loved Edi, but I couldn't decide between feeling bad for the way he was treated or being angry at him for continually putting himself back in this situation over and over. I understand loving someone, but making yourself their doormat is a completely different story. In the end, I'm not sure either character has redeemed themselves.
This was a well-written book, but the time periods are very jumpy. It would have worked better if the author had made it clearer as to how much time was between each time change. Either a year at the top of the next scene/chapter or the number of months/years it had actually been.
I loved the secondary characters. The kids from Edi's grandma's small village, as well as his friends from back home. I hope to see more of them, especially Sebastian in the future. I wasn't sure what to make of the ending, but I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes and hoping everything will get resolved. This was a great, but honestly frustrating read, as they tend to be when you want to kill a MC or two, but still, highly recommended!!
Edi meets Robert while visiting his grandma over summer vacation. Robert is also visiting family from his home in, Bucharest, the Capital City of Romania. Edi, 11, and Robert, 15, spend the summer playing in the forest and taking long walks to the near by creek. Then Robert suddenly disappears one morning, without so much as a goodbye, but they sporadically continue to see one another over the summers as they grow up and into college and adulthood.
I thought this would be a sweet story. Two kids who grow up spending their summers together and falling in love, but I hated Robert. He was a complete asshole!! He was so mean, spoiled and selfish. I loved Edi, but I couldn't decide between feeling bad for the way he was treated or being angry at him for continually putting himself back in this situation over and over. I understand loving someone, but making yourself their doormat is a completely different story. In the end, I'm not sure either character has redeemed themselves.
This was a well-written book, but the time periods are very jumpy. It would have worked better if the author had made it clearer as to how much time was between each time change. Either a year at the top of the next scene/chapter or the number of months/years it had actually been.
I loved the secondary characters. The kids from Edi's grandma's small village, as well as his friends from back home. I hope to see more of them, especially Sebastian in the future. I wasn't sure what to make of the ending, but I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes and hoping everything will get resolved. This was a great, but honestly frustrating read, as they tend to be when you want to kill a MC or two, but still, highly recommended!!
August 5, 2016
This is hard to describe. On one hand it's sweet and brings back all these childhood memories, on the other, it's bitter sweet and takes you on an emotional roller-coaster. And kudos to Alina for this, it's not a small feat. Though my summer vacations spent at my grandma when I was a child was different than this, reading D2D took me back to that time. Only the chicken and the kittens were missing, I tell you.
As for Edi and Robert...Robert is a prick, but love is blind. And I know, know, that this reflects a reality a lot of us are very familiar with.
The only thing that I would have liked better would have been a HEA, instead of a HFN, but that doesn't take anything from the pleasure I got from reading this.
Not everyone will like the story, and there are a few taboo in the story, but I felt that damn roller-coaster all the way through and that, to me, makes a book great.
As for Edi and Robert...Robert is a prick, but love is blind. And I know, know, that this reflects a reality a lot of us are very familiar with.
The only thing that I would have liked better would have been a HEA, instead of a HFN, but that doesn't take anything from the pleasure I got from reading this.
Not everyone will like the story, and there are a few taboo in the story, but I felt that damn roller-coaster all the way through and that, to me, makes a book great.
November 24, 2017
I love reading stories set in different countries, and Alina Popescu’s descriptive writing makes Romania come alive. Her prose has a lovely flow to it, and I found it easy to visualise the scenes she painted with her words. I also thought the way she split the different ‘chapters’ into different parts of the day eg Late Morning, Noon, was really cool. Those times of day don’t just provide ‘chapter’ headings but progress the story from Dawn to Dusk. I thought the title was very apt for this story, considering Edi’s journey from childhood to adulthood and his realisation that he is in not interested in girls, and in love with Robert.
His love and need for Robert felt very tangible and real, and I really felt for him, even when I wanted to yell at him and ask him what the hell he was thinking. The author does a great job in capturing his emotions and making him a sympathetic character. On the other hand, Robert is one of those characters you want to hate, especially with how he behaves, and his priorities and excuses, yet at one point I almost felt sorry for him. Kudos to the author for that one. Each time Edi and Robert broke up, and got together again I wondered how long it would last this time.
I loved the supporting cast especially Evelina and Sebastian. I love strong female characters in MM romance, and Evelina is a very good friend to Edi. I was happy to learn that book 2 in this series is Sebastian’s story, as I really felt for him, and the situation he is in, obviously in love with Edi, and having to watch his best friend self-destruct because of his love for another.
Dawn to Dusk is not always an easy read in places, and I got frustrated with Edi continuously being hurt by Robert, yet I could relate to why he kept taking it back, and understand it too. Edi’s story is a very realistic.
I’d recommend Dawn to Dusk to readers who enjoy a contemporary romance that doesn’t necessary have a HEA, interesting flawed characters, and stories set in different countries.
His love and need for Robert felt very tangible and real, and I really felt for him, even when I wanted to yell at him and ask him what the hell he was thinking. The author does a great job in capturing his emotions and making him a sympathetic character. On the other hand, Robert is one of those characters you want to hate, especially with how he behaves, and his priorities and excuses, yet at one point I almost felt sorry for him. Kudos to the author for that one. Each time Edi and Robert broke up, and got together again I wondered how long it would last this time.
I loved the supporting cast especially Evelina and Sebastian. I love strong female characters in MM romance, and Evelina is a very good friend to Edi. I was happy to learn that book 2 in this series is Sebastian’s story, as I really felt for him, and the situation he is in, obviously in love with Edi, and having to watch his best friend self-destruct because of his love for another.
Dawn to Dusk is not always an easy read in places, and I got frustrated with Edi continuously being hurt by Robert, yet I could relate to why he kept taking it back, and understand it too. Edi’s story is a very realistic.
I’d recommend Dawn to Dusk to readers who enjoy a contemporary romance that doesn’t necessary have a HEA, interesting flawed characters, and stories set in different countries.
May 12, 2017
I always like when a book transposes me into the narrative thread of the story. In this case, the first part of Dawn to Dusk brought me back to my own childhood memories, where the summer holidays were spent in a small village in the country side, to the emotions of a first love, realizing you were more mature but not quite there yet. As for the second part of the book, living in Bucharest myself makes me a little sad that Edi is not real, I would have loved meeting him in person and poke his brain a little :)
Edi's journey in love doesn't happen overnight, it goes through some stages, like the moments of the day: dusk, morning, noon, afternoon and dawn. The choices he makes, his stubbornness and also his caring soul shape him to be a wonderful character.
Even though I didn't like the relationship between Edi and Robert (well, I didn't like Robert very much, though I felt sorry for him), it seemed very real and you can feel (or even know) this is a story that happens in real life too.
This being said, Alina Popescu managed to capture and translate into words the precious moments of a lover's journey, with all it's ups and downs, happiness and heartbreaks, clearness and blindness.
Edi's journey in love doesn't happen overnight, it goes through some stages, like the moments of the day: dusk, morning, noon, afternoon and dawn. The choices he makes, his stubbornness and also his caring soul shape him to be a wonderful character.
Even though I didn't like the relationship between Edi and Robert (well, I didn't like Robert very much, though I felt sorry for him), it seemed very real and you can feel (or even know) this is a story that happens in real life too.
This being said, Alina Popescu managed to capture and translate into words the precious moments of a lover's journey, with all it's ups and downs, happiness and heartbreaks, clearness and blindness.
December 24, 2017
This was a decent read. The author is good. I liked her style, it was why I kept reading, but when I think of the story it was just okay. It started out really good and promising but then it became very repetitive and tedious to read. It was a lot of back and forth, angst, up and down, angst, etc. It also became predictable. So predictable that I kind of stop caring toward the end. BOTH MCs were annoying. I think the protagonist was worst. I liked his personality but his actions..... I just wanted to shake him, slap him, yell at him....I felt bad for him and mad at him at the same time. I didn't hate it but there wasn't much love.
July 31, 2017
A journey from childhood to adult, it starts off with cute summer afternoons spent in the countryside - then curiosity and sexuality come into play.
Edi is our main man who when holidaying with his grandma in the summer makes new friends - one he finds makes him feel 'funny' Robert. Robert is a little older so holds that mystery to a younger Edi, I loved the name he called Edi 'squirt'. This book follows them into adulthood and the turbulent relationship between the two.
I really liked Edi, he is forever the optimist hoping Robert will stop trying to fit his parent's ideals, he has such patience. Robert, he annoyed me - I believe I was meant to get frustrated with him - all part of the journey.
So as I mentioned this book goes from cute summer fun to sexy bedroom fun.
I'm jumping straight into book 2, keeping my fingers crossed that Robert finds himself - life is too short to pretend to be something you're not!
Edi is our main man who when holidaying with his grandma in the summer makes new friends - one he finds makes him feel 'funny' Robert. Robert is a little older so holds that mystery to a younger Edi, I loved the name he called Edi 'squirt'. This book follows them into adulthood and the turbulent relationship between the two.
I really liked Edi, he is forever the optimist hoping Robert will stop trying to fit his parent's ideals, he has such patience. Robert, he annoyed me - I believe I was meant to get frustrated with him - all part of the journey.
So as I mentioned this book goes from cute summer fun to sexy bedroom fun.
I'm jumping straight into book 2, keeping my fingers crossed that Robert finds himself - life is too short to pretend to be something you're not!
August 7, 2017
Definitely the first in a series from the way it ends, though not really a cliffhanger ending. This was perfectly broken up so that you felt the passage of time like you truly feel the passage of time. Sometimes it passes in drips and plops, while at other times there are whole chunks of time that are unaccounted for, but that made up your life. And the feeling of childhood and growing up while you pay attention...perfectly captured.
June 11, 2017
OMG this story has me feeling so sad! The characters are wonderful and the storyline had me reeling. Please let the next book bring Edi happiness for the rest of his life. He has had enough sadness for ten lifetimes. I can't wait to read more about Sabastian too! Screw Robert! Can't wait to read the next book Dust to Dawn!
August 7, 2017
It's hard to fault Edi because he's driven by love in everything he does. Sebastian is the one caught in the middle. I can't wait to read the second book! I need closure!
Alina transports you through time and place to give you a sense of what was and a hope for the future.
Alina transports you through time and place to give you a sense of what was and a hope for the future.
May 12, 2017
WTF. I hate Robert so much. Why is Edi so damn weak?
May 28, 2017
3.5*
June 20, 2022
Loved the writing, the story line and Edi. But damn his contestant forgiveness really annoyed me
Read
May 12, 2017The beginning was too slow for me. I may try it again eventually. I found two grammatical errors (see notes).
June 2, 2017
Well I I had love hate relationship with these two Mcs. I loved Edi and hated Robert. Lol
I understand 1st loves and commitment and being talked round when you were adamant that it wouldn't happen again but you were sweet talked. But how much heart break can one guy take.
Edit seemed such a sweet joyous child and that follows him through all the books ups and downs.
Robert i just didn't Iike even from the start as a child he was a spoilt brat who wanted his cake and eat it.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy from the author and have given my honest opinion.
I understand 1st loves and commitment and being talked round when you were adamant that it wouldn't happen again but you were sweet talked. But how much heart break can one guy take.
Edit seemed such a sweet joyous child and that follows him through all the books ups and downs.
Robert i just didn't Iike even from the start as a child he was a spoilt brat who wanted his cake and eat it.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy from the author and have given my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews