What do you think?
Rate this book
Fourteen Summers
Identical twins Aiden and Max Kingsman have been a matched set their whole lives. When they were children, Aiden was happy to follow his extroverted brother’s lead, but now that they’re in college, being “my brother, Aiden” is starting to get old. He’s itching to discover who he is outside of his “twin” identity.
Oliver’s goals for the summer are survive his invasive family, keep his divorced parents from killing each other, and stay in shape for rowing season. He’s thrilled when he runs into his old friends, the Kingsman twins, especially Aiden, the object of a childhood crush. Aiden is all grown-up, but some things have stayed the his messy curls, his stability, and how breathless he makes Oliver. Oliver’s crush comes back full force, and the feeling is mutual. Summer just got a whole lot hotter.
Fun-loving Max takes one thing his role as “big brother.” When Aiden drifts away, Max can’t understand how his own twin could choose a boy over him. Summer won’t last forever, and with friendship, family, and happily ever after on the line, they’ll have to navigate their changing relationships before it’s too late.
Word 76,000; page 238
Oliver’s goals for the summer are survive his invasive family, keep his divorced parents from killing each other, and stay in shape for rowing season. He’s thrilled when he runs into his old friends, the Kingsman twins, especially Aiden, the object of a childhood crush. Aiden is all grown-up, but some things have stayed the his messy curls, his stability, and how breathless he makes Oliver. Oliver’s crush comes back full force, and the feeling is mutual. Summer just got a whole lot hotter.
Fun-loving Max takes one thing his role as “big brother.” When Aiden drifts away, Max can’t understand how his own twin could choose a boy over him. Summer won’t last forever, and with friendship, family, and happily ever after on the line, they’ll have to navigate their changing relationships before it’s too late.
Word 76,000; page 238
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2018
109 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Quinn Anderson
13 books130 followersQuinn Anderson is a nerd extraordinaire; she was raised on an unhealthy diet of video games, anime, cosplay, and comics from infancy. Her girlfriend swears her sense of humor is just a bunch of pop culture references wearing a trench coat. She stays true to her nerd roots in writing and in life, frequently drawing inspiration from her many fandoms and writing fanfic: the cheesier the trope, the better. She's attended conventions on three separate continents and now considers herself a career geek. May she live long and prosper.
Her favorite authors include Ursula K. Le Guin, Gail Carson Levine, Libba Bray, and Tamora Pierce. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, cooking, spending too much time on the internet, playing fetch with her cats, screwing the rules, and catching 'em all.
Connect with Quinn:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorQuinnAnderson/
Tumblr: quinnandersonwrites
Email: quinnandersonwrites@gmail.com
Her favorite authors include Ursula K. Le Guin, Gail Carson Levine, Libba Bray, and Tamora Pierce. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, cooking, spending too much time on the internet, playing fetch with her cats, screwing the rules, and catching 'em all.
Connect with Quinn:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorQuinnAnderson/
Tumblr: quinnandersonwrites
Email: quinnandersonwrites@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
May 21, 2018
This book wasn't quite what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it, nonetheless.
The story was told from three points of view, Aiden's, Max's and Oliver's, because this book truly belonged to all three.
I loved how, even from a very early age, Oliver was always a part of the Kingsman family. With his parents fighting non-stop, Oliver had always wanted to be a Kingsman, needed the familial stability, but those hopes were quickly dashed when his parents divorced and he had to move away.
Fast forward 14 years and Oliver was unexpectedly reunited with Max and his childhood crush, Aiden, and they resumed their easy friendship as if no time at all had passed.
Except that both Oliver and Aiden had both come out as gay, which added a new, interesting twist to their 3-way friendship.
Where before the boys had shared pretty much everything between them equally, the attraction between Oliver and Aiden made sharing *everything* with Max difficult. Well, impossible really.
Which Max resented, a LOT, since he and his identical twin had previously grown up as a team of two, after Oliver moved away.
Although the problem of each twin growing up and finding their own way as individuals had existed long before Oliver's return, he was definitely the match that lit the powder keg of emotions and angst that the twins needed to resolve.
I felt terrible for each of the three boys, as they each had their own set of issues to overcome. Oliver incorrectly saw himself as being the problem causing strife between Aiden and Max, so at one point, he decided to remove himself from the equation and go back to NYC.
But the thought of Oliver not being a part of their lives (again) lit a fire under the feuding twins to make a genuine effort to at least begin working through their mountain of problems.
I'll be honest, with the lack of previous romantic experience that Aiden and Max had, at times the story felt very YA, instead of NA. In spite of the fact that the twins were 20 years old, they read as a good deal younger.
However, when the steamer bits between Aiden and Oliver happened, those were full-on adult. And pretty damn hot.
But their first time, with NO LUBE, GAH! Really??? Why not just stick to sloppy blowjobs until having everything that was *needed* for that event to be more enjoyable?
Spit only goes so far, trust me on that.
The epilogue, from 3 years down the road, was a bit sappy sweet, but I didn't mind that so much this time.
Overall, I'd rate this one at a bit over 4 stars.
-----------------------------------------------
My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley for a fair, unbiased review.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
-----------------------------------------------
May 13, 2018
Reviewed for www.kisslikeagirl.com
All right, let's start like we always do by looking at the cover. It's as cute and sweet as the book itself is. As much as you all know I appreciate sexy covers, there is always room for cute and sweet. There's something to be said for a book cover that's appropriate for a morning bus ride.
A while ago I said my favorite prologue was from a Hot Montana Summer, but I think this book deserves that title now. It's sooo cute. I totally aww'd and spent longer than I maybe should have to reminisce about all the childhood weddings I participated in. It was absolutely adorable.
Now on to the book itself. This story is told from the third person limited perspective of three characters - Aiden and Oliver of course, as well as Max, Aiden's twin brother. To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about having Max included in this. All three characters are well developed which I absolutely appreciated.
I understand how Max is an important part of both Aiden and Oliver's lives and his perspective added value to the story. But, at the same time, it provided a convenient excuse for a lot to be left out - what happened between Aiden and Oliver their first night alone together for example. Not that... There were just so many important and likely awkward conversations that I didn't get to witness.
Aiden and Oliver were both so introverted and awkward which I absolutely loved. As an introvert myself I could totally relate to the need for alone time and the frustration and grumpiness that occurs when that time is hard to come by.
This was a new adult novel. The characters are all 20 years old and trying to find their way as adults. As readers, we get to watch their struggle with balancing family obligations and romantic relationships. We get to watch as they learn to accept themselves and stumble through the whole adulting thing (it's harder than it looks).
Overall, Fourteen Summers is a beautifully written MM romance. It was very PG, and appropriate for a new adult reader. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet book to keep you company this summer.
All right, let's start like we always do by looking at the cover. It's as cute and sweet as the book itself is. As much as you all know I appreciate sexy covers, there is always room for cute and sweet. There's something to be said for a book cover that's appropriate for a morning bus ride.
A while ago I said my favorite prologue was from a Hot Montana Summer, but I think this book deserves that title now. It's sooo cute. I totally aww'd and spent longer than I maybe should have to reminisce about all the childhood weddings I participated in. It was absolutely adorable.
Now on to the book itself. This story is told from the third person limited perspective of three characters - Aiden and Oliver of course, as well as Max, Aiden's twin brother. To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about having Max included in this. All three characters are well developed which I absolutely appreciated.
I understand how Max is an important part of both Aiden and Oliver's lives and his perspective added value to the story. But, at the same time, it provided a convenient excuse for a lot to be left out - what happened between Aiden and Oliver their first night alone together for example. Not that... There were just so many important and likely awkward conversations that I didn't get to witness.
Aiden and Oliver were both so introverted and awkward which I absolutely loved. As an introvert myself I could totally relate to the need for alone time and the frustration and grumpiness that occurs when that time is hard to come by.
This was a new adult novel. The characters are all 20 years old and trying to find their way as adults. As readers, we get to watch their struggle with balancing family obligations and romantic relationships. We get to watch as they learn to accept themselves and stumble through the whole adulting thing (it's harder than it looks).
Overall, Fourteen Summers is a beautifully written MM romance. It was very PG, and appropriate for a new adult reader. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet book to keep you company this summer.
March 4, 2018
I was so excited when I was approved for an ARC of this book, because the cover is adorable, and the blurb sucked me right in. If you're worried the actual book won't hold up, don't be. From the tone-setting prologue to the oh-so-satisfying epilogue, this book was AMAZING. Well written. Emotional. Steamy. Sexy. Romantic. With the perfect blend of cuteness, angst, and fumbling through life.
It's told from three POVs: Oliver, Aiden, and Max. I'm amazed the author was able to have a POV character outside of the romance (Aiden and Oliver) that added SO MUCH to the story. Max was a riot. He wasn't my favorite character, because I loved the leading men so much, but I honestly couldn't imagine this book without him. He was like comic relief, only he got an arc that was as satisfying as the romance. But Aiden and Oliver, man. Those two lovable idiots. They're perfect for each other, and they have such depth. I felt everything they felt and felt so much for them.
On to the romance: it's everything you've ever wanted in a friends-to-lovers, childhood-sweethearts, summer-romance, second-chance-at-love and more. I adored the guys getting together. They're sweet, uncertain, and sometimes shy, but the chemistry between them is explosive. These guys are 20 years old, but wow, when they get between the sheets, get ready to fan yourself.
This had the best ending too. Without giving anything away, just know this: have some tissues handy, because you're in for a happy cry. Highly recommended.
It's told from three POVs: Oliver, Aiden, and Max. I'm amazed the author was able to have a POV character outside of the romance (Aiden and Oliver) that added SO MUCH to the story. Max was a riot. He wasn't my favorite character, because I loved the leading men so much, but I honestly couldn't imagine this book without him. He was like comic relief, only he got an arc that was as satisfying as the romance. But Aiden and Oliver, man. Those two lovable idiots. They're perfect for each other, and they have such depth. I felt everything they felt and felt so much for them.
On to the romance: it's everything you've ever wanted in a friends-to-lovers, childhood-sweethearts, summer-romance, second-chance-at-love and more. I adored the guys getting together. They're sweet, uncertain, and sometimes shy, but the chemistry between them is explosive. These guys are 20 years old, but wow, when they get between the sheets, get ready to fan yourself.
This had the best ending too. Without giving anything away, just know this: have some tissues handy, because you're in for a happy cry. Highly recommended.
April 30, 2018
I adore the cover on this book. ♥️💐♥️
The blurb caught me like a fish on a hook. Identical twins? Yes please.
It surprised me to find them so different. Besides one being straight and the other gay, they really didn't have anything in common other than their appearance. I don't personally know any identical twins so this may be true more often than not. 🤷
Then we have Oliver. His parents are divorced but on his dad's side there's a large Italian extended family. Quinn nailed it with the big, loud, intrusive and opinionated dear ones. Yes, I know from experience. 😎
We get a romance between two introverts. You can imagine it's slow going. 🐢 At 35%, they haven't even talked about it yet. But they're getting there. Just hold your horses.
It's gets complicated when Aiden and Oliver pair up because as children they were all three best friends including Max. Coupledom is always stressful on BFFs so multiply that by a bunch when you're talking about twins who've spent their entire lives as brothers and best friends.
No worries though, they do work things out in a super sweet ending.
This story reads like an "after-school special". Just do a little fade to black and bingo, it's a movie made for TV.
I thought that maybe the 20 y.o. boys were characterized a little too young for their ages. But there's a wide spectrum of maturity at that age so I'm giving that a pass. Overall I enjoyed this little gem of a story.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
The blurb caught me like a fish on a hook. Identical twins? Yes please.
It surprised me to find them so different. Besides one being straight and the other gay, they really didn't have anything in common other than their appearance. I don't personally know any identical twins so this may be true more often than not. 🤷
Then we have Oliver. His parents are divorced but on his dad's side there's a large Italian extended family. Quinn nailed it with the big, loud, intrusive and opinionated dear ones. Yes, I know from experience. 😎
We get a romance between two introverts. You can imagine it's slow going. 🐢 At 35%, they haven't even talked about it yet. But they're getting there. Just hold your horses.
It's gets complicated when Aiden and Oliver pair up because as children they were all three best friends including Max. Coupledom is always stressful on BFFs so multiply that by a bunch when you're talking about twins who've spent their entire lives as brothers and best friends.
No worries though, they do work things out in a super sweet ending.
This story reads like an "after-school special". Just do a little fade to black and bingo, it's a movie made for TV.
I thought that maybe the 20 y.o. boys were characterized a little too young for their ages. But there's a wide spectrum of maturity at that age so I'm giving that a pass. Overall I enjoyed this little gem of a story.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
March 4, 2018
Review for Netgalley, For me this was 3 Stars and that’s rounded up, the story felt very immature, all these guys were in college yet they acted like 12 year olds. I always like the second chance love & childhoood sweetharts but this one history didn’t work for me. The conflict felt contrived
May 16, 2018
4.5 stars.
The book opens with a wedding ceremony. Yes, you read that right.
Okay, so, fine, it's a pretend wedding ceremony, and the boys are but 10 years old or so, but it establishes from the start what dynamics may be at play.
Max and Aiden are identical twins, with Max being the older brother by a few minutes, which has shaped their relationship for a long time. Max was always the more outgoing, and Aiden, much more introverted, was happy to stand in his brother's shadow while they were younger. Now, with both of them at college, Aiden wants to be more than just Max's brother.
Oliver was their childhood friend until divorce meant leaving with his mother, and his father moving away as well. But now his father has moved back to their old town, and Oliver has come home for the summer. The family dynamics, with loud, overbearing uncles and with parents that still can't seem to stand being in the same room together, has Oliver not wanting to spend much time at his father's house, so he's real happy to run into Max and Aiden again. Introverted like Aiden, Oliver is perfectly content to let Max plan their get-togethers, especially since that allows him to moon over Aiden, his childhood crush.
For the most part, this read like a YA/NA novel, with lots of mooning and crushing and blushing, and not a whole lot of on page action, and characters who on occasion sounded younger than their purported years, but maturity is a sliding scale so I was mostly fine with their portrayals.
What I really liked is that the author primarily explored the dynamics at play between two twin brothers who have been joined at the hip most of their lives, and a boy coming between them when Aiden and Oliver get romantically involved. I loved how Max's jealousy was explored, how it realistically became a roadblock, and how it forced honesty and open conversation between Aiden and Max and allowed them to experience real growth in their relationship. In fact, the book, told from the POVs of all three of the young man, really focuses more so on the relationship struggles between the twins than the developing romance between Oliver and Aiden. While the crush/romance serves as a catalyst to the struggles Max and Aiden go through, it's not the the only focus of this book.
The characters, their portrayals, felt realistic to me for the most part, other than their maturity levels, and that's probably more so on me than the author - I guess I expected a bit more from 20 year olds even if they're twins. Out of the three of them, I would say that Oliver is probably the most mature, which is potentially due to him being a child of divorce, which tends to make you grow up a little faster, and also because he's an only child.
There are some interesting supporting characters as well. The twins' parents welcome Oliver back with open arms, and make him feel like he's part of the family again. They were perhaps slightly too perfect, but meh, I didn't care. I liked them. Oliver's parents are supportive of him, but also don't necessarily create an environment for him in which he feels free, on either side. His uncles and extended family on his father's side are a loud bunch, which introverted Oliver doesn't like so much, and his mother, while supportive, seemed to struggle somewhat with wanting her child have a relationship with his father, and also not realizing that the divorce affected Oliver much more than she thought.
The book ends with a super sweet epilogue, and that's all I'm going to say about that.
Quinn Anderson has proven once again that she can write fully fleshed out characters, with realistic, convincing characterizations, and a believable plot and timeline.
Highly recommended.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
The book opens with a wedding ceremony. Yes, you read that right.
Okay, so, fine, it's a pretend wedding ceremony, and the boys are but 10 years old or so, but it establishes from the start what dynamics may be at play.
Max and Aiden are identical twins, with Max being the older brother by a few minutes, which has shaped their relationship for a long time. Max was always the more outgoing, and Aiden, much more introverted, was happy to stand in his brother's shadow while they were younger. Now, with both of them at college, Aiden wants to be more than just Max's brother.
Oliver was their childhood friend until divorce meant leaving with his mother, and his father moving away as well. But now his father has moved back to their old town, and Oliver has come home for the summer. The family dynamics, with loud, overbearing uncles and with parents that still can't seem to stand being in the same room together, has Oliver not wanting to spend much time at his father's house, so he's real happy to run into Max and Aiden again. Introverted like Aiden, Oliver is perfectly content to let Max plan their get-togethers, especially since that allows him to moon over Aiden, his childhood crush.
For the most part, this read like a YA/NA novel, with lots of mooning and crushing and blushing, and not a whole lot of on page action, and characters who on occasion sounded younger than their purported years, but maturity is a sliding scale so I was mostly fine with their portrayals.
What I really liked is that the author primarily explored the dynamics at play between two twin brothers who have been joined at the hip most of their lives, and a boy coming between them when Aiden and Oliver get romantically involved. I loved how Max's jealousy was explored, how it realistically became a roadblock, and how it forced honesty and open conversation between Aiden and Max and allowed them to experience real growth in their relationship. In fact, the book, told from the POVs of all three of the young man, really focuses more so on the relationship struggles between the twins than the developing romance between Oliver and Aiden. While the crush/romance serves as a catalyst to the struggles Max and Aiden go through, it's not the the only focus of this book.
The characters, their portrayals, felt realistic to me for the most part, other than their maturity levels, and that's probably more so on me than the author - I guess I expected a bit more from 20 year olds even if they're twins. Out of the three of them, I would say that Oliver is probably the most mature, which is potentially due to him being a child of divorce, which tends to make you grow up a little faster, and also because he's an only child.
There are some interesting supporting characters as well. The twins' parents welcome Oliver back with open arms, and make him feel like he's part of the family again. They were perhaps slightly too perfect, but meh, I didn't care. I liked them. Oliver's parents are supportive of him, but also don't necessarily create an environment for him in which he feels free, on either side. His uncles and extended family on his father's side are a loud bunch, which introverted Oliver doesn't like so much, and his mother, while supportive, seemed to struggle somewhat with wanting her child have a relationship with his father, and also not realizing that the divorce affected Oliver much more than she thought.
The book ends with a super sweet epilogue, and that's all I'm going to say about that.
Quinn Anderson has proven once again that she can write fully fleshed out characters, with realistic, convincing characterizations, and a believable plot and timeline.
Highly recommended.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
July 30, 2024
2.5 stars
This is a just romance featuring a pair of twenty-year olds who are way too dependent on each other, and their long-lost friend who comes back into their lives, forcing the twins to face their issues. There are attempts to be mature, but mostly they're whiny little wankers. (To be clear, this is not twincest, because this is sadly something that needs to be said nowadays. 😒 One twin is straight, the other is gay, and the long-lost friend is also gay.)
There was nothing really wrong with this one, but I didn't really feel any chemistry between Aiden and Oliver, and there was zero doubt how this was going to end or how things were going to be resolved, so I did skim the last ten percent and both sex scenes. There was just more focus on the brothers and how their relationship needs fixing than there is on the romance between Aiden and Oliver.
Also, from the title, I thought we'd get a progression over fourteen summers, but instead we only see the one summer when they're reunited fourteen years after they first met. But at least there were only a handful of typos.
This is a just romance featuring a pair of twenty-year olds who are way too dependent on each other, and their long-lost friend who comes back into their lives, forcing the twins to face their issues. There are attempts to be mature, but mostly they're whiny little wankers. (To be clear, this is not twincest, because this is sadly something that needs to be said nowadays. 😒 One twin is straight, the other is gay, and the long-lost friend is also gay.)
There was nothing really wrong with this one, but I didn't really feel any chemistry between Aiden and Oliver, and there was zero doubt how this was going to end or how things were going to be resolved, so I did skim the last ten percent and both sex scenes. There was just more focus on the brothers and how their relationship needs fixing than there is on the romance between Aiden and Oliver.
Also, from the title, I thought we'd get a progression over fourteen summers, but instead we only see the one summer when they're reunited fourteen years after they first met. But at least there were only a handful of typos.
May 20, 2018
Aiden, Max and Oliver
Identical twin Aiden and Max are inseparable. When their friend Oliver returns after 14 years it’s like he was never gone. Only now the attraction between Aiden and Oliver is undeniable.
Max in between isn’t the best combination.
The guys were immature and that stands in the way in this story... twenty and acting like little boys. Okey they had their overthinking through this story about the past and the future, which was positive, but still... immature.
They way it’s written was fast and witty. In the last two chapters it was even emotional and the end was satisfying.
Kindly received an arc from the publisher
Identical twin Aiden and Max are inseparable. When their friend Oliver returns after 14 years it’s like he was never gone. Only now the attraction between Aiden and Oliver is undeniable.
Max in between isn’t the best combination.
The guys were immature and that stands in the way in this story... twenty and acting like little boys. Okey they had their overthinking through this story about the past and the future, which was positive, but still... immature.
They way it’s written was fast and witty. In the last two chapters it was even emotional and the end was satisfying.
Kindly received an arc from the publisher
October 1, 2019
I liked this story. 3.5 stars.
The opening was so cute. We see 6-year-old Aiden and Max (twins) and their best friend Oliver throwing an impromptu wedding. :)
After 14 years of not seeing each other, the boys reunite. Aiden and Oliver are both gay and out, and it turned out they both had a crush on each other before. So now they want to give it a go, but Max, the fun and laid-back twin is causing trouble.
We get all 3 boys' POV. And it's so very interesting. Aiden and Max have this kind of bond, and in all their 20 years they were inseparable. So now that Aiden wants some alone time and actually date, Max gets jealous.
I enjoyed reading about how the twins would come out of this. They both had realizations about themselves, or at least who they want to be without each other. They struggled to understand and accept the changes in their relationship.
Oliver had his own set of problems, that stemmed from childhood. His parents constant arguing led to divorce, which he eventually learned happened later then his Mom wanted, because of him. So when the twins started arguing, he felt he was the cause, but he didn't want to come between the two boys.
At times I felt they were immature, other times too wise and sensible, caught between a teenager and young adult. And at the crux of it, that's what this book was about. Change.
The opening was so cute. We see 6-year-old Aiden and Max (twins) and their best friend Oliver throwing an impromptu wedding. :)
After 14 years of not seeing each other, the boys reunite. Aiden and Oliver are both gay and out, and it turned out they both had a crush on each other before. So now they want to give it a go, but Max, the fun and laid-back twin is causing trouble.
We get all 3 boys' POV. And it's so very interesting. Aiden and Max have this kind of bond, and in all their 20 years they were inseparable. So now that Aiden wants some alone time and actually date, Max gets jealous.
I enjoyed reading about how the twins would come out of this. They both had realizations about themselves, or at least who they want to be without each other. They struggled to understand and accept the changes in their relationship.
Oliver had his own set of problems, that stemmed from childhood. His parents constant arguing led to divorce, which he eventually learned happened later then his Mom wanted, because of him. So when the twins started arguing, he felt he was the cause, but he didn't want to come between the two boys.
At times I felt they were immature, other times too wise and sensible, caught between a teenager and young adult. And at the crux of it, that's what this book was about. Change.
May 22, 2018
I JUST GOT APPROVED FOR AN ARC OF THIS WHAT IS AIR
YAS YAS YASSSSSSSSSSS CAN'T WAIT TO GET TO IT AKSDAHJHDGKAHDSGKFSHKGF
Update: May 21st
*ARC provided by Riptide via NetGalley*
This was definitely not what I imagined it would be, but somehow that made it even better, in a way.
Even though there were plenty of fluffy moments, this wasn't a fluffy story; although it had plenty of angsty instances, it wasn't exactly an angsty story either. It was both and neither, but it was also so much more... It was an endearing, realistic, relatable story about two twin brothers and their best friend, and what growing up meant for each other and for their relationship.
I'm already used to by now to the way Quinn Anderson's stories envelop way more than it would seem at first glance. And the way this love story of sorts between three friends, this love story between two brothers and their best friend (and the proper love story said friend actually has with one of the brothers) dealt with issues that, while they are mainly and more often seen in stories denominated "coming of age" (which this one, I'd dare say, was to a point, but it wasn't exactly "the" point of the story at the same time), in one situation or another do tend to touch adult lives as well. Adults, after all, don't have all the answers, all the clues to life. That's why it's always so incredible to me whenever I find a story that revolves around adults who are messy and screw up and make mistakes and it's not taken as something that's unrealistic. In the case of this story, it was particularly refreshing to see these guys trying to find the footing of their relationship, while giving shape to who hey are (in the universe and to each other) and what they want. They have a gazillion of issues along the way, because that's what happens when unique human beings (which we all are, surprise surprise) come in contact with one another.
The striking difference between the language we all speak (even when we all might say the same word, it doesn't have to mean the same for everyone) becomes even more remarkable here and I thought it was incredibly interesting that the author chose to make this story about twins, because it adds to that message of individuality- after all, how many people who first come in contact with twins doesn't expect them to be like carbon copies of each other, personality-wise as well as the physical similarities? I myself was guilty for about a year of marvelling whenever I discovered a new difference between my friends who are twins. And it's not even a conscious thing, it's not that people want to consider two individuals as half of a set, it's just something that, like many things in life, sort of just happens. After all, if we can discern that, while the recepients come together, there's still some food that may need salt but not pepper, how hard can it be to understand that two people are just that, regardless of the fact that they were put into the world together? OHMYGOD SOMEONE TAKE THIS KEYBOARD AWAY FROM ME.
Anyway! What I'm trying to get at! Let's see if I can save it. Overall, the story balances really well the aspect of the relationship between Ollie and Aiden- and the relationship between Aiden and Max (true, Max also has his own friendship with Ollie, but that's a less conflictive aspect, so to speak). Ollie's presence makes the group dynamic more complex and interesting, his role oscilating between the source of conflict and peace- and also the missing piece to a machine that wasn't working as smoothly as everyone would have expected it to.
If you made it this far, first of all, congratulations (I had to get up from the chair to pace at least three times while writing this- and I'm not even 75% as happy as I want to be about how it's turning out). Second, I'm sure you have no doubts now why I'm giving this five stars (beyond the fact that it's written by an author I respect deeply). Third: I'm also sure you figured out that I'm so passionate about this book that I can barely make sense because my brain is a little shit and likes to play dead when I need it the most. Ergo, this review is 89% nonsense, because I'm literally unable to put into words how much I loved this story (Max's chronic immaturity notwithstanding, but I won't go into that because it's a detail). Hope whoever's on the other side of this can at least make sense of some of my intense rambling!
YAS YAS YASSSSSSSSSSS CAN'T WAIT TO GET TO IT AKSDAHJHDGKAHDSGKFSHKGF
Update: May 21st
*ARC provided by Riptide via NetGalley*
This was definitely not what I imagined it would be, but somehow that made it even better, in a way.
Even though there were plenty of fluffy moments, this wasn't a fluffy story; although it had plenty of angsty instances, it wasn't exactly an angsty story either. It was both and neither, but it was also so much more... It was an endearing, realistic, relatable story about two twin brothers and their best friend, and what growing up meant for each other and for their relationship.
I'm already used to by now to the way Quinn Anderson's stories envelop way more than it would seem at first glance. And the way this love story of sorts between three friends, this love story between two brothers and their best friend (and the proper love story said friend actually has with one of the brothers) dealt with issues that, while they are mainly and more often seen in stories denominated "coming of age" (which this one, I'd dare say, was to a point, but it wasn't exactly "the" point of the story at the same time), in one situation or another do tend to touch adult lives as well. Adults, after all, don't have all the answers, all the clues to life. That's why it's always so incredible to me whenever I find a story that revolves around adults who are messy and screw up and make mistakes and it's not taken as something that's unrealistic. In the case of this story, it was particularly refreshing to see these guys trying to find the footing of their relationship, while giving shape to who hey are (in the universe and to each other) and what they want. They have a gazillion of issues along the way, because that's what happens when unique human beings (which we all are, surprise surprise) come in contact with one another.
The striking difference between the language we all speak (even when we all might say the same word, it doesn't have to mean the same for everyone) becomes even more remarkable here and I thought it was incredibly interesting that the author chose to make this story about twins, because it adds to that message of individuality- after all, how many people who first come in contact with twins doesn't expect them to be like carbon copies of each other, personality-wise as well as the physical similarities? I myself was guilty for about a year of marvelling whenever I discovered a new difference between my friends who are twins. And it's not even a conscious thing, it's not that people want to consider two individuals as half of a set, it's just something that, like many things in life, sort of just happens. After all, if we can discern that, while the recepients come together, there's still some food that may need salt but not pepper, how hard can it be to understand that two people are just that, regardless of the fact that they were put into the world together? OHMYGOD SOMEONE TAKE THIS KEYBOARD AWAY FROM ME.
Anyway! What I'm trying to get at! Let's see if I can save it. Overall, the story balances really well the aspect of the relationship between Ollie and Aiden- and the relationship between Aiden and Max (true, Max also has his own friendship with Ollie, but that's a less conflictive aspect, so to speak). Ollie's presence makes the group dynamic more complex and interesting, his role oscilating between the source of conflict and peace- and also the missing piece to a machine that wasn't working as smoothly as everyone would have expected it to.
If you made it this far, first of all, congratulations (I had to get up from the chair to pace at least three times while writing this- and I'm not even 75% as happy as I want to be about how it's turning out). Second, I'm sure you have no doubts now why I'm giving this five stars (beyond the fact that it's written by an author I respect deeply). Third: I'm also sure you figured out that I'm so passionate about this book that I can barely make sense because my brain is a little shit and likes to play dead when I need it the most. Ergo, this review is 89% nonsense, because I'm literally unable to put into words how much I loved this story (Max's chronic immaturity notwithstanding, but I won't go into that because it's a detail). Hope whoever's on the other side of this can at least make sense of some of my intense rambling!
September 26, 2024
4 Stars
I've really gotten to love LGBT+ books and I was really excited when I could finally squeeze in Fourteen Summers. It has been waiting on my kindle for way too long, to be honest. However, I wasn't sure if it was the right timing after all, since the last two LGBT+ novels I read were quite disappointing in my eyes. My concerns were ill-founded obviously. I really enjoyed the sweet story about twin brothers Aiden & Max and their best friend Oliver.
I can't remember a book whose prologue was as sweet as the one from Fourteen Summers. I couldn't stop smiling and the conversation between the three young boys was so adorable, I couldn't help but laugh at the kids' innocence and their pure hearts. This NA was certainly to a very good start.
Luckily, the story stayed as sweet as in the beginning - well at least until toward the middle of the book but let's focus on the good first.
Aiden, Max, and Oliver were all grown up from the start of chapter one which didn't make them less sweet in my eyes, although the guys would argue that grown men don't want to be called sweet. :D Anyways, I really like the characters and their personalities and even though they were so different from each other, they also complemented each other.
Besides the amazing prologue, Aiden and Oliver's attraction to one another and the following mutual advances were my favorite part of the story. The guys had some serious sparks flying, even I had butterflies in my stomach.
As their relationship grew into something serious very quickly, drama started to unfold which was a tad bit too much and slightly exaggerated in my opinion. Luckily, toward the end, the story turned back to its sweet and adorable roots before it finished with a super cheesy but nonetheless sweet epilogue.
What I liked most about the story was the focus Quinn Anderson set in Fourteen Summers. The story was not about coming out as gay, dealing with the people's reaction or trying to get accepted. Both gay characters were accepted and loved by their friends and family members. The focus in the story was about the guys' friendship and the change in the friendship's dynamic as two of them fall madly and deeply in love with each other. The approach in this LGBT+ novel was really refreshing and excellently conveyed.
If you love reading LGBT+ novels, Fourteen Summers is definitely the book for you. 4 stars from me to Aiden, Max, & Oliver.
**********
RTC!!
I've really gotten to love LGBT+ books and I was really excited when I could finally squeeze in Fourteen Summers. It has been waiting on my kindle for way too long, to be honest. However, I wasn't sure if it was the right timing after all, since the last two LGBT+ novels I read were quite disappointing in my eyes. My concerns were ill-founded obviously. I really enjoyed the sweet story about twin brothers Aiden & Max and their best friend Oliver.
I can't remember a book whose prologue was as sweet as the one from Fourteen Summers. I couldn't stop smiling and the conversation between the three young boys was so adorable, I couldn't help but laugh at the kids' innocence and their pure hearts. This NA was certainly to a very good start.
Luckily, the story stayed as sweet as in the beginning - well at least until toward the middle of the book but let's focus on the good first.
Aiden, Max, and Oliver were all grown up from the start of chapter one which didn't make them less sweet in my eyes, although the guys would argue that grown men don't want to be called sweet. :D Anyways, I really like the characters and their personalities and even though they were so different from each other, they also complemented each other.
Besides the amazing prologue, Aiden and Oliver's attraction to one another and the following mutual advances were my favorite part of the story. The guys had some serious sparks flying, even I had butterflies in my stomach.
As their relationship grew into something serious very quickly, drama started to unfold which was a tad bit too much and slightly exaggerated in my opinion. Luckily, toward the end, the story turned back to its sweet and adorable roots before it finished with a super cheesy but nonetheless sweet epilogue.
What I liked most about the story was the focus Quinn Anderson set in Fourteen Summers. The story was not about coming out as gay, dealing with the people's reaction or trying to get accepted. Both gay characters were accepted and loved by their friends and family members. The focus in the story was about the guys' friendship and the change in the friendship's dynamic as two of them fall madly and deeply in love with each other. The approach in this LGBT+ novel was really refreshing and excellently conveyed.
If you love reading LGBT+ novels, Fourteen Summers is definitely the book for you. 4 stars from me to Aiden, Max, & Oliver.
**********
RTC!!
May 10, 2018
*An ARC was provided by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
“I do need you, though, Max. I never should have said I don’t. I love knowing there’s someone who’s always in my corner no matter what. I need your humor. I need your support. And I need you to get me to put on real clothes and leave the house every now and then, because otherwise I’ll become one of those weird recluses with twelve pet reptiles who writes articles about how millennials are killing the sock industry.”
3.5 stars for this lovely story with an equally lovely cover. (I'm not going to lie about the fact that 80% of the reason I requested this was the beautiful cover. I mean look at it.) This was a fast, hilarious, charming, and romantic read that I consumed in three sessions. The writing was beautiful and the characters were fantastic.
One of the things about this book I loved the most was how the romance between Aidan and Oliver didn't take priority over the brotherly struggles between Max and Aidan. This book reminded people that *usually* romantic relationships aren't the only or the most important relationships in our lives. Max and Aidan working out their issues took priority over Aidan and Oliver's new and tentative romance, which was an extremely refreshing perspective in the world of NA (and especially YA).
This was every bit as cute, humorous, and light-with-serious-themes as I had hoped. Highly recommend.
“I do need you, though, Max. I never should have said I don’t. I love knowing there’s someone who’s always in my corner no matter what. I need your humor. I need your support. And I need you to get me to put on real clothes and leave the house every now and then, because otherwise I’ll become one of those weird recluses with twelve pet reptiles who writes articles about how millennials are killing the sock industry.”
3.5 stars for this lovely story with an equally lovely cover. (I'm not going to lie about the fact that 80% of the reason I requested this was the beautiful cover. I mean look at it.) This was a fast, hilarious, charming, and romantic read that I consumed in three sessions. The writing was beautiful and the characters were fantastic.
One of the things about this book I loved the most was how the romance between Aidan and Oliver didn't take priority over the brotherly struggles between Max and Aidan. This book reminded people that *usually* romantic relationships aren't the only or the most important relationships in our lives. Max and Aidan working out their issues took priority over Aidan and Oliver's new and tentative romance, which was an extremely refreshing perspective in the world of NA (and especially YA).
This was every bit as cute, humorous, and light-with-serious-themes as I had hoped. Highly recommend.
May 18, 2018
4 Stars
This was such a sweet and funny story. I loved that we not only got Aiden and Oliver’s POV’s, but Max’s, Aiden’s twin bother’s, as well. Max was freaking hilarious, and stole every scene he was in and I’m really hoping that we’ll get to see more of him in the future.
I loved Aiden and Oliver and this was a great second chances story. Two, three including Max, childhood best friends who are separated when Oliver’s parents divorce and they move away, meet again at the age of 20. Can these three young men re-kindle the friendship they once had and will love blossom between Aiden and Oliver?
The story was well-written and enjoyable. I loved all three of these young men and Oliver and Aiden were sweet and sexy together. Quinn Anderson has definitely become one of my auto-buy authors and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next. Very recommendable!
*copy provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review was not a requirement*
This was such a sweet and funny story. I loved that we not only got Aiden and Oliver’s POV’s, but Max’s, Aiden’s twin bother’s, as well. Max was freaking hilarious, and stole every scene he was in and I’m really hoping that we’ll get to see more of him in the future.
I loved Aiden and Oliver and this was a great second chances story. Two, three including Max, childhood best friends who are separated when Oliver’s parents divorce and they move away, meet again at the age of 20. Can these three young men re-kindle the friendship they once had and will love blossom between Aiden and Oliver?
The story was well-written and enjoyable. I loved all three of these young men and Oliver and Aiden were sweet and sexy together. Quinn Anderson has definitely become one of my auto-buy authors and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next. Very recommendable!
*copy provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review was not a requirement*
May 4, 2018
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Stars
Fourteen Summers is a coming-of-age tale that encompasses many different types of relationships- romantic, familial, and friendship. The focus easily shifts, yet manages to weave all these types of relationships into a sense of belonging you only get from family.
It starts off fourteen years in the past, with three little boys. A pair of twins try to draw their best friend into their welcoming family. It was a heart-tugging yet lighthearted, warm and fuzzy, humorous scene that set the perfect stage for the novel to come.
As identical twins, Aiden and Max have always had a built-in support system, best friend, and constant companion, perhaps causing an unhealthy codependency. They were both devastated when their childhood best friend moved away, but they had each other.
Oliver wanted nothing but a warm and welcoming family that didn't fight with one another, after growing up amidst a bickering set of parents who ultimately divorced, and a rowdy, obnoxious yet loving extended family. He loved his best friends, but was jealous of not only their connection as twins, but of their loving parents as well. Oliver just wanted to be part of their family instead of his own.
Fourteen years later... after a decade apart, a chance meeting in the grocery store sets off a chain of events that tests the binds of different type of relationships, acting as both the angst of conflict and the catalyst of change.
While on the outside looking in, Aiden and Oliver seem almost too perfect in juxtaposition to those around them, especially with Max. Max is jealous, used to being the alpha of his brother and their friend, and he can't handle being the third-wheel. I understood Max, and I think it helped being inside his head during his narration, but I do fear readers not empathizing with him, maybe finding him obnoxious or frustrating. But no character should be perfect, and Max was used to show how Aiden and Oliver are far from perfect themselves. Perception is reality, and Max's perception helps paint a full picture within the novel.
The novel was sweet and warm, yet had it's moments when it became highly emotional. There was also a yummy decadence of a longtime crush evolving into something more adult. The realism was shown via Max's interactions, as he was able to force the reader to step out of the warm and fuzzy romance and angst and show a different type of relationship, that of twin brothers and of best friends.
I highly recommend Fourteen Summers. While this is listed as MM romance, I do believe it would be appropriate for mid-to-older teens, (however, it is not fade-to-black sexual situations) as all three boys are barely 20 and experiencing coming-of-age growth as the novel progresses.
5 Stars
Fourteen Summers is a coming-of-age tale that encompasses many different types of relationships- romantic, familial, and friendship. The focus easily shifts, yet manages to weave all these types of relationships into a sense of belonging you only get from family.
It starts off fourteen years in the past, with three little boys. A pair of twins try to draw their best friend into their welcoming family. It was a heart-tugging yet lighthearted, warm and fuzzy, humorous scene that set the perfect stage for the novel to come.
As identical twins, Aiden and Max have always had a built-in support system, best friend, and constant companion, perhaps causing an unhealthy codependency. They were both devastated when their childhood best friend moved away, but they had each other.
Oliver wanted nothing but a warm and welcoming family that didn't fight with one another, after growing up amidst a bickering set of parents who ultimately divorced, and a rowdy, obnoxious yet loving extended family. He loved his best friends, but was jealous of not only their connection as twins, but of their loving parents as well. Oliver just wanted to be part of their family instead of his own.
Fourteen years later... after a decade apart, a chance meeting in the grocery store sets off a chain of events that tests the binds of different type of relationships, acting as both the angst of conflict and the catalyst of change.
While on the outside looking in, Aiden and Oliver seem almost too perfect in juxtaposition to those around them, especially with Max. Max is jealous, used to being the alpha of his brother and their friend, and he can't handle being the third-wheel. I understood Max, and I think it helped being inside his head during his narration, but I do fear readers not empathizing with him, maybe finding him obnoxious or frustrating. But no character should be perfect, and Max was used to show how Aiden and Oliver are far from perfect themselves. Perception is reality, and Max's perception helps paint a full picture within the novel.
The novel was sweet and warm, yet had it's moments when it became highly emotional. There was also a yummy decadence of a longtime crush evolving into something more adult. The realism was shown via Max's interactions, as he was able to force the reader to step out of the warm and fuzzy romance and angst and show a different type of relationship, that of twin brothers and of best friends.
I highly recommend Fourteen Summers. While this is listed as MM romance, I do believe it would be appropriate for mid-to-older teens, (however, it is not fade-to-black sexual situations) as all three boys are barely 20 and experiencing coming-of-age growth as the novel progresses.
June 4, 2020
DNF at 65%
I don't know I just couldn't finish it. I was already tempted to put it down and then I got to the point where I just didn't want to read anymore. I tried forcing myself to read at least till it became interesting but I just couldn't. I liked it at the biginning and was really excited to read it but...nah.
It felt like Oliver and Aiden were already together for a long time and Max was the one interrupting which I didn't like. I mean Aiden's and Max's relationship was not perfect but they were brothers and brothers always had each other's backs.
And that too while Max's character was the same throughout Aiden's kept changing. Like one minute he was this caring sweet brother and the next he was a cold hearted stranger. Also there was no indication that he felt stifled by Max at the start of the book. I had no idea he was supposed to be feeling that way until it was mentioned almost halfway in.
And even I felt it a little unfair when Aiden and Oliver hide their whatever-they-were-supposed to be from Max and then go ahead and make plans without him. I mean from Max's point of view if they were supposed to be friends then why did they exclude him. If they were dating then they would be justified 'cause brothers don't usually don't tag along on their siblings dates.
I don't totally hate this book, but I can honestly say I didn't like it. The chemistry also felt a little forced every time they met and then became natural. But at least the sex was not competely bogus.
I don't know I just couldn't finish it. I was already tempted to put it down and then I got to the point where I just didn't want to read anymore. I tried forcing myself to read at least till it became interesting but I just couldn't. I liked it at the biginning and was really excited to read it but...nah.
It felt like Oliver and Aiden were already together for a long time and Max was the one interrupting which I didn't like. I mean Aiden's and Max's relationship was not perfect but they were brothers and brothers always had each other's backs.
And that too while Max's character was the same throughout Aiden's kept changing. Like one minute he was this caring sweet brother and the next he was a cold hearted stranger. Also there was no indication that he felt stifled by Max at the start of the book. I had no idea he was supposed to be feeling that way until it was mentioned almost halfway in.
And even I felt it a little unfair when Aiden and Oliver hide their whatever-they-were-supposed to be from Max and then go ahead and make plans without him. I mean from Max's point of view if they were supposed to be friends then why did they exclude him. If they were dating then they would be justified 'cause brothers don't usually don't tag along on their siblings dates.
I don't totally hate this book, but I can honestly say I didn't like it. The chemistry also felt a little forced every time they met and then became natural. But at least the sex was not competely bogus.
May 22, 2018
I LOVED this book. The premise is delightful: Twins Aiden and Max are childhood bffs with Oliver until Oliver moves away. The twins run into Oliver over summer break from college and they pick up where they left off. I enjoyed the interactions among the three and the shenanigans they got up to as they rekindled their friendship. The author did an awesome job cultivating their varied personalities--even the twins'--and I enjoyed getting to know each of them. The three person POV worked really well, and I appreciated getting insight into Max's head even though he wasn't one of the love interests. The development of a summer romance between Aiden and Oliver is so sweet, I wanted to reach out and hug them tightly. And I especially loved the dynamic between the twins. Their arguments--err, fights, really--are written so well and true to life as someone with siblings. A slight case of mistaken identity adds to the charm of this read.
Oh, and that cover! What a work of art. I seriously can't stop staring at it.
Oh, and that cover! What a work of art. I seriously can't stop staring at it.
May 22, 2018
3.75 stars
This was a sweet romance and I liked it in some respects but it fell short in others.
Frankly, I wonder if this was supposed to be a YA book that got turned into an NA novel at the last moment. The boys were supposed to be 20, but they felt about 14 or 15 ... from the way they talked, to the relationship with their parents, to how drinking was discussed, etc. I found it odd that, though they had finished two years of college, none of them had summer jobs or any plans for the summer but just hanging out. Is this normal? The parents, on the other hand, both worked yet made every single meal for the boys.
The conflict also felt a little contrived and Aiden was way too immature through this part of the book - it turned me off of his character a little.
This was a sweet romance and I liked it in some respects but it fell short in others.
Frankly, I wonder if this was supposed to be a YA book that got turned into an NA novel at the last moment. The boys were supposed to be 20, but they felt about 14 or 15 ... from the way they talked, to the relationship with their parents, to how drinking was discussed, etc. I found it odd that, though they had finished two years of college, none of them had summer jobs or any plans for the summer but just hanging out. Is this normal? The parents, on the other hand, both worked yet made every single meal for the boys.
The conflict also felt a little contrived and Aiden was way too immature through this part of the book - it turned me off of his character a little.
May 15, 2018
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a sweet and very innocent feeling story. While there is a central romance, it is more a coming of age story about twins growing into an adult relationship. The characters are college age but living at home with parents for the summer makes them all seem much younger.
Identical twins Aiden and Max are complete opposites but have been inseparable since childhood. Aiden’s interest in Oliver marks the first serious relationship for either brother and it hurts Max more than either of them expected.
This story is as much about the two families as it is about the two boys. Even as a small child, Oliver was aware of the differences between Aiden and Max’s warm and happy parents and his own home where arguments and grudges were normal.
This is a slow and thoughtful story. It is a coming of age story about three boys who are finding themselves and working to make their childhood relationships work as adults. The romance is sweet (with a tiny bit of heat) but for me it was the boys’ relationships with their siblings, parents and friends that were most meaningful.
This is a sweet and very innocent feeling story. While there is a central romance, it is more a coming of age story about twins growing into an adult relationship. The characters are college age but living at home with parents for the summer makes them all seem much younger.
Identical twins Aiden and Max are complete opposites but have been inseparable since childhood. Aiden’s interest in Oliver marks the first serious relationship for either brother and it hurts Max more than either of them expected.
This story is as much about the two families as it is about the two boys. Even as a small child, Oliver was aware of the differences between Aiden and Max’s warm and happy parents and his own home where arguments and grudges were normal.
This is a slow and thoughtful story. It is a coming of age story about three boys who are finding themselves and working to make their childhood relationships work as adults. The romance is sweet (with a tiny bit of heat) but for me it was the boys’ relationships with their siblings, parents and friends that were most meaningful.
June 8, 2018
More like 4.5 stars
I liked the whole story from beginning to end, just the epilogue didn't work for me. It was more like an additional chapter showing a moment of their life but not much of what happened in the meantime to reach this moment. I don't want to write much more or spoil it, but want to mention why I took away parts of the fifth star.
I liked the whole story from beginning to end, just the epilogue didn't work for me. It was more like an additional chapter showing a moment of their life but not much of what happened in the meantime to reach this moment. I don't want to write much more or spoil it, but want to mention why I took away parts of the fifth star.
April 30, 2018
This is my first read of this author. Nice story. Definitely new adult trope but also a bit of second chance romance. Loved the relationship between the brothers and their friend. Epilogue was the perfect bookend to the story.
I would read more by this author in the future.
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
I would read more by this author in the future.
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
October 9, 2024
I absolutely adored FOURTEEN SUMMERS and Quinn Anderson is a master at writing fun, sweet, and sexy romances. I was immediately sucked into the writing and wanted to just keep reading because I needed to know how things would work out. For this book, we actually get Max's point of view in addition to Aiden and Oliver's and this really helped me understand all the relationship dynamics going on. You see, Max is the outgoing, loud, and rowdy twin that has always been in charge of everything, including his brother. I was really impressed that Anderson was able to write Max's POV so that I was annoyed with Max but also charmed at the same time. All things said, I actually really loved Max's character and yes, he acts like an immature child a few times but he's also really funny, goofy, and so true to himself. I would love to have Max's story someday especially considering some of Max's actions and thoughts throughout the book.
As the twins have gotten older, Aiden has started to bristle under the weight of Max's more prominent personality and spending time with Oliver is the perfect catalyst that sets things on this rocky journey. Aiden might be the quieter twin but I really related to his dorkier side and his awkward, blushing moments when he's first reunited with Oliver were so cute. Aiden has never been in a relationship so he's not really sure how to handle the sudden appearance of his hormones. Oliver is the perfect match for Aiden because he's still introverted but a bit more outgoing and he's not afraid to say exactly what he's thinking when it comes to Aiden. These two were just too cute together and they epitomize that rush of feelings you get when you fall in love for the first time.
This was so much fun from start to finish and I loved all three guys even when they were making mistakes. Each character is written uniquely with their own triumphs and struggles. I happen to be an only child so I was thrown by some of the twin's fights but even under the anger, you could tell it was all out of love for each other and the fear that one day they wouldn't have the same close relationship they've had up to that point. I also really enjoyed each set of parents who were nicely fleshed out for side characters. The cherry on this sugary sweet cake was definitely the epilogue which was a perfect ending.
**ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
This was what happened when two introverts tried to flirt. They ended up with a lot of awkward silences and not-staring contests while they each waited to see if the other one was going to make a move. If Oliver gave Aiden one more lingering look from afar, he was going to become the protagonist of a YA novel.
As the twins have gotten older, Aiden has started to bristle under the weight of Max's more prominent personality and spending time with Oliver is the perfect catalyst that sets things on this rocky journey. Aiden might be the quieter twin but I really related to his dorkier side and his awkward, blushing moments when he's first reunited with Oliver were so cute. Aiden has never been in a relationship so he's not really sure how to handle the sudden appearance of his hormones. Oliver is the perfect match for Aiden because he's still introverted but a bit more outgoing and he's not afraid to say exactly what he's thinking when it comes to Aiden. These two were just too cute together and they epitomize that rush of feelings you get when you fall in love for the first time.
This was so much fun from start to finish and I loved all three guys even when they were making mistakes. Each character is written uniquely with their own triumphs and struggles. I happen to be an only child so I was thrown by some of the twin's fights but even under the anger, you could tell it was all out of love for each other and the fear that one day they wouldn't have the same close relationship they've had up to that point. I also really enjoyed each set of parents who were nicely fleshed out for side characters. The cherry on this sugary sweet cake was definitely the epilogue which was a perfect ending.
**ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
This was what happened when two introverts tried to flirt. They ended up with a lot of awkward silences and not-staring contests while they each waited to see if the other one was going to make a move. If Oliver gave Aiden one more lingering look from afar, he was going to become the protagonist of a YA novel.
July 25, 2018
Very, very sweet. If you’re in need of a feel good romance, Fourteen Summers is the book for you. All Quinn Anderson’s books have made me smile, but this one is pure HEA in the making from page one to the end.
Oliver and Aiden, friends from childhood, are destined to be together. Though they face a few hurdles, there’s no spoiler in telling you they’re gonna work it all out.
Aiden’s relationship with his (slightly older) twin brother Max was the more interesting part of the book for me. These two have lived in each other’s back pockets for far too long and their relationship is showing it’s strain now. They’ve got to work it out and Oliver’s return into their lives is the catalyst they need to get the job done.
So if you’re looking for a book without much drama, a few scorching hot sex scenes, and a sweet as heck story, then Fourteen Summers is going to hit all your buttons.
a copy of Fourteen Summers was provided by NetGalley for the purpose of my unbiased review
Oliver and Aiden, friends from childhood, are destined to be together. Though they face a few hurdles, there’s no spoiler in telling you they’re gonna work it all out.
Aiden’s relationship with his (slightly older) twin brother Max was the more interesting part of the book for me. These two have lived in each other’s back pockets for far too long and their relationship is showing it’s strain now. They’ve got to work it out and Oliver’s return into their lives is the catalyst they need to get the job done.
So if you’re looking for a book without much drama, a few scorching hot sex scenes, and a sweet as heck story, then Fourteen Summers is going to hit all your buttons.
a copy of Fourteen Summers was provided by NetGalley for the purpose of my unbiased review
May 15, 2018
The Story
This story follows identical twins Aiden and Max, but they couldn’t be more different. Max is straight, and Aiden is gay. Max is the more outgoing of the two whereas Aiden is shyer and more introverted twin, often referred to as “Max’s brother.” But in spite of their differences, the Kingsman twins are pretty much inseparable. They even chose to not only go to the same university but also to room together while there.
One day while home for summer, they run into their childhood best friend Oliver, with whom they had lost touch and hadn’t seen in 10 years and who happened to be Aiden’s childhood crush. Imagine Aiden’s surprise when he not only learns that Oliver (who is now quite hot, by the way) is gay, but that he also had a childhood crush on Oliver. Needless to say, once these two reunite, sparks begin to fly, though it did take a bit for them to get together initially, given that they’re both introverts with neither of them daring to make the first move.
While all three of them were young, Oliver and the Kingsman twins were almost inseparable with a lot of precious memories shared between them. Max assumed now that the three of them were reunited, they’d inevitably pick up where they’d left off — as three good friends enjoying a summer together. But as Aiden and Oliver’s relationship moves from friendship to something deeper, Max feels hurt and excluded, not understanding how his brother could choose Oliver over him. And drama ensues.
What I liked
The story was a sweet and tender romance, and I enjoyed the build between Aiden and Oliver. Though things did progress rather quickly, it’s not unbelievable given the history between them. It was an endearing story of two boys given a second chance at love, and I loved both Oliver and Aiden, in all their stumbles, blunders and flounders. Their awkwardness with each other made them all the more lovable.
What especially worked for me, was that this book stressed the importance of relationships between family and not only those of the romantic kind. That being said, this wasn’t only a story of two childhood friends falling in love, but it was also about the need to give ALL the relationships in our life equal importance, not just the romantic one. What’s interesting about this book is that it delved into several different types of relationships: friendship, romance, siblings and family units and it did so masterfully, in my opinion.
The situation in this book reminded me of how friendships often become tested when one of those involved begins dating outside of the friendship. The situation in this book is magnified given that the friendship that’s being tested is that of identical twin brothers who’ve spent their entire life with each other and each of whose world revolved around the other. I enjoyed seeing the both of them adjust as they began to figure out who are they apart from their twin.
Another thing that really worked for me was that the novel was told from each of the boy’s perspective. Though Aiden and Oliver, we experienced the exhilaration and excitement of the developing of a new romance whereas though Max’s point of view, we get the fear, uncertainty, and confusion he goes through when he feels as though he’s losing his brother. Via this device, the author did an excellent job of fleshing out each of these three characters and we as the reader could empathize equally with each of them.
I thought this was going to be a light and fluffy beach type of read but was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the story. And the ending was just perfect.
What I didn’t like
There were a few times during the story when the characters felt more like young high school students rather than college students. There were some parts in the book where I wanted to ask the Max and Aiden, “what, are you like 13?” So in this way, the maturity level at times didn’t seem to match the age of the characters.
To be honest, I felt that the co-dependent nature Max and Aiden’s relationship may have been a teeny-tiny bit over the top. I mean, I’m sure they dated other people…wouldn't they have? I might have liked to have read a little more backstory on the boys’ dating life or learn whether they had friendships outside of their relationship with each other.
Verdict
I ended up loving this book! I found it humorous, light-hearted and an overall enjoyable read. And for the record, the book ends with a happily-ever-after, and there was one point near the end of the book where my eyes definitely became a bit moist.
I was totally drawn into Aiden, Max and Oliver’s story and couldn't put it down once I started. It was funny and heartwarming with a tiny bit of angst and drama along the way. Fourteen Summers left me feeling happy for all of the main characters with a case of the warm fuzzys once I reached the end.
In Fourteen Summers, Quinn delivers a sweet romance filled with rich well-devloped characters, friends, fun, and family that will induce ear-to-ear grins (at least it did for me).
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review so as of this writing, the book is not yet available. It is expected to be released on May 21, 2018, so be sure to check out your favorite online retailer then. A big thank you to Netgalley and Riptide for this opportunity.
This review originally was originally posted on my blog at rogerhyttinen.com.
This story follows identical twins Aiden and Max, but they couldn’t be more different. Max is straight, and Aiden is gay. Max is the more outgoing of the two whereas Aiden is shyer and more introverted twin, often referred to as “Max’s brother.” But in spite of their differences, the Kingsman twins are pretty much inseparable. They even chose to not only go to the same university but also to room together while there.
One day while home for summer, they run into their childhood best friend Oliver, with whom they had lost touch and hadn’t seen in 10 years and who happened to be Aiden’s childhood crush. Imagine Aiden’s surprise when he not only learns that Oliver (who is now quite hot, by the way) is gay, but that he also had a childhood crush on Oliver. Needless to say, once these two reunite, sparks begin to fly, though it did take a bit for them to get together initially, given that they’re both introverts with neither of them daring to make the first move.
While all three of them were young, Oliver and the Kingsman twins were almost inseparable with a lot of precious memories shared between them. Max assumed now that the three of them were reunited, they’d inevitably pick up where they’d left off — as three good friends enjoying a summer together. But as Aiden and Oliver’s relationship moves from friendship to something deeper, Max feels hurt and excluded, not understanding how his brother could choose Oliver over him. And drama ensues.
What I liked
The story was a sweet and tender romance, and I enjoyed the build between Aiden and Oliver. Though things did progress rather quickly, it’s not unbelievable given the history between them. It was an endearing story of two boys given a second chance at love, and I loved both Oliver and Aiden, in all their stumbles, blunders and flounders. Their awkwardness with each other made them all the more lovable.
What especially worked for me, was that this book stressed the importance of relationships between family and not only those of the romantic kind. That being said, this wasn’t only a story of two childhood friends falling in love, but it was also about the need to give ALL the relationships in our life equal importance, not just the romantic one. What’s interesting about this book is that it delved into several different types of relationships: friendship, romance, siblings and family units and it did so masterfully, in my opinion.
The situation in this book reminded me of how friendships often become tested when one of those involved begins dating outside of the friendship. The situation in this book is magnified given that the friendship that’s being tested is that of identical twin brothers who’ve spent their entire life with each other and each of whose world revolved around the other. I enjoyed seeing the both of them adjust as they began to figure out who are they apart from their twin.
Another thing that really worked for me was that the novel was told from each of the boy’s perspective. Though Aiden and Oliver, we experienced the exhilaration and excitement of the developing of a new romance whereas though Max’s point of view, we get the fear, uncertainty, and confusion he goes through when he feels as though he’s losing his brother. Via this device, the author did an excellent job of fleshing out each of these three characters and we as the reader could empathize equally with each of them.
I thought this was going to be a light and fluffy beach type of read but was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the story. And the ending was just perfect.
What I didn’t like
There were a few times during the story when the characters felt more like young high school students rather than college students. There were some parts in the book where I wanted to ask the Max and Aiden, “what, are you like 13?” So in this way, the maturity level at times didn’t seem to match the age of the characters.
To be honest, I felt that the co-dependent nature Max and Aiden’s relationship may have been a teeny-tiny bit over the top. I mean, I’m sure they dated other people…wouldn't they have? I might have liked to have read a little more backstory on the boys’ dating life or learn whether they had friendships outside of their relationship with each other.
Verdict
I ended up loving this book! I found it humorous, light-hearted and an overall enjoyable read. And for the record, the book ends with a happily-ever-after, and there was one point near the end of the book where my eyes definitely became a bit moist.
I was totally drawn into Aiden, Max and Oliver’s story and couldn't put it down once I started. It was funny and heartwarming with a tiny bit of angst and drama along the way. Fourteen Summers left me feeling happy for all of the main characters with a case of the warm fuzzys once I reached the end.
In Fourteen Summers, Quinn delivers a sweet romance filled with rich well-devloped characters, friends, fun, and family that will induce ear-to-ear grins (at least it did for me).
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review so as of this writing, the book is not yet available. It is expected to be released on May 21, 2018, so be sure to check out your favorite online retailer then. A big thank you to Netgalley and Riptide for this opportunity.
This review originally was originally posted on my blog at rogerhyttinen.com.
May 15, 2018
Fourteen Summers by Quinn Anderson
4 stars
M/M Coming of Age
Triggers: Divorce, Fighting
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Aiden and Max are identical twins. They do everything together. They were fortunate to make a very good friend while they were just little, Oliver. They have the sweetest relationship together and watching them hang out and be friends was a very sweet way to start the story.
Fast forward 14 years and the boys are just entering their 20's. Reconnecting is something they all needed. Oliver's home life was less than stellar when he was little and it still is a little rocky now that he's more grown up. Oliver wanted to have the happy home life that his best friends had. While Oliver wasn't exactly jealous of Aiden and Max's home life, it became Oliver's goal to have a family like that.
Aiden and Oliver had crushes on each other when they were little. But, because they were little, neither really knew what they were feeling or if they should do anything about it. When they are reunited, those old feelings come back to the surface. But, now that those two have a connection that is deepening, how will Aiden and Max cope with the changes in their own relationship?
This story has such a great dynamic. It is about family, love, friendship and acceptance. I really enjoyed seeing the boys figure out what they wanted personally and from each other. The family dynamic is not overdone and overall, this is a great coming of age story.
4 stars
M/M Coming of Age
Triggers: Divorce, Fighting
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Aiden and Max are identical twins. They do everything together. They were fortunate to make a very good friend while they were just little, Oliver. They have the sweetest relationship together and watching them hang out and be friends was a very sweet way to start the story.
Fast forward 14 years and the boys are just entering their 20's. Reconnecting is something they all needed. Oliver's home life was less than stellar when he was little and it still is a little rocky now that he's more grown up. Oliver wanted to have the happy home life that his best friends had. While Oliver wasn't exactly jealous of Aiden and Max's home life, it became Oliver's goal to have a family like that.
Aiden and Oliver had crushes on each other when they were little. But, because they were little, neither really knew what they were feeling or if they should do anything about it. When they are reunited, those old feelings come back to the surface. But, now that those two have a connection that is deepening, how will Aiden and Max cope with the changes in their own relationship?
This story has such a great dynamic. It is about family, love, friendship and acceptance. I really enjoyed seeing the boys figure out what they wanted personally and from each other. The family dynamic is not overdone and overall, this is a great coming of age story.
March 27, 2018
Fourteen Summers is a New Adult/Young Adult LGBTQIA Romance about three college-aged boys named Aiden, Max, and Oliver. Aiden and Max are identical twins who've shared everything- their childhood home, all the big milestones, and even their college apartment. To be honest, they're co-dependent and don't seem to know how to function without each other.
The brothers' relationship has continued on this way, for better or worse, until the summer they rediscover Oliver, a long-lost best friend (who also happens to be Aiden's long-lost childhood crush). When Oliver and Aiden both discover that the other is gay and single, the boys reconnect in a new way, leaving Max a bit out in the cold.
I really liked Fourteen Summers; we get the chance to experience the novel through all three of the boys' perspectives, so we get the sweet (and sometimes bitter) second chance at love through Aiden and Oliver as well as Max's experience as he feels like he's losing both his brother and best friend all at the same time.
I think it's pretty important that we get to see how each of the boys individually feels because their communal relationship is so complicated. Each of them has underlying issues that wind up influencing the way they "problem solve" when it finally becomes obvious that they can't keep going on as they had at the beginning of the summer.
Oliver is kind and sensitive, the child of a broken and argument-filled home. In both Aiden and Max he finds a sense of family and belonging that he desperately lacked as a child and is terrified to lose a second time. Aiden is intelligent and usually sensible, but he's been stuck in his "older" brother's shadow (only five minutes older) for most of his life, and his relationship with Oliver makes him see how cold it can be when you've let yourself stay away from the light. Max is goofy, a bit irresponsible, and devoted to his brother, but he doesn't always see that his devotion might not be benefiting Aiden as much as he thinks it does.
Despite their complications, I genuinely liked them all, and I think that Anderson did an admirable job of giving each of them their own character development. Not only are the boys trying to figure out the overlapping conflicts in their communal relationship, but Aiden's trying to navigate his first romantic and physical relationship with someone else, Oliver is juggling deep-seated family issues, and Max has to realize that he might have abandonment issues.
They're human, and they're real. Even though they're in college, they're still "kids". It's amazing how one's maturity level can entirely disappear when arguing with a sibling; let alone an identical one with whom you've shared the spotlight your entire life. I'm one of four kids, and I've tutored/babysat triplets for the last eleven years; from my own experience, I feel pretty confident saying Anderson nailed that sibling dynamic. I can feel the family chemistry that Max and Aiden are supposed to have.
The relationship between Aiden and Oliver is sweet and desperate, that desperation where two people realize what they want and don't want to wait another minute to have it. Sometimes they're fumbling and awkward, but I think the characters work well with each other. I also like that Anderson writes their intimacy in a responsible way; they're not just frenzied college kids, they're two people who are learning to be partners, who want each other to be safe and comfortable. I think that's the best healthy role model for any readers to have.
Overall, Fourteen Summers was a lot more than I was expecting. I'm going to be honest, I was expecting more fluff, but there was a wonderful substance, and I love being surprised. Not to mention, the ending is adorable and I love the full-circle nature of the story. I really liked the epilogue, and for me, it felt like a perfect ending to the story.
The brothers' relationship has continued on this way, for better or worse, until the summer they rediscover Oliver, a long-lost best friend (who also happens to be Aiden's long-lost childhood crush). When Oliver and Aiden both discover that the other is gay and single, the boys reconnect in a new way, leaving Max a bit out in the cold.
I really liked Fourteen Summers; we get the chance to experience the novel through all three of the boys' perspectives, so we get the sweet (and sometimes bitter) second chance at love through Aiden and Oliver as well as Max's experience as he feels like he's losing both his brother and best friend all at the same time.
I think it's pretty important that we get to see how each of the boys individually feels because their communal relationship is so complicated. Each of them has underlying issues that wind up influencing the way they "problem solve" when it finally becomes obvious that they can't keep going on as they had at the beginning of the summer.
Oliver is kind and sensitive, the child of a broken and argument-filled home. In both Aiden and Max he finds a sense of family and belonging that he desperately lacked as a child and is terrified to lose a second time. Aiden is intelligent and usually sensible, but he's been stuck in his "older" brother's shadow (only five minutes older) for most of his life, and his relationship with Oliver makes him see how cold it can be when you've let yourself stay away from the light. Max is goofy, a bit irresponsible, and devoted to his brother, but he doesn't always see that his devotion might not be benefiting Aiden as much as he thinks it does.
Despite their complications, I genuinely liked them all, and I think that Anderson did an admirable job of giving each of them their own character development. Not only are the boys trying to figure out the overlapping conflicts in their communal relationship, but Aiden's trying to navigate his first romantic and physical relationship with someone else, Oliver is juggling deep-seated family issues, and Max has to realize that he might have abandonment issues.
They're human, and they're real. Even though they're in college, they're still "kids". It's amazing how one's maturity level can entirely disappear when arguing with a sibling; let alone an identical one with whom you've shared the spotlight your entire life. I'm one of four kids, and I've tutored/babysat triplets for the last eleven years; from my own experience, I feel pretty confident saying Anderson nailed that sibling dynamic. I can feel the family chemistry that Max and Aiden are supposed to have.
The relationship between Aiden and Oliver is sweet and desperate, that desperation where two people realize what they want and don't want to wait another minute to have it. Sometimes they're fumbling and awkward, but I think the characters work well with each other. I also like that Anderson writes their intimacy in a responsible way; they're not just frenzied college kids, they're two people who are learning to be partners, who want each other to be safe and comfortable. I think that's the best healthy role model for any readers to have.
Overall, Fourteen Summers was a lot more than I was expecting. I'm going to be honest, I was expecting more fluff, but there was a wonderful substance, and I love being surprised. Not to mention, the ending is adorable and I love the full-circle nature of the story. I really liked the epilogue, and for me, it felt like a perfect ending to the story.
May 9, 2018
*Thanks to NetGalley for sending me this eARC*
I absolutely adored this novel! It was beautifully written and the characters were amazing. A full review of this book will go on my blog ( https://thebookworminmeblog.wordpress... )closer to the release date.
I absolutely adored this novel! It was beautifully written and the characters were amazing. A full review of this book will go on my blog ( https://thebookworminmeblog.wordpress... )closer to the release date.
May 26, 2018
Check out our
Fourteen Summers
post on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Fourteen Summers is a coming-of-age tale that encompasses many different types of relationships – romantic, familial, and friendship. The focus easily shifts, yet manages to weave all these types of relationships into a sense of belonging you only get from family.
It starts off fourteen years in the past, with three little boys. A pair of twins try to draw their best friend into their welcoming family. It was a heart-tugging yet lighthearted, warm and fuzzy, humorous scene that set the perfect stage for the novel to come.
As identical twins, Aiden and Max have always had a built-in support system, best friend, and constant companion, perhaps causing an unhealthy codependency. They were both devastated when their childhood best friend moved away, but they had each other.
Oliver wanted nothing but a warm and welcoming family that didn't fight with one another, after growing up amidst a bickering set of parents who ultimately divorced, and a rowdy, obnoxious yet loving extended family. He loved his best friends, but was jealous of not only their connection as twins, but of their loving parents as well. Oliver just wanted to be part of their family instead of his own.
Fourteen years later... after a decade apart, a chance meeting in the grocery store sets off a chain of events that tests the binds of different types of relationships, acting as both the angst of conflict and the catalyst of change.
While on the outside looking in, Aiden and Oliver seem almost too perfect in juxtaposition to those around them, especially with Max. Max is jealous, used to being the alpha of his brother and their friend, and he can't handle being the third-wheel. I understood Max, and I think it helped being inside his head during his narration, but I do fear readers not empathizing with him, maybe finding him obnoxious or frustrating. But no character should be perfect, and Max was used to show how Aiden and Oliver are far from perfect themselves. Perception is reality, and Max's perception helps paint a full picture within the novel.
The novel was sweet and warm, yet had its moments when it became highly emotional. There was also a yummy decadence of a longtime crush evolving into something more adult. The realism was shown via Max's interactions, as he was able to force the reader to step out of the warm and fuzzy romance and angst and show a different type of relationship, that of twin brothers and of best friends.
I highly recommend Fourteen Summers. While this is listed as MM romance, I do believe it would be appropriate for mid-to-older teens, (however, it is not fade-to-black sexual situations) as all three boys are barely 20 and experiencing coming-of-age growth as the novel progresses.
Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is a sweet and very innocent feeling story. While there is a central romance, it is more a coming of age story about twins growing into an adult relationship. The characters are college age, but living at home with parents for the summer makes them all seem much younger.
Identical twins Aiden and Max are complete opposites but have been inseparable since childhood. Aiden’s interest in Oliver marks the first serious relationship for either brother and it hurts Max more than either of them expected.
This story is as much about the two families as it is about the two boys. Even as a small child, Oliver was aware of the differences between Aiden and Max’s warm and happy parents and his own home where arguments and grudges were normal.
This is a slow and thoughtful story. It is a coming of age story about three boys who are finding themselves and working to make their childhood relationships work as adults. The romance is sweet (with a tiny bit of heat) but for me it was the boys’ relationships with their siblings, parents, and friends that were most meaningful.
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/M Coming of Age
Triggers: Divorce, Fighting
Aiden and Max are identical twins. They do everything together. They were fortunate to make a very good friend while they were just little, Oliver. They have the sweetest relationship together and watching them hang out and be friends was a very sweet way to start the story.
Fast forward 14 years and the boys are just entering their twenties. Reconnecting is something they all needed. Oliver's home life was less than stellar when he was little, and it still is a little rocky now that he's more grown up. Oliver wanted to have the happy home life that his best friends had. While Oliver wasn't exactly jealous of Aiden and Max's home life, it became Oliver's goal to have a family like that.
Aiden and Oliver had crushes on each other when they were little. But because they were little, neither really knew what they were feeling or if they should do anything about it. When they are reunited, those old feelings come back to the surface. But now that those two have a connection that is deepening, how will Aiden and Max cope with the changes in their own relationship?
This story has such a great dynamic. It is about family, love, friendship, and acceptance. I really enjoyed seeing the boys figure out what they wanted personally and from each other. The family dynamic is not overdone and overall, this is a great coming of age story.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆
This is a very sweet coming of age novel involving three best friends. Two, identical twins Aiden and Max, have been together literally their whole lives, and have caring, loving professional parents. Oliver met them as a young boy but moved away when his always arguing parents finally divorced. As a boy, he loved the calm and happiness of their home, as well as having a crush on Aiden. Fast forward to age 20 and they meet up again as Oliver's dad has moved back to the area.
Now we deal with three young men who kind of want to recapture the innocence and fun of their boyhood, yet Aiden and Oliver are clearly attracted to each other. Max suddenly feels that he is losing his twin, and everyone's emotions go into overdrive. We hear the story from all three perspectives, and I enjoyed the fact they all learned from each other and had a new, adult view on what happened in their past, and maybe the direction of their futures.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Fourteen Summers by Quinn Anderson to read and review.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Fourteen Summers is a coming-of-age tale that encompasses many different types of relationships – romantic, familial, and friendship. The focus easily shifts, yet manages to weave all these types of relationships into a sense of belonging you only get from family.
It starts off fourteen years in the past, with three little boys. A pair of twins try to draw their best friend into their welcoming family. It was a heart-tugging yet lighthearted, warm and fuzzy, humorous scene that set the perfect stage for the novel to come.
As identical twins, Aiden and Max have always had a built-in support system, best friend, and constant companion, perhaps causing an unhealthy codependency. They were both devastated when their childhood best friend moved away, but they had each other.
Oliver wanted nothing but a warm and welcoming family that didn't fight with one another, after growing up amidst a bickering set of parents who ultimately divorced, and a rowdy, obnoxious yet loving extended family. He loved his best friends, but was jealous of not only their connection as twins, but of their loving parents as well. Oliver just wanted to be part of their family instead of his own.
Fourteen years later... after a decade apart, a chance meeting in the grocery store sets off a chain of events that tests the binds of different types of relationships, acting as both the angst of conflict and the catalyst of change.
While on the outside looking in, Aiden and Oliver seem almost too perfect in juxtaposition to those around them, especially with Max. Max is jealous, used to being the alpha of his brother and their friend, and he can't handle being the third-wheel. I understood Max, and I think it helped being inside his head during his narration, but I do fear readers not empathizing with him, maybe finding him obnoxious or frustrating. But no character should be perfect, and Max was used to show how Aiden and Oliver are far from perfect themselves. Perception is reality, and Max's perception helps paint a full picture within the novel.
The novel was sweet and warm, yet had its moments when it became highly emotional. There was also a yummy decadence of a longtime crush evolving into something more adult. The realism was shown via Max's interactions, as he was able to force the reader to step out of the warm and fuzzy romance and angst and show a different type of relationship, that of twin brothers and of best friends.
I highly recommend Fourteen Summers. While this is listed as MM romance, I do believe it would be appropriate for mid-to-older teens, (however, it is not fade-to-black sexual situations) as all three boys are barely 20 and experiencing coming-of-age growth as the novel progresses.
Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is a sweet and very innocent feeling story. While there is a central romance, it is more a coming of age story about twins growing into an adult relationship. The characters are college age, but living at home with parents for the summer makes them all seem much younger.
Identical twins Aiden and Max are complete opposites but have been inseparable since childhood. Aiden’s interest in Oliver marks the first serious relationship for either brother and it hurts Max more than either of them expected.
This story is as much about the two families as it is about the two boys. Even as a small child, Oliver was aware of the differences between Aiden and Max’s warm and happy parents and his own home where arguments and grudges were normal.
This is a slow and thoughtful story. It is a coming of age story about three boys who are finding themselves and working to make their childhood relationships work as adults. The romance is sweet (with a tiny bit of heat) but for me it was the boys’ relationships with their siblings, parents, and friends that were most meaningful.
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/M Coming of Age
Triggers: Divorce, Fighting
Aiden and Max are identical twins. They do everything together. They were fortunate to make a very good friend while they were just little, Oliver. They have the sweetest relationship together and watching them hang out and be friends was a very sweet way to start the story.
Fast forward 14 years and the boys are just entering their twenties. Reconnecting is something they all needed. Oliver's home life was less than stellar when he was little, and it still is a little rocky now that he's more grown up. Oliver wanted to have the happy home life that his best friends had. While Oliver wasn't exactly jealous of Aiden and Max's home life, it became Oliver's goal to have a family like that.
Aiden and Oliver had crushes on each other when they were little. But because they were little, neither really knew what they were feeling or if they should do anything about it. When they are reunited, those old feelings come back to the surface. But now that those two have a connection that is deepening, how will Aiden and Max cope with the changes in their own relationship?
This story has such a great dynamic. It is about family, love, friendship, and acceptance. I really enjoyed seeing the boys figure out what they wanted personally and from each other. The family dynamic is not overdone and overall, this is a great coming of age story.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆
This is a very sweet coming of age novel involving three best friends. Two, identical twins Aiden and Max, have been together literally their whole lives, and have caring, loving professional parents. Oliver met them as a young boy but moved away when his always arguing parents finally divorced. As a boy, he loved the calm and happiness of their home, as well as having a crush on Aiden. Fast forward to age 20 and they meet up again as Oliver's dad has moved back to the area.
Now we deal with three young men who kind of want to recapture the innocence and fun of their boyhood, yet Aiden and Oliver are clearly attracted to each other. Max suddenly feels that he is losing his twin, and everyone's emotions go into overdrive. We hear the story from all three perspectives, and I enjoyed the fact they all learned from each other and had a new, adult view on what happened in their past, and maybe the direction of their futures.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Fourteen Summers by Quinn Anderson to read and review.
April 18, 2018
Arc from NetGalley
“I need your humor. I need your support. And I need you to get me to put on real clothes and leave the house every now and then, because otherwise I’ll become one of those weird recluses with twelve pet reptiles who writes articles about how millennials are killing the sock industry.”
Sweet, sappy, a tad melodramatic, cheesy AF: simply adorable. When I finished the book I could barely see, I was squinting my eyes so much trying to make sense of my feelings. I needed rest but I promise I had such a big smile on me face! It was so cute to see, trust me.
Max and Aiden are identical twins. They have lived all their lives being “the twins” and Aiden, the introvert one, has always lived his life being “Max’s brother”. He wants to be his own person, other than the twin of a brother he fights with all the time but that he loves with all his heart. Surprise!! After 10 years not seeing each other, the twins run into Oliver, their long lost best friend from their youth. He is all grown up and hot, and also very gay. Aiden, also being gay, is all the more on edge in his proximity. Boy’s hormones are something else and some things can’t be hidden. The “feelings” are pretty obvious.
This was what happened when two introverts tried to flirt. They ended up with a lot of awkward silences and not-staring contests while they each waited to see if the other one was going to make a move. If Oliver gave Aiden one more lingering look from afar, he was going to become the protagonist of a YA novel.
Unfortunately the sparks between Oliver and Aiden, make Max feel excluded and he starts feeling all kinds of things, making him annoying and rude. Both twins and Oliver must face obstacles during this summer who promises to be one to remember: but if it’s worth it, then things can’t stay wrong forever, right? That’s what I hoped from the beginning, my heart heavy with angst and frustration. Those boys sure knew how to keep me on my toes. I was a little mess but this is not a long book so I didn’t have to wait much to know my sentence.
Fourteen Summers had a promising summary and it lived to its potential. I didn’t expect it to have some kind of scenes but I was also glad it did. They were right, never too much or unnecessary. It dealt with themes familiar to people with siblings and divorced parents but even if you don’t see yourself in them, you will still enjoy being a part of their journey. They grow up in such a short time; they needed a beautiful green-eyed boy to let their castle crumble only to be rebuilt stronger and bigger and more beautiful.
“Way to get all sappy, dude. I blame all those foreign films you’ve been watching. They’ve made you broody.”
Sweet Mother of Cheese, how I love (and sometimes hate) romance novels! They make my heart ache with feelings I long to have. You know, to love and be loved in return? That feeling. To quote my newly found life motto “Dum Spiro, Spero”, there’s still hope for me since I’m still breathing. Let’s keep in hoping because someday love will find me and a crazy summer, like the one of Aiden, Max and Oliver, might become true in my future. I’m okay with spring, winter or autumn, I’m not picky.
Stop it, Aiden. Your oldest friend is back in your life. Try being happy instead of hormonal.
Aiden, dear, the “heart” wants what the “heart” wants. *wink wink*
“I need your humor. I need your support. And I need you to get me to put on real clothes and leave the house every now and then, because otherwise I’ll become one of those weird recluses with twelve pet reptiles who writes articles about how millennials are killing the sock industry.”
Sweet, sappy, a tad melodramatic, cheesy AF: simply adorable. When I finished the book I could barely see, I was squinting my eyes so much trying to make sense of my feelings. I needed rest but I promise I had such a big smile on me face! It was so cute to see, trust me.
Max and Aiden are identical twins. They have lived all their lives being “the twins” and Aiden, the introvert one, has always lived his life being “Max’s brother”. He wants to be his own person, other than the twin of a brother he fights with all the time but that he loves with all his heart. Surprise!! After 10 years not seeing each other, the twins run into Oliver, their long lost best friend from their youth. He is all grown up and hot, and also very gay. Aiden, also being gay, is all the more on edge in his proximity. Boy’s hormones are something else and some things can’t be hidden. The “feelings” are pretty obvious.
This was what happened when two introverts tried to flirt. They ended up with a lot of awkward silences and not-staring contests while they each waited to see if the other one was going to make a move. If Oliver gave Aiden one more lingering look from afar, he was going to become the protagonist of a YA novel.
Unfortunately the sparks between Oliver and Aiden, make Max feel excluded and he starts feeling all kinds of things, making him annoying and rude. Both twins and Oliver must face obstacles during this summer who promises to be one to remember: but if it’s worth it, then things can’t stay wrong forever, right? That’s what I hoped from the beginning, my heart heavy with angst and frustration. Those boys sure knew how to keep me on my toes. I was a little mess but this is not a long book so I didn’t have to wait much to know my sentence.
Fourteen Summers had a promising summary and it lived to its potential. I didn’t expect it to have some kind of scenes but I was also glad it did. They were right, never too much or unnecessary. It dealt with themes familiar to people with siblings and divorced parents but even if you don’t see yourself in them, you will still enjoy being a part of their journey. They grow up in such a short time; they needed a beautiful green-eyed boy to let their castle crumble only to be rebuilt stronger and bigger and more beautiful.
“Way to get all sappy, dude. I blame all those foreign films you’ve been watching. They’ve made you broody.”
Sweet Mother of Cheese, how I love (and sometimes hate) romance novels! They make my heart ache with feelings I long to have. You know, to love and be loved in return? That feeling. To quote my newly found life motto “Dum Spiro, Spero”, there’s still hope for me since I’m still breathing. Let’s keep in hoping because someday love will find me and a crazy summer, like the one of Aiden, Max and Oliver, might become true in my future. I’m okay with spring, winter or autumn, I’m not picky.
Stop it, Aiden. Your oldest friend is back in your life. Try being happy instead of hormonal.
Aiden, dear, the “heart” wants what the “heart” wants. *wink wink*
May 21, 2018
Fourteen Summers is a much different take on the new adult romance genre. It's not really the story of Aiden and Oliver falling in love. I mean, it is, but it's much more than that. It's an exploration of familial and friend relationships, of two siblings who have been closer than close their entire lives and what happens when they realize they're holding each other back instead of holding each other up. Of childhood crushes turned adult romances, long-lost friends reuniting, difficult relationships with divorced parents and family that is both too close and not close enough all at the same time. I was continuously impressed by the depth this story touched on when you read between the lines and put yourself in the shoes of the characters.
This is the story of Aiden and Oliver and Max - not just their story together, but each of their stories individually. While the romance is between Aiden and Oliver, and it would be completely fine for theirs to be the only POVs we see, Max gets his own chapters and his perspective and his individual growth added so much to the overall book. At times, all three guys are very immature. It was frustrating at times; I over here in my 30s wanted to smack them a few times and tell them to grow up, but honestly, remembering back to those years of my life, their thoughts and actions and insecurities and fears rang so true. It's a life-changing summer and each man is on a precipice, having to decide if they're going to step back or jump forward. In that respect, this book really is very much new adult, and portrays the highs and lows of that time of life very well.
I say it every time I review one of her books, but it bears repeating - what I love most about Quinn Anderson's books is how unique each one is. She's got an amazing talent at characterization and telling complete stories with satisfying endings that happen over a short period of time. That skill at writing unique and compelling characters is why I keep coming back to her books over and over. I highly recommend this book. Read it for the first love butterflies, the sibling angst, the parental relationships and the overarching importance of friendship.
An advance copy of this book was received from the publisher through NetGalley for review on OMGReads.
This is the story of Aiden and Oliver and Max - not just their story together, but each of their stories individually. While the romance is between Aiden and Oliver, and it would be completely fine for theirs to be the only POVs we see, Max gets his own chapters and his perspective and his individual growth added so much to the overall book. At times, all three guys are very immature. It was frustrating at times; I over here in my 30s wanted to smack them a few times and tell them to grow up, but honestly, remembering back to those years of my life, their thoughts and actions and insecurities and fears rang so true. It's a life-changing summer and each man is on a precipice, having to decide if they're going to step back or jump forward. In that respect, this book really is very much new adult, and portrays the highs and lows of that time of life very well.
I say it every time I review one of her books, but it bears repeating - what I love most about Quinn Anderson's books is how unique each one is. She's got an amazing talent at characterization and telling complete stories with satisfying endings that happen over a short period of time. That skill at writing unique and compelling characters is why I keep coming back to her books over and over. I highly recommend this book. Read it for the first love butterflies, the sibling angst, the parental relationships and the overarching importance of friendship.
An advance copy of this book was received from the publisher through NetGalley for review on OMGReads.
May 15, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and Riptide Publishing for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
format: ebook
rating: 3.5 stars
This one melted my heart.
I can't say every aspect of this book is perfect. I can't give it more than four stars; at times it can get a bit too fanfic-like and some of the things that happen aren't realistic. In spite of that, I was hooked from the very beginning and I enjoyed every second of it
The characters are really funny and likable. I loved Aiden and Max's dynamics as twins and, when you add Oliver to the mix, the result is amazing. They can all get a little bit childish, now and then I felt like they were 16 instead of 20, but it wasn't that bad. Also, they are all so fucking dramatic, especially the twins, but that's part of their charm, I guess. I love how Aiden got to live his first romance as if he were a teenager. As part of the LGBT+ community, most of us are deprived of that opportunity, and we all deserve a cheesy summer romance.
The one thing that actually kind of displeased me was the epilogue. But, really, that's minor, because it was all still really soft and sweet, just like the rest of the book.
All in all, if you are looking for a not that transcendent, cute, fast reading LGBT story, then this is your book. You will not regret reading it and you'll be left with a warm feeling inside.
format: ebook
rating: 3.5 stars
This one melted my heart.
I can't say every aspect of this book is perfect. I can't give it more than four stars; at times it can get a bit too fanfic-like and some of the things that happen aren't realistic. In spite of that, I was hooked from the very beginning and I enjoyed every second of it
The characters are really funny and likable. I loved Aiden and Max's dynamics as twins and, when you add Oliver to the mix, the result is amazing. They can all get a little bit childish, now and then I felt like they were 16 instead of 20, but it wasn't that bad. Also, they are all so fucking dramatic, especially the twins, but that's part of their charm, I guess. I love how Aiden got to live his first romance as if he were a teenager. As part of the LGBT+ community, most of us are deprived of that opportunity, and we all deserve a cheesy summer romance.
The one thing that actually kind of displeased me was the epilogue. But, really, that's minor, because it was all still really soft and sweet, just like the rest of the book.
All in all, if you are looking for a not that transcendent, cute, fast reading LGBT story, then this is your book. You will not regret reading it and you'll be left with a warm feeling inside.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews