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Jesse's Smile
an alternate cover edition can be found here
Jesse Peterson is 26 and loves his job in a pet store. He loves the cats, the dogs, and Sniffles the rabbit. What he doesn't love is the way people assume he's retarded. That he can't look after himself, that he's isn't a man.
So, when the store's newest customer, buying supplies for his kitten, asks him out, Jesse has trouble understanding why. Jesse knows he's not stupid, but nobody else seems to know that. They just see a good looking young man whose smile seems to be the brightest thing about him.
Drew Oliver isn't other people. A high school teacher with a history of bad relationship choices, Drew is patient, loving, and doesn't care that Jesse is different. He just cares about being able to make him smile as often as he can.
Everyone seems to have an opinion about the differences between Drew and Jesse, few notice the things they share. Can their relationship survive the scrutiny and judgement passed by everyone around them? And when one of Drew's bad choices shows up, will love be enough to help them survive the aftermath?
Jesse Peterson is 26 and loves his job in a pet store. He loves the cats, the dogs, and Sniffles the rabbit. What he doesn't love is the way people assume he's retarded. That he can't look after himself, that he's isn't a man.
So, when the store's newest customer, buying supplies for his kitten, asks him out, Jesse has trouble understanding why. Jesse knows he's not stupid, but nobody else seems to know that. They just see a good looking young man whose smile seems to be the brightest thing about him.
Drew Oliver isn't other people. A high school teacher with a history of bad relationship choices, Drew is patient, loving, and doesn't care that Jesse is different. He just cares about being able to make him smile as often as he can.
Everyone seems to have an opinion about the differences between Drew and Jesse, few notice the things they share. Can their relationship survive the scrutiny and judgement passed by everyone around them? And when one of Drew's bad choices shows up, will love be enough to help them survive the aftermath?
547 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2018
138 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
About the author
Angelique Jurd
43 books288 followersPeople driven stories. Slightly broken boys. Safe space MM Romance fiction.
After getting a degree in languages, travelling the world, raising a family, and working as a business journalist, she went back to school and studied English Literature and Media Studies.
In 2018, she published her first novel Jesse’s Smile with Small Black Cat Media. Since then, she’s continued to write contemporary gay (MM) romance and her academic research in fan studies and the queerification of popular fiction characters by fans.
Angelique is owned by three cats, three adult children, two temperamental computers, and a very patient boyfriend (not a partridge in a pear tree). She’s also pierced, painted, pansexual, and proud AF. When she’s not writing (or swearing at her computer) she likes cold champagne, hot coffee, neat whiskey, loud Springsteen, and the Winchester brothers kicking butt.
Stay up to date with new releases and other news by getting Angelique's newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/636945...
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Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Angelique-Jurd...
Instagram: angeliquejurd
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AngeliqueRJurdWriter
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Bookbub:
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After getting a degree in languages, travelling the world, raising a family, and working as a business journalist, she went back to school and studied English Literature and Media Studies.
In 2018, she published her first novel Jesse’s Smile with Small Black Cat Media. Since then, she’s continued to write contemporary gay (MM) romance and her academic research in fan studies and the queerification of popular fiction characters by fans.
Angelique is owned by three cats, three adult children, two temperamental computers, and a very patient boyfriend (not a partridge in a pear tree). She’s also pierced, painted, pansexual, and proud AF. When she’s not writing (or swearing at her computer) she likes cold champagne, hot coffee, neat whiskey, loud Springsteen, and the Winchester brothers kicking butt.
Stay up to date with new releases and other news by getting Angelique's newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/636945...
Find online:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Angelique-Jurd...
Instagram: angeliquejurd
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AngeliqueRJurdWriter
FB Reader Group:
http://facebook.com/groups/cocktailsa...
Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/angel...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
dnf
March 6, 2018DNF at 50%
These guys get together at 10%, are totally in love at 13%, meet the parents at 15%, and the rest is the development of their relationship. And while I loved reading about a character with autism, OCD, Mears-Irlen Syndrome, dyslexia and mild I.D., I also found that the emphasis was too much on Jesse being different.
I have a kid with ADHD and autism, but the thing is, I never mention it to other people simply because I forget. My kid is my kid, he is not his condition. But here all the conversations Drew had with people about Jesse were about his ‘disabilities’.
Drew even contacts a psychiatrist to learn how to deal with Jesse. While I could understand that, I also thought it was a bit premature since Drew had no trouble with Jesse up until that point. Drew explains he wants to learn how to deal with Jesse when a situation would arise. But that is true for ‘normal’ people too. You never know how someone will react in a certain situation, so you can’t really prepare.
And it drove the point home again that Drew did think Jesse was different. And the thing was I didn’t feel as if Jesse was all that different from other people. Yes, he was naïve and shy and innocent, but lots of people are. I felt everything he did or said was supposedly due to his disabilities, and never simply because he was a shy person. I actually never felt as if his disabilities were that bad, but everyone made it seem that way by constantly mentioning it.
But mostly I stopped reading because I was bored. This book is long, and I lost interest around 10%….
These guys get together at 10%, are totally in love at 13%, meet the parents at 15%, and the rest is the development of their relationship. And while I loved reading about a character with autism, OCD, Mears-Irlen Syndrome, dyslexia and mild I.D., I also found that the emphasis was too much on Jesse being different.
I have a kid with ADHD and autism, but the thing is, I never mention it to other people simply because I forget. My kid is my kid, he is not his condition. But here all the conversations Drew had with people about Jesse were about his ‘disabilities’.
Drew even contacts a psychiatrist to learn how to deal with Jesse. While I could understand that, I also thought it was a bit premature since Drew had no trouble with Jesse up until that point. Drew explains he wants to learn how to deal with Jesse when a situation would arise. But that is true for ‘normal’ people too. You never know how someone will react in a certain situation, so you can’t really prepare.
And it drove the point home again that Drew did think Jesse was different. And the thing was I didn’t feel as if Jesse was all that different from other people. Yes, he was naïve and shy and innocent, but lots of people are. I felt everything he did or said was supposedly due to his disabilities, and never simply because he was a shy person. I actually never felt as if his disabilities were that bad, but everyone made it seem that way by constantly mentioning it.
But mostly I stopped reading because I was bored. This book is long, and I lost interest around 10%….
January 5, 2019
Well, my first 5++ star read of 2019. This right here is why I read romance. What I want in a romance book.
This unconventional couple faces the world who see their love as wrong but have the strength to overcome it and show family and friends they are the real deal. Their relationship is different and unusual but no less real.
I swooned and I cried. I laughed and I raged.
Drew faces challenges with Jesse but he never gives up. Something about Jesse grabs hold of him and doesn't let go.
Like I said, this is what I want when I read a romance book. I want the feels and I want to swoon. I want to fall in love with the characters as they do with each other. This was exactly what I wanted.
This unconventional couple faces the world who see their love as wrong but have the strength to overcome it and show family and friends they are the real deal. Their relationship is different and unusual but no less real.
I swooned and I cried. I laughed and I raged.
I’m not normal, Drew. I know I’m not. And it’s not like having a cold, I’m not going to wake up tomorrow and be normal,” he says. Then in a voice that breaks Drew’s heart he continues, “I wish I was going to. I wish I could wake up in the morning and just be like everyone else. Like you. But I can’t. Ever. And I know that. And even though I know that, I kind of don’t mind so much anymore. Not like before. Because you make me feel happy.”
Drew faces challenges with Jesse but he never gives up. Something about Jesse grabs hold of him and doesn't let go.
“Jesse, you’re right. You’re not like other people, you’re not what other people call normal. But so what? The first time I met you, I liked you. That’s why I asked you out. Even when you told me about being autistic and …” “And ID,” Jesse says and Drew leans forward again until their foreheads touch. “And ID. It didn’t matter because I liked you. Then I got to know you and I fell in love with you. You’re not like anyone I have ever met Jess but not because of those things. You’re sweet and funny and kind and that’s what makes you special, that’s what I love,” Drew says and kisses him, laying gentle pressure on his quivering mouth. “I’m not going to get tired of you, I don’t want anyone else. We do have fun, we do have good sex and I do love you. You’re right, dogs are for a long time but Jesse, you’re forever. Okay?”
Like I said, this is what I want when I read a romance book. I want the feels and I want to swoon. I want to fall in love with the characters as they do with each other. This was exactly what I wanted.
“I never had anyone to love before. Not someone of my own. I have mom and dad but it’s different.” Drew nods to show he understands what Jesse is trying to say. “You’re mine, aren’t you Drew?” “Yeah Jess,” he whispers, “I’m yours. And you’re mine.”
“Mine,” Jesse whispers, voice low and sleepy. “Yours,” Drew answers.
March 24, 2018
5 Soul Stirring Stars
Let me preface this review by saying this. I have little to no knowledge of the disorders that are written about in this novel. The autism, ID.,stimming, etc, I know very little, so I don't know if this portrayal of Jesse is accurate. I'm reviewing this on just what I'm reading from the author. Someone who is very knowledgeable might feel differently. Jesse is a pure soul who has multiple challenges. He has the innocence and joy of a child, but is a grown man. He is highly functional, lives alone, and even has a job. He works at a pet store because he likes them better than people. Imo, he's absolutely right.😜 Drew is a teacher and he's patient and so kind. He's drawn to Jesse right away. He goes out of his way to research the challenges dating Jesse will bring. They bring out the best in each other, and together they shine so bright. There were times reading this my chest actually hurt with joy, and with pain. This a true relationship read for sure. If you're looking for action and drama, read something else. This is all about characterization and a relationship that thrives regardless of the obstacles. Everybody including family has issues with this relationship, but in the end their love prevails. There is some crazy drama at the end that is heartbreaking, but it's very close to the end. Jesse has one of the purest souls I've ever had the joy of reading, and Drew's love shines a spotlight upon it. It was absolutely divine, and I hope to read more from this author.
Let me preface this review by saying this. I have little to no knowledge of the disorders that are written about in this novel. The autism, ID.,stimming, etc, I know very little, so I don't know if this portrayal of Jesse is accurate. I'm reviewing this on just what I'm reading from the author. Someone who is very knowledgeable might feel differently. Jesse is a pure soul who has multiple challenges. He has the innocence and joy of a child, but is a grown man. He is highly functional, lives alone, and even has a job. He works at a pet store because he likes them better than people. Imo, he's absolutely right.😜 Drew is a teacher and he's patient and so kind. He's drawn to Jesse right away. He goes out of his way to research the challenges dating Jesse will bring. They bring out the best in each other, and together they shine so bright. There were times reading this my chest actually hurt with joy, and with pain. This a true relationship read for sure. If you're looking for action and drama, read something else. This is all about characterization and a relationship that thrives regardless of the obstacles. Everybody including family has issues with this relationship, but in the end their love prevails. There is some crazy drama at the end that is heartbreaking, but it's very close to the end. Jesse has one of the purest souls I've ever had the joy of reading, and Drew's love shines a spotlight upon it. It was absolutely divine, and I hope to read more from this author.
September 11, 2021
As an autistic person, I hated this book with the passion of a thousand burning suns. In the first chaper, Jesse says he's not retarded nor dumb, he's an adult. And he spends 330 pages trying to prove it to those around him. Because boy, everyone is ableist as hell in this story. It's downright insulting.
First of all, the presence of the word "retard". And the fact that it is thrown at Jesse by every character in the book. Even by Drew and his own parents. Why describe your main character with a slur?! In any other minority, this wouldn't pass. Why is it supposed to be acceptable here? If a book of gay romance had the word "f*ggot" as the description of the main characters the public would be rightfully pissed. Same thing here.
Second, functioning labels. Jesse is described as a "high functioning" autistic, which is honestly not a thing that would pass within the community. It is denigrating to be labeled as more or less worthy based on how much support you need. Functioning labels exist solely to gauge how much labor an autistic can do for capitalism, and as such how much "worth" the person possesses for the economy. If it was used by the nazis to decide if a disabled person deserved to live, we do not need it un our modern society. And the fact that there's so much emphasis on the functioning label as a sort of redeeming feature kind of gives the feeling that Jesse wouldn't be worth the effort if he needed more support. It also negates the fact that Jesse's life is still worth it, no matter if he can do things others can't.
Third, infantilizing Jesse. For someone who's been labeled "can handle himself", everyone around him considers him less than. Rather than helping him, people around him treat him like a child. There's methods of support out there! If he needs help with texting, there's text to speech in smartphones! There's ways of handling the bills that don't require calling the parents! He has a good knowledge of what works for him, let him use it!Drew actually helps him do things, but even he at times forgets Jesse is an adult who can decide things himself. His parents didn't even want him to have a boyfriend because they considered him too incapable! It was infuriating to read
Fourth, the doctor. Drew goes to a doctor when he discovers Jesse is autistic (sidenote, who tells their diagnoses in the first date?) To learn more. Most of the time, psychologists and phychiatrists know only the (very outdated, like, world war two outdated) theory, do not care to listen to autistics and would rather regard themselves the eminence of knowledge rather than admit that maybe their knowledge is skewed. If their knowledge isn't outdated, it's either ableist or eugenicist (see, functioning labels). The fact that the ultimate source of knowledge and the one to call when they need help with Jesse is a psychologist and no one actually bothers to learn either from autism advocates or Jesse himself feels like it stands in a holier than thou place. Why do you think a person who has never disassociated can tell you how disassotiation feels like or how to help? Honestly!
Last but not least, the plot. As in, there is no plot. The entire thing centers around Jesse being disabled and Drew loving him anyway. They say I love you at around 15% of the book, and then it proceeds to many, many, many situations of Jesse having problems and then the problems get solved, getting infantilized and feeling mad about it, a couple of cute moments, no one trusts him to even know what he wants and half the time don't even ask him. There's a couple of moments that become relevant later, but they get lost in the nothingness. At around 85% we get interesting events again, a bit more nothing and then the book is finally over. Is there anything else, other than the constant attempt at a feel good disabled story that fails miserably in the feel good category? No. Not really.
We get very little plot. A whole lot of slurs though. About a handful in every odd chapter. It feels just as insulting and misinformed as Sia's music (the movie). Kind if like they figured how autistic adults live and feel based on videos of toddlers melting down on YouTube and autism speaks (the eugenics hate group that masquerades as a charity).
In summary, it is insulting, offensive and wildly misinformed. It's full of slurs. If it didn't have smartphones, I'd have said it was written in 1980 rather than 2018, based on how outdated the theory is. It hurt to read. It was mostly plotless. If you want a book with an autistic main character, check DJ Jamison's love by number or Leta Blake's Will and Patrick wake up married. Those are actually good.
First of all, the presence of the word "retard". And the fact that it is thrown at Jesse by every character in the book. Even by Drew and his own parents. Why describe your main character with a slur?! In any other minority, this wouldn't pass. Why is it supposed to be acceptable here? If a book of gay romance had the word "f*ggot" as the description of the main characters the public would be rightfully pissed. Same thing here.
Second, functioning labels. Jesse is described as a "high functioning" autistic, which is honestly not a thing that would pass within the community. It is denigrating to be labeled as more or less worthy based on how much support you need. Functioning labels exist solely to gauge how much labor an autistic can do for capitalism, and as such how much "worth" the person possesses for the economy. If it was used by the nazis to decide if a disabled person deserved to live, we do not need it un our modern society. And the fact that there's so much emphasis on the functioning label as a sort of redeeming feature kind of gives the feeling that Jesse wouldn't be worth the effort if he needed more support. It also negates the fact that Jesse's life is still worth it, no matter if he can do things others can't.
Third, infantilizing Jesse. For someone who's been labeled "can handle himself", everyone around him considers him less than. Rather than helping him, people around him treat him like a child. There's methods of support out there! If he needs help with texting, there's text to speech in smartphones! There's ways of handling the bills that don't require calling the parents! He has a good knowledge of what works for him, let him use it!Drew actually helps him do things, but even he at times forgets Jesse is an adult who can decide things himself. His parents didn't even want him to have a boyfriend because they considered him too incapable! It was infuriating to read
Fourth, the doctor. Drew goes to a doctor when he discovers Jesse is autistic (sidenote, who tells their diagnoses in the first date?) To learn more. Most of the time, psychologists and phychiatrists know only the (very outdated, like, world war two outdated) theory, do not care to listen to autistics and would rather regard themselves the eminence of knowledge rather than admit that maybe their knowledge is skewed. If their knowledge isn't outdated, it's either ableist or eugenicist (see, functioning labels). The fact that the ultimate source of knowledge and the one to call when they need help with Jesse is a psychologist and no one actually bothers to learn either from autism advocates or Jesse himself feels like it stands in a holier than thou place. Why do you think a person who has never disassociated can tell you how disassotiation feels like or how to help? Honestly!
Last but not least, the plot. As in, there is no plot. The entire thing centers around Jesse being disabled and Drew loving him anyway. They say I love you at around 15% of the book, and then it proceeds to many, many, many situations of Jesse having problems and then the problems get solved, getting infantilized and feeling mad about it, a couple of cute moments, no one trusts him to even know what he wants and half the time don't even ask him. There's a couple of moments that become relevant later, but they get lost in the nothingness. At around 85% we get interesting events again, a bit more nothing and then the book is finally over. Is there anything else, other than the constant attempt at a feel good disabled story that fails miserably in the feel good category? No. Not really.
We get very little plot. A whole lot of slurs though. About a handful in every odd chapter. It feels just as insulting and misinformed as Sia's music (the movie). Kind if like they figured how autistic adults live and feel based on videos of toddlers melting down on YouTube and autism speaks (the eugenics hate group that masquerades as a charity).
In summary, it is insulting, offensive and wildly misinformed. It's full of slurs. If it didn't have smartphones, I'd have said it was written in 1980 rather than 2018, based on how outdated the theory is. It hurt to read. It was mostly plotless. If you want a book with an autistic main character, check DJ Jamison's love by number or Leta Blake's Will and Patrick wake up married. Those are actually good.
February 17, 2022
I read 500+ pages of NOTHING. NOTHING. happened. I was bored then I was angry then I was confused then Jesse and Drew were having sex. Then I was bored again. Then I was super uncomfortable with the way Jesse was written thinking ‘hey, a character with Autism who’s also dyslexic, has OCD and a mild Intellectual Disability, should be interesting to learn about’. WRONG. Why make Jesse the way he is only to COMPLETELY DISREGARD EVERY SINGLE THING THAT HAPPENED TO HIM THROUGHOUT THE BOOK to end it that way. The author literally went ‘Jesse’s been through a lot of change this year and it’s too much for him to handle’ then page flip — ‘Jesse and Drew buy a house in the farmland away from the city’. You have GOT to be shitting me. Infuriated. I am. Infuriated. Oh. The only FCKNG plot point was Drew’s ex. And that only came to play at the 80% mark. Shoot me in the face please. Thanks. Not only that. But out of these 500+ pages, I can guarantee you that about 200 of them are just ‘Drew and Jesse go out to eat, go to work, read, watch tv, plays with scamp, time to shower, laundry, on tuesdays they order pizza, on Wednesdays Jesse takes the bus home’. I doNNAE NEEDA KNOW THAt!
I want to rate it higher because this book was emotional. I’m not going to deny this book that piece. I want to rate it higher because I’d be lying if I said I didn’t learn anything. I did. I came out knowing more about autism than I did going in but MY GOD. reading other’s reviews under this book who know people on the spectrum really kicked the bucket for me.
There was one reviewer on here specifically who dnf’d it and explained it a lot better than I did. I had another book of Angelique Jurd’s on my tbr but I think I’ll have to remove it. The writing was not HORRIBLE and I’m not a stickler for spelling errors and grammar since I’m desensitized to it by reading a lot of Wattpad but this being a published book and having grammar and spelling discrepancies. I mean. Come. On. I’m ripping into this just for the sake of ripping into it.
This may be enjoyable for others for ALL the reasons that I hated it but not for me. As much as I wanted to love it and give it the benefit of the doubt.
FOCK. I’m mad. I don’t even want to think about this anymore. Bye.
I want to rate it higher because this book was emotional. I’m not going to deny this book that piece. I want to rate it higher because I’d be lying if I said I didn’t learn anything. I did. I came out knowing more about autism than I did going in but MY GOD. reading other’s reviews under this book who know people on the spectrum really kicked the bucket for me.
There was one reviewer on here specifically who dnf’d it and explained it a lot better than I did. I had another book of Angelique Jurd’s on my tbr but I think I’ll have to remove it. The writing was not HORRIBLE and I’m not a stickler for spelling errors and grammar since I’m desensitized to it by reading a lot of Wattpad but this being a published book and having grammar and spelling discrepancies. I mean. Come. On. I’m ripping into this just for the sake of ripping into it.
This may be enjoyable for others for ALL the reasons that I hated it but not for me. As much as I wanted to love it and give it the benefit of the doubt.
FOCK. I’m mad. I don’t even want to think about this anymore. Bye.
July 3, 2018
5+ Stars
I am in love with Jesse, and I loved every part of this book.
I really think that there is someone out there who is perfect for one other person. Like Jesse and Drew are basically made perfectly for each other in this book. I think that the mix of personality traits, “disabilities”, that Jesse had to deal with in life and the fact that he was able to overcome it all and make the best of everything he was given in life just shows how great his perseverance is as a person. I loved that Drew didn’t look at Jesse’s “issues” and think that they were bad, or something that had to just be dealt with or fixed and that he also didn’t discount them. He actually listened and he learned the best ways to proceed in their relationship, while trying to make sure that Jesse didn’t feel any “less” for it. And, as always people do make mistakes, I think it’s what you do afterwards that counts, and Drew made sure that any mistakes he made along the way were not repeated and that he learned from them. He made sure that Jesse knew that he wasn’t stupid and there wasn’t anything wrong with him, that he just learns and deals with things differently than other people do.
The author did a fantastic job writing these two men. Jesse is so sweet and cute, geeky and adorable and Drew is smart, patient and understanding and the way he treats Jesse is just so great to see.
There were a few times in the book that the sentences seemed a little disjointed and unfinished, but I feel like it was just part of Jesse’s way of thinking, like the thoughts were maybe just being written out loud (if that makes sense?) and for me it didn’t take anything away from the story being written like that. I was also really impressed by how Jesse and Drew’s parents were both written into the storyline. I appreciated that they were all hesitant about the relationship between the two men but for different reasons, which are all explained. That the parents wanted to make sure everything was thoroughly thought out between the two instead of watching them jump in with both feet just to see them fail. And that both sets of parents still stood back enough to let the relationship happen and ended up even working together towards the end instead of trying to pull the two guys apart really showed us how families should actually act when it comes to the hard times in life.
I would also like to say that there is a special place in Hell for Drew’s ex and people like him. He is a horrible human being and I hated with a passion what he did to both Jesse and Drew. I know it gave more depth to the story with the added drama and angst we incurred with the parts added in about the Ex/David. But man, I really hated every minute of Jesse having to deal with the aftermath of that jerk's actions, my heart just hurt for Jesse and Drew. David did not get enough repercussions in my mind and I think he deserved way worse than he got.
But, even with those parts added in, I still loved this book. It was great, and I liked how it was written. You can really tell that the author did a good deal of research and put a lot of thought into how the characters are portrayed in this book. I really enjoyed this book and it is one of my new favorites read for the year. I will be recommending to everyone that they read this book.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I am in love with Jesse, and I loved every part of this book.
I really think that there is someone out there who is perfect for one other person. Like Jesse and Drew are basically made perfectly for each other in this book. I think that the mix of personality traits, “disabilities”, that Jesse had to deal with in life and the fact that he was able to overcome it all and make the best of everything he was given in life just shows how great his perseverance is as a person. I loved that Drew didn’t look at Jesse’s “issues” and think that they were bad, or something that had to just be dealt with or fixed and that he also didn’t discount them. He actually listened and he learned the best ways to proceed in their relationship, while trying to make sure that Jesse didn’t feel any “less” for it. And, as always people do make mistakes, I think it’s what you do afterwards that counts, and Drew made sure that any mistakes he made along the way were not repeated and that he learned from them. He made sure that Jesse knew that he wasn’t stupid and there wasn’t anything wrong with him, that he just learns and deals with things differently than other people do.
The author did a fantastic job writing these two men. Jesse is so sweet and cute, geeky and adorable and Drew is smart, patient and understanding and the way he treats Jesse is just so great to see.
There were a few times in the book that the sentences seemed a little disjointed and unfinished, but I feel like it was just part of Jesse’s way of thinking, like the thoughts were maybe just being written out loud (if that makes sense?) and for me it didn’t take anything away from the story being written like that. I was also really impressed by how Jesse and Drew’s parents were both written into the storyline. I appreciated that they were all hesitant about the relationship between the two men but for different reasons, which are all explained. That the parents wanted to make sure everything was thoroughly thought out between the two instead of watching them jump in with both feet just to see them fail. And that both sets of parents still stood back enough to let the relationship happen and ended up even working together towards the end instead of trying to pull the two guys apart really showed us how families should actually act when it comes to the hard times in life.
I would also like to say that there is a special place in Hell for Drew’s ex and people like him. He is a horrible human being and I hated with a passion what he did to both Jesse and Drew. I know it gave more depth to the story with the added drama and angst we incurred with the parts added in about the Ex/David. But man, I really hated every minute of Jesse having to deal with the aftermath of that jerk's actions, my heart just hurt for Jesse and Drew. David did not get enough repercussions in my mind and I think he deserved way worse than he got.
But, even with those parts added in, I still loved this book. It was great, and I liked how it was written. You can really tell that the author did a good deal of research and put a lot of thought into how the characters are portrayed in this book. I really enjoyed this book and it is one of my new favorites read for the year. I will be recommending to everyone that they read this book.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
January 5, 2020
Ho letto parecchi libri con personaggi che avevano disabilità più o meno gravi, spesso fisiche, a volte mentali, ma sempre contenute. Jesse ha un disturbo ossessivo compulsivo, una forte dislessia e la sindrome di Mears-Irlen e un disturbo che rientra nello spettro dell'autismo, ma, parole sue: Non sono disturbato. O stupido. O scemo. O ritardato. Eppure è diverso, non guarirà, non esistono cure, non esiste nulla che lo possa rendere "normale", nessuna terapia medica o farmacologica. E' così. Ogni conquista è una fatica, ogni prova superata è una vittoria e ogni prova fallita la vive come "quello non lo posso fare" e prosegue, senza crucci. Conosce i suoi limiti e non li valica. Perché farlo se sa, oltre ogni ragionevole dubbio, che non può essere diverso da quello che è? Il punto di forza del libro è proprio questo: l'autrice racconta la storia di Jesse per quello che è, senza miracoli, senza drammi eccessivi, senza fanfare, ma con un senso di placida accettazione dei limiti che la sua vita gli impone. E questo lo rende malinconico, dolce in modo struggente. Un uomo la cui mente è limitata, ma racchiusa in un corpo bellissimo, che si conquista la sua fetta di felicità.
June 6, 2023
Rilettura 2023★★★★
La storia è dolcissima come sempre...
Purtroppo in questa rilettura ho notato cose che la prima volta non avevo attenzionato perché totalmente presa dalla storia.
L'utilizzo della terza persona rende la narrazione un po' meccanica e distaccata per quanto mi riguarda. E ho trovato alcune cose ripetitive.
In generale, comunque, come ho sottolineato la prima volta il messaggio che lancia è assolutamente encomiabile.
Prima Lettura 2020 ★★★★★
Un libro assolutamente meraviglioso 🖤🖤🖤
Mi ha fatto sorridere, piangere, e mi ha fatto battere il cuore. Ma credo che la cosa migliore di questo libro sia il messaggio positivo che trasmette: purtroppo viviamo in un mondo in cui la diversità (di qualunque natura essa sia) non solo non viene capita ma soprattutto spaventa ed è una cosa orribile; ma Drew ama Jesse soprattutto per la sua diversità, non nonostante questa, perché è ciò che lo rende Jesse. Ti riscalda il cuore e in un certo senso ti dà speranza.
L'autrice ha raccontato la storia in modo perfetto e la condizione di Jesse non viene banalizzata o sottovalutata.
La loro storia è come una favola, perché nonostante tutto e tutti loro si amano, e tu non puoi fare altro che emozionarti per il loro lieto fine.
La storia è dolcissima come sempre...
Purtroppo in questa rilettura ho notato cose che la prima volta non avevo attenzionato perché totalmente presa dalla storia.
L'utilizzo della terza persona rende la narrazione un po' meccanica e distaccata per quanto mi riguarda. E ho trovato alcune cose ripetitive.
In generale, comunque, come ho sottolineato la prima volta il messaggio che lancia è assolutamente encomiabile.
Prima Lettura 2020 ★★★★★
Un libro assolutamente meraviglioso 🖤🖤🖤
Mi ha fatto sorridere, piangere, e mi ha fatto battere il cuore. Ma credo che la cosa migliore di questo libro sia il messaggio positivo che trasmette: purtroppo viviamo in un mondo in cui la diversità (di qualunque natura essa sia) non solo non viene capita ma soprattutto spaventa ed è una cosa orribile; ma Drew ama Jesse soprattutto per la sua diversità, non nonostante questa, perché è ciò che lo rende Jesse. Ti riscalda il cuore e in un certo senso ti dà speranza.
L'autrice ha raccontato la storia in modo perfetto e la condizione di Jesse non viene banalizzata o sottovalutata.
La loro storia è come una favola, perché nonostante tutto e tutti loro si amano, e tu non puoi fare altro che emozionarti per il loro lieto fine.
March 7, 2018
What an adorable read!!!
I absolutely adored this story of Drew and Jesse.
Jesse, works at the pet store that Drew goes in, to buy supplies for his new kitten, Scamp. Seeing Jesse flustered and struggling to ring things up correctly after another employee thought it would be funny to switch the buttons around, Drew notices how adorable Jesse is. You'll see that word a lot, because I think Jesse was just adorable. Unfortunately, he often struggled with people and different things because of his autism, dyslexia, and ID. That's a lot for one guy to handle.. It didn't sway Drew though.
After asking Jesse out and taking him for a drink... Jesse tells him all the ways he's not normal. I hated how he felt like he had to explain that, because people were so cruel, and said the meanest things. How could anyone treat another person like that and still be able to live with themselves? I don't understand why people are just so mean like it's no big deal. I loved the way this book tackled the different aspects of different disabilities, and how hopeful and positive it was, even with the negative parts.
I loved how patient and respectful Drew is, and how much he truly loves Jesse. I love that the people in their lives, although were ignorant to some things, how they were willing to learn because Jesse was just a person.... a person that Drew loved and just because he was different, didn't make any of those facts less true. Jesse was so innocent and just adorable, it was impossible to not fall in love with his bluntness and lack of filter.... We should all be so honest. There was no beating around the bush with Jesse, he said what he was thinking and it wasn't always nice, but it was always honest.
Drew never got frustrated with him.... or if he did, he understood that it wasn't Jesse's fault and he loved him so much.
When Drew's ex, David comes around and starts trouble, most especially with Jesse, my heart hurt so bad for him. Jesse, not David... I think he got off light, considering all the things he puts Jesse through and the things he says to him and Drew.... I also thought the guy who brought him around, deserved a big dose of karmic justice..... BUT, Drew and Jesse survived it and came out stronger than ever. I loved that too.
Everything Drew did, he did for Jesse, and what an awesome kind of love is that?!
The ending was so heartwarming and I was so, so pleased with how it ended. I would recommend this story to everyone, it's truly, truly that amazing.
5, well deserved, feel good stars from me!
I absolutely adored this story of Drew and Jesse.
Jesse, works at the pet store that Drew goes in, to buy supplies for his new kitten, Scamp. Seeing Jesse flustered and struggling to ring things up correctly after another employee thought it would be funny to switch the buttons around, Drew notices how adorable Jesse is. You'll see that word a lot, because I think Jesse was just adorable. Unfortunately, he often struggled with people and different things because of his autism, dyslexia, and ID. That's a lot for one guy to handle.. It didn't sway Drew though.
After asking Jesse out and taking him for a drink... Jesse tells him all the ways he's not normal. I hated how he felt like he had to explain that, because people were so cruel, and said the meanest things. How could anyone treat another person like that and still be able to live with themselves? I don't understand why people are just so mean like it's no big deal. I loved the way this book tackled the different aspects of different disabilities, and how hopeful and positive it was, even with the negative parts.
I loved how patient and respectful Drew is, and how much he truly loves Jesse. I love that the people in their lives, although were ignorant to some things, how they were willing to learn because Jesse was just a person.... a person that Drew loved and just because he was different, didn't make any of those facts less true. Jesse was so innocent and just adorable, it was impossible to not fall in love with his bluntness and lack of filter.... We should all be so honest. There was no beating around the bush with Jesse, he said what he was thinking and it wasn't always nice, but it was always honest.
Drew never got frustrated with him.... or if he did, he understood that it wasn't Jesse's fault and he loved him so much.
When Drew's ex, David comes around and starts trouble, most especially with Jesse, my heart hurt so bad for him. Jesse, not David... I think he got off light, considering all the things he puts Jesse through and the things he says to him and Drew.... I also thought the guy who brought him around, deserved a big dose of karmic justice..... BUT, Drew and Jesse survived it and came out stronger than ever. I loved that too.
Everything Drew did, he did for Jesse, and what an awesome kind of love is that?!
The ending was so heartwarming and I was so, so pleased with how it ended. I would recommend this story to everyone, it's truly, truly that amazing.
5, well deserved, feel good stars from me!
May 14, 2021
4 heart warming beautiful stars story. -1 star because it was unnecessarily long and there were some minor editing errors.
May 30, 2018
‘Jesse knows he’s not stupid. Not retarded, no matter what some people say about him. People who think they are normal. He doesn’t understand things the way other people do and sometimes things sometimes get muddled, especially if he's under pressure, but that's not the same thing as stupid.’
This story is so beautiful! This is not just a romance but a lovely depiction of a real relationship and all the wonders and challenges that entails, but also of a beautiful young man with autism, mild OCD, Mears-Irlen Syndrome, dyslexia and mild I.D navigating through his first serious relationship.
Jesse is 26 and works in a pet store. He absolutely adores animals and loves the independence of having his own job and apartment. He is behind the counter one day serving - his least favourite place to be. When a mouthy obnoxious customer starts calling him a retard. A handsome kind man who is out buying supplies for his new kitten steps in and defends Jesse and the two are introduced.
Drew is a high school English teacher. He stops off at the pet store on his way home from work and there he meets beautiful, charming Jesse. Drew asks Jesse to help him get things set up for his cat and then asks him out on a date and the two of them begin a tentative relationship which deepens and strengthens over time.
“I’m not normal, Drew. I know I’m not. And it’s not like having a cold, I’m not going to wake up tomorrow and be normal,” he says. Then in a voice that breaks Drew’s heart he continues, “I wish I was going to. I wish I could wake up in the morning and just be like everyone else. Like you. But I can’t. Ever. And I know that. And even though I know that, I kind of don’t mind so much anymore. Not like before. Because you make me feel happy.”
I just loved these two so much. Drew is infinitely patient, compassionate and loving and Jesse is so god damn strong, sweet and at times heartbreakingly vulnerable, the things he said had me wanting to reach in to the book and give him a big supportive hug but Drew was always on hand to do just that.
“I never had anyone to love before. Not someone of my own. I have mom and dad but it’s different.” Drew nods to show he understands what Jesse is trying to say. “You’re mine, aren’t you Drew?” “Yeah Jess,” he whispers, “I’m yours. And you’re mine.”
There’s lots of ups and downs as with every new relationship but with Jesse’s complexities and someone from Drew’s past making an unwanted appearance there’s a lot for these two to navigate through. But they’re not alone. Secondary characters in this book are excellent! Well written with plenty of depth and they all really add a lot to this story.
This book is also really funny at times and I just adored Jesse’s lack of filter and Drew’s reaction to it every time, absolutely hilarious. I really enjoyed this book and did not want it to end! I think I could sit and read about Jesse and Drew living their every day lives forever. I really believed in them and just couldn’t get enough. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I’m so exited now to read more!
Reviewed by Lulu from Alpha Book Club 
July 2, 2018
So... I loved this book a lot. I think I'll re-read it in the future.
Realistic? I don't think so, not at all I presume. But I read it as a sweet and lovely fairy tale, so for me it worked really well.
I loved how the mcs care about each other. I loved the story's pace and the fact that the problems weren't between the mcs and how together they overcame difficulties.
It's a really sweet book and I couldn't put it down! I recommend it without a doubt, it's a highly enjoyable story imo, but I think it's important to not expect a realistic or accurate medical knowledge ( it's not my field, so it's only my opinion based on how little I know about this problems).
Realistic? I don't think so, not at all I presume. But I read it as a sweet and lovely fairy tale, so for me it worked really well.
I loved how the mcs care about each other. I loved the story's pace and the fact that the problems weren't between the mcs and how together they overcame difficulties.
It's a really sweet book and I couldn't put it down! I recommend it without a doubt, it's a highly enjoyable story imo, but I think it's important to not expect a realistic or accurate medical knowledge ( it's not my field, so it's only my opinion based on how little I know about this problems).
October 31, 2021
I went back and forth on whether I wanted to rate this a 3 or 4 and with this one I REALLY wish there were half stars.
I liked this one but didn't love it as much as other people did. I truly believe that everyone should have the chance to love and be loved but I honestly don't know how realistic this. I had an autistic and severely intellectually disabled daughter before she passed and that was on a whole different level than this, so even though I have some experience with it I still don't know enough about it to really understand, but it's hard to reconcile.
I wasn't happy about how many times Jesse's condition was brought up by EVERYONE and it was like that there was little else to him except his love for Drew, his sexuality and his love of animals. Drew kept saying that he saw him as a man but acted like his parent in many ways. I guess that was left me unsettled.
There were also issues with the writing like incomplete sentences and misspelled words and usually I can get past that but it bothered me here.
Even with all that said I still liked it enough to round up to a 4, but reluctantly.
I liked this one but didn't love it as much as other people did. I truly believe that everyone should have the chance to love and be loved but I honestly don't know how realistic this. I had an autistic and severely intellectually disabled daughter before she passed and that was on a whole different level than this, so even though I have some experience with it I still don't know enough about it to really understand, but it's hard to reconcile.
I wasn't happy about how many times Jesse's condition was brought up by EVERYONE and it was like that there was little else to him except his love for Drew, his sexuality and his love of animals. Drew kept saying that he saw him as a man but acted like his parent in many ways. I guess that was left me unsettled.
There were also issues with the writing like incomplete sentences and misspelled words and usually I can get past that but it bothered me here.
Even with all that said I still liked it enough to round up to a 4, but reluctantly.
March 4, 2018
Drew + Jesse
3.5 stars
I liked the story but there were a lot of editing problems. However, that did not take away from the love story of Drew and Jesse.
Jesse is dyselixic, I.D., a bit OCD, falls under the autistic spectrum and suffers from Meares-Irlen Syndrome and Drew is a loving man who sees past it all. When they start a relationship many question Drew's intentions and much of the time Drew finds himself defending their relationship. For most of the book it is the people on the outside, who cannot see or understand their relationship, that cause problems. What they don't know is Jesse is capable of making his own choices and they need to learn to look past his disabilities and see he for the man he is.
This book is mainly about the trial and tribulations of a blossoming relationship. There is one big event, towards the end, that happens to Jesse that really test Drew's love for him.
It was a good read. I do think it was bit long but overall enjoyable.
3.5 stars
I liked the story but there were a lot of editing problems. However, that did not take away from the love story of Drew and Jesse.
Jesse is dyselixic, I.D., a bit OCD, falls under the autistic spectrum and suffers from Meares-Irlen Syndrome and Drew is a loving man who sees past it all. When they start a relationship many question Drew's intentions and much of the time Drew finds himself defending their relationship. For most of the book it is the people on the outside, who cannot see or understand their relationship, that cause problems. What they don't know is Jesse is capable of making his own choices and they need to learn to look past his disabilities and see he for the man he is.
This book is mainly about the trial and tribulations of a blossoming relationship. There is one big event, towards the end, that happens to Jesse that really test Drew's love for him.
It was a good read. I do think it was bit long but overall enjoyable.
Read
May 24, 2018No voy a comentar este libro ni le voy a dar rating, uno de los protagonistas tiene una intellectual disability, tengo muchas opiniones pero no creo que sea este el foro.
Solo comentar que el libro necesita un profundo editado.
Solo comentar que el libro necesita un profundo editado.
May 2, 2020
More then 5*
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class!
I LOVE that book! I love Jesse and Wicket.
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class!
I LOVE that book! I love Jesse and Wicket.
January 13, 2020
Una di quelle storie Belle che ti accompagna per mano con delicatezza e riguardo lungo un cammino dove si prova ogni sorta di emozione possibile ❤️
la recensione per il blog: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
la recensione per il blog: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
January 22, 2020
Recensione a cura di Morgana per Feel the Book
Stupido è chi lo stupido fa.
Ho scelto questa citazione dal famoso film Forrest Gump per il semplice motivo che fin dalle prime pagine di questo libro ho avvertito un filo che univa queste due storie, delle forti somiglianze tra Forrest e Jesse; questa frase rappresenta benissimo il pensiero di entrambi.
Jesse è cosciente dei suoi limiti, ma sa anche che questi limiti non definiscono chi lui è e, soprattutto, non ha intenzione di lasciare che questi gli impediscano di vivere la vita al meglio. Lui è sensibile e dolce e ha una forza interiore che tanti “normali” si sognano. Con pazienza e volontà ha trovato il suo posto nel mondo, ha una casa sua, un lavoro in un negozio di animali che ama e che lo soddisfa, è felice; eppure gli manca ancora qualcosa, o meglio, qualcuno. Jesse spera come tutti di trovare qualcuno che lo ami, che veda oltre i suoi disturbi cognitivi, il suo autismo e le sue piccole manie, qualcuno che veda lui e tutto quello che può offrire ed in questo è perfettamente “normale”. Cupido nelle vesti di una piccola palla di pelo miagolante di nome Birba porta, prima nel negozio per animali e poi nella sua vita, Drew, proprietario della suddetta “bimba pelosa”.
Drew è un professore di inglese, che dopo essere uscito a pezzi, non solo figurativamente, da un rapporto malato, si trova a innamorarsi piano piano di una persona molto diversa da lui e da chiunque abbia mai conosciuto; insomma, di una persona unica nel suo genere. E’ stato bellissimo leggere come e con quanta dolcezza Drew tratti Jesse, e come voglia a tutti i costi capirlo e supportarlo; ma soprattutto come voglia difenderlo quando il suo passato irrompe nella loro vita e rischia di vanificare tutto quanto hanno fin lì costruito.
Quello che potrebbe sembrare un rapporto sbilanciato tra uno “normale” e uno no, in realtà è un legame che ha il suo equilibrio e che insegna qualcosa a entrambi, soprattutto a Jesse che, grazie a Drew, acquisisce più fiducia in se stesso e nelle sue capacità. Ma il loro rapporto incontra il pregiudizio della società, in particolare delle loro famiglie. Passo dopo passo e con tanta pazienza i due riescono a dimostrare che il loro è un rapporto come tanti altri.
Lo stile con cui è scritto il libro mi ha stregato, come quando da bambina leggevo le favole e non riuscivo a smettere di leggere: ogni momento libero mi fiondavo sul lettore, curiosa di sapere. Mano a mano che giungevo vicino alla fine un leggero dispiacere ha cominciato a fare capolino; il pensiero che poche pagine mi separavano dal dover dire addio a Jesse e Drew mi faceva venire le lacrime agli occhi.
Questa storia tocca argomenti molto forti e l’autrice è stata molto brava a trattarli con molta delicatezza senza mai scadere nel pietismo, o appesantire la narrazione. Insomma, ha scritto una storia che ti cattura, ti fa riflettere, ti fa piangere e ti fa ridere ma soprattutto ti fa innamorare dei due protagonisti.
Spero vivamente di poter leggere ancora qualcosa che parla di loro – fosse anche una novella – perché anche io, come Drew, mi sono innamorata del sorriso di Jesse.
Editing a cura di Ash.
Stupido è chi lo stupido fa.
Ho scelto questa citazione dal famoso film Forrest Gump per il semplice motivo che fin dalle prime pagine di questo libro ho avvertito un filo che univa queste due storie, delle forti somiglianze tra Forrest e Jesse; questa frase rappresenta benissimo il pensiero di entrambi.
Jesse è cosciente dei suoi limiti, ma sa anche che questi limiti non definiscono chi lui è e, soprattutto, non ha intenzione di lasciare che questi gli impediscano di vivere la vita al meglio. Lui è sensibile e dolce e ha una forza interiore che tanti “normali” si sognano. Con pazienza e volontà ha trovato il suo posto nel mondo, ha una casa sua, un lavoro in un negozio di animali che ama e che lo soddisfa, è felice; eppure gli manca ancora qualcosa, o meglio, qualcuno. Jesse spera come tutti di trovare qualcuno che lo ami, che veda oltre i suoi disturbi cognitivi, il suo autismo e le sue piccole manie, qualcuno che veda lui e tutto quello che può offrire ed in questo è perfettamente “normale”. Cupido nelle vesti di una piccola palla di pelo miagolante di nome Birba porta, prima nel negozio per animali e poi nella sua vita, Drew, proprietario della suddetta “bimba pelosa”.
Drew è un professore di inglese, che dopo essere uscito a pezzi, non solo figurativamente, da un rapporto malato, si trova a innamorarsi piano piano di una persona molto diversa da lui e da chiunque abbia mai conosciuto; insomma, di una persona unica nel suo genere. E’ stato bellissimo leggere come e con quanta dolcezza Drew tratti Jesse, e come voglia a tutti i costi capirlo e supportarlo; ma soprattutto come voglia difenderlo quando il suo passato irrompe nella loro vita e rischia di vanificare tutto quanto hanno fin lì costruito.
Quello che potrebbe sembrare un rapporto sbilanciato tra uno “normale” e uno no, in realtà è un legame che ha il suo equilibrio e che insegna qualcosa a entrambi, soprattutto a Jesse che, grazie a Drew, acquisisce più fiducia in se stesso e nelle sue capacità. Ma il loro rapporto incontra il pregiudizio della società, in particolare delle loro famiglie. Passo dopo passo e con tanta pazienza i due riescono a dimostrare che il loro è un rapporto come tanti altri.
Lo stile con cui è scritto il libro mi ha stregato, come quando da bambina leggevo le favole e non riuscivo a smettere di leggere: ogni momento libero mi fiondavo sul lettore, curiosa di sapere. Mano a mano che giungevo vicino alla fine un leggero dispiacere ha cominciato a fare capolino; il pensiero che poche pagine mi separavano dal dover dire addio a Jesse e Drew mi faceva venire le lacrime agli occhi.
Questa storia tocca argomenti molto forti e l’autrice è stata molto brava a trattarli con molta delicatezza senza mai scadere nel pietismo, o appesantire la narrazione. Insomma, ha scritto una storia che ti cattura, ti fa riflettere, ti fa piangere e ti fa ridere ma soprattutto ti fa innamorare dei due protagonisti.
Spero vivamente di poter leggere ancora qualcosa che parla di loro – fosse anche una novella – perché anche io, come Drew, mi sono innamorata del sorriso di Jesse.
Editing a cura di Ash.
September 7, 2021
Po raz pierwszy od dłuższego czasu, zanim się wzięłam za książkę, postanowiłam poczytać komentarze czytelników na GR. Ludzi, których nie znam zupełnie, bądź którzy czasami mi gdzieś tam migają z recenzją - czy to do książki, którą właśnie przeczytałam, czy dlatego, że ktoś akurat jakiś ich tekst podlajkował. Chciałam sprawdzić, czy mam odpowiedni nastrój na tę historię, czy może lepiej jeszcze poczekać. Czy wywinie mnie na lewą stronę, czy raczej znuży.
I jak zwykle, ZUPEŁNIE nie było to pomocne. Wcale a wcale. Bo opinii cała masa, tak różnych, jak różni są ludzie. Często skrajnych. Od DNF i 1 gwiazdki, po 5 z wykrzyknikami. Co dla jednych jest słabe, dla innych cudowne. Co dla jednych jest egzaltowane, dla innych jest pełne uczucia i przejmujące. Co dla jednych jest schematyczne i oparte na stereotypach, dla innych jest odkrywcze i niespotykane. Jedni ziewali z nudów, inni się wzruszali... Innymi słowy, jak zwykle - jeden wielki bajzel, młyn i burdel na kółkach 😂 Gdybym w ten sposób próbowała coś wybrać do czytania, to nigdy chyba nic bym nie przeczytała 😂
Zatem po prostu wzięłam się za nią, nie zastanawiając się długo i nie sugerując niczym 😁 I gdybym ten tytuł przeczytała przed In the Absence of Light, to pewnie bym uznała, że jest dobry i zasługuje możne nawet na 5 gwiazdek. Ale... Morgan mnie zniszczył 😁 Jako człowiek i bohater zasługiwał na wyrąbane w kosmos 10 gwiazdek. A że mogłam dać tylko pięć z przyczyn oczywistych, to nie mogę dać historii Jesse'a i Drew tyle samo. Bo było słabiej, nudniej, mniej wyraziście, mniej łapało za serducho, ciągnęło się... Historia była dość dobra, ale bez szału, bez żadnych ochów i achów, bez wciskania w fotel, ot - przeczytać i iść dalej, bez rozpamiętywania... I choć raczej nigdy mi nie przeszkadza objętość książki, to ta była za długa, zdecydowanie za długa... Zatem tylko 3.
Morgan, ty cudny szatanie - to przez ciebie wszystko 😁
I jak zwykle, ZUPEŁNIE nie było to pomocne. Wcale a wcale. Bo opinii cała masa, tak różnych, jak różni są ludzie. Często skrajnych. Od DNF i 1 gwiazdki, po 5 z wykrzyknikami. Co dla jednych jest słabe, dla innych cudowne. Co dla jednych jest egzaltowane, dla innych jest pełne uczucia i przejmujące. Co dla jednych jest schematyczne i oparte na stereotypach, dla innych jest odkrywcze i niespotykane. Jedni ziewali z nudów, inni się wzruszali... Innymi słowy, jak zwykle - jeden wielki bajzel, młyn i burdel na kółkach 😂 Gdybym w ten sposób próbowała coś wybrać do czytania, to nigdy chyba nic bym nie przeczytała 😂
Zatem po prostu wzięłam się za nią, nie zastanawiając się długo i nie sugerując niczym 😁 I gdybym ten tytuł przeczytała przed In the Absence of Light, to pewnie bym uznała, że jest dobry i zasługuje możne nawet na 5 gwiazdek. Ale... Morgan mnie zniszczył 😁 Jako człowiek i bohater zasługiwał na wyrąbane w kosmos 10 gwiazdek. A że mogłam dać tylko pięć z przyczyn oczywistych, to nie mogę dać historii Jesse'a i Drew tyle samo. Bo było słabiej, nudniej, mniej wyraziście, mniej łapało za serducho, ciągnęło się... Historia była dość dobra, ale bez szału, bez żadnych ochów i achów, bez wciskania w fotel, ot - przeczytać i iść dalej, bez rozpamiętywania... I choć raczej nigdy mi nie przeszkadza objętość książki, to ta była za długa, zdecydowanie za długa... Zatem tylko 3.
Morgan, ty cudny szatanie - to przez ciebie wszystko 😁
March 3, 2018
I Leonburger (Love) My ADorkable Boyfriend
I never imagined I'd find a book that matched the emotional intensity of one of my all time favorites, ETHAN, WHO LOVED CARTER. In addition to having a similar storyline of a main character, family, friend(s), and a boyfriend who loved someone with developmental disabilities. It is a sweet very passionate book, full of sensual scenes, and an indepth look at how hard loving someone who is different truly is. Then to see it from the perspective of the person, a mental specialist, and a man who loves his "special" boyfriend as deeply as he ever has anyone else.
This is a very long book, approximately 7300 locations, but the story flows. Luckily I began it on a Friday so when I went to bed at 4:03 am I could sleep in until 9:30 am. Before I embarked on errands I read more. Then I listened to it in the car as I made my rounds about town and while I ate lunch.
This story holds your attention. Your emotions get so intertwined with those of the main & secondary characters. You feel compelled to continue reading because you just have to know what happens next. The animals that are interspersed throughout the book are refreshing often comical relief. The angst, the constant questioning of the validity of their relationship not just strangers, but from the ones who love them is draining. You don't want the negativity of important hostile people to interfere with their deepening love.
The happy times are wonderful. The trying ones exhausting. Just when everything seems to be going smoothly, a challenge occurs, a huge obstacles, a deep pothole, a problem seemingly without a solution. All you want is the best for them, but the realities of life keep interfering. If a couple ever deserved a happily ever after - it was these two. What love and sacrifice mean are depicted in this emotional book will have you laughing, crying, and cheering. I can't recommend it more highly!!
I never imagined I'd find a book that matched the emotional intensity of one of my all time favorites, ETHAN, WHO LOVED CARTER. In addition to having a similar storyline of a main character, family, friend(s), and a boyfriend who loved someone with developmental disabilities. It is a sweet very passionate book, full of sensual scenes, and an indepth look at how hard loving someone who is different truly is. Then to see it from the perspective of the person, a mental specialist, and a man who loves his "special" boyfriend as deeply as he ever has anyone else.
This is a very long book, approximately 7300 locations, but the story flows. Luckily I began it on a Friday so when I went to bed at 4:03 am I could sleep in until 9:30 am. Before I embarked on errands I read more. Then I listened to it in the car as I made my rounds about town and while I ate lunch.
This story holds your attention. Your emotions get so intertwined with those of the main & secondary characters. You feel compelled to continue reading because you just have to know what happens next. The animals that are interspersed throughout the book are refreshing often comical relief. The angst, the constant questioning of the validity of their relationship not just strangers, but from the ones who love them is draining. You don't want the negativity of important hostile people to interfere with their deepening love.
The happy times are wonderful. The trying ones exhausting. Just when everything seems to be going smoothly, a challenge occurs, a huge obstacles, a deep pothole, a problem seemingly without a solution. All you want is the best for them, but the realities of life keep interfering. If a couple ever deserved a happily ever after - it was these two. What love and sacrifice mean are depicted in this emotional book will have you laughing, crying, and cheering. I can't recommend it more highly!!
July 3, 2018
5 stars
Jesse's Smile is a standalone book. It's about Jesse Peterson, a 26-year-old man who has some challenges and Andrew Oliver, a 34-year-old English teacher. While everyone is quick to assume Jesse can't function alone, Drew helps him grow and treats him as any other young man. Two very different men fall in love to form an amazing couple.
Jesse has to be my favorite character hands down. Even with all his challenges, he is smart, sweet, compassionate, amazing with animals and pure (mostly). He is such a unique character with such depth. We honestly do not have enough autistic characters. While he is high functioning, I really did learn a bit about autism.
Drew is a very good man. I love that he could look above all Jesse's challenges and love him how he is while not trying to change him. Yes, he did change Jesse but not for own designs but to help Jesse grow as a man.
This book was amazing. I laughed and cried and will definitely read it over and over again. It's such a hidden gem. In M/M we do have books with characters who have challenges but we have very few that have such extensive challenges as Jesse and it shows people that they can love too. to not give up on people you do not understand. Amazing work on this book and I can only hope we will see this couple again.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Jesse's Smile is a standalone book. It's about Jesse Peterson, a 26-year-old man who has some challenges and Andrew Oliver, a 34-year-old English teacher. While everyone is quick to assume Jesse can't function alone, Drew helps him grow and treats him as any other young man. Two very different men fall in love to form an amazing couple.
Jesse has to be my favorite character hands down. Even with all his challenges, he is smart, sweet, compassionate, amazing with animals and pure (mostly). He is such a unique character with such depth. We honestly do not have enough autistic characters. While he is high functioning, I really did learn a bit about autism.
Drew is a very good man. I love that he could look above all Jesse's challenges and love him how he is while not trying to change him. Yes, he did change Jesse but not for own designs but to help Jesse grow as a man.
This book was amazing. I laughed and cried and will definitely read it over and over again. It's such a hidden gem. In M/M we do have books with characters who have challenges but we have very few that have such extensive challenges as Jesse and it shows people that they can love too. to not give up on people you do not understand. Amazing work on this book and I can only hope we will see this couple again.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
January 28, 2018
Hmmmm. 2.5 Stars.
I am pinging all over the place about this book. It is long and a lot happens. The writing needs work in places where point of view gets confusing. The pacing needs tightening. I have no idea where this love story is set. This aspect of the book could be very disorienting.
There is a lot of plot and time in the development of the relationship in this romance and I am a big fan of plots that give me a full run and savor of the relationship. We get that here.
Jesse and Drew are well drawn characters and the exploration of a relationship where one partner has the kind of impairments that Jesse does is well done in most places. But its not in patches. We need Jesse's point of view more and maybe others that share aspects of his identify rather than allies and caretakers.
Then, there is a twist that happens which in some ways really tests and deepens the heroes' relationship and feel necessary but in other ways felt sensational and false to the narrative and there is pet death. I am not even putting that in a spoiler alert because that kind of thing people should know.
I want more equality in seeing Drew in his vulnerabilities here I think to make this book work for me and less of the outside conflict or at least less drama based (though I do like how Jesse takes back his own).
Hmmmm. Intersting. Would read something else by this writer.
I am pinging all over the place about this book. It is long and a lot happens. The writing needs work in places where point of view gets confusing. The pacing needs tightening. I have no idea where this love story is set. This aspect of the book could be very disorienting.
There is a lot of plot and time in the development of the relationship in this romance and I am a big fan of plots that give me a full run and savor of the relationship. We get that here.
Jesse and Drew are well drawn characters and the exploration of a relationship where one partner has the kind of impairments that Jesse does is well done in most places. But its not in patches. We need Jesse's point of view more and maybe others that share aspects of his identify rather than allies and caretakers.
Then, there is a twist that happens which in some ways really tests and deepens the heroes' relationship and feel necessary but in other ways felt sensational and false to the narrative and there is pet death. I am not even putting that in a spoiler alert because that kind of thing people should know.
I want more equality in seeing Drew in his vulnerabilities here I think to make this book work for me and less of the outside conflict or at least less drama based (though I do like how Jesse takes back his own).
Hmmmm. Intersting. Would read something else by this writer.
July 4, 2018
4.5 stars!
The writing style took me a minute to get used to but once I did, I really enjoyed this story! I immediately liked Jesse. His character was vulnerable but strong and I appreciated the author showing both sides. Drew was kind and it was nice how he took the time to understand Jesse. There was so much depth to both characters that it just felt incredibly authentic to me.
Jesse's lack of filter was pretty much hilarious. He is honest and blunt, but caring and tries his hardest to accept and understand the world around him. Drew was thoughtful and earnest. While he was sometimes only human in his reactions to Jesse, he always worked hard to try and understand him. I enjoyed their dynamic and how the author showed how much they cared about each other.
This book is so different from other romance books because the two MCs basically get together as boyfriends early in the book. The rest of the book is the building of the relationship and the obstacles that come with that. I really liked this because I felt that we needed more time to see them together as a couple.
This book had so many emotions from sweet to heartbreaking but overall, was an amazing story. I would love to read a short from these guys in the future!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
The writing style took me a minute to get used to but once I did, I really enjoyed this story! I immediately liked Jesse. His character was vulnerable but strong and I appreciated the author showing both sides. Drew was kind and it was nice how he took the time to understand Jesse. There was so much depth to both characters that it just felt incredibly authentic to me.
Jesse's lack of filter was pretty much hilarious. He is honest and blunt, but caring and tries his hardest to accept and understand the world around him. Drew was thoughtful and earnest. While he was sometimes only human in his reactions to Jesse, he always worked hard to try and understand him. I enjoyed their dynamic and how the author showed how much they cared about each other.
This book is so different from other romance books because the two MCs basically get together as boyfriends early in the book. The rest of the book is the building of the relationship and the obstacles that come with that. I really liked this because I felt that we needed more time to see them together as a couple.
This book had so many emotions from sweet to heartbreaking but overall, was an amazing story. I would love to read a short from these guys in the future!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
June 13, 2018
I must admit that it’s hard to read about main characters with mental disorders. That being said, I really liked this book. It was a beautiful story.
What I loved:
- chemistry between Jesse and Drew
- loved their interactions
- how real it was to read about Jesse’s parents’ hopes and dreams for him
- book was long enough to flesh out their relationship and show that it’s not always easy to have a partner with learning impairment and who processes things differently
What I loved:
- chemistry between Jesse and Drew
- loved their interactions
- how real it was to read about Jesse’s parents’ hopes and dreams for him
- book was long enough to flesh out their relationship and show that it’s not always easy to have a partner with learning impairment and who processes things differently
October 15, 2019
What is Normal, When There is Love?
This is a tale of the ups and downs of love between sweet, challenged Jesse & Teacher, Author Drew. Just wow! Very good storytelling, well-developed, likable MCs and co-characters. The handling of Jesse’s challenges is sensitive writing. I admire writing that gets under your skin, makes you apart of the story. I was anxious, sad, happy, pissed and had leakage from my eyes 👀. Very good literary romance. Warning: tissues may be needed!
This is a tale of the ups and downs of love between sweet, challenged Jesse & Teacher, Author Drew. Just wow! Very good storytelling, well-developed, likable MCs and co-characters. The handling of Jesse’s challenges is sensitive writing. I admire writing that gets under your skin, makes you apart of the story. I was anxious, sad, happy, pissed and had leakage from my eyes 👀. Very good literary romance. Warning: tissues may be needed!
February 8, 2020
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Voglio iniziare la recensione del libro Il sorriso di Jesse da questa frase detta da Drew perché è semplice ma potente, vera e rappresentativa di quello che è una delle storie d'amore più belle che io abbia mai letto. Jesse e Drew: due ragazzi che si incontrano, un colpo di fulmine, un amore che sboccia naturalmente e giorno per giorno costruiscono una relazione solida e duratura per un futuro insieme. Amarsi, prendersi cura dell'altro e rendersi felice, solo questo desiderano Drew e Jesse e non importa se dovranno scontrarsi contro la diffidenza e i pregiudizi di chi li circonda, non importa se agli occhi degli altri è una relazione strana e incomprensibile, non solo perché sono gay ma soprattutto perché uno è normale e l'altro è diverso. Ci sono innumerevoli sfaccettature che rendono un insegnante di liceo e un commesso di negozio d'animali diversi tra loro; diversità palesi agli occhi di chi li guarda, insormontabili, eppure quello che li unisce è talmente grande e bello che basterebbe solo guardarli e viverli per capire quanto sia semplice per loro amarsi e come combacino perfettamente. Questo è ciò che fa l'autrice attraverso questa storia: ci trasporta nella vita dei protagonisti, ci fa vivere la loro routine, ci mostra le diversità, le insicurezze, le paure ma al contempo le affinità, i loro caratteri e le reciproche necessità, i loro sentimenti puri e lo fa con semplicità e naturalezza, senza eccessi o angoscia, in modo realistico e asciutto senza fronzoli ma non per questo meno potente ed emotivamente profondo. Lei ci mostra la bellezza e la perfezione di un amore nonostante tutto. Jesse è un ragazzo con diverse disabilità, - non starò qui a elencarle -, è cresciuto consapevole dei suoi limiti, consapevole di non rientrare nell'idea di normalità degli altri. Un giovane consapevole di non essere stupido o ritardato ma semplicemente diverso, un giovane uomo gentile e divertente, dolce e capace di una profondità disarmante. Jesse senza filtri, brutalmente diretto e incapace di nascondere ogni minima emozione o mantenere un segreto. Determinato a rivendicare la sua autonomia, il suo non essere un bambino bisognoso ma un uomo, perché Jesse le cose le capisce solo che lo fa in modi e tempi differenti. Jesse è stupendo sia fuori che dentro e Drew lo vede nella sua totalità. Drew che è dolce e premuroso e cerca di capire cosa fa Jesse e perché, che lo protegge e si prende cura di lui, non lo fa sentire annebbiato, stupido e infantile. Drew che lo ama, lo venera e lo sprona, che gli dà tutto quello che lo fa sentire un uomo amato e desiderato, non più solo, felice. Questa è una storia corposa ma che si legge con una velocità sorprendente, che grazie alla semplicità della scrittura, alla delicatezza e gentilezza con cui è narrata prende il lettore per mano come se ti dicesse: "Vieni con me, ti accompagno nella vita di due uomini meravigliosi, te li faccio conoscere nel profondo, ti farò provare tante emozioni quante sono le loro, ti farò vedere che è possibile e giusto nonostante tutto. Certo, proverai empatia e tanta malinconia, un senso di impotenza e tenerezza, forse giudicherai o non capirai, sorriderai e piangerai, proverai dolore ma anche felicità. Ma non è questa la vita? Non è normale? Sì, lo è! Anche se è complicato e le difficoltà ci saranno sempre, l'amore è forte e per loro amarsi è semplice." Io ho provato tutto questo, un costante sentire fino a un punto in cui una svolta inaspettata ha fatto esplodere ogni mia emozione che restava contenuta (non avete idea di quanto ho pianto). È una lettura semplice ma allo stesso tempo non lo è, è una di quelle storie che gonfiano il cuore di sensazioni belle e altre meno. Una storia che fa riflettere e pensare anche dopo averla finita. Una storia che ti lascia dentro un sorriso ma anche un po' di melanconia.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Voglio iniziare la recensione del libro Il sorriso di Jesse da questa frase detta da Drew perché è semplice ma potente, vera e rappresentativa di quello che è una delle storie d'amore più belle che io abbia mai letto. Jesse e Drew: due ragazzi che si incontrano, un colpo di fulmine, un amore che sboccia naturalmente e giorno per giorno costruiscono una relazione solida e duratura per un futuro insieme. Amarsi, prendersi cura dell'altro e rendersi felice, solo questo desiderano Drew e Jesse e non importa se dovranno scontrarsi contro la diffidenza e i pregiudizi di chi li circonda, non importa se agli occhi degli altri è una relazione strana e incomprensibile, non solo perché sono gay ma soprattutto perché uno è normale e l'altro è diverso. Ci sono innumerevoli sfaccettature che rendono un insegnante di liceo e un commesso di negozio d'animali diversi tra loro; diversità palesi agli occhi di chi li guarda, insormontabili, eppure quello che li unisce è talmente grande e bello che basterebbe solo guardarli e viverli per capire quanto sia semplice per loro amarsi e come combacino perfettamente. Questo è ciò che fa l'autrice attraverso questa storia: ci trasporta nella vita dei protagonisti, ci fa vivere la loro routine, ci mostra le diversità, le insicurezze, le paure ma al contempo le affinità, i loro caratteri e le reciproche necessità, i loro sentimenti puri e lo fa con semplicità e naturalezza, senza eccessi o angoscia, in modo realistico e asciutto senza fronzoli ma non per questo meno potente ed emotivamente profondo. Lei ci mostra la bellezza e la perfezione di un amore nonostante tutto. Jesse è un ragazzo con diverse disabilità, - non starò qui a elencarle -, è cresciuto consapevole dei suoi limiti, consapevole di non rientrare nell'idea di normalità degli altri. Un giovane consapevole di non essere stupido o ritardato ma semplicemente diverso, un giovane uomo gentile e divertente, dolce e capace di una profondità disarmante. Jesse senza filtri, brutalmente diretto e incapace di nascondere ogni minima emozione o mantenere un segreto. Determinato a rivendicare la sua autonomia, il suo non essere un bambino bisognoso ma un uomo, perché Jesse le cose le capisce solo che lo fa in modi e tempi differenti. Jesse è stupendo sia fuori che dentro e Drew lo vede nella sua totalità. Drew che è dolce e premuroso e cerca di capire cosa fa Jesse e perché, che lo protegge e si prende cura di lui, non lo fa sentire annebbiato, stupido e infantile. Drew che lo ama, lo venera e lo sprona, che gli dà tutto quello che lo fa sentire un uomo amato e desiderato, non più solo, felice. Questa è una storia corposa ma che si legge con una velocità sorprendente, che grazie alla semplicità della scrittura, alla delicatezza e gentilezza con cui è narrata prende il lettore per mano come se ti dicesse: "Vieni con me, ti accompagno nella vita di due uomini meravigliosi, te li faccio conoscere nel profondo, ti farò provare tante emozioni quante sono le loro, ti farò vedere che è possibile e giusto nonostante tutto. Certo, proverai empatia e tanta malinconia, un senso di impotenza e tenerezza, forse giudicherai o non capirai, sorriderai e piangerai, proverai dolore ma anche felicità. Ma non è questa la vita? Non è normale? Sì, lo è! Anche se è complicato e le difficoltà ci saranno sempre, l'amore è forte e per loro amarsi è semplice." Io ho provato tutto questo, un costante sentire fino a un punto in cui una svolta inaspettata ha fatto esplodere ogni mia emozione che restava contenuta (non avete idea di quanto ho pianto). È una lettura semplice ma allo stesso tempo non lo è, è una di quelle storie che gonfiano il cuore di sensazioni belle e altre meno. Una storia che fa riflettere e pensare anche dopo averla finita. Una storia che ti lascia dentro un sorriso ma anche un po' di melanconia.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
June 10, 2018
This is definitely one of those books that is an emotional read for so many different reasons. For starters there is the treatment of one of the main characters by those that love him and those that do not know him in the least. But more then that there is also the emotions that went through me as I read this book that revolves around so much love between two men that from the outside and on paper would probably not make sense to most but realistically they are a perfect match for one another.
Jesse has autism. He not as bad as some but there is definite signs of it. He also has ID and is dyslexic. There are other things like the fact that he has mild to moderate OCD but the one thing that really matters about Jesse is he has an amazing heart. Though he tends to uunderstand differently then most, he is a normal gay man. But most do not take he time to see that about Jesse. Most look at the fact that he is different and decide that he is less than they are and that is ok to call him names and treat him as a child. Jesse has found that for he most part he can ignore what people say too and about him but there are times that he does feel affected by the negativity towards him. Even with all the things that most sees as a disability, Jesse is still highly functional. He has a job, a home, and takes care of himself. The only thing that Jesse does not have, which he wishes he did have, is a relationship with someone.
One day while at his job Jesse meets an intriguing customer named Frew. Drew is a school teacher and is immediately taken first with how beautiful Jesse is but almost immediately after that, he is drawn to Jesse himself. Once Drew leaves the pet store he cannot get Jesse out of his mind so he finds a reason to visit the store again as much as possible in hopes of getting to know him better.
The more Drew comes into the store he more curious about him Jesse becomes so when Drew asks Jesse to go out for a drink as a thank you for his help, Jesse agreed to go after some thought on it.
This is the beginning of something beautiful between two men. But it is not going to be easy because most people do not understand the two of them together and the attraction that they see in the other. There are many obstacles they will have to face including but not limited to their own families and their doubts about their relationship. Like I said it is not going to be easy.
Then there is the fact that Drew has an ex that is about to come around and cause even more trouble. It is going to take these two men working together and learning to be honest with one another to stand a chance of making a relationship work between them.
His was such an incredible read. I am truly glad that I read this book because even though there is some sad parts to this book, it is a very inspiring read. This is the first book that I have read by Angelique Jurd but I plan to read mor in the future. Definitely a recommended read!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Jesse has autism. He not as bad as some but there is definite signs of it. He also has ID and is dyslexic. There are other things like the fact that he has mild to moderate OCD but the one thing that really matters about Jesse is he has an amazing heart. Though he tends to uunderstand differently then most, he is a normal gay man. But most do not take he time to see that about Jesse. Most look at the fact that he is different and decide that he is less than they are and that is ok to call him names and treat him as a child. Jesse has found that for he most part he can ignore what people say too and about him but there are times that he does feel affected by the negativity towards him. Even with all the things that most sees as a disability, Jesse is still highly functional. He has a job, a home, and takes care of himself. The only thing that Jesse does not have, which he wishes he did have, is a relationship with someone.
One day while at his job Jesse meets an intriguing customer named Frew. Drew is a school teacher and is immediately taken first with how beautiful Jesse is but almost immediately after that, he is drawn to Jesse himself. Once Drew leaves the pet store he cannot get Jesse out of his mind so he finds a reason to visit the store again as much as possible in hopes of getting to know him better.
The more Drew comes into the store he more curious about him Jesse becomes so when Drew asks Jesse to go out for a drink as a thank you for his help, Jesse agreed to go after some thought on it.
This is the beginning of something beautiful between two men. But it is not going to be easy because most people do not understand the two of them together and the attraction that they see in the other. There are many obstacles they will have to face including but not limited to their own families and their doubts about their relationship. Like I said it is not going to be easy.
Then there is the fact that Drew has an ex that is about to come around and cause even more trouble. It is going to take these two men working together and learning to be honest with one another to stand a chance of making a relationship work between them.
His was such an incredible read. I am truly glad that I read this book because even though there is some sad parts to this book, it is a very inspiring read. This is the first book that I have read by Angelique Jurd but I plan to read mor in the future. Definitely a recommended read!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
February 3, 2020
Recensione a cura di Saluinadia
«Ma a volte mi sentivo solo. Anche prima di trasferirmi, mi sentivo solo. Voglio qualcuno che mi ami. So che tu e papà mi amate, ma volevo qualcuno che mi amasse veramente, come tu e papà vi amate. Come a Natale quando siete molto felici e ti bacia sotto al vischio e balla con te e ti fa ridere. E tu gli tieni la mano e lo guardi come se fosse molto, molto speciale. Voglio quello.»
Vi siete mai trovati davanti una storia che vi travolge dalla prima scena? Che vi emoziona a partire dalla sinossi? Che vi lascia senza fiato al solo guardare la cover?
Bene, se avete provato tutto questo, allora avete letto Il sorriso di Jesse di Angelique Jurd.
È il primo romanzo che leggo di quest’autrice, alla fine nelle note relative all’autore, ho scoperto essere una scrittrice di M/M e, dal momento che amo il genere M/M, ho deciso di recuperare altri suoi titoli se tradotti in italiano.
Il suo è uno stile che arriva dritto al cuore, lo sconvolge, lo strapazza ma poi lo rimette a posto.
Ah Jesse!!, lo amerete, non potrete fare diversamente, come pure vi innamorerete di Drew, ma ciò che vi lascerà esterefatti è l’amore che unisce questi due uomini.
La sinossi accenna in cosa si dipanerà la storia, ma solo se vi immergete in queste pagine capirete quest’amore.
L’ho letto in un giorno, non sono stata capace di distaccarmene, il problema di Jesse mi ha così coinvolta, perché spesso l’ho trovato presente in alcuni ragazzi in cui ho insegnato, quindi un po’ l’ho vissuto e percepito, come se fosse stato mio.
Angelique ha descritto il tutto in maniera delicata e chiara, aiutata da chi vive il problema, senza indorare la pillola, come si suol dire.
Le emozioni saranno a profusione e ogni lacrima, ogni angoscia dei protagonisti la farete vostra e vostro sarà quel meraviglioso sorriso di Jesse.
«Va tutto bene, Drew. So che non posso difenderti se qualcuno cerca di farti male. Non so come, le cose diventano confuse nella mia testa e non so come pensare. Ma posso amarti in ogni caso e posso farti il toast al formaggio.»
Non l’ho mai detto perché la lettura è soggettiva, ma non potete perdere questa storia, è da leggere assolutamente.
Buona lettura, alla prossima
5 superlative coccole
«Ma a volte mi sentivo solo. Anche prima di trasferirmi, mi sentivo solo. Voglio qualcuno che mi ami. So che tu e papà mi amate, ma volevo qualcuno che mi amasse veramente, come tu e papà vi amate. Come a Natale quando siete molto felici e ti bacia sotto al vischio e balla con te e ti fa ridere. E tu gli tieni la mano e lo guardi come se fosse molto, molto speciale. Voglio quello.»
Vi siete mai trovati davanti una storia che vi travolge dalla prima scena? Che vi emoziona a partire dalla sinossi? Che vi lascia senza fiato al solo guardare la cover?
Bene, se avete provato tutto questo, allora avete letto Il sorriso di Jesse di Angelique Jurd.
È il primo romanzo che leggo di quest’autrice, alla fine nelle note relative all’autore, ho scoperto essere una scrittrice di M/M e, dal momento che amo il genere M/M, ho deciso di recuperare altri suoi titoli se tradotti in italiano.
Il suo è uno stile che arriva dritto al cuore, lo sconvolge, lo strapazza ma poi lo rimette a posto.
Ah Jesse!!, lo amerete, non potrete fare diversamente, come pure vi innamorerete di Drew, ma ciò che vi lascerà esterefatti è l’amore che unisce questi due uomini.
La sinossi accenna in cosa si dipanerà la storia, ma solo se vi immergete in queste pagine capirete quest’amore.
L’ho letto in un giorno, non sono stata capace di distaccarmene, il problema di Jesse mi ha così coinvolta, perché spesso l’ho trovato presente in alcuni ragazzi in cui ho insegnato, quindi un po’ l’ho vissuto e percepito, come se fosse stato mio.
Angelique ha descritto il tutto in maniera delicata e chiara, aiutata da chi vive il problema, senza indorare la pillola, come si suol dire.
Le emozioni saranno a profusione e ogni lacrima, ogni angoscia dei protagonisti la farete vostra e vostro sarà quel meraviglioso sorriso di Jesse.
«Va tutto bene, Drew. So che non posso difenderti se qualcuno cerca di farti male. Non so come, le cose diventano confuse nella mia testa e non so come pensare. Ma posso amarti in ogni caso e posso farti il toast al formaggio.»
Non l’ho mai detto perché la lettura è soggettiva, ma non potete perdere questa storia, è da leggere assolutamente.
Buona lettura, alla prossima
5 superlative coccole
January 9, 2020
Questo libro non è semplice, ho dovuto ragionarci su prima di scrivere due parole perché non sono per niente brava a recensire libri di tale portata.
Confesso che all'inizio ho fatto fatica perché non mi sconfinferava lo stile dell'autrice. Poi, piano piano non puoi fare altro che amare questo personaggio. Non aspettatevi la classica storia d'amore né angst ai massimi livelli. Jesse è Jesse, punto. È disarmante perché è estremamente conscio e consapevole dei propri limiti, sa quello che può e non può fare. Eppure... eppure nonostante lo spettro dell'autismo e delle sue disabilità, della cattiveria della gente, mantiene sempre una sorta di innocenza. O meglio, purezza. Vede le cose per quello che sono, ma allo stesso tempo ha dei pensieri che ti spiazzano per quanto sono profondi.
Mi farebbe piacere avere un Jesse nella mia vita, non si può fare altro che amarlo perché il suo sorriso ti riempie e ti colora l'esistenza.
Confesso che all'inizio ho fatto fatica perché non mi sconfinferava lo stile dell'autrice. Poi, piano piano non puoi fare altro che amare questo personaggio. Non aspettatevi la classica storia d'amore né angst ai massimi livelli. Jesse è Jesse, punto. È disarmante perché è estremamente conscio e consapevole dei propri limiti, sa quello che può e non può fare. Eppure... eppure nonostante lo spettro dell'autismo e delle sue disabilità, della cattiveria della gente, mantiene sempre una sorta di innocenza. O meglio, purezza. Vede le cose per quello che sono, ma allo stesso tempo ha dei pensieri che ti spiazzano per quanto sono profondi.
Mi farebbe piacere avere un Jesse nella mia vita, non si può fare altro che amarlo perché il suo sorriso ti riempie e ti colora l'esistenza.
January 6, 2020
Beautiful story! Fantastic writing!
Jesse and Drew are wonderful characters who made an enchanting story together.
What really stood out for me though, was the fantastic storytelling that allowed me to enjoy Jesse and Drew so much. There were no heavily angst-filled monologues trying to manipulate the reader’s feelings with Jesse and his struggles. And really, not much in the way of running internal monologues at all - and THANK YOU for that!!!
All my emotions (and the author drew out many) were experienced WITH the characters. It was almost all showing - and I LOVED it! I loved experiencing everything with Jesse and Drew and being allowed to just feel whatever I felt as they experienced their beautiful journey of falling in love, struggles which made them stronger, and accomplishments that allowed them to flourish.
Jesse and Drew are wonderful characters who made an enchanting story together.
What really stood out for me though, was the fantastic storytelling that allowed me to enjoy Jesse and Drew so much. There were no heavily angst-filled monologues trying to manipulate the reader’s feelings with Jesse and his struggles. And really, not much in the way of running internal monologues at all - and THANK YOU for that!!!
All my emotions (and the author drew out many) were experienced WITH the characters. It was almost all showing - and I LOVED it! I loved experiencing everything with Jesse and Drew and being allowed to just feel whatever I felt as they experienced their beautiful journey of falling in love, struggles which made them stronger, and accomplishments that allowed them to flourish.
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