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Chasing the Sunrise
At sixteen years old, Tom Williams has spent his entire life pretending to be someone he’s not.
The perfect son.
The perfect student.
The perfect friend.
After so long, it seems impossible he’ll find the courage to truly be himself, whoever that is.
And then he falls for his best friend—the one person in the world he knows he can never have.
Good looking, charismatic and popular, Luke Chang is everything Tom wants, and everything he wishes he could be.
There’s only one problem.
Luke is straight and thinks that Tom is, too.
As the wrong-shaped boxes get increasingly tighter and harder to force himself into, Tom has to make a choice between a lifetime of conforming or shedding the mould he’s struggling to fit and allowing himself the happiness he can’t quite believe he deserves.
The perfect son.
The perfect student.
The perfect friend.
After so long, it seems impossible he’ll find the courage to truly be himself, whoever that is.
And then he falls for his best friend—the one person in the world he knows he can never have.
Good looking, charismatic and popular, Luke Chang is everything Tom wants, and everything he wishes he could be.
There’s only one problem.
Luke is straight and thinks that Tom is, too.
As the wrong-shaped boxes get increasingly tighter and harder to force himself into, Tom has to make a choice between a lifetime of conforming or shedding the mould he’s struggling to fit and allowing himself the happiness he can’t quite believe he deserves.
- GenresYoung AdultM M Romance
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2018
3 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
H.A. Robinson
14 books122 followersH. A. Robinson is a jet-setting billionaire with a home on each continent, who spends her free time saving kittens from trees and babies from burning buildings. A graduate of Hogwarts and a frequent visitor to Narnia, she drinks coffee in Central Perk and tames dragons on Westeros.
In her dreams…
In reality, she’s a teaching assistant living in a small town in Cheshire, who would almost always choose fantasy over reality. She’s been an obsessive reader from the moment she picked up her first Enid Blyton book, more years ago than she cares to admit, and enjoys nothing more than getting lost in new worlds and adventures from the minds of all the amazing authors out there.
She’s had the voices of characters in her head for as long as she can remember, and puts them down on paper in order to convince herself and the men in white coats that she isn’t crazy.
In her dreams…
In reality, she’s a teaching assistant living in a small town in Cheshire, who would almost always choose fantasy over reality. She’s been an obsessive reader from the moment she picked up her first Enid Blyton book, more years ago than she cares to admit, and enjoys nothing more than getting lost in new worlds and adventures from the minds of all the amazing authors out there.
She’s had the voices of characters in her head for as long as she can remember, and puts them down on paper in order to convince herself and the men in white coats that she isn’t crazy.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 50 reviews
March 12, 2020
Deciding between being what everybody expects and who you truly are.
Tom is sixteen and beginning to realise everything he thought to be true is changing. His friend Luke is popular and into girls. Tom likes Luke in more than a platonic way. When new friends show there could be more to life than trying to fit in Tom begins to question everything.
This is a romance but the story is about one boys struggle. This is a slow burn type of story. KU read.
Tom is sixteen and beginning to realise everything he thought to be true is changing. His friend Luke is popular and into girls. Tom likes Luke in more than a platonic way. When new friends show there could be more to life than trying to fit in Tom begins to question everything.
This is a romance but the story is about one boys struggle. This is a slow burn type of story. KU read.
October 30, 2018
The Pebble Jar was one of my top ten faves of 2017 and when I found out Tom was getting his own book I couldn't wait to read it. It was everything I knew it would be and then some. My heart broke for Tom, pining over someone he could never have while his perfect match was right beside him the whole time.
I wanted to hate him for not even noticing that we'd barely spoken over the summer. But hate, I suspected, wasn’t the emotion that made my stomach flip over and my chest tighten whenever he was in the vicinity. It wasn’t hate that made my head spin and my eyes refuse to look anywhere else in a room he occupied. And it definitely wasn’t hate that kept me awake at night, thinking about the things that could have been if I hadn’t fallen for somebody so utterly and completely unobtainable.
Unrequited love is bad enough, but when the object of that love is your best friend, the stakes are much higher. Not only are you rejected romantically, you also risk losing the person you're closest to over feelings you can't control. And until that happens, you're forced to both hide and fight said feelings while watching your bestie date someone else. Bottom line? Tom's situations sucks.
Enter Jake in all his brooding perfection.
I was weighed down by the burden of other people’s dreams for me. He was hurting from a lack of them. Other people’s expectations were killing us both.
I loved the dynamic between the two of them, and I especially loved watching their relationship develop—Jake as he slowly allowed Tom into his life (not that Tom gave him much of a choice) and Tom as he became more and more vulnerable in Jake's presence. When they finally arrive on the same page, it's pure magic. My only complaint, if you can even call it that, is that I want more of it. More of the two of them together. Do you hear me Ms. Robinson? NOVELLA, please and thank you.
“Nobody should have to pretend. Why does coming out even have to be a thing anyway? It should just be one of those things you do when you’re growing up. You bring somebody home because you like-like them, and it shouldn’t matter whether they’re the same or opposite. Falling in love shouldn’t be something to be afraid of for fear of being rejected by people who should love you regardless. It should be beautiful, magical. It should make your stomach dance with butterflies and your head spin with that dizzying combination of elation and need. The only fear involved should be ‘does my bum look big in this?’ or ‘oh God, what if I walk around all night on my date with spinach in my teeth or garlic on my breath?’. It’s not fair.”
Despite the heavy romantic theme, I wouldn't call Chasing the Sunrise a romance so much as a beautifully written coming-of-age, and one you don't want to miss.
I wanted to hate him for not even noticing that we'd barely spoken over the summer. But hate, I suspected, wasn’t the emotion that made my stomach flip over and my chest tighten whenever he was in the vicinity. It wasn’t hate that made my head spin and my eyes refuse to look anywhere else in a room he occupied. And it definitely wasn’t hate that kept me awake at night, thinking about the things that could have been if I hadn’t fallen for somebody so utterly and completely unobtainable.
Unrequited love is bad enough, but when the object of that love is your best friend, the stakes are much higher. Not only are you rejected romantically, you also risk losing the person you're closest to over feelings you can't control. And until that happens, you're forced to both hide and fight said feelings while watching your bestie date someone else. Bottom line? Tom's situations sucks.
Enter Jake in all his brooding perfection.
I was weighed down by the burden of other people’s dreams for me. He was hurting from a lack of them. Other people’s expectations were killing us both.
I loved the dynamic between the two of them, and I especially loved watching their relationship develop—Jake as he slowly allowed Tom into his life (not that Tom gave him much of a choice) and Tom as he became more and more vulnerable in Jake's presence. When they finally arrive on the same page, it's pure magic. My only complaint, if you can even call it that, is that I want more of it. More of the two of them together. Do you hear me Ms. Robinson? NOVELLA, please and thank you.
“Nobody should have to pretend. Why does coming out even have to be a thing anyway? It should just be one of those things you do when you’re growing up. You bring somebody home because you like-like them, and it shouldn’t matter whether they’re the same or opposite. Falling in love shouldn’t be something to be afraid of for fear of being rejected by people who should love you regardless. It should be beautiful, magical. It should make your stomach dance with butterflies and your head spin with that dizzying combination of elation and need. The only fear involved should be ‘does my bum look big in this?’ or ‘oh God, what if I walk around all night on my date with spinach in my teeth or garlic on my breath?’. It’s not fair.”
Despite the heavy romantic theme, I wouldn't call Chasing the Sunrise a romance so much as a beautifully written coming-of-age, and one you don't want to miss.
October 30, 2018
Poor Tom. He acts like a chameleon by reading situations and people and in essence changing himself to match. He wants to help others, make them laugh, and basically be universally liked and accepted; he knows all too well what it’s like to be lonely. Except that he’s hidden his true self and played a role for so long that even he isn’t sure what he wants or who he is anymore.
Enter a quirky cast of characters: a chocolate fiend who wears hilarious T-shirts and isn’t afraid to be the only girl in an A-level math class. A boy who hides behind a hoodie like it’s armor and barely says a word. And his best friends: two of whom are traveling the world (see The Pebble Jar for their story) and one from whom he has been drifting apart.
When the truth worms its way out, unfortunately so does the wrath of small-minded bigots. But only when you love, accept, and express your true self can another find you and love you (just as you are) in return, and thank heavens Tom’s story ends with a HEA since this so often doesn’t happen in real life.
A sweet visit to small town England, there’s no sizzling scenes (that I usually read) in this book, but Tom doesn’t need them. This story is about self-discovery, overcoming obstacles, and love of all types (parental, between friends, sexual, etc.) and the universal desire to be loved and embraced, which hits home especially hard for me right now.
One of my favorite things about Robinson’s writing is that I often find myself highlighting lines that I want to write on post-it notes and stick up around the house and office. A few examples:
“I was weighed down by the burden of other people’s dreams for me. He was hurting from a lack of them. Other people’s expectations were killing us both.”
“What if I never had the courage to live my own truth instead of the one the world seemed to want of me? Would I die alone, unable to truly love anybody for fear of rejection? I wasn’t sure what scared me the most—the prospect of living my life completely alone or putting myself out there to be judged by the people who couldn’t accept me for who I was.”
Enter a quirky cast of characters: a chocolate fiend who wears hilarious T-shirts and isn’t afraid to be the only girl in an A-level math class. A boy who hides behind a hoodie like it’s armor and barely says a word. And his best friends: two of whom are traveling the world (see The Pebble Jar for their story) and one from whom he has been drifting apart.
When the truth worms its way out, unfortunately so does the wrath of small-minded bigots. But only when you love, accept, and express your true self can another find you and love you (just as you are) in return, and thank heavens Tom’s story ends with a HEA since this so often doesn’t happen in real life.
A sweet visit to small town England, there’s no sizzling scenes (that I usually read) in this book, but Tom doesn’t need them. This story is about self-discovery, overcoming obstacles, and love of all types (parental, between friends, sexual, etc.) and the universal desire to be loved and embraced, which hits home especially hard for me right now.
One of my favorite things about Robinson’s writing is that I often find myself highlighting lines that I want to write on post-it notes and stick up around the house and office. A few examples:
“I was weighed down by the burden of other people’s dreams for me. He was hurting from a lack of them. Other people’s expectations were killing us both.”
“What if I never had the courage to live my own truth instead of the one the world seemed to want of me? Would I die alone, unable to truly love anybody for fear of rejection? I wasn’t sure what scared me the most—the prospect of living my life completely alone or putting myself out there to be judged by the people who couldn’t accept me for who I was.”
October 23, 2018
I was provided an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. I stalked Spotify for the playlist...because I knew that it would only heighten the full immersion experience of this book and I was so right.
After my delay in reading The Pebble Jar, I knew I couldn't waste time and had to read this follow-up as soon as possible. I was invested in these characters. I mean, that's the true measure of story, right? Your soul's level of investment with the imaginary characters on the page.
I don't do spoilers, it isn't my way; however, I will leave you with a few quotes straight from the mastery that is Ms. Robinson's mind.
~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°
Sunrise had become my absolution, a rebirth of sorts. Each day was a new opportunity, a fresh start, another chance to get it right— a chance to somehow let go of yesterday’s mistakes and let the dawn light catapult me into something better. There was a moment each day, right before the first threads of gold hit the horizon when the world was still at its darkest and everything around me seemed to hold its breath , waiting, the air shimmering with anticipation of the hope the new day would bring.
I was a firm believer that there were no bad people, only sad ones. Everybody had reasons for behaving the way that they did. Every villain was the protagonist of their own story, and I always tried to remember that, to see people for who they were and not what they did.
Happiness was such an abstract concept— elusive, and easily lost, like sand falling through your fingers no matter how hard you tried to cling onto it. You were left with tiny grains, fragments of what you had, but the heart of things was almost always lost forever, floating off on the wind while you watched on helplessly.
°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°
And lest you think that this book is all super heavy-my favorite part!
“Now remember, the rules clearly say you have to answer truthfully or you’re subject to a forfeit, and I think of the best forfeits.” More silence, accompanied this time by a roll of his eyes. This was good. Eye rolling meant sarcasm and familiarity, not hostility and distrust. I was definitely getting somewhere. “Okay, so tell me— and remember, this is very important, life changing even— do you prefer Coke or Pepsi?”
Beautiful, flowing words, easy to read with excellent style and voice. An important story. Characters that are real...and a YA tale that dials in on the things that truly matter.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book. 4 stars.
After my delay in reading The Pebble Jar, I knew I couldn't waste time and had to read this follow-up as soon as possible. I was invested in these characters. I mean, that's the true measure of story, right? Your soul's level of investment with the imaginary characters on the page.
I don't do spoilers, it isn't my way; however, I will leave you with a few quotes straight from the mastery that is Ms. Robinson's mind.
~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°
Sunrise had become my absolution, a rebirth of sorts. Each day was a new opportunity, a fresh start, another chance to get it right— a chance to somehow let go of yesterday’s mistakes and let the dawn light catapult me into something better. There was a moment each day, right before the first threads of gold hit the horizon when the world was still at its darkest and everything around me seemed to hold its breath , waiting, the air shimmering with anticipation of the hope the new day would bring.
I was a firm believer that there were no bad people, only sad ones. Everybody had reasons for behaving the way that they did. Every villain was the protagonist of their own story, and I always tried to remember that, to see people for who they were and not what they did.
Happiness was such an abstract concept— elusive, and easily lost, like sand falling through your fingers no matter how hard you tried to cling onto it. You were left with tiny grains, fragments of what you had, but the heart of things was almost always lost forever, floating off on the wind while you watched on helplessly.
°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°
And lest you think that this book is all super heavy-my favorite part!
“Now remember, the rules clearly say you have to answer truthfully or you’re subject to a forfeit, and I think of the best forfeits.” More silence, accompanied this time by a roll of his eyes. This was good. Eye rolling meant sarcasm and familiarity, not hostility and distrust. I was definitely getting somewhere. “Okay, so tell me— and remember, this is very important, life changing even— do you prefer Coke or Pepsi?”
Beautiful, flowing words, easy to read with excellent style and voice. An important story. Characters that are real...and a YA tale that dials in on the things that truly matter.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book. 4 stars.
October 15, 2018
This is a follow up story to the Pebble Jar, and if you haven't read that yet I highly recommend you go and do so right now!
Tom was one of my favourite characters in The Pebble Jar and so I was excited to find out he was getting his own story. He is such and open generous soul, always wanting to help others, but hiding the biggest part of himself. A social chameleon he fits in everywhere, but is missing Abbi and has pulled back from his friendship with Luke in an effort to hide his feelings.
Jake and Trix become the friends he didn't know he needed, he gets to be more himself with them than with anyone. Trix is sassy and strong and will not let him deny his true self, Jake has secrets of his own. Unfortunately things aren't easy for this trio and some unexpected revelations lead to some heart-breaking moments.
This is another beautiful expression of growing up and finding yourself from H.A.Robinson that touches your heart. I cannot recommend it enough, and I look forward to hearing more from these characters.
Tom was one of my favourite characters in The Pebble Jar and so I was excited to find out he was getting his own story. He is such and open generous soul, always wanting to help others, but hiding the biggest part of himself. A social chameleon he fits in everywhere, but is missing Abbi and has pulled back from his friendship with Luke in an effort to hide his feelings.
Jake and Trix become the friends he didn't know he needed, he gets to be more himself with them than with anyone. Trix is sassy and strong and will not let him deny his true self, Jake has secrets of his own. Unfortunately things aren't easy for this trio and some unexpected revelations lead to some heart-breaking moments.
This is another beautiful expression of growing up and finding yourself from H.A.Robinson that touches your heart. I cannot recommend it enough, and I look forward to hearing more from these characters.
October 10, 2018
Sigh - I love a HEA but I still wanted more - just a glimpse in to the future.
I loved Tom - what an amazing character - he was such a great friend to everyone and so torn up inside. I am glad he worked it all out.
Loved Trix- we need her story!!
Loved Jake - he had been through so much but still had an amazing strength.
It was really great to catch up with Abbi and Elliot too.
I need more books about these characters as they have taken a piece of my heart.
I loved Tom - what an amazing character - he was such a great friend to everyone and so torn up inside. I am glad he worked it all out.
Loved Trix- we need her story!!
Loved Jake - he had been through so much but still had an amazing strength.
It was really great to catch up with Abbi and Elliot too.
I need more books about these characters as they have taken a piece of my heart.
October 19, 2018
4.5 stars. What an amazing read!! Both heartbreaking and healing. This is a story of discovering your truth, accepting your truth, finding the courage to live your truth, and surrounding yourself with people who celebrate you. And then finding the one person who looks at you and welcomes you like you've been gone for months when you've only been away for a couple of hours. Tom is such a kind and gentle soul. And Jake...ahhh, Jake broke me. The scene with the sunflowers...yeah, I'm still sniffling! So why not 5 stars? Well, I have four words. The. Freaking. Pebble. Jar.
October 23, 2018
When I found out that Tom’s story was coming I was so damn excited & gah can I just say, for me, HA Robinson did a stunning job telling it. This boy is so gorgeous, inside & out. His life, his struggles, his future, all so beautifully written, that I couldn’t help but get lost within the pages. I loved that Tom felt real, that he hurt my heart but made me smile too. Beautiful boy.
The story flowed perfectly, making sure I was well & truly emotionally invested from beginning to end. The secondary characters were utterly fabulous & added extra sparkle to an already lovely read & even though I’ve met some in The Pebble Jar, I truly hope I get to see more of the others & see how their lives work out.
Another fabulous read, by a wonderfully gifted author. Highly recommended !!
The story flowed perfectly, making sure I was well & truly emotionally invested from beginning to end. The secondary characters were utterly fabulous & added extra sparkle to an already lovely read & even though I’ve met some in The Pebble Jar, I truly hope I get to see more of the others & see how their lives work out.
Another fabulous read, by a wonderfully gifted author. Highly recommended !!
October 23, 2018
Wowsers!!!
After reading The Pebble Jar I knew Tom was special but after reading Chasing the Sunrise I have a new found love for him and his amazing friends! What a great book!!! A lovely heartfelt story, of friendships, family and Love.
I didn't want this book to end! Loved it!!
After reading The Pebble Jar I knew Tom was special but after reading Chasing the Sunrise I have a new found love for him and his amazing friends! What a great book!!! A lovely heartfelt story, of friendships, family and Love.
I didn't want this book to end! Loved it!!
October 16, 2018
I read The Pebble Jar last year and was blown away, as usual, by H.A. Robinson’s ability to drag you into a character’s life and force you to take note, to understand them and live through their dreams and nightmares.
When I heard she was writing the companion book about Tom I was rather excited. And I was right to be because this story is sooooooo effin’ beautiful.
The prose, as always, is stunning. She just gets words and how to put them together.
The story should be hung in the Louvre or some equally grand building for people to stare at it. It’s just so... eurgh. I am struggling to find the words.
Tom is so wrapped up in his need to be happy and keep everyone else happy that he neglects to follow his heart. His journey is a perfect example of self-discovery and acceptance—of others, of oneself, of life and all its differences. I personally thinks she keeps a real Tom in her cupboard at home and just grills him about his life because there’s no way this guy is made up. He is so perfectly imperfect in such a believable and “normal” way and it’s hard to understand how she gets inside his head if really he’s just a figment of her imagination.
The supporting cast are fabulous additions to the tale, in particular, Trix and Jake who play such an important role in Tom’s unveiling and I’d love to know more about them both.
If you love heartbreak and teenage angst, if you crave great writing and you need an uplifting and magical read, then this is the book for you.
Another 5 stars for you Miss Robinson. You’ve done it again.
When I heard she was writing the companion book about Tom I was rather excited. And I was right to be because this story is sooooooo effin’ beautiful.
The prose, as always, is stunning. She just gets words and how to put them together.
The story should be hung in the Louvre or some equally grand building for people to stare at it. It’s just so... eurgh. I am struggling to find the words.
Tom is so wrapped up in his need to be happy and keep everyone else happy that he neglects to follow his heart. His journey is a perfect example of self-discovery and acceptance—of others, of oneself, of life and all its differences. I personally thinks she keeps a real Tom in her cupboard at home and just grills him about his life because there’s no way this guy is made up. He is so perfectly imperfect in such a believable and “normal” way and it’s hard to understand how she gets inside his head if really he’s just a figment of her imagination.
The supporting cast are fabulous additions to the tale, in particular, Trix and Jake who play such an important role in Tom’s unveiling and I’d love to know more about them both.
If you love heartbreak and teenage angst, if you crave great writing and you need an uplifting and magical read, then this is the book for you.
Another 5 stars for you Miss Robinson. You’ve done it again.
November 3, 2018
Tom’s story is a true joy to read! He was one of my favorite characters in the Pebble Jar! I was excited to hear he was getting his own story. Tom likes Luke! Luke is Tom’s friend but he’s not gay. Yes! Already you can see that isn’t ideal. The story has a new set of friends Trix & Jake , along with old ones! Abbi & Elliot!
I have to share one of my favorite parts!
H.A.Robinson! You wrote a Beautiful story!
“I believe in people. I believe that in spite of the horrific things we do to each other, there is goodness in every single human soul. In some, it’s right there at the surface for all the world to see. In others, it’s a little harder to find, buried beneath the scar tissue of years of hurt or pain, but it’s there all the same. You just have to be willing to look for it.”" from "Chasing the Sunrise (The Young Hearts Duet Book 2)" by H.A. Robinson
I have to share one of my favorite parts!
H.A.Robinson! You wrote a Beautiful story!
“I believe in people. I believe that in spite of the horrific things we do to each other, there is goodness in every single human soul. In some, it’s right there at the surface for all the world to see. In others, it’s a little harder to find, buried beneath the scar tissue of years of hurt or pain, but it’s there all the same. You just have to be willing to look for it.”" from "Chasing the Sunrise (The Young Hearts Duet Book 2)" by H.A. Robinson
October 19, 2018
I’m so glad Tom got his own book! This is so different to The Pebble Jar which was a huge ugly cry book for me, this one is emotional and it did make me tear up at times.
Chasing The Sunrise has the added bonus of seeing Abbi and Elliot again and seeing what they have been up to. I loved Jake and Trix and I really really hope Trix gets her own book. I’d also love to see how Tom and Jake are getting on after the ending of this book!
This is a really emotional story for all the characters but especially Tom and Jake. I’m so glad they have such a great group of friends to lean on.
Five stars!
Chasing The Sunrise has the added bonus of seeing Abbi and Elliot again and seeing what they have been up to. I loved Jake and Trix and I really really hope Trix gets her own book. I’d also love to see how Tom and Jake are getting on after the ending of this book!
This is a really emotional story for all the characters but especially Tom and Jake. I’m so glad they have such a great group of friends to lean on.
Five stars!
October 18, 2018
Oh Tom how i love you!! I was so happy when i heard that he will get his own book, that i couldn’t wait to read it! It’s about acceptance, love, friendship....and so beautifully written! All the side characters are amazing (Jake <3 Trix) and we get to see Abbie and Elliott again! (go and read The Pebble Jar for their story)
Well done to HA Robinson for writing another amazing book that I recommend everyone to read!
Well done to HA Robinson for writing another amazing book that I recommend everyone to read!
November 5, 2018
This was a very good and lovely read.
October 21, 2018
This is easily one of the best sequels I have ever read. The bar was set so so high with The Pebble Jar and Robinson manages to maintain that same standard of excellence throughout this book.
The emotions of this book are completely different to it's predecessor but have just as much impact. Tom feels so much in this book that is so relatable to anyone at some point. Everyone that has ever felt like they don't fit in, like they can't be themselves or have felt rejection will relate to Tom in some way. And he is so so lovable that it's impossible not to root for him.
Speaking of loveable, Robinson's side characters are something else! Beatrix is completely adorable and I cannot get enough of her and Jake I just want to adopt and give him cookies!
It was so lovely to see Abbi and Elliot again too and see the result of their adventures following the first book.
Overall this was an amazing and heartwarming chapter to this already beatiful world H.A. Robinson has created.
The emotions of this book are completely different to it's predecessor but have just as much impact. Tom feels so much in this book that is so relatable to anyone at some point. Everyone that has ever felt like they don't fit in, like they can't be themselves or have felt rejection will relate to Tom in some way. And he is so so lovable that it's impossible not to root for him.
Speaking of loveable, Robinson's side characters are something else! Beatrix is completely adorable and I cannot get enough of her and Jake I just want to adopt and give him cookies!
It was so lovely to see Abbi and Elliot again too and see the result of their adventures following the first book.
Overall this was an amazing and heartwarming chapter to this already beatiful world H.A. Robinson has created.
February 8, 2025
I Needed Tom's Story...Disappointed With The Execution.
I have to say I struggled with the first half of this book. The endless stream of consciousness, internal monologue, introspection, whatever you want to call it was difficult to wade through. Especially with, in too many places, paragraph long sentences. I am definitely more a fan of show than tell.
Once the action started happening and the plotline began to take shape, the story flowed much easier. I had to stick with it to ensure Tom got his happy. If I hadn't been so invested in his character from book 1, I have to admit I would have quit this book in the first half.
I have to say I struggled with the first half of this book. The endless stream of consciousness, internal monologue, introspection, whatever you want to call it was difficult to wade through. Especially with, in too many places, paragraph long sentences. I am definitely more a fan of show than tell.
Once the action started happening and the plotline began to take shape, the story flowed much easier. I had to stick with it to ensure Tom got his happy. If I hadn't been so invested in his character from book 1, I have to admit I would have quit this book in the first half.
October 21, 2018
I knew ever since reading The Pebble Jar that I would be wholeheartedly invested in Tom’s story. Did H.A Robinson deliver? Absolutely! Tom is a people pleaser predominantly at the expense of his own happiness. You find yourself totally absorbed in Tom’s story and H.A Robinson is such a poetic writer. The supporting cast further deepen my love for H.A Robinson’s character and now all I need is more of Trix and Jake!
A beautiful book that’s highly recommend!
A beautiful book that’s highly recommend!
November 1, 2018
This is book two in The Young Hearts Duet. Make sure you read The Pebble Jar before you read this story.
We were introduced to Tom in book one so I was delighted to get the chance to read his story.
Through his story we see how thoughtful and kind Tom is. My heart broke for him.
I found this to be a brilliantly written emotional story with plenty of angst. I honestly didn’t want it to end.go read this duet for yourself and feel all the feels. I loved it.
We were introduced to Tom in book one so I was delighted to get the chance to read his story.
Through his story we see how thoughtful and kind Tom is. My heart broke for him.
I found this to be a brilliantly written emotional story with plenty of angst. I honestly didn’t want it to end.go read this duet for yourself and feel all the feels. I loved it.
July 31, 2019
Wow. What can i say. I thought The pebble Jar was fantastic but this one out did that by far. It kept me wanting to read. Jake's mysterious way just made me want to know more about him. The friendship that they have is amazing. I would let my daughter read this too. I so loved even Tom's dad his reason for what he said is so sweet even though he went about it wrong. This book shows how everyone is different but still deserves to be happy. Well done my lovely keep writing fantastic books xx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2020
Good!
Ah, book 2! I absolutely loved Tom and Jake. I'm glad it got the ending it did. I wanted to punch Luke on a few occasions. Anyway, this book pulls on your heartstrings. It's a story of love. Of finding yourself. Of finding who you are. I enjoyed book 1, but I loved book 2 more. A definite one click.
Ah, book 2! I absolutely loved Tom and Jake. I'm glad it got the ending it did. I wanted to punch Luke on a few occasions. Anyway, this book pulls on your heartstrings. It's a story of love. Of finding yourself. Of finding who you are. I enjoyed book 1, but I loved book 2 more. A definite one click.
August 7, 2022
Excellent book very well written and gets you right in the feels 5 star read
October 30, 2018
A spin off from The Pebble Jar...Tom so needed his own story told, and thankfully H.A. Robinson thought so too. I loved Tom he was such a good friend to Abbi in The Pebble Jar and deserved his own HEA.
His heart lies with his best friend, who has no idea of his feelings or indeed his sexuality, and Tom is finding it harder and harder to spend time with him without the awkwardness taking over. Luke is the embodiment of school jock - popular, jumps from girl to girl - and it kills Tom that his new love interest is none other than the viper who hurt Abbi and tried to keep Elliot from his dreams.
He tries to stay away but it all comes to a head soon enough.
We see the introduction of new characters who help Tom through this heart wrenching time ... Trix who I ADORE.. sees everything and gives unwavering support... and Jake who gives Tom something else to focus on as Tom tries to help him overcome his own issues with his studies and whatever he's hiding from his past. This is intriguing and keeps you turning the pages wanting to know more. My heart hurt so badly for Jake.. as much as it did for Tom.. and I hoped that he would eventually see Tom for what he was.. a real friend.. not the fake that he thought he was.
This story had everything I love; believable characters, a story to keep you on the edge of your seat - not being able to put it down til you finish it (12am with eyes desperately asking me to let them close!!), and a HEA for a character that truly deserved it !!
H.A Robinson is a rare find, and I'm so glad someone recommended The Pebble Jar to me.
Can't wait for Trix's story !!
His heart lies with his best friend, who has no idea of his feelings or indeed his sexuality, and Tom is finding it harder and harder to spend time with him without the awkwardness taking over. Luke is the embodiment of school jock - popular, jumps from girl to girl - and it kills Tom that his new love interest is none other than the viper who hurt Abbi and tried to keep Elliot from his dreams.
He tries to stay away but it all comes to a head soon enough.
We see the introduction of new characters who help Tom through this heart wrenching time ... Trix who I ADORE.. sees everything and gives unwavering support... and Jake who gives Tom something else to focus on as Tom tries to help him overcome his own issues with his studies and whatever he's hiding from his past. This is intriguing and keeps you turning the pages wanting to know more. My heart hurt so badly for Jake.. as much as it did for Tom.. and I hoped that he would eventually see Tom for what he was.. a real friend.. not the fake that he thought he was.
This story had everything I love; believable characters, a story to keep you on the edge of your seat - not being able to put it down til you finish it (12am with eyes desperately asking me to let them close!!), and a HEA for a character that truly deserved it !!
H.A Robinson is a rare find, and I'm so glad someone recommended The Pebble Jar to me.
Can't wait for Trix's story !!
October 28, 2018
We first meet Tom in The Pebble Jar as he is Abbi's best friend and I absolutely loved the character and his personality, so when the author announced she was writing Tom's story... I was delighted.
The Pebble Jar ripped my heart out and to this day I still believe it has kept some of the pieces. I knew that Chasing the Sunrise was going to be an emotional read and although I didn't disgrace myself by ugly crying in public this time, I felt the author had written Tom's story perfectly. Tom's is a different story to Abbi's of course, but I still felt every emotion as I turned the pages. This book will have you on the edge of your seat at times and you will be breaking your heart in others. You will laugh also but most of all you will give your heart to Tom as you read how this young man who is so beautiful inside and out, has struggled in his personal life and continues to do so mainly because of his sexuality. He puts everyone before himself and I wish there were more Toms in the world... it would certainly be a better place.
I was thrilled that we saw more of Abbi and Elliot and I loved meeting Jake and Trix. This book is a definite must read that I cannot recommend enough. I hope that this isn't the last we see of these amazing characters, I would definitely grasp any opportunity to see how everyone is doing in the future. Then there is Trix who to be honest is so amazing that I'd love her to have her own story.
The Pebble Jar ripped my heart out and to this day I still believe it has kept some of the pieces. I knew that Chasing the Sunrise was going to be an emotional read and although I didn't disgrace myself by ugly crying in public this time, I felt the author had written Tom's story perfectly. Tom's is a different story to Abbi's of course, but I still felt every emotion as I turned the pages. This book will have you on the edge of your seat at times and you will be breaking your heart in others. You will laugh also but most of all you will give your heart to Tom as you read how this young man who is so beautiful inside and out, has struggled in his personal life and continues to do so mainly because of his sexuality. He puts everyone before himself and I wish there were more Toms in the world... it would certainly be a better place.
I was thrilled that we saw more of Abbi and Elliot and I loved meeting Jake and Trix. This book is a definite must read that I cannot recommend enough. I hope that this isn't the last we see of these amazing characters, I would definitely grasp any opportunity to see how everyone is doing in the future. Then there is Trix who to be honest is so amazing that I'd love her to have her own story.
November 7, 2018
Oh wow and what a sequel it was. Tom is one of those characters that just screamed for his own book in the Pebble Jar and HA Robinson delivered his story in the most touching and beautiful way. Trying to fit into people’s self perceived conception of how he should be and act, Tom’s struggle and his ongoing journey was at times heart wrenching, but also so inspiring. An absolute masterpiece and a book I will recommend time and time again.
October 23, 2018
I loved this so much! A story about friendships, support and being there. A story about shedding the layers, discarding the pretence and coming out of the closet and finding happiness. I laughed and I cried. The group of friends were easy to like - wonderful Tom that we met in The Pebble Jar, quiet and reserved Jake and quirky Trixi. H.A. Robinson writes wonderful stories.
November 5, 2018
I thought this was a great read for a story a little different to what I’m used to reading.
So many twists and turns in the story that leave you wanting to read on.
The ending was just beautifully written and had my chest tightening!
If your looking for a suspenseful story that captures the emotions of teenagers finding their place in the world this is for you
So many twists and turns in the story that leave you wanting to read on.
The ending was just beautifully written and had my chest tightening!
If your looking for a suspenseful story that captures the emotions of teenagers finding their place in the world this is for you
October 21, 2018
A lovely read about the heartwarming and emotional relationships of friends and family, with characters you REALLY come to care about. Discovery and acceptance at its best.
*ARC kindly given in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much*
*ARC kindly given in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much*
August 27, 2024
Tom’s life was as good as he could hope it could be while keeping a secret that made life increasingly difficult. But when one of his best friends, Abbi, takes off with her new love, Tom is thrown into a whole new world. Can he continue to pretend to be someone he is not? He’s in love with his friend, Luke, but Luke is straight, and well, Tom is not. Tom makes some new friends at school who challenge him to stand up for who he is. The problem is - who will get hurt in the process?
In this second book, the reader digs deeper into Tom’s character, and I am here for it. I loved reading his perspective and hearing his inner thoughts. His struggles seemed so real, and while I have never experienced the same ones for myself, I can only imagine the difficulties Tom is faced with in the book. I loved watching his friendships grow throughout the book. The last 100 pages kept me up late at night so I could finish it. This is another great read by H.A. Robinson, and I cannot wait to finish the series.
In this second book, the reader digs deeper into Tom’s character, and I am here for it. I loved reading his perspective and hearing his inner thoughts. His struggles seemed so real, and while I have never experienced the same ones for myself, I can only imagine the difficulties Tom is faced with in the book. I loved watching his friendships grow throughout the book. The last 100 pages kept me up late at night so I could finish it. This is another great read by H.A. Robinson, and I cannot wait to finish the series.
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