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Mason Brothers #2
Crashed
I have a crush on my new neighbor. The one that everyone hates.I know all the rumors in the neighborhood. Andrew Mason is rich. He’s gorgeous. He’s a recluse. He’s a genius. He’s a jerk. The sign he puts on his porch on Halloween makes all of the kids cry.Oh, and a car crash seven years ago left him in a wheelchair. He seems to think that’s going to put me off.I’m determined to get his attention, though he doesn’t want company. I can’t help it. I want to know what makes a man so beautiful and so complicated tick. I want to know what goes on in his brilliant, good-looking head. I want to know if his muscles feel as awesome as they look.I want to break down his defenses. But if I can break down Andrew’s defenses, then he can break down mine.What starts out as a battle of wits becomes… something more. Something hotter. Something neither of us expected.When two damaged people crash into each other, they either destroy each other… or they fall in love.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2019
196 people are currently reading
1458 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews
July 16, 2022
“We can make our own script. Both of us do that already. We make this, whatever it is—we make it what we want it to be. We make the rules ourselves, and fuck whoever doesn’t agree with them.”
i love nothing more than grumpy, reclusive heroes whose walls begin getting broken down by the woman they said they wouldn’t let in. 🤍
October 15, 2019
4 Super Sweet Stars ⭐️
Andrew Mason has not left his house in 7 years. After a drink driving accident that left his best friend dead and himself in a wheelchair, Andrew is one angry recluse.
When his new neighbor Tessa moves in across the road she is fascinated by the premise of her grumpy neighbor and takes it upon herself to get to know him. Their first encounter starts with a simple “Fuck off” which set the tone for a fun little read. And to be fair, Andrew is one sexy asshole!
Even though I smiled through this entire read (the banter between them was spot on) this was ultimately an emotional read about two broken people who were lonely.
I loved the premise of this book and I love this author. Andrew and Tessa’s relationship progressed slowly which allowed them to organically fall in love. And once they finally got intimate, it was truly sweet.
Crashed is the second book in the Mason Brothers series but can be read as a standalone. This book was funny, honest, sexy and a pleasure to read. My only criticism is that the sexy times felt a little restrained compared to Julie Kriss's previous books.
Andrew Mason has not left his house in 7 years. After a drink driving accident that left his best friend dead and himself in a wheelchair, Andrew is one angry recluse.
When his new neighbor Tessa moves in across the road she is fascinated by the premise of her grumpy neighbor and takes it upon herself to get to know him. Their first encounter starts with a simple “Fuck off” which set the tone for a fun little read. And to be fair, Andrew is one sexy asshole!
Even though I smiled through this entire read (the banter between them was spot on) this was ultimately an emotional read about two broken people who were lonely.
I loved the premise of this book and I love this author. Andrew and Tessa’s relationship progressed slowly which allowed them to organically fall in love. And once they finally got intimate, it was truly sweet.
Crashed is the second book in the Mason Brothers series but can be read as a standalone. This book was funny, honest, sexy and a pleasure to read. My only criticism is that the sexy times felt a little restrained compared to Julie Kriss's previous books.
May 18, 2020
4,5 stars
I think I loved this second one even better.
Andrew and Tessa just warmed my heart with their sarcasm and their banter. Ms. Kriss created two broken people, looking for more meaning in their mundane lives and finding even more in the process.
It was slower than the previous books by the author, and maybe a bit tamer, but I adored it - and probably will be rereading it again sometime.
I think I loved this second one even better.
"You're saying that my neighbour across the street is rich, single, good-looking, in a wheelchair, and an asshole?" He sounded like he was very messed up. Messed-up people were the only kind of people who interested me, the only kind of people I understood.
"Maybe I'll pay him a visit."
Andrew and Tessa just warmed my heart with their sarcasm and their banter. Ms. Kriss created two broken people, looking for more meaning in their mundane lives and finding even more in the process.
Tessa leaned back on the sofa and looked at me, sweeping her gaze up and down. "So you feed me and pay me compliments. That's you plan to get me into bed?"
I steepled my fingers beneath my chin. "Mustard is part of my plan for seduction."
"And ginger ale."
"You've been ensnared in my web from the beginning. Admit it."
It was slower than the previous books by the author, and maybe a bit tamer, but I adored it - and probably will be rereading it again sometime.
September 25, 2019
Enjoyable read. It was emotional at parts, but still a fun read. I loved that Andrew had his story, because I loved his grumpy butt in the first book.
February 13, 2022
i decided to read this just because it was short, but dam this was good
this book has:
-neighbors
- ''enemies'' to lovers
- sexy times
- friends to lovers
- i hate everyone but you
how can i convince you to read this? is really good, besides if you don't like it is a short book so it won't take too much time to read it.
this book has:
-neighbors
- ''enemies'' to lovers
- sexy times
- friends to lovers
- i hate everyone but you
how can i convince you to read this? is really good, besides if you don't like it is a short book so it won't take too much time to read it.
October 21, 2019
After reading the first book in the mason brothers series about Nick I could not wait to read about Andrew as well. And I was not disappointed! This book had a little more emotions put into it but was amazing all the same! I do wish it had more to the epilogue but all in all it had a great storyline. I got a bit teary at one point but this fun loving book got my spirits right back up! I loved all the characters and the humor and wit they came along with! I definitely fell in love with Julie Kriss' writing and am looking forward to reading more from her in the future!
December 12, 2022
Another Jule Kriss book I can't get enough of. This time I listened to it on audio. They had this on sale 9n Audible, both books in this short two book series. I'd already listened to the first book not too long ago so this time it was the second books turThe narrators were excellent and I loved listening to it just as much as reading it.
《☆》 《☆》 《☆》
And after finishing Spite Club, of course I was going to keep going with Crashed. And just like Spite Club, I loved listening to the audio of this book too.
¥*¥*¥*¥*¥*¥*¥*¥*
I’m going to be saying it until the cows come home; this is an author one simply must try. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I love this book just as much as every other time I’ve read it.
~~~~****~~~~
While most of the time I’m not all that excited about secondary characters getting their own books. I like it when they do if its series I’ve been following but I never wait with bated breath – until…Crashed by Julie Kriss. Ms. Kriss is one of my writing Superstars and I’ve read, nay, I have inhaled every book she’s written. One of my favourites was Spite Club. I gave that one a well-deserved 5 stars. One of the many, many reasons was a secondary character, the brother of the hero. Andrew Mason now has his own story and my breath was definitely bated when I heard he was going to have one. I pre-ordered it and started reading the day it uploaded, despite the many other books calling to me.
For those who haven’t read Spite Club and if you haven’t you really must fix that we met Andrew in that book and he blazed the pages and was so compelling he needed his own love story. He’s an angry man who has spent the past seven years in a wheel chair after he was in a car crash that killed his best friend. He is plagued with guilt and has lost the use of his legs. He’s become a hermit, never leaving his house and to say he’s grumpy is an understatement. His only real contact is his younger brother Nick, the hero of Spite Club (which you need to read). They write comics together. Neither of the brothers are lacking in money as they received an inheritance from their parents but both pretty much abandoned them after Andrew’s accident. But Nick found his love in his book (which you really must read) and now Andrew is feeling all out of sorts that he’s not number one in his brother’s life anymore. But very soon, and he refuses to acknowledge it for a while as he’s one of the grumpy type heroes, his about to meet his love.
Tessa is new to the neighbourhood. Though she has had a very sad life, she doesn’t let it get her down. She’s eager to meet her new neighbours and she gets an earful about the surly neighbour across the street. She likes a challenge and with his surliness along with very good looks she is determined to make a friend. She’s a wonderful character. She’s an underwear model but not happy as one. Because of her upbringing though she doesn’t know what else she can do. She’s persistent though and won’t take no for an answer from Andrew. Slowly, very slowly he begins to realize he needs her in his life.
As with most of Julie’s books, I adored everything about this book. I love a grumpy hero and Andrew is a perfect one. He’s next to impossible not to like and cheer for. Tessa is perfect for him. They are both broken and while neither will completely heal, both their lives are enriched by the other.
I raced through this one because I had too. But now I can read it again, much slower this time so as to savor it like the book deserves. It’s not necessary to have read Spite Club to enjoy this book – but you will want too. And then read more of her wonderful books.
《☆》 《☆》 《☆》
And after finishing Spite Club, of course I was going to keep going with Crashed. And just like Spite Club, I loved listening to the audio of this book too.
¥*¥*¥*¥*¥*¥*¥*¥*
I’m going to be saying it until the cows come home; this is an author one simply must try. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I love this book just as much as every other time I’ve read it.
~~~~****~~~~
While most of the time I’m not all that excited about secondary characters getting their own books. I like it when they do if its series I’ve been following but I never wait with bated breath – until…Crashed by Julie Kriss. Ms. Kriss is one of my writing Superstars and I’ve read, nay, I have inhaled every book she’s written. One of my favourites was Spite Club. I gave that one a well-deserved 5 stars. One of the many, many reasons was a secondary character, the brother of the hero. Andrew Mason now has his own story and my breath was definitely bated when I heard he was going to have one. I pre-ordered it and started reading the day it uploaded, despite the many other books calling to me.
For those who haven’t read Spite Club and if you haven’t you really must fix that we met Andrew in that book and he blazed the pages and was so compelling he needed his own love story. He’s an angry man who has spent the past seven years in a wheel chair after he was in a car crash that killed his best friend. He is plagued with guilt and has lost the use of his legs. He’s become a hermit, never leaving his house and to say he’s grumpy is an understatement. His only real contact is his younger brother Nick, the hero of Spite Club (which you need to read). They write comics together. Neither of the brothers are lacking in money as they received an inheritance from their parents but both pretty much abandoned them after Andrew’s accident. But Nick found his love in his book (which you really must read) and now Andrew is feeling all out of sorts that he’s not number one in his brother’s life anymore. But very soon, and he refuses to acknowledge it for a while as he’s one of the grumpy type heroes, his about to meet his love.
Tessa is new to the neighbourhood. Though she has had a very sad life, she doesn’t let it get her down. She’s eager to meet her new neighbours and she gets an earful about the surly neighbour across the street. She likes a challenge and with his surliness along with very good looks she is determined to make a friend. She’s a wonderful character. She’s an underwear model but not happy as one. Because of her upbringing though she doesn’t know what else she can do. She’s persistent though and won’t take no for an answer from Andrew. Slowly, very slowly he begins to realize he needs her in his life.
As with most of Julie’s books, I adored everything about this book. I love a grumpy hero and Andrew is a perfect one. He’s next to impossible not to like and cheer for. Tessa is perfect for him. They are both broken and while neither will completely heal, both their lives are enriched by the other.
I raced through this one because I had too. But now I can read it again, much slower this time so as to savor it like the book deserves. It’s not necessary to have read Spite Club to enjoy this book – but you will want too. And then read more of her wonderful books.
October 11, 2025
La leí hace un tiempo y ahora que la volví a releer me di cuenta que me encantan este tipo de historias 😭
August 22, 2022
3.45✨
v light actually, i wasnt in love w anything, be it the couple, character or the story/plot/problem, but there were no boring second the whole time. plus it was short and has reasonable pacing, i just wished it got a slower burn seeing as theres no big conflict in the end anyway
v light actually, i wasnt in love w anything, be it the couple, character or the story/plot/problem, but there were no boring second the whole time. plus it was short and has reasonable pacing, i just wished it got a slower burn seeing as theres no big conflict in the end anyway
”So,” Donna the wellness therapist said after she had closed the blinds and lit some incense, her usual method of starting therapy. “Your brother is gone on his honeymoon. I sense grief coming from you.”
“There’s no grief,” I said, taking a bite. The cake was vanilla, buttery, and—I could admit it to myself—delicious.
“There is definitely grief,” Donna said. “It’s coming off you as an aura. Deep blue.”
“That’s just my usual misery,” I said. “My grief is burgundy.”
“You’re a difficult case, but you’re not an impossible one. The spiritual journey is not an easy one, Andrew. It’s especially difficult after physical trauma like you’ve had, which dissociates the body and the spirit. If you wish to commune wholly with yourself, you must make a supreme effort.”
“I commune wholly with myself every day in the shower.”<
March 26, 2019
Andrew is a rudely lovable Grumpy Gus and the older, snarky, intelligent, and paralyzed brother of Nick from Spite Club that I’ve been hoping would find a bit of happy. I must say, Tessa is a perfect match. These two were definitely two peas in a pod with their sarcastic humor, sharp quips, and sly banter that had me smiling like a loon...I think I fell in love with Tessa before it could even be an idea for Andrew!
I was thrilled when I discovered Andrew was getting his own story! If any character ever deserved a confetti party of happy, it would have to be Andrew. Julie Kriss delivered a powerful tale of loneliness, love, forgiveness, and learning to embrace the beauty of being different regardless of what form it presents in.
*A potential touchy topic-previous suicide attempts are discussed by both characters*
I was thrilled when I discovered Andrew was getting his own story! If any character ever deserved a confetti party of happy, it would have to be Andrew. Julie Kriss delivered a powerful tale of loneliness, love, forgiveness, and learning to embrace the beauty of being different regardless of what form it presents in.
*A potential touchy topic-previous suicide attempts are discussed by both characters*
March 28, 2019
A quick fun read.
May 19, 2024
For a short read this one packed a punch! Both characters are damaged with issues yet just worked together. Loved the banter between them.
This would've been a 5 star read, even with the third act break up, but for the lack of an epilogue.
Loved it!
This would've been a 5 star read, even with the third act break up, but for the lack of an epilogue.
Loved it!
March 21, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Wow! This book was amazing. I loved Andrew and Tessa. Andrew is brass, gruff, he’s rude and he’s never left his house in seven years and has no intention of that ever happening. Wheelchair bound from an accident he’s content with his life that is until he notices someone living in the house across the street, Tessa. She’s spunky, the banter between them is amazing, she’s gorgeous and is determined to get to know him and he is intrigued with her, but knows nothing could ever happen between them. I think Andrew has met his match with Tessa, she challenges him and is a pain in his butt, she’s wearing him down little by little. Will these two realize they are more than friends? What will his brother Nick have to say about Tessa? I loved this book, Andrew’s story was so heartfelt, they are two broken souls trying to find something to make them whole and together I think they can do anything! One of my favorite reads this year! High recommend this book.
November 15, 2020
3.5=⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I liked it. It was good for a quick read and covered a topic that is not commonly found in books. But for some reason, it left me longing for more and I'm not entirely sure of what.
Maybe for more in depth dialogue or details pertaining to the characters feelings and emotions? Anyways, I still enjoyed it and would read a third book if it was ever written.
I liked it. It was good for a quick read and covered a topic that is not commonly found in books. But for some reason, it left me longing for more and I'm not entirely sure of what.
Maybe for more in depth dialogue or details pertaining to the characters feelings and emotions? Anyways, I still enjoyed it and would read a third book if it was ever written.
March 27, 2019
Do not read this..ulness you are ready to have a facial spasm from the perpetual grin on your face all the time you are reading it.
Very enjoyable. Underlying sense of humor is great. Andrew is too cute for words ❤❤
Very enjoyable. Underlying sense of humor is great. Andrew is too cute for words ❤❤
March 27, 2019
Aaaaah, so good! The biggest complaint I have is that it was so short.
“Tessa, get real. I’m in the permanent friend zone. We both know it.”
“Why?” I said. I pointed to his chair. “Because of that?”
“Not because of the f**king chair,” Andrew said. “Because of the man who’s in it.”
*pang*
“Tessa, get real. I’m in the permanent friend zone. We both know it.”
“Why?” I said. I pointed to his chair. “Because of that?”
“Not because of the f**king chair,” Andrew said. “Because of the man who’s in it.”
*pang*
June 18, 2021
Andrew ♥ Tessa! Oh my!! I LOVED their story! This book was so enjoyable to read, I'm sure I'm going to read it again in the future! It had it all, hope, dreams, steam, sweetness and the banter between the main characters was spot-on!
January 26, 2023
2.5
Btw que cringe la portada pero bueh
Pensé que iba a tener más romance, o sea cumple con darte el happy ending pero no sé, no sentí que la pareja realmente conectara y tuviera química. Y es una lástima porque comenzó súper bien y entretenido, solo que a mitad del libro la lectora decayó un poco.
Es un libro corto pero logra contarte y transmitirte una historia, así que ya fuera de eso no le puedo pedir mucho.
Btw que cringe la portada pero bueh
Pensé que iba a tener más romance, o sea cumple con darte el happy ending pero no sé, no sentí que la pareja realmente conectara y tuviera química. Y es una lástima porque comenzó súper bien y entretenido, solo que a mitad del libro la lectora decayó un poco.
Es un libro corto pero logra contarte y transmitirte una historia, así que ya fuera de eso no le puedo pedir mucho.
April 4, 2019
I enjoyed this. We have the hero whose life as he knew it ended with an accident when he was 23. Seven years later the only people he lets in his bro & people who care for him and his mom who is trying to rebuild their relationship. Then the heroine moves in next door and into his life. I liked how the h/H were both broken in some aspects and together they just got each other and shined.
May 22, 2024
I got NOTHING done this afternoon because I could not put this book down.
Loved. It.
Loved. It.
July 25, 2024
No, basta, hermanas, lo que me encantó este libro 😭 más lindo que el primero.
Andrew es un personaje que sufrió mucho y temía demasiado salir herido y que lo abandonaran por su condición y les juro que me daba tremenda pena, mi niño 💔 menos mal él no estaba solo y amé la relación que tiene con su hermano.
Y aquí aparece Tessa, esta chica también la amé, ella y Andrew son tal para cual 😭 no se imaginan la hermosa relación que tenían y gracias a ella, él pudo volver a sentirse de maravilla con su vida.
Los amo y que buen final les dieron 🥹
Si quieren leer algo corto y morirse de amor, este libro es para ustedes
Andrew es un personaje que sufrió mucho y temía demasiado salir herido y que lo abandonaran por su condición y les juro que me daba tremenda pena, mi niño 💔 menos mal él no estaba solo y amé la relación que tiene con su hermano.
Y aquí aparece Tessa, esta chica también la amé, ella y Andrew son tal para cual 😭 no se imaginan la hermosa relación que tenían y gracias a ella, él pudo volver a sentirse de maravilla con su vida.
Los amo y que buen final les dieron 🥹
Si quieren leer algo corto y morirse de amor, este libro es para ustedes
February 1, 2024
This was fucking amazing omg I loved everything abt this book this couple has a special place in my heart and I hope one day I can have something as special as them.
The fact that they both grew and made each other a better person they made each other wanna actually live and they took a risk bc even though it was gonna be hard they knew in the end it was gonna be worth it.
The fact that they both grew and made each other a better person they made each other wanna actually live and they took a risk bc even though it was gonna be hard they knew in the end it was gonna be worth it.
December 30, 2022
read Dec 29, 2022 - Dec 29, 2022: 3 stars
January 4, 2022
Andrew Andrew Andrew
🥰🥰🥰♥️♥️♥️
🥰🥰🥰♥️♥️♥️
March 5, 2023
La historia me pareció bonita, entretenida y con un poco de spicy 🌶️🔥 a pesar de ser un libro corto, así que la verdad me encanto y fue lo que esperaba.
September 6, 2023
Amé, muy breve pero todo hermoso
December 3, 2019
I really liked this book overall, and I struggled a bit between 3 and 4 stars, because there were a few things that ... really bothered me?
First of all ... I almost DNF'd it because of Tessa's attitude towards... people/weight/food.
I guess I don't know about LA at all because it says ~all the women there are 98 lbs (to be "relevant" there basically - ugh I'm not explaining it well.) ANYWAY Tessa meets some women in the neighborhood out on their walk, wearing yoga pants etc, and says how if they were in LA the woman would be 98 lbs, but these women weigh "... more."
She also has ... potentially an unhealthy relationship with food? She doesn't eat much on her own, and definitely doesn't eat the day she has photoshoots. On the one hand I get it- she's literally a [catalog] underwear model.
On the other...
I mean I don't know. Definitely I get not wanting to be bloated etc when you're half naked.
I definitely don't have the body to do it.
It's not REALLY a thing - and she DOES eat. And she eats sandwiches - bread! - with mustard (and mayo?)
and she eats ice cream too ...
[I think there might've been some 🙄 comment about how food wasn't "gluten free" there in Michigan.]
Quick but silly/nitpicky note - the characters talk about drinking "soda" but - for Andrew the hero and his mom, who it seems have both lived in Michigan their whole lives, they'd 99.999% call it pop not soda...
ANYWAY.
I'm... trying to remember - but I think this is the first book I've read where a hero is wheelchair bound. ANY romance with a hero OR heroine who is wheelchair bound, to be honest... and that for me kinda kicks it into 4 star not 3 star territory.
I thought Julie Kriss did a really good job writing it. And while I've never been wheelchair bound I've had to spend time in a wheelchair/it was the easiest/best option for me. ANYWAY - while it's not made into A BIG THING or like creepy/fetish - it's "just" THERE.
Very matter of fact, very realistic.
That the house is modified to accommodate his wheelchair - lower counters, etc [no... mention of the stove or cupboards...] - that his bathroom can fit his wheelchair, the bench in the shower.
The way he moves his legs, to get in/out of bed, on the couch, etc.
The physiotherapy, the medical etc professionals that visit him regularly to see him/treat him.
I liked that his mental health issues were addressed too - and they weren't ... I mean in part they're because of his being paralyzed - but it's not such a direct correlation/blanket that like "oh I'm suicidal because of the accident." It's hard to explain but I think it's done really well.
The mentions of how his life was, how he was the golden boy ~until he turned 23 - their dysfunctional families. That when Andrew talks to Tessa he realizes while his parents weren't great his life was pretty damn good overall until the accident happened.
And even so - there's good to it. Having money, the successful comic, a good relationship with his brother, his programming, his [otherwise] good health...
That he's charming - though surly, that all his care providers really like him.
Oof. When Nick confronts Tessa in the grocery store. I GET that he ... thinks he's being helpful/protective but it was SUPER SHITTY and I'm still mad about it, and mad at him, and I haven't read book 1 so I maybe don't like him "as much as I should." I appreciate Nick apologized, but ... >.> I wish he'd have done a bit more/it had been shown cuz yeah - I hold grudges.
Also he REALLY FUCKED STUFF UP.
While I don't love like "love changed me" things- I think people need to generally find their worth in themselves, not in their new relationships ... it's very entwined here, and not in a way that bothered me.
Both Tessa and Andrew were stagnant - existing not living. Nick going on his honeymoon kinda prompted Andrew to act "out of character"/maybe let someone in. (And cake - cake always helps.)
Tessa being ~ornery - the way they're so uncertain but not, so open but not, the games and regret - I liked that they were so realistic, they messed up, but they OWNED UP TO IT.
That BOTH of them moved forward.
That Tessa apologizes for her "dumping" him - for Andrew going out in public after being a shut in for 7 years.
The comic book convention.
It's so subtle - and not "exciting" in that... well, as stated - Andrew is a shut in - not to dismiss the difficulties of him going out - and Tessa just goes to Andrew's, her photo shoot(s), and the bar while she works there.
I liked how developed Andrew and Tessa were - you really feel like you know them. And they both have so many issues but are moving on - Tessa standing up to her mom.
There's a LOT packed into such a "low key" romance.
I'm definitely going to look for more by this author.
B- maybe C++
First of all ... I almost DNF'd it because of Tessa's attitude towards... people/weight/food.
I guess I don't know about LA at all because it says ~all the women there are 98 lbs (to be "relevant" there basically - ugh I'm not explaining it well.) ANYWAY Tessa meets some women in the neighborhood out on their walk, wearing yoga pants etc, and says how if they were in LA the woman would be 98 lbs, but these women weigh "... more."
She also has ... potentially an unhealthy relationship with food? She doesn't eat much on her own, and definitely doesn't eat the day she has photoshoots. On the one hand I get it- she's literally a [catalog] underwear model.
On the other...
I mean I don't know. Definitely I get not wanting to be bloated etc when you're half naked.
I definitely don't have the body to do it.
It's not REALLY a thing - and she DOES eat. And she eats sandwiches - bread! - with mustard (and mayo?)
and she eats ice cream too ...
[I think there might've been some 🙄 comment about how food wasn't "gluten free" there in Michigan.]
Quick but silly/nitpicky note - the characters talk about drinking "soda" but - for Andrew the hero and his mom, who it seems have both lived in Michigan their whole lives, they'd 99.999% call it pop not soda...
ANYWAY.
I'm... trying to remember - but I think this is the first book I've read where a hero is wheelchair bound. ANY romance with a hero OR heroine who is wheelchair bound, to be honest... and that for me kinda kicks it into 4 star not 3 star territory.
I thought Julie Kriss did a really good job writing it. And while I've never been wheelchair bound I've had to spend time in a wheelchair/it was the easiest/best option for me. ANYWAY - while it's not made into A BIG THING or like creepy/fetish - it's "just" THERE.
Very matter of fact, very realistic.
That the house is modified to accommodate his wheelchair - lower counters, etc [no... mention of the stove or cupboards...] - that his bathroom can fit his wheelchair, the bench in the shower.
The way he moves his legs, to get in/out of bed, on the couch, etc.
The physiotherapy, the medical etc professionals that visit him regularly to see him/treat him.
I liked that his mental health issues were addressed too - and they weren't ... I mean in part they're because of his being paralyzed - but it's not such a direct correlation/blanket that like "oh I'm suicidal because of the accident." It's hard to explain but I think it's done really well.
The mentions of how his life was, how he was the golden boy ~until he turned 23 - their dysfunctional families. That when Andrew talks to Tessa he realizes while his parents weren't great his life was pretty damn good overall until the accident happened.
And even so - there's good to it. Having money, the successful comic, a good relationship with his brother, his programming, his [otherwise] good health...
That he's charming - though surly, that all his care providers really like him.
Oof. When Nick confronts Tessa in the grocery store. I GET that he ... thinks he's being helpful/protective but it was SUPER SHITTY and I'm still mad about it, and mad at him, and I haven't read book 1 so I maybe don't like him "as much as I should." I appreciate Nick apologized, but ... >.> I wish he'd have done a bit more/it had been shown cuz yeah - I hold grudges.
Also he REALLY FUCKED STUFF UP.
While I don't love like "love changed me" things- I think people need to generally find their worth in themselves, not in their new relationships ... it's very entwined here, and not in a way that bothered me.
Both Tessa and Andrew were stagnant - existing not living. Nick going on his honeymoon kinda prompted Andrew to act "out of character"/maybe let someone in. (And cake - cake always helps.)
Tessa being ~ornery - the way they're so uncertain but not, so open but not, the games and regret - I liked that they were so realistic, they messed up, but they OWNED UP TO IT.
That BOTH of them moved forward.
That Tessa apologizes for her "dumping" him - for Andrew going out in public after being a shut in for 7 years.
The comic book convention.
It's so subtle - and not "exciting" in that... well, as stated - Andrew is a shut in - not to dismiss the difficulties of him going out - and Tessa just goes to Andrew's, her photo shoot(s), and the bar while she works there.
I liked how developed Andrew and Tessa were - you really feel like you know them. And they both have so many issues but are moving on - Tessa standing up to her mom.
There's a LOT packed into such a "low key" romance.
I'm definitely going to look for more by this author.
B- maybe C++
March 19, 2023
Something about this book brought me out of the little slump I was in. That’s how good it was.
I don’t normally go for books like these. Like the really romantic, somewhat quirky, sort of slow burn kind of books. They’re just not my thing, but Andrew and Tessa had my entire heart. Everything about this book was so good. I loved every time they interacted with each other, and though I’m normally a believer of inta-love/lust, the build up to him progressively liking her was too good.
They were so cute and I liked the fact that the author didn’t focus completely on Andrew’s disability and make it a massive thing. And I liked how Tessa didn’t either. Cause most of the time, people don’t want to be defined by something they can’t control, and I liked how this book avoided that.
Andrew was the sweetest, and he’s definitely a top book bf.
Safety:
- no ow/om
-no cheating
-hea
I don’t normally go for books like these. Like the really romantic, somewhat quirky, sort of slow burn kind of books. They’re just not my thing, but Andrew and Tessa had my entire heart. Everything about this book was so good. I loved every time they interacted with each other, and though I’m normally a believer of inta-love/lust, the build up to him progressively liking her was too good.
They were so cute and I liked the fact that the author didn’t focus completely on Andrew’s disability and make it a massive thing. And I liked how Tessa didn’t either. Cause most of the time, people don’t want to be defined by something they can’t control, and I liked how this book avoided that.
Andrew was the sweetest, and he’s definitely a top book bf.
Safety:
- no ow/om
-no cheating
-hea
March 6, 2021
DNF 72%
I liked the banter. I liked that the author knew about Michigan and ginger ale. The fact that this author could possibly write if she weren't HERSELF bought it a star.
Other than that? This stank.
It's another one of those 'F-word' obsessed books - I hate books that are that unimaginative. She had a chance to make use of some GREAT words/references (Boo Radley?)... the heroine is dumber than a box of rocks and doesn't even *get* the references, let alone play with them. And I'm supposed to LIKE these people?!
On top of that, the whole thing is completely centered around sex and sexuality - and even THAT is flawed. He's an Lumbar-SCI paraplegic. Control of his shaft is a sacral level thing, so this guy would NOT be able to have normal sex... because lumbar comes *before* sacral on the spinal column. It also irritated me that he's paralyzed, but the author repeatedly says he's "lost his legs". They're still there, fyi.
He's a jerk. She's a tease. The ONLY reason he lets her in is because she's a lingerie model he could ogle on-line, first. Shallow, much? And of course both of them HAVE to be drop-dead gorgeous. I love how that's the way it is, but then you get lines like this: "She wasn't a dream girl or an illusion, she was just Tessa." ((?!?!? She's a BREAST MODEL from L.A. who's drop dead gorgeous, but she's not a 'dream girl'? Say whu?!))
And he's Studly McMillions (because unimaginative writers always make their heroes independently wealthy and entitled). But he's just holding himself back because... why, again? Because the author says he should? ((shakes head))
Then we have a doctor pushing his patients to have extra-marital sex? Seriously? I know of no doctors in the universe that carry condoms and lubricant to house calls, FYI. Along with brochures of '26 positions you should try', while harrassing his patients to get down and dirty. UGH! I know it's fiction, but readers don't check their brain cells at the door, hello...
I also loved how the boss at the bar fires her for refusing to go out with him when she's told him multiple times that she's seeing someone. Cuz that's realistic. ((People don't want to work, so NOBODY gets fired, these days. You'd have to set the place on fire, first.))
It just got to be too stupid for me. I tried to spin the abrasiveness as playful, but mostly it was just a lot of insecurity and stupidity that was neither impressive or fun to read.
I liked the banter. I liked that the author knew about Michigan and ginger ale. The fact that this author could possibly write if she weren't HERSELF bought it a star.
Other than that? This stank.
It's another one of those 'F-word' obsessed books - I hate books that are that unimaginative. She had a chance to make use of some GREAT words/references (Boo Radley?)... the heroine is dumber than a box of rocks and doesn't even *get* the references, let alone play with them. And I'm supposed to LIKE these people?!
On top of that, the whole thing is completely centered around sex and sexuality - and even THAT is flawed. He's an Lumbar-SCI paraplegic. Control of his shaft is a sacral level thing, so this guy would NOT be able to have normal sex... because lumbar comes *before* sacral on the spinal column. It also irritated me that he's paralyzed, but the author repeatedly says he's "lost his legs". They're still there, fyi.
He's a jerk. She's a tease. The ONLY reason he lets her in is because she's a lingerie model he could ogle on-line, first. Shallow, much? And of course both of them HAVE to be drop-dead gorgeous. I love how that's the way it is, but then you get lines like this: "She wasn't a dream girl or an illusion, she was just Tessa." ((?!?!? She's a BREAST MODEL from L.A. who's drop dead gorgeous, but she's not a 'dream girl'? Say whu?!))
And he's Studly McMillions (because unimaginative writers always make their heroes independently wealthy and entitled). But he's just holding himself back because... why, again? Because the author says he should? ((shakes head))
Then we have a doctor pushing his patients to have extra-marital sex? Seriously? I know of no doctors in the universe that carry condoms and lubricant to house calls, FYI. Along with brochures of '26 positions you should try', while harrassing his patients to get down and dirty. UGH! I know it's fiction, but readers don't check their brain cells at the door, hello...
I also loved how the boss at the bar fires her for refusing to go out with him when she's told him multiple times that she's seeing someone. Cuz that's realistic. ((People don't want to work, so NOBODY gets fired, these days. You'd have to set the place on fire, first.))
It just got to be too stupid for me. I tried to spin the abrasiveness as playful, but mostly it was just a lot of insecurity and stupidity that was neither impressive or fun to read.
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