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Between the Teeth #2
And Then
David Chapman has achieved almost everything he's ever wanted. He may not have been anyone's first pick, and he may not have the respect he knows he deserves, but he also knows he has no shortage of chances to prove himself. And he has Jake.
So it doesn't make sense for him to feel so dissatisfied. And it really doesn't make sense for him to feel so afraid.
So it doesn't make sense for him to feel so dissatisfied. And it really doesn't make sense for him to feel so afraid.
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First published August 30, 2022
31 people are currently reading
861 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Fitzpatrick
6 books785 followersTaylor Fitzpatrick was born in Toronto, Ontario. She declared to her mother at the age of three that she was going to grow up to be an author/illustrator. The illustration thing didn’t really pan out. She is an avid hockey fan, though to her brother’s eternal consternation she did not become one until after he stopped playing competitively. She has an Honours degree in English Literature from the University of Toronto. She currently lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
December 31, 2022
I don't even know what to say. But you see the 5 stars, right? This has been an incredibly bad reading year for me, but of the very few 5 stars I've given out in 2021, more than half went to books by Taylor Fitzpatrick.
Since this second book in the series hasn't been officially published yet, I'm going to hold off for a while longer before posting a real review. In the meantime, let me just tell you that this story consumed me while I was reading it; when I wasn't reading it I was usually thinking about the characters; and, now that I'm finished and the next installment won't be available for months — well, there's a huge book hangover and a lot of pining happening right now.
Since this second book in the series hasn't been officially published yet, I'm going to hold off for a while longer before posting a real review. In the meantime, let me just tell you that this story consumed me while I was reading it; when I wasn't reading it I was usually thinking about the characters; and, now that I'm finished and the next installment won't be available for months — well, there's a huge book hangover and a lot of pining happening right now.
October 4, 2024
4.5 stars
Oh, David! Not sure if I want to hug you or shake you.
This was so frustrating. And heartbreaking. Though I understand David, sometimes. And I find him relatable, especially his anxiety. It's so well done.
I love Jake. He is wonderful, most of the time. There's one thing I wasn't happy about, but I guess it was expected under the circumstances.
There are a lot of side characters I loved in this one – Oleg, Kiro, Vladislav and Dave. I loved the relationships that David built with each one of them. It was lovely to witness. And I'm quite happy, and hopeful, with where David is at the end of this book.
I feel I should read something fluffy after finishing this, but I can't help picking up the sequel right away. I'm really glad I waited for the last book to come out.
Oh, David! Not sure if I want to hug you or shake you.
This was so frustrating. And heartbreaking. Though I understand David, sometimes. And I find him relatable, especially his anxiety. It's so well done.
I love Jake. He is wonderful, most of the time. There's one thing I wasn't happy about, but I guess it was expected under the circumstances.
There are a lot of side characters I loved in this one – Oleg, Kiro, Vladislav and Dave. I loved the relationships that David built with each one of them. It was lovely to witness. And I'm quite happy, and hopeful, with where David is at the end of this book.
I feel I should read something fluffy after finishing this, but I can't help picking up the sequel right away. I'm really glad I waited for the last book to come out.
July 4, 2024
Re-read
**** 4.5 STARS ****
I became a big fan of TF's no-bulshit writing style.
Gotta love her clean and straightforward storytelling, so addictive! Not to mention her character crafting.
David started as a pain in the ass, but I felt so touched and close to him as the story progressed.
What a unique and interesting character!
For those who want to know, you can buy And Then from the author's website.
It's a combo deal, for 10USD you get books #2 and #3 (pre-order), and weekly short stories in the YCMAL universe.
I received book #2 in minutes through my e-mail in 4 different formats.
Book #3 will be sent automatically when ready. Who knows when?
👇 Link to get it:
https://youcouldmakealife.tumblr.com/...
December 15, 2025
reread Dec 25
The first time I read this I understood that what Jake did was an astronomical breach of trust for David. But I don't think I quite appreciated how deep that wound actually ran. Especially considering that for David, close relationships have not been a source of comfort and support, but rather has been synonymous for emotional neglect and being let down. The depth of betrayal and pain that David felt in response to what happened really emphasised how much he had begun to trust Jake with his heart and how tentative and fragile those first steps were and even on a reread I just feel gutted for them both.
It was heart breaking to watch Jake and David try to navigate what they mean to each other and how hard it is to love someone and want them in your life, yet not be sure if you can trust them or how to exist in that grey space of loving someone but not being able to let them in 💔
Kiro remains one of my favourite side characters ever and his friendship with David and his role in David's life; encouraging him out of his comfort zone and really helping him to build his confidence in himself was just so beautiful.
The contrast of David going to the NHL awards with Kiro when the first time he went he was so alone and so nervous and this time he had a friend who knows him and helped him with his jokesssss 😭😭😭 sedate me please. I just love them a lot.
David and his Russian Mafia ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
He wants— he needs— to text Jake, to take it back, hoard him jealously to himself. To call his mom and ask what he’s supposed to do with this feeling, tight in his chest, because he has no idea. But Jake lost his trust, and his mom hasn’t had it in all the time David’s known the meaning of the word.
✨✨
“Don’t tell anyone about this,” David says quietly. ‘This’ meaning tonight, but also in general, though it was too late to control that.
“I won’t,” Jake says. “I promise.”
It doesn’t mean as much as it might have before. Promises are words. David has been promised a lot of things. They’ll be there for the next game, they promise. They’ll go along for the tournament in Lake Placid, Rochester, Toronto, London, Burlington. The Panthers are going to pick him, his stats are too good to ignore.
Reality has a tendency to intervene.
“I promise,” Jake repeats, and David doesn’t really believe him.
💔💔💔💔💔
first read Oct 24
I can already tell that this is a romance story that wouldn’t work for everyone but I just adore David and this story. Also, this angst was delicious 🫶🏻.
There is something about a realistic love story that just really works for me, David is a professional athlete, a perfectionist, a petty loser and someone who was emotionally neglected by his parents as a child- it makes sense that his priorities are on his career, that although he struggles with his emotions and choices that doesn’t change where his commitments and priorities are.
I also really loved that this story focuses a lot more on David with Kiro, Vladislav and Oleg and learning to have friendships and to have people around him who know and love him for who he is.
Ahhh this story has just been such a surprising gift and reminds me why I love reading.
The first time I read this I understood that what Jake did was an astronomical breach of trust for David. But I don't think I quite appreciated how deep that wound actually ran. Especially considering that for David, close relationships have not been a source of comfort and support, but rather has been synonymous for emotional neglect and being let down. The depth of betrayal and pain that David felt in response to what happened really emphasised how much he had begun to trust Jake with his heart and how tentative and fragile those first steps were and even on a reread I just feel gutted for them both.
It was heart breaking to watch Jake and David try to navigate what they mean to each other and how hard it is to love someone and want them in your life, yet not be sure if you can trust them or how to exist in that grey space of loving someone but not being able to let them in 💔
Kiro remains one of my favourite side characters ever and his friendship with David and his role in David's life; encouraging him out of his comfort zone and really helping him to build his confidence in himself was just so beautiful.
The contrast of David going to the NHL awards with Kiro when the first time he went he was so alone and so nervous and this time he had a friend who knows him and helped him with his jokesssss 😭😭😭 sedate me please. I just love them a lot.
David and his Russian Mafia ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
He wants— he needs— to text Jake, to take it back, hoard him jealously to himself. To call his mom and ask what he’s supposed to do with this feeling, tight in his chest, because he has no idea. But Jake lost his trust, and his mom hasn’t had it in all the time David’s known the meaning of the word.
✨✨
“Don’t tell anyone about this,” David says quietly. ‘This’ meaning tonight, but also in general, though it was too late to control that.
“I won’t,” Jake says. “I promise.”
It doesn’t mean as much as it might have before. Promises are words. David has been promised a lot of things. They’ll be there for the next game, they promise. They’ll go along for the tournament in Lake Placid, Rochester, Toronto, London, Burlington. The Panthers are going to pick him, his stats are too good to ignore.
Reality has a tendency to intervene.
“I promise,” Jake repeats, and David doesn’t really believe him.
💔💔💔💔💔
first read Oct 24
I can already tell that this is a romance story that wouldn’t work for everyone but I just adore David and this story. Also, this angst was delicious 🫶🏻.
There is something about a realistic love story that just really works for me, David is a professional athlete, a perfectionist, a petty loser and someone who was emotionally neglected by his parents as a child- it makes sense that his priorities are on his career, that although he struggles with his emotions and choices that doesn’t change where his commitments and priorities are.
I also really loved that this story focuses a lot more on David with Kiro, Vladislav and Oleg and learning to have friendships and to have people around him who know and love him for who he is.
Ahhh this story has just been such a surprising gift and reminds me why I love reading.
August 2, 2024
After my second read, I love this story even more. The last one — for which I've been waiting what feels like my whole life 😂 — has a lot to live up to... bring it.
——————————
It’s been a looong time since a character got this firmly under my skin. TF has done an amazing job writing David, and I can’t remember ever feeling this impatient for the next release when it ISN’T EVEN PLOT DRIVEN AT ALL. It’s 100% a character story, but… I can’t wait to read more of this character.
David’s evolution in this book was so touching, so remarkable, and yet — it came in microdoses. To the outside observer, he probably didn’t change much, if at all, from the volume’s beginning to end. And tbh change might not be the right word, but I’m at a loss for what to call it. Growing? Learning? Adapting? None of those feel quite right either. It’s a thing that has to be experienced, not labeled.
Speaking of labels, I still find myself reluctant to spell out what I realized in book 1. I buried it behind a spoiler tag in that review and I’m doing the same here, for reasons. But it isn’t necessarily a spoiler, even though I’m glad for my own experience that I was allowed to reach the conclusion organically.
If you’re looking for a customary romance, especially if you need immediate gratification, this isn’t your droid. But characterization is why I read, and if you feel that way too, this is a unique experience not to miss.
——————————
It’s been a looong time since a character got this firmly under my skin. TF has done an amazing job writing David, and I can’t remember ever feeling this impatient for the next release when it ISN’T EVEN PLOT DRIVEN AT ALL. It’s 100% a character story, but… I can’t wait to read more of this character.
David’s evolution in this book was so touching, so remarkable, and yet — it came in microdoses. To the outside observer, he probably didn’t change much, if at all, from the volume’s beginning to end. And tbh change might not be the right word, but I’m at a loss for what to call it. Growing? Learning? Adapting? None of those feel quite right either. It’s a thing that has to be experienced, not labeled.
Speaking of labels, I still find myself reluctant to spell out what I realized in book 1. I buried it behind a spoiler tag in that review and I’m doing the same here, for reasons. But it isn’t necessarily a spoiler, even though I’m glad for my own experience that I was allowed to reach the conclusion organically.
If you’re looking for a customary romance, especially if you need immediate gratification, this isn’t your droid. But characterization is why I read, and if you feel that way too, this is a unique experience not to miss.
June 27, 2025
Edit after a few days because some thoughts kept me awake at night (I know I know it sounds stupid.. but that's why I can't read anything with suspence/mistery.. I'd never sleep again).
I'll put a heads-up at the end of my review (it's not very spoilery, more a CW).
4,5 stars.
I'm glad I continued the series, because I loved the second installment, it felt much stronger to me than the first.
It would have been better to unite them in one book, in my opinion.
And Then had much more depth, less sex (can't even remember any) and centered more on David and not David and Jake.
I loved that David found a friend in Kiro, and maybe even Oleg.
No idea what happened with Jake but I'm sure (I hope) I'll find out.
Again, Kiro was a gift.
-----------------------------------------------
Now to the (spoilery) CW :
I'm still confused (after finishing the series) regarding Jake's girlfriend(s) during the 2-3 years David and Jake were apart and Jake tried to move on.
David understood Jake's need to distance himself and move on, I know. Knowing Jake had a girlfriend (or more than one?) hurt him immensely, though.
And afterwards it's never acknowledged or talked about.
So. Frustrating.
I'll put a heads-up at the end of my review (it's not very spoilery, more a CW).
4,5 stars.
I'm glad I continued the series, because I loved the second installment, it felt much stronger to me than the first.
It would have been better to unite them in one book, in my opinion.
And Then had much more depth, less sex (can't even remember any) and centered more on David and not David and Jake.
I loved that David found a friend in Kiro, and maybe even Oleg.
No idea what happened with Jake but I'm sure (I hope) I'll find out.
Again, Kiro was a gift.
-----------------------------------------------
Now to the (spoilery) CW :
I'm still confused (after finishing the series) regarding Jake's girlfriend(s) during the 2-3 years David and Jake were apart and Jake tried to move on.
David understood Jake's need to distance himself and move on, I know. Knowing Jake had a girlfriend (or more than one?) hurt him immensely, though.
And afterwards it's never acknowledged or talked about.
So. Frustrating.
July 2, 2025
4,5 ⭐ - I would love to say I’m consuming this series, but I would just be deluding myself; it’s the other way around, no question.
First of all, I LOVE how the cover shows more people than just (presumably) David, unlike book one; I could cry over this simple fact (and I did, these books make me weepy over the most mundane details, I swear!)
David, oh David. I love this boy so fucking much. His journey is incredible; we got to know him even better as he’s had a few epiphanies about himself, and the growth of character, guys, chef's kiss. He’s still a mess, still struggles, but in comparison to David in book one, this David has made frankly incredible progress.
And the side characters! Our precious baby is making friends, letting people in, learning to accept help in small increments, and it’s so beautiful to witness. Oleg Kurmazov, Kiro Volkov, and Vladislav (...yeah I also forgot the surname) are David’s Russian mob of tough guys with soft cores and protective nature - especially Kiro, he’s the friend David truly needs and deserves. And I’m honestly a little bit in love with Oleg 😳
When it comes to David and Jake, any kind of romance between them is more of a slow simmer now, a will-they-won’t-they situation constantly in the background of David’s life. And I’m not mad about it - as I said, these two could be good together, but not as the people they were or are right now. With that said, the angst and pining are so damn delicious! It hurts without being truly hurtful, if that makes any sense? I truly enjoy the anticipation of them being ready for each other in the future.
Though I have to warn all the readers going in mainly for David and Jake instead of just David - there’s OW...not action, but definitely mentions, and not just once. And I was completely fine with it (who even am I?) - the circumstances just made it very understandable to me.
The time skips managed to blindside me a few times - the narration flows and flows, and suddenly, it’s been a few years! It feels a little bit like reading a hockey slice-of-life, and I can’t say I mind.
David is now up there with my favorite characters of all time, and while I can’t wait to see what the last book has in store for him, I don’t want to say goodbye 🥺
But this time David wants to put in the effort. He wants it to work out here. He knows that wanting something isn’t enough to make it happen, knows that change doesn’t always lead to improvement. He knows that there aren’t any guarantees, especially in hockey. But still, David finds himself hoping. He can’t help it.
First of all, I LOVE how the cover shows more people than just (presumably) David, unlike book one; I could cry over this simple fact (and I did, these books make me weepy over the most mundane details, I swear!)
David, oh David. I love this boy so fucking much. His journey is incredible; we got to know him even better as he’s had a few epiphanies about himself, and the growth of character, guys, chef's kiss. He’s still a mess, still struggles, but in comparison to David in book one, this David has made frankly incredible progress.
And the side characters! Our precious baby is making friends, letting people in, learning to accept help in small increments, and it’s so beautiful to witness. Oleg Kurmazov, Kiro Volkov, and Vladislav (...yeah I also forgot the surname) are David’s Russian mob of tough guys with soft cores and protective nature - especially Kiro, he’s the friend David truly needs and deserves. And I’m honestly a little bit in love with Oleg 😳
When it comes to David and Jake, any kind of romance between them is more of a slow simmer now, a will-they-won’t-they situation constantly in the background of David’s life. And I’m not mad about it - as I said, these two could be good together, but not as the people they were or are right now. With that said, the angst and pining are so damn delicious! It hurts without being truly hurtful, if that makes any sense? I truly enjoy the anticipation of them being ready for each other in the future.
Though I have to warn all the readers going in mainly for David and Jake instead of just David - there’s OW...not action, but definitely mentions, and not just once. And I was completely fine with it (who even am I?) - the circumstances just made it very understandable to me.
The time skips managed to blindside me a few times - the narration flows and flows, and suddenly, it’s been a few years! It feels a little bit like reading a hockey slice-of-life, and I can’t say I mind.
David is now up there with my favorite characters of all time, and while I can’t wait to see what the last book has in store for him, I don’t want to say goodbye 🥺
But this time David wants to put in the effort. He wants it to work out here. He knows that wanting something isn’t enough to make it happen, knows that change doesn’t always lead to improvement. He knows that there aren’t any guarantees, especially in hockey. But still, David finds himself hoping. He can’t help it.
July 14, 2024
His grandmother said if you were never afraid you couldn’t be brave, because bravery was facing something you’re scared of.
June 30, 2024
Reread June 2024: my heart ❤️ 💔
Initial read April 2022:
I loved this book but I hate myself for reading it. It’s David’s story, even more so than book 1. It’s a book about growing up. About making friends. About being different. About accepting yourself. About hockey.
There is very little romance but at the same time, there is so much romance. Jake and David obviously adore each other. Except…
I kept saying one more chapter. Just one more. And then when I wasn’t reading I was thinking constantly about David. And Jake.
And now it ends, and it’s not finished, and there is no release date for book 3 and I’m going to go back to bed and cry. I should have stopped after book 1, and waited for book 3. There is no HEA or even a HFN here. I want to scream. (Spoiler!)
Note: For those wondering, this book is not released yet. But you can preorder books 2 and 3 on the author’s tumblr and then receive this as an ARC.
Initial read April 2022:
I loved this book but I hate myself for reading it. It’s David’s story, even more so than book 1. It’s a book about growing up. About making friends. About being different. About accepting yourself. About hockey.
There is very little romance but at the same time, there is so much romance. Jake and David obviously adore each other. Except…
I kept saying one more chapter. Just one more. And then when I wasn’t reading I was thinking constantly about David. And Jake.
And now it ends, and it’s not finished, and there is no release date for book 3 and I’m going to go back to bed and cry. I should have stopped after book 1, and waited for book 3. There is no HEA or even a HFN here. I want to scream. (Spoiler!)
Note: For those wondering, this book is not released yet. But you can preorder books 2 and 3 on the author’s tumblr and then receive this as an ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2024
PSA: This is not an ordinary mm romance. I repeat: this is not an ordinary mm romance.
I mean… there’s a lot of pining. A LOT. But basically, it’s the story of David and how he slowly matures, and has friends. And yes, his love for Jake, even if he doesn’t call it like that. And even if Jake only very rarely makes an appearance.
I couldn’t put it down for the most part. The writing is excellent, the anxiety level is high, even if nothing traumatic happens. I shed some tears for David, and for Jake. It’s hard to witness at times how they aren’t able to be together the way they want to. I know we only get David’s pov, and don’t really know what’s going on in Jake, only from what we “see” through David’s eyes. But geeez… While I wanted to shake David at times, he broke my heart with his insecurities, and his struggles to actually believe in himself. As for Jake - I really resented him at one point for breaking my baby David’s heart, even though I understood his reasoning.
The book is excellent, but a bit too drawn out towards the end - there wasn’t really a reason to get THAT many details of David finding a new apartment, out how he’s furnishing it, so that’s why I’ll only rate it with 4 stars again.
And THANK GOD the final book came out this year, because I really need them to finally get their happy ending, even though - as mentioned before - the romance part isn’t the primary focus.
I mean… there’s a lot of pining. A LOT. But basically, it’s the story of David and how he slowly matures, and has friends. And yes, his love for Jake, even if he doesn’t call it like that. And even if Jake only very rarely makes an appearance.
I couldn’t put it down for the most part. The writing is excellent, the anxiety level is high, even if nothing traumatic happens. I shed some tears for David, and for Jake. It’s hard to witness at times how they aren’t able to be together the way they want to. I know we only get David’s pov, and don’t really know what’s going on in Jake, only from what we “see” through David’s eyes. But geeez… While I wanted to shake David at times, he broke my heart with his insecurities, and his struggles to actually believe in himself. As for Jake - I really resented him at one point for breaking my baby David’s heart, even though I understood his reasoning.
The book is excellent, but a bit too drawn out towards the end - there wasn’t really a reason to get THAT many details of David finding a new apartment, out how he’s furnishing it, so that’s why I’ll only rate it with 4 stars again.
And THANK GOD the final book came out this year, because I really need them to finally get their happy ending, even though - as mentioned before - the romance part isn’t the primary focus.
August 9, 2025
”Hi,” he hears, voice dim around a ton of background noise, probably a loud bar. Still recognisable. David swallows hard. “I stole Gallagher’s phone, I don’t think he noticed,” Jake says. “He’s pretty wasted.” Jake doesn’t exactly sound sober himself. “Why are you calling?” David asks, because he isn't sure what else to say. “I miss you so fucking much,” Jake says, almost overlapping David's question. “It's fucking crazy how much I miss you.”
(…)
“Okay,” Jake says. “So I’m going to go now because I’m about to cry in public and then I will be chirped forever, but. You know. I’m kind of rambling here, but I wanted you to know I was sorry, and I’m kind of crazy in love with you, and can someone please take this f*cking phone away from me, Jesus…”
(…)
“Okay,” Jake says. “So I’m going to go now because I’m about to cry in public and then I will be chirped forever, but. You know. I’m kind of rambling here, but I wanted you to know I was sorry, and I’m kind of crazy in love with you, and can someone please take this f*cking phone away from me, Jesus…”
I can’t stop reading this, it’s so painful and such a beautiful declaration of love at the same time! Jake at his most honest moment.
September 30, 2022
Re-read Sept. 2, 2022. Updated review to come.
-----
I’m writing one review for Coming in First Place, And Then, and Between the Teeth because it’s all one story, and it's difficult for me to review it in pieces.
This story is, technically, a romance, but I don’t think that’s the best definition for it. Although David and Jake’s relationship is at the core of the story, and is fundamental to it, this is really the story of David finding his place in the world and finding some measure of self-acceptance.
Like David, I’m autistic, and his story is so real and relatable to me that it hurts. (That David is autistic isn’t explicitly stated in the books themselves, but the author has confirmed on her Tumblr that he’s neurodivergent.) It’s wonderful to be seen so completely, to know that someone else has experienced these things and has put them out there in the world for others to see, but it’s also painful to know that David’s happy ending will always have some measure of pain in it. He will always struggle to understand other people, will always have to worry that he’s “too much work.” Social interactions will always be confusing for him. There will always be people who think he’s unlikeable because of how he comes across. He will always have to carefully guard his authentic self. Finding people who love him, and learning to love himself, will not solve these problems for him.
David never thought he was stupid, but he's feeling, more and more all the time, that he is, that things shouldn't be so hard.
Many reviews of Coming in First Place talk about how David is unlikeable, and maybe he is, but that’s because we’re seeing him through his eyes, and he doesn’t like himself very much. He doesn’t accept himself. He certainly doesn’t know what anyone would see in him or why anyone would want to spend time with him if they don’t have to. His is not a typical romance POV. Fitzpatrick’s characters are unreliable narrators, and she isn’t afraid to let them be deeply flawed. It’s common in romance for characters to know themselves very well, to easily identify their own flaws and those of others, and to identify and resolve interpersonal issues. That is not what happens in this story; those things would be anathema to it, because they are the opposite of what it means to be an autistic person interacting with allistic people. Here, that common language of human interaction is fractured, sometimes entirely absent; both sides misunderstand each other and always will. David will never have that moment where he sees himself with crystal clarity though Jake’s eyes, because David and Jake don’t process the world in the same way. That doesn’t mean they can’t love each other unconditionally or be happy together (they do, and they are, in the end), but it would be inauthentic and unsatisfying for their story to end in the stereotypical romance HEA that tells us how these people fit perfectly together like two puzzle pieces.
David's too much work. David knows he's too much work.
David’s internalized homophobia is a huge part of this story. To me this was emblematic of what it’s like to be autistic: You know that who you really are will not be acceptable to many other people (and you have no way of guessing who is safe and who isn’t), that it doesn’t fit with the persona you’ve had to adopt in order to pass as neurotypical and not get ostracized or singled out for abuse. So you guard that part of yourself as carefully as you can; you know that your future and your happiness depend on no one ever finding out what you’re really like. If you’re lucky, you eventually find people you can trust to be yourself with, and you learn that not everyone is unsafe—but you know you will always have to guard that part of yourself very carefully.
I’ve written this review because of how much this story and this character mean to me, and because I want other readers to know what to expect. So if you read this story, I hope you’ll spend time thinking about why David is the way he is, what you have in common with him, and what you don’t. More than anything, I hope you’ll remember that David is real. David is me, and so many other people like me. That doesn’t mean you have to like him, or this story, but I hope you’ll try.
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I’m writing one review for Coming in First Place, And Then, and Between the Teeth because it’s all one story, and it's difficult for me to review it in pieces.
This story is, technically, a romance, but I don’t think that’s the best definition for it. Although David and Jake’s relationship is at the core of the story, and is fundamental to it, this is really the story of David finding his place in the world and finding some measure of self-acceptance.
Like David, I’m autistic, and his story is so real and relatable to me that it hurts. (That David is autistic isn’t explicitly stated in the books themselves, but the author has confirmed on her Tumblr that he’s neurodivergent.) It’s wonderful to be seen so completely, to know that someone else has experienced these things and has put them out there in the world for others to see, but it’s also painful to know that David’s happy ending will always have some measure of pain in it. He will always struggle to understand other people, will always have to worry that he’s “too much work.” Social interactions will always be confusing for him. There will always be people who think he’s unlikeable because of how he comes across. He will always have to carefully guard his authentic self. Finding people who love him, and learning to love himself, will not solve these problems for him.
David never thought he was stupid, but he's feeling, more and more all the time, that he is, that things shouldn't be so hard.
Many reviews of Coming in First Place talk about how David is unlikeable, and maybe he is, but that’s because we’re seeing him through his eyes, and he doesn’t like himself very much. He doesn’t accept himself. He certainly doesn’t know what anyone would see in him or why anyone would want to spend time with him if they don’t have to. His is not a typical romance POV. Fitzpatrick’s characters are unreliable narrators, and she isn’t afraid to let them be deeply flawed. It’s common in romance for characters to know themselves very well, to easily identify their own flaws and those of others, and to identify and resolve interpersonal issues. That is not what happens in this story; those things would be anathema to it, because they are the opposite of what it means to be an autistic person interacting with allistic people. Here, that common language of human interaction is fractured, sometimes entirely absent; both sides misunderstand each other and always will. David will never have that moment where he sees himself with crystal clarity though Jake’s eyes, because David and Jake don’t process the world in the same way. That doesn’t mean they can’t love each other unconditionally or be happy together (they do, and they are, in the end), but it would be inauthentic and unsatisfying for their story to end in the stereotypical romance HEA that tells us how these people fit perfectly together like two puzzle pieces.
David's too much work. David knows he's too much work.
David’s internalized homophobia is a huge part of this story. To me this was emblematic of what it’s like to be autistic: You know that who you really are will not be acceptable to many other people (and you have no way of guessing who is safe and who isn’t), that it doesn’t fit with the persona you’ve had to adopt in order to pass as neurotypical and not get ostracized or singled out for abuse. So you guard that part of yourself as carefully as you can; you know that your future and your happiness depend on no one ever finding out what you’re really like. If you’re lucky, you eventually find people you can trust to be yourself with, and you learn that not everyone is unsafe—but you know you will always have to guard that part of yourself very carefully.
I’ve written this review because of how much this story and this character mean to me, and because I want other readers to know what to expect. So if you read this story, I hope you’ll spend time thinking about why David is the way he is, what you have in common with him, and what you don’t. More than anything, I hope you’ll remember that David is real. David is me, and so many other people like me. That doesn’t mean you have to like him, or this story, but I hope you’ll try.
January 28, 2023
That’s how it ends?!!
You must read the first book before this one.
David’s POV
Be OK with things not working out
No HEA
No HFN
Just waiting for the next part of the story!!
I’m dying here!!!
You must read the first book before this one.
David’s POV
Be OK with things not working out
No HEA
No HFN
Just waiting for the next part of the story!!
I’m dying here!!!
August 8, 2024
Re read kindle version September 2023
3.5 stars**
I forgot how good Taylor is when it comes to writing angst. The feels! The insanity and frustration of David’s character and I don’t say this lightly because I’ve always loved David, always.
Sadly this second time reading “And Then” I have to downgrade my rating not because I didn’t love it but because I needed more Jake and David together or as friends doesn’t matter just as long as they are interacting. Because together they’re the heart of the story and honestly Jake deserves to be more present.
I hope we get the publish version for book 3 soon so we can get some kind of conclusion for David and Jake. I think at this point in the series I’m sticking to re reading book one only I have a better appreciation for it. ♥️
3.5 stars**
I forgot how good Taylor is when it comes to writing angst. The feels! The insanity and frustration of David’s character and I don’t say this lightly because I’ve always loved David, always.
Sadly this second time reading “And Then” I have to downgrade my rating not because I didn’t love it but because I needed more Jake and David together or as friends doesn’t matter just as long as they are interacting. Because together they’re the heart of the story and honestly Jake deserves to be more present.
I hope we get the publish version for book 3 soon so we can get some kind of conclusion for David and Jake. I think at this point in the series I’m sticking to re reading book one only I have a better appreciation for it. ♥️
July 9, 2024
Reread! (Book 3 final version is out.)
Kiro is the best.
I'll add that on reread, (having read at least the AO3 version of the final volume prior) the way this volume ends feels a more ok. Much less cliffhangery. David goes through a lot of pain, a lot of fear, a lot of growth in this volume, and while the romantic relationship is about as far from what one might hope for as possible here, his life is looking up in others.
Original review below:
-----------
AGGGH!
So...
This was an excellent middle of a book. David is david, Kiro is a delight, it's very nice to see David with a proper not-for-sex friend.
But it really is just the middle of a book. While the first one definitely left the relationship underdeveloped and me wanting more, it's much closer to an acceptable standalone read than this is. This really does feel like the middle third of one long book arbitrarily chopped into thirds. It's a very good middle, not like, say... The Two Towers.
But like... the "end" of this is so arbitrary and unsatisfying that I (yes, me, someone who can endure anything but the mildest inconvenience) would go read the remainder on AO3 if it were still up, and that is a very not me thing to do.
Hope the rest of it comes out before I've completely forgotten everything about this again.
Kiro is the best.
I'll add that on reread, (having read at least the AO3 version of the final volume prior) the way this volume ends feels a more ok. Much less cliffhangery. David goes through a lot of pain, a lot of fear, a lot of growth in this volume, and while the romantic relationship is about as far from what one might hope for as possible here, his life is looking up in others.
Original review below:
-----------
AGGGH!
So...
This was an excellent middle of a book. David is david, Kiro is a delight, it's very nice to see David with a proper not-for-sex friend.
But it really is just the middle of a book. While the first one definitely left the relationship underdeveloped and me wanting more, it's much closer to an acceptable standalone read than this is. This really does feel like the middle third of one long book arbitrarily chopped into thirds. It's a very good middle, not like, say... The Two Towers.
But like... the "end" of this is so arbitrary and unsatisfying that I (yes, me, someone who can endure anything but the mildest inconvenience) would go read the remainder on AO3 if it were still up, and that is a very not me thing to do.
Hope the rest of it comes out before I've completely forgotten everything about this again.
November 19, 2024
I think one of my favorite things about this author is that they're not afraid of writing hockey MCs who burn with jealousy at the other MC's career wins. Especially when they're on different teams😂
It just feels so authentic.
'There’s something small, mean in him that likes the fact that Jake lost for once.'
💀💀💀
The irony. I'd argue Jake's been the loser in their dynamic for years.
Is it lazy of me to never want to be the Jake in a relationship? The one who makes mostly unreciprocated effort for years? David's likeable to me as a reader because I'm in his head so I get to see why he's the way he is, but I honestly don't know how Jake rationalizes being in love with him.
But I guess that's part of it.
Anyway. David still makes a lot of mistakes in this, but so does Jake, and this time, Jake's mistake is so big that I understand David's reaction.
Perversely, I like it this time when David sets firm boundaries, even if it hurts him just as much as it does Jake.
I don't know where these two will end up because their fundamental difference is that Jake loves too loudly, and David too quietly.
Excited to start the next one.
It just feels so authentic.
'There’s something small, mean in him that likes the fact that Jake lost for once.'
💀💀💀
The irony. I'd argue Jake's been the loser in their dynamic for years.
Is it lazy of me to never want to be the Jake in a relationship? The one who makes mostly unreciprocated effort for years? David's likeable to me as a reader because I'm in his head so I get to see why he's the way he is, but I honestly don't know how Jake rationalizes being in love with him.
But I guess that's part of it.
Anyway. David still makes a lot of mistakes in this, but so does Jake, and this time, Jake's mistake is so big that I understand David's reaction.
Perversely, I like it this time when David sets firm boundaries, even if it hurts him just as much as it does Jake.
I don't know where these two will end up because their fundamental difference is that Jake loves too loudly, and David too quietly.
Excited to start the next one.
July 2, 2024
My stomach hurts. My heart hurts. My eyes hurt. Yet I'm so freaking proud of David and feel nothing but optimistic hope for what comes next in his life. I'm really glad that I waited for the last book to come out before reading this series. I would be losing my mind right now.
October 14, 2024
5 touched ⭐️
I know, David isn’t supposed to be a likeable character. He’s competitive to a fault, has no ability for empathy, can be petty, is mean (even if very polite about it), distant to everyone (even himself) and doesn’t have a clue about anything (including himself). But man. I love him so much.
His heartbreak is so obvious and got to me so much, I cried at least three times while reading this book.
I remember how few years ago, when this book came out, I found out it doesn’t have a HEA and postponed reading it until book three was out. Well. I was stupid. This is an unique, tender and gentle story about a boy who feels it ALL (and strongly) but understands nothing about it. And I loved it so SO much.
I loved his friends, I loved how his relationships were portrayed. And I was angry at his parents. What the fuck, people, are your hearts made of ice?
““She does not know you very well,” Kiro says. “No,” David says. “I feel sad for her,” Kiro says. “Pardon me?” David asks. “That she does not know you,” Kiro says, then, quiet, “You are a good person to know.””
💔🥹💗
I know, David isn’t supposed to be a likeable character. He’s competitive to a fault, has no ability for empathy, can be petty, is mean (even if very polite about it), distant to everyone (even himself) and doesn’t have a clue about anything (including himself). But man. I love him so much.
His heartbreak is so obvious and got to me so much, I cried at least three times while reading this book.
I remember how few years ago, when this book came out, I found out it doesn’t have a HEA and postponed reading it until book three was out. Well. I was stupid. This is an unique, tender and gentle story about a boy who feels it ALL (and strongly) but understands nothing about it. And I loved it so SO much.
I loved his friends, I loved how his relationships were portrayed. And I was angry at his parents. What the fuck, people, are your hearts made of ice?
““She does not know you very well,” Kiro says. “No,” David says. “I feel sad for her,” Kiro says. “Pardon me?” David asks. “That she does not know you,” Kiro says, then, quiet, “You are a good person to know.””
💔🥹💗
August 19, 2025
2+
Opinia niepopularna 🤷♀️
Początek jeszcze mi dobrze szedł (bo Jake 💙), ale potem... masakra 🫤
Wiem, że praktycznie wszyscy kochają Davida, ale ja go chciałam przez 80% książki po prostu udusić... I nawet biorąc pod uwagę to, że ciągle trzymam się wersji, że on jest w spektrum, to tym razem - w przeciwieństwie do tomu 1 - nie byłam w staniu wykrzesać sympatii do niego. Zmęczył mnie okropnie, byłam nim totalnie sfrustrowana, za sposób traktowania innych - a już zwłaszcza Jake'a 🤬 - straciłam do niego wszystkie dobre i ciepłe uczucia, które zaskarbił sobie wcześniej.
Nie byłam w stanie (po początku) przeczytać więcej niż kilka stron na raz, bo niestety jest tylko POV Davida, a bez Jake'a przebijałam się z trudem przez samego Davida, jego myśli i od groma hokeja (a przecież uwielbiam hokej w książkach). Dopiero po koniec znowu coś ruszyło, byłam w stanie skończyć szybko. Ale nie pamiętam, kiedy ostatni niezbyt długa książkę czytałam 10 (!!!) dni 👀
Zaokrąglam w górę za początek i koniec, za Jake'a 💙 i Kiro, i za to, że pod koniec postać Davida zaczyna w końcu przechodzić jakąś drobną przemianę...
Jestem psychicznie zmęczona, ale jako znana masochistka, zaczęłam już czytać ostatni tom 😂
Opinia niepopularna 🤷♀️
Początek jeszcze mi dobrze szedł (bo Jake 💙), ale potem... masakra 🫤
Wiem, że praktycznie wszyscy kochają Davida, ale ja go chciałam przez 80% książki po prostu udusić... I nawet biorąc pod uwagę to, że ciągle trzymam się wersji, że on jest w spektrum, to tym razem - w przeciwieństwie do tomu 1 - nie byłam w staniu wykrzesać sympatii do niego. Zmęczył mnie okropnie, byłam nim totalnie sfrustrowana, za sposób traktowania innych - a już zwłaszcza Jake'a 🤬 - straciłam do niego wszystkie dobre i ciepłe uczucia, które zaskarbił sobie wcześniej.
Nie byłam w stanie (po początku) przeczytać więcej niż kilka stron na raz, bo niestety jest tylko POV Davida, a bez Jake'a przebijałam się z trudem przez samego Davida, jego myśli i od groma hokeja (a przecież uwielbiam hokej w książkach). Dopiero po koniec znowu coś ruszyło, byłam w stanie skończyć szybko. Ale nie pamiętam, kiedy ostatni niezbyt długa książkę czytałam 10 (!!!) dni 👀
Zaokrąglam w górę za początek i koniec, za Jake'a 💙 i Kiro, i za to, że pod koniec postać Davida zaczyna w końcu przechodzić jakąś drobną przemianę...
Jestem psychicznie zmęczona, ale jako znana masochistka, zaczęłam już czytać ostatni tom 😂
Read
October 5, 2021I’m not going to rate this until book #3 comes out. I should forewarn people that this isn’t actually a stand-alone story, it’s just the second grouping of the serial. For those who were disappointed about the abrupt HFN from Coming in First Place, you may want to wait until Book 3 is released to read this one!
October 25, 2024
This book can save my 2020 but this isn't published yet.
October 24, 2021
David Chapman and Jake Lourdes will be the death of me, I swear.
October 4, 2024
Okay, so I read both books. I read the second because the first one had a cliffhanger -- I hate it when it happens without warning. And the second book, guess what, has a cliffhanger too, much worse than the one in the first imho 😒
📱 I love Jake with all my heart 💗 He tries. He's empathic toward David. He loves him.
📱 I profoundly dislike David. Like, buddy, someone has got to shake you a bit. Like physically. And tell you to grow a pair: you are independent → confront your parents; you struggle with your emotions → go to therapy; you are a grown-up → get the courage to reflect on what makes you happy.
Anyhowwww, you are in for:
📱 MM sports romance
📱 on-and-off-and-on-and-off again relationship
📱 secret relationship (due to the usual homophobia-originated-trope)
📱 low steam level (mostly behind closed doors)
📱 single POV (a reason, I must remind myself, why Fitzpatrick is rarely my cup of tea)
📱 the slang ever used to chat (like wtf)
📱 I love Jake with all my heart 💗 He tries. He's empathic toward David. He loves him.
📱 I profoundly dislike David. Like, buddy, someone has got to shake you a bit. Like physically. And tell you to grow a pair: you are independent → confront your parents; you struggle with your emotions → go to therapy; you are a grown-up → get the courage to reflect on what makes you happy.
Anyhowwww, you are in for:
📱 MM sports romance
📱 on-and-off-and-on-and-off again relationship
📱 secret relationship (due to the usual homophobia-originated-trope)
📱 low steam level (mostly behind closed doors)
📱 single POV (a reason, I must remind myself, why Fitzpatrick is rarely my cup of tea)
📱 the slang ever used to chat (like wtf)
August 12, 2022
This was…incredibly frustrating.
Of course the author is so damn skilled at making you care, but things I didn’t like were dragged out for too long and I’m annoyed.
But also I love the characters and writing and I cried and I laughed and I suffered a lot of anxiety because David is RIDICULOUS!!!!
Of course the author is so damn skilled at making you care, but things I didn’t like were dragged out for too long and I’m annoyed.
But also I love the characters and writing and I cried and I laughed and I suffered a lot of anxiety because David is RIDICULOUS!!!!
September 30, 2022
Writing is good. Characters compelling. The endless pining and lack of sex/ romance, not my cup of tea. If somehow there was more romance even without sex I would have been ok. But honestly these books are NOT romances.
December 6, 2022
It was a Taylor Fitzpatrick book! It was a grift! It was fine! I will learn nothing from this experience and buy the next one! I will resent it! It will still probably happen again after that!
October 14, 2021
This review is for an ARC, which I paid the author for because I couldn’t wait any frikkin longer. Before I talk about why I enjoyed this book, I have to warn you ITS A MIDDLE BOOK AND NOT THE END OF THE STORY. It’s not a total cliffhanger, but, if you are a person who can’t wait for the HEA, maybe buy this to encourage the author to keep writing, but put it on your TBR until the next volume comes out.
The good news, for me at least, is this book is less angsty than the first (although there’s plenty of yearning, there’s almost no anger.) This is the book in which David grows up into his own. He makes friends, makes professional headway, figures out how to deal with his parents and feels (slightly) more comfortable in the world. He’s no longer dislikable nor pitiable as he was in parts of the first book.
And it’s a pleasure getting to know him. It’s also a relief to see him feel better about existing and being able to deal with other people a little more easily. For some readers it might feel like a bit of a slow or meandering story. I enjoyed every minute, it was relaxing and made me smile.
Includes autistic rep (it’s pretty clear David is on the spectrum), lots of sweet moments of growing friendships, plenty of hockey (it’s not just a thin backdrop) and low heat except for one scene.
I have the feeling this series will be a comfort reread for me someday when it’s all finished.
The good news, for me at least, is this book is less angsty than the first (although there’s plenty of yearning, there’s almost no anger.) This is the book in which David grows up into his own. He makes friends, makes professional headway, figures out how to deal with his parents and feels (slightly) more comfortable in the world. He’s no longer dislikable nor pitiable as he was in parts of the first book.
And it’s a pleasure getting to know him. It’s also a relief to see him feel better about existing and being able to deal with other people a little more easily. For some readers it might feel like a bit of a slow or meandering story. I enjoyed every minute, it was relaxing and made me smile.
Includes autistic rep (it’s pretty clear David is on the spectrum), lots of sweet moments of growing friendships, plenty of hockey (it’s not just a thin backdrop) and low heat except for one scene.
I have the feeling this series will be a comfort reread for me someday when it’s all finished.
November 20, 2024
I spent this entire book wanting to slam David's head against a wall. I was screaming in frustration. I know I said that I had more compassion for him now that I realized he's a bit autistic, but oh my god, it does not give him free rein to be such an oblivious dick. This book definitely feels like a middle book, lots of things happen, but it just kind of feels like time passing. Jake and David's relationship, such as it is, has fallen completely apart and David is motoring through life with hockey blinders on, unaware of his effect on Jake. He just comes across as so selfish and self-absorbed. I know he doesn't mean it, but he barely even tries to see things from Jake's perspective, always projecting his own insecurities onto the situation. The one shining light in this story is Kirill, a Russian player who befriends David through sheer persistence while they train together. Everything else that happens I could take or leave. I don't think I enjoyed this book, I mean, it's well-written, and I zoomed through it, but David needs to grow up, he is so infuriating.
August 8, 2022
I read it too fast and now I have to live with that regret AND a book hangover. Ugh. How is Taylor Fitzpatrick this fucking good?? I enjoyed every moment of this and absolutely loved seeing David develop new friendships (Kiro has my heart), learn to better handle his parents, and just become more present as a teammate. Basically I just loved the hell out of this and now I need part 3 like, yesterday.
July 6, 2024
Totally gutted.
Alone, he misses so much.
Love the Russian mob.
Alone, he misses so much.
Love the Russian mob.
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