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That Boy #4
That Love
Listening time 6 hours 27 minutes
I first met the ridiculously handsome Danny Diamond at a party some fifteen years ago. He had brilliant blue eyes, a sexy smirk, and a muscular body.
We had a crazy, instant connection.
So, I did what I had to do—threw myself in his direction and kissed him.
And that kiss … was like a freaking fairy tale.
At least it was until he stopped it because he was married.
In my tipsy state, I replied with something cheesy like, “Don’t promise me forever, just promise me tonight.”
And after a kiss like that, who could blame me?
Clearly, I wasn’t thinking straight because I would never sleep with a married man. But in that moment, I kind of wanted to.
I thought maybe we could be friends instead, but he couldn’t. He was a hotshot rookie quarterback with a wife and a new baby.
He was living his dream.
Right now, my life is not perfect. Sure, I’m an award-winning actress, and everyone thinks I’ve got this glamorous celebrity life—that is, until my longtime boyfriend is caught on video in an Amsterdam brothel, and our love becomes tabloid fodder.
And that brings me to where I am now—hiding out from the paparazzi and staring at a shirtless, sweaty Danny, who is drinking milk from a carton at his neighbor’s house.
I want to impulsively kiss him again because he looks even better than I remember, but I don’t.
Because I don’t know that his marriage is over.
Or that he feels the same way about me.
Or that we might actually have a shot at that forever kind of love.
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 6hrs. and 27mins.
©2019 Jillian Dodd (P)2020 Jillian Dodd
I first met the ridiculously handsome Danny Diamond at a party some fifteen years ago. He had brilliant blue eyes, a sexy smirk, and a muscular body.
We had a crazy, instant connection.
So, I did what I had to do—threw myself in his direction and kissed him.
And that kiss … was like a freaking fairy tale.
At least it was until he stopped it because he was married.
In my tipsy state, I replied with something cheesy like, “Don’t promise me forever, just promise me tonight.”
And after a kiss like that, who could blame me?
Clearly, I wasn’t thinking straight because I would never sleep with a married man. But in that moment, I kind of wanted to.
I thought maybe we could be friends instead, but he couldn’t. He was a hotshot rookie quarterback with a wife and a new baby.
He was living his dream.
Right now, my life is not perfect. Sure, I’m an award-winning actress, and everyone thinks I’ve got this glamorous celebrity life—that is, until my longtime boyfriend is caught on video in an Amsterdam brothel, and our love becomes tabloid fodder.
And that brings me to where I am now—hiding out from the paparazzi and staring at a shirtless, sweaty Danny, who is drinking milk from a carton at his neighbor’s house.
I want to impulsively kiss him again because he looks even better than I remember, but I don’t.
Because I don’t know that his marriage is over.
Or that he feels the same way about me.
Or that we might actually have a shot at that forever kind of love.
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 6hrs. and 27mins.
©2019 Jillian Dodd (P)2020 Jillian Dodd
Audible Audio
First published October 7, 2019
3642 people are currently reading
5400 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Dodd
247 books6,733 followersJillian Dodd is a USA Today bestselling mother-daughter duo made up of Jill and Kenzie — two writers, one pen name, and a shared love for fun, binge-worthy YA romance.
With over fifty books and millions of happy readers, their stories range from small-town love in That Boy to glamorous adventures and swoony YA boarding school dramas in The Keatyn Chronicles, London Prep, Spy Girl, and beyond.
Jill lives in sunny Florida with her husband, while Kenzie lives in Scotland with her husband and family. When they’re not writing across time zones, you’ll find them planning their next adventure or dreaming up lovable stories readers can’t put down.
With over fifty books and millions of happy readers, their stories range from small-town love in That Boy to glamorous adventures and swoony YA boarding school dramas in The Keatyn Chronicles, London Prep, Spy Girl, and beyond.
Jill lives in sunny Florida with her husband, while Kenzie lives in Scotland with her husband and family. When they’re not writing across time zones, you’ll find them planning their next adventure or dreaming up lovable stories readers can’t put down.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
October 16, 2019
4 stars
I feel like I’ve been waiting for this book for FOREVER! I read ‘That Boy’ for the first time in 2012 and I fell for Danny Diamond. I always wanted for him to have his own book, and 6 years later here we are! Danny is still my favorite character of these books and his story didn’t disappoint.
I remember vividly reading ‘That Baby’ and hating Lori something fierce. My Danny deserved better and I honestly couldn’t believe that the author would give him that kind of love story, he deserved better. And better he got ;) Danny is in the middle of a divorce after his wife of fifteen years asks for a divorce. Even though he’s not particularly happy in his marriage, he’s worried about his kids more than anything.
Actress Jennifer Edwards also is going through a bad break up. She needs to get away from all things hollywood and goes to visit her friend Jadyn, Danny’s neighbor and best friend. Danny and Jennifer had a moment years ago, but it could never go anywhere. Now, they’re both single and in the same neighborhood…
Danny and Jennifer had some insane chemistry. It’s obvious from the first time they met, to now, it never went away. Time didn’t fan out any of the fire between them. Danny Diamond is still one of my absolute favorite characters. Seeing him as a devoted dad, it made me love him all the more. I loved Jennifer as well. I really felt for her and her past. She’s got a lot of strength to overcome that.
Jillian Dodd is one of my YA/NA authors, but she wrote this book with adult characters just as seamlessly as her other books. I love her writing and her stories always have the most addicting qualities. Like all the others, I didn’t want to put this one down. That Divorce had me hooked from the beginning and I can’t wait to see where the rest of this story goes!
I feel like I’ve been waiting for this book for FOREVER! I read ‘That Boy’ for the first time in 2012 and I fell for Danny Diamond. I always wanted for him to have his own book, and 6 years later here we are! Danny is still my favorite character of these books and his story didn’t disappoint.
I remember vividly reading ‘That Baby’ and hating Lori something fierce. My Danny deserved better and I honestly couldn’t believe that the author would give him that kind of love story, he deserved better. And better he got ;) Danny is in the middle of a divorce after his wife of fifteen years asks for a divorce. Even though he’s not particularly happy in his marriage, he’s worried about his kids more than anything.
Actress Jennifer Edwards also is going through a bad break up. She needs to get away from all things hollywood and goes to visit her friend Jadyn, Danny’s neighbor and best friend. Danny and Jennifer had a moment years ago, but it could never go anywhere. Now, they’re both single and in the same neighborhood…
Danny and Jennifer had some insane chemistry. It’s obvious from the first time they met, to now, it never went away. Time didn’t fan out any of the fire between them. Danny Diamond is still one of my absolute favorite characters. Seeing him as a devoted dad, it made me love him all the more. I loved Jennifer as well. I really felt for her and her past. She’s got a lot of strength to overcome that.
Jillian Dodd is one of my YA/NA authors, but she wrote this book with adult characters just as seamlessly as her other books. I love her writing and her stories always have the most addicting qualities. Like all the others, I didn’t want to put this one down. That Divorce had me hooked from the beginning and I can’t wait to see where the rest of this story goes!
October 14, 2019
Who can forget that intense connection felt between Danny Diamond and Jennifer Edwards when they first met? Danny was at an unhappy place in his life with his wife Lori and he could have easily crossed a line the night he first met Jennifer. However, he is also a man with strong morals and loyalty to his wife and family meant he made the right decision. He places this magical moment in time into the depths of his mind and gets on with living the life he has, with his not so loving wife.
When you meet someone and fall in love, you most likely have the expectation that it will be forever, after all why would you commit to someone you don’t truly love and want to spend the rest of your life with. People can change and unfortunately for Danny his sweet loving wife lost a lot of the ‘sweet’ after she became pregnant with their daughter, in fact she almost had a personality transplant. Despite this, he was determined to continue persevering with his marriage and focused on being the best dad and husband.
Danny is gobsmacked on his 15th wedding anniversary when his wife announces she is leaving him. As he struggles with accepting that his marriage is over, his focus is now centred on his children and how this disruption to their lives is impacting them. Danny has the support of his childhood best friends and next door neighbours, Jadyn and Phillip. He doesn’t know how he would have gotten through the last six months without them by his side.
Meanwhile in LA, Jennifer Edwards is in the middle of a PR nightmare, her longtime boyfriend has betrayed her trust for the last time and she needs to escape the mess she is living in. When she receives an unexpected offer from Jadyn Mackenzie, a lifeline really, she boards a plane to Nebraska to hide away from the paparazzi and contemplate her future.
Jennifer’s first day in Nebraska has her coming face to face with the man she has never forgotten, the gorgeous Danny Diamond. I’m pretty sure this is one of those ‘pinch me I must be dreaming’ moments for both of them. Danny had no idea that Jennifer was in town and on the one hand he is really excited and on the other very nervous. This is someone he has been celebrity crushing on for years and it feels surreal to see her again.
Both Danny and Jennifer still feel that pull between them, in fact even though it’s been years since they last saw or spoke to each other, the connection between them has never wavered. Now that there is nothing standing in their way, the possibility of being together now is very real. Danny is being very cautious though. Firstly, what his kids think matters first and he is not ‘officially’ divorced yet so that is playing on his mind too.
‘We’re similar, Danny. Our careers are golden. We love what we do. We’re good at it. But just because we have so much in our professional life, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive for equal happiness in our personal life.’
One thing Danny has figured out is that now Lori has gone, he is coming to the realisation that she may not have been the love of his life after all. What he feels for Jennifer is so much more than he had with Lori and nothing has ever felt more right. Now he just needs the paperwork to go through and then see if he can convince Jennifer to stay. His marriage ending was devastating but losing Jennifer would be heartbreaking and he does not want to go through that again.
‘What you might now know, Danny Diamond, is, it doesn’t matter where you touch me; it feels like magic. Your fingers have a power over me. Anytime we are close, my heart beats a little faster, but when you throw in a touch, your adorable smirk, your commercial worthy voice, - I press my nose to his neck - ‘and the way you smell, it’s like you’re imprinting a part of you onto me.’
I am a huge fan of this series and have lost count of how many times I’ve listened to the audio books. Like a lot of readers, I was shocked with Lori’s character development during That Baby. If you think she couldn’t get any worse, prepare yourself because she definitely pops up a lot in this story! I cannot wait to read This Ring, Danny Diamond deserves his HEA and I am bubbling with anticipation!
When you meet someone and fall in love, you most likely have the expectation that it will be forever, after all why would you commit to someone you don’t truly love and want to spend the rest of your life with. People can change and unfortunately for Danny his sweet loving wife lost a lot of the ‘sweet’ after she became pregnant with their daughter, in fact she almost had a personality transplant. Despite this, he was determined to continue persevering with his marriage and focused on being the best dad and husband.
Danny is gobsmacked on his 15th wedding anniversary when his wife announces she is leaving him. As he struggles with accepting that his marriage is over, his focus is now centred on his children and how this disruption to their lives is impacting them. Danny has the support of his childhood best friends and next door neighbours, Jadyn and Phillip. He doesn’t know how he would have gotten through the last six months without them by his side.
Meanwhile in LA, Jennifer Edwards is in the middle of a PR nightmare, her longtime boyfriend has betrayed her trust for the last time and she needs to escape the mess she is living in. When she receives an unexpected offer from Jadyn Mackenzie, a lifeline really, she boards a plane to Nebraska to hide away from the paparazzi and contemplate her future.
Jennifer’s first day in Nebraska has her coming face to face with the man she has never forgotten, the gorgeous Danny Diamond. I’m pretty sure this is one of those ‘pinch me I must be dreaming’ moments for both of them. Danny had no idea that Jennifer was in town and on the one hand he is really excited and on the other very nervous. This is someone he has been celebrity crushing on for years and it feels surreal to see her again.
Both Danny and Jennifer still feel that pull between them, in fact even though it’s been years since they last saw or spoke to each other, the connection between them has never wavered. Now that there is nothing standing in their way, the possibility of being together now is very real. Danny is being very cautious though. Firstly, what his kids think matters first and he is not ‘officially’ divorced yet so that is playing on his mind too.
‘We’re similar, Danny. Our careers are golden. We love what we do. We’re good at it. But just because we have so much in our professional life, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive for equal happiness in our personal life.’
One thing Danny has figured out is that now Lori has gone, he is coming to the realisation that she may not have been the love of his life after all. What he feels for Jennifer is so much more than he had with Lori and nothing has ever felt more right. Now he just needs the paperwork to go through and then see if he can convince Jennifer to stay. His marriage ending was devastating but losing Jennifer would be heartbreaking and he does not want to go through that again.
‘What you might now know, Danny Diamond, is, it doesn’t matter where you touch me; it feels like magic. Your fingers have a power over me. Anytime we are close, my heart beats a little faster, but when you throw in a touch, your adorable smirk, your commercial worthy voice, - I press my nose to his neck - ‘and the way you smell, it’s like you’re imprinting a part of you onto me.’
I am a huge fan of this series and have lost count of how many times I’ve listened to the audio books. Like a lot of readers, I was shocked with Lori’s character development during That Baby. If you think she couldn’t get any worse, prepare yourself because she definitely pops up a lot in this story! I cannot wait to read This Ring, Danny Diamond deserves his HEA and I am bubbling with anticipation!
November 21, 2020
3.5 Stars ⭐️
October 22, 2019
3.5 stars
Review by Lisa Kane
Jadyn, Phillip and Danny felt like friends of mine by the time I finished the first three books of the That Boy series. Now, I have to confess, I always wanted Jadyn and Danny to end up together, but Phillip was the guy for her and I learned to accept it. But what I never accepted was Danny marrying Lori. I could not stand that girl. She would give me whiplash. She seemed nice and sweet and then she turned into Satan and money and material things that impressed were all she cared about.
So when Danny is blindsided by Lori telling him she wants a divorce, I was ready to do the happy dance. Ok, I knew that didn't mean Danny and Jadyn were going to end up together, but I have to admit-it wouldn't have sucked for me. Danny is shell shocked to find out that she's been having an affair with her plastic surgeon for the last year. Considering how many treatments she's had, I hope Danny at least got a break on her bills.
Now climb into a Wayback machine -about fourteen years ago Danny had a flirty night with Jennifer Edwards. She wanted him, he wanted her, but he stopped it because he had a little girl and he wouldn't risk losing her because he cheated. I think if he was willing, Jennifer would have taken that pony for a ride.
It's years later, and Jennifer's partner-Troy, a rock star, has been caught cheating one too many times. He's relapsed from his sobriety far too often for Jennifer to look the other way. She's looking to escape from the paparazzi and Jadyn throws her a life line. Now how she has the same phone number after her rise to stardom, and how Jadyn has it after all these years, seems farfetched, but I'll roll with it.
Considering Danny's always kept Jennifer in the back of his mind and now she's staying right next door to his own house, expect all kinds of hormones to come bubbling up and this time there really isn't anything to keep other one of them away from the other!
There have been a ton of changes in Jadyn, Phillip and Danny's lives. Jadyn and Phillip are both extremely successful and are parents to four kids. Danny has two kids and two NFL championship rings. They have remained the best of friends and I suspect, the next generation may hold a romance or two with all those kids.
There's a lot going on in this story and it takes place over a short span of time. It's the first book of a duet, so yep, there's a cliffy ending. Don't let that deter you, it means we get more of our favorite trio!
Review by Lisa Kane
Jadyn, Phillip and Danny felt like friends of mine by the time I finished the first three books of the That Boy series. Now, I have to confess, I always wanted Jadyn and Danny to end up together, but Phillip was the guy for her and I learned to accept it. But what I never accepted was Danny marrying Lori. I could not stand that girl. She would give me whiplash. She seemed nice and sweet and then she turned into Satan and money and material things that impressed were all she cared about.
So when Danny is blindsided by Lori telling him she wants a divorce, I was ready to do the happy dance. Ok, I knew that didn't mean Danny and Jadyn were going to end up together, but I have to admit-it wouldn't have sucked for me. Danny is shell shocked to find out that she's been having an affair with her plastic surgeon for the last year. Considering how many treatments she's had, I hope Danny at least got a break on her bills.
Now climb into a Wayback machine -about fourteen years ago Danny had a flirty night with Jennifer Edwards. She wanted him, he wanted her, but he stopped it because he had a little girl and he wouldn't risk losing her because he cheated. I think if he was willing, Jennifer would have taken that pony for a ride.
It's years later, and Jennifer's partner-Troy, a rock star, has been caught cheating one too many times. He's relapsed from his sobriety far too often for Jennifer to look the other way. She's looking to escape from the paparazzi and Jadyn throws her a life line. Now how she has the same phone number after her rise to stardom, and how Jadyn has it after all these years, seems farfetched, but I'll roll with it.
Considering Danny's always kept Jennifer in the back of his mind and now she's staying right next door to his own house, expect all kinds of hormones to come bubbling up and this time there really isn't anything to keep other one of them away from the other!
There have been a ton of changes in Jadyn, Phillip and Danny's lives. Jadyn and Phillip are both extremely successful and are parents to four kids. Danny has two kids and two NFL championship rings. They have remained the best of friends and I suspect, the next generation may hold a romance or two with all those kids.
There's a lot going on in this story and it takes place over a short span of time. It's the first book of a duet, so yep, there's a cliffy ending. Don't let that deter you, it means we get more of our favorite trio!
October 24, 2019
Be aware that by reading this review, you may encounter some slip-ups that might be spoilers.
Way back when, I fell in love with the "That Boy" series and all the characters -- some more than others and Lori certainly never was a favorite. Now they are back and Danny Diamond is 38 years old! Our boy has aged well and is now hoping to be a three-time Super Bowl champ. He's been married to Lori for 15 years when she drops a bomb on him. And Jayden and Phillip are still next door neighbors. Fun seeing them with family -- and I'm wondering if we'll be gifted with future books centered around a second generation! At this point, I'm thinking this is going to be another outstanding addition to one of my all-time favorite series from Jillian Dodd.
Oops! Turns out that would not be the case in this fast-paced short book. It’s not that I didn’t like or enjoy the book or catching up with old characters because I did. It just didn't live up to those classic first rounds. But it was great to see Danny get his sparkle back to some extent. However, the reacquaint between Danny and Jennifer just didn't feel comfortable. It was a bit of a stretch for me to wrap my heart fully around it. Out of the gate, everything felt a bit too fast-clipped from Jayden's out-of-the-blue call to Jennifer to the reconnection with Danny. And yeah, I detest Lori even more after 15 years of marriage to Danny. Overall, it just felt fake and unbelievable for this second chance. But I'm going to give it a go onto the next installment in this duet. There's a maddening cliffy, so maybe and I'm hoping I'm right that there will be a big fantastic wrap-up and a very happy conclusion for Danny Diamond. He's still got "it" and if you were once a fan, you won't be disappointed with the more mature star quarterback.
Way back when, I fell in love with the "That Boy" series and all the characters -- some more than others and Lori certainly never was a favorite. Now they are back and Danny Diamond is 38 years old! Our boy has aged well and is now hoping to be a three-time Super Bowl champ. He's been married to Lori for 15 years when she drops a bomb on him. And Jayden and Phillip are still next door neighbors. Fun seeing them with family -- and I'm wondering if we'll be gifted with future books centered around a second generation! At this point, I'm thinking this is going to be another outstanding addition to one of my all-time favorite series from Jillian Dodd.
Oops! Turns out that would not be the case in this fast-paced short book. It’s not that I didn’t like or enjoy the book or catching up with old characters because I did. It just didn't live up to those classic first rounds. But it was great to see Danny get his sparkle back to some extent. However, the reacquaint between Danny and Jennifer just didn't feel comfortable. It was a bit of a stretch for me to wrap my heart fully around it. Out of the gate, everything felt a bit too fast-clipped from Jayden's out-of-the-blue call to Jennifer to the reconnection with Danny. And yeah, I detest Lori even more after 15 years of marriage to Danny. Overall, it just felt fake and unbelievable for this second chance. But I'm going to give it a go onto the next installment in this duet. There's a maddening cliffy, so maybe and I'm hoping I'm right that there will be a big fantastic wrap-up and a very happy conclusion for Danny Diamond. He's still got "it" and if you were once a fan, you won't be disappointed with the more mature star quarterback.
October 29, 2020
I found this story so boring and the main characters immature. Danny is in the process of divorcing Lori after being married 15yrs and Jennifer just breaks off her 10yr relationship with her boyfriend.
Seriously right off the bat their talking about how a future together is going to work and being their one true loves after only spending 48 hours together 14yrs earlier yet nothing happens between them. The back and forth, lack of communication just drags on and on.
Its been a good 5yrs since I've read the previous books. I don't remember Lori being as horrible and such a vindictive bitch as she's made out to be in this one. I only remember her jealousy and insecurities because of Danny & Jadyns close friendship. Only thing I enjoyed was little bits of Phillip. The lack of any romance in the storyline just disappointed me.
Seriously right off the bat their talking about how a future together is going to work and being their one true loves after only spending 48 hours together 14yrs earlier yet nothing happens between them. The back and forth, lack of communication just drags on and on.
Its been a good 5yrs since I've read the previous books. I don't remember Lori being as horrible and such a vindictive bitch as she's made out to be in this one. I only remember her jealousy and insecurities because of Danny & Jadyns close friendship. Only thing I enjoyed was little bits of Phillip. The lack of any romance in the storyline just disappointed me.
May 14, 2021
This was an okay listen. I didn't love the male narrator, and I felt like there wasn't much progression for the plot. My love of the first three books and my love for Danny in those books makes me want to continue but I’m not sure if I will.
June 7, 2023
Ok.... so the cover is not the book because the cover is better than the book 😀
June 6, 2021
All I can say is.. why is this series SO darn good😭 With all that is going on in the characters lives, it was interesting seeing it being played out through the eyes of different characters. I loved how this book solely focused on Danny and his true lover, while still giving us an insight on what is happening with Jaydn and Phillip’s happy but highly chaotic lives.
October 9, 2019
I was soooooo excited for this book, because I started reading Jillian's books when she first published That Boy. Reading this was like catching up with old friends. I love seeing things from more of the adult minded points of view. This whole series has always been extremely relatable to my life and that's why I love it so much, and this book was no different. Expect a roller coaster of emotions, and as always, a good cliffhanger.
February 9, 2020
Characters were immature - they are suppose to be almost 40? The author made them sound like immature teenagers.
May 31, 2020
Final Rating: 3.5 Stars
October 23, 2019
OMG I have been waiting for Danny's story for what seems like FOREVER and Jillian Dodd definitely delivered. Knowing that such a beautiful-on the inside and outside-man ended up with the wife he did has always grated. Knowing what a cold, heartless, self-absorbed, vapid, narcissistic, materialistic bitch she was had me pining for something like this to happen. Danny is such a homebody, always putting his family first and desperately wanting the large, happy family he had always dreamed of, he would have never destroyed that. Chalk and cheese.
Jennifer is a great character and, of course, she has made appearances in another of Jillian Dodd's series and I loved the crossover. I cannot wait to see what happens in That Ring, Danny and Jennifer's conclusion. I can see that there may be troubled waters ahead, but at the end of the day, can you really keep soulmates apart? If only these two had met earlier.
Absolutely loved it.
Jennifer is a great character and, of course, she has made appearances in another of Jillian Dodd's series and I loved the crossover. I cannot wait to see what happens in That Ring, Danny and Jennifer's conclusion. I can see that there may be troubled waters ahead, but at the end of the day, can you really keep soulmates apart? If only these two had met earlier.
Absolutely loved it.
June 6, 2020
June 5
Turns out that audio performance wasn't great. I finished this on my iPad.
I do love Danny Diamond. The whole dynamic of the friends from the That Boy series is wonderful. His soon-to-be ex-wife Lori is truly a piece of work - an exaggerated character, but probably closer to the truth than not.
I think my only issue here is that Jennifer seems to cry constantly. Everything makes this woman cry. And she's hard to read; in her head she wants Danny forever and in her actions she's more cautious. But the way this happens in a slow burn kind of way is really smart, and you've gotta respect that. Beyond that, I always appreciate that Jillian Dodd leaves the graphic stuff out.
I love this series - and I must if I'm reading with my eyes when I usually listen!
June 2
WHAT!!!!! I picked this up last night only to find this morning that it'll be out on audio in 3 days. I'm putting it aside immediately since the narrators sound fabulous. I'll restart the book on audio then.
I'm so happy this will be out on audio! I'm also wondering if the audio will be a compilation of both That Divorce and That Ring. I hope it is. I love this series.
Turns out that audio performance wasn't great. I finished this on my iPad.
I do love Danny Diamond. The whole dynamic of the friends from the That Boy series is wonderful. His soon-to-be ex-wife Lori is truly a piece of work - an exaggerated character, but probably closer to the truth than not.
I think my only issue here is that Jennifer seems to cry constantly. Everything makes this woman cry. And she's hard to read; in her head she wants Danny forever and in her actions she's more cautious. But the way this happens in a slow burn kind of way is really smart, and you've gotta respect that. Beyond that, I always appreciate that Jillian Dodd leaves the graphic stuff out.
I love this series - and I must if I'm reading with my eyes when I usually listen!
June 2
WHAT!!!!! I picked this up last night only to find this morning that it'll be out on audio in 3 days. I'm putting it aside immediately since the narrators sound fabulous. I'll restart the book on audio then.
I'm so happy this will be out on audio! I'm also wondering if the audio will be a compilation of both That Divorce and That Ring. I hope it is. I love this series.
October 21, 2019
I have been waiting for this book for 1.5 years! And it did not disappoint.
I read That Boy series (all 3 books) in 3 days. I was consumed by Jayden, Phillip and Danny and all of their teenage drama.
So.. when I just happened to see that we were going back into that world, I was so excited.
The story is just SO easy to read that before I knew it, I was done. Jillian has such a way of making you feel everything that is going on in the story and really connects you to the characters.
Looking into Danny and Lori's life from a different perspective than you got in the That Boy Series made me fall in love with Danny all over again. You meet up with him 14 years after the other books with his kids and Jayden/Phillip's family. You want to read this. <3
I read That Boy series (all 3 books) in 3 days. I was consumed by Jayden, Phillip and Danny and all of their teenage drama.
So.. when I just happened to see that we were going back into that world, I was so excited.
The story is just SO easy to read that before I knew it, I was done. Jillian has such a way of making you feel everything that is going on in the story and really connects you to the characters.
Looking into Danny and Lori's life from a different perspective than you got in the That Boy Series made me fall in love with Danny all over again. You meet up with him 14 years after the other books with his kids and Jayden/Phillip's family. You want to read this. <3
October 22, 2019
Omg...this story is killing me. I loved Danny and Jennifer getting to reconnect after having that ultimate connection in time. Danny and Lori...these two drove me bananas. I wanted them to work. I wanted Danny to have his happy ever after but it should never be this hard. I've never been so excited to read a second chance romance. Finally we get to see Danny on the road to his true love. But oh the bumps. SO SO MANY BUMPS. I love the angst and the ups and downs. I could not stop turning the pages and wondering what was coming next. Would they survive the next hiccup? I can't wait to see what happens for these two next! And who else might be popping up with all of my favorite people!
November 5, 2019
I just kept reading...
Kept hoping for the ‘romance’ portion of this romance to commence. It just never did.
Too many needless side details that added nothing to the story. Too much back and forth. Just too much.
Finally, after waiting, patiently or otherwise, for some sign the H and h might actually get together, and get to the romance, I gave up, no longer interested, at the 80% point.
Books such as this one, that just drag on and on and on, but go nowhere, don’t achieve for me what I hope the authors intend-to build anticipation and create their much loved ‘angst’. Rather, they just become boring, then annoying. I usually, as was the case here, close them out, unfinished.
Kept hoping for the ‘romance’ portion of this romance to commence. It just never did.
Too many needless side details that added nothing to the story. Too much back and forth. Just too much.
Finally, after waiting, patiently or otherwise, for some sign the H and h might actually get together, and get to the romance, I gave up, no longer interested, at the 80% point.
Books such as this one, that just drag on and on and on, but go nowhere, don’t achieve for me what I hope the authors intend-to build anticipation and create their much loved ‘angst’. Rather, they just become boring, then annoying. I usually, as was the case here, close them out, unfinished.
June 7, 2020
I started reading this on my iPad - then realised it would be out on audio in just 2 days. So I put the ebook aside and pre-ordered this on Audible.
I made it about an hour before I gave up on the narrators. At first they sounded great - but they had the emotion all wrong. There was emphasis in spots and the tone was dynamic - but it wasn't voice acting per se. They just weren't getting the dialogue right. I'd never heard of these two narrators before (Wyatt Baker, Kate Marcin). Both are experienced with several books to their credit. But for some reason, they just didn't fit the personalities of this book. There was little distinguishing between character's voices. And while I wouldn't call this performance flat, it just wasn't personal to this story. For me, it's as if they were narrating any story with generic characters. I've heard narrators who would have brought this to life. Unfortunately, these two narrators aren't them.
I made it about an hour before I gave up on the narrators. At first they sounded great - but they had the emotion all wrong. There was emphasis in spots and the tone was dynamic - but it wasn't voice acting per se. They just weren't getting the dialogue right. I'd never heard of these two narrators before (Wyatt Baker, Kate Marcin). Both are experienced with several books to their credit. But for some reason, they just didn't fit the personalities of this book. There was little distinguishing between character's voices. And while I wouldn't call this performance flat, it just wasn't personal to this story. For me, it's as if they were narrating any story with generic characters. I've heard narrators who would have brought this to life. Unfortunately, these two narrators aren't them.
February 20, 2025
3.5 Stars
This book was cute and easy to read. A second chance romance. I slightly remember reading the first three books in this series many years ago but not much. I am glad this was based on another set of characters so it didn’t require me to remember much. A little cheesy but it flowed well. Is it possible that a book and be realistic and not realistic all at the same time, because those were the vibes I was getting the entire book. I love the tight friend group that is more like family. I enjoy reading books that showcase a man and woman can in fact be just friends. It felt like everything happened so fast and I guess it did considering the story happened all within a week span. The cliffhanger at the end totally has me wanting to pick up the next book in the series because of course I need to know if true love prevails.
This book was cute and easy to read. A second chance romance. I slightly remember reading the first three books in this series many years ago but not much. I am glad this was based on another set of characters so it didn’t require me to remember much. A little cheesy but it flowed well. Is it possible that a book and be realistic and not realistic all at the same time, because those were the vibes I was getting the entire book. I love the tight friend group that is more like family. I enjoy reading books that showcase a man and woman can in fact be just friends. It felt like everything happened so fast and I guess it did considering the story happened all within a week span. The cliffhanger at the end totally has me wanting to pick up the next book in the series because of course I need to know if true love prevails.
October 11, 2022
Happy to have more Danny POV’s & glad that Jennifer is back in the picture.
It’s no shocker that I still cannot stand Lori and I don’t like how entitled she thinks she is when it comes to literally everything and how she thinks she can do no wrong, but if Danny said something she’d throw a fit. Also hate how rude she is to her own kids. Seriously. Who does that??
Anyways, I love how Jennifer was with Dani when all that happened about the party. They seem to get along really well and have better communication together compared to Dani and Lori.
If you liked the other books be sure to read this one! Onto the next book in the series I go!
It’s no shocker that I still cannot stand Lori and I don’t like how entitled she thinks she is when it comes to literally everything and how she thinks she can do no wrong, but if Danny said something she’d throw a fit. Also hate how rude she is to her own kids. Seriously. Who does that??
Anyways, I love how Jennifer was with Dani when all that happened about the party. They seem to get along really well and have better communication together compared to Dani and Lori.
If you liked the other books be sure to read this one! Onto the next book in the series I go!
February 21, 2025
Alright, I’ve got mixed feelings on this one. On one hand, it was cute. The love story was sweet, and I loved the friendships and neighborly vibes. But on the other hand… blah. Something about the whole story taking place over just one week didn’t sit right with me. It felt rushed, unfinished, and honestly, kind of unnecessary. I get the whole love at first sight thing, but falling back into that kind of connection after so many years, with kids and life in between? A little hard to believe. So I’m kinda stuck in the middle, somewhere between 2.5 and 3 stars. But since I am curious about the next book and don’t feel like DNF-ing the series, I’ll settle on 3 stars. It was exactly what I expected, nothing more, but not quite less.
October 12, 2019
This story is eloquently told. The emotions displayed are earth shattering real and poignant. Between the despair of the previous relationships and the uncertainty of building a new one, you get to see the inner workings of their thoughts and emotions. But what makes it so splendid is the candor they have with each other for their needs, wants, and desires.
This is a soul touching story that will suck you in at page 1 and won’t let you go even when the book is complete.
Honest ARC review.
This is a soul touching story that will suck you in at page 1 and won’t let you go even when the book is complete.
Honest ARC review.
October 11, 2019
Just what I needed - more of my favorite people - Jayden, Phillip and most of all Danny Diamond.
Danny has always been one of my favorites and as always I want to strangle Lori - so good riddance!
What I loved about this book was being back in these three friends lives. Seeing their kids and seeing that their friendship is just as strong after all these years.
If you haven’t read this series from the start, you are missing out on a real treat. Although this book can be read as a stand-alone you really need to start from the beginning. The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger and let me tell you - I am waiting with grabby hands to get THAT RING onto my kindle!
Danny has always been one of my favorites and as always I want to strangle Lori - so good riddance!
What I loved about this book was being back in these three friends lives. Seeing their kids and seeing that their friendship is just as strong after all these years.
If you haven’t read this series from the start, you are missing out on a real treat. Although this book can be read as a stand-alone you really need to start from the beginning. The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger and let me tell you - I am waiting with grabby hands to get THAT RING onto my kindle!
November 7, 2020
I loved that boy series, and these characters will always have such a special place in my book world. I am so glad they all finally get their happy ending and that we get to turn the page on Lori (still don't really understand how she and Danny ended up together).
However, for some reason this one just kind of drug on for me. I think I just got tired of reading how great their lives were. I don't know for sure, but I am looking forward to reading the next one about their kids.
However, for some reason this one just kind of drug on for me. I think I just got tired of reading how great their lives were. I don't know for sure, but I am looking forward to reading the next one about their kids.
July 22, 2020
I’ve always hated Lori. Danny deserves so much better, and I’m glad he’s finally fighting for what he deserves. Phillip is still so damn swoony. I love him and Jadyn. And Chase is a mini Phillip...I love him too 🥰
September 5, 2025
Such a great book! Easy read and just… good. Growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska, a die hard Husker fan, and having been to KC many times, I appreciate all the Nebraska/Kansas references :) especially the quote inside the letter N. On to book 5. Have to know what happens!
October 10, 2019
I've been waiting for That Divorce to be released for what seems like years. Reading Jillian's books is like catching up with old friends. You feel like you're part of them and the life they live. You find out what kind of raw emotions the characters have. Danny and Jennifer have had a special bond for years. He never acted on it. Doing the right thing for his family. Now that is he getting divorced, will they make it work?
February 7, 2023
One of these books that you will read in one breath ;)
August 29, 2025
Cari lettori, sono tornata a leggere una serie che avevo lasciato quando era solo una trilogia pubblicata in Italia.
L’ho ripresa in mano trovandola espansa. Mi ricordo che la prima volta che ho letto la trilogia non ne avevo abbastanza, volevo saperne di più, volevo vedere come sarebbero andate le loro vite crescendo e quando ho scoperto che l’autrice in realtà l’aveva fatto, non potevo non tornare in quel mondo. Nel mondo di J.J., Phillip e Danny. Un trio fantastico, un’amicizia solida ricca di amore pronto a travolgere chi decide di farne parte.
Sto parlando della serie That boy di Jillian Dodd.
Non so quanti di voi la conoscono già o ne hanno anche solo sentito parlare.
Quando sono entrata nel loro mondo la trilogia era formata dal nucleo centrale, ossia la storia di una splendida amicizia tra tre bambini che è diventata la loro vita, non si sono mai separati, hanno fatto sempre fronte comune verso le avversità della vita, ma si limitava a parlare dell’amore tra una principessa e il suo principe, ovvero J.J. e Phillip, toccando di striscio anche le difficoltà vissute da Danny.
In questa serie completa c’è anche lui, e quella dei figli maggiori.
E io non potevo esimermi dal rituffarmi.
La serie è composta da:
#1 That boy (J.J. + Phillip con un contorno di Danny), che ha come trope small town e friends to lovers
#2 That wedding (che nella trilogia era That girl, ma che nella serie tradotta in Italia non esiste), dove finalmente i nostri J.J. e Phillip si sposano e iniziano a vivere la loro nuova famiglia
#3 That baby (J.J. + Phillip e Bimbo Mac)
#4 That love (Danny + Jennifer), questi libri dedicati a Danny hanno un tocco di sport romance
#5 That ring (Danny + Jennifer)
#6 That summer (Chase + Devaney), torniamo al trope friends to lovers, young adult con un po’ di sport romance
#7 That promise (Chase + Devaney), con i trope friends to lovers, young adult, college romance, con un po’ di sport romance
#8 That forever (Chase + Devaney), sempre young adult, college romance e sport romance
#9 That crush (Damon + Ainsley)
#10 That girl (Damon +. Ainsley) – in pubblicazione
#11 That someday (Damon + Ainsley) – in pubblicazione
Come potete vedere è una mega family saga che racchiude quattro serie diverse, eppure sempre collegate tra loro, e l’ultima non è ancora stata completata – detto tra noi, mi auguro che arrivino anche questi ultimi due volumi prima o poi in Italia.
Quando penso a questi personaggi mi viene in mente solo una parola: famiglia. Si sa che le famiglie non si scelgono, mentre gli amici sì, eppure loro sono questi.
Il tutto è nato dall’amicizia di tre ragazzini, che sono cresciuti insieme, hanno sperimentato insieme, hanno pianto e gioito insieme e che hanno deciso di legare le loro vite in maniera indissolubile. Sono una famiglia unica, un amore immenso che si tramanda da genitore a figlio, sono ognuno parte dell’altro, ognuno di loro sono presente, passato e futuro.
Penso che tutta la loro storia si racchiuda in questa frase:
“[…] Sai, tu ed io in realtà ci assomigliamo molto. Voglio dire, entrambi amiamo divertirci, siamo selvaggi, esuberanti, sempre pronti per la prossima sfida, la prossima avventura, la prossima scommessa. Ma, d’altra parte, Danny, a volte penso che tu ed io potremmo vagare senza meta. Siamo come aquiloni. Andiamo semplicemente dove ci porta il vento anche se non è il posto migliore in cui essere.”
J.J. e Phillip sono la coppia di amici da una vita che si rendono conto di essersi sempre aspettati, senza mai fai sul serio con nessuno perché il loro futuro era già scritto in quelle stelle che amano osservare. Lei ha bisogno di lui. Lui ha bisogno di lei. Jadyn è quell’aquilone pronto a volare ovunque, a farsi trasportare dalle emozioni, proprio come Danny, e Phillip è il designato a riportarli a terra, a domarli, farli ragionare, metterli davanti a scelte ponderate, lui è la stabilità.
“Sono stato qui per te tutto il tempo. Ti ho ascoltata piangere per altri ragazzi. Ti salvo, mi prendo cura di te quando sei malata, ti abbraccio quando sei triste, ti dico che sei bellissima quando hai un aspetto terribile. […] Principessa, sono sempre stato io quello giusto.”
Ecco, si appartengono, sono una storia senza limiti, senza tempo, vanno oltre i confini del conosciuto, sono ogni battito di cuore, sono ogni caduta e ripresa a camminare.
“Per molto tempo ho pensato che il mio principe non esistesse, ma poi ho capito di averlo avuto accanto per tutta la vita. Grazie per aver creduto in noi, anche se io non ne ero così sicura. Grazie per avermi amata tutte le volte che sono stata testarda ed ero convinta di non poter sbagliare. Grazie per avermi fatto credere che il vero amore, quello delle fiabe, esiste davvero.”
Jadyn sa cosa vuol dire perdere e conosce quella paura soffocante di rimanere sola al mondo. Come Phillip sa bene cosa significhi attendere il momento migliore, conosce quei valori forti che lo portano a mettere la sua migliore amica prima di ogni cosa. Il loro legame è follia e ordine, è tempesta e calma.
“[…] Ti ho chiesto di sposarmi a dieci anni e oggi sono qui per tenere fede a quella promessa. Nessuno è mai stato paragonabile a te. Tu sei sempre stata il mio mondo. Sei la mia migliore amica, il mio amore, la mia vita. La mia principessa.”
Danny e Jennifer sono due metà che si sono incontrate troppo presto per poter vivere quel senso di appartenenza che hanno provare fin dal loro primo incontro. Sono quelle due metà che hanno bisogno di sbagliare e provare a salvare se stessi prima di poter essere felici insieme.
Danny è alle prese con un matrimonio che ha cercato di difendere e riprendere anche quando i presupposti per finire si erano mostrati rapidamente. Colui che si è sempre mostrato per quel ragazzo playboy – le ragazze gli cadevano ai piedi senza alcuno sforzo essendo un quarterback – eppure non ha mai perso di vista i suoi obiettivi, ma nemmeno i suoi affetti e legami.
Quello con i suoi amici è qualcosa di incredibile, lo fa sentire perso senza quelle due colonne che lo hanno sempre sorretto, che lo hanno spronato a migliorare, che lo hanno spinto a prendersi la felicità che merita.
Jennifer crede nel vero amore, in quello che ti toglie il respiro, il sonno, il “vissero per sempre felici e contenti”. Ne ha bisogno come l’aria, necessita di sentirsi amata, rispettata, desiderata, difesa dal suo passato.
Loro due sono simili, sono quelle due metà della stessa mela, si capiscono e Danny tutto questo lo sa riconoscere, perché lo vede negli occhi di J.J. e Phillip.
“«Esattamente. Questa è la mia parete dei sogni,» spiega.
«Ma non c'è niente sopra.»
«Questo perché visualizzo ciò che voglio che contenga. Un terzo murale come quelli là con i coriandoli che cadono, i miei figli al mio fianco, i tifosi che esultano, la squadra che impazzisce, l’orgoglio e gli anni di gioco e allenamenti, gli infortuni e il dolore, lo spingere il mio corpo, i viaggi e la mancanza della mia famiglia - tutto culminato in un momento di vittoria umile ed emozionante. Ma quando ho appena chiuso gli occhi, ho visto qualcosa di diverso.»
«Cosa hai visto?»
«Te nell'immagine,» dice, appoggiando il mento sulla mia spalla.
Mi stringo il petto, con il cuore che batte all'impazzata, poi mi giro per guardarlo in faccia. «Mi piacerebbe essere in quella foto, Danny.»
Ci guardiamo. Entrambi sappiamo cosa significa. Che voglio stare con lui, condividere la mia vita con lui.”
Veder affrontare le difficoltà di un passato con gli ex mi ha stretto il cuore. L’ex moglie di Danny è in grado di manipolare per ottenere ciò che vuole; mentre l’ex di Jennifer è stato in grado di farle terra bruciata intorno e ha cercato di trattenerla con i sensi di colpa.
“Siamo facili, Danny. Meravigliosamente, incredibilmente facili. [...]”
Chase e Devaney? Lui è proprio come suo padre Phillip, protettivo, coraggioso, pronto a farsi in quattro per la sua principessa, e lei è Danny. La loro amicizia è un insieme di ciò che sono sempre stati i genitori: uniti, forti dei loro sentimenti, qualcosa che si muove insieme in un accordo perfetto.
“Dani, voglio tutto con te. Voglio uscire con te, sposarti, invecchiare con te. Te l'ho detto, nessun'altra ragazza si è mai paragonata a te. È solo che tu non hai mai sembrato provare lo stesso per me. Hai sempre avuto ragioni per cui non potevamo stare insieme, più recentemente che sono troppo giovane.”
Ma quando le incertezze si fanno sentire, potrebbero perdere i loro sogni, perdere la loro amicizia, perdersi loro stessi. Ma nel momento in cui succede l’irreparabile loro sono stati abbastanza forti da non permetterlo, hanno combattuto e creduto nel loro per sempre.
“Tu aggiungi scintillio e avventura alla mia vita. Sai come tirarmi fuori dal mio cammino a visione ristretta, così possiamo divertirci un po’.”
E Damon… diamine, sembra di rivedere il padre da giovane ed è incredibile.
Lui è divertente e non sa dove sia di casa la timidezza e tutto ciò lo rende irresistibile, proprio come lo era Danny ai suoi tempi.
Ma Damon è anche giovane, ha solo diciotto anni e tre anni prima ha perso la testa per Ainsley, più grande di lui di qualche anno. Eppure lui è ben consapevole che sarà lei a dovergli stare al fianco per sempre, sa bene che la vuole per poter condividere una vita di progetti e sogni e sfacciataggine.
“Penso che quando incontri la persona con cui dovresti stare, lo sai. Come se l’amore trascendesse il tempo.”
Non so dire quanto mi sia piaciuta questa serie. Quando ho pensato a come affrontare la recensione di ogni libro, ho pensato inizialmente a farlo racchiudendoli in blocchi di protagonisti, ma poi ho capito che non sarebbe bastato, le loro vite sono profondamente legate, sono personaggi che continui a incontrare, con cui soffri e gioisci, per cui ti emozioni.
Questa per me è stata l’estate delle serie che continuavo a rimandare per potermele gustare tutte insieme, e la serie That boy è indubbiamente tutto questo - anche se mancano ancora due libri per concluderla.
Non posso che consigliare di leggerla e lasciarsi travolgere da un trio formidabile e da famiglie che diventano un po’ anche quella del lettore.
L’ho ripresa in mano trovandola espansa. Mi ricordo che la prima volta che ho letto la trilogia non ne avevo abbastanza, volevo saperne di più, volevo vedere come sarebbero andate le loro vite crescendo e quando ho scoperto che l’autrice in realtà l’aveva fatto, non potevo non tornare in quel mondo. Nel mondo di J.J., Phillip e Danny. Un trio fantastico, un’amicizia solida ricca di amore pronto a travolgere chi decide di farne parte.
Sto parlando della serie That boy di Jillian Dodd.
Non so quanti di voi la conoscono già o ne hanno anche solo sentito parlare.
Quando sono entrata nel loro mondo la trilogia era formata dal nucleo centrale, ossia la storia di una splendida amicizia tra tre bambini che è diventata la loro vita, non si sono mai separati, hanno fatto sempre fronte comune verso le avversità della vita, ma si limitava a parlare dell’amore tra una principessa e il suo principe, ovvero J.J. e Phillip, toccando di striscio anche le difficoltà vissute da Danny.
In questa serie completa c’è anche lui, e quella dei figli maggiori.
E io non potevo esimermi dal rituffarmi.
La serie è composta da:
#1 That boy (J.J. + Phillip con un contorno di Danny), che ha come trope small town e friends to lovers
#2 That wedding (che nella trilogia era That girl, ma che nella serie tradotta in Italia non esiste), dove finalmente i nostri J.J. e Phillip si sposano e iniziano a vivere la loro nuova famiglia
#3 That baby (J.J. + Phillip e Bimbo Mac)
#4 That love (Danny + Jennifer), questi libri dedicati a Danny hanno un tocco di sport romance
#5 That ring (Danny + Jennifer)
#6 That summer (Chase + Devaney), torniamo al trope friends to lovers, young adult con un po’ di sport romance
#7 That promise (Chase + Devaney), con i trope friends to lovers, young adult, college romance, con un po’ di sport romance
#8 That forever (Chase + Devaney), sempre young adult, college romance e sport romance
#9 That crush (Damon + Ainsley)
#10 That girl (Damon +. Ainsley) – in pubblicazione
#11 That someday (Damon + Ainsley) – in pubblicazione
Come potete vedere è una mega family saga che racchiude quattro serie diverse, eppure sempre collegate tra loro, e l’ultima non è ancora stata completata – detto tra noi, mi auguro che arrivino anche questi ultimi due volumi prima o poi in Italia.
Quando penso a questi personaggi mi viene in mente solo una parola: famiglia. Si sa che le famiglie non si scelgono, mentre gli amici sì, eppure loro sono questi.
Il tutto è nato dall’amicizia di tre ragazzini, che sono cresciuti insieme, hanno sperimentato insieme, hanno pianto e gioito insieme e che hanno deciso di legare le loro vite in maniera indissolubile. Sono una famiglia unica, un amore immenso che si tramanda da genitore a figlio, sono ognuno parte dell’altro, ognuno di loro sono presente, passato e futuro.
Penso che tutta la loro storia si racchiuda in questa frase:
“[…] Sai, tu ed io in realtà ci assomigliamo molto. Voglio dire, entrambi amiamo divertirci, siamo selvaggi, esuberanti, sempre pronti per la prossima sfida, la prossima avventura, la prossima scommessa. Ma, d’altra parte, Danny, a volte penso che tu ed io potremmo vagare senza meta. Siamo come aquiloni. Andiamo semplicemente dove ci porta il vento anche se non è il posto migliore in cui essere.”
J.J. e Phillip sono la coppia di amici da una vita che si rendono conto di essersi sempre aspettati, senza mai fai sul serio con nessuno perché il loro futuro era già scritto in quelle stelle che amano osservare. Lei ha bisogno di lui. Lui ha bisogno di lei. Jadyn è quell’aquilone pronto a volare ovunque, a farsi trasportare dalle emozioni, proprio come Danny, e Phillip è il designato a riportarli a terra, a domarli, farli ragionare, metterli davanti a scelte ponderate, lui è la stabilità.
“Sono stato qui per te tutto il tempo. Ti ho ascoltata piangere per altri ragazzi. Ti salvo, mi prendo cura di te quando sei malata, ti abbraccio quando sei triste, ti dico che sei bellissima quando hai un aspetto terribile. […] Principessa, sono sempre stato io quello giusto.”
Ecco, si appartengono, sono una storia senza limiti, senza tempo, vanno oltre i confini del conosciuto, sono ogni battito di cuore, sono ogni caduta e ripresa a camminare.
“Per molto tempo ho pensato che il mio principe non esistesse, ma poi ho capito di averlo avuto accanto per tutta la vita. Grazie per aver creduto in noi, anche se io non ne ero così sicura. Grazie per avermi amata tutte le volte che sono stata testarda ed ero convinta di non poter sbagliare. Grazie per avermi fatto credere che il vero amore, quello delle fiabe, esiste davvero.”
Jadyn sa cosa vuol dire perdere e conosce quella paura soffocante di rimanere sola al mondo. Come Phillip sa bene cosa significhi attendere il momento migliore, conosce quei valori forti che lo portano a mettere la sua migliore amica prima di ogni cosa. Il loro legame è follia e ordine, è tempesta e calma.
“[…] Ti ho chiesto di sposarmi a dieci anni e oggi sono qui per tenere fede a quella promessa. Nessuno è mai stato paragonabile a te. Tu sei sempre stata il mio mondo. Sei la mia migliore amica, il mio amore, la mia vita. La mia principessa.”
Danny e Jennifer sono due metà che si sono incontrate troppo presto per poter vivere quel senso di appartenenza che hanno provare fin dal loro primo incontro. Sono quelle due metà che hanno bisogno di sbagliare e provare a salvare se stessi prima di poter essere felici insieme.
Danny è alle prese con un matrimonio che ha cercato di difendere e riprendere anche quando i presupposti per finire si erano mostrati rapidamente. Colui che si è sempre mostrato per quel ragazzo playboy – le ragazze gli cadevano ai piedi senza alcuno sforzo essendo un quarterback – eppure non ha mai perso di vista i suoi obiettivi, ma nemmeno i suoi affetti e legami.
Quello con i suoi amici è qualcosa di incredibile, lo fa sentire perso senza quelle due colonne che lo hanno sempre sorretto, che lo hanno spronato a migliorare, che lo hanno spinto a prendersi la felicità che merita.
Jennifer crede nel vero amore, in quello che ti toglie il respiro, il sonno, il “vissero per sempre felici e contenti”. Ne ha bisogno come l’aria, necessita di sentirsi amata, rispettata, desiderata, difesa dal suo passato.
Loro due sono simili, sono quelle due metà della stessa mela, si capiscono e Danny tutto questo lo sa riconoscere, perché lo vede negli occhi di J.J. e Phillip.
“«Esattamente. Questa è la mia parete dei sogni,» spiega.
«Ma non c'è niente sopra.»
«Questo perché visualizzo ciò che voglio che contenga. Un terzo murale come quelli là con i coriandoli che cadono, i miei figli al mio fianco, i tifosi che esultano, la squadra che impazzisce, l’orgoglio e gli anni di gioco e allenamenti, gli infortuni e il dolore, lo spingere il mio corpo, i viaggi e la mancanza della mia famiglia - tutto culminato in un momento di vittoria umile ed emozionante. Ma quando ho appena chiuso gli occhi, ho visto qualcosa di diverso.»
«Cosa hai visto?»
«Te nell'immagine,» dice, appoggiando il mento sulla mia spalla.
Mi stringo il petto, con il cuore che batte all'impazzata, poi mi giro per guardarlo in faccia. «Mi piacerebbe essere in quella foto, Danny.»
Ci guardiamo. Entrambi sappiamo cosa significa. Che voglio stare con lui, condividere la mia vita con lui.”
Veder affrontare le difficoltà di un passato con gli ex mi ha stretto il cuore. L’ex moglie di Danny è in grado di manipolare per ottenere ciò che vuole; mentre l’ex di Jennifer è stato in grado di farle terra bruciata intorno e ha cercato di trattenerla con i sensi di colpa.
“Siamo facili, Danny. Meravigliosamente, incredibilmente facili. [...]”
Chase e Devaney? Lui è proprio come suo padre Phillip, protettivo, coraggioso, pronto a farsi in quattro per la sua principessa, e lei è Danny. La loro amicizia è un insieme di ciò che sono sempre stati i genitori: uniti, forti dei loro sentimenti, qualcosa che si muove insieme in un accordo perfetto.
“Dani, voglio tutto con te. Voglio uscire con te, sposarti, invecchiare con te. Te l'ho detto, nessun'altra ragazza si è mai paragonata a te. È solo che tu non hai mai sembrato provare lo stesso per me. Hai sempre avuto ragioni per cui non potevamo stare insieme, più recentemente che sono troppo giovane.”
Ma quando le incertezze si fanno sentire, potrebbero perdere i loro sogni, perdere la loro amicizia, perdersi loro stessi. Ma nel momento in cui succede l’irreparabile loro sono stati abbastanza forti da non permetterlo, hanno combattuto e creduto nel loro per sempre.
“Tu aggiungi scintillio e avventura alla mia vita. Sai come tirarmi fuori dal mio cammino a visione ristretta, così possiamo divertirci un po’.”
E Damon… diamine, sembra di rivedere il padre da giovane ed è incredibile.
Lui è divertente e non sa dove sia di casa la timidezza e tutto ciò lo rende irresistibile, proprio come lo era Danny ai suoi tempi.
Ma Damon è anche giovane, ha solo diciotto anni e tre anni prima ha perso la testa per Ainsley, più grande di lui di qualche anno. Eppure lui è ben consapevole che sarà lei a dovergli stare al fianco per sempre, sa bene che la vuole per poter condividere una vita di progetti e sogni e sfacciataggine.
“Penso che quando incontri la persona con cui dovresti stare, lo sai. Come se l’amore trascendesse il tempo.”
Non so dire quanto mi sia piaciuta questa serie. Quando ho pensato a come affrontare la recensione di ogni libro, ho pensato inizialmente a farlo racchiudendoli in blocchi di protagonisti, ma poi ho capito che non sarebbe bastato, le loro vite sono profondamente legate, sono personaggi che continui a incontrare, con cui soffri e gioisci, per cui ti emozioni.
Questa per me è stata l’estate delle serie che continuavo a rimandare per potermele gustare tutte insieme, e la serie That boy è indubbiamente tutto questo - anche se mancano ancora due libri per concluderla.
Non posso che consigliare di leggerla e lasciarsi travolgere da un trio formidabile e da famiglie che diventano un po’ anche quella del lettore.
October 23, 2019
Feels 3
Steam 5
Storyline 5
Overall Rating 5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Omg...this story is killing me. I loved Danny and Jennifer getting to reconnect after having that ultimate connection in the past. Danny and Lori...these two drove me bananas. I wanted them to work. I wanted Danny to have his happy ever after but it should never be this hard. I've never been so excited to read a second chance romance. Finally we get to see Danny on the road to his true love. But oh the bumps. SO SO MANY BUMPS. I love the angst and the ups and downs. I could not stop turning the pages and wondering what was coming next. Would they survive the next hiccup? I can't wait to see what happens for these two next! And who else might be popping up with all of my favorite people!
Steam 5
Storyline 5
Overall Rating 5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Omg...this story is killing me. I loved Danny and Jennifer getting to reconnect after having that ultimate connection in the past. Danny and Lori...these two drove me bananas. I wanted them to work. I wanted Danny to have his happy ever after but it should never be this hard. I've never been so excited to read a second chance romance. Finally we get to see Danny on the road to his true love. But oh the bumps. SO SO MANY BUMPS. I love the angst and the ups and downs. I could not stop turning the pages and wondering what was coming next. Would they survive the next hiccup? I can't wait to see what happens for these two next! And who else might be popping up with all of my favorite people!
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