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Paint Eater
Jay knows that starting up a friends-with-benefits relationship with Logan is a mistake. After all, this is the guy who rejected him in high-school. And Jay hasn’t been pining, okay? He’s just…easily invested. Jay doesn’t need Logan’s approval anymore—he’s happy at his tattoo apprenticeship, with his wild adventures in the city, painting graffiti in the sad and dark places that need it. But…he’s starting to think there’s something up with Logan. A desperation to be touched, like he hasn’t even been hugged in a long time. Like maybe his home life isn’t as happy as it appears. Jay is used to jumping into things with both feet. He can only hope this doesn't turn into another broken heart.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2020
44 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Marina Vivancos
28 books925 followersWhen Marina was a child she couldn’t sleep. Night after dissolving night she just couldn’t sleep. Nothing much worked – until she started making up stories in her head. Suddenly, the transition into unconsciousness was a smooth dive into calm waters.
Marina is currently in a period of sleepless upheaval, and she hopes writing down the stories in her head will cast the same spell it did years ago.
You can find her being malhumorada on Twitter.
Marina is currently in a period of sleepless upheaval, and she hopes writing down the stories in her head will cast the same spell it did years ago.
You can find her being malhumorada on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 20, 2022
AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING !!!!!!!!!! Loved loved loved this. I haven’t read that much from Marina Vivancos but I’m 100% sure this will forever remain my favorite by her. Unforgettable. 💙
September 10, 2024
Reread 09/2024
Bumping up to 5 stars and all time favorite.
Love Jay and Logan so, so much. They are precious, their story is beautiful.
I loved the slowly growing emotional intimacy, and espescially loved that their physical intimacy wasn't just sex, but so much hugging and kissing, being close to each other.
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Read 04/2024
4,5 stars.
Beautiful.
Not omegaverse! YA/NA contemporary MM romance.
I adored Jay and Logan. They were both so different, but so deserving of love and acceptance.
I loved how the author showed us their characters, showed us how they reconnected, and slowly fell in love.
I hurt for Logan. He was starved for touch and affection and tried so long to hold himself back. Jay instead was all in, knowing how much he could get hurt, but risking it, because he enjoyed being with Logan so much.
It loved that sex wasn't central to the plot. There were sex scenes (M. Vivancos is awesome at writing those) but they felt organic, and weren't as important as everything else Jay and Logan did, exploring the city, talking, kissing. I loved how much both boys enjoyed kissing and cuddling and being near each other.
I had a hard time reading about Logan's mother, about her control over Logan. Everything about her made my skin itch.
The epilogue, years in the future was unbelievably satisfying to read.
Bumping up to 5 stars and all time favorite.
Love Jay and Logan so, so much. They are precious, their story is beautiful.
I loved the slowly growing emotional intimacy, and espescially loved that their physical intimacy wasn't just sex, but so much hugging and kissing, being close to each other.
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Read 04/2024
4,5 stars.
Beautiful.
Not omegaverse! YA/NA contemporary MM romance.
I adored Jay and Logan. They were both so different, but so deserving of love and acceptance.
I loved how the author showed us their characters, showed us how they reconnected, and slowly fell in love.
I hurt for Logan. He was starved for touch and affection and tried so long to hold himself back. Jay instead was all in, knowing how much he could get hurt, but risking it, because he enjoyed being with Logan so much.
It loved that sex wasn't central to the plot. There were sex scenes (M. Vivancos is awesome at writing those) but they felt organic, and weren't as important as everything else Jay and Logan did, exploring the city, talking, kissing. I loved how much both boys enjoyed kissing and cuddling and being near each other.
I had a hard time reading about Logan's mother, about her control over Logan. Everything about her made my skin itch.
The epilogue, years in the future was unbelievably satisfying to read.
April 21, 2022
The writing, casting an ethereal beauty on NYC. Jay’s beautiful sunshine soul. Logan, crushing under the weight of parental expectations. I loved this book. I loved these boys. It was insanely romantic, but in a realistic way, true love, the way a first love hits so deep. Uncertain at first. Slow. Tentative. Growing until it takes over your whole world. Sweet, lovely, perfect.
December 1, 2020
Aw, Jay. And Logan. I loved this so much. I'm always glad to read something well written and full of intense emotion. I enjoyed it completely. I also really liked the very unique pot smoking make out/sex session. Loved it.
I've come to expect high quality stories from this author. She is definitely one of my few autobuys. Don't wait, rush to get this one.
Fair disclosure, I was provided a very early version for review but I'll still be purchasing this one to read again and be charmed by this real romance a second time.
I've come to expect high quality stories from this author. She is definitely one of my few autobuys. Don't wait, rush to get this one.
Fair disclosure, I was provided a very early version for review but I'll still be purchasing this one to read again and be charmed by this real romance a second time.
July 6, 2022
Loved it! Jay and Logan are just the characters I love reading about. I also love that the author didn't hold Jay back with his ADHD, instead he owned that!
So why not 5 stars? I wanted Logan's past fleshed out a lot more, and I really NEEDED to see that bitch of a mother get her comeuppance.
4.25 stars
So why not 5 stars? I wanted Logan's past fleshed out a lot more, and I really NEEDED to see that bitch of a mother get her comeuppance.
4.25 stars
August 5, 2022
Most of you aren't going to like this review. So, I highly suggest you to stop right here if "Paint Eater" is one of your favourite books.
It's probably very obvious that I didn't enjoy. It was boring. *BORING*. It's marketed as new adult but felt more like a young adult to me. The characters were so insufferably immature. They were dull and stupid. I tried, I really did but still couldn't bring myself to care for them. They were just there. Did nothing. Couldn't make me feel anything. Served no purpose. They are twenty for f*uck's shake. Don't give the shit that they are young. I'm nineteen. Duh...
This book reads like a Wattpad novel. Okay, maybe slightly better than a Wattpad novel; just slightly. The writing was so bland. It couldn't manage to make me feel connected by the characters instead increased the distance. There were way too many scenes, so many moments, that were told by not showed. Also, the book is in second person. I prefer romances books which are told from the povs of the main characters themselves. Then again, the povs were so random. There was also a chapter from Sophia's pov, who is the mother of one of the main characters. WTF! Why was that necessary? Why would we need to learn the mother's story, that too from her pov? The main characters could've told that part in short. But no. Just go on and insert a chapter from the mother! It was irrelevant and weird. Didn't like it at all.
The naming of this is also weird. Why paint eater? Just to gloss and make the book stand out? "Graffiti" would be a much more suitable name of we're considering the story....
The romance was boring too. Not emotional at all. The chemistry was non existent. Way too much for my liking. And all these problems could be solved if only the characters communicated properly.
The ADHD rep was fine. Not the best I have come across to.
Meh. Meh. Meh. Thousand mehs. A complete waste of time.
It's probably very obvious that I didn't enjoy. It was boring. *BORING*. It's marketed as new adult but felt more like a young adult to me. The characters were so insufferably immature. They were dull and stupid. I tried, I really did but still couldn't bring myself to care for them. They were just there. Did nothing. Couldn't make me feel anything. Served no purpose. They are twenty for f*uck's shake. Don't give the shit that they are young. I'm nineteen. Duh...
This book reads like a Wattpad novel. Okay, maybe slightly better than a Wattpad novel; just slightly. The writing was so bland. It couldn't manage to make me feel connected by the characters instead increased the distance. There were way too many scenes, so many moments, that were told by not showed. Also, the book is in second person. I prefer romances books which are told from the povs of the main characters themselves. Then again, the povs were so random. There was also a chapter from Sophia's pov, who is the mother of one of the main characters. WTF! Why was that necessary? Why would we need to learn the mother's story, that too from her pov? The main characters could've told that part in short. But no. Just go on and insert a chapter from the mother! It was irrelevant and weird. Didn't like it at all.
The naming of this is also weird. Why paint eater? Just to gloss and make the book stand out? "Graffiti" would be a much more suitable name of we're considering the story....
The romance was boring too. Not emotional at all. The chemistry was non existent. Way too much for my liking. And all these problems could be solved if only the characters communicated properly.
The ADHD rep was fine. Not the best I have come across to.
Meh. Meh. Meh. Thousand mehs. A complete waste of time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2025
I can not for the life of me figure out why, because I love this author and I loved these MC’s and support characters, but this book left me completely unaffected. It was like trying to come but just not getting there even though all the usual spots are being rubbed.
*Side note: Can we just be done with the whole pineapple on pizza debate cliche? If it was ever funny (it wasn’t) it has been done to death by now.
*Another side note: I just realised I may be PMSing so that may have affected this review.
*Side note: Can we just be done with the whole pineapple on pizza debate cliche? If it was ever funny (it wasn’t) it has been done to death by now.
*Another side note: I just realised I may be PMSing so that may have affected this review.
October 13, 2023
5 stars
There were so many tiny, poignant moments and deep, big moments.
Jay's relationship with his mom.
Jay's struggles as a child with ADHD and other kids unable to relate or understand him.
Jay's inner monologues. So well done! Fantastic ADHD rep.
Jay's drawings and graffiti, and finding perfect places in the city to bring Logan and put up new graffiti.
And then....low and behold, we have a dual POV, that caught me off guard. Double whammy with the feels.
Logan's family life. Ouch.
Logqn trying to hide his feelings for Jay, to protect Jay.
His admiration for Jay.
His awkwardness around Jay's mother at first, and then the hugs they shared, how he relaxed at their home
Logan's relationship with his best friend from childhood, she was a dynamic side character.
Skateboarding
Road trip to Boston
Sketching
Photography (the plethora of pictures of Jay....)
Vivancos really packed in so many details into this story. Dynamic.
It's more than a love story.
There were so many tiny, poignant moments and deep, big moments.
Jay's relationship with his mom.
Jay's struggles as a child with ADHD and other kids unable to relate or understand him.
Jay's inner monologues. So well done! Fantastic ADHD rep.
Jay's drawings and graffiti, and finding perfect places in the city to bring Logan and put up new graffiti.
And then....low and behold, we have a dual POV, that caught me off guard. Double whammy with the feels.
Logan's family life. Ouch.
Logqn trying to hide his feelings for Jay, to protect Jay.
His admiration for Jay.
His awkwardness around Jay's mother at first, and then the hugs they shared, how he relaxed at their home
Logan's relationship with his best friend from childhood, she was a dynamic side character.
Skateboarding
Road trip to Boston
Sketching
Photography (the plethora of pictures of Jay....)
Vivancos really packed in so many details into this story. Dynamic.
It's more than a love story.
April 2, 2021
This freaking book!
I couldn't put it down . . . not for any suspense or plot twist . . . not for any other reason but sharing the moments Jay and Logan are able to steal together.
Both boys . . . and they seem like boys even at 20 . . . grow before our eyes right off the pages of this first-love story that unfolds before the vibrant colors of New York City, Brooklyn, Boston, and one upstate meadow, where Jay teaches Logan how to howl.
You're there for all of it, and to see love bloom this close up feels like a privilege.
I couldn't put it down . . . not for any suspense or plot twist . . . not for any other reason but sharing the moments Jay and Logan are able to steal together.
Both boys . . . and they seem like boys even at 20 . . . grow before our eyes right off the pages of this first-love story that unfolds before the vibrant colors of New York City, Brooklyn, Boston, and one upstate meadow, where Jay teaches Logan how to howl.
You're there for all of it, and to see love bloom this close up feels like a privilege.
November 23, 2020
3.5 stars
May 3, 2022
Beautiful book. And though pretty light I still managed to tear up a bit. This author writes so GOOD.
November 11, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
The writing in this book is introspective and emotional and it complements the character-driven story of Jay and Logan. Jay was brought up by his single mother who gave him everything she could and tried to instill as much confidence as possible in Jay. Jay just wanted friends as a kid, but the other kids didn’t understand Jay’s energy and that Jay always spoke out loud what came into his head and he’s absorbed a lot of pain over the years. He was always fascinated by Logan and, even though they haven’t seen each other in years, Jay is drawn in again immediately.
The story is soft and sweet at times and erotic and intimate at others as Jay and Logan bring out the best in each other. The writing is evocative and, while I could pull out examples, the overall tone of the entire narrative and the context truly make it shine.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
The writing in this book is introspective and emotional and it complements the character-driven story of Jay and Logan. Jay was brought up by his single mother who gave him everything she could and tried to instill as much confidence as possible in Jay. Jay just wanted friends as a kid, but the other kids didn’t understand Jay’s energy and that Jay always spoke out loud what came into his head and he’s absorbed a lot of pain over the years. He was always fascinated by Logan and, even though they haven’t seen each other in years, Jay is drawn in again immediately.
The story is soft and sweet at times and erotic and intimate at others as Jay and Logan bring out the best in each other. The writing is evocative and, while I could pull out examples, the overall tone of the entire narrative and the context truly make it shine.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
July 4, 2023
Meh. Loved Jay and his wonderful mother. Was pretty ambivalent about Logan. Absolutely hated Logan’s mother. While I theoretically understood the way Logan was so completely under his mother’s thumb, I found it hard to like him because of it. Being frustrated with all that, from around 50%, the story really dragged for me, I was bored and struggled to stay invested enough to finish.
December 27, 2024
This was beautiful 👌
I need to binge Marina Vivancos' backlist clearly.
I need to binge Marina Vivancos' backlist clearly.
July 20, 2022
I liked this one but didn't love and that's because of the age the MCs. They were 20 but read younger to me, it's N/A going on Y/A. That's not my favorite (understand I don't read Y/A) so I had a hard time liking the MCs. I also felt that characterization was uneven: Jay has ADHD and at first we are told he has a hard time keeping friends but then his ADHD does not have a bearing on his bahaviour/plot and we later find out that he has a found family and at least one long lasting friend in Nisha (the initial presentation left me thinking he was utterly alone). The class difference between the MCs does not really play a role either which was a shame to me. I also had a hard time understanding Logan and felt that he was mean (albeit inadvertently sometimes) to Jay too many times. I wish Logan had confided in Jay sooner. We don't really see them getting to know one another. It's difficult to explain. The writing was great though so if you like N/A or Y/A I would recommend.
January 19, 2021
3.5 stars
I forgot how deeply Marina Vivancos makes me FEEL. These two read a little younger than I was expecting -- they're 20, but still live at home, and each has been sheltered in different ways. This isn't a problem, I just wasn't in the mood for YA, so it threw me off at first. Technically it's NA, but maybe go into it prepared for young NA/older YA.
The artistic storyline with Jay was really nice. I enjoyed all of those details. They made for a really nice throughline to balance out the angstier bits.
Logan's family situation is one I struggle to empathize with because it's so hard for me to relate to. I would have been deep into rebellion by his age, not killing myself slowly just to conform. My heart still broke for him, though.
And I appreciated MV's ability to avoid the cliches with it. In most m/m, there would have been some homophobia thrown in for good measure, and there's none of that here. Shitty parents come in more than one flavor, authors!
I forgot how deeply Marina Vivancos makes me FEEL. These two read a little younger than I was expecting -- they're 20, but still live at home, and each has been sheltered in different ways. This isn't a problem, I just wasn't in the mood for YA, so it threw me off at first. Technically it's NA, but maybe go into it prepared for young NA/older YA.
The artistic storyline with Jay was really nice. I enjoyed all of those details. They made for a really nice throughline to balance out the angstier bits.
Logan's family situation is one I struggle to empathize with because it's so hard for me to relate to. I would have been deep into rebellion by his age, not killing myself slowly just to conform. My heart still broke for him, though.
And I appreciated MV's ability to avoid the cliches with it. In most m/m, there would have been some homophobia thrown in for good measure, and there's none of that here. Shitty parents come in more than one flavor, authors!
February 21, 2023
So many feelings in such a short period of time. I thought the ADHD rep in this was great, and appreciated how Jay was secure with himself. Logan's family and internal struggles felt real, and not like a plot device. The art in this sounds so beautiful and I want to see it!!
dnf
June 2, 2022dnf @39%
I can't say anything bad about this book, really, quite the opposite. ADHD rep, POC rep, great writing.
The YA/NA genre is just not pleasing to me anymore.
I can't say anything bad about this book, really, quite the opposite. ADHD rep, POC rep, great writing.
The YA/NA genre is just not pleasing to me anymore.
July 20, 2024
Ngl Marina's become one of my favourite authors. Her books always hit right. I loved Jay and Logan so much.
November 9, 2020
I was beyond curious with this book: first the title (that usually does not grab my attention) and second because of all the good recs on the author’s previous books. I’m really happy that I decided to read this one, and now I have another new to me author that I will definitely read again in the future.
At first I was trying to understand why Jay talks “too much” and Logan… “not enough”. And when everything is said, it makes complete sense. The change of pace of the story, the way the author decided to tell it fits like a glove for them. Even their chemistry is right on point. I loved everything about Paint Eater: the boys, the side characters, their sex chemestry as weel (it was my first time reading a rooftop make out and…. I want more!!!) and their well deserved HEA.
At first I was trying to understand why Jay talks “too much” and Logan… “not enough”. And when everything is said, it makes complete sense. The change of pace of the story, the way the author decided to tell it fits like a glove for them. Even their chemistry is right on point. I loved everything about Paint Eater: the boys, the side characters, their sex chemestry as weel (it was my first time reading a rooftop make out and…. I want more!!!) and their well deserved HEA.
November 18, 2024
5⭐️
I can’t believe I haven’t heard of or seen anything about this book but I’m SO thrilled to have picked it up today. What a heartfelt and perfect lil book. The ADHD rep was soooo accurate and the pain that can be experienced with social situations and society in general was portrayed so well it made me teary. Jay reminded me so so much of my brother in his mannerisms and the trouble he had making true friends - ugh my heart! And though Logan was a tough nut to crack, once we started getting his POV my heart broke for him too. I loved that MV gave us a bit more of their HEA after the final resolution that got them actually together - I’ve noticed she doesn’t do that a whole lot but I’m so glad she gave us a bit more here. Yeah I’ll be reading this one again
I can’t believe I haven’t heard of or seen anything about this book but I’m SO thrilled to have picked it up today. What a heartfelt and perfect lil book. The ADHD rep was soooo accurate and the pain that can be experienced with social situations and society in general was portrayed so well it made me teary. Jay reminded me so so much of my brother in his mannerisms and the trouble he had making true friends - ugh my heart! And though Logan was a tough nut to crack, once we started getting his POV my heart broke for him too. I loved that MV gave us a bit more of their HEA after the final resolution that got them actually together - I’ve noticed she doesn’t do that a whole lot but I’m so glad she gave us a bit more here. Yeah I’ll be reading this one again
June 2, 2022
Felt a little flat.
Sweet boys, but I didn’t care
about their problems.
Sweet boys, but I didn’t care
about their problems.
June 30, 2021
So, although it's not a long story, it's still a gorgeous one. I know that it might have been nice to get to know more about the characters but I really felt like this was still heartbreaking & comforting enough as it was.
Marina Vivancos is becoming one of those authors for me who can really touch my heart and make me ache while making everything about the story rich & vibrant. Her characters are flawed or "broken" humans who are able find a light to follow to carve out some happiness.
The odd dichotomy of this story to Rat Park still has interesting similarities that on the surface are vastly different but still have the same undertones. Like the mother in one is young, poor & neglectful but the fact that she was emotionally unavailable was the same as the mother in this story who was rich & domineering. It had the same effect of creating a husk of a son who was basically shut down.
While the other family is loving & encouraging & supportive which helps to create a vibrant, caring son who sees the value of the other MC & wants to help them know that they are worthy of love & help them find a better way for themselves. I mean it's an overly simplified statement but I adored both stories because none of the characters were perfect, even the sons from loving families & it wasn't necessarily about how love will fix the other one, but that it does help to know someone does love you & will support you, not drag you down.
I guess these stories were about hope & even for Jay in this story who was loved but knew that he was different and struggled with finding people who wanted to be with him. His differences kept people from getting too close normally but he still held on to his joy and excitement about life & people.
As long as this author keeps writing, I will keep reading her work.
Marina Vivancos is becoming one of those authors for me who can really touch my heart and make me ache while making everything about the story rich & vibrant. Her characters are flawed or "broken" humans who are able find a light to follow to carve out some happiness.
The odd dichotomy of this story to Rat Park still has interesting similarities that on the surface are vastly different but still have the same undertones. Like the mother in one is young, poor & neglectful but the fact that she was emotionally unavailable was the same as the mother in this story who was rich & domineering. It had the same effect of creating a husk of a son who was basically shut down.
While the other family is loving & encouraging & supportive which helps to create a vibrant, caring son who sees the value of the other MC & wants to help them know that they are worthy of love & help them find a better way for themselves. I mean it's an overly simplified statement but I adored both stories because none of the characters were perfect, even the sons from loving families & it wasn't necessarily about how love will fix the other one, but that it does help to know someone does love you & will support you, not drag you down.
I guess these stories were about hope & even for Jay in this story who was loved but knew that he was different and struggled with finding people who wanted to be with him. His differences kept people from getting too close normally but he still held on to his joy and excitement about life & people.
As long as this author keeps writing, I will keep reading her work.
April 13, 2021
I wasn't expecting such a nuanced novella based on the blurb, but wow this one was excellent. Realistic, distinct, and consistent characters - Jay with his insecurities and ADHD, and Logan with his own batch of insecurities and family struggles. They were great played off each other - the reversal of home life, of expectations, of careers, etc. The blurb really doesn't do it justice.
The epilogue was the perfect balance of sweet without being cloying, and I loved getting to see how their careers and aspirations panned out over time. (and realistically!) I just wish I could see their art.
4.5 stars, but I think I'll round up in this case. This book did a wonderful job in such a short amount of time.
The epilogue was the perfect balance of sweet without being cloying, and I loved getting to see how their careers and aspirations panned out over time. (and realistically!) I just wish I could see their art.
4.5 stars, but I think I'll round up in this case. This book did a wonderful job in such a short amount of time.
March 22, 2021
What an awesome character Jay is, the perfect contrast to Logan, fill in all your opposites clichés. And the settings, and the art. The hurdles, the joy and the tears. The epilogue is the most epilogue-y of epilogues I've ever read, somehow fitting this story beautifully. One reviewer didn't like Jay's 'chaos' but I didn't find him at all confusing; he's your classic ADHD kid, and an artist. I mean... *gestures expansively*
This is the second novel I've read by this author. I doubt it'll be the last. <3
This is the second novel I've read by this author. I doubt it'll be the last. <3
November 21, 2020
Marina Vivancos is a top-shelf author no argument. Every single book so far exceeded my expectation; plot, writing style, execution and structure, characters. Rat Park remains in the top ten best contemporary books I've ever read. I don't need to read the blurb to know this book is going be gooood . You better bet your ass that I'll be hovering over that 'purchase' button until the 9th of November.
November 14, 2020
Gorgeous. Utterly beautiful and heart-breaking along the way. Jay's Mom is the Mom I hope to be. Logan's Mom, not so much. (God, I wanted to bitch slap her soooo many times!) Gotta go find my tissues now...
August 28, 2025
3.5 stars. There was a lot I liked about this story, but it also never completely gripped me, despite the subject matter. Jay was a really nice guy and I loved the murals they visited throughout the city. Logan felt a little bit bland though, maybe because it took until around 50% before we got his pov. I also wanted to know more about why his mother was the way she was, instead of just the general 'I don't want to live in poverty and as a black person you have to work harder'. Her parents were apparently very loving, so how did she decide that working hard had to be a synonym for witholding affection and demanding to dictate every step your child takes? Jay's mother was a gem though and I was really glad we got an epilogue here, because I needed to know Logan would hold firm longterm.
August 29, 2022
The plot and the characters are amazing in this book, the writing however was a bit bland.
August 25, 2021
A sweet story about how two different people complement and strengthen one another. Jay and Logan improve themselves for themselves, not for each other - and each shows the other a better version of himself that he is not able see through his own fears and doubts.
In particular, I loved the portrayal of Jay's ADHD and how he's accepted that it's part of himself he can't change, and is now working on accepting that others may not always respond positively to him, but some will - and he's learning how to identify the ones who will. And I appreciated that Logan's reluctance to enter a relationship seemed realistic, not just an obstacle created by the author.
In particular, I loved the portrayal of Jay's ADHD and how he's accepted that it's part of himself he can't change, and is now working on accepting that others may not always respond positively to him, but some will - and he's learning how to identify the ones who will. And I appreciated that Logan's reluctance to enter a relationship seemed realistic, not just an obstacle created by the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews