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... in Love #1
Drown
A story told from two Erik is a religious boy who begins to question his sexuality and beliefs after he is propositioned by a male classmate. Nicholas is an attractive, though somewhat self-absorbed, young man whose life is uprooted when his mother announces her bitter divorce from his father. When the two boys meet, things become increasingly complicated as they strike up a friendship, which quickly develops into something neither party can be certain of.
495 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2020
91 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Daryl Leonardo
2 books36 followersDaryl Leonardo is an independent writer. Born in the Philippines and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, he began writing in order to create roles for himself whilst pursuing a career as an actor. He now resides in Los Angeles, California with his husband and two dogs, where he continues to take roles in independent projects and local theatre.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 51 reviews
February 10, 2021
At 37, I'm far removed from my sexual awakening, but this novel really brought me back to that time. Everything seemed to be life and death back then. It was truly the best and worst of times. It's impossible to read this book and not fall in love with Nick and Erik, and find yourself fully invested in their romance.
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June 6, 2021I'm not going to rate this, not because I think the book's not good but because the book is not meant for me and my rating wouldn't be fair.
As a YA novel it's actually quite convincing, meaning that the teenagers behave like teenagers (meaning I wanted to slap them a lot). If that's what you are looking for - go read the book. It's pretty good.
As a YA novel it's actually quite convincing, meaning that the teenagers behave like teenagers (meaning I wanted to slap them a lot). If that's what you are looking for - go read the book. It's pretty good.
March 14, 2021
Wow, just wow!! This book is so well written and keeps you hooked. This is a beautifully written coming of age story written in dual perspective. It’s refreshing and I loved every second of this love story!
July 2, 2021
Have you come across those supposedly YA novels in which the characters speak with the wisdom of a Greek philosopher? Well, drown refreshingly is about high school "kids" who actually sound their age. Not only do they sound it, but they think it and act it. Or in Nicholas' case, waffle . . . because he can't decide where he falls on the spectrum of sexuality. In other words, his mind is trying to catch up with his penis.
Nicholas and Erik, who tell their story in alternating perspectives, belong together. Despite peer pressures at school, parental pressures at home, and the pressures they themselves create from their inherited homophobia and lack of self-awareness, this miscast pair, a macho Latino and a guilt-ridden Asian, rise above all currents to survive. Their angst is buffeted by the comedy of their errors, and the light tone of the telling, which offsets their fumbling for identity.
How refreshing to encounter high schoolers in love for the first time who don't have all the answers, and who in the process of figuring out their feelings turn out to be pretty endearing!
Postscript: I never comment on covers, and I was a bookmaker/designer in a past life, but this cover alone deserves an award (just saying).
Nicholas and Erik, who tell their story in alternating perspectives, belong together. Despite peer pressures at school, parental pressures at home, and the pressures they themselves create from their inherited homophobia and lack of self-awareness, this miscast pair, a macho Latino and a guilt-ridden Asian, rise above all currents to survive. Their angst is buffeted by the comedy of their errors, and the light tone of the telling, which offsets their fumbling for identity.
How refreshing to encounter high schoolers in love for the first time who don't have all the answers, and who in the process of figuring out their feelings turn out to be pretty endearing!
Postscript: I never comment on covers, and I was a bookmaker/designer in a past life, but this cover alone deserves an award (just saying).
September 15, 2021
Imagine if Mean Girls had been queer(er). And Nick is Cady/Aaron Samuels. But he falls for Damian (Erik) instead of the popular guy. Mackenzie is the BFF Janis Ian. Andrew is Regina George. You're welcome.
*image credit:
https://toofab.com/2019/06/03/jonatha...
*image credit:
https://toofab.com/2019/06/03/jonatha...
January 13, 2021
I had the pleasure of reading Daryl Leonardo’s drown. It’s a sweet coming of age story about an out of place misfit, Erik, and new boy in town, Nicholas, and the unlikely friendship that flourishes into something complicated and wonderful.
The novel is told from the two perspectives of the main protagonists. Erik’s strict catholic upbringing has him questioning his belief structure as he acknowledges his queer identity. In walks Nicholas who moves into town with his mother following his parents’ divorce. The two boys strike up a friendship that fosters a bond surprisingly deep for the short amount of time they’ve known each other. They quickly learn that efforts in avoiding each other only bring each boy grief and only when they’re together they’re able to learn, grow and test what they believe is right, and what their hearts are telling them is right.
I am so impressed with Leonardo’s ability to immediately have you rooting for Erik and Nicholas. The second you’re introduced to Erik, you’re in his shoes, brought to memories of high school where every step you made seemed uncertain and everyone around you had it so much more put together than you. Nicholas is THAT guy. The one you knew in high school that had your heart the second you met him. He’s funny, smart, kind and any affection you received from him during the day would have you fondly replaying the encounter over and over again once you were home.
Drown is a novel that I wish 14 year old me had. Like Erik, growing up as a Filipino-American queer kid had its troubles. Leonardo chronicled a gay coming of age experience any second generation immigrant child could relate to. Whether or not your coming out was severe, the idea of reconciling your faith, your family and your feelings is never an easy feat. Leonardo writes a true, gritty and heartbreaking scene that will hit home with so many.
I fully recommend you pick up drown by Daryl Leonardo!
April 5, 2021
Wow. I finished the book last night and it’s hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read. Breathtaking. The story immediately draws you into to the lives of Erik and Nick. Their love story is rich and deep with lots of twists and turns. And they are written with so much love that you feel like their your friends and you begin to root for them to overcome the challenges facing them as they grow up and become young men. Simply brilliant. A must read for lgbt youth and everyone else still young at heart.
Also find the author on Instagram to see more of Erik and Nicks adorable life after the book. Boop.
Also find the author on Instagram to see more of Erik and Nicks adorable life after the book. Boop.
May 12, 2022
Really good book. Book about a boy who has a crush on his straight best friend. Only to end in them being in love and together. Great story.
January 24, 2021
This book is amazing! Reading the two perspectives between Erik and Nick keeps you wanting to read more to find out what each person thinks of the relationship forming.
The story allows you to form your own thoughts first of the two characters before it dives into their relationship. It gave me the opportunity to root for Erik, Nick, and then Erik and Nick together.
The internal struggles that each character faces are so well described, I was able to relate to some of the problems the characters the faced and the questions they asked themselves. I enjoyed how Leonardo crafted the questions and the different scenarios of the two boys because I felt like it was easy to relate to for those of the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, I related to Erik the most with the struggle of having to discover himself with traditional parents.
I loved how the relationship was developed between the two characters. I felt myself getting frustrated as the relationship developed, but it was also the beauty of seeing the character’s internal struggles as they tried to figure themselves out and grow personally before their relationship was addressed.
This is a great book to add to your shelves and definitely a great read. I loved reading about Erik and Nick and I hope to read more about the two in the future. Congratulations on a great debut novel!
The story allows you to form your own thoughts first of the two characters before it dives into their relationship. It gave me the opportunity to root for Erik, Nick, and then Erik and Nick together.
The internal struggles that each character faces are so well described, I was able to relate to some of the problems the characters the faced and the questions they asked themselves. I enjoyed how Leonardo crafted the questions and the different scenarios of the two boys because I felt like it was easy to relate to for those of the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, I related to Erik the most with the struggle of having to discover himself with traditional parents.
I loved how the relationship was developed between the two characters. I felt myself getting frustrated as the relationship developed, but it was also the beauty of seeing the character’s internal struggles as they tried to figure themselves out and grow personally before their relationship was addressed.
This is a great book to add to your shelves and definitely a great read. I loved reading about Erik and Nick and I hope to read more about the two in the future. Congratulations on a great debut novel!
February 3, 2022
3.25
I had braced myself for what I thought would be the perfect storm of yelling, screaming, and tears. I imagined us arguing about whether or not it was a choice. I imagined them crying hysterically and blaming themselves, as if my faults were caused by something they had done. I imagined them scolding me for entertaining the idea of homosexuality. But no. None of that came. Instead, what I got was far worse: They left me alone.
In drown, we follow two boys through their sexual awakening. Erik is just trying to work on a biology project when his classmate, hotshot athlete Andrew, gropes him and startles Erik into the realization that, despite his strict Catholic upbringing, he may actually have a thing for guys. Meanwhile, half a state away, Nick is supposed to lose his v-card to his girlfriend, but is unable to ... rise to the occasion. When Nick's parents separate and he chooses his mom, the boys are introduced and quickly form a fast friendship ... which quickly escalates into more. But with Nick in denial as to his sexuality and Erik's unsupportive parents, what choice does one have but to drown?
Leonardo did a great job of building the relationships and portraying the giddiness of the beginning of texting and hanging out with your crush. His portrayal of emotions and identity were genuinely excellent. I love that he addressed Erik's feeling of dysphoria without diving too deeply into it, leaving the reader to wonder if it was genuine dissatisfaction with his gender or brought about by Catholic shame. Their parental relationships were well fleshed out and seemed to genuinely portray parents who cared very much and very differently in regards to one another. The helpless misery of feeling powerless in a relationship where you care more than the other person does was so accurate that I physically felt it in my chest.
And maybe that's why I didn't love it: The powerlessness and the loneliness of it all. The way Erik, essentially, loses everything over it. Because, quite frankly, Nick is toxic. He drives a wedge between Erik and Mackenzie, then says he can't decide how he feels about Erik himself, leaving Erik feeling utterly isolated. Mackenzie isn't speaking to him. He can't open up to his parents. Nick is telling him they're just friends. The bullies have gotten hold of the fact that Erik is gay. And, in his moment of need, after all he's done to make Nick feel good and cared for, he is told that it was all a mistake. He isn't comforted. He isn't fought for. He isn't told sweet nothings. He is, essentially, abandoned when he needs Nick the most. But then Nick makes his decision and everything is suddenly okay.
I felt like this was Erik's story, or maybe both Erik and Nick's, but in the end, it was really only Nick's story. And, boy, was that a letdown.
I had braced myself for what I thought would be the perfect storm of yelling, screaming, and tears. I imagined us arguing about whether or not it was a choice. I imagined them crying hysterically and blaming themselves, as if my faults were caused by something they had done. I imagined them scolding me for entertaining the idea of homosexuality. But no. None of that came. Instead, what I got was far worse: They left me alone.
In drown, we follow two boys through their sexual awakening. Erik is just trying to work on a biology project when his classmate, hotshot athlete Andrew, gropes him and startles Erik into the realization that, despite his strict Catholic upbringing, he may actually have a thing for guys. Meanwhile, half a state away, Nick is supposed to lose his v-card to his girlfriend, but is unable to ... rise to the occasion. When Nick's parents separate and he chooses his mom, the boys are introduced and quickly form a fast friendship ... which quickly escalates into more. But with Nick in denial as to his sexuality and Erik's unsupportive parents, what choice does one have but to drown?
Leonardo did a great job of building the relationships and portraying the giddiness of the beginning of texting and hanging out with your crush. His portrayal of emotions and identity were genuinely excellent. I love that he addressed Erik's feeling of dysphoria without diving too deeply into it, leaving the reader to wonder if it was genuine dissatisfaction with his gender or brought about by Catholic shame. Their parental relationships were well fleshed out and seemed to genuinely portray parents who cared very much and very differently in regards to one another. The helpless misery of feeling powerless in a relationship where you care more than the other person does was so accurate that I physically felt it in my chest.
And maybe that's why I didn't love it: The powerlessness and the loneliness of it all. The way Erik, essentially, loses everything over it. Because, quite frankly, Nick is toxic. He drives a wedge between Erik and Mackenzie, then says he can't decide how he feels about Erik himself, leaving Erik feeling utterly isolated. Mackenzie isn't speaking to him. He can't open up to his parents. Nick is telling him they're just friends. The bullies have gotten hold of the fact that Erik is gay. And, in his moment of need, after all he's done to make Nick feel good and cared for, he is told that it was all a mistake. He isn't comforted. He isn't fought for. He isn't told sweet nothings. He is, essentially, abandoned when he needs Nick the most. But then Nick makes his decision and everything is suddenly okay.
I felt like this was Erik's story, or maybe both Erik and Nick's, but in the end, it was really only Nick's story. And, boy, was that a letdown.
June 27, 2021
I don’t know if the author reads these, but I hope so, because although I have read several hundreds of books using kindle, only a handful will stick in my memory as such a great return on the investment of time and such a rewarding, enjoyable experience. It is an awesomely well-composed story that I find myself wondering the same thing that one of the main characters thought towards the end, that some things, events, people, feelings come to you and yours when you most need them. Thank you,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2022
One of the best books out there about coming to terms with who you are, told in a simple yet insightful way. Can’t believe this is the author’s first book.
September 18, 2022
Nice to read a YA M-M romance from two Asian MC perspectives. It a little overwrought in places and I wondered if there was all that much difference between falling for Nick and Andrew; however annoyed me to no end. So 3 stars overall for a generally enjoyable read.
June 6, 2021
I loved this book. I started around 11 am and finished it just now after three short sittings.
Short and sweet. It reminded me a lot of one of my favorite books of all time, Eleanor and Park- only if park was interested in men. Funny and realistic dialogue made this an easy read. It ended and my first thought was “aw crap, now what?”
I’m really sad that this is the authors first book and so hopeful that he might have other stories coming our way.
Short and sweet. It reminded me a lot of one of my favorite books of all time, Eleanor and Park- only if park was interested in men. Funny and realistic dialogue made this an easy read. It ended and my first thought was “aw crap, now what?”
I’m really sad that this is the authors first book and so hopeful that he might have other stories coming our way.
November 15, 2021
Love love love this book!
What a great read! Easily the best love story of the year! For me it was the novel to be strongly recommended! I love the heroes and heroines of this fantastic book: Erik, Nicholas, and Mackenzie! I was totally enamored by this epic story about teenage love and coming of age love story! Love love this book!
What a great read! Easily the best love story of the year! For me it was the novel to be strongly recommended! I love the heroes and heroines of this fantastic book: Erik, Nicholas, and Mackenzie! I was totally enamored by this epic story about teenage love and coming of age love story! Love love this book!
December 31, 2021
Easy going, enjoyable boy love story.
I just read this book and I really liked it!
I just read this book and I really liked it!
March 29, 2022
First read for this author.
I will now be looking for other books by this author. Daryl did an amazing job of writing a captivating story. Eric and Nicolas are so alive in this story and you find yourself caught up in their relationship. There is a truth told in this story, what is it with labels, why can’t it just be that love is love. I found myself agreeing a lot with the thoughts both boys had, because they are real thoughts that all of us have had. Great read. I hope you enjoy it too.
I will now be looking for other books by this author. Daryl did an amazing job of writing a captivating story. Eric and Nicolas are so alive in this story and you find yourself caught up in their relationship. There is a truth told in this story, what is it with labels, why can’t it just be that love is love. I found myself agreeing a lot with the thoughts both boys had, because they are real thoughts that all of us have had. Great read. I hope you enjoy it too.
October 14, 2022
Wonderful Characters and Story
This is one of the most enjoyable YA M/M books I've ever read. During the several day process of reading it I found myself thinking and worrying about the characters as if they were real people. I couldn't stop thinking about Nicholas and his dad. Couldn't stop thinking about MacKenzie. And mostly, I wanted dear Erik and thoughtful Nicholas to come together as a couple, overcoming the many obstacles. There are moments of tense suspense. There are moments readers will be angry. But readers can't help but root for our boys and the love they feel for each other.
This is one of the most enjoyable YA M/M books I've ever read. During the several day process of reading it I found myself thinking and worrying about the characters as if they were real people. I couldn't stop thinking about Nicholas and his dad. Couldn't stop thinking about MacKenzie. And mostly, I wanted dear Erik and thoughtful Nicholas to come together as a couple, overcoming the many obstacles. There are moments of tense suspense. There are moments readers will be angry. But readers can't help but root for our boys and the love they feel for each other.
February 17, 2023
Great book! a must read
This was a cute book. I don’t usually leave reviews, but I felt the need for this book. It was an enjoyable book to read and so well written. I loved how the story was told from two perspectives, Erik and Nicholas. I would say the last half of the book I couldn’t put down. I had to know what was going to happen next. Anyways, for those who haven’t read the book, I highly recommend. Five stars. I look forward to reading book 2 next.
This was a cute book. I don’t usually leave reviews, but I felt the need for this book. It was an enjoyable book to read and so well written. I loved how the story was told from two perspectives, Erik and Nicholas. I would say the last half of the book I couldn’t put down. I had to know what was going to happen next. Anyways, for those who haven’t read the book, I highly recommend. Five stars. I look forward to reading book 2 next.
May 27, 2022
A very good read
I am an incurable romantic, so if course I cried in the last couple of chapters, for several reasons. I won't go into detail because I don't want to deminish anyone's enjoyment of this book. Buy it, read it. It's really very good.
I am an incurable romantic, so if course I cried in the last couple of chapters, for several reasons. I won't go into detail because I don't want to deminish anyone's enjoyment of this book. Buy it, read it. It's really very good.
June 28, 2022
This isn’t the typical novel I’d read but absolutely love it! The characters are relatable in every sense and saw myself in Erik—shy, timid, etc. I loved reading every second of this book and would suggest it for someone looking for an amazing read/lgbtq romance.
February 14, 2023
TEARS
I’ve cried so many tears over this book. Honestly, I’m still crying. It’s so relatable and so beautifully written. Well done
I’ve cried so many tears over this book. Honestly, I’m still crying. It’s so relatable and so beautifully written. Well done
November 19, 2021
Drown is a good book. The writing is tight and consistent. There are great and memorable sentences. I liked Mackenzie a lot. She is a stereotype through and through. One only needs to think of the My So Called Life sidekick girl and picture her here.
I thought Nick was way more honest about his confusion and open about how he was manipulative and knew it, but just like everyone else who fell for his charms and looks, so did i. There was meat there.
I can’t say I liked Erik. I felt bad for his religious based inner turmoil. His parents bothered me too. But a character who cries in every scene is more annoying than likeable.
I’ll tell you that my biggest problem is the main message behind the dramatic pool scene at the end of the book. It is a horrible parable. Read my spoiler and agree or disagree with my thoughts on the probable suicide attempt.
I am glad Nick figures it out and Erik can finally have some peace and love.
I thought Nick was way more honest about his confusion and open about how he was manipulative and knew it, but just like everyone else who fell for his charms and looks, so did i. There was meat there.
I can’t say I liked Erik. I felt bad for his religious based inner turmoil. His parents bothered me too. But a character who cries in every scene is more annoying than likeable.
I’ll tell you that my biggest problem is the main message behind the dramatic pool scene at the end of the book. It is a horrible parable. Read my spoiler and agree or disagree with my thoughts on the probable suicide attempt.
I am glad Nick figures it out and Erik can finally have some peace and love.
May 23, 2021
An emotional coming of age story
Nick and Erik could step off the page, they felt so realistic. I have a bias against 1st person books, but Daryl Leonardo executed both of their voices so authentically (and distinctly) that I totally forgot an author was behind the story. I really enjoyed the writing style, and I read the whole book in one evening. This is a romantic book, but it's also a fantastic slice of life story for two young men at particularly challenging parts of their youth. Some possible deal breakers for other readers: there is both profanity and gay slurs in the book (IMO, it's used judiciously, realistic for the characters and highlighting particularly fraught moments); Catholicism plays a major role in the story (Erik is deeply religious and we see both the good and the bad sides of the church for him) and Erik interprets a pivotal moment as divine intervention; there are some very explicit passages (again, IMO, they are in keeping with teenage boys exploring their sexuality and appear because they are important for character development, but if this were a show be aware it would have an R rating). Overall, I thought it was a touching, realistic, and sometimes intense, sometimes light novel that I would highly recommend.
Nick and Erik could step off the page, they felt so realistic. I have a bias against 1st person books, but Daryl Leonardo executed both of their voices so authentically (and distinctly) that I totally forgot an author was behind the story. I really enjoyed the writing style, and I read the whole book in one evening. This is a romantic book, but it's also a fantastic slice of life story for two young men at particularly challenging parts of their youth. Some possible deal breakers for other readers: there is both profanity and gay slurs in the book (IMO, it's used judiciously, realistic for the characters and highlighting particularly fraught moments); Catholicism plays a major role in the story (Erik is deeply religious and we see both the good and the bad sides of the church for him) and Erik interprets a pivotal moment as divine intervention; there are some very explicit passages (again, IMO, they are in keeping with teenage boys exploring their sexuality and appear because they are important for character development, but if this were a show be aware it would have an R rating). Overall, I thought it was a touching, realistic, and sometimes intense, sometimes light novel that I would highly recommend.
January 25, 2021
Many people love enemies-to-lovers, but I prefer friends-to-lovers, because you get to see the characters spending time together, getting to know each other slowly, and being all kinds of cute. That's exactly why "drown" sucked me in. This story is told through alternating perspectives of Erik and Nicholas. Alternating voices can be hard to pull off, but Daryl Leonardo does it effortlessly. He really understands these two characters and writes their unique personalities and struggles very well. Erik is a shy, awkward guy who struggles with the weight of his family and religion's expectations as he starts to realize he's gay. Nicholas is a charismatic, free spirit with an awesome girlfriend, but he doesn't understand why he's not sexually excited by her. As Nicholas's familial world begins to crumble, he leans into his new friendships with Erik and Mackenzie. This book definitely has good slow burn, angsty qualities. And if you love the characters as much as I do, you'll be happy to know Daryl has an ongoing comic series on his Instagram (@erikandnickinlove).
July 12, 2021
Its good with a good end
This book was good enough to make me read it day and night until I finished it. Because it’s a good story, no doubt about it.
Erik is a sweet, kind guy who it’s hard not to like. Nick is a bit more complex. He is nice and likable but also very selfish, but hey, he knows he is.
Erik’s constant guilt and constant questioning of his actions when not describing them as wrong and sinful becomes very tiring. It’s explained as a catholic thing and I wouldn’t know being absolutely non religious. Also the dream being told in all detail every time could have been skipped after first times.
All in all though I think it’s a book well worth the time.
This book was good enough to make me read it day and night until I finished it. Because it’s a good story, no doubt about it.
Erik is a sweet, kind guy who it’s hard not to like. Nick is a bit more complex. He is nice and likable but also very selfish, but hey, he knows he is.
Erik’s constant guilt and constant questioning of his actions when not describing them as wrong and sinful becomes very tiring. It’s explained as a catholic thing and I wouldn’t know being absolutely non religious. Also the dream being told in all detail every time could have been skipped after first times.
All in all though I think it’s a book well worth the time.
July 7, 2021
I received this book through an Instagram giveaway a few months ago and was absolutely blown away! Daryl Leonardo is an extremely gifted author. He does an excellent job at developing his characters and making them come to life. Once I started Drown it was impossible for me to put it down! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has ever struggled with their sexuality (or to anyone who enjoys a good romance novel). Overall, this book is incredibly well written and is sure to take your breath away!
September 8, 2021
Almost, but not quite
There were a lot of things I liked about this book, but it just didn’t connect for me. The characters were pretty superficial and not likable at all (except for Erik). The side characters don’t feel authentic, either. The story dragged on a bit toward the end. The big lightbulb moment came at the expense of someone being hurt. What I did like was the overall plot, the characters learning new things about themselves and the diverse cast. It started out good, but didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
There were a lot of things I liked about this book, but it just didn’t connect for me. The characters were pretty superficial and not likable at all (except for Erik). The side characters don’t feel authentic, either. The story dragged on a bit toward the end. The big lightbulb moment came at the expense of someone being hurt. What I did like was the overall plot, the characters learning new things about themselves and the diverse cast. It started out good, but didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
November 15, 2022
Worth Every Word
I really enjoyed this read. I’d bet that anyone who reads this would find it relatable. For me, it harkens back to all of my unrequited loves. It’s tough being a homosexual teen. That invisible line between honest friendship and romance can cause so much torment for a young person who cannot help but ride the line, yet knows it can never be crossed. But, maybe, sometimes, as natural as can be, that line falters and dissipates and a new journey begins. Still friends but more, so much more.
I really enjoyed this read. I’d bet that anyone who reads this would find it relatable. For me, it harkens back to all of my unrequited loves. It’s tough being a homosexual teen. That invisible line between honest friendship and romance can cause so much torment for a young person who cannot help but ride the line, yet knows it can never be crossed. But, maybe, sometimes, as natural as can be, that line falters and dissipates and a new journey begins. Still friends but more, so much more.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 51 reviews