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Love Story Universe
This Is Not a Love Story
When fifteen-year-old Romeo's mother leaves one day and doesn't return, he finds himself homeless and trying to survive on the streets. Mute and terrified, his silence makes him vulnerable, and one night he is beaten by a gang of other kids, only to be rescued by a boy who pledges to take care of him.
Julian is barely two years older than Romeo. A runaway from an abusive home, he has had to make some difficult choices and sells himself on the street to survive. Taking care of Romeo changes him, gives him a purpose in life, gives him hope, and he tries to be strong and keep his troubles with drugs behind him. But living as they do is slowly destroying him, and he begins to doubt he can be strong enough.
This is the story of their struggle to find a way off the streets and stay together at all costs. But when events threaten to tear them apart, it is Romeo who must find the strength within himself to help Julian (and not let their love story turn into a Shakespearean tragedy).
Julian is barely two years older than Romeo. A runaway from an abusive home, he has had to make some difficult choices and sells himself on the street to survive. Taking care of Romeo changes him, gives him a purpose in life, gives him hope, and he tries to be strong and keep his troubles with drugs behind him. But living as they do is slowly destroying him, and he begins to doubt he can be strong enough.
This is the story of their struggle to find a way off the streets and stay together at all costs. But when events threaten to tear them apart, it is Romeo who must find the strength within himself to help Julian (and not let their love story turn into a Shakespearean tragedy).
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 22, 2014
98 people are currently reading
4061 people want to read
About the author
Suki Fleet
33 books682 followersAbout the author:
Suki Fleet is an award winning author, a prolific Reader (though less prolific than they'd like), and a lover of angst, romance and unexpected love stories.
They write lyrical stories about memorable characters and believe everyone should have a chance at a happy ending.
Their first novel This is Not a Love Story won Best Gay Debut in the 2014 Rainbow Awards, and was a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Awards. Their novel Foxes won Best Gay Young Adult in the 2016 Rainbow Awards.
If you’d like to offer your support and buy Suki Fleet a coffee you can do that here: https://ko-fi.com/sukifleet
If you would like info on upcoming releases and the occasional free story, please sign up to Suki’s newsletter: https://sukifleet.wordpress.com/newsl...
If you’re interested in reading first drafts of Suki’s new stories, or reading stories that are no longer available or cuts that can’t be published on Amazon, and other extras, please consider signing up to Suki’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sukifleet
Suki Fleet is an award winning author, a prolific Reader (though less prolific than they'd like), and a lover of angst, romance and unexpected love stories.
They write lyrical stories about memorable characters and believe everyone should have a chance at a happy ending.
Their first novel This is Not a Love Story won Best Gay Debut in the 2014 Rainbow Awards, and was a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Awards. Their novel Foxes won Best Gay Young Adult in the 2016 Rainbow Awards.
If you’d like to offer your support and buy Suki Fleet a coffee you can do that here: https://ko-fi.com/sukifleet
If you would like info on upcoming releases and the occasional free story, please sign up to Suki’s newsletter: https://sukifleet.wordpress.com/newsl...
If you’re interested in reading first drafts of Suki’s new stories, or reading stories that are no longer available or cuts that can’t be published on Amazon, and other extras, please consider signing up to Suki’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sukifleet
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
January 20, 2023
I’m damn exhausted.
This book was about misery and pain, a complete train wreck of emotions. I took a few naps in between to forget what I was reading and recuperate, only to start crying immediately after picking it back up. 97% of it was angst and pain, and 3% was love and hope.
To say that Suki Fleet left me an emotional mess would be an understatement. We’re thrown into the sad reality of two broken boys as they find ways to continue living despite being homeless. Page after page, chapter after chapter, quote after quote—nothing but suffering.
This is a YA book, but it’s not your traditional, standard young adult novel. The story is true—This is not a love story. It’s a story of survival, loss, guilt, and trauma; it’s a story of losing hope, will, and courage. Underneath is a story of two boys depending on each other and their love, but there are more things to overcome, not just their passion. While the title is This is Not a Love Story, part of it is true, as it’s not a YA story where two characters fall in love, showing us the progress of their relationship developing. It’s a little different than usual YA stories, a little more graphic in the romance section, but the writing depicts the audience level. Still, it’s real and painful.
One thing I find completely necessary in a book featuring sad themes, like abuse, neglect, mental health, poverty, etc., is authenticity, and TiNaLS has it. I don’t know what it’s like being homeless, and I don’t want to. But Suki Fleet makes you feel it, and there is power in this type of writing. Romeo and Julian, at 15 and 17, are two homeless teenagers, fending for themselves, surviving through the most horrible ways. The two have hardly any hope, and the only thing they have is each other. There is need, agony, reassurance, and dependency between them to the point where they are each other’s other half. Fleet’s writing is felt. There is nothing but sadness in it, with some hopeful statements sprinkled and later consumed by the harsh reality of what their characters are dealing with. It’s not as beautiful as others described it (at least to me), but it was still emotional, gripping, and wholly captivating; raw and powerful; tender and sorrowful; agonizing, miserable, and honest; immersive and imaginative.
Romeo and Julian are dealing with a lot, and the two have almost zero hope. When you think something good is coming out of it, the author punches you. Again, and again, and again. The cycle is repetitive, almost never-ending, and the two characters can’t catch a break. In all honesty, despite the unbearable feeling this book left me with, I appreciate the natural response it gave. Too often, YA books have the same themes, especially in romance—bullying, insecurity/self-esteem, young “puppy” love, and parental neglect. While the themes are common, especially in young adults, homelessness and poverty are uncommon when we think about them. While many of us (fortunately) don’t know what it’s like to be in a position like Romeo and Julian’s, being aware of their survival and guilt is freeing. Freeing because we know we won’t be expediting that. Freeing because we know we don’t have to worry. Being inside Romeo’s head and having his point of view was exhausting. Suffering is all he comes to know, and that’s the only way we meet him. His decisions and thoughts are frustrating and annoying. He makes choices you wish he didn’t make. Yet they make sense. Along with Julian, there was only so much they could do.
The two have different coping mechanisms—Romeo wants nothing but Julian. At this point, his dependency lies on Julian. He lives and breathes Julian as the 15-year-old that he is. He’s a mix of teenager angst and hormonal imbalance, having rash thoughts that don’t make sense in his current state. But you must remember: He’s a teenager. His life is on the brink of death. It’s about survival or death, and his only thoughts are on Julian: Julian surviving, Julian making it through, Julian being okay. Everything Romeo has come to love and do is for Julian. His thoughts are annoying, and I can only applaud Fleet for writing his character the way they did because it was frustratingly accurate. When I say I want authenticity in writing, this is what I mean. Their characters are authentic, unique, and genuine, a blend of reality with their mix of fiction, yet still kept to real-life problems. On the other hand, Julian adapts differently. His concern is Romeo and Romeo first, so he uses his body to make ends meet, giving up on himself for his sake and Romeo’s. He’s like an older brother, a caretaking one, but not a reflection of a brother itself. His feelings for Romeo aren’t unanswered and confusing, but with their current situation, there’s a necessary push-and-pull relationship.
What I loved about this is how natural it all was, embedded in angst that wasn’t just for the sake of it. Every decision, thought, and feeling of our two boys was used to provoke emotion, yet there was no force in them. The way they yearn and long for each other is how the reader also feels for them. It was beautiful and sad, a reflection of the story for depicting a broken tragedy. The book isn’t a traditional romance, and the romance between the two young men isn’t the main priority. There is no “relationship development,” more like the two are together. However, their journey isn’t easy, uplifting, hopeful, or loving. There are decisions they make that make it more challenging to live. Because of their situation, being together, in general, is difficult.
The boys don’t catch a break until the end. Until the 97% mark, we see them fulfill desires they didn’t want, crawl their way to each other, and find different ways to make ends meet, even if it costs their life.
The book is brutal and not easy. The HEA is hard-earned and is not entirely hopeful. It’s bittersweet, but it felt enough for the story. It’s aching and longing, especially with the two characters distributing those same emotions. There are drugs, rape, sexual abuse, death, and more. The author shows the harsh reality of poverty, and through the lens of our teenage main character, we feel a mix of emotions—anger, sadness, hope, and love. There are misunderstandings, conflicts made through lack of communication, unfortunate circumstances, and constant decision-making that you wish you could change.
This is Not a Love Story is precisely that—a love story that is not a love story. Boys are taken away from their life; boys become immune to stimulation; boys give up themselves for survival. Romeo only wants Julian by his side; no one and nothing else matters. All I wanted was for the two to find peace together, and while that peace is eventually going and given, it is not easy. It’s not entirely hopeful, as it can be changed and taken away in a heartbeat, but to know that Romeo and Julian are left alone in the end, is the only reassurance I need. I can only imagine the rest in my head and hope for the best. Yet, despite all this, I can’t help but feel like the epilogue was a little unexpected. While I’m glad for it, it felt rushed, as if we suddenly washed away everything the two boys went through. Of course, this is my interpretation, as epilogues usually occur weeks or months later. Regardless, I would have liked a little bit more dialogue.
In the end, I’m glad I finally got around to an SK book. I’ve wanted to read a book by them since I started reading MM in 2021, so while I am a little upset it took me this long, I’m glad I finally did. I’m starting the sequel now, hopeful of Crash and his HEA.
I think about what Cassey said, about needing hope, needing something to hold on to, and I begin to question deeply what I really want. When each day is a struggle to survive, you don’t think too much about the future. It’s no sure thing. Everyone wants to get off the streets, get a job, be one of them, cross the divide. We just don’t know how to do it. That life is separated from us by a wall of glass we’re not strong enough to break through and we can’t get a purchase on to climb over.
This book was about misery and pain, a complete train wreck of emotions. I took a few naps in between to forget what I was reading and recuperate, only to start crying immediately after picking it back up. 97% of it was angst and pain, and 3% was love and hope.
To say that Suki Fleet left me an emotional mess would be an understatement. We’re thrown into the sad reality of two broken boys as they find ways to continue living despite being homeless. Page after page, chapter after chapter, quote after quote—nothing but suffering.
This is a YA book, but it’s not your traditional, standard young adult novel. The story is true—This is not a love story. It’s a story of survival, loss, guilt, and trauma; it’s a story of losing hope, will, and courage. Underneath is a story of two boys depending on each other and their love, but there are more things to overcome, not just their passion. While the title is This is Not a Love Story, part of it is true, as it’s not a YA story where two characters fall in love, showing us the progress of their relationship developing. It’s a little different than usual YA stories, a little more graphic in the romance section, but the writing depicts the audience level. Still, it’s real and painful.
People let you down. It’s just what they do.
One thing I find completely necessary in a book featuring sad themes, like abuse, neglect, mental health, poverty, etc., is authenticity, and TiNaLS has it. I don’t know what it’s like being homeless, and I don’t want to. But Suki Fleet makes you feel it, and there is power in this type of writing. Romeo and Julian, at 15 and 17, are two homeless teenagers, fending for themselves, surviving through the most horrible ways. The two have hardly any hope, and the only thing they have is each other. There is need, agony, reassurance, and dependency between them to the point where they are each other’s other half. Fleet’s writing is felt. There is nothing but sadness in it, with some hopeful statements sprinkled and later consumed by the harsh reality of what their characters are dealing with. It’s not as beautiful as others described it (at least to me), but it was still emotional, gripping, and wholly captivating; raw and powerful; tender and sorrowful; agonizing, miserable, and honest; immersive and imaginative.
Romeo and Julian are dealing with a lot, and the two have almost zero hope. When you think something good is coming out of it, the author punches you. Again, and again, and again. The cycle is repetitive, almost never-ending, and the two characters can’t catch a break. In all honesty, despite the unbearable feeling this book left me with, I appreciate the natural response it gave. Too often, YA books have the same themes, especially in romance—bullying, insecurity/self-esteem, young “puppy” love, and parental neglect. While the themes are common, especially in young adults, homelessness and poverty are uncommon when we think about them. While many of us (fortunately) don’t know what it’s like to be in a position like Romeo and Julian’s, being aware of their survival and guilt is freeing. Freeing because we know we won’t be expediting that. Freeing because we know we don’t have to worry. Being inside Romeo’s head and having his point of view was exhausting. Suffering is all he comes to know, and that’s the only way we meet him. His decisions and thoughts are frustrating and annoying. He makes choices you wish he didn’t make. Yet they make sense. Along with Julian, there was only so much they could do.
The two have different coping mechanisms—Romeo wants nothing but Julian. At this point, his dependency lies on Julian. He lives and breathes Julian as the 15-year-old that he is. He’s a mix of teenager angst and hormonal imbalance, having rash thoughts that don’t make sense in his current state. But you must remember: He’s a teenager. His life is on the brink of death. It’s about survival or death, and his only thoughts are on Julian: Julian surviving, Julian making it through, Julian being okay. Everything Romeo has come to love and do is for Julian. His thoughts are annoying, and I can only applaud Fleet for writing his character the way they did because it was frustratingly accurate. When I say I want authenticity in writing, this is what I mean. Their characters are authentic, unique, and genuine, a blend of reality with their mix of fiction, yet still kept to real-life problems. On the other hand, Julian adapts differently. His concern is Romeo and Romeo first, so he uses his body to make ends meet, giving up on himself for his sake and Romeo’s. He’s like an older brother, a caretaking one, but not a reflection of a brother itself. His feelings for Romeo aren’t unanswered and confusing, but with their current situation, there’s a necessary push-and-pull relationship.
What I loved about this is how natural it all was, embedded in angst that wasn’t just for the sake of it. Every decision, thought, and feeling of our two boys was used to provoke emotion, yet there was no force in them. The way they yearn and long for each other is how the reader also feels for them. It was beautiful and sad, a reflection of the story for depicting a broken tragedy. The book isn’t a traditional romance, and the romance between the two young men isn’t the main priority. There is no “relationship development,” more like the two are together. However, their journey isn’t easy, uplifting, hopeful, or loving. There are decisions they make that make it more challenging to live. Because of their situation, being together, in general, is difficult.
I wonder at which point you begin to lose your pride. At which point you will beg for any help you can get. At which point you will lie down in the street and hope that someone will stop instead of step over you.
The boys don’t catch a break until the end. Until the 97% mark, we see them fulfill desires they didn’t want, crawl their way to each other, and find different ways to make ends meet, even if it costs their life.
The book is brutal and not easy. The HEA is hard-earned and is not entirely hopeful. It’s bittersweet, but it felt enough for the story. It’s aching and longing, especially with the two characters distributing those same emotions. There are drugs, rape, sexual abuse, death, and more. The author shows the harsh reality of poverty, and through the lens of our teenage main character, we feel a mix of emotions—anger, sadness, hope, and love. There are misunderstandings, conflicts made through lack of communication, unfortunate circumstances, and constant decision-making that you wish you could change.
This is Not a Love Story is precisely that—a love story that is not a love story. Boys are taken away from their life; boys become immune to stimulation; boys give up themselves for survival. Romeo only wants Julian by his side; no one and nothing else matters. All I wanted was for the two to find peace together, and while that peace is eventually going and given, it is not easy. It’s not entirely hopeful, as it can be changed and taken away in a heartbeat, but to know that Romeo and Julian are left alone in the end, is the only reassurance I need. I can only imagine the rest in my head and hope for the best. Yet, despite all this, I can’t help but feel like the epilogue was a little unexpected. While I’m glad for it, it felt rushed, as if we suddenly washed away everything the two boys went through. Of course, this is my interpretation, as epilogues usually occur weeks or months later. Regardless, I would have liked a little bit more dialogue.
In the end, I’m glad I finally got around to an SK book. I’ve wanted to read a book by them since I started reading MM in 2021, so while I am a little upset it took me this long, I’m glad I finally did. I’m starting the sequel now, hopeful of Crash and his HEA.
But no matter how hard I try to hold on to the sensation, stay afloat on the fucking wings of it, I know it’s going to pass—the bath will get cold, we will sleep curled round one another on the hard back-room floor, we will fuck ’til we’re sore and aching and undone, and all the mornings will dawn colder and icier, and the streets will be waiting but unable to take what we have away… but they will try… because we are meant to be ephemeral, like the brilliant sparks from a fire shooting up into the dark, we are not meant to last, nothing lasts, one moment always follows another… the good, the bad, the awfully, fantastically ordinary… and in the looping darkness there’s only one thing left to hold on to….
August 3, 2016
Why do I have the feeling that only other authors are reading this book?
Sometimes "LOVE" is too small a word.
Maybe this review doesn't make much sense.
Once I heard that a whole life is necessary to make a man but only takes one war to end him.
War is not always a bunch of battles that destroy the world, sometimes someone has lived too much for his years. Remee and Julian have lived too much. Scars run too deep.
I seriously think Suki Fleet is a liar. This is not a love story? Trust no author. Oh my, if this is not love, I don't know what love is. This book is another dimension of the feeling. I love intimist style in a book. I can't help it, they hold me captive every time I read one. It's the style I find the closest to the heart, I find exploring all the hidden corners in the psyche and soul fascinating and spellbinding. I love exploring the details, the colors, the sounds. It makes me feel part of their lives in a way I can't compare with other stories. With just two lines, I knew this novel would be for me. Tailor-made like the best leather gloves. Hypnotic but angsty, sad but beautiful, desperate but powerful. The kind of book where I see devotion in all its glory. Veneration for one human being at its best. Love could almost be tasted like the sixth flavor after umami. The most alike book I can find is Split. I wish there were more.
And I don't even understand homeless people. Much less teenagers living on the streets. I don't care if I don't agree with the characters, I just need for feel them authentic and consistent and understand them. Here I don't understand, at least in the beginning, but I didn't care about that. It's strange because I agreed with them in all their tormented existence. Ironic, how things change with the right words and perspective.
I'm a sucker for YA books but sometimes I feel there is something missing. Like those teens are in their own bubbles, as they should be. But that bubble is the same environment once and again. School, family, friends, bullying. It's like there were metaphorical blinkers that only allow them to see certain things, like the tip of the ice-berg in a real life. It's not that we should see the whole ice-berg, because nobody achieves that. But I'm watching the same part of that ice-berg again and again and it never occurred to me there could be more pieces. I feel a little like Plato leaving the cave and being blinded by the sun for the first time. No, this book is not philosophical, but makes me so.
I don't like beginning a book with an already stable relationship. We don't see how Remee and Julian meet and we are introduced to them as friends, not lovers. But the feeling is there since forever. Normally I need some pages and several scenes till I am linked with the main character and when the author decides to cut that chance it's risky and even useless. Those who do try to make up for it with flashbacks, which annoys me as the result is not the same at all, since it fades and reaches that vacuous state and sometimes that pretentious streak. It seems like the author is arrogant enough to think you will fall for it and love the story anyway. But when the author does it well, she does it well. Period. She made me care for the characters' lives since the first page, she made me suffer with them and she made me wish their connection to last forever. She made it.
For a story with youth in it, there is too much suffering and too much anguish to consider them just two hardened people with empty stomachs and leathery skin. The sadness drowns everything but Remee and Julian find in each other a little hope, a hope that they are not ended yet, that they still have a chance, a negligible possibility to have a better life because they already have each other, which means their souls are not wasted yet.
The raw reality sucks everything out like a black hole. But strangely it was all full of warmth and then erotism unexpectedly appears in the perfect moments. Those instants were so intimate and touching I stopped feeling like an spectator of the show to become the protagonist. I could sense my mouth was dry and my lungs had problems breathing in. If I could have come out of my body in that exact second, I'm sure my pupils would have expanded hiding the whole color of my eye. I can count with the fingers of one hand the number of times I felt my own blood pounding in my ears, and that scene is one of those.
As a proper love story, it revolves around Remee and Julian. But people are not islands, so lots of characters' paths cross with their own, showing miseries and sadness in a way or another, but also true beauty and generosity. Some of them were despicable, but mostly they gave away a piece of goodness in a city that doesn't welcome outcasts. I can't shake it that we have a concept of poverty that is far away from us. We westernized people think hungry and cold and scarcity don't happen that close, but this reality exists.
Some of those secondary characters are worth being mentioned. I liked Crash a lot. He's deaf and a believable one (I have a long story with deaf characters in books, I'm not going to dwell on it right now). It was funny because Remee is mute, so when they are together Remee hears, translates to Crash, and Crash speaks. It sounds like a bad joke, to the point that I even expected the blind person to appear, but he didn't. It just shows that although the dramatic flair rules, you can find amusing situations to keep you above water. And then we have Pasha, the selfless Russian kid, and that enigmatic person who keeps posting Remee's photo in the streets. We can't forget Gem and even less, Cassey. I was angry at Cassey sometimes, as she helps Remee and Julian but not enough for me. Still, she does more than anybody else does for them, so I'm not being fair with her. There is kindness out there.
The ending is perfect. I feared during the whole story there would be no HEA, and I was going to be content with anything that wouldn't end up in separate ways or a death. I didn't expect such beauty. There is an epilogue, and I really hate those, as they spoil the whole story with a super sappy scene I regret reading. But here that only page was so amazing and so special I'm at a loss for words. Julian and Remee, I'm at a loss for words.
Sometimes "LOVE" is too small a word.
Maybe this review doesn't make much sense.
Once I heard that a whole life is necessary to make a man but only takes one war to end him.
War is not always a bunch of battles that destroy the world, sometimes someone has lived too much for his years. Remee and Julian have lived too much. Scars run too deep.
I seriously think Suki Fleet is a liar. This is not a love story? Trust no author. Oh my, if this is not love, I don't know what love is. This book is another dimension of the feeling. I love intimist style in a book. I can't help it, they hold me captive every time I read one. It's the style I find the closest to the heart, I find exploring all the hidden corners in the psyche and soul fascinating and spellbinding. I love exploring the details, the colors, the sounds. It makes me feel part of their lives in a way I can't compare with other stories. With just two lines, I knew this novel would be for me. Tailor-made like the best leather gloves. Hypnotic but angsty, sad but beautiful, desperate but powerful. The kind of book where I see devotion in all its glory. Veneration for one human being at its best. Love could almost be tasted like the sixth flavor after umami. The most alike book I can find is Split. I wish there were more.
And I don't even understand homeless people. Much less teenagers living on the streets. I don't care if I don't agree with the characters, I just need for feel them authentic and consistent and understand them. Here I don't understand, at least in the beginning, but I didn't care about that. It's strange because I agreed with them in all their tormented existence. Ironic, how things change with the right words and perspective.
I'm a sucker for YA books but sometimes I feel there is something missing. Like those teens are in their own bubbles, as they should be. But that bubble is the same environment once and again. School, family, friends, bullying. It's like there were metaphorical blinkers that only allow them to see certain things, like the tip of the ice-berg in a real life. It's not that we should see the whole ice-berg, because nobody achieves that. But I'm watching the same part of that ice-berg again and again and it never occurred to me there could be more pieces. I feel a little like Plato leaving the cave and being blinded by the sun for the first time. No, this book is not philosophical, but makes me so.
I don't like beginning a book with an already stable relationship. We don't see how Remee and Julian meet and we are introduced to them as friends, not lovers. But the feeling is there since forever. Normally I need some pages and several scenes till I am linked with the main character and when the author decides to cut that chance it's risky and even useless. Those who do try to make up for it with flashbacks, which annoys me as the result is not the same at all, since it fades and reaches that vacuous state and sometimes that pretentious streak. It seems like the author is arrogant enough to think you will fall for it and love the story anyway. But when the author does it well, she does it well. Period. She made me care for the characters' lives since the first page, she made me suffer with them and she made me wish their connection to last forever. She made it.
For a story with youth in it, there is too much suffering and too much anguish to consider them just two hardened people with empty stomachs and leathery skin. The sadness drowns everything but Remee and Julian find in each other a little hope, a hope that they are not ended yet, that they still have a chance, a negligible possibility to have a better life because they already have each other, which means their souls are not wasted yet.
The raw reality sucks everything out like a black hole. But strangely it was all full of warmth and then erotism unexpectedly appears in the perfect moments. Those instants were so intimate and touching I stopped feeling like an spectator of the show to become the protagonist. I could sense my mouth was dry and my lungs had problems breathing in. If I could have come out of my body in that exact second, I'm sure my pupils would have expanded hiding the whole color of my eye. I can count with the fingers of one hand the number of times I felt my own blood pounding in my ears, and that scene is one of those.
As a proper love story, it revolves around Remee and Julian. But people are not islands, so lots of characters' paths cross with their own, showing miseries and sadness in a way or another, but also true beauty and generosity. Some of them were despicable, but mostly they gave away a piece of goodness in a city that doesn't welcome outcasts. I can't shake it that we have a concept of poverty that is far away from us. We westernized people think hungry and cold and scarcity don't happen that close, but this reality exists.
Some of those secondary characters are worth being mentioned. I liked Crash a lot. He's deaf and a believable one (I have a long story with deaf characters in books, I'm not going to dwell on it right now). It was funny because Remee is mute, so when they are together Remee hears, translates to Crash, and Crash speaks. It sounds like a bad joke, to the point that I even expected the blind person to appear, but he didn't. It just shows that although the dramatic flair rules, you can find amusing situations to keep you above water. And then we have Pasha, the selfless Russian kid, and that enigmatic person who keeps posting Remee's photo in the streets. We can't forget Gem and even less, Cassey. I was angry at Cassey sometimes, as she helps Remee and Julian but not enough for me. Still, she does more than anybody else does for them, so I'm not being fair with her. There is kindness out there.
The ending is perfect. I feared during the whole story there would be no HEA, and I was going to be content with anything that wouldn't end up in separate ways or a death. I didn't expect such beauty. There is an epilogue, and I really hate those, as they spoil the whole story with a super sappy scene I regret reading. But here that only page was so amazing and so special I'm at a loss for words. Julian and Remee, I'm at a loss for words.
September 21, 2015
THIS BOOK!!! THIS BLOODY BOOK!!!
I don't even know what to say. I gave this one 4 stars when I finished but I feel like I want to give it a million stars because I swear I can't stop thinking about this story and about their characters.
This year has sucked a little bit book wise. I have only read a few great books and most of them are just meh so it's great to read something so good from time to time.
First of all, let me tell you the author is a liar. Yes, plain and simple. This is a love story, one of the most beautiful ones I've read in my entire life.
We are meant to be ephemeral, like the brilliant sparks from a fire shooting up into the dark, we are not meant to last, nothing lasts, one moment always follows another... the good, the bad, the awfully, fantastically ordinary... and in the looping darkness there's only one thing left to hold on to
I am not going to lie, this book is not for everyone, but if you think you can deal with homeless teens living a complete nightmare EVERY. SINGLE. DAY pls give this one a try because you won't regret the incredible ride.
And because I don't want to spoil anything for you I'd recommend you to read the blurb only and avoid reviews until you give it a try. I only read a couple reviews from buddies I was sure were not spoiling anything and I am really happy I didn't check any spoilers because it made everything so f@cking real. I swear I wanted to adopt them every single page.
One of the things I loved the most about this book is that is like a reality slap. When you are not in the streets and you have a job and food every day you have no freaking idea of what it means being homeless and the author did an amazing job.
I'll never be able to waste the food in front of me. [...] I know there will always be a part of me that doesn't trust the next meal won't be my last
That sentence made me want to go back in time and kick my teens arse every time I said 'I don't like this meal'
And even though I didn't want to talk about their story I have to say something. I loved the proximity between Romeo and Julian even before they got together. The author has a gift to describe every time they brushed against each other, every time Julian hugged Romeo from behind making Romeo feel his breath. Seriously, I got the chills and butterflies in my stomach every single time.
When you've got nowhere else to go, most people just don't want to know. They'd rather you disappeared so they can pretend yo don't exist
Thanks for the ride, Romeo and Julian. You will ALWAYS have a piece of my heart <3
June 15, 2017
**** 4 Stars ****
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
So, here I was, craving a story to rip my heart out.
Oh man, this was hard. Overwhelming and full of heavy emotional content.
I am not really sure, but I believe this story is fiction?? Anyone who knows the answer, please feel free to butt in. With that in mind, I am a bit stunned of how the author managed to bring so much realism into this story. The author was ruthless. No mercy was spared for us.
The way she built the whole scenario of a person who lives in the street was scary real. I felt the cold in my own skin.
There were loose ends though:
.) Julian was a runaway from an abusive home and I get that. But why did Romeo opt to live in the streets? I didn’t get it. Did I miss something? Why didn’t he give a chance to the system? I understood him not wanting to be away from Julian, the power of love and all… But what about before Julian? I felt this bit of the story a bit murky.
.) Also, I didn’t get why Romeo decided to go back to London after finally reaching Cornwall, the place that inspired and gave him motivation for a new start.
I couldn’t, for the life of me, get in Romeo’s head to make some sense of his attitude. Was he just trying to find a safe place for Julian? A place where he knew if he returned he would find him?
.) Go to a coffee shop, bleeding, and order an English Breakfast after being stabbed. No. Nope. Never.
Is that because I am a girl?
All that said, who really care about those loose ends? Not me, I just needed to register them. I feel that my niggles seem too shallow and small when I think of what this story really represents. I am conscious that in many aspects I am a lucky person, but sometimes, as life goes by, I forget that and complain about little things.
This story pokes you right in a sore place and I, for one, stopped to think about all things I take for granted in life. Things that I don’t even notice I should be thankful and appreciative for on a daily basis, like a roof over my head, food and a bed.
I need to mention the epilogue. The author smashed! There was no way I could hold my tears.
A solid 4 Stars.
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
So, here I was, craving a story to rip my heart out.
Oh man, this was hard. Overwhelming and full of heavy emotional content.
I am not really sure, but I believe this story is fiction?? Anyone who knows the answer, please feel free to butt in. With that in mind, I am a bit stunned of how the author managed to bring so much realism into this story. The author was ruthless. No mercy was spared for us.
The way she built the whole scenario of a person who lives in the street was scary real. I felt the cold in my own skin.
There were loose ends though:
.) Julian was a runaway from an abusive home and I get that. But why did Romeo opt to live in the streets? I didn’t get it. Did I miss something? Why didn’t he give a chance to the system? I understood him not wanting to be away from Julian, the power of love and all… But what about before Julian? I felt this bit of the story a bit murky.
.) Also, I didn’t get why Romeo decided to go back to London after finally reaching Cornwall, the place that inspired and gave him motivation for a new start.
I couldn’t, for the life of me, get in Romeo’s head to make some sense of his attitude. Was he just trying to find a safe place for Julian? A place where he knew if he returned he would find him?
.) Go to a coffee shop, bleeding, and order an English Breakfast after being stabbed. No. Nope. Never.
Is that because I am a girl?
All that said, who really care about those loose ends? Not me, I just needed to register them. I feel that my niggles seem too shallow and small when I think of what this story really represents. I am conscious that in many aspects I am a lucky person, but sometimes, as life goes by, I forget that and complain about little things.
This story pokes you right in a sore place and I, for one, stopped to think about all things I take for granted in life. Things that I don’t even notice I should be thankful and appreciative for on a daily basis, like a roof over my head, food and a bed.
I need to mention the epilogue. The author smashed! There was no way I could hold my tears.
A solid 4 Stars.
May 1, 2017
I must admit that I liked this story quite a bit, as I found it to be both interesting and engaging.
However, as a rule, when I read one of Suki Fleet's stories, I do tend to find myself at odds with her intensely-descriptive writing style.
And it's not even that her books are chock full of lesser-used, $5 words, no. She more often than not will use common, twenty-five cent words, but $47.00 worth of them, which I find completely pulls me out of the story.
As with this book, I had to put it down *twice*, which rarely happens to me, before I was finally able to push through and ultimately finish.
Is her prose poetic and beautiful? Undoubtedly.
Do I find those extra in-depth descriptions utterly distracting and frustrating? Most definitely.
Yes, I do realize this is just my own personal preference, as nearly all of my friends get lost in the words as they wax lyrical about sunsets, cityscapes and the depth of the cold.
For me, not so much. To the point that I really must stop reading for the sake of my own sanity. At least for a while.
Instead, in this story, my very strong preference would have been to use those (many) additional pages to learn more about Julian's backstory, which I found extremely lacking. Plus, more of his history with Gem and Joel would have been amazing.
But the story between Romeo (aka 'Remee') and Julian was stellar and, as the lengthy descriptions tapered off a bit, I was able to focus on the actual events.
Their story was as touching as it was tragic, but I never found it hopeless. Once feelings were divulged, I never doubted their love for one another. Not once.
The one thing that I found a bit odd, however, was that whenever Remee and Julian's feelings turned carnal, all of the tendency to be overly-descriptive simply vanished. *Poof*, like so much smoke, as those scenes were either extremely abbreviated or fade to black.
Regarding the angst, that was never a problem for me with this story. I found it, along with the separations and reunitings, to be necessary for the believability of their truly dire situation.
I do have to admit, though, that when there was yet *another* separation at 99% in the book, I would have seriously throat-punched someone, if it hadn't been for the epilogue, which shows Remee and Julian still together one year later, happier and more complete than ever, living an honest-to-God life together, on their own terms.
Overall, after a few false-starts, I found the story to be a solid 4.25 star winner, with the only drawback being the wordiness that was more frequent toward the beginning.
----------------------------------------------
This is a *FREE* read with Kindle Unlimited membership.
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March 15, 2023
this felt so heartbreakingly real and raw, my heart was hurting for the characters throughout this entire book. they just couldn't catch a break. :( i loved the story telling and imagery the author portrayed in their writing style. it was one of those books i wanted to put down after every few chapters bc of how much it hurt yet it was hard to look away. it had me gripped from beginning to end, but, as much as i love being in pain, you know the angst is heavy when even i need a bit of break after this and suddenly feel like reading something light and happy (the opposite of my usual taste lmao). 😩
August 26, 2016
THIS IS A LOVE STORY
Y ese sería en realidad el resumen del libro, una historia de amor maravillosa.
Julian y Romeo viven en las calles de Londres haciendo todo lo necesario para sobrevivir, es unas condiciones que hace que te duela el corazón al leerlo porque lo peor de todo es que esa es la vida real de algunas personas. Cuando todo se vuelve muy negro, cuando parece que no hay salida, cuando no hay nada que te motive para seguir viviendo, es lo que sienten el uno por el otro lo que les permite no rendirse y seguir luchando. Y es que lo que sienten Romeo y Julian no es amor, va más allá de eso, se pertenecen absolutamente en una relación libre de egoismo con unos sentimientos que no pueden ser más puros
en un escenario que no puede ser más hostil. Pero, igual que es una historia de amor, es también una historia sobre lo bajo que puede caer el ser humano en su relación con el próximo, cómo nos aprovechamos, cómo miramos a otro lado, una historia sobre cómo otros nos permiten mantener la esperanza, y sobre todo una historia sobre no rendirse a pesar de todo lo que te pueda deparar la vida.
Hace dos o tres meses no sabía quién era Suki Fleet, o sabía quién era pero leía los blurb de los libros y nunca me decidía a intentarlo, lo primero que me venía a la cabeza es ¿qué deprimente, no? Y This is a love story tiene momentos tristes, muy tristes, momentos que me han hecho cerrar el libro hasta el día siguiente y llorar como una niña pequeña. Pero, no es deprimente, y no lo es porque a lo largo de las páginas Suki te ofrece un rayo de esperanza que es común en todos sus libros, un rayo de esperanza materializado en el amor de Julian y Romeo, en la fuerza que te da el pensar en la persona amada y el deseo de, si no salvarte tú, salvarla a ella. Lees y lees y quieres dejar el libro, pero de repente Julian hace algo, o Romeo te hace sentir cómo se siente él cuando mira o toca a Julian, y entonces sigues leyendo hasta que eres recompensada y cierras el libro abrazándolo. Con seguridad no será un libro que vaya a releer, demasiados sentimientos, pero, también con seguridad, volveré mil veces a los pasajes que tengo subrayados.
Una de las grandes virtudes de la autora es hacerte sentir verdedera desesperación con las palabras sin caer en lo morboso, para después hacerte sentir una ternura casi insoportable. Le doy cinco estrellas, pero si hubiera 500 se las daría también. Nadie escribe sobre los sentimientos como Suki.
Y ese sería en realidad el resumen del libro, una historia de amor maravillosa.
Julian y Romeo viven en las calles de Londres haciendo todo lo necesario para sobrevivir, es unas condiciones que hace que te duela el corazón al leerlo porque lo peor de todo es que esa es la vida real de algunas personas. Cuando todo se vuelve muy negro, cuando parece que no hay salida, cuando no hay nada que te motive para seguir viviendo, es lo que sienten el uno por el otro lo que les permite no rendirse y seguir luchando. Y es que lo que sienten Romeo y Julian no es amor, va más allá de eso, se pertenecen absolutamente en una relación libre de egoismo con unos sentimientos que no pueden ser más puros
en un escenario que no puede ser más hostil. Pero, igual que es una historia de amor, es también una historia sobre lo bajo que puede caer el ser humano en su relación con el próximo, cómo nos aprovechamos, cómo miramos a otro lado, una historia sobre cómo otros nos permiten mantener la esperanza, y sobre todo una historia sobre no rendirse a pesar de todo lo que te pueda deparar la vida.
Hace dos o tres meses no sabía quién era Suki Fleet, o sabía quién era pero leía los blurb de los libros y nunca me decidía a intentarlo, lo primero que me venía a la cabeza es ¿qué deprimente, no? Y This is a love story tiene momentos tristes, muy tristes, momentos que me han hecho cerrar el libro hasta el día siguiente y llorar como una niña pequeña. Pero, no es deprimente, y no lo es porque a lo largo de las páginas Suki te ofrece un rayo de esperanza que es común en todos sus libros, un rayo de esperanza materializado en el amor de Julian y Romeo, en la fuerza que te da el pensar en la persona amada y el deseo de, si no salvarte tú, salvarla a ella. Lees y lees y quieres dejar el libro, pero de repente Julian hace algo, o Romeo te hace sentir cómo se siente él cuando mira o toca a Julian, y entonces sigues leyendo hasta que eres recompensada y cierras el libro abrazándolo. Con seguridad no será un libro que vaya a releer, demasiados sentimientos, pero, también con seguridad, volveré mil veces a los pasajes que tengo subrayados.
Una de las grandes virtudes de la autora es hacerte sentir verdedera desesperación con las palabras sin caer en lo morboso, para después hacerte sentir una ternura casi insoportable. Le doy cinco estrellas, pero si hubiera 500 se las daría también. Nadie escribe sobre los sentimientos como Suki.
February 23, 2015
Wow.
Ok...I found this book to be overwhelmingly depressing. And it's not because of your typical angst or plot twists. It's just...I have a bit of a soft heart when it comes to homeless teenagers. There's a helplessness there that I can't get past. And it's really really hard reading the realities of what life, and survival, on the streets amounts to for these young people. Not to mention, most of them are in these predicaments because of failures by the adults in their lives. And...now I'm sobbing...
Now the book.
This book was, as you can predict for me, really hard to read. I had deep anxiety EVERY. SINGLE. PAGE. This is not an exaggeration. I was so worried and scared about what these boys would face next. And I didn't want to put it down because I just wanted it all to be read and done with in one sitting...so I wouldn't have to come back to it.
That is NOT to say that this book isn't outstanding and that Suki Fleet, my goodness, isn't really a talented author. Because geez...the writing in this is SO strong. I typically do NOT like 1st person present POV's at all. But I was so engrossed in Romeo's head and heart. The words were real, unapologetic, and relentless.
And the title...well, I disagree. Because it is actually, a love story. It's about a deep love and loyalty and at-all-costs connection between Romeo and Julian, two homeless boys on the streets of London. It's about commitment, care-giving, understanding, protection. It's about fear, hopelessness, hopefulness, and moments of joy whenever they can be found. And it's about fighting for just a sliver of a HEA...and that's about all you're gonna get with this book...maybe a paragraph or two of happy...'ish.
If you've read Sara Alva's Silent, the book has a similar feel and story. Though I'd say this one is even harder to read...the content much grittier and in-your-face.
Ultimately, if your heart can handle the STORY, then you're gonna want to read this for the really good WRITING. If you're a sensitive soul, you may need to pass.
Also...for those that always wonder w/ YA/NA books, no explicit on page sex. But a TON of adult content.
August 12, 2016
DNF at 45%
WOW.
I mean not the same as Susan.
I mean WOW for all readers who managed to finish it.
BUT. I. JUST. CAN'T.
I rushed through the first half of the book not because I ENJOYED it, but because I wanted BADLY this torture to end. On the next page.
But with every page I turned, it was getting worse and worse. AND WORSE. And it was WHY I did something I had never done before- I went to the end of the book and read the last chapter.
HOPELESS.
Then I read the Epilogue. It was kinda HEA(or was it rather HFN?). If someone CAN talk about a HEA considering the subject. It's just a faint light at the end of the tunnel.
I don't know if I can say that this book is good written, but for sure it's very powerful in its depressive feeling.
August 11, 2014
4+ stars
BRUTAL! If I had to describe this book using just one word, that would be it. I loved it but it was extremely hard to read.
The writing is fantastic but the story itself is so heartbreaking, I had to take breaks from reading it. I can handle major angst in a story because it's usually mixed in with the good times. This book had no good times until the very end.
I loved the characters. The author created these amazing young men and brought them to life on the page. They were so real to me I physically hurt for them throughout the book.
The story is here is no doubt real. Not in the true sense of the word but real none-the-less. Unfortunately even in modern, wealthy countries like the U.S. and the U.K., homelessness is a reality for a lot of people. And it seems LGBT youth are at an increased risk of being kicked out of their homes and becoming part of the homeless population. This blows my mind and breaks my heart. Thank you Suki Fleet for reminding me how fortunate I am. I vow to do more to support charities that help kids like Romeo & Julian.
This story is not for everyone. When Lori recommended it I knew it would be tough, but I still wasn't prepared for just how tough it would be. I think it's a story everyone should read but the hopelessness throughout the book may not be for some. The only reason I was get through it was because I was promised it had a happy ending. Otherwise, I think I would have given up early on.
BRUTAL! If I had to describe this book using just one word, that would be it. I loved it but it was extremely hard to read.
The writing is fantastic but the story itself is so heartbreaking, I had to take breaks from reading it. I can handle major angst in a story because it's usually mixed in with the good times. This book had no good times until the very end.
I loved the characters. The author created these amazing young men and brought them to life on the page. They were so real to me I physically hurt for them throughout the book.
The story is here is no doubt real. Not in the true sense of the word but real none-the-less. Unfortunately even in modern, wealthy countries like the U.S. and the U.K., homelessness is a reality for a lot of people. And it seems LGBT youth are at an increased risk of being kicked out of their homes and becoming part of the homeless population. This blows my mind and breaks my heart. Thank you Suki Fleet for reminding me how fortunate I am. I vow to do more to support charities that help kids like Romeo & Julian.
This story is not for everyone. When Lori recommended it I knew it would be tough, but I still wasn't prepared for just how tough it would be. I think it's a story everyone should read but the hopelessness throughout the book may not be for some. The only reason I was get through it was because I was promised it had a happy ending. Otherwise, I think I would have given up early on.
October 5, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“I wish he’d never started this. He thought it would be easy money, enough to maybe get us a room somewhere, something we could build on.
Yeah, easy money and a little bit of your soul.”
I don't think I have seen a better example than This Is Not a Love Story of where the title truly speaks for itself - truer words were never spoken. This is very much not a love story, it's a very sad and mournful tale of two boys living in the grim streets of London and the painful and traumatic ways in which they try to find a semblance of a life off the cruel and bitter streets.
I adore Suki Fleet's prose - she knows how to hit hard right in the feels - and she did not hold back the emotional punches with the heavy and depressing look of how bleak and helpless the living conditions were for Romeo and Julian. The uncertainty of a safe bed to sleep in, the unknown of when a decent meal will be their next - cutting right to the heart of how hapless they were for being the homeless runaways that they were. ❤️🩹
“This is where we sell ourselves, one piece of our souls at a time.”
I think this may have been my first experience with one of the main characters being mute. I don't think I minded it. Romeo's silence and limited way of conversing with others showed the strength in his bond with Julian and how at times he was so very dependent on him - vulnerable and prone to attack, even in the most of extreme situations. But, it also showed just how much Julian, in turn, looked out for him even more. How he would give up a bit of himself - in order for Romeo to have a semblance of a better life.
The struggles they went through to make ends meet - for a comfortable safe bed to lie in, for a morsel of food to comfort the soul - it was heart-wrenching, at it's finest. But, one thing that always persevered even in the most difficult of moments was how much they cared for each other - sacrificing as much as they could for the other's own safety. 😢 The tender and gentle ways they looked out for each other, comforted their pains and aches - just how much Romeo loved Julian and that 'I can’t take my eyes off him. His smile makes me melt.' ❤️🩹❤️🩹 So much loyalty and devotion to one another that my heart ached for those moments of separation, which were so agonizing for me to read. I can't even begin to fathom how much it ached and hurt Romeo to NOT know about Julian - the writing captured the intensity of his emotions in such a gripping way - it eats away at you - that unknown. 😭😭
I don't mind reading angsty books, I really don't. But, even after all that strife and turmoil and struggle and pain - I want to see my characters thriving and happy. I want to see them find the light beyond the tunnel and believe in the hope that they are deserving of a happy ending. I don't want a happy ending to be one short page of an epilogue - it did not seem fair to me or the characters - almost enough to give me whiplash. There is a sequel, so maybe some of the unanswered plot holes may be addressed there, but at present, I was wholly unsatisfied. 😞😞
And it felt really long - their torturous toll never seemed to end, it was almost to the point of exhaustion. When one flame of hope would be lit, it would immediately go out - so much misery an anguish - I kept waiting and hoping for some indication that things would get better, but I just wanted some happiness for them - some flicker of redemption or peace of mind that they so desperately needed. 💔💔 It was so painstakingly tragic that my heart hurt just reading their suffering - going from one stage to the next of bleak despair and remorseful feelings. And even when we reach the destination of solace, we don't even get to bask in that comfort with them; but, with a title like that Suki Fleet really did deliver. You really were warned beforehand, so, in the end, there really is no fault to the author. 😢
Especially since the writing, gosh, the writing is heart-breaking and beautifully written - she has such a command on wrapping the reader up in all the emotions that the characters are facing. Poignant writing that rips out your heart and makes you examine it, then place it back as tenderly and gently as she'll allow you to. It's one of the saving graces of this bleak read - how raw and real she keeps the angst alive in her words - that you want to wrap each of her characters up and protect them from all the pain. 🫂 It's also what makes me still so very eager to give more of her works a try - she doesn't shy away from showing the life of homeless youths and how so much of even when the system tries not to abandon them, they never truly feel like they belong - that they're worth someone's attention. 🥺
“Does he want this? Does he want me? Does it matter as long as he’s here, however miraculous that seems right now?”
I didn't like the sex scenes - yes, I'm surprised as you are that I'm saying this, but they made me feel uncomfortable. And that's a first, especially, since I have read scenes featuring characters the same age as Romeo. These just didn't sit right with me for some reason; it's not because I don't know how to explain it - even though, I know how much Romeo wanted Julian - almost to the point of possessiveness and jealousy - that when they finally kissed, he was 'lost in some fierce, wild longing that seems impossible to satisfy. 🥺🥺 We know each other so well, and we know nothing.' Being mute really made it a little more precious of a connection, but then it almost felt almost akin to desperation - that if he didn't give up something of himself, Julian would leave him. As if he was beholden to him, simply because he saved him time and time again - an innate clinginess that really didn't allow him to move on. Because for Julian, his heart and savior, Romeo was willing to sacrifice his own chance of happiness, no matter what.
I adored Crash - he was such a welcome addition to the story and I would not even have minded if we got more of his own backstory. Romeo's friendship with him was one of the few highlights of the book I really savored. Even with his own physical disability, he had such a hopeful and positive glimpse to life, offering his complete support to both boys, caring in his own quiet way, expressing his full concern for their well-being. 💘💘 I wanted and hoped some of it would touch upon Romeo and Julian. He offered the chance of happiness to them, and while I understand their decision, I'm glad there is a small spin-off to his story. Perhaps, I may find that much needed closure of a glimpse into their happiness that I was denied here.
I always thought I was made of strong mettle, but maybe I might have to take a deeper look at even myself. 😔 For, even with all that prolonged anguish and drama, it certainly left a vivid impression on me. It was not a pretty story, or a happy one; but, then again, it never promised to be one. And for that, it's definitely worth a mention of being an impactful read. 🙏🏻
“I wish he’d never started this. He thought it would be easy money, enough to maybe get us a room somewhere, something we could build on.
Yeah, easy money and a little bit of your soul.”
I don't think I have seen a better example than This Is Not a Love Story of where the title truly speaks for itself - truer words were never spoken. This is very much not a love story, it's a very sad and mournful tale of two boys living in the grim streets of London and the painful and traumatic ways in which they try to find a semblance of a life off the cruel and bitter streets.
I adore Suki Fleet's prose - she knows how to hit hard right in the feels - and she did not hold back the emotional punches with the heavy and depressing look of how bleak and helpless the living conditions were for Romeo and Julian. The uncertainty of a safe bed to sleep in, the unknown of when a decent meal will be their next - cutting right to the heart of how hapless they were for being the homeless runaways that they were. ❤️🩹
“This is where we sell ourselves, one piece of our souls at a time.”
I think this may have been my first experience with one of the main characters being mute. I don't think I minded it. Romeo's silence and limited way of conversing with others showed the strength in his bond with Julian and how at times he was so very dependent on him - vulnerable and prone to attack, even in the most of extreme situations. But, it also showed just how much Julian, in turn, looked out for him even more. How he would give up a bit of himself - in order for Romeo to have a semblance of a better life.
The struggles they went through to make ends meet - for a comfortable safe bed to lie in, for a morsel of food to comfort the soul - it was heart-wrenching, at it's finest. But, one thing that always persevered even in the most difficult of moments was how much they cared for each other - sacrificing as much as they could for the other's own safety. 😢 The tender and gentle ways they looked out for each other, comforted their pains and aches - just how much Romeo loved Julian and that 'I can’t take my eyes off him. His smile makes me melt.' ❤️🩹❤️🩹 So much loyalty and devotion to one another that my heart ached for those moments of separation, which were so agonizing for me to read. I can't even begin to fathom how much it ached and hurt Romeo to NOT know about Julian - the writing captured the intensity of his emotions in such a gripping way - it eats away at you - that unknown. 😭😭
I don't mind reading angsty books, I really don't. But, even after all that strife and turmoil and struggle and pain - I want to see my characters thriving and happy. I want to see them find the light beyond the tunnel and believe in the hope that they are deserving of a happy ending. I don't want a happy ending to be one short page of an epilogue - it did not seem fair to me or the characters - almost enough to give me whiplash. There is a sequel, so maybe some of the unanswered plot holes may be addressed there, but at present, I was wholly unsatisfied. 😞😞
And it felt really long - their torturous toll never seemed to end, it was almost to the point of exhaustion. When one flame of hope would be lit, it would immediately go out - so much misery an anguish - I kept waiting and hoping for some indication that things would get better, but I just wanted some happiness for them - some flicker of redemption or peace of mind that they so desperately needed. 💔💔 It was so painstakingly tragic that my heart hurt just reading their suffering - going from one stage to the next of bleak despair and remorseful feelings. And even when we reach the destination of solace, we don't even get to bask in that comfort with them; but, with a title like that Suki Fleet really did deliver. You really were warned beforehand, so, in the end, there really is no fault to the author. 😢
Especially since the writing, gosh, the writing is heart-breaking and beautifully written - she has such a command on wrapping the reader up in all the emotions that the characters are facing. Poignant writing that rips out your heart and makes you examine it, then place it back as tenderly and gently as she'll allow you to. It's one of the saving graces of this bleak read - how raw and real she keeps the angst alive in her words - that you want to wrap each of her characters up and protect them from all the pain. 🫂 It's also what makes me still so very eager to give more of her works a try - she doesn't shy away from showing the life of homeless youths and how so much of even when the system tries not to abandon them, they never truly feel like they belong - that they're worth someone's attention. 🥺
“Does he want this? Does he want me? Does it matter as long as he’s here, however miraculous that seems right now?”
I didn't like the sex scenes - yes, I'm surprised as you are that I'm saying this, but they made me feel uncomfortable. And that's a first, especially, since I have read scenes featuring characters the same age as Romeo. These just didn't sit right with me for some reason; it's not because I don't know how to explain it - even though, I know how much Romeo wanted Julian - almost to the point of possessiveness and jealousy - that when they finally kissed, he was 'lost in some fierce, wild longing that seems impossible to satisfy. 🥺🥺 We know each other so well, and we know nothing.' Being mute really made it a little more precious of a connection, but then it almost felt almost akin to desperation - that if he didn't give up something of himself, Julian would leave him. As if he was beholden to him, simply because he saved him time and time again - an innate clinginess that really didn't allow him to move on. Because for Julian, his heart and savior, Romeo was willing to sacrifice his own chance of happiness, no matter what.
I adored Crash - he was such a welcome addition to the story and I would not even have minded if we got more of his own backstory. Romeo's friendship with him was one of the few highlights of the book I really savored. Even with his own physical disability, he had such a hopeful and positive glimpse to life, offering his complete support to both boys, caring in his own quiet way, expressing his full concern for their well-being. 💘💘 I wanted and hoped some of it would touch upon Romeo and Julian. He offered the chance of happiness to them, and while I understand their decision, I'm glad there is a small spin-off to his story. Perhaps, I may find that much needed closure of a glimpse into their happiness that I was denied here.
I always thought I was made of strong mettle, but maybe I might have to take a deeper look at even myself. 😔 For, even with all that prolonged anguish and drama, it certainly left a vivid impression on me. It was not a pretty story, or a happy one; but, then again, it never promised to be one. And for that, it's definitely worth a mention of being an impactful read. 🙏🏻
July 6, 2019
Do you have favorite authors? I imagine you do, I know I have a list of special, auto-buy, favorite authors. Early in my reading career (yes, I consider myself a professional part-time reader!) I had tunnel vision and only cared about the words on the pages. This works for many and I have no judgment if that's the type of reader you are. However, as I have become a more seasoned reader, I've broadened my focus and I pay attention to the person behind the story in addition to the story itself. I wish to surround myself with honest and genuinely good people, and that includes my literary world. There are valid reasons why I consider myself a Suki Fleet groupie and her ability to proficiently pen a powerful story is only one of them. I think she is a magnificent human and I wish her all the success in the world...and I pray she never stops telling her stories! Now that I've had my fangirl moment, let's move along to this love (#notlove) story.
Did you have a chance to read the blurb? It's extremely informative and expresses the core of this story. If your first impression is a somber tone, you would be correct. The voice is solemn because Romeo's situation is grim. The details are sobering but accurate. If you expect to sail through this story unscathed, you would be sadly mistaken. It's harsh. It's jarring. It's gloomy. But it's true what they say, the clouds eventually dry up and the darkness will fade. There was a thin thread of hope and I held on with all my might. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
What's to like: Most of the time I want to escape reality when I read, but every once in a while I crave a dose of an eye-opening tangible tale. Suki is my go-to when I want a heart-tugging young adult story. I felt a slow burn develop in my tummy as I journeyed with these two young men and by the time I finished the final pages, I was eager to...do something. I wish I had a staggering bank account I could dip into. I wish I had more time to donate. But rather than wish in one hand all day, I want to use my spark to make a difference, even if it's small. Homeless youth, especially homeless LGBT youth, need all the help and love they can get. This drive I feel is not new, but this story is a stark reminder of why the children in our world need our love. Thank you, Suki, for allowing us this intimate peek into Romeo and Julian's life, to help us remember those forgotten souls.
What's to love: Suki's characters always astound me, so it's no grand surprise that Romeo and Julian are what make this story so spectacular for me. Romeo is vulnerable because of his tender age and his lack of speech but Julian swoops in and gives him something new. Julian loves him. Romeo is uncertain at first. He can't stop his own feelings from burning bright but hasn't concluded if Julian feels the same. He thinks he does, but it's so foreign to him, and honestly, he's not sure he could survive if it's not reciprocated. Many things try to break him but this would certainly do him in. It's hard to focus on the love in this, not a love story, because of their staggering daily struggle to survive. But believe me, it's there. They have a connection and a devotion that will take your breath away. I promise it's worth it in the end.
Beware of: An overwhelming and oppressive flood of feelings. These teenagers have suffered and suffered and suffered more. It includes all of the nightmares homeless teens battle on a daily basis. This is not a horror but it depicts horrific events. It's rare that I make an exception to my rule of balanced angst, but this story gets a free pass. It's not balanced yet it's so poignant I couldn't help but appreciate it. There are possible triggers for some; they all coincide with life on the streets.
This book is for: This is not for the tender-hearted reader. It's for those readers who crave an impacting story that will touch you deeply and forever stay in your heart.
Book UNfunk
Did you have a chance to read the blurb? It's extremely informative and expresses the core of this story. If your first impression is a somber tone, you would be correct. The voice is solemn because Romeo's situation is grim. The details are sobering but accurate. If you expect to sail through this story unscathed, you would be sadly mistaken. It's harsh. It's jarring. It's gloomy. But it's true what they say, the clouds eventually dry up and the darkness will fade. There was a thin thread of hope and I held on with all my might. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
What's to like: Most of the time I want to escape reality when I read, but every once in a while I crave a dose of an eye-opening tangible tale. Suki is my go-to when I want a heart-tugging young adult story. I felt a slow burn develop in my tummy as I journeyed with these two young men and by the time I finished the final pages, I was eager to...do something. I wish I had a staggering bank account I could dip into. I wish I had more time to donate. But rather than wish in one hand all day, I want to use my spark to make a difference, even if it's small. Homeless youth, especially homeless LGBT youth, need all the help and love they can get. This drive I feel is not new, but this story is a stark reminder of why the children in our world need our love. Thank you, Suki, for allowing us this intimate peek into Romeo and Julian's life, to help us remember those forgotten souls.
What's to love: Suki's characters always astound me, so it's no grand surprise that Romeo and Julian are what make this story so spectacular for me. Romeo is vulnerable because of his tender age and his lack of speech but Julian swoops in and gives him something new. Julian loves him. Romeo is uncertain at first. He can't stop his own feelings from burning bright but hasn't concluded if Julian feels the same. He thinks he does, but it's so foreign to him, and honestly, he's not sure he could survive if it's not reciprocated. Many things try to break him but this would certainly do him in. It's hard to focus on the love in this, not a love story, because of their staggering daily struggle to survive. But believe me, it's there. They have a connection and a devotion that will take your breath away. I promise it's worth it in the end.
Beware of: An overwhelming and oppressive flood of feelings. These teenagers have suffered and suffered and suffered more. It includes all of the nightmares homeless teens battle on a daily basis. This is not a horror but it depicts horrific events. It's rare that I make an exception to my rule of balanced angst, but this story gets a free pass. It's not balanced yet it's so poignant I couldn't help but appreciate it. There are possible triggers for some; they all coincide with life on the streets.
This book is for: This is not for the tender-hearted reader. It's for those readers who crave an impacting story that will touch you deeply and forever stay in your heart.
Book UNfunk
December 7, 2016
Aún se siente la bofetada... Maravillosamente doloroso.
June 26, 2024
Wow! And ouch! That was painful. And beautiful. And really moving.
I started This is Not a Love Story 8 days ago and finished it the next day. There is so much pain and suffering on every page that I read in a frantic, raw frenzy, desperately needing to know how each trial and tribulation would be resolved. The hardships Romeo and Julian faced were so unsettling and disturbing that I was beside myself until I arrived at each conclusion. When I finished, I knew I needed to read it again so that I could really absorb the details I missed as I sped through in my frantic haste.
I started my reread the day after I finished the first time, reading a bit every day over the next 6 days. I'm not sure if I took so long because I wanted to savor it or because it's so painful and I needed to take breaks or because I simply needed time to think about how the story was impacting me. I guess it was probably little bit of each of those things.
One might think so much pain and suffering would be off-putting, but I can't stop thinking that homelessness, especially teen homelessness, should feel painful for those on the outside looking in at it from a place of security and comfort. One of the things that moved me the most was how honest Suki Fleet is about how the general public turns a blind eye on homelessness, how people don't want to see it, don't want to acknowledge it and don't seem to have empathy. She does a wonderful job of NOT looking away from the harsh brutality of it. She doesn't gloss over it or romanticize it. She confronts it in a profound and haunting way.
Of course, she also includes the opposite side of the coin with genuinely beautiful people like Cassey and Crash and his foster parents. Even though those characters provide relief and a ray of hope, it's realistic... what they offer is so tiny and so huge at the same time. Their love and efforts make a huge difference in the moment and/or for one or two people suffering but no matter how much they can give and help, as individuals there's only so much they can do to alleviate this systemic problem/disaster.
In the end, what makes this book worth every moment of heartbreak is the love between Romeo and Julian. Yeah, they're codependent. Yeah, it's probably not entirely healthy. I don't care. It's flawed and wrecked and stunning.
Together we burned bright enough to obliterate the darkness.
No matter the emotional wreckage Suki Fleet's stories evoke, I am always so thankful for the little pieces of herself and her heart that she shares with us. TINALS is heart wrenching and brutal but remains hopeful, comforting and hauntingly beautiful.
If he asked me right now what I would change, I would sign without thinking. Everything. Then I would look at him, and I would realize. I would change nothing.
Reread April 2021. Still as painful, powerful and impactful as the first two times I read it. And still one of my favorite books ever.
Edited to add June 2024: I cannot believe I never came back to add that the audiobook is freaking amazing! Hamish Long absolutely nails the narration. I have listened to the audiobook in its entirety at least 2 or 3 times and to the final few chapters more than I can count. I go through phases of insomnia and listening to my favorite books helps soothe my mind and allows me to fall asleep. The final few chapters of TINALS for me are perfect for this, they are so heartfelt and lovely, powerful, hope filled and poignant. If you love this story and haven’t checked out the audio, seriously, you should! It’s AMAZING!
I started This is Not a Love Story 8 days ago and finished it the next day. There is so much pain and suffering on every page that I read in a frantic, raw frenzy, desperately needing to know how each trial and tribulation would be resolved. The hardships Romeo and Julian faced were so unsettling and disturbing that I was beside myself until I arrived at each conclusion. When I finished, I knew I needed to read it again so that I could really absorb the details I missed as I sped through in my frantic haste.
I started my reread the day after I finished the first time, reading a bit every day over the next 6 days. I'm not sure if I took so long because I wanted to savor it or because it's so painful and I needed to take breaks or because I simply needed time to think about how the story was impacting me. I guess it was probably little bit of each of those things.
One might think so much pain and suffering would be off-putting, but I can't stop thinking that homelessness, especially teen homelessness, should feel painful for those on the outside looking in at it from a place of security and comfort. One of the things that moved me the most was how honest Suki Fleet is about how the general public turns a blind eye on homelessness, how people don't want to see it, don't want to acknowledge it and don't seem to have empathy. She does a wonderful job of NOT looking away from the harsh brutality of it. She doesn't gloss over it or romanticize it. She confronts it in a profound and haunting way.
Of course, she also includes the opposite side of the coin with genuinely beautiful people like Cassey and Crash and his foster parents. Even though those characters provide relief and a ray of hope, it's realistic... what they offer is so tiny and so huge at the same time. Their love and efforts make a huge difference in the moment and/or for one or two people suffering but no matter how much they can give and help, as individuals there's only so much they can do to alleviate this systemic problem/disaster.
In the end, what makes this book worth every moment of heartbreak is the love between Romeo and Julian. Yeah, they're codependent. Yeah, it's probably not entirely healthy. I don't care. It's flawed and wrecked and stunning.
Together we burned bright enough to obliterate the darkness.
No matter the emotional wreckage Suki Fleet's stories evoke, I am always so thankful for the little pieces of herself and her heart that she shares with us. TINALS is heart wrenching and brutal but remains hopeful, comforting and hauntingly beautiful.
If he asked me right now what I would change, I would sign without thinking. Everything. Then I would look at him, and I would realize. I would change nothing.
Reread April 2021. Still as painful, powerful and impactful as the first two times I read it. And still one of my favorite books ever.
Edited to add June 2024: I cannot believe I never came back to add that the audiobook is freaking amazing! Hamish Long absolutely nails the narration. I have listened to the audiobook in its entirety at least 2 or 3 times and to the final few chapters more than I can count. I go through phases of insomnia and listening to my favorite books helps soothe my mind and allows me to fall asleep. The final few chapters of TINALS for me are perfect for this, they are so heartfelt and lovely, powerful, hope filled and poignant. If you love this story and haven’t checked out the audio, seriously, you should! It’s AMAZING!
June 20, 2019
This book destroyed me. It ripped my heart out, page by page. Slowly. Painfully. Completely. I don’t think a book has ever affected me as much as this one. I don’t think I’ve ever cared as much about two characters as I did Romeo and Julian.
This Is Not a Love Story? I disagree.
I think it’s very much a love story. It’s not a *pretty* love story. No rainbows and puppy dogs, just an overwhelming amount of heartbreak and angst. But it’s still a love story. It’s a forever kind of love that you feel in your soul. It’s the kind of love you feel with every fiber of your being. It’s the kind of love you can show without saying a word.
Romeo and Julian have stolen a piece of my heart. And definitely deserve a spot on my “Favorites” shelf.
This Is Not a Love Story? I disagree.
I think it’s very much a love story. It’s not a *pretty* love story. No rainbows and puppy dogs, just an overwhelming amount of heartbreak and angst. But it’s still a love story. It’s a forever kind of love that you feel in your soul. It’s the kind of love you feel with every fiber of your being. It’s the kind of love you can show without saying a word.
Romeo and Julian have stolen a piece of my heart. And definitely deserve a spot on my “Favorites” shelf.
January 5, 2016
I've read a lot of books throughout the years. Hundreds. Probably thousands more for the rest of my life. And although I'd like to remember each story like they're my very own memory -- like glimpses of my childhood; it's just impossible. But there comes a story every once in a while in which no matter how much time has passed, or how many more characters I've met, I will still be able to remember the littlest of details; not everything though, but enough to let me feel the pinch of the things I felt while reading it. A story so powerful, it endures and persists even after reaching the end. This is one of those books.
I don't know where to start really because I'm afraid by trying to describe and explain everything the book holds and stands, I would diminish its beauty to a few words. But I also can't bear to bottle up these feelings which have been ignited by this tale. In its simplicity, it is beautiful. But not in a way where everything is painted in sunshine and butterflies. It is haunting, painful, and heartbreaking. It is a story of survival, longing, and hope.
"I think about what Cassey said, about needing hope, needing something to hold on to, and I begin to question deeply what I really want. When each day is a struggle to survive, you don't think too much about the future. It's no sure thing. Everyone wants to get off the streets, get a job, be one of them, cross the divide. We just don't know how to do it. That life is separated from us by a wall of glass we're not strong enough to break through and we can't get a purchase on to climb over.
But maybe that isn't the answer anyway. Maybe there is another way for us. Maybe we just have to step back, ignore the glass wall completely."
My heart just bleeds for all of these boys. All throughout the book, I wanted to hug them and shield them from the harshness of the world. How dare life be unfair to them and take away their innocence at such a young age. I felt tormented and helpless to see them so anguished. And yet despite everything, they're still hopeful and iridescent. I am completely at awe as to how Suki Fleet comes up with all these beautiful characters that feel so real. As if wanting you to understand and feel their pain. Reaching to you and baring their soul. And written in a way where words are very tender yet they stab you bit by bit.
It is a difficult book to read, I admit, but you can't really put it down. It contains so much angst and sadness, and yet it's very poignant and beautiful. So much unfairness and unpredictability, but so, so worth it.
April 18, 2020
Guess who stayed up all night reading this book?
This was brutally realistic and emotional. I kept reading hoping, wishing, praying for some light at the end of the tunnel, but it kept getting worse and worse and worse.
This is a heartbreaking love story between two homeless boys. That first page of the book has one of the most memorable beginnings I've ever read. It will haunt me. Damn... the entire book will haunt me.
The effect this book had on me was almost spiritual... It made me consider my compassion, my gratitude towards what I have, and the reality of the harsh world we live in.
I don't think I'll be able to reread this book very soon, but kudos to Suki, the writing was spectacular.
This was brutally realistic and emotional. I kept reading hoping, wishing, praying for some light at the end of the tunnel, but it kept getting worse and worse and worse.
This is a heartbreaking love story between two homeless boys. That first page of the book has one of the most memorable beginnings I've ever read. It will haunt me. Damn... the entire book will haunt me.
The effect this book had on me was almost spiritual... It made me consider my compassion, my gratitude towards what I have, and the reality of the harsh world we live in.
I don't think I'll be able to reread this book very soon, but kudos to Suki, the writing was spectacular.
December 4, 2014
Beautifully written.
Desperately sad.
Sigh.
So much love, despite a city of neglect.
Desperately sad.
Sigh.
So much love, despite a city of neglect.
Want to read
December 9, 2015I. CAN. READ. THIS! I WILL NOT BACK DOWN! MY HEART CAN HANDLE THIS!
Read
March 18, 2022Now available in audio! Narrated by the lovely Hamish Long (I love his voice!).
August 25, 2019
I struggled with the writing at first. Something was missing for me. But then the story pulled me in. And I just kept going, hoping for the light at the end of the tunnel for these boys, but it wasn't coming. It just kept getting worse. I saw them suffer from page 1 through the end. And even when I was reading the last chapter and my Kindle told me I have 5 minutes left, and I still wasn't sure about the HEA, that's a story I will remember for a long time.
The connection Julian and Remee have is so beautiful and heartbreaking. The author was trying to wrangle every teardrop out of me with her words. Pasha broke my heart too, and I want Crash's happy ending too.
I find the ending was a little unbelievable, because of the money and trust problem, but beautiful nonetheless.
The connection Julian and Remee have is so beautiful and heartbreaking. The author was trying to wrangle every teardrop out of me with her words. Pasha broke my heart too, and I want Crash's happy ending too.
I find the ending was a little unbelievable, because of the money and trust problem, but beautiful nonetheless.
September 23, 2017
Ok, I don’t even know how to start. This is a freaking rollercoaster of emotions. I’ve been sitting in front of my computer with a blank page for almost 10 minutes trying to figure out the perfect way to pour all my feelings about this book without rambling but I guess that’ll pretty difficult.
(I promise I'll try to make this spoiler free and If I make spoiler I'll hide them)
This book pulls very specific strings of my heart. I have a soft spot for kids/teenagers especially those who are homeless. It wasn’t an easy read at all; it was overwhelmingly depressing for me. I had a lump in my throat from the beginning until the end. It makes me so sad and so angry seeing that kids have to endure these conditions.
Romeo (aka “Remee”) and Julian are boys who hadn’t had an easy life, they are both young and homeless. Their condition makes my heart ache. The story is told by Romeo’s POV, and Suki does a great job engrossing you in Remee’s head and heart.
There isn’t a moment without angst or anxiety, every page will have you on the edge of your seat. At least that was the case for me.
I was constantly terrified of what was going to happen next. Trust me when I say these boys didn’t have a moment of peace. I couldn’t put it down until I was near to the end because OMG, Really, I was going CRAZY.
They were living in hell and I really wanted them to be happy. I was in pure agony and I had to put it down until I knew I could continue without falling apart because man *breathes deeply*, this ain’t easy. Right now you have no idea how thankful I am for that epilog.
It’s not easy to read about the reality of what it’s like to live on the streets. The difficulties that both Remee and Julian had to go through to survived were strenuous. My heart bleeds for those boys.
I don’t want to completely explain what this book holds and stands because I went through this completely blind and I think that improved my experience with it. So, I’ll go directly to my rating.
Ok, even though I really like this book, I can’t find myself giving it 5 stars for the following reasons:
**Bear in mind this is a personal preference.**
The writing. I found it a bit excessive. I realized that Suki tends to give too many details and it kinda pulls me out of the story a bit because it distracted me too much. And here’s the funny thing: she did this almost the whole book and I say “almost” because when you really needed those extra details she just won’t give it to you. Those in-depth description will disappear as if by magic. Specifically on the steamy moments.
Speaking of details, Julian is one of those things that Suki purposely forgot to deeply develop. I needed to know more about him,
I’d have loved to have Jules POV. It might’ve added even more angst to the story because we can tell that he was undoubtedly in pain. Those who have read may say to me: “pff, Daniela, no please, there’s lots of suffering as it is right now, don’t ask for more.” And yeah, you’re right. The story is outstanding just the way it is, but asking for more makes no harm :). (Well, yeah it may destroy our hearts a bit more, but whatever, at this point it doesn’t matter anymore)
Overall, it’s a good book. There’s a lot of unfairness, tension and unpredictable moments that’ll leave on the edge. More than once I thought “What the hell did I get myself into?” but I don’t regret reading this book, not even for a second. I’ll give it a solid 4 starts albeit is sad and difficult to read is beautiful and touching.
Don’t be fooled by the title. This is not a TYPICAL love story, but it definitely is a love story.
I recommend this to anyone who has a heart that can handle the story. Let the journey of angst and tears begin y’all.
January 14, 2018
Suki Fleet's This is Not a Love Story is certainly one of the most tender, devastating, passionate and hopeful novels I've read recently.
The title claims that the book is not a love story and that rings true to me because the novel is much more than a conventional m/m romance. Remee and Julian's story is one of friendship, harshness, resilience, small acts of kindness, brutality, terrible desperation and blinding hope that resonated deeply all the way through my reading.
Remee and Julian wander warily in the harsh and dangerous reality of homeless life in London, a city that can be tough and unforgiving even to those who don't live barely surviving at the bottom of its streets, huddled under archways and sleeping rough on its pavements. Despite the grimness and squalor around them, Remee and Julian find strength and hope in one another and stubbornly cling to each other's presence and love as their only means of survival. When events take over and tear them apart, it's only their fierce will to endure and get another chance that prevents them from falling apart completely.
The two main characters are wonderful creations: Remee is mute and scared, his interior life, in the absence of words, bursting through the beautiful pictures he obsessively sketches in his pad. He starts out as a weak victim but his inner strength grows through the novel and he turns out to be the real momentum behind . Julian is equally compelling - although we only get glimpses of his troubled upbringing (and it's a shame not to be able to know more about him), he comes across as a thoughtful, verbally restrained, generous young man, a 'beautiful, glowing creature' as Remee describes him in the novel's opening paragraph. It's thus really heartbreaking .
Remee and Julian are surrounded by a cast of great secondary characters - some generous (Cassey, Kay), some lost (Roxy, Pasha) some fleeting in and out of the life of the main protagonists. Out of this cast, Crash is of course powerfully instrumental in the rebirth of Remee's hope and determination and he totally deserves his own novella ( Wild Summer, which I'll start reading straightaway).
Suki Fleet's prose is meditative and nuanced - it soars high in the most romantic parts of the novel and then plunges fearlessly all the way down to the depths of poverty and disorder. She also doesn't shy away from the grim reality of prostitution and from the description of the longing and desire connecting Remee and Julian on a physical level. Some readers may flinch at the fact that both characters are very young - this is at its heart a YA/coming of age novel - but I've found these scenes - that are explicit, beautiful and honest in their quiet restraint and never lurid or purely voyeuristic - to be important and necessary to build up and reinforce the deep and unbreakable bond that runs between them.
This wonderful book was my first novel by Suki Fleet and I cannot wait to read more of her works.
The title claims that the book is not a love story and that rings true to me because the novel is much more than a conventional m/m romance. Remee and Julian's story is one of friendship, harshness, resilience, small acts of kindness, brutality, terrible desperation and blinding hope that resonated deeply all the way through my reading.
Remee and Julian wander warily in the harsh and dangerous reality of homeless life in London, a city that can be tough and unforgiving even to those who don't live barely surviving at the bottom of its streets, huddled under archways and sleeping rough on its pavements. Despite the grimness and squalor around them, Remee and Julian find strength and hope in one another and stubbornly cling to each other's presence and love as their only means of survival. When events take over and tear them apart, it's only their fierce will to endure and get another chance that prevents them from falling apart completely.
The two main characters are wonderful creations: Remee is mute and scared, his interior life, in the absence of words, bursting through the beautiful pictures he obsessively sketches in his pad. He starts out as a weak victim but his inner strength grows through the novel and he turns out to be the real momentum behind . Julian is equally compelling - although we only get glimpses of his troubled upbringing (and it's a shame not to be able to know more about him), he comes across as a thoughtful, verbally restrained, generous young man, a 'beautiful, glowing creature' as Remee describes him in the novel's opening paragraph. It's thus really heartbreaking .
Remee and Julian are surrounded by a cast of great secondary characters - some generous (Cassey, Kay), some lost (Roxy, Pasha) some fleeting in and out of the life of the main protagonists. Out of this cast, Crash is of course powerfully instrumental in the rebirth of Remee's hope and determination and he totally deserves his own novella ( Wild Summer, which I'll start reading straightaway).
Suki Fleet's prose is meditative and nuanced - it soars high in the most romantic parts of the novel and then plunges fearlessly all the way down to the depths of poverty and disorder. She also doesn't shy away from the grim reality of prostitution and from the description of the longing and desire connecting Remee and Julian on a physical level. Some readers may flinch at the fact that both characters are very young - this is at its heart a YA/coming of age novel - but I've found these scenes - that are explicit, beautiful and honest in their quiet restraint and never lurid or purely voyeuristic - to be important and necessary to build up and reinforce the deep and unbreakable bond that runs between them.
This wonderful book was my first novel by Suki Fleet and I cannot wait to read more of her works.
May 16, 2017
I've had this book for over a year, and have been loath to read it, mainly because I was told that it was emotional and angsty and would make me cry, and I really need to be in the right space for that.
However I haven't read anything of Suki Fleet's that I haven't loved, and I read this practically in one go, and yes it is incredibly emotional, sad but with that underlying hope that SF does so well.
Romeo and Julian overcome terrible situations, get pulled back down into life on the streets but all through the book it's the fundamental goodness of ordinary people, and ultimately Romeo and Julian themselves that take them to better places. Their loyalty to each other is beautiful to read.
And of course, TINALS is totally a love story, with a beautiful, uplifting ending.
Full review on the blog, now straight onto Wild Summer - because I've heard that R+J feature heavily, and I adored Crash.
However I haven't read anything of Suki Fleet's that I haven't loved, and I read this practically in one go, and yes it is incredibly emotional, sad but with that underlying hope that SF does so well.
Romeo and Julian overcome terrible situations, get pulled back down into life on the streets but all through the book it's the fundamental goodness of ordinary people, and ultimately Romeo and Julian themselves that take them to better places. Their loyalty to each other is beautiful to read.
And of course, TINALS is totally a love story, with a beautiful, uplifting ending.
Full review on the blog, now straight onto Wild Summer - because I've heard that R+J feature heavily, and I adored Crash.
June 24, 2024
There is so much pain and hopelessness in this story. It's almost unbearable! 😭 💔
And then there’s this strong and beautiful love between these two lost boys. ❤️
The ending was a bit rushed. I would have liked to see more happy time with them.
Hamish Long (also known as Joe Jameson) is an amazing narrator! 😍
And then there’s this strong and beautiful love between these two lost boys. ❤️
The ending was a bit rushed. I would have liked to see more happy time with them.
Hamish Long (also known as Joe Jameson) is an amazing narrator! 😍
January 13, 2015
Well, Suki Fleet certainly knows how to tear someone’s heart out.
This Is Not A Love Story is certainly not a love story – it is a story of survival, with the two main characters so in love with each other, that they will fight with all they have to stay together. Two boys (I’d like to call them men, but they are not really), homeless and hopeless on the streets where being alone means you don’t survive long. The author has certainly explored the range of emotions a young boy feels when his survival depends on what happens to him hour to hour, and we, the reader, are along for the painful ride.
Told from Romeo’s (Remee) POV, the author is unapologetically honest about what goes on when you live on the street – prostitution, drug use, violence, police, hunger, it all. The story is dark and gut-wrenching, nothing hidden or glossed over. In fact, when I had to leave these two boys on the cold street at about 55% last night so that I could get to sleep, I was heartbroken. I didn’t want to leave them out there in the cold.
We follow Remee’s story and his struggle to stay alive, as well as stay with Julian. Julian, the older of the two, takes the bigger burden of them trying to find their way and make it through the night, selling himself and struggling with the pain afterwards. We meet a range of characters on the street too – those who are barely surviving, those who are about to succumb to its dank depths, and those who seem to enjoy the violence. Romeo and Julian find kindness along the way, but not enough to crawl out from where they are.
This is a story I enjoyed reading. I’m not saying I laughed or even smiled, but I couldn’t put the book down. I was taken on a rollercoaster of despair that was so vivid, I couldn’t find my way out.
I do however have a reserve about how it ended – and be assured there are no OMG moments at the end. This IS a love story, no matter what the title says, but
But it is a story I recommend to you. I give this author 5 stars and applaud her for writing this novel. It is not a usual romance, and that is a good thing.
This Is Not A Love Story is certainly not a love story – it is a story of survival, with the two main characters so in love with each other, that they will fight with all they have to stay together. Two boys (I’d like to call them men, but they are not really), homeless and hopeless on the streets where being alone means you don’t survive long. The author has certainly explored the range of emotions a young boy feels when his survival depends on what happens to him hour to hour, and we, the reader, are along for the painful ride.
Told from Romeo’s (Remee) POV, the author is unapologetically honest about what goes on when you live on the street – prostitution, drug use, violence, police, hunger, it all. The story is dark and gut-wrenching, nothing hidden or glossed over. In fact, when I had to leave these two boys on the cold street at about 55% last night so that I could get to sleep, I was heartbroken. I didn’t want to leave them out there in the cold.
We follow Remee’s story and his struggle to stay alive, as well as stay with Julian. Julian, the older of the two, takes the bigger burden of them trying to find their way and make it through the night, selling himself and struggling with the pain afterwards. We meet a range of characters on the street too – those who are barely surviving, those who are about to succumb to its dank depths, and those who seem to enjoy the violence. Romeo and Julian find kindness along the way, but not enough to crawl out from where they are.
This is a story I enjoyed reading. I’m not saying I laughed or even smiled, but I couldn’t put the book down. I was taken on a rollercoaster of despair that was so vivid, I couldn’t find my way out.
I do however have a reserve about how it ended – and be assured there are no OMG moments at the end. This IS a love story, no matter what the title says, but
But it is a story I recommend to you. I give this author 5 stars and applaud her for writing this novel. It is not a usual romance, and that is a good thing.
January 31, 2015
All the stars.
Every now and then I read a story that I can't put down and recommend to tons of people and this was definitely one of those books. The strange thing is, it was not an easy, light-hearted book but an angst-filled, heart-breaker - yet I couldn't get enough. Literally, I woke up and started reading it in the middle of the night and read until I got to the end.
Set in England, on the streets of the capital, the realism of life for the homeless hits home hard in this story. Romeo is not only underage and homeless but is mute as well. Just imagine that for a moment - the fact that you can't speak to defend or explain yourself to anyone. You're already living beyond the edge of society, that raggedy, cold boy the commuters and office worker and most of us as we go about our daily lives, don't see. Imagine not being able to make yourself heard either. Yeah, it made me ache in my heart too.
Romeo has one true friend on the streets, Julian. Julian is a couple of years older but looks out for him in this harsh world they inhabit. Julian is the one who puts himself on the line time and again to keep his friend as safe as possible. The thing is, Romeo is in love with Julian and, every time Julian puts himself in danger for his friend, it tears his soul in two.
These two rely very much on each other throughout this story. Despite the title, it is a love story - it is more than a love story. These two need and love each other. Romeo especially - god my heart really ached for him. But I loved him. He had nothing in his life other than Julian, it would have been so easy to give up, to lay down and let the world happen to him - take the drugs, drink the booze, pimp himself out and find a chemically induced oblivion. Stop the pain. But he chose not to. Julian meant too much to him and when the two are separated everything in Romeo's being forces him to search for his friend.
In this story there are good guys and bad guys - I love some of the secondary characters, but this story is ALL about the two MC's. I would recommend this story to everyone. It will take your heart and pulverise it with a sledge hammer - but I promise you'll get it back in the end. It will even more or less be in one piece. Suki Fleet is going straight on my authors to watch list.
READ IT!
Review previously at
!!
Every now and then I read a story that I can't put down and recommend to tons of people and this was definitely one of those books. The strange thing is, it was not an easy, light-hearted book but an angst-filled, heart-breaker - yet I couldn't get enough. Literally, I woke up and started reading it in the middle of the night and read until I got to the end.
Set in England, on the streets of the capital, the realism of life for the homeless hits home hard in this story. Romeo is not only underage and homeless but is mute as well. Just imagine that for a moment - the fact that you can't speak to defend or explain yourself to anyone. You're already living beyond the edge of society, that raggedy, cold boy the commuters and office worker and most of us as we go about our daily lives, don't see. Imagine not being able to make yourself heard either. Yeah, it made me ache in my heart too.
Romeo has one true friend on the streets, Julian. Julian is a couple of years older but looks out for him in this harsh world they inhabit. Julian is the one who puts himself on the line time and again to keep his friend as safe as possible. The thing is, Romeo is in love with Julian and, every time Julian puts himself in danger for his friend, it tears his soul in two.
These two rely very much on each other throughout this story. Despite the title, it is a love story - it is more than a love story. These two need and love each other. Romeo especially - god my heart really ached for him. But I loved him. He had nothing in his life other than Julian, it would have been so easy to give up, to lay down and let the world happen to him - take the drugs, drink the booze, pimp himself out and find a chemically induced oblivion. Stop the pain. But he chose not to. Julian meant too much to him and when the two are separated everything in Romeo's being forces him to search for his friend.
In this story there are good guys and bad guys - I love some of the secondary characters, but this story is ALL about the two MC's. I would recommend this story to everyone. It will take your heart and pulverise it with a sledge hammer - but I promise you'll get it back in the end. It will even more or less be in one piece. Suki Fleet is going straight on my authors to watch list.
READ IT!
Review previously at
!!
December 7, 2016
Lloro, luego escribo.
August 29, 2014
This subject matter was hard and painful. I won't focus as much on the plot, but instead I will highlight the issue of Homelessness.
While this book featured two homeless youth, Romeo Danilov and Julian Lavelle, there are homeless families and war veterans out there too. Not every homeless person is an addict. According to US News & World Report, 46 million Americans live below the poverty line, that is 16% of the population.
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2...
Romeo "Remee" was a deaf sixteen year old and his friend Julian was two years older. Romeo's mother, a russian immigrant left to get groceries and never returned home. Julian was the victim repeated physical and sexual abuse before he ran away. Their plight to survive on the harsh streets of London made my stomach churn. The daily grind to find food, shelter from the weather and avoid being prey was enough to make my breath hitch. They are part of a growing population and this book was an eye opener.
I will thank the Author Suki Fleet for not sugar coating the issue and not trying to "make it better". Homelessness is a real issue and I will share some of the things I have recently learned as a result of research on the web.
The US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) estimate that there are over 1.5 million homeless teens in the US, that’s about One out of 49 children! Young people often become homeless due to family conflict, including divorce, neglect, or abuse. A large majority of young people experience short-term homelessness, returning back home or to family/friends. National reports have consistently noted the prevalence of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the homeless population.
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?s...
Resources for those looking to help Homeless Persons:
https://www.hudexchange.info/homeless...
Ways to Help:
1) Volunteer at an established operation (a shelter, food bank, Habitat for humanity etc)
2) Show concern, kindness and respect to a homeless person, they are people too.
3) Donations (it can be clothes, food, any supplies you can think of like blankets)
4) Advocate by encouraging others to join the fight against homelessness, petition government officials etc
While this book featured two homeless youth, Romeo Danilov and Julian Lavelle, there are homeless families and war veterans out there too. Not every homeless person is an addict. According to US News & World Report, 46 million Americans live below the poverty line, that is 16% of the population.
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2...
Romeo "Remee" was a deaf sixteen year old and his friend Julian was two years older. Romeo's mother, a russian immigrant left to get groceries and never returned home. Julian was the victim repeated physical and sexual abuse before he ran away. Their plight to survive on the harsh streets of London made my stomach churn. The daily grind to find food, shelter from the weather and avoid being prey was enough to make my breath hitch. They are part of a growing population and this book was an eye opener.
I will thank the Author Suki Fleet for not sugar coating the issue and not trying to "make it better". Homelessness is a real issue and I will share some of the things I have recently learned as a result of research on the web.
The US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) estimate that there are over 1.5 million homeless teens in the US, that’s about One out of 49 children! Young people often become homeless due to family conflict, including divorce, neglect, or abuse. A large majority of young people experience short-term homelessness, returning back home or to family/friends. National reports have consistently noted the prevalence of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the homeless population.
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?s...
Resources for those looking to help Homeless Persons:
https://www.hudexchange.info/homeless...
Ways to Help:
1) Volunteer at an established operation (a shelter, food bank, Habitat for humanity etc)
2) Show concern, kindness and respect to a homeless person, they are people too.
3) Donations (it can be clothes, food, any supplies you can think of like blankets)
4) Advocate by encouraging others to join the fight against homelessness, petition government officials etc
May 27, 2014
Not an easy read, but a beautiful one. Suki Fleet's writing is gorgeous--lyrical and rich.
Recommended for lovers of angst and hurt/comfort. Make sure you have tissues because it's not an easy ride (and nor should it be, given the subject matter).
Recommended for lovers of angst and hurt/comfort. Make sure you have tissues because it's not an easy ride (and nor should it be, given the subject matter).
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