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Second Impressions #1
Late Bloomer
Is a year and a half enough to turn friendship into love?
Davey Bloom – twenty-five, newly single, and awkward as a cow on a crutch – has something to prove to himself and his family. When he accepts a job secondment to move halfway across England for eighteen months, no one, not even he himself, is convinced that he’ll manage on his own for that long.
Enter his new flatmate Rob, who is steady, funny, dependable and pretty much perfect – whose life just isn’t in the right place for a relationship just now. Suddenly a year and a half in Liverpool just isn’t enough.
Is Davey’s attraction for Rob all one-sided, or is there the potential for something more? And what does this mean for his resolution to be his own person, and stop to relying so much on others?
Is there enough time for something to bloom between them? Or are those feelings destined to wither on the vine?
Davey Bloom – twenty-five, newly single, and awkward as a cow on a crutch – has something to prove to himself and his family. When he accepts a job secondment to move halfway across England for eighteen months, no one, not even he himself, is convinced that he’ll manage on his own for that long.
Enter his new flatmate Rob, who is steady, funny, dependable and pretty much perfect – whose life just isn’t in the right place for a relationship just now. Suddenly a year and a half in Liverpool just isn’t enough.
Is Davey’s attraction for Rob all one-sided, or is there the potential for something more? And what does this mean for his resolution to be his own person, and stop to relying so much on others?
Is there enough time for something to bloom between them? Or are those feelings destined to wither on the vine?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2022
10 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 6, 2022
4.5 stars - I loved this very British, rather simple yet very well-crafted roommates to lovers story. There’s nothing revolutionary about this one, just has all the right amounts of things I generally enjoy in books.
I actually read it through twice, bc I wanted to skim before I wrote my review, but ended up just fully re-reading it. It almost feels effortless, and has the quality of a diary/confessional, even though it’s not written out in dated entries. It also follows basically a true year in Davey’s life, which is also very diary-like, January to January, and I was put in mind of some of the more fun aspects of Bridget Jones at times? The constant striving for self-improvement and to meet some nebulous and likely unattainable (certainly unsustainable) point of nirvana and perfection. (The more I think about it, and as little as I like "it's like X meets X" book pitches, this does remind me of a mix between In The Middle of Somewhere by Roan Parrish and BJD.)
The book does throw the word ‘manly’ around a lot, but it is not always talking about masculinity, but rather maturity and being a ‘proper adult’. It’s understandable why Davey thinks he needs to grow up, I suppose, but it’s also lovely to see him finally realize that you don’t need to put your cuddly toys away when you turn 18 or 21 or 25 or 40, because sometimes we need them as adults, whether we're proper or not, and that’s okay.
I could see some readers rolling their eyes at Davey a bit (but I would hope with affection, bc he really is a dear) but as someone who can get flustered and feels rather hapless at times, I could relate to some of his scrapes. And the miscommunication (which is more an unwillingness to communicate about a particular topic) really is in keeping with what we know of Davey and his last relationship’s demise. Miscommunication will happen; it happens in real life, but it doesn’t chafe as much when the reader can sympathize with the character’s reasons for avoiding the subject.
The friends and family in the book were also pitched perfectly. Never too much, they enhanced the development of the plot and were well fleshed out on their own. And while I've enjoyed 'world of two' books before and will again, the fully developed cast of characters here was refreshing.
Davey reading all of Rob’s projects and glimpsing the brief descriptions was sweet, and I also want all of these amazing gay graphic novels to exist in the world. And I loved how the ones that spoke to him at different times or the one he felt compelled to re-read at a certain point sort of mirrored things happening in Davey’s relationship with Rob. Also, the fact that Davey is so cat-like that Rob creates a cat in his comic to be a representation of him and then casts himself as his canine companion . . . the more I type the more adorable things I remember.
I think I’ve sussed out who the next book will be about, and will definitely pick up more from this author. I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews. (But I will be reading it yet again on KU for highlighting, and then I’ll probably buy it, bc I like it a whole lot.)
I actually read it through twice, bc I wanted to skim before I wrote my review, but ended up just fully re-reading it. It almost feels effortless, and has the quality of a diary/confessional, even though it’s not written out in dated entries. It also follows basically a true year in Davey’s life, which is also very diary-like, January to January, and I was put in mind of some of the more fun aspects of Bridget Jones at times? The constant striving for self-improvement and to meet some nebulous and likely unattainable (certainly unsustainable) point of nirvana and perfection. (The more I think about it, and as little as I like "it's like X meets X" book pitches, this does remind me of a mix between In The Middle of Somewhere by Roan Parrish and BJD.)
The book does throw the word ‘manly’ around a lot, but it is not always talking about masculinity, but rather maturity and being a ‘proper adult’. It’s understandable why Davey thinks he needs to grow up, I suppose, but it’s also lovely to see him finally realize that you don’t need to put your cuddly toys away when you turn 18 or 21 or 25 or 40, because sometimes we need them as adults, whether we're proper or not, and that’s okay.
I could see some readers rolling their eyes at Davey a bit (but I would hope with affection, bc he really is a dear) but as someone who can get flustered and feels rather hapless at times, I could relate to some of his scrapes. And the miscommunication (which is more an unwillingness to communicate about a particular topic) really is in keeping with what we know of Davey and his last relationship’s demise. Miscommunication will happen; it happens in real life, but it doesn’t chafe as much when the reader can sympathize with the character’s reasons for avoiding the subject.
The friends and family in the book were also pitched perfectly. Never too much, they enhanced the development of the plot and were well fleshed out on their own. And while I've enjoyed 'world of two' books before and will again, the fully developed cast of characters here was refreshing.
Davey reading all of Rob’s projects and glimpsing the brief descriptions was sweet, and I also want all of these amazing gay graphic novels to exist in the world. And I loved how the ones that spoke to him at different times or the one he felt compelled to re-read at a certain point sort of mirrored things happening in Davey’s relationship with Rob. Also, the fact that Davey is so cat-like that Rob creates a cat in his comic to be a representation of him and then casts himself as his canine companion . . . the more I type the more adorable things I remember.
I think I’ve sussed out who the next book will be about, and will definitely pick up more from this author. I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews. (But I will be reading it yet again on KU for highlighting, and then I’ll probably buy it, bc I like it a whole lot.)
October 18, 2023
Sometimes you want a stiff drink, and sometimes you want a cup of hot chocolate. Late Bloomer is some high-quality hot chocolate. It's so tropey -- MC1 (Davey) has just been dumped by Matthew, the man he thought was his happily-ever-after. He keeps hearing Matthew's impatient voice in his head, asking him why he can't do this adult thing, that adult thing, and the other adult thing right. He leaves his hometown of Bury St. Edmunds for a job in Liverpool, where he winds up rooming with MC2, Rob. Rob's an artist who's moved from London to Liverpool to take care of the aunt who raised him.
So, you know where this goes, right? Davey and Rob get along great, they're attracted to each other, the things that drove Matthew batty about Davey don't bother Rob the same way, ostensible FWB situation ensues, and of course D & R have Painful Misunderstandings on the way to the HEA. Oh, and Matthew isn't such a villain as all that, it turns out. :^)
Honestly, Late Bloomer's considerably fluffier than the romances I usually go for, so for me personally it's not a 5-star experience. But if you're looking for a lovely cup of hot chocolate, look no further -- I think you'll enjoy the heck out of it. Hey, even I sniffled. Okay, maybe I sniffled a lot.
I received an ARC and am reviewing Late Bloomer voluntarily.
PS: This seems to be Silvan Ash's first published book. I'll definitely be looking out for what comes next.
So, you know where this goes, right? Davey and Rob get along great, they're attracted to each other, the things that drove Matthew batty about Davey don't bother Rob the same way, ostensible FWB situation ensues, and of course D & R have Painful Misunderstandings on the way to the HEA. Oh, and Matthew isn't such a villain as all that, it turns out. :^)
Honestly, Late Bloomer's considerably fluffier than the romances I usually go for, so for me personally it's not a 5-star experience. But if you're looking for a lovely cup of hot chocolate, look no further -- I think you'll enjoy the heck out of it. Hey, even I sniffled. Okay, maybe I sniffled a lot.
I received an ARC and am reviewing Late Bloomer voluntarily.
PS: This seems to be Silvan Ash's first published book. I'll definitely be looking out for what comes next.
January 1, 2024
4.5 stars
This was supremely sweet and somehow managed to carry me through a number of elements I don't usually enjoy which is quite impressive.
Davey is an absolute disaster in his day-to-day life. There are a lot of things he seems to have together, like his work, which is nice because he's not in the need for a saviour, just some structure. He's recently been left by his long-term boyfriend who he'd become quite dependent on for daily things, and who's really wormed his way into Davey's subconscious with his remarks about how he needs to grow up and get his life organised.
It was quite hard at times to read this negative internal monologue and by moments I wanted to go find his ex and cause him pain, however I liked that the ex wasn't cast as a villain. They're obviously not well suited to each other and he said a lot of things that seem to be unintentionally hurtful. It was satisfying to see Davey slowly move past this kind of self-talk and accept himself as he is.
As for Rob, though I appreciated his dedication to his aunt, I found him a bit overly self-sacrificing, having put his entire personal life on hold to care for her. I'm kind of glad we didn't get his POV as I'm not sure I could've dealt with that and still enjoyed this as much as I did.
That said, Rob was so sweet with Davey and so supportive of all the facets of his personality that I really came to love him too, and I think the author struck a good balance of caretaking without coddling, making sure that Rob called Davey out in a few moments of poor behaviour.
There's a fair bit of miscommunication in this but somehow I wasn't angry about it, probably because it aligned well with the characters, in particular Davey and his belief that he doesn't deserve a relationship and that no one will love him until he "grows up". Perhaps also because Rob is a much better communicator so it wasn't just a frustrating waffle of them both being knob-heads, but more like Rob was trying to offer roses and Davey was only seeing thorns.
I loved the epilogue which managed to be sweet, romantic and also funny while avoiding anything cheesy or melodramatic. Perfect!
The sex scenes were very oblique and perhaps should've just been omitted entirely. And a very negligeable thought that I don't like 1st person present narration.
Overall, a really nice book, and an impressive debut. I have a pretty good idea of where book 2 will go and I'm looking forward to reading it when it's released (it's been 18 months since this came out, I do hope there will be a next book).
This was supremely sweet and somehow managed to carry me through a number of elements I don't usually enjoy which is quite impressive.
Davey is an absolute disaster in his day-to-day life. There are a lot of things he seems to have together, like his work, which is nice because he's not in the need for a saviour, just some structure. He's recently been left by his long-term boyfriend who he'd become quite dependent on for daily things, and who's really wormed his way into Davey's subconscious with his remarks about how he needs to grow up and get his life organised.
It was quite hard at times to read this negative internal monologue and by moments I wanted to go find his ex and cause him pain, however I liked that the ex wasn't cast as a villain. They're obviously not well suited to each other and he said a lot of things that seem to be unintentionally hurtful. It was satisfying to see Davey slowly move past this kind of self-talk and accept himself as he is.
As for Rob, though I appreciated his dedication to his aunt, I found him a bit overly self-sacrificing, having put his entire personal life on hold to care for her. I'm kind of glad we didn't get his POV as I'm not sure I could've dealt with that and still enjoyed this as much as I did.
That said, Rob was so sweet with Davey and so supportive of all the facets of his personality that I really came to love him too, and I think the author struck a good balance of caretaking without coddling, making sure that Rob called Davey out in a few moments of poor behaviour.
There's a fair bit of miscommunication in this but somehow I wasn't angry about it, probably because it aligned well with the characters, in particular Davey and his belief that he doesn't deserve a relationship and that no one will love him until he "grows up". Perhaps also because Rob is a much better communicator so it wasn't just a frustrating waffle of them both being knob-heads, but more like Rob was trying to offer roses and Davey was only seeing thorns.
I loved the epilogue which managed to be sweet, romantic and also funny while avoiding anything cheesy or melodramatic. Perfect!
The sex scenes were very oblique and perhaps should've just been omitted entirely. And a very negligeable thought that I don't like 1st person present narration.
Overall, a really nice book, and an impressive debut. I have a pretty good idea of where book 2 will go and I'm looking forward to reading it when it's released (it's been 18 months since this came out, I do hope there will be a next book).
May 26, 2022
I probably should have DNFd this, and considered it multiple times, but only saw good things about it and therefore kept waiting for it to get better.
To start, it’s told in 1st person present POV, which is pretty much my least favourite.
Second, I don’t care for Davey. I don’t find him charming or cute, I find him annoying, dependant and immature.
I didn’t get the logic behind Davey and Rob like-liking each other, but deciding to be FWB because they can separate sex from feelings… even though they already have non-platonic feelings and are now adding sex… and they both don’t want or have time for a relationship, only they live together, are having sex together, like-like each other, spend their free time together, and are exclusive. In what sense is that not a relationship?
The sex scenes were odd, in that the author never uses an anatomical descriptors, doesn’t say cum or dick or arse… but instead using phrases like:
And the fact that this uses the annoying trope of assumption and miscommunication as the point of conflict is exactly that, annoying.
I also didn’t like how there were pages and pages describing Rob’s comics. I don’t need 3 pages describing a comic book in a fictional book. It’s just not necessary…. And meanwhile we are given very little info about Davey’s own job.
To start, it’s told in 1st person present POV, which is pretty much my least favourite.
Second, I don’t care for Davey. I don’t find him charming or cute, I find him annoying, dependant and immature.
I didn’t get the logic behind Davey and Rob like-liking each other, but deciding to be FWB because they can separate sex from feelings… even though they already have non-platonic feelings and are now adding sex… and they both don’t want or have time for a relationship, only they live together, are having sex together, like-like each other, spend their free time together, and are exclusive. In what sense is that not a relationship?
The sex scenes were odd, in that the author never uses an anatomical descriptors, doesn’t say cum or dick or arse… but instead using phrases like:
He asks me to show him all the secret ways I make myself come apart, and only then, while still murmuring praise into my ear, does he paint my shivering body with the heat of his ecstasy.
And the fact that this uses the annoying trope of assumption and miscommunication as the point of conflict is exactly that, annoying.
I also didn’t like how there were pages and pages describing Rob’s comics. I don’t need 3 pages describing a comic book in a fictional book. It’s just not necessary…. And meanwhile we are given very little info about Davey’s own job.
May 19, 2022
4.5/5 stars. After his boyfriend breaks up with him for not being independent and “adult” enough, a man moves to a new city for a job and connects with his quiet roommate. This book was sweet, funny, and just what I needed right now. The book is told entirely through Davey’s POV and is written in first-person present in a conversational style, which could so easily have been annoying but here worked well and gave the reader insight into Davey that another tense might not have conveyed. Davey is good-natured but self-deprecating, and you can feel his frustration with himself and his “mistakes” despite the lighthearted tone.
I’m not sure whether the author wrote Davey as ADHD, but I think ADHDers and others with executive functioning differences will find the voice of his inner critic extremely relatable (I know I did), as it tells him he’ll never be desirable unless he “fixes” himself and gets better at being an adult. The author did a great job showing how supportive friendships helped Davey become more self-accepting without turning Rob’s acceptance into a magical cure. The improvements to Davey’s self-image felt like they came from Davey himself, as he slowly learned that not everyone would react to him the way his ex did. The book takes place over the course of one year, and I appreciated that Davey was still on his self-acceptance journey at the end of the story.
Although the book is entirely from Davey’s POV, we learn a lot about Rob through his relationship with his aunt as well as the comics and graphic novels he writes (all of which I wish I could read in real life!), so he didn’t feel like a blank slate the way the love interest in solo-POV books often can. Davey and Rob’s family and friends fit into the story in a realistic way that advanced the overall narrative.
My only real issue with this book is that the conclusion felt somewhat anticlimactic, and was quickly resolved for how long it had been built up. But overall, this is a very impressive debut and I’m excited to see what else this author has to offer.
I reviewed an ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews.
I’m not sure whether the author wrote Davey as ADHD, but I think ADHDers and others with executive functioning differences will find the voice of his inner critic extremely relatable (I know I did), as it tells him he’ll never be desirable unless he “fixes” himself and gets better at being an adult. The author did a great job showing how supportive friendships helped Davey become more self-accepting without turning Rob’s acceptance into a magical cure. The improvements to Davey’s self-image felt like they came from Davey himself, as he slowly learned that not everyone would react to him the way his ex did. The book takes place over the course of one year, and I appreciated that Davey was still on his self-acceptance journey at the end of the story.
Although the book is entirely from Davey’s POV, we learn a lot about Rob through his relationship with his aunt as well as the comics and graphic novels he writes (all of which I wish I could read in real life!), so he didn’t feel like a blank slate the way the love interest in solo-POV books often can. Davey and Rob’s family and friends fit into the story in a realistic way that advanced the overall narrative.
My only real issue with this book is that the conclusion felt somewhat anticlimactic, and was quickly resolved for how long it had been built up. But overall, this is a very impressive debut and I’m excited to see what else this author has to offer.
I reviewed an ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews.
May 15, 2022
This book is such a cute and sweet roommates to lovers story! I absolutely adored Davey. He was so sweet and funny and cute! He is struggling because he was just dumped by his boyfriend who he thought he was going to spend forever with. He is haunted by his ex’s words asking him why he cant do the adult thing and why he cant just grow up and be an adult. Davey decides that he needs to get away so he moved across the country to Liverpool to start a new job. He moves in with Rob, an artist who is currently taking care of his aunt. Davey and Rob are the perfect roommate match. They instantly become friends and have a pretty instant attraction to each other as well. They decide friend with benefits would be mutually beneficial. The more they hook up the more feelings develop for one another. This was such a sweet fluffy romance and I enjoyed every minute of reading it! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 1st Person Single POV (Davey)
Standalone or series: Book 1 in the Second Impression Series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 1st Person Single POV (Davey)
Standalone or series: Book 1 in the Second Impression Series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
July 18, 2023
Good first in a series
I liked our couple. I did get annoyed with Davy a few times because he can’t let people talk and it causes miscommunication
Robbie was cute and I loved his relationship with Dot. I just loved Dot actually
Things with Alex could have been less full of conflict and I would have enjoyed it more.
All in all I did have a great time reading this and I’m excitedly waiting for the next!
I liked our couple. I did get annoyed with Davy a few times because he can’t let people talk and it causes miscommunication
Robbie was cute and I loved his relationship with Dot. I just loved Dot actually
Things with Alex could have been less full of conflict and I would have enjoyed it more.
All in all I did have a great time reading this and I’m excitedly waiting for the next!
June 23, 2022
How not to love a book that starts like this: "Once upon a time"?... 😍
Well, that was my first impulse to read this book, added to that we have the adorable Davey Bloom... the funniest, cutest, most friendliest character you could find, he really warmed my heart...❤️❤️
You know that kind of character that makes you feel like stepping into the book and being friends? So, I want to be friends with Dave...😍❤️
Along with him we have another handsome, adorable, strong, Aunt Dot's dear nephew and kind man, Rob Stirling... and wow...yes! 😍❤️
After the breakup Davey moves to another city and shares an apartment with Rob, from roommates they turn into friends and then friends with benefits until love comes along....❤️🔥🥰
The other characters are adorable Aunt Dot and the three Pris... Dave's best friends... and, my goodness is one laugh after another! 😂😂
This is a very romantic, very funny book, Dave matures a lot throughout the book, he learns to be confident and sure of himself, Rob supports him without telling him what to do, how to feel or think, the two transform and learn together, this makes them a very special couple !🥰🥰
The first book by this author that I'm sure will bring much joy to our hearts of passionate readers!! 5⭐
Well, that was my first impulse to read this book, added to that we have the adorable Davey Bloom... the funniest, cutest, most friendliest character you could find, he really warmed my heart...❤️❤️
You know that kind of character that makes you feel like stepping into the book and being friends? So, I want to be friends with Dave...😍❤️
Along with him we have another handsome, adorable, strong, Aunt Dot's dear nephew and kind man, Rob Stirling... and wow...yes! 😍❤️
After the breakup Davey moves to another city and shares an apartment with Rob, from roommates they turn into friends and then friends with benefits until love comes along....❤️🔥🥰
The other characters are adorable Aunt Dot and the three Pris... Dave's best friends... and, my goodness is one laugh after another! 😂😂
This is a very romantic, very funny book, Dave matures a lot throughout the book, he learns to be confident and sure of himself, Rob supports him without telling him what to do, how to feel or think, the two transform and learn together, this makes them a very special couple !🥰🥰
The first book by this author that I'm sure will bring much joy to our hearts of passionate readers!! 5⭐
May 21, 2022
4.5 stars
Davey is kind-hearted, caring, and genuinely sweet— as well as, when the story begins, utterly incapable of seeing any of the good things about himself. Instead, he’s hyper-fixated on perceived failures: his last relationship, the challenges of living up to what he thinks it means to be a mature, competent adult. It can be difficult to read his doubts, insecurities, and negative self-perceptions— he’s the kind of character you want the best for, and he seems, at times, determined not to allow that for himself. It dos make it all the more rewarding, however, watching things get better. His roommates-to friends-to lovers relationship trajectory with Rob is utterly lovely— there’s lots of warm, goodhearted fluff as well as some inevitable misunderstandings etc. I also liked that the “evil ex” character is actually…not so evil (it’s nice to see a somewhat ubiquitous trope get turned on its head a bit) and overall, this is a really enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Davey is kind-hearted, caring, and genuinely sweet— as well as, when the story begins, utterly incapable of seeing any of the good things about himself. Instead, he’s hyper-fixated on perceived failures: his last relationship, the challenges of living up to what he thinks it means to be a mature, competent adult. It can be difficult to read his doubts, insecurities, and negative self-perceptions— he’s the kind of character you want the best for, and he seems, at times, determined not to allow that for himself. It dos make it all the more rewarding, however, watching things get better. His roommates-to friends-to lovers relationship trajectory with Rob is utterly lovely— there’s lots of warm, goodhearted fluff as well as some inevitable misunderstandings etc. I also liked that the “evil ex” character is actually…not so evil (it’s nice to see a somewhat ubiquitous trope get turned on its head a bit) and overall, this is a really enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
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June 23, 2022Gosh this was so sweet and I would have loved it if Davey had gotten his head out of his arse sooner and been less afraid to admit how he was feeling.
I do like the overcoming of the doubts from a previous relationship I feel this was handled nicely here and better than in lots of books.
I did like the Englishness.
I liked the writing; it was paced in a way that was never boring to read.
In general I’d deffo check out more by this author.
I do like the overcoming of the doubts from a previous relationship I feel this was handled nicely here and better than in lots of books.
I did like the Englishness.
I liked the writing; it was paced in a way that was never boring to read.
In general I’d deffo check out more by this author.
October 15, 2022
I picked up the book on a whim, and I am so grateful that I did.
I don't usually write reviews, but I saw it's the author's first novel so I felt the need to encourage. And rant. Yeah it's mostly me ranting sorry 😊. Not about this book tough.
It's lucky that I forgot all about the blurb by the time I actually decided to read this, and just went for it. The troupe is a common one, much used. And I was just about done with all the 'let's connect with sex first instead of talking' kinda books, searching for sth. else. A lot of my reads these days went south there (pun intended). It's not for me, not when it stops the character growth and the focus of the story itself.
I prefer slow burn romances or at leat ones with emotional connections. When I get to know the characters and like them not because they have nice abs but because of their story.
And to use Davey's words: this was brill!
The author managed to create an atmosphere of love which I felt throughout the whole book. It was sweet, charming and honest. It felt a little bit magical, a nice warm bubble of the feels. Like hug. Thank you, I needed this.
I had a lot of hoops and the story managed to jump them all. 😂😅
First of all Davey's lack of independence did annoy me at first and I was very afraid it will be resolved with a sexual role play or an unhealthy set up. It wasn't. I liked how we got to read his thought process, and see him settle.
Secondly I almost tossed the book when the idea of friends with benefits came up.( As I said I just had enough of that already. It kinda became a trigger.I am honestly mostly bored by descriptions of sex. Like I get that you're having fun, but I am not.) But the sex scenes didn't took over the story, they managed to stay short and beautiful, with just the right amount of detail and description.
And thirdly I am an art student or - when I am being nice to myself - a contemporary artist, therefore I have seriously detailed expectations about descriptions of artists in books. And have been let down. Many many times. When Dot first referred to Rob as an artist I was ready to put up with an other 'genius painter' drawing photorealistic pics about people by heart or god save me, thunders or flowers. I was very relieved to hear he is a comic artist. Later when they went to a contemporary art museum it was such a nice relief to hear them saying they don't understand and not really interested in it, instead of trashing it, or gushing about more conservative paintings with f.e. thunder or flowers on them. I also liked how Rob's creative process wasn't mystificated, and how his stories which Davey red always rhymed with the main story, and the people around him. And the last trial: the present. When Davey decided to give Rob a present I was still not ready to let go of my preconceptions and was waiting for him to buy pencils paint of sth of the sort. That wasn't the case thank you. Thank you very much indeed. Rob being an artist was part of his personality but not taking over. It was his job and also his passion, without being overly dramatic.
I don't usually write reviews, but I saw it's the author's first novel so I felt the need to encourage. And rant. Yeah it's mostly me ranting sorry 😊. Not about this book tough.
It's lucky that I forgot all about the blurb by the time I actually decided to read this, and just went for it. The troupe is a common one, much used. And I was just about done with all the 'let's connect with sex first instead of talking' kinda books, searching for sth. else. A lot of my reads these days went south there (pun intended). It's not for me, not when it stops the character growth and the focus of the story itself.
I prefer slow burn romances or at leat ones with emotional connections. When I get to know the characters and like them not because they have nice abs but because of their story.
And to use Davey's words: this was brill!
The author managed to create an atmosphere of love which I felt throughout the whole book. It was sweet, charming and honest. It felt a little bit magical, a nice warm bubble of the feels. Like hug. Thank you, I needed this.
I had a lot of hoops and the story managed to jump them all. 😂😅
First of all Davey's lack of independence did annoy me at first and I was very afraid it will be resolved with a sexual role play or an unhealthy set up. It wasn't. I liked how we got to read his thought process, and see him settle.
Secondly I almost tossed the book when the idea of friends with benefits came up.( As I said I just had enough of that already. It kinda became a trigger.I am honestly mostly bored by descriptions of sex. Like I get that you're having fun, but I am not.) But the sex scenes didn't took over the story, they managed to stay short and beautiful, with just the right amount of detail and description.
And thirdly I am an art student or - when I am being nice to myself - a contemporary artist, therefore I have seriously detailed expectations about descriptions of artists in books. And have been let down. Many many times. When Dot first referred to Rob as an artist I was ready to put up with an other 'genius painter' drawing photorealistic pics about people by heart or god save me, thunders or flowers. I was very relieved to hear he is a comic artist. Later when they went to a contemporary art museum it was such a nice relief to hear them saying they don't understand and not really interested in it, instead of trashing it, or gushing about more conservative paintings with f.e. thunder or flowers on them. I also liked how Rob's creative process wasn't mystificated, and how his stories which Davey red always rhymed with the main story, and the people around him. And the last trial: the present. When Davey decided to give Rob a present I was still not ready to let go of my preconceptions and was waiting for him to buy pencils paint of sth of the sort. That wasn't the case thank you. Thank you very much indeed. Rob being an artist was part of his personality but not taking over. It was his job and also his passion, without being overly dramatic.
June 1, 2022
This seems to be the first with this author, the first on Goodreads anyway, and what a good starter this is, a completely sweet and fascinating story. David and Rob are room-mates in Liverpool (been there, lovely) and we get the pleasure of enjoying their journey in getting to know each other. The misunderstanding/ miscommunication at 86/87% is touching but hilarious, these two sweet guys stepping around each other, wanting more than they dare say, so cute, so funny. A truly lovely read.
May 25, 2022
4.5 stars. Adorable and sweet
June 10, 2022
4,5 stars
Unexpected pleasant read.
Unexpected pleasant read.
June 2, 2022
This was super adorable. Looking forward to reading more from this author!
June 6, 2022
Just wonderful 💕
New author for me and I absolutely adored this story! It’s a lovely little hug in book form ❤️ Davey is such a sweetheart and Rob is his perfect match. Highly recommend curling up on the sofa with a cuppa and enjoying this one! Five stars 🤩
New author for me and I absolutely adored this story! It’s a lovely little hug in book form ❤️ Davey is such a sweetheart and Rob is his perfect match. Highly recommend curling up on the sofa with a cuppa and enjoying this one! Five stars 🤩
June 6, 2022
Needy and sweet
My reason for 4 stars is at times Davey was far to needy for my liking, having said that I still really enjoyed this story of Rob and Davey it made me chuckle and smile in places. Some funny side characters would recommend giving it a try. Okayloveyoubye.
My reason for 4 stars is at times Davey was far to needy for my liking, having said that I still really enjoyed this story of Rob and Davey it made me chuckle and smile in places. Some funny side characters would recommend giving it a try. Okayloveyoubye.
May 20, 2022
4.5-5 stars rounded up.
Well, this was an unexpected delight. I picked this up not really knowing what to expect and was so pleasantly surprised with it. It was just such an easy, pleasant read and I found myself keen to go back and pick up the story and see where it took me.
It's a simple premise, Davey has a bad break up and moves to Liverpool to find a fresh start and ends up sharing a flat with what turns out to be his perfect man. Cue a lot of misunderstandings, mishaps, meddling friends and tons of fluffy sweetness and that all turns out to be the recipe for one of the sweetest stories I've read in a long time.
I loved Davey, I loved seeing his journey to be able to be comfortable in his own skin and I loved how he didn't actually change, just came to be comfortable with himself and a lot of that was down to how Rob was with him. Davey is more than a bit hapless but he's just so adorable, I never felt frustrated with him or wanted him to change, I loved him how he was. Rob is probably the most patient man on the planet though, but I did get a giggle more than once at Davey's antics and his descriptions of Rob and his excess energy.
Honestly, this book made me laugh, made me smile and it truly made me happy, it left me smiling and I was so happy I took this journey with Rob and Davey, it was so good to see Davey grow and his relationship with Rob grow too.
I loved this book and so happy I took a chance on it.
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
Well, this was an unexpected delight. I picked this up not really knowing what to expect and was so pleasantly surprised with it. It was just such an easy, pleasant read and I found myself keen to go back and pick up the story and see where it took me.
It's a simple premise, Davey has a bad break up and moves to Liverpool to find a fresh start and ends up sharing a flat with what turns out to be his perfect man. Cue a lot of misunderstandings, mishaps, meddling friends and tons of fluffy sweetness and that all turns out to be the recipe for one of the sweetest stories I've read in a long time.
I loved Davey, I loved seeing his journey to be able to be comfortable in his own skin and I loved how he didn't actually change, just came to be comfortable with himself and a lot of that was down to how Rob was with him. Davey is more than a bit hapless but he's just so adorable, I never felt frustrated with him or wanted him to change, I loved him how he was. Rob is probably the most patient man on the planet though, but I did get a giggle more than once at Davey's antics and his descriptions of Rob and his excess energy.
Honestly, this book made me laugh, made me smile and it truly made me happy, it left me smiling and I was so happy I took this journey with Rob and Davey, it was so good to see Davey grow and his relationship with Rob grow too.
I loved this book and so happy I took a chance on it.
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
May 21, 2022
4.5 stars
What a gorgeous story. Single POV is refreshing for me now that most romance authors choose dual POV. This one is first person, present tense, which is also not something I see a lot.
Davey, the narrator, is an adorable mess who is trying to get his life together after a bad breakup.
He moves in with Robbie, who is super together, despite the stress of looking after his ailing Aunt/mother figure.
There's so much to love about this, from the found family aspect, to the tenderness and creeping feelings between the MC's. The growth that Davey experiences throughout the story is also gorgeous, and I love a steadfast MC like Robbie.
This book is low to medium heat as the story is much more about Davey's personal growth and the relationships in the book.
It's not quite 5 star for me, just because of an editing choice that I felt got a bit repetitive (I don't want to spoil Robbie's job, so I'm going to leave it at that).
I'm excited to read more by this author.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I chosen to leave an honest review.
What a gorgeous story. Single POV is refreshing for me now that most romance authors choose dual POV. This one is first person, present tense, which is also not something I see a lot.
Davey, the narrator, is an adorable mess who is trying to get his life together after a bad breakup.
He moves in with Robbie, who is super together, despite the stress of looking after his ailing Aunt/mother figure.
There's so much to love about this, from the found family aspect, to the tenderness and creeping feelings between the MC's. The growth that Davey experiences throughout the story is also gorgeous, and I love a steadfast MC like Robbie.
This book is low to medium heat as the story is much more about Davey's personal growth and the relationships in the book.
It's not quite 5 star for me, just because of an editing choice that I felt got a bit repetitive (I don't want to spoil Robbie's job, so I'm going to leave it at that).
I'm excited to read more by this author.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I chosen to leave an honest review.
May 21, 2022
"Okaybyeloveyou!"
After a strange first encounter, Davey & Rob end up being flatmates.
I love how there Davey seems to always find innuendos in various things he sees, it's quite funny. He's a bit clumsy, a tad awkward, & it comes off as charming, really. Rob seems to be charmed by him. Both these characters are quite cute, in fact. Together, they`re just adorable.
<3 the three Pris. Love Dot, too.
This was a great story, worth reading.
I absolutely love how Rob just accepts Davey for who he really is, which makes him become a better version of himself. <3 the epilogue, too. Fantastic book!
I received this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After a strange first encounter, Davey & Rob end up being flatmates.
I love how there Davey seems to always find innuendos in various things he sees, it's quite funny. He's a bit clumsy, a tad awkward, & it comes off as charming, really. Rob seems to be charmed by him. Both these characters are quite cute, in fact. Together, they`re just adorable.
<3 the three Pris. Love Dot, too.
This was a great story, worth reading.
I absolutely love how Rob just accepts Davey for who he really is, which makes him become a better version of himself. <3 the epilogue, too. Fantastic book!
I received this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2023
This was just a sweet and lovely read about a young man who has been left by his ex and is now trying to become less dependent on others and become an adult. Davey goes to a new job in a new city and meets a man who doesn't mind taking care of others and instinctively reaches out to Davey's dependency and doesn't mind if he is not so great at adulting. Rob is also the main caregiver to his aunt and doesn't have time for relationships. This is a story of delightful people who are funny and enjoys life. Friends and family add comedy to the story and personally I think you can't go wrong in reading this wonderful story.
May 23, 2022
I adored Davey and Rob and all their friends and family. This is a sweet romance, that also makes some excellent points about independence versus accepting help and support and exactly where one needs to draw the line to be considered and "adult". Davey learns that he can stand up for himself and make his own decisions, but Rob also helps him see that no one does everything completely alone, and why would anyone want to. Can't wait to read about the rest of the couples the author has in store for us in this series.
May 23, 2022
Loved this book. Loved the fact that it was UK based and in a non London area. Though they mentioned Hendon in Zone 4 which is kinda cool. Davey appears to be neurodiverse (undiagnosed obviously). From what was described it possibly sounds like dyspraxia and ADHD. It must be so hard to try to fit yourself into an ‘idea’ of what an adult is. Adulting is HARD and all these expectations are ridiculous. I loved the story. I loved how they unfolded and how supportive and patient Robbie was. Just let people be.
May 24, 2022
Such a great book. I loved it from start to finish. Funny and sweet. Entertaining and steamy. Complete opposites that just might be what the other man needs. Davey desperately needs a place to live to get out from his currently bad situation. Rob needs a roommate to help with expenses. Davey answers the ad and finds the perfect place to live. Turns out he and Rob had an awkward experience on the street where Rob saves Davey from himself. Davey moves in and the two men get to know each other better. Can this roommate situation become more? I highly recommend.
May 19, 2022
This is a very sweet, wholesome roomates to lovers story. It's a no heat romance with the intimate scenes off page. I didn't feel like I was missing anything with how well it was written, I just wish I knew before reading since I was expecting it. It's a single POV story, which I'm not used to, buy it was done well. I would definitely read something else by this author.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
May 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. It was just such a sweet simple roommate love story. But I think that's what I found so wonderful about this book nowadays everybody tries to throw all this crazy stuff in the books and you get lost in them where is this one it was just beautifully written. This author has a way with writing some beautiful words. I am really looking forward to be able to read more by this author.
May 23, 2022
Cute romance.
3.5 stares. Davey is definitely a late bloomer, he seems to have depended on others to sort him out for his whole life. In this story he grows into himself, with the help of Rob, his roommate. Rob turns out to be a sweetheart, a cute sympathetic one, who knows how to be patient with Davey. I couldn't help but root for the happiness and love the two guys deserved. I liked that it's set in the UK, and is very British in its content. Cute read.
3.5 stares. Davey is definitely a late bloomer, he seems to have depended on others to sort him out for his whole life. In this story he grows into himself, with the help of Rob, his roommate. Rob turns out to be a sweetheart, a cute sympathetic one, who knows how to be patient with Davey. I couldn't help but root for the happiness and love the two guys deserved. I liked that it's set in the UK, and is very British in its content. Cute read.
May 23, 2022
I’ve often read descriptions of different books being called “a romantic comedy”. Well, this book was actually a very great romantic comedy. I smiled and chuckled many times and just absolutely fell in love with Rob and Davey. The entire cast have become my favorites. This book is a triumph and I can’t imagine anyone not 100% adoring it as much as I do. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
May 16, 2022
This book was an absolute delight to read and after all the American books I read it was great to read one that set at home but didn't feel as though it had been transported from America.
There was so much going on all the time, the pace of the book was fantastic and the storyline kept the reader engaged at all times. I wanted to be friends with the characters and hold their hands through their upsets and celebrates their wins.
I loved this book, it is well written and I couldn't put it down. I'm totally recommending it for your Kindle today xx
I received a copy of this book via Gay Romance Reviews and provide my honest review voluntarily
There was so much going on all the time, the pace of the book was fantastic and the storyline kept the reader engaged at all times. I wanted to be friends with the characters and hold their hands through their upsets and celebrates their wins.
I loved this book, it is well written and I couldn't put it down. I'm totally recommending it for your Kindle today xx
I received a copy of this book via Gay Romance Reviews and provide my honest review voluntarily
May 23, 2022
Davey needs a new life, one where he can be on his own and grow into a better him. In this new life he gets a roommate that changes his prospective. I think they made a great couple. It takes its time and a lot of introspection but they made it. And it worked. Roommate to lovers 👋
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