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Attractive Forces
Logan
Everyone looks at me and thinks I rule Heath Valley High School. All they see is the captain of the champion rugby team, the guy who has got everything.
They don’t see my secret, one I’ll do anything to keep.
I’m so used to keeping my sexuality buried I’ve never stopped to think about what it’s costing me.
Until I need a chemistry tutor, and Jake Stenton waltzes into my life.
Jake
Being new in town is hard, and it’s even harder when it feels like my family is trying to run from a secret in our past.
When I’m offered the chance to tutor Logan Madison, I’m nervous about spending time with the most popular guy in school.
But Logan turns out to be so different from what I expected, and an unlikely friendship springs up between us. A friendship that’s so different to anything I’ve ever had before and forces me to re-examine everything I thought I knew about myself .
But is the attraction between Logan and me more powerful than the external forces trying to rip us apart?
Everyone looks at me and thinks I rule Heath Valley High School. All they see is the captain of the champion rugby team, the guy who has got everything.
They don’t see my secret, one I’ll do anything to keep.
I’m so used to keeping my sexuality buried I’ve never stopped to think about what it’s costing me.
Until I need a chemistry tutor, and Jake Stenton waltzes into my life.
Jake
Being new in town is hard, and it’s even harder when it feels like my family is trying to run from a secret in our past.
When I’m offered the chance to tutor Logan Madison, I’m nervous about spending time with the most popular guy in school.
But Logan turns out to be so different from what I expected, and an unlikely friendship springs up between us. A friendship that’s so different to anything I’ve ever had before and forces me to re-examine everything I thought I knew about myself .
But is the attraction between Logan and me more powerful than the external forces trying to rip us apart?
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2022
232 people are currently reading
1605 people want to read
About the author
Jax Calder
31 books1,055 followersJax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
February 11, 2025
I can see you starin', honey / Like he's just your understudy (exile - Taylor Swift).
Not to plagiarize master lyricist, Carly Rae Jepson, but I really, really, really, really, really, really liked this! To me, this book was classic Young-Adult lit in the best way, which, I’ll admit, I’ve been kind of coasting on for a while now. Just doesn’t hit like it used to, you know? But Attractive Forces reminded me of that certain kind of magic that made me fall in love with the genre in the first place! It’s definitely up there with the likes of The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen and Autoboyography by Christina Lauren. It was such a throwback for me, like that one pop song that used to play constantly on the radio when you were a kid and gives you immense nostalgia whenever you hear it nowadays. This book even managed to make the dreaded “break-up” chapter make sense! It didn’t feel like it was going down a checklist and was realistic to the point where it never felt like an afterthought. And because of the problems Jake and Logan were dealing with (mostly the homophobic father), It even had me thinking things like “oh, it actually might be best if they didn’t end up together after all.” I mean, I say that, but I know for a fact that I’d be pretty angry if that actually happened. No thanks to the “realistic” route! It's always nice to read a book and have zero notes! Well… maybe one note; I will say too much of the dialogue is glossed over. It’s not uncommon for the book to say stuff like “we talked about this or that,” rather than, you know, actually showing their conversation through dialogue. This really wasn’t a criticism, but rather just me expressing my disappointment that I didn’t get to see more of them together, as that was the major highlight for me! Anyway, this is hardly brave of me to say this because a lot of people liked this book, but... sure I’ll say it, this book has already become an instant classic!
"Sometimes I feel as though I spend every moment of my life having to be so damn careful.”
Not to plagiarize master lyricist, Carly Rae Jepson, but I really, really, really, really, really, really liked this! To me, this book was classic Young-Adult lit in the best way, which, I’ll admit, I’ve been kind of coasting on for a while now. Just doesn’t hit like it used to, you know? But Attractive Forces reminded me of that certain kind of magic that made me fall in love with the genre in the first place! It’s definitely up there with the likes of The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen and Autoboyography by Christina Lauren. It was such a throwback for me, like that one pop song that used to play constantly on the radio when you were a kid and gives you immense nostalgia whenever you hear it nowadays. This book even managed to make the dreaded “break-up” chapter make sense! It didn’t feel like it was going down a checklist and was realistic to the point where it never felt like an afterthought. And because of the problems Jake and Logan were dealing with (mostly the homophobic father), It even had me thinking things like “oh, it actually might be best if they didn’t end up together after all.” I mean, I say that, but I know for a fact that I’d be pretty angry if that actually happened. No thanks to the “realistic” route! It's always nice to read a book and have zero notes! Well… maybe one note; I will say too much of the dialogue is glossed over. It’s not uncommon for the book to say stuff like “we talked about this or that,” rather than, you know, actually showing their conversation through dialogue. This really wasn’t a criticism, but rather just me expressing my disappointment that I didn’t get to see more of them together, as that was the major highlight for me! Anyway, this is hardly brave of me to say this because a lot of people liked this book, but... sure I’ll say it, this book has already become an instant classic!
"Sometimes I feel as though I spend every moment of my life having to be so damn careful.”
February 6, 2023
This was a cute YA story. Maybe not too original, but I liked how it was written. I liked everything about Logan and Jake and how their relationship developed.
I do have a few niggles, though. I didn't like Logan's father. I'm done reading about characters like him, even though he came to his senses in the end, sort of. The ending felt rushed and everything was resolved too quickly.
Other than that, I quite enjoyed reading this. There's some angst in the story, but it ended up being lighter than I expected.
I do have a few niggles, though. I didn't like Logan's father. I'm done reading about characters like him, even though he came to his senses in the end, sort of. The ending felt rushed and everything was resolved too quickly.
Other than that, I quite enjoyed reading this. There's some angst in the story, but it ended up being lighter than I expected.
November 17, 2022
This was such a fun and compelling NA story (both 18), which I'm really glad that I read.
I loved both Logan and Jake and witnessing them going from being tutor and student, to best friends and confidants, to a whole lot more.
[My take on the the closeted jock, Logan...]
[My take on the awkward outsider, Jake...]
As I'd expected, it contained the standard fare of the jock being unable to come out for fear of what other people, including his pastor father, would think.
It also contained the compulsory , however, that was blessedly short-lived and resolved nicely in a true show of commitment. A grand gesture, without feeling forced or manufactured, which I really liked.
I haven't encountered a Jax Calder book that I haven't enjoyed so far, so I'd rate this one at around 4.25 stars and I plan on enjoying her books for as long as she continues pumping them out. 😁
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August 9, 2025
|| 4.0 stars ||
This was all that’s sweet and cute: high school friends-to-lovers with an endearing opposites attract trope.
Logan is the Golden Boy; the captain of the rugby team, gorgeous, the son of the local Pastor, and popular amongst everyone.
Jake had moved to their town about a year ago, and this sweet and nerdy guy captured Logan’s attention immediately.
Unfortunately though, Logan feels very pressured to hide his sexuality, even from himself, and thus, when Logan needs help with chemistry and finds a tutor in Jake, they develop an incredibly strong and supportive friendship that only turns into a romance after quite some time.
This really was a wholesome and sweet read. The relationship between these two guys is packed with a lot of chemistry and loving gestures. They orbit around each other constantly and always have something to talk about. Whenever they walk into a room, the first thing they’ll look for is the other person; they cannot keep their eyes off of each other and text whenever they can’t actually talk. It was such a caring relationship; I couldn’t help but love it.
I mean, would I have loved a bit more angst here? Probably. But we did get a little of it, and maybe too much would have ruined the wholesome vibe we got now.
Overall, I just thought this was a super entertaining read with loveable characters and a pure relationship.
Jax Calder books:
Attractive Forces - 4.0 stars
The Unlikely Heir - 4.0 stars
This was all that’s sweet and cute: high school friends-to-lovers with an endearing opposites attract trope.
Logan is the Golden Boy; the captain of the rugby team, gorgeous, the son of the local Pastor, and popular amongst everyone.
Jake had moved to their town about a year ago, and this sweet and nerdy guy captured Logan’s attention immediately.
Unfortunately though, Logan feels very pressured to hide his sexuality, even from himself, and thus, when Logan needs help with chemistry and finds a tutor in Jake, they develop an incredibly strong and supportive friendship that only turns into a romance after quite some time.
This really was a wholesome and sweet read. The relationship between these two guys is packed with a lot of chemistry and loving gestures. They orbit around each other constantly and always have something to talk about. Whenever they walk into a room, the first thing they’ll look for is the other person; they cannot keep their eyes off of each other and text whenever they can’t actually talk. It was such a caring relationship; I couldn’t help but love it.
I mean, would I have loved a bit more angst here? Probably. But we did get a little of it, and maybe too much would have ruined the wholesome vibe we got now.
Overall, I just thought this was a super entertaining read with loveable characters and a pure relationship.
Jax Calder books:
Attractive Forces - 4.0 stars
The Unlikely Heir - 4.0 stars
May 2, 2023
4.5 Stars
I absolutely devoured this story!
Attractive Forces is the coming-of-age tale of Logan and Jake, two NZ high school seniors who are both striving to live their best lives, despite dealing with a lot of heavy things on each of their emotional plates.
Logan is the revered popular jock, star of the school’s rugby team, son of a preacher, and most certainly gay and afraid to come out publicly.
Jake, whip smart and a bit of a nerd, is the new kid in school, having relocated after some shady family business saw the fracturing of his affluent and happy family unit.
As cliched as can be but all the more wonderful for it, the nerd gets asked to tutor the jock, and inevitably, an unlikely connection forms between these boys, deep and true, making them want things neither of them has dared want before.
The tropes and the plot were nothing new, but there was something magic and morish about this story that had me hooked and unable/unwilling to put it down for long.
Logan and Jake were wonderful characters to inhabit for 250 pages, both a shining example of the kind of bright, thoughtful, and deeply compassionate young men we’d all want our sons to be (real or metaphorical).
As a romance, this was all personal revelations and sweet first-times, and although these boys faced some challenges that ramped their stress levels and threatened to ruin their happiness, for the most part, this was a fairly sweet story, with low-to-moderate angst that never overpowered the charming and positive vibe these characters brought me.
Jax Calder is a new-to-me author but one I will not be new to for long, if the rest her stories are as lovely and deliciously readable as this one.
I absolutely devoured this story!
Attractive Forces is the coming-of-age tale of Logan and Jake, two NZ high school seniors who are both striving to live their best lives, despite dealing with a lot of heavy things on each of their emotional plates.
Logan is the revered popular jock, star of the school’s rugby team, son of a preacher, and most certainly gay and afraid to come out publicly.
Jake, whip smart and a bit of a nerd, is the new kid in school, having relocated after some shady family business saw the fracturing of his affluent and happy family unit.
As cliched as can be but all the more wonderful for it, the nerd gets asked to tutor the jock, and inevitably, an unlikely connection forms between these boys, deep and true, making them want things neither of them has dared want before.
The tropes and the plot were nothing new, but there was something magic and morish about this story that had me hooked and unable/unwilling to put it down for long.
Logan and Jake were wonderful characters to inhabit for 250 pages, both a shining example of the kind of bright, thoughtful, and deeply compassionate young men we’d all want our sons to be (real or metaphorical).
As a romance, this was all personal revelations and sweet first-times, and although these boys faced some challenges that ramped their stress levels and threatened to ruin their happiness, for the most part, this was a fairly sweet story, with low-to-moderate angst that never overpowered the charming and positive vibe these characters brought me.
Jax Calder is a new-to-me author but one I will not be new to for long, if the rest her stories are as lovely and deliciously readable as this one.
October 7, 2022
His smile sparks a feeling of certainty inside me. I have never felt this way about anyone. It doesn’t scare me that I’m attracted to him. It scares me that I want everything with him.
this book is the perfect example of how a story can be simple and straight forward but still beautifully impactful and engaging.
the fact the focal point of the book is our two main characters, Jake and Logan, is where the story excelled for me. you could tell Calder really took the time to flesh out and explore both heroes in depth, focusing on their personal lives and upbringings, and not just the surface level stuff. i enjoyed both boys’ backgrounds and how their home lives are present in the background throughout, but don’t hijack the story and take away from the romance.
i will admit, i worried early one that this would be too rushed since Logan and Jake become fast friends. but around the 30% mark, this shifted from a casual, fun filler read for me, to an addictive and heart-wrenching story. the natural progression of their tentative, blossoming relationship was so heart-warming to read! they had me holding my breath, my heart pounding as they just stared at each other and pined longingly. the execution of their relationship development was stellar.
Being friends with Logan has been the bright spot in my life for the last couple of months. The idea of not having that makes me feel like I’ve literally got a black hole inside me, swallowing all of the light.
the book really encapsulates the everyday struggle with understanding your sexuality, and presents this internal conversation as something so mundane that it was kinda perfect, honestly.
i related waaaay more to the simplicity of Jake and Logan’s internal struggles and understandings of their sexualities than i did in any other book where coming out is this overly dramatic, messy and loud crescendo at the end of the book. and don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that at all— im just personally tired of the dramatics lol.
i appreciate the romances that focus on the simple and mundane, and really flesh those situations out to feel so relatable and human. this book isn’t about grandeur but soft, casual intimacy and the complexity of familial, platonic and romantic relationships.
That’s the thing, I can exchange witty messages with the hottest girl in school without blinking but messaging a cute nerd-boy makes me break out in a sweat.
the way Jake described his demisexuality was so accurate— him thinking he’s just a “late bloomer” because he has very little interest in sex (unlike a lot of his peers), but then, the more he researches, the more he realises he is in fact not a “late bloomer”... he’s just on the asexual spectrum lmao.
idk why this line made me laugh out loud:
Anyway, I can’t spend my entire evening trying to work out the complexities of my sexuality. I’ve got a calculus test to study for and a geography assignment to complete.
this is YA so the book naturally had a soft and understated vibe. like Logan gave me serious Nick Nelson vibes, it was really sweet. i loved both characters so much, i actually don’t think i have a favourite at all. they were really endearing and i was rooting for them both, while the chemistry was so good, i was holding my breath the whole time waiting for them to kiss or just do something. they definitely had that flustered, adolescent innocence about them that just made them all the more charming.
“Hey,” I say.
He turns to look at me, his face splitting into a grin. I focus on where his right lip quirks up slightly more than his left, my heart skittering.
“Hey.”
i guess the only reason this isn’t a full five stars is because a few aspects felt a bit rushed over and not fully explored— namely the plots regarding both Logan and Jake’s fathers. i felt a bit underwhelmed that we were left hanging, especially in regards to Logan’s dad.
Just so you know, I’m kind of in love with you.” My voice is no louder than a whisper, but Logan definitely hears me because the grin that lights up his face is the most spectacular thing I’ve ever seen.
i received an advance review copy for free, and i am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2022
You know when you start a book that has nothing you haven’t read before yet it manages to not only steal all your attention but also your heart?
Logan is school’s golden boy, the one everyone wants to know even if he’s only the performance he wants you to see. But when his new chemistry tutor turns out to be the cute, nerdy boy he has noticed more than once, he’s not able to keep acting anymore. He says yes and tries not to think of better ways to show him how much chemistry he’s learning.
Jake is tutoring Logan. Logan, the cool kid, talented player who also happens to be very fun and sweet and cute. Wait, why is Jake noticing how cute he is? Why is he anxious about his body getting too close to his? They are only friends. There is no way he’s falling in love with Logan like everyone else, right? And, definitely, there is no way Logan wants him back.
It appears when I go gay, I have extremely good taste.
Attractive Forces is a YA nerd-jock romance with characters that get under your skin until you can’t do more than keep reading to see that they are going to be okay. I read this one week ago, more than enough for me to forget about a fluffy romance with dynamics I’ve read before, but my heart feels nostalgic and warm just by thinking about these two. I’m counting down the days until visiting them again doesn’t feel too stalkery. There is something about Jax Calder’s writing that makes a simple story something precious.
I was only disappointed about the lack of smut, because I didn’t realize until I finished it that it was shelved as YA. I really missed seeing them together after all the teasing but we had family drama instead 💀 Still, I loved it and I’m super hyped to read more by this author.
Logan is school’s golden boy, the one everyone wants to know even if he’s only the performance he wants you to see. But when his new chemistry tutor turns out to be the cute, nerdy boy he has noticed more than once, he’s not able to keep acting anymore. He says yes and tries not to think of better ways to show him how much chemistry he’s learning.
Jake is tutoring Logan. Logan, the cool kid, talented player who also happens to be very fun and sweet and cute. Wait, why is Jake noticing how cute he is? Why is he anxious about his body getting too close to his? They are only friends. There is no way he’s falling in love with Logan like everyone else, right? And, definitely, there is no way Logan wants him back.
It appears when I go gay, I have extremely good taste.
Attractive Forces is a YA nerd-jock romance with characters that get under your skin until you can’t do more than keep reading to see that they are going to be okay. I read this one week ago, more than enough for me to forget about a fluffy romance with dynamics I’ve read before, but my heart feels nostalgic and warm just by thinking about these two. I’m counting down the days until visiting them again doesn’t feel too stalkery. There is something about Jax Calder’s writing that makes a simple story something precious.
I was only disappointed about the lack of smut, because I didn’t realize until I finished it that it was shelved as YA. I really missed seeing them together after all the teasing but we had family drama instead 💀 Still, I loved it and I’m super hyped to read more by this author.
July 29, 2023
✰ 4 stars ✰
“Instead, I take a seat next to him like before, sitting on my hands so I don’t give in to the urge to touch him.
It’s like I’m a compass needle, and he’s true magnetic North.
No matter how hard I spin, I keep turning back to him.”
Sometimes you just need a relaxing read to temper the storm in your head and fortunately enough, Attractive Forces did just that. The story may not be anything original - a closeted gay jock falls for cute nerd through tutoring lessons, but sometimes even the stories that are simple and lighthearted can be enjoyable reads, too. 😊
“But Jake’s so close, and I need to touch him. I need to have his arms around me. I need to be reminded of a fundamental truth—I have never felt so at peace as I do with Jake.”
There's a certain levity to Jax Calder's writing that I've always enjoyed - that she keeps it light & simple, but still immensely satisfying. I liked the hesitant and tentative way Jake and Logan became friends through their tutoring sessions. Logan has a big heart - it's just trapped under the veneer of hiding how he really wants to feel. 🥺 He's kind, caring, compassionate, and once he's able to admit his attraction to Jake - it's the happiest he's ever been. 💕 As it is in a small town that doesn't quite conform to these types of feelings, it was hard to see him pull himself away from Jake, due to his own inner fear of disapproval from his father's staunch beliefs. 😢
“His smile sparks a feeling of certainty inside me. I have never felt this way about anyone. It doesn’t scare me that I’m attracted to him. It scares me that I want everything with him.”
Jake was a nerd with a haunted past - a past that his family was trying to move on from, but was only hurting themselves in the process. Logan was so supportive in helping Jake out, that you can see in the details where Jake starts falling for him - that he realizes that he may have a chance with him - that the jock so completely out of his league - might be attracted to someone like him. He's always been attracted to him - he's got eyes!! 😍 He knows he's good-looking, but when he finally gets to act upon that attraction - to know it could be reciprocated in kindness, that 'the more I go to know you, the more attractive you became.' It was all so endearing and sweet, because it is a YA novel, but their secretive moments that they escaped to indulge in their happiness brought a smile to my face. 🥹🥹
“But as we spread out down the ridge, Logan’s words come back to me. I will never regret us.
I clutch the words like a talisman. Logan doesn’t regret us. Despite how everything has turned out, I’m still his favorite person, and he doesn’t regret us.”
I didn't mind so much the expected break-up - Logan still needed time to adjust and accept and believe that his love for Jake was worth coming out to his family. It was painful to stomach and hard on Jake, but when he has to face his own family issues, it was reassuring to see that in the time of crisis, even somethings could be overlooked in order to help someone in need. 🤍🤍 My only serious complaint would be that Logan's father accepted Logan's coming out a little too easily. For all that Logan's fears haunted him for so long, the 180 of his father's tolerance was a little too casual for me to accept, despite it being a very low-angst read.
“Just so you know, I’m kind of in love with you.” My voice is no louder than a whisper, but Logan definitely hears me because the grin that lights up his face is the most spectacular thing I’ve ever seen.
I smile in return, despite my pounding heart, because I’m pretty sure love is something you should always smile about.”
This scene really melted me into a puddle of feels! 🫠🫠 Because, when all is said and done, this simply was a lovely read, depicting a warm-fuzzy light-hearted romance that wonderfully captured 'opposites do attract' in the sweetest of ways. 🥰🥰
“Instead, I take a seat next to him like before, sitting on my hands so I don’t give in to the urge to touch him.
It’s like I’m a compass needle, and he’s true magnetic North.
No matter how hard I spin, I keep turning back to him.”
Sometimes you just need a relaxing read to temper the storm in your head and fortunately enough, Attractive Forces did just that. The story may not be anything original - a closeted gay jock falls for cute nerd through tutoring lessons, but sometimes even the stories that are simple and lighthearted can be enjoyable reads, too. 😊
“But Jake’s so close, and I need to touch him. I need to have his arms around me. I need to be reminded of a fundamental truth—I have never felt so at peace as I do with Jake.”
There's a certain levity to Jax Calder's writing that I've always enjoyed - that she keeps it light & simple, but still immensely satisfying. I liked the hesitant and tentative way Jake and Logan became friends through their tutoring sessions. Logan has a big heart - it's just trapped under the veneer of hiding how he really wants to feel. 🥺 He's kind, caring, compassionate, and once he's able to admit his attraction to Jake - it's the happiest he's ever been. 💕 As it is in a small town that doesn't quite conform to these types of feelings, it was hard to see him pull himself away from Jake, due to his own inner fear of disapproval from his father's staunch beliefs. 😢
“His smile sparks a feeling of certainty inside me. I have never felt this way about anyone. It doesn’t scare me that I’m attracted to him. It scares me that I want everything with him.”
Jake was a nerd with a haunted past - a past that his family was trying to move on from, but was only hurting themselves in the process. Logan was so supportive in helping Jake out, that you can see in the details where Jake starts falling for him - that he realizes that he may have a chance with him - that the jock so completely out of his league - might be attracted to someone like him. He's always been attracted to him - he's got eyes!! 😍 He knows he's good-looking, but when he finally gets to act upon that attraction - to know it could be reciprocated in kindness, that 'the more I go to know you, the more attractive you became.' It was all so endearing and sweet, because it is a YA novel, but their secretive moments that they escaped to indulge in their happiness brought a smile to my face. 🥹🥹
“But as we spread out down the ridge, Logan’s words come back to me. I will never regret us.
I clutch the words like a talisman. Logan doesn’t regret us. Despite how everything has turned out, I’m still his favorite person, and he doesn’t regret us.”
I didn't mind so much the expected break-up - Logan still needed time to adjust and accept and believe that his love for Jake was worth coming out to his family. It was painful to stomach and hard on Jake, but when he has to face his own family issues, it was reassuring to see that in the time of crisis, even somethings could be overlooked in order to help someone in need. 🤍🤍 My only serious complaint would be that Logan's father accepted Logan's coming out a little too easily. For all that Logan's fears haunted him for so long, the 180 of his father's tolerance was a little too casual for me to accept, despite it being a very low-angst read.
“Just so you know, I’m kind of in love with you.” My voice is no louder than a whisper, but Logan definitely hears me because the grin that lights up his face is the most spectacular thing I’ve ever seen.
I smile in return, despite my pounding heart, because I’m pretty sure love is something you should always smile about.”
This scene really melted me into a puddle of feels! 🫠🫠 Because, when all is said and done, this simply was a lovely read, depicting a warm-fuzzy light-hearted romance that wonderfully captured 'opposites do attract' in the sweetest of ways. 🥰🥰
October 5, 2022
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book***
Attractive Forces is a slow burn friends to lovers, nerd/jock romance between Logan and Jake. This is a mostly low angst romance between a tutor and his pupil who are one the outside very different, but share a connection thanks to their mutual respect for one another.
Logan is the outgoing captain of the rugby team, while Jake is the reserved intellectual. Both appear to be comfortable in their perceived roles in high school, but their personal lives are chaotic and complicated.
Their friendship is simple, comfortable and natural, therefore feelings progress to a point where their obvious attraction can no longer be ignored. One of my favorite aspects of this story is the chemistry between Jake and Logan, which seems so natural and sincere. Things develop once feelings are acknowledged, leading to many added complications along the way.
Overall Attractive Forces is a great story that has a well developed friendship and relationship that has such heart. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more from this author.
Attractive Forces is a slow burn friends to lovers, nerd/jock romance between Logan and Jake. This is a mostly low angst romance between a tutor and his pupil who are one the outside very different, but share a connection thanks to their mutual respect for one another.
Logan is the outgoing captain of the rugby team, while Jake is the reserved intellectual. Both appear to be comfortable in their perceived roles in high school, but their personal lives are chaotic and complicated.
Their friendship is simple, comfortable and natural, therefore feelings progress to a point where their obvious attraction can no longer be ignored. One of my favorite aspects of this story is the chemistry between Jake and Logan, which seems so natural and sincere. Things develop once feelings are acknowledged, leading to many added complications along the way.
Overall Attractive Forces is a great story that has a well developed friendship and relationship that has such heart. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more from this author.
January 10, 2023
this is the cutest thing i’ve read in my entire life. (disclaimer: i have the worst memory.)
i didn’t want to read this because, you know, it’s YA, but i’m so happy that i did.
logan and jake are so cute together. they made me feel EVERYTHING. i even shed a tear or two.
i was quite scared about the homophobia and while it’s present it wasn’t overwhelming.
i honestly want to reread this right now.
i didn’t want to read this because, you know, it’s YA, but i’m so happy that i did.
logan and jake are so cute together. they made me feel EVERYTHING. i even shed a tear or two.
i was quite scared about the homophobia and while it’s present it wasn’t overwhelming.
i honestly want to reread this right now.
November 4, 2022
This was just sweet and adorable and put a smile on my face. ❤️❤️❤️
October 21, 2022
I liked the characters. I liked the setting. I liked the ease of reading. I liked how it was familiar (we’ve all seen the plot before) but different. I liked the anticipation a lot. Super cute. Read it. 3.5 ⭐️
Sorry, my brain is too tired to write a review.
Sorry, my brain is too tired to write a review.
November 3, 2022
A very enjoyable YA read that hits some familiar notes, but hits them well. Good example of how tropes aren’t bad: if you’ve read similar stories, you know what the major story beats will be, but you’ll probably still like the hell out of this one if YA nerd-and-closeted-jock romances scratch your itch.
The boys have some realistic problems and manage to avoid contrived conflict and miscommunication. Steam level is suggestive but not terribly explicit.
Check it out if you’ve enjoyed this kind of fare before.
The boys have some realistic problems and manage to avoid contrived conflict and miscommunication. Steam level is suggestive but not terribly explicit.
Check it out if you’ve enjoyed this kind of fare before.
August 27, 2023
(low) 4 stars.
Sweet ya novel about a gay rugby player and a bi nerd becoming friends in their last year in high school and slowly falling in love, despite family- and sport-related obstacles to face.
I liked both MCs, most of the secondary characters, too, but had some issues with Logan's father and his religion (I really don't care for that kind of theme).
This was my second book by Jax Calder after The Anonymous Hookup (I liked that one a bit more) .
Overall low 4 stars.
Sweet ya novel about a gay rugby player and a bi nerd becoming friends in their last year in high school and slowly falling in love, despite family- and sport-related obstacles to face.
I liked both MCs, most of the secondary characters, too, but had some issues with Logan's father and his religion (I really don't care for that kind of theme).
This was my second book by Jax Calder after The Anonymous Hookup (I liked that one a bit more) .
Overall low 4 stars.
December 10, 2022
Cute, but very forgettable. Too many loose plot threads left by the end of the book: Aaron, Jake’s parents, Logan’s father. There were some hints of a budding enemies-to-lovers romance in the background, I think. Paving the way for book 2? 🤔
January 2, 2023
Sweet book!
Definitely not perfect but I did enjoy this story. It had it's ups and downs, but I think it got better as it went along. I'll call it a 3.75 rounded up to 4 stars!
Definitely not perfect but I did enjoy this story. It had it's ups and downs, but I think it got better as it went along. I'll call it a 3.75 rounded up to 4 stars!
October 20, 2022
It took me all of maybe two pages to get completely wrapped up in the lives of these two young men. Jax Calder did a wonderful job of creating characters who act their age, yet are still interesting to this *mumble* year-old woman.
I enjoyed tagging along as Jake begins to understand his sexuality, and as Logan struggles with how his life circumstances shape his ability live his truth.
It's a YA novel, so while there's plenty of chemistry - and not just the subject! - and a fair amount of contact between the two, it's not particularly graphic, so if that's part of your criteria for a good read, this may not be for you. But if you're like me, and you just want a good story where the interaction feels natural and the relationship develops organically, you should give it a try.
I shed a few tears, and my heart got knocked around a bit, but the ending was a totally believable - for me, anyway - HFN/HEA. (It's hard to call it a HEA when they're still so young, but it feels right, somehow.)
I enjoyed tagging along as Jake begins to understand his sexuality, and as Logan struggles with how his life circumstances shape his ability live his truth.
It's a YA novel, so while there's plenty of chemistry - and not just the subject! - and a fair amount of contact between the two, it's not particularly graphic, so if that's part of your criteria for a good read, this may not be for you. But if you're like me, and you just want a good story where the interaction feels natural and the relationship develops organically, you should give it a try.
I shed a few tears, and my heart got knocked around a bit, but the ending was a totally believable - for me, anyway - HFN/HEA. (It's hard to call it a HEA when they're still so young, but it feels right, somehow.)
November 30, 2022
This was such a sweet YA story. I'm glad I fell down a Jax Calder rabbit hole last week and remembered this gem collecting digital dust on my Kindle because it was the right amount of "feel good" that I needed before jumping into a book series destined to break my heart.
I loved that Jake and Logan's story was simple but nuanced enough to still be interesting and engaging. While Logan had me teetering on the edge of anger a couple of times, I understood that he was trying to protect himself and that my anger was better directed towards the reasons why he felt that way rather than at him. I adored Jake. I liked that he didn't fit the typical nerd stereotype, but had an arsenal of chemistry jokes ready and waiting at all times. The situation with his dad played so well into the overall narrative of the story. It was a testament to the damage lies can do and gave Jake the perspective he needed when deciding what was right for him in his life. The MVP, though, was Jake's mom. Her reaction to everything related to Logan and Jake made me happy. I wish all parents were as easily accepting and fiercely protective as she was. She wasn't a perfect parent and had made some human mistakes along the way, but she was there when it mattered and she course corrected when she had to and that's the best we can do sometimes.
This book was paced really well. I liked that Logan and Jake's relationship moved forward with tentative steps filled with the giddy nervousness and overthinking that's fairly specific to crushes and first loves, regardless of gender or sexuality. I also liked that Logan's crush started first, which was a nice change from the way jock/nerd love stories are usually structured. Basically, I really liked this book and look forward to falling down another rabbit hole in the future.
I loved that Jake and Logan's story was simple but nuanced enough to still be interesting and engaging. While Logan had me teetering on the edge of anger a couple of times, I understood that he was trying to protect himself and that my anger was better directed towards the reasons why he felt that way rather than at him. I adored Jake. I liked that he didn't fit the typical nerd stereotype, but had an arsenal of chemistry jokes ready and waiting at all times. The situation with his dad played so well into the overall narrative of the story. It was a testament to the damage lies can do and gave Jake the perspective he needed when deciding what was right for him in his life. The MVP, though, was Jake's mom. Her reaction to everything related to Logan and Jake made me happy. I wish all parents were as easily accepting and fiercely protective as she was. She wasn't a perfect parent and had made some human mistakes along the way, but she was there when it mattered and she course corrected when she had to and that's the best we can do sometimes.
This book was paced really well. I liked that Logan and Jake's relationship moved forward with tentative steps filled with the giddy nervousness and overthinking that's fairly specific to crushes and first loves, regardless of gender or sexuality. I also liked that Logan's crush started first, which was a nice change from the way jock/nerd love stories are usually structured. Basically, I really liked this book and look forward to falling down another rabbit hole in the future.
October 20, 2022
Jax Calder never fails to get me emotionally invested in any of their stories, whether it be adult or YA.
Logan and Jake were really sweet and it really hurt my heart when they had difficulties. I always want more from Jax's stories, I could read about every couple for ages!
Logan and Jake were really sweet and it really hurt my heart when they had difficulties. I always want more from Jax's stories, I could read about every couple for ages!
November 6, 2022
Le dernier roman de Jax Calder est une petite merveille de douceur et de jolis moments partagés, un très beau YA qui m'a énormément touchée. Côté pitch, on est dans les classiques du genre, les clichés même, mais tout cela est très bien géré par l'autrice. Nos deux jeunes héros sont d'adorables jeunes hommes, j'ai adoré la façon dont ils apprennent à se connaître, dont le regard qu'ils portent sur l'autre évolue, et bien sûr, j'ai été conquise par cette belle amitié pleine de sincérité qui se noue entre eux, par ce réconfort mutuel que cette nouvelle relation leur apporte avant que, bien sûr, elle ne change de nature.
La plume de Jax Calder est fraîche, douce, tendre et pleine de pudeur, elle nous baigne (et ses personnages avec) dans une bulle, ce genre de cocon dans lequel on adore se blottir.
Pour autant, ce n'est pas un récit naïf et rose bonbon, puisque certains évènements dramatiques vont survenir, et que Logan est le fils d'un pasteur aux idées bien arrêtées en ce qui concerne l'homosexualité. Pour autant, Jax Calder ne sombre jamais dans le mélo ni la facilité, maintenant toujours un bel équilibre entre moments graves et moments plus légers. À ce titre, j'ai particulièrement apprécié la façon dont elle a traité les relations entre Logan et ses parents (surtout à la fin du livre). J'ai aimé aussi l'humour de la mère de Jake dans un moment bien précis, cette femme est une belle personne qui en a bavé et qui fait tout ce qu'elle peut pour garder la tête hors de l'eau.
Une lecture coup de coeur donc, j'ai tardé à mettre mon avis, mais ce livre gardera longtemps une place toute particulière dans mon coeur, et je vais me le commander en papier, signe qui ne trompe pas chez moi ! ♥
La plume de Jax Calder est fraîche, douce, tendre et pleine de pudeur, elle nous baigne (et ses personnages avec) dans une bulle, ce genre de cocon dans lequel on adore se blottir.
Pour autant, ce n'est pas un récit naïf et rose bonbon, puisque certains évènements dramatiques vont survenir, et que Logan est le fils d'un pasteur aux idées bien arrêtées en ce qui concerne l'homosexualité. Pour autant, Jax Calder ne sombre jamais dans le mélo ni la facilité, maintenant toujours un bel équilibre entre moments graves et moments plus légers. À ce titre, j'ai particulièrement apprécié la façon dont elle a traité les relations entre Logan et ses parents (surtout à la fin du livre). J'ai aimé aussi l'humour de la mère de Jake dans un moment bien précis, cette femme est une belle personne qui en a bavé et qui fait tout ce qu'elle peut pour garder la tête hors de l'eau.
Une lecture coup de coeur donc, j'ai tardé à mettre mon avis, mais ce livre gardera longtemps une place toute particulière dans mon coeur, et je vais me le commander en papier, signe qui ne trompe pas chez moi ! ♥
January 3, 2023
This was a 2 star (at best) read for the first 80%. The last 20% bumps it up closer to 3 stars. This is my 2nd Jax Calder book ... the first being 'The Other Brother', which was an absolutely perfect 5 star story from the first word to the last and I highly recommend it. I plodded through most of this one quite disappointed and convinced that someone pretending to be Jax Calder was playing a very cruel trick on us. It just seemed like this was literally phoned in the night before the deadline.
So ... stop me if you've heard this before ... high school nerd tutors high school jock (whose dad is a pastor! 😮), they start feeling stuff, stuff starts happenin' "down there", they kiss a little bit, bada bing ... bada boom, they're in love! 🤯 BUT ... BUT ... we can't tell anyone 🤫 because, well, pastor dad and jock teammates, etc. Yeah ... we've read this story many, many, many times before and I just read it again. 🙄 The Jax Calder that wrote 'The Other Brother' did show up for the last 20% which salvaged .. .to some degree ... this, otherwise, regurgitated tale.
So ... stop me if you've heard this before ... high school nerd tutors high school jock (whose dad is a pastor! 😮), they start feeling stuff, stuff starts happenin' "down there", they kiss a little bit, bada bing ... bada boom, they're in love! 🤯 BUT ... BUT ... we can't tell anyone 🤫 because, well, pastor dad and jock teammates, etc. Yeah ... we've read this story many, many, many times before and I just read it again. 🙄 The Jax Calder that wrote 'The Other Brother' did show up for the last 20% which salvaged .. .to some degree ... this, otherwise, regurgitated tale.
October 11, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*ARC Review*
This was a really cute story between a jock and a nerd.
Jake is a cute and innocent nerd with a secret concerning his family.
Logan is the classic popular rugby player. Big & burly on the outside and a softie on the inside.
So when Logan needed some tutoring they both slowly realized they might have feelings for each other.
The characters were very good written and I liked them individually as well as a couple.
I Iiked how their feelings slowly developed and they got to really know each other. They had such a cute chemistry.
But what I loved the most about this book was that they both stood up for themselves (even a little late, but still) and knew what they wanted.
Definitely a good written book that was easy to read. I really enjoyed it! ☺️
[l received a digital ARC for an honest review]
*ARC Review*
This was a really cute story between a jock and a nerd.
Jake is a cute and innocent nerd with a secret concerning his family.
Logan is the classic popular rugby player. Big & burly on the outside and a softie on the inside.
So when Logan needed some tutoring they both slowly realized they might have feelings for each other.
The characters were very good written and I liked them individually as well as a couple.
I Iiked how their feelings slowly developed and they got to really know each other. They had such a cute chemistry.
But what I loved the most about this book was that they both stood up for themselves (even a little late, but still) and knew what they wanted.
Definitely a good written book that was easy to read. I really enjoyed it! ☺️
[l received a digital ARC for an honest review]
October 6, 2022
4.5 Stars
Jax Calder’s novel, Attractive Forces is a near perfect example of how a jock/nerd romance story should be told.
It’s a tale of the destructive power that lies can hold, and once again conveys the pain, guilty, and hurt that the homophobic teachings of some organized religions inflict on others.
Even so, Attractive Forces is a beautiful and tear-inducing read.
Logan Madison, the son of a Presbyterian minister and captain of his high school championship rugby team in New Zealand, is the jock - a jock with a secret he’s been carrying far too long.
When the rugby coach decides Logan needs a chemistry tutor in order to maintain a required GPA to play, he’s assigned to Jake Stenton who is considered by many in their school to be a ‘nerd’. In fact, Jake is anything but. The chemistry that develops between Jake and Logan - and the secret that has nearly destroyed Jake’s life - form the basis of an incredibly moving story.
The sun-lit cover design from R. Bosevski of Story Styling Cover Design, definitely evokes the feelings that develop between Logan and Jake.
Jax Calder’s characters - the protagonists, their best friends, their families, and classmates are all well developed and quite believable. Calder is a new author to me and I definitely look forward to reading more of her works in the future.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Marketed as a YA novel, it’s fair to say that Attractive Forces is a delightful read for any age.
Jax Calder’s novel, Attractive Forces is a near perfect example of how a jock/nerd romance story should be told.
It’s a tale of the destructive power that lies can hold, and once again conveys the pain, guilty, and hurt that the homophobic teachings of some organized religions inflict on others.
Even so, Attractive Forces is a beautiful and tear-inducing read.
Logan Madison, the son of a Presbyterian minister and captain of his high school championship rugby team in New Zealand, is the jock - a jock with a secret he’s been carrying far too long.
When the rugby coach decides Logan needs a chemistry tutor in order to maintain a required GPA to play, he’s assigned to Jake Stenton who is considered by many in their school to be a ‘nerd’. In fact, Jake is anything but. The chemistry that develops between Jake and Logan - and the secret that has nearly destroyed Jake’s life - form the basis of an incredibly moving story.
The sun-lit cover design from R. Bosevski of Story Styling Cover Design, definitely evokes the feelings that develop between Logan and Jake.
Jax Calder’s characters - the protagonists, their best friends, their families, and classmates are all well developed and quite believable. Calder is a new author to me and I definitely look forward to reading more of her works in the future.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Marketed as a YA novel, it’s fair to say that Attractive Forces is a delightful read for any age.
October 26, 2022
A pleasant, light friends to lovers YA story about a nerd and a jock falling for each other!
The two main characters Jake and Logan are adorable, and you will root for them from the beginning.
Of course there is confict, mostly on Logan's side due to his fear of his father and his team's reaction, and there is drama surrounding Jake's family - which is a bit sloppier than the relationship aspec of the book.
The build up to the "get together" moment is great, and the way they navigate this new reality is equally satisfying, with its ups and downs.
Edit: The book is out now!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The two main characters Jake and Logan are adorable, and you will root for them from the beginning.
Of course there is confict, mostly on Logan's side due to his fear of his father and his team's reaction, and there is drama surrounding Jake's family - which is a bit sloppier than the relationship aspec of the book.
The build up to the "get together" moment is great, and the way they navigate this new reality is equally satisfying, with its ups and downs.
Edit: The book is out now!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
November 8, 2022DNF
October 14, 2022
I just want to say that I do not like reading books that don’t have sex in them. I just can’t do it. I want to read lots of detailed sex scenes, and I refuse to change. This author is my one and only exception to that rule. God, I love her books. Her regular books do not have much sex to begin with, but with this book being YA, there was zero sex. There were scenes that sex was implied like “he proceeded to blow me and my mind” or “he took me into his mouth”, but that was all. But I do not care!!!!!!!! Her books always make me feel so squishy inside. They are always so sweet and beautiful and swoony and GAH!!!
This book had a little bit of angst in it. One of the main characters, Logan, is gay, but he’s terrified to come out because his father is a preacher. I hate books that have religious trauma in them. Only because it makes me extremely sad. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to be attracted to the same sex while one of your parents tell you that you’re going to Hell. And I can’t imagine finally finding the courage to tell people and then the people who are supposed to love you unconditionally do not want anything to do with you. Excuse me while I wipe my tears. That’s not exactly what happens in this book, but it’s a common fear that I am sure people have. And it sucks.
Although there are a lot of nasty, ugly, gross, mean, stupid, etc people out there, this author made sure to include the people that are darling little angel babies that are super accepting and loving in the book. Having at least a few people that have your back and supports you unconditionally makes a difference.
Please read this book. Jake and Logan are so sweet, and I love them so much. There is also so much going on behind the scenes that added to the book, like why Jake’s family had to leave their hometown and of course Rugby, which is a common theme in all of this author’s books. How Jake and Logan get through obstacles together is awesome. Did I say I love them????? <3
This book had a little bit of angst in it. One of the main characters, Logan, is gay, but he’s terrified to come out because his father is a preacher. I hate books that have religious trauma in them. Only because it makes me extremely sad. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to be attracted to the same sex while one of your parents tell you that you’re going to Hell. And I can’t imagine finally finding the courage to tell people and then the people who are supposed to love you unconditionally do not want anything to do with you. Excuse me while I wipe my tears. That’s not exactly what happens in this book, but it’s a common fear that I am sure people have. And it sucks.
Although there are a lot of nasty, ugly, gross, mean, stupid, etc people out there, this author made sure to include the people that are darling little angel babies that are super accepting and loving in the book. Having at least a few people that have your back and supports you unconditionally makes a difference.
Please read this book. Jake and Logan are so sweet, and I love them so much. There is also so much going on behind the scenes that added to the book, like why Jake’s family had to leave their hometown and of course Rugby, which is a common theme in all of this author’s books. How Jake and Logan get through obstacles together is awesome. Did I say I love them????? <3
October 20, 2022
✩ three++/four
this is the high school realism spice i want in my life 🥹
attractive forces was (almost) the right amount of cute, wholesome, and angsty. there's something about the way jax calder writes hs romances that hits right.
it was all of the nerdy science jokes for me:
another thing i loved about attractive forces was the way logan and jake felt like authentic high school students. they were both slightly angsty, unsure of themselves, and actually acted like bumbling teenagers.
twas refreshing ✨
the high point of attentive forces was definitely the relationship between loganjake. these two had a truly enviable tutor-to-friends-to-lovers story. everything about them was perfection, both as a couple and individually.
where attentive forces fumbles, i think, is the resolution of major plot points. firstly, the whole rugby thing. i could never get a read on whether logan actually liked it.
another thing that bothered me was the lack of resolution between jake + his fam. the pain this family needed to work through, let me tell ya. everything got resolved in a pretty lackluster way.
same goes for logan and his relationships unfortunately. i wanted to see him have a convo with his dad and his bestie. instead, things wrap up a bit to quickly imo.
that said, attractive forces was such a nice read. the minute i started it i could not put it down. logan and jake had my heart from the jump 🥹
an aside- my favorite thought jake ever had:
❝this looks like the kind of place you’d bring someone if you wanted to murder them,❞ i say because it appears I’m naturally gifted at creating a romantic mood.
this is the high school realism spice i want in my life 🥹
attractive forces was (almost) the right amount of cute, wholesome, and angsty. there's something about the way jax calder writes hs romances that hits right.
it was all of the nerdy science jokes for me:
❝… maybe with you, people don’t look past the rugby captain thing. and i get why that can be hard because you are so much more than that.❞
❝are you saying i have hidden depths, stenton?❞ i make my tone jokey.
❝oh, i think you have more depth than the kermadec trench,❞ he says.
❝what’s that?❞
❝the deepest ocean trench in the world.❞
❝i’m taking that’s a science-nerd way of giving me a compliment?❞
❝it’s definitely a compliment.❞
another thing i loved about attractive forces was the way logan and jake felt like authentic high school students. they were both slightly angsty, unsure of themselves, and actually acted like bumbling teenagers.
twas refreshing ✨
he doesn’t even have to touch me or anything, just being with jake, seeing his lopsided grin, talking about the random shit we normally talk about that should mean nothing but somehow means everything.
the high point of attentive forces was definitely the relationship between loganjake. these two had a truly enviable tutor-to-friends-to-lovers story. everything about them was perfection, both as a couple and individually.
❝that would be a strong negative.❞
❝are you just leaving that open for a chemistry pun?❞ i ask.
logan’s forehead scrunches. ❝what?❞
❝the word negative,❞ i explain.
he shakes his head. ❝oh god, nothing is safe with you.❞
i grin back. ❝you should always remember that.❞these chemistry puns are slaying me 🥲🫶
where attentive forces fumbles, i think, is the resolution of major plot points. firstly, the whole rugby thing. i could never get a read on whether logan actually liked it.
another thing that bothered me was the lack of resolution between jake + his fam. the pain this family needed to work through, let me tell ya. everything got resolved in a pretty lackluster way.
same goes for logan and his relationships unfortunately. i wanted to see him have a convo with his dad and his bestie. instead, things wrap up a bit to quickly imo.
that said, attractive forces was such a nice read. the minute i started it i could not put it down. logan and jake had my heart from the jump 🥹
an aside- my favorite thought jake ever had:
it’s not that weird to admire another guy’s body, right? it’s like admiring a beautiful mountain or lovely sunset. just appreciating that Mother Nature occasionally has a particularly inspired moment.
January 7, 2023
4.25/5 stars
January 6, 2024
These MCs approach love with that 'put me in, coach' energy and it's EVERYTHING. I devoured this nonstop.
A book where I love both the MCs equally? AND I don't feel like one's getting the short end of the stick? Love this for me!
This book subverts expectations in so many ways. The jock falls for the nerd first. The nerd has a lot of catching up to do and that was a fun journey to read.
Sure, Logan stumbles (but hey- who doesn't?) but the recovery is out of this world. A for effort. No notes. (And yet......notes below)
Logan’s 5 step guide to a successful apology tour.
1. Fuck up. Because.... Duh
2. Come to the realization that you did(on your own preferably and within a very narrow timeline)
3. Agonize a little (because angst is fun to read and a little suffering/introspection never hurt anyone)
4. Apologize (and this is the big one....) not only through words but through bloody actions. Amends. Amends. Amends. Leave your person in no doubt that you know you fucked up, you know you hurt them, you are incredibly sorry, you are doing everything you can to make it right and/or ensure this type of hurt won't come at them again - not from you, at any rate.
5. Reap the rewards of being a top tier MC.
"Being here won’t make any difference to Aaron’s outcome. But it will make a difference to Jake."
THIS is the romance I'm looking for! That 'fuck everything else' kind of love. Yes, it's probably unhealthy, but I love that these MCs are teens and they make choices that are representative of the thinking at that age.
I think I loved that about this book. The MCs think like teens, act like teens, fuck up like teens, they LOVE like teens. It's so refreshing to read romance where the MCs aren't disillusioned by love yet.
'The fact they won the game showed I wasn’t indispensable to the team.
But I am indispensable to Jake.'
😫😫😫😫😫
I'm a sucker for an MC who fucks up then redeems himself so thoroughly that you can't help but root for him.
I think my favorite thing about Logan is how much he loves Jake. In spite of everything else. Just shuts out the noise and focuses on his boyfriend. To the exclusion of all else.
We should all be so lucky.
A book where I love both the MCs equally? AND I don't feel like one's getting the short end of the stick? Love this for me!
This book subverts expectations in so many ways. The jock falls for the nerd first. The nerd has a lot of catching up to do and that was a fun journey to read.
Sure, Logan stumbles (but hey- who doesn't?) but the recovery is out of this world. A for effort. No notes. (And yet......notes below)
Logan’s 5 step guide to a successful apology tour.
1. Fuck up. Because.... Duh
2. Come to the realization that you did(on your own preferably and within a very narrow timeline)
3. Agonize a little (because angst is fun to read and a little suffering/introspection never hurt anyone)
4. Apologize (and this is the big one....) not only through words but through bloody actions. Amends. Amends. Amends. Leave your person in no doubt that you know you fucked up, you know you hurt them, you are incredibly sorry, you are doing everything you can to make it right and/or ensure this type of hurt won't come at them again - not from you, at any rate.
5. Reap the rewards of being a top tier MC.
"Being here won’t make any difference to Aaron’s outcome. But it will make a difference to Jake."
THIS is the romance I'm looking for! That 'fuck everything else' kind of love. Yes, it's probably unhealthy, but I love that these MCs are teens and they make choices that are representative of the thinking at that age.
I think I loved that about this book. The MCs think like teens, act like teens, fuck up like teens, they LOVE like teens. It's so refreshing to read romance where the MCs aren't disillusioned by love yet.
'The fact they won the game showed I wasn’t indispensable to the team.
But I am indispensable to Jake.'
😫😫😫😫😫
I'm a sucker for an MC who fucks up then redeems himself so thoroughly that you can't help but root for him.
I think my favorite thing about Logan is how much he loves Jake. In spite of everything else. Just shuts out the noise and focuses on his boyfriend. To the exclusion of all else.
We should all be so lucky.
November 2, 2022
This was a really sweet, slow-burn, friends to lovers, bi-awakening, science nerd, goldhearted jock, chemistry jokes, romance! I'm starting to believe that New Zealand is this beautiful, lovely and truly inclusive and accepting haven...hope that's true!
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