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Meant for Each Other #1
Meant For Each Other
Sometimes your first love is the one that was meant to be.
Craig Harper and Jeremy Finn were best friends growing up. They attended the same school, spent all of their time together, and hung out with the same group of people. It wasn't until the day before Jeremy and his family moved across the country that they discovered their attraction to one another.
Fifteen years later, they reunite by chance in New York City. Both are in relationships and have established a routine in their lives. But routines and relationships are shaken as they begin to spend time together once again. Old feelings and connections are still strong and the passion that pulls them together is a powerful, soul-searing call neither man can deny.
As each deals with the issues in their own relationships, they begin to question whether the comfort of what they know is more powerful than the pull of what they could have been...and what they might become. Struggling to find the answer, only their hearts can reveal if they are meant for each other.
Craig Harper and Jeremy Finn were best friends growing up. They attended the same school, spent all of their time together, and hung out with the same group of people. It wasn't until the day before Jeremy and his family moved across the country that they discovered their attraction to one another.
Fifteen years later, they reunite by chance in New York City. Both are in relationships and have established a routine in their lives. But routines and relationships are shaken as they begin to spend time together once again. Old feelings and connections are still strong and the passion that pulls them together is a powerful, soul-searing call neither man can deny.
As each deals with the issues in their own relationships, they begin to question whether the comfort of what they know is more powerful than the pull of what they could have been...and what they might become. Struggling to find the answer, only their hearts can reveal if they are meant for each other.
324 pages, ebook
First published November 3, 2010
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276 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 27, 2010
1 1/2 Stars
SPOILERS:::::::::::::::
Complacency, Reminiscing, Reunion, Cheating, Idiocy, Cheating, and more Idiocy.
The potential was there. A friend or editor would have been helpful. The writing was way too simple. The storyline was so obviously contrived(Oh, you've been together 8 years, so have we)(Oh, he disrespects you, so does my man) to make everything flow. I did not like any of the characters (well...maybe Janet). Yes, it was neat to be in each MC's mind, but the not-so-smart thoughts ruined everything. How can comparing your current BF with a teenage crush you had 15 years go, cheating on your current partner with said crush, then realizing you should work it out with your current partner that also cheated on you, but realizes his mistake, and then you calling out the crushes name during sex be romance? I know I'm on the wrong end of the "this book is great" spectrum, but this read hit all the wrong buttons for me. Not my cup of coffee~
SPOILERS:::::::::::::::
Complacency, Reminiscing, Reunion, Cheating, Idiocy, Cheating, and more Idiocy.
The potential was there. A friend or editor would have been helpful. The writing was way too simple. The storyline was so obviously contrived(Oh, you've been together 8 years, so have we)(Oh, he disrespects you, so does my man) to make everything flow. I did not like any of the characters (well...maybe Janet). Yes, it was neat to be in each MC's mind, but the not-so-smart thoughts ruined everything. How can comparing your current BF with a teenage crush you had 15 years go, cheating on your current partner with said crush, then realizing you should work it out with your current partner that also cheated on you, but realizes his mistake, and then you calling out the crushes name during sex be romance? I know I'm on the wrong end of the "this book is great" spectrum, but this read hit all the wrong buttons for me. Not my cup of coffee~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2010
I really liked this book. I don't agree with the review that says if they really loved each other they'd have stayed in touch for 15 years. This just isn't necessarily so. Realistically, this kind of thing happens in life. Sometimes, the person you love most in the world is the person you don't end up with. People don't know themselves very often, especially when they're young, and they don't understand what they have at the time. We'd like to believe that people stay in touch who love each other, but so often, it doesn't work out this way. This story was realistic in that respect but gives a chance to explore the "what if" - what if you found that person again, what if you realized they were the one, what if it might not be too late? There's a strongly human element to the story that mirrors what happens to us so often and which is why I felt it's a very good book by a promising young author.
August 30, 2016
The first thing that really annoyed me was the mention of Skype in what was supposed to be 1995. Skype wasn’t even close to existing in 1995. Maybe I’m being nitpicky here, but if the author can’t be bothered to make sure that something actually EXISTED in the time frame that they’re writing in, especially when there was an easy substitution (AOL Chat), what else would be wrong with it? The answer to this, as it turns out, is a lot. The point of view flips between four characters- without warning, which is confusing enough- but adding to the confusion is the fact that three of the four characters don’t have a unique voice. Three of the four characters sound EXACTLY the same. I kept having to double check names to figure out who was supposed to be speaking because most of the time I couldn’t TELL. This is a huge problem. Especially with the two “main” characters that this story revolves around, they’re just entirely too similar. Not just in the voice, but everything else. They’ve both been in a relationship for eight years, which has been going sour in the last two, both because of their partners getting promotions and beginning to care more about money than their relationship. Neither feels appreciated or respected. They both use each other as a perfect fantasy boyfriend that no one else could possibly live up to. Variety is the spice of life, and this book is definitely lacking. The characters fell flat because there was no effort put into making them unique, no effort into making them real. There was nothing that made me love them. Sex scenes had me cringing half the time, as did the physical descriptions of the characters (which basically consisted of one of the other characters describing in detail how incredibly perfect the other one was), and it’s a perfect example of what NOT to do when explaining “Show, don’t tell.” This is a train wreck.
August 3, 2011
I gave this one a lower rating because
November 29, 2010
It's my book so of course I think it's a 5-starr.
January 30, 2011
This book was a refreshing change in focus from the plethora of male-male-romance-HEA novels I’ve been reading over the last several months. This book focuses more on the extended, longer term period after the HEA ending. Even though it’s a work of fiction, Meant For Each Other went a long way towards satisfying my curiosity about what happens to couples, long after the love has “Lost Its Shine”. It turns out, after the initial physical attraction, the romantic gestures, the fervent declarations of eternal love and devotion, things take a pretty sobering turn.
I’ve come to the conclusion that success in finding a longterm relationship is purely a matter of chance, like winning the lottery or being born into a wealthy family. The only thing with odds more astronomical than finding a longterm relationship is STAYING in one. Based on what I got out of reading Jeremy and Craig’s story, it would seem that growing together rather than growing apart is a development over which neither party has any control. At all. If a couple should be so blessed as to grow together and stay together, it was only because sheer dumb luck allowed it to happen. It seems as though no amount of human will or personal volition can change the way a relationship is going to turn out. People’s feelings change, or not. and there’s simply nothing that can be done about any of it.
After reading Jeremy and Craig’s story, I’m now wondering why anybody bothers with getting into relationships at all, if their longterm outcome is so completely beyond anybody’s control. Could the best of intentions or any amount of willpower have changed the way the four protagonists felt about their respective partners and their relationships? I think not. It’s depressing to contemplate the reality that even “working on relationships” or “getting better at communicating” makes no difference in how things will turn out. Relationships are hard work during the best of times, self-defeating and pointless endeavours during the worst of times. Either way, their eventual outcome is predetermined by forces beyond anyone’s conscious and personal control.
I credit this book for diminishing my yearning to be in a longterm relationship, having opened my eyes to the pain and heartbreak that often results when a couple has grown apart. The only pain greater than the loneliness of being single it would appear, is the pain of still being with someone who no longer wants to be with you.
The author’s writing style, workmanlike in its economy of words and even a little dry, is a refreshing change from the more ornate, “bel canto" writing style of many authors of the contemporary male-male romance genre. Think Teutonic precision and economy, versus Italianate floridity and emotionality. Even the sex scenes have a more grounded, authentic tone about them, devoid of emotional fussiness, probably because they were written by a gay man. There’s an authority about them that’s hard to miss, likely because they were written from the point of view of someone who knows first hand, what actually happens physically and emotionally during man-to-man sexual encounters.
I thoroughly enjoyed Meant For Each Other, but for vastly different reasons from why I often enjoy male-male romance novels. Other novels have inspired me, uplifted me and given me hope. This novel sobered me, grounded me and in no small part, released me from a longing for something that may not after all, be worth the trouble attaining.
Note: I read on the author’s blog that there would be a sequel involving Andrew and Peter. I would actually be more interested in reading if Jeremy and Craig have any greater success with each other than with their previous partners, in growing together instead of growing apart.
I’ve come to the conclusion that success in finding a longterm relationship is purely a matter of chance, like winning the lottery or being born into a wealthy family. The only thing with odds more astronomical than finding a longterm relationship is STAYING in one. Based on what I got out of reading Jeremy and Craig’s story, it would seem that growing together rather than growing apart is a development over which neither party has any control. At all. If a couple should be so blessed as to grow together and stay together, it was only because sheer dumb luck allowed it to happen. It seems as though no amount of human will or personal volition can change the way a relationship is going to turn out. People’s feelings change, or not. and there’s simply nothing that can be done about any of it.
After reading Jeremy and Craig’s story, I’m now wondering why anybody bothers with getting into relationships at all, if their longterm outcome is so completely beyond anybody’s control. Could the best of intentions or any amount of willpower have changed the way the four protagonists felt about their respective partners and their relationships? I think not. It’s depressing to contemplate the reality that even “working on relationships” or “getting better at communicating” makes no difference in how things will turn out. Relationships are hard work during the best of times, self-defeating and pointless endeavours during the worst of times. Either way, their eventual outcome is predetermined by forces beyond anyone’s conscious and personal control.
I credit this book for diminishing my yearning to be in a longterm relationship, having opened my eyes to the pain and heartbreak that often results when a couple has grown apart. The only pain greater than the loneliness of being single it would appear, is the pain of still being with someone who no longer wants to be with you.
The author’s writing style, workmanlike in its economy of words and even a little dry, is a refreshing change from the more ornate, “bel canto" writing style of many authors of the contemporary male-male romance genre. Think Teutonic precision and economy, versus Italianate floridity and emotionality. Even the sex scenes have a more grounded, authentic tone about them, devoid of emotional fussiness, probably because they were written by a gay man. There’s an authority about them that’s hard to miss, likely because they were written from the point of view of someone who knows first hand, what actually happens physically and emotionally during man-to-man sexual encounters.
I thoroughly enjoyed Meant For Each Other, but for vastly different reasons from why I often enjoy male-male romance novels. Other novels have inspired me, uplifted me and given me hope. This novel sobered me, grounded me and in no small part, released me from a longing for something that may not after all, be worth the trouble attaining.
Note: I read on the author’s blog that there would be a sequel involving Andrew and Peter. I would actually be more interested in reading if Jeremy and Craig have any greater success with each other than with their previous partners, in growing together instead of growing apart.
December 6, 2010
This is an official review from The Romance Review
Sometimes your first love is the one you are destined to be with. That was the case with Craig Harper and Jeremy Finn. Watching and reading about their relationship advancing from best friends to lovers was amazing. Their reunion after 15 years was emotional and scorching hot!! WOW!!
Craig and Jeremy were best friends growing up. They met in day care and were inseparable from that day forward. When the boys were fifteen, Jeremy had to move across the country with his family. This nearly tore both boys apart. The last day they were together, they shared their first and only kiss, high up in their "love tree" away from prying eyes. They vow to keep in touch, but as time goes by they pull away from each other.
Even though they haven't seen each other for fifteen years, their lives have run parallel courses. They are both living in New York. They have both been in committed relationships for eight years. But neither of the men is happy. They continue to think of each other and neither can forget that first kiss. They both wonder what could have been had they not been separated.
It was a chance meeting that brought the two men together again. You could feel the love between them immediately. Their love for each other actually brought me to tears a few times. Frustrated tears and happy tears. I was so happy when they found each other. I wanted things to move faster than they did, but the book wouldn't have been nearly as good had it been written that way.
What a great reunion story this turned out to be. D.H. Starr is such a great author. He immediately pulls you right into the story. You feel like you are right there. You become emotionally connected to Jeremy and Craig and I was rooting for them the entire way. And oh my gosh, the first time they are together after their relationships dissolved, was so erotic and so well-written it actually had my heart rate speeding up. I had to read that part a couple of times it was so great!! While I don't necessarily like the breaking apart of committed relationships, in this case it needed to happen. No one was happy and there could never have been a HEA ending if it hadn't occurred.
This is the second book by D.H. Starr that I've read. He is truly wonderful. At no time do you ever feel that a story is incomplete. At no time do you ever feel the story is rushed. It truly is a great story that can get me as emotionally involved with the characters as I do when I'm reading his books.
D.H. Starr is quickly becoming an auto buy author for me. His books are just so well-written and real. I can never put them down. Once I pick up the book I just have to keep reading.
Sometimes your first love is the one you are destined to be with. That was the case with Craig Harper and Jeremy Finn. Watching and reading about their relationship advancing from best friends to lovers was amazing. Their reunion after 15 years was emotional and scorching hot!! WOW!!
Craig and Jeremy were best friends growing up. They met in day care and were inseparable from that day forward. When the boys were fifteen, Jeremy had to move across the country with his family. This nearly tore both boys apart. The last day they were together, they shared their first and only kiss, high up in their "love tree" away from prying eyes. They vow to keep in touch, but as time goes by they pull away from each other.
Even though they haven't seen each other for fifteen years, their lives have run parallel courses. They are both living in New York. They have both been in committed relationships for eight years. But neither of the men is happy. They continue to think of each other and neither can forget that first kiss. They both wonder what could have been had they not been separated.
It was a chance meeting that brought the two men together again. You could feel the love between them immediately. Their love for each other actually brought me to tears a few times. Frustrated tears and happy tears. I was so happy when they found each other. I wanted things to move faster than they did, but the book wouldn't have been nearly as good had it been written that way.
What a great reunion story this turned out to be. D.H. Starr is such a great author. He immediately pulls you right into the story. You feel like you are right there. You become emotionally connected to Jeremy and Craig and I was rooting for them the entire way. And oh my gosh, the first time they are together after their relationships dissolved, was so erotic and so well-written it actually had my heart rate speeding up. I had to read that part a couple of times it was so great!! While I don't necessarily like the breaking apart of committed relationships, in this case it needed to happen. No one was happy and there could never have been a HEA ending if it hadn't occurred.
This is the second book by D.H. Starr that I've read. He is truly wonderful. At no time do you ever feel that a story is incomplete. At no time do you ever feel the story is rushed. It truly is a great story that can get me as emotionally involved with the characters as I do when I'm reading his books.
D.H. Starr is quickly becoming an auto buy author for me. His books are just so well-written and real. I can never put them down. Once I pick up the book I just have to keep reading.
October 2, 2014
I cannot believe that I actually didn't write a review for this book! For me, this was one of the books that made me creating "Childhood Friends become Gay Lovers" list, since it represents everything good in that trope. I am writing this review from my memory about the characters, plot, etc., some three years after reading the book (according to GR record, I read and rated this book in 2011).
Craig and Jeremy were childhood friends who shared their first kiss just before they were separated because their family moving. Fast forward 15 years later, they met in an opening of a gallery to show off Craig's architectural designs. Jeremy was a teacher. Both lived in New York, and each had a long-term boyfriend (Jeremy with Andrew and Craig with Robert). While Craig and Jeremy were happy to see each other, there was nothing between them. At least at first. They, after all, were taken. Then, the cracks in the couples started to show. Both Robert and Andrew worked in Wall Street. They longed for fast-pace, competitive, life. Both considered their respective partner unmotivated and wasted their time. Would the old sparks rekindle? Or both Craig and Jeremy stayed with their current long-term partner (each had been together for 8 years)?
I loved reading this book. Particularly because the MCs didn't just jump into bed with each other after being separated for 15 years. The end result is not mystery, of course. But the journey to there is nicely done.
One scene that I always remember is when one of Jeremy's students came to him and asked why he was sad. That's just a very poignant moment.
There is, however, one thing that I was not sure about.
Craig and Jeremy were childhood friends who shared their first kiss just before they were separated because their family moving. Fast forward 15 years later, they met in an opening of a gallery to show off Craig's architectural designs. Jeremy was a teacher. Both lived in New York, and each had a long-term boyfriend (Jeremy with Andrew and Craig with Robert). While Craig and Jeremy were happy to see each other, there was nothing between them. At least at first. They, after all, were taken. Then, the cracks in the couples started to show. Both Robert and Andrew worked in Wall Street. They longed for fast-pace, competitive, life. Both considered their respective partner unmotivated and wasted their time. Would the old sparks rekindle? Or both Craig and Jeremy stayed with their current long-term partner (each had been together for 8 years)?
I loved reading this book. Particularly because the MCs didn't just jump into bed with each other after being separated for 15 years. The end result is not mystery, of course. But the journey to there is nicely done.
One scene that I always remember is when one of Jeremy's students came to him and asked why he was sad. That's just a very poignant moment.
There is, however, one thing that I was not sure about.
November 21, 2010
As much as I wanted to love this book.... I liked it.
I often found it difficult to connect with the characters. Each of the lead characters is involved in a relationship with someone else when they meet again. It was interesting to not only get insight into what the main characters were thinking and feeling but we are also given glimpses into the minds of the men the leads are partnered with. Interesting as this was, there was just so much inner dialog going on within the four lead characters minds that at times I just couldn't keep straight who felt what for whom at any given time.
Pretty much how I ended up feeling too.
I felt at times that the lead characters were still 15 years old even though when they meet up again they are 30. I know One must take into account that they were childhood best friends separated at 15, and only then on the eve of that separation had they expressed their love for one another. Certainly their present thoughts and feelings are centered on the memories of how they felt about each other THEN but, honestly way to often I had a very hard time thinking of either one of them as 30 years old.
That being said, when the lead characters meet again and spend time together as adults they have no problems connecting on any level. I thoroughly enjoyed those connections both on an emotional and physical level. (smokin hot) When they were given the opportunity to share and experience each others chosen careers first hand it was very well written and insightful. As they gain new insights and respect for each other so do we.
Faced with conflicting emotions and hard choices these "boy"-hood best friends were finally clearer to me as MEN. This was the high point of the story for me because as I reader I finally "felt" them and could relate to them. Like them it just took me too long to connect.
I often found it difficult to connect with the characters. Each of the lead characters is involved in a relationship with someone else when they meet again. It was interesting to not only get insight into what the main characters were thinking and feeling but we are also given glimpses into the minds of the men the leads are partnered with. Interesting as this was, there was just so much inner dialog going on within the four lead characters minds that at times I just couldn't keep straight who felt what for whom at any given time.
Pretty much how I ended up feeling too.
I felt at times that the lead characters were still 15 years old even though when they meet up again they are 30. I know One must take into account that they were childhood best friends separated at 15, and only then on the eve of that separation had they expressed their love for one another. Certainly their present thoughts and feelings are centered on the memories of how they felt about each other THEN but, honestly way to often I had a very hard time thinking of either one of them as 30 years old.
That being said, when the lead characters meet again and spend time together as adults they have no problems connecting on any level. I thoroughly enjoyed those connections both on an emotional and physical level. (smokin hot) When they were given the opportunity to share and experience each others chosen careers first hand it was very well written and insightful. As they gain new insights and respect for each other so do we.
Faced with conflicting emotions and hard choices these "boy"-hood best friends were finally clearer to me as MEN. This was the high point of the story for me because as I reader I finally "felt" them and could relate to them. Like them it just took me too long to connect.
April 11, 2011
Meant For Each Other is at times a cute story between two men who loved each other as teenagers but then lost touch only to find each other fifteen years later. Before they find each other we are introduced to both Craig’s and Jeremy’s current significant others. They both are somewhat unhappy in their relationships, but both are trying to make it work. When they run into each other by chance, their old feelings come back quite quickly.
It takes a long time for Craig and Jeremy to find each other again. Too long in my opinion. The conflict in this story is that they each are already in a relationship, but the author makes Craig’s and Jeremy’s boyfriends very unlikable, so as the reader the choice is simple to make. It is almost too obvious. If the two boyfriends had been a little more likable, I think this story would have kept my interest more. We also get points of view from all four men and at times it becomes a little confusing. I definitely would have liked to see more focus on just Craig and Jeremy. While there are some cute moments in this book, this one I could take or leave.
Rating: C
It takes a long time for Craig and Jeremy to find each other again. Too long in my opinion. The conflict in this story is that they each are already in a relationship, but the author makes Craig’s and Jeremy’s boyfriends very unlikable, so as the reader the choice is simple to make. It is almost too obvious. If the two boyfriends had been a little more likable, I think this story would have kept my interest more. We also get points of view from all four men and at times it becomes a little confusing. I definitely would have liked to see more focus on just Craig and Jeremy. While there are some cute moments in this book, this one I could take or leave.
Rating: C
August 23, 2012
Started off sweet but quickly became very boring. Both Jeremy and Craig shared identical past, the time growing up together, the past eight years in the same place, with similar boyfriends, and having same problems in their relationships. The readers were told the same story about the failing relationships repeatedly by a different characters in their point of views, as well as by the same character to different audiences.
To sum it up, the book was about four narcissists wanting to fall in love with clones of themselves.
Apart from the repetitive story, there were also details that made the reading awkward. The conversation was unnatural, for example the speech Jen gave in the beginning to describe Craig's appearance. It appeared to be an obvious replacement for the cliché "staring into your own reflection and describe your looks and clothes" routine. The class visit to the design firm was rather difficult to believe, as I cannot see why a small design firm would have twenty spare laptops laying around for all the kids.
To sum it up, the book was about four narcissists wanting to fall in love with clones of themselves.
Apart from the repetitive story, there were also details that made the reading awkward. The conversation was unnatural, for example the speech Jen gave in the beginning to describe Craig's appearance. It appeared to be an obvious replacement for the cliché "staring into your own reflection and describe your looks and clothes" routine. The class visit to the design firm was rather difficult to believe, as I cannot see why a small design firm would have twenty spare laptops laying around for all the kids.
November 14, 2010
This story is totally annoying in my mind.
I read the the story and the start of the book pulls you in, like a good story should, but then it starts to get... blah... Anyway the main couple loved each other, but even if they did grow to love each other as children, they didn't keep in touch true the years even if they though of each others constantly or daily. I mean really, you love someone and you stop communicating with the person for 15 years ? really... ? The feelings in this plot are not felt, they didn't feel real at ALL.
Absolutely unrealistic.
I totally DON'T Recommend this story.
I read the the story and the start of the book pulls you in, like a good story should, but then it starts to get... blah... Anyway the main couple loved each other, but even if they did grow to love each other as children, they didn't keep in touch true the years even if they though of each others constantly or daily. I mean really, you love someone and you stop communicating with the person for 15 years ? really... ? The feelings in this plot are not felt, they didn't feel real at ALL.
Absolutely unrealistic.
I totally DON'T Recommend this story.
September 6, 2016
I was really hoping to like this story, but it didn't work for me. I think the alternating point of views made it more difficult for any of the characters to become endearing.
I do enjoy this author's other work, this just happened to be a story that I couldn't connect with.
I do enjoy this author's other work, this just happened to be a story that I couldn't connect with.
November 17, 2011
2 stars. Good writing but I never warmed up to any of the characters.
April 17, 2011
I had a little trouble with this one.
January 13, 2012
I didn't like the main characters, don't like to read about cheating, BUT I must admit I really like the way the author writes and I'm looking forward reading his other books.
June 22, 2025
Well this was garbage. From the prologue I could tell that I probably wouldn't enjoy this. Both the characters spoke like they were simultaneously children and middle aged adults. And they were supposed to be 15? There was no way I could have judged that without being told.
And 'telling, not showing' is a theme all throughout this book. Love how one of the main character's colleagues just spontaneously lists everything about his appearance and how gorgeous he is. Honestly, the descriptions of the four men were pretty much all the same, especially the flawless bronzed skin. The writing is also extremely derivative to the point where the book could be half its length. Examples include '"lay the pictures out", he laid the pictures out'. And everything was just explained, the audience are never at any point allowed to come to their own conclusions.
Something in particular I noticed that really bugged me for some reason is that things always take a couple of minutes when it really should only be a few moments. 'The doorbell rang. A few minutes later the front door opens.' Their home is not that big or convoluted where it takes minutes to reach the door. Were they down the road?
None of the characters are really likeable. Even with Robert being a cartoon villain it still doesn't make the others look good in comparison. The only one even slightly decent is Andrew who actually has character development. Yeah, he's a bit of a dick, but I wasn't even mad that he cheated since everyone else already was. No matter how much Jeremy and Craig felt bad about hooking up, it felt even worse as it was also an emotional affair, especially when Andrew had realised how much of a dick he was being and was fully committed to being a better partner and willing to look past the emotional and physical infidelity (sure, he cheated too, but honestly, who cares at this point).
This leads us to the "plot" of the story. The reunion between Craig and Jeremy felt forced and not natural. It was almost like the author had the picture of a reunion and worked backwards figuring out how to make it so all the characters were in the right place at the right time. I also know jack about graphic design, but it didn't feel realistic. If it's accurate, my condolences. And why hadn't everyone broken up already?! Holy sunk cost fallacy Batman. No one was happy, let's all move on before we drown in misery. Particularly as every time Jeremy and Craig hooked up they always talked about how miserable they were in their relationships but doing absolutely nothing about it. My sympathy did not last long.
I rolled my eyes so many times through this 300+ pages that I'm pretty sure I've damaged something. Honourable mention: Craig's idea of diversity is mothers, guys with tattoos, and "homeless people".
And 'telling, not showing' is a theme all throughout this book. Love how one of the main character's colleagues just spontaneously lists everything about his appearance and how gorgeous he is. Honestly, the descriptions of the four men were pretty much all the same, especially the flawless bronzed skin. The writing is also extremely derivative to the point where the book could be half its length. Examples include '"lay the pictures out", he laid the pictures out'. And everything was just explained, the audience are never at any point allowed to come to their own conclusions.
Something in particular I noticed that really bugged me for some reason is that things always take a couple of minutes when it really should only be a few moments. 'The doorbell rang. A few minutes later the front door opens.' Their home is not that big or convoluted where it takes minutes to reach the door. Were they down the road?
None of the characters are really likeable. Even with Robert being a cartoon villain it still doesn't make the others look good in comparison. The only one even slightly decent is Andrew who actually has character development. Yeah, he's a bit of a dick, but I wasn't even mad that he cheated since everyone else already was. No matter how much Jeremy and Craig felt bad about hooking up, it felt even worse as it was also an emotional affair, especially when Andrew had realised how much of a dick he was being and was fully committed to being a better partner and willing to look past the emotional and physical infidelity (sure, he cheated too, but honestly, who cares at this point).
This leads us to the "plot" of the story. The reunion between Craig and Jeremy felt forced and not natural. It was almost like the author had the picture of a reunion and worked backwards figuring out how to make it so all the characters were in the right place at the right time. I also know jack about graphic design, but it didn't feel realistic. If it's accurate, my condolences. And why hadn't everyone broken up already?! Holy sunk cost fallacy Batman. No one was happy, let's all move on before we drown in misery. Particularly as every time Jeremy and Craig hooked up they always talked about how miserable they were in their relationships but doing absolutely nothing about it. My sympathy did not last long.
I rolled my eyes so many times through this 300+ pages that I'm pretty sure I've damaged something. Honourable mention: Craig's idea of diversity is mothers, guys with tattoos, and "homeless people".
April 29, 2018
I did not enjoy Meant for Each Other as much as I'd hoped. The plot summary let me to believe the story to be different than it turned out to be. I did not expect both main characters to be in long-term relationships with other people and what amounted to cheating as they struggled with their feelings for each other while trying to salvage their current relationships. Somehow that was hard for me to read and the way the two relationships in their end stages were described was probably very realistic but not enjoyable for me.
Nevertheless, I did love Jeremy and Craig as characters and together, the circle closing when they met again as grown ups and how they reconnected. The sex scenes between them were hot and they got their HEA - even though all 4 characters paid a price for it.
Nevertheless, I did love Jeremy and Craig as characters and together, the circle closing when they met again as grown ups and how they reconnected. The sex scenes between them were hot and they got their HEA - even though all 4 characters paid a price for it.
January 15, 2018
Starr is a brilliant writer who weaves together such a beautiful sense of character development in his stories, giving a glimpse of their struggles, inner turmoil, and psychology. I would highly recommend considering anything by him.
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April 2, 2011Even if, rightly, this is the story of 2 men, Craig and Jeremy, and their first love never to be forgotten, I happened to like very much also Andrew and I will soon explain why.
Craig and Jeremy grew up together and from the age of 5 to the age of 15 they were everything for each other, brother, confident, best friend… everything other than lover. At that age the concept of boyfriend or lover was still something far from their mind, like pretty much the question Jeremy asks to Craig, what you would like to be in the future… but fate wants to put an obstacle to this star-crossed lovers, and 15 years old Jeremy has to move with his family when they go to the other end of the country. A good-bye kiss that in any other situation would have been the beginning of something important, marks these boys who will compare every single following boyfriend to the boy left behind.
15 years later, Craig and Jeremy meet by chance again, but both of them are in a committed relationship, Craig with Robert and Jeremy with Andrew. Where sincerely, I didn’t like at all Robert and so I was all for Craig to dump him, I had my issue with Andrew since he seemed really a good guy, and I think that, if the fate didn’t want for Craig and Jeremy to meet again, he would have been a perfect partner for Jeremy. In a way, nor Craig or Andrew were my favourite, both of them had something good for Jeremy to choose one or the other, but if I have to be really really sincere, I liked Andrew better; true, he did something that I usually don’t like in a relationship, he cheated on Jeremy, but Jeremy was doing the same, and then Andrew was strong enough to admit his mistake to Jeremy, whereas I don’t think Jeremy would have done the same if Andrew didn’t.
But the concept of first love is always strong, and in a way, first love is always perfect even if in reality it’s not; and then Craig and Jeremy grew up together, they have the same expectation from life, and they are, let me be hard, both average: they are on the same level, there is no dominant figure between them and so they don’t step on each other feet. True, Andrew could have been good for Jeremy, but their would have been a completely different relationship, more like husband and househusband, instead Craig and Jeremy are balanced partner. Both relationships work, but probably Jeremy would have had a simplier life with Andrew, since Andrew would have dealt with all that was practical, leaving to Jeremy the freedom to be a dreamer. For a different man maybe this is a dream comes true, for Jeremy it was like a cage. So yes, Andrew is a good man, but he is probably not the right man for Jeremy, he is right for someone else I hope he will find.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1456346008/?...
Craig and Jeremy grew up together and from the age of 5 to the age of 15 they were everything for each other, brother, confident, best friend… everything other than lover. At that age the concept of boyfriend or lover was still something far from their mind, like pretty much the question Jeremy asks to Craig, what you would like to be in the future… but fate wants to put an obstacle to this star-crossed lovers, and 15 years old Jeremy has to move with his family when they go to the other end of the country. A good-bye kiss that in any other situation would have been the beginning of something important, marks these boys who will compare every single following boyfriend to the boy left behind.
15 years later, Craig and Jeremy meet by chance again, but both of them are in a committed relationship, Craig with Robert and Jeremy with Andrew. Where sincerely, I didn’t like at all Robert and so I was all for Craig to dump him, I had my issue with Andrew since he seemed really a good guy, and I think that, if the fate didn’t want for Craig and Jeremy to meet again, he would have been a perfect partner for Jeremy. In a way, nor Craig or Andrew were my favourite, both of them had something good for Jeremy to choose one or the other, but if I have to be really really sincere, I liked Andrew better; true, he did something that I usually don’t like in a relationship, he cheated on Jeremy, but Jeremy was doing the same, and then Andrew was strong enough to admit his mistake to Jeremy, whereas I don’t think Jeremy would have done the same if Andrew didn’t.
But the concept of first love is always strong, and in a way, first love is always perfect even if in reality it’s not; and then Craig and Jeremy grew up together, they have the same expectation from life, and they are, let me be hard, both average: they are on the same level, there is no dominant figure between them and so they don’t step on each other feet. True, Andrew could have been good for Jeremy, but their would have been a completely different relationship, more like husband and househusband, instead Craig and Jeremy are balanced partner. Both relationships work, but probably Jeremy would have had a simplier life with Andrew, since Andrew would have dealt with all that was practical, leaving to Jeremy the freedom to be a dreamer. For a different man maybe this is a dream comes true, for Jeremy it was like a cage. So yes, Andrew is a good man, but he is probably not the right man for Jeremy, he is right for someone else I hope he will find.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1456346008/?...
August 10, 2012
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4.5 Stars
I have to be honest. When I got this novel to review, I wasn’t looking forward to it because I am not a fan of MM contemporary novels. They tend to be more about adults and their problems. But, I’m so happy that I did.
This love story revolves around Craig Harper and Jeremy Finn, who grew up as best friends in Newton, just west of Boston. One day at age fifteen, they share a kiss and Jeremy moves across the country the following day. Slowly, they begin to lose contact with each other and grow apart. Fifteen years later, their paths cross once again, but things are not perfect. Why? Craig is with Robert and Jeremy is with Andrew. This is where things get a little interesting.
I loved the main characters and I absolutely loved the concept of the story. Some may find it hard to believe that you will lose contact with a friend over time, but that has happened to me so I found credibility in this story. With that said, I get where these two are coming from.
The only character I disliked was Robert. There was something about him that I hated so much. He was just a bastard. I loved Andrew and I was torn because I was cheering for Craig and Jeremy. Andrew was just too sweet and at some point, I was cheering for him and Jeremy. What made me change my mind about Andrew was the fact that he placed his needs first and cheated on Jeremy. I loved Jeremy. He was perfect and deserved someone better or in other words, Craig.
In a nutshell, the story was perfectly written and well thought out. It was an amazing read that made me enjoy a genre even though I was not a fan. I would recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a sweet love story full of tears and real life scenarios.
4.5 Stars
I have to be honest. When I got this novel to review, I wasn’t looking forward to it because I am not a fan of MM contemporary novels. They tend to be more about adults and their problems. But, I’m so happy that I did.
This love story revolves around Craig Harper and Jeremy Finn, who grew up as best friends in Newton, just west of Boston. One day at age fifteen, they share a kiss and Jeremy moves across the country the following day. Slowly, they begin to lose contact with each other and grow apart. Fifteen years later, their paths cross once again, but things are not perfect. Why? Craig is with Robert and Jeremy is with Andrew. This is where things get a little interesting.
I loved the main characters and I absolutely loved the concept of the story. Some may find it hard to believe that you will lose contact with a friend over time, but that has happened to me so I found credibility in this story. With that said, I get where these two are coming from.
The only character I disliked was Robert. There was something about him that I hated so much. He was just a bastard. I loved Andrew and I was torn because I was cheering for Craig and Jeremy. Andrew was just too sweet and at some point, I was cheering for him and Jeremy. What made me change my mind about Andrew was the fact that he placed his needs first and cheated on Jeremy. I loved Jeremy. He was perfect and deserved someone better or in other words, Craig.
In a nutshell, the story was perfectly written and well thought out. It was an amazing read that made me enjoy a genre even though I was not a fan. I would recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a sweet love story full of tears and real life scenarios.
January 22, 2011
Meant For Each Other is a lovely story with coming of age and best friends turn lovers themes. On the one hand, the romance between Jeremy and Craig is very tender. A long separation at a young age makes their struggle quite poignant. On the other hand, because both Jeremy and Craig are in long term relationships when they meet again after the 15 year separation, a significant portion of the story focuses on Jeremy and Andrew's relationship, as well as Craig and Robert's relationship. It is this aspect of the story that didn't work well for me. I would have liked more focus on Jeremy and Craig. A tough request, because once you take Andrew and Robert out of the picture Craig and Jeremy's HEA is a given, leading to a very romantic but potentially boring story. Andrew and Robert are key to the conflict in the story.
My other slight frustration with the story was the characters moral code. To put it bluntly, their idea of right and wrong doesn't mesh with my own. I am not naive enough to believe that everyone goes through life doing the perfectly right thing every minute of every day, but I had a problem with Jeremy and Craid keeping their feelings for each other quiet for as long as they did. I also had a problem with Craig lying to his friends and business partners to take a sweet deal for himself. If his partners are good friends, couldn't he just tell the truth? Anyway, this is entirely a matter of opinion. (Isn't it always?)
Issues aside, I enjoyed this story and read it all in one sitting. That counts for quite a bit in my book!
My other slight frustration with the story was the characters moral code. To put it bluntly, their idea of right and wrong doesn't mesh with my own. I am not naive enough to believe that everyone goes through life doing the perfectly right thing every minute of every day, but I had a problem with Jeremy and Craid keeping their feelings for each other quiet for as long as they did. I also had a problem with Craig lying to his friends and business partners to take a sweet deal for himself. If his partners are good friends, couldn't he just tell the truth? Anyway, this is entirely a matter of opinion. (Isn't it always?)
Issues aside, I enjoyed this story and read it all in one sitting. That counts for quite a bit in my book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2011
This was a really good book! The book started off at a point where Craig and Jeremy would start their relationship ... right after an unforgetable kiss in The Love Tree. Sadly Jeremy has to move away the next day. Communication is strong at first and then dwindles as the years go by. But the love that they have for each other is always there. Fifteen years later the find each other again. But with both of them having boyfrinds, can they figure out what to do with all their pent up love they've had for each other for the past fifteen years? Half the characters are likeable. I really loved Craig and Jeremy! Andrew, Jeremy's boyfriend ... I'm still on the fence. Craig's boyfrind Robert needs a punch or two in the balls. I really enjoyed reading this book on these two men finding their soul mates. I even shed a tear or two. I would defintaly recommend! Happy Reading!
May 24, 2011
Meant For Each Other is a very heartfelt emotional story about two best friends who fell in love with each other, only to be forced a part by circumstances beyond their control. Years later they are re-united and the spark picks up from where they left off immediately. Both are stuck in relationships they're not happy with, and are faced with many obstacles to overcome to pick up where they left off.
D.H Starr does an amazing job, drawing his readers in immediately within the first few sentences. It's not very often I get misty eyed within the first chapter of a book, and found myself needing a tissue before this story really started. The chemistry between his characters, Jeremy and Craig is amazing and the sex scene's are incredibly hot. They were each other's first loves, and only proved that they were destined to be together in the end. I'd definitly recommend this read!
D.H Starr does an amazing job, drawing his readers in immediately within the first few sentences. It's not very often I get misty eyed within the first chapter of a book, and found myself needing a tissue before this story really started. The chemistry between his characters, Jeremy and Craig is amazing and the sex scene's are incredibly hot. They were each other's first loves, and only proved that they were destined to be together in the end. I'd definitly recommend this read!
May 25, 2011
Wow, what an emotional ringer. Still, though I had a few difficulties with the story (some stilted and unrealistic dialogue and some repeated information, they were few and far between. Definitely not for the faint of heart, or anyone who doesn't like to read about cheating. I almost couldn't read the brief sections narrated by Robert (aka F-ing Bastard). The book was rather long for the repeated heavy atmosphere. I could have used some intermittent lighthearted moments, and though I believe DH Starr did aim for some of those, they often laced with nostalgia or melancholy regret. Still, this is a good book and one that I'm happy to have read -- though I doubt I'll ever be able to read it again!
December 9, 2012
I liked the blurb about this book and I was looking forward to reading it, however, I found Meant For Each Other to be very predictable and slow moving. It was easy to see that the two main characters would end up together, but the question was, just how many machinations did we have to go through. The writing is good and in the end I did like the book.
I give Meant For Each Other three stars.
I give Meant For Each Other three stars.
May 11, 2011
Reviewed by Kerri: I like the premise of friends possibly becoming lovers in a book. It's one that is often found in m/m romance, but D.H. Starr manages to spin it into a unique tale that not only is interesting but also entertaining.
I love books that explore the interdynamics of relationships, and what draws two people to be attracted to each other. Saying that, it was explored and very well done in this book. For fans of a heartfelt m/m read, this one is a must.
A
I love books that explore the interdynamics of relationships, and what draws two people to be attracted to each other. Saying that, it was explored and very well done in this book. For fans of a heartfelt m/m read, this one is a must.
A
October 22, 2014
Craig and Jeremy best friends since childhood got separated in their teens when jeremy moved away they lost contact after they promised they will talk to each other as possible.
Forward 15 years they both have partners not happy but still with them. Once they meet reconnect ill just say it they all cheat i wasn't happy with how it went but i still loved them. They cudnt help their feeling for each other.
Forward 15 years they both have partners not happy but still with them. Once they meet reconnect ill just say it they all cheat i wasn't happy with how it went but i still loved them. They cudnt help their feeling for each other.
May 31, 2013
I really enjoyed the story, the characters were extremely likeable or hateable. I was very pleased with the way things turned out and even the little twist I wasn't expecting that got them there. The only thing I didn't like was the sex dialogue... it was so cheesy, I felt like I was watching a bad porno.
January 23, 2013
It was a very fun read. Sometimes your first love is your greatest love. Craig and Jeremy were separated at age 15. As adults fate reunites them. Parts of it seemed a bit too staged, all four characters are at the same point in their relationships. Having said that, it was easy to overlook that minor flaw.
I greatly enjoyed the story. My first by D.H. Starr. Won't be my last.
I greatly enjoyed the story. My first by D.H. Starr. Won't be my last.
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