If any book deserves 5 stars, believe me, it's this one.
Basically, what happened yesterday - I picked up another book, no big deal, right? New author. Let's check it out. Expectations are good, but mellow, as always, you never know.
And then - WHAM. I was completely obsessed with both Doug and Jake from page one. I loved the writing. Most of all, I felt like I was submerged by this huge tidal wave of emotions, and I kid you not - I cried for 50% of this book. Sometimes every chapter. Good tears, scared tears, angry tears, all of it. I certainly did not expect to become so obsessed, I had to stay up until 3 am, so I could finish it.
So let's count all the ways I love this book - 1) Every character was so real, the story was told from multiple perspectives, but not in a confusing way, and I fell in love with half of these people, the other half I just wanted to strangle, lol. 2) The plot was... insane. Basically, I was at 20% when I felt like everything in the world that could possibly happen, happened, and I felt the same way at 50%, lol. I loved all the twists and turns, but if you don't like angst, maybe this might be too much for you. It's definitely not light reading. 3) Most of all, I loved the little girl Zia, for being so adorable, Mamma, for being the strongest mother in the history of mothers, and the moments when someone reached a hand to a stray animal. I cannot stress enough - I love it when authors remember to be kind to animals. 4) The main character, Doug, is the best person, ever. Period. I am in love with him. :D 5) There were so many small soulful moments that I felt like... I felt like I was proud to be human. Some of them were angry, and I screamed at the injustice, but then there were twice as many quiet moments when your heart leaps for whoever's on the page, and you want to embrace them and thank them for existing. This is such a beautiful case study of what it is to be human - all of the facets of humanity are in this book. 6) The author has done not just an amazing work with writing this - it's brilliantly written - but every part of it, the characters, the plot, the arcs, the emotions, everything is so masterfully done, I am obsessed and will proceed to read everything they have written. Rarely do I find something I can love so much and that I feel like I have *lived* for a few hours. 7) I loved the little insights into another culture - gypsies - and I know this culture since we have a lot of those in my country. Fascinating and accurate. 8) One of the things I liked the best was the stark contrast between the two MCs - one is a rich, spoiled guy and everyone around him is so awfully arrogant and awful. The other is a humble, poor circus performer, who only cares about the people in his life, not the money. It was portrayed in a beautiful and often heart-wrenching way. 9) Finally, the love between the two characters - there were so many moments I lost hope, but I knew they'd pull through. The hope kept me going, and once they were together, I was so happy and invested in their relationship. But I have to say, the author sure tortured me for a while. :D
Let's also talk about the thing I didn't like - 1) I found it strange that there was only straight and gay, no bisexual mentioned in the whole book, but maybe that's just me. I always find it weird when people forget it exists. 2) There were some mistakes, but mostly tiny, and I didn't mind since the story gave me *so much*, I really couldn't complain about it. ***SOME SPOILERS AHEAD!!!*** 3) There was a 'bad guy' who didn't get the consequences he deserved, but at the end that's life. We don't always get that. 4) If you don't like cheating in your romances, this might be uncomfortable, but I understand why it was there, and it wasn't a big deal for me, since I was so invested in the story. 5) I was so annoyed at one of the MCs, Jake, for being so spineless for half of the book, but then he found his spine, and I loved it.
So you see, even when I didn't like something, it wasn't a big deal, and I definitely would recommend this book, and this author, to anyone who loves queer romance. I'd give more than 5 stars if I could.
Ugh, I cried so much reading this, and I feel like I can burst into tears writing this right now. I still have a hangover after reading it yesterday. Trust me, if you're like me and you like to be emotionally swept off your feet and feel *everything*, then this book is for you. Enjoy it. :)
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2022Format: Paperback
Top reviews from other countries
- AshishReviewed in India on April 5, 2021
A tale of self-discovery and finding love
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - Lady ReadalotReviewed in Australia on June 14, 2021
Wonderful romantic story
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - destrieuxReviewed in France on April 13, 2023
the most wonderful book ever
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - LuanaReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2022
Words are not enough
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - SDGReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 23, 2021
Boring and far too long….
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
