So, this is the direct sequel to "Tell Me It's Real" and I pick it up to read it without any hesitation. I was in for another treat like how I love it for the first.
Verdict: I did not thoroughly enjoyed it as much as the first but I love every moment of it. So much so on how twisted the plot's direction has taken it's readers to a another level.
Not forgetting the lovable characters of the Austere family including Vincent. They, too continue to play in a significant role in this. They are very much involved on planning the wedding, whereby Sanford (Helena) is the planner. However, circumstances took place where Sanford has to ally with Darren (his so-called arc nemesis due to sour past).
The writing was easy and light. Always a plus point for any Klune's readers to enjoy. Characters are very well thought off, however at times I'm really confused between Paul and Sanford. I know they are like blood brothers but then again, I do have difficulties in differentiating both conversations while I'm reading on a fast pace.
I like how this is a romance genre and Klune has kept all sex scenes to a minimal. Sometimes it can be a little graphic but it still maintains to a minimal level. I like how this goes as a sequel. Humour is what kept the story going. Klune has never lost touch on the humour aspects of the series. It is still intact of all it's course and many a times I laughed out loud too. Klune as an author is way too underrated! I demand for a full-fledged publicity for this guy.
As I am writing this review, I didn't know there will be a third book in this series! Titled "Until You", which is the anticipated wedding between Paul and Vincent when both Sanford (Helena) and Darren will be planning their wedding. I hope it is gonna take up to another level of Drama, Laughter and Sexual Innuendos for all characters in the series. That would be the Grandest Finale of all time.
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Review Link
Well, if you do not know by now, this is TJ Klune's book and it is part of a series. This is not my first book from this author and I think this is one of his best contemporary LGBT genre I've read so far. You would know whether the author has great writing skills, and this one does because he plays with my emotions while I'm reading it. Not fair! Anyway, he's the type of writer that draws you in real quick, and it is the very minute you start reading the first sentence, let's just say paragraph. I'm trying very hard not to sound over exaggerated here.
All of his characters were so well thought off and I can't seem to fathom how much I can relate to all of them -- especially the bonding of these 2 brothers, the Kid and Bear. The bonding between this 2 brothers were so strong that you know that nothing can ever tears them apart. Great moments of joy, sadness and laughter were portrayed so well when the siblings were having their assurance for one another on how much they love each no matter what ugly comes their way.
Love interest between Bear and Otter was not a smooth ride. The hiding, the struggles, the pain and the frustrations were all spelled out progressively instead of throwing it all into the readers face with just pure lust. The built up of their relationship was very well-paced rather than heading down the cheesy and lusty romance route where you can find it in practically most of the New Adults genre these days. Sexy scenes were in it but it's never the main spinal of the plot line. Thank God!
I'm not going to discuss about the plot because many who has read this book referenced it with the movie Shelter back in 2007. I've had my fair bit of curiosity on what the fuss is about. So, I've watched it and came to a conclusion that it was really closely adapted BUT the connection in the movie was not doing anything for me as an audience in as much as reading this book is concern. That movie is heavily on self-discovery and just romance based for each other; this book has family values written all over it with real love and support.
Many might think this is plagiarism between the movie and the book, but I think this ending has taken to a whole new level of anti-climatic journey which no readers were expecting that sort of turning point and it works really really well. How it ends was even a greater blow in which you, as readers, would want to know what is it for all of them in their next chapter. Such a good read!
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Review Link
I am trying very hard not to emphasize that this is my first full fledged LGBT book and... I literally enjoyed it!!! It's so funny where you can literally ROFL and the love story between these 2 guys are so heart warming. I would really want to thank my friend that introduced me to this book. Such a light read and so much laughter.
Imagine this: I was on a train transit and so happens I was reading the office scene where Paul directly blurted out the most ridiculous profanity towards his boss when he was being introduced to someone... I literally burst into a loud laughter, and I was shaking so bad (from the controlled laughter) that I got myself attracting a lot of attention!
When it comes to romance, I will always search for weird cheesy plots that makes you cringe in many ways possible. Moreover, this romance novel revolves around with 2 guys and the good thing is, no cheesy lines at all. The setting is so modern, conversations are really to-date where it counters many cheesy lines which they've tried using it with each other. Characters are so well developed for everyone. EVERYONE!
From a mundane day-to-day job, nosy parental care, and homophobic parrots! Folks who watched the 1999 "She's All That" movie could very well relate to this new term called "Freddie Prince Jr you/me". You can never blame Paul for being skeptical over Vince's affection towards him. He is one special guy who's really facing major low-self esteem crisis about himself and there goes Vince the so-called hunk who falls head over heels for Paul. Given ant circumstances, this is a perfect world that Klune has created where most readers will fall into this trap by going "Awwwww...".
The voice inside Paul's head. It's so hilarious! And when he can't control himself, he blurted out what's really the voice that resides in his head. I'm really laughing out loud when you can sense his facial expression when he's talking.
Steamy kisses and hot sex scenes were described with full knowledge of what every men really wants. The author himself truly understands how to pleasure both his character's needs. Sexual needs.
Paul is weary about Vince actions towards him whether is he really genuine about all the flirting and falling-in-love fiasco. Come on, think about it... in our world, that's never gonna happen. Hence the term, "Freddie Prince Jr you/me" came about. Vince has insecurities and found the love of his life whom he thinks Paul is able gave him that security, with the exception that he needs to assure Paul that his affection towards him is real. Hence, the title.
Towards the end of the book, it was so heartfelt that it became so emotional which Klune has successfully present it with much praise. It just put a bright smile on your face when you finished it. This book just sucked you in from the very beginning til the end regardless the genre. Bravo!
So I asked myself, am I an inch closer to understand the gay community? I am never worthy to answer that but I think they are just as normal as any other straight people will face when it comes to the reality of love. So, who am I to judge them?
My question for the author will be whether are there any LGBT books where gays and straight guys are ever best friends? Not with those that eventually became lover but those that edify each with true and warmth friendship where they stand by each other all the time.
Ratings: 4.8 out of 5
Goodreads Review Link
Posted a question via Goodreads to Mr Klune
"Here's my question: Will you be exploring into LGBT books where gays and straight guys are ever best friends? Not with those that eventually became lover but with those that edify each other with truth, warmth and honesty where they can stand by each others' back all the time. Thank you and do take care."
