While very well written, this novel was slower paced and the characters were harder for this reader to connect with. After reading about 60% into the novel, the plot developments became awkward and hard to understand, so this is a DNF.

*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.

I received this book for honest review. I give this book a three out of five stars. I haven’t read any LGBTQ+ romance novels before so I was a littler nevous when jumping in. Although I really enjoyed the romance and the love story between the two main characters I felt as though the storyline fell a little flat for me. I feel at times it was a little slow and hard to follow. I am glad that I got to read this book because it opened my eyes to more romance options out there. If you were looking to read more romance I highly recommend this one. although I really enjoyed the romance and the love story between the two main characters I felt as though the storyline fell a little flat for me. I feel at times it was a little slow and hard to follow. I am glad that I got to read this book because it opened my eyes to more romance options out there. If you were looking to read more LGBTQ+ romance I highly recommend this one

I really liked this book because it was a brutally honest look at a relationship and the difficulties and struggles that two people go through to live as a couple. I felt a heavy cloud of sadness throughout the book that will probably disappoint many readers looking for a fairy tale romance.

Author Daniel Janaka, in this debut novel, gives us a dose of reality. There is no fairy tale romance between Jimmy and Luke. In fact, much of it is a struggle. Arguments, different lifestyles and careers-- their schedules-- all lead to complicating their commitment. 

The chemistry between Luke and Jimmy is there but it not the lust-driven desire of many romance novels. Whether it's fueled by some deeper understanding (knowing) or the fear of loneliness or desperation; these two want, strike that,  need each other. Janaka shows us this through their dedication and actions, not just through some syrupy exchange of dialogue. Mistakes are made, challenges met and still they are committed-- doing what so few couples seem willing to do today-- work at it. 

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was just kind of alright for me. I thought Jimmy forgave Luke too quickly for one thing. Jimmy was very uptight, while Luke was very brash, and a lot of the book consisted of them arguing, which wasn’t entirely pleasant for me. I also disliked Jimmy’s actions when he was out with Charlie towards the end. I was kind of surprised that Jimmy and Luke’s relationship lasted the whole book to be honest. There were some nice parts between them but the constant conflict just wasn’t my cup of tea. Author seems to be a good writer though.

Unfortunately, this didn't really work for me. I felt no connection to the characters or between them, so I felt no chemistry. I think a lot of that was because there was no build up or burn. Everything just felt completely flat. I strongly agree with the other reviews that something was missing, and I think that it was emotion. Even as they're reconnecting after so long, there's nothing there. 

I hate to give new authors low reviews, but this felt more like a first draft than a finished book. 

*Provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jimmy is in constant search for that elusive something that will magically make his life feel more purposeful and complete.  Whether it's his career, his friendships, or a committed romantic relationship, Jimmy latches on to an idea or a thing that he thinks will be the missing piece.; Sounds pretty typical for someone in their mid-twenties. 

For me, the story was very dry.  I struck with it in the hopes that something interesting would happen to catch my interest. 

The chemistry between Jimmy and Luke just isn't...there.  I didn't get a sense that they really liked each other, other than the fact they were both lonely and had had a history together, making reconnecting not much of a hurdle.  They argue a lot--not so much heatedly--and they seem to disagree on many different things.

I kinda feel bad for Jimmy and Luke.  I hate to see characters settle.  They each deserve to find that person that evokes passion and love, and that would have made a better story.

I was given this book by the publisher through NetGalley for a honest review. 

It is about a guy named Jimmy, a 20 year old young guy who happened to be single. Who’s also still thinking about Luke, the guy who would say “the one that got away”. After 3 years. One day Luke and Jimmy ran into each other. Just like that Luke is back in Jimmy’s life. 

I really did not enjoy this book. After a few chapters I lost interest in reading it. I don’t know what it is but it feels like there is something missing.

It is a very interesting story. it's always great to see second chance on love. Great writing from Daniel.

I was given this ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jimmy is in his 20's and single, still thinking about Luke, the one that got away. Everything seemed fine until one day he just left and was never heard from again. It's 3 years later and Luke waltzes back into Jimmy's life, but can they just pick back up where they left off?

This started out with a lot of promise, but 2/3 through I started not liking it. Things took a downward spiral and by the end I felt like I wasn't sure why the relationship was happening at all. I felt like they were missing something and was almost hoping for a different ending. I will say that I started out loving Jimmy and ended up loving Luke.