3.5 stars - Warning: This is a long review. If I weren't so lazy, I'd probably go back and cut pieces of it that I repeat but I'm really that lazy. Lol. So, just read it... and I expect you to like it :PI have to admit, this book didn't start off good for me. The first half of the book is essentially a big misunderstanding between Jake and Nate about one thing about their relationship or another. Then there's the sweetness factor. For someone who is not in the mood for a sweet, sweet, sweet and sappy book, it's almost unbearable to get through the beginning. And finally, there is the unrealistic perfection to the story. Where one problem arises, an easy solution is given with absolutely no conflict whatsoever (which is where the unrealisticness (I just made that word up btw ^_^) comes into play because we all know it ain't ever that easy.
At times I was extremely frustrated with this story. I wasn't sure if I liked it or if I didn't and because of that it was really hard to get into. Plus, I wasn't very fond of the writing style. I usually like first person POV but I don't like it when it's an alternating first person style. So, mix that with repeat scenes in each POV switch plus flashbacks and you get a story that did not sit well with me at first. It took some time for me to get used to the writing because I don't like alternating first person POVs and I don't like repeat scenes from each MC's POV (which becomes annoying and tedious after the first three times) and I kinda don't like flashbacks either. So, it was bothersome to say the least.
With that said, though, I did like the story. It's not the kind of book you can pick up and expect to have realism in it because nothing in this book would ever turn out like that in real life (call me cynical if you'd like but you know it's true) so you need to know from the start that you have to take out all your expectations of a book being real when you start this because if you don't, you will be extremely disappointed. Everything is simple and easy for Jake and Nate. It always goes their way no matter what situation or problem arises. It is essentially a perfect world for them. I liked that about the story but only after the halfway mark, only after the overly sweet scenes were toned down a notch.
I couldn't handle the toothache sweetness of the book at first, it was just too much for someone like myself. Not to say these characters are weak or anything (Nate is a dense idiot, however) but Jake and Nate are romantic to the point you want to check and make sure your teeth haven't rotten yet from so much sugary sweetness. It is overwhelming at first. Halfway through, it tones down because all the crap with Nate being a dense idiot lessens since Nate starts becoming more secure in his relationship with Jake so Jake isn't doing everything possible to show Nate what they have is real. After that, I really enjoyed the story. The first half has a slow-pace while the second half is more fast-paced and much easier to read. The overlapping scenes lessen as well so that was a blessing for me.
So, like I said, I really liked it. Nate and Jake are a cute couple especially since they've known each other and been in love with each other for as long as they can remember. It's sweet (I bet you're sick of that word by now ;-P), it's entertaining because you get tidbits on the memories they have together and you know for a fact that these two actually know each other inside and out. I especially liked how these two were completely different. Jake's the badass, aggressive, angry big guy while Nate is the quiet, shy, insecure small guy. Jake's athletic and a cop while Nate's a bookworm and a scientist. They are complete opposites but they've been in each others lives so long they are completely different when together. Jake is gentle and caring while Nate is talkative and outspoken. I really, really liked that.
However, while I did like the book there were things I had a problem with. For one, definitely way too much sex for me. I don't know if gay men really have that much sex but if they do, how the fuck are their dicks not sore and bruised?! Didn't their assholes hurt?! I had to start skipping the sex because it was way too much for me (and it was sappy sweet, I just couldn't handle it :-/). Beyond that, I didn't like how abruptly the end happened. The first half of the book is so slow with Jake and Nate figuring out their relationship then the second half just speeds by and by the end, it's like you feel slightly cheated. I wanted less sex and more details on the baby and moving back home, I wanted to know more about what their life would be like after moving back to their hometown with a baby in tow.
Over all, I did like the book. It brought the goofy smile to my face that you sometimes get while watching chick flick movies. Recommended if you are looking for lots and lots of sappiness with your romance.
