Scan barcode
oofie's review against another edition
3.5
3.5 - liked it
This book follows Jake Denver, wannabe filmmaker—at least, he's a wannabe until a guy from his class approaches him with an idea for their final project.
This is the beginning of a lifelong friendship. It's Jake and Roe, his best friend, and their lives together. They go into filmmaking business together, inextricably tying their lives together, but it's more than that. They both have their girlfriends, but they're each other's BFFs. Roe is Jake's son's second father, basically.
And that's how it is...until years into their relationship, something happens that has both of them looking at each other a little differently.
This book kind of reminded me of the movie Love, Rosie. That movie has two BFFs being friends and having lives, but are so often like ships passing in the night. They just keep missing each other by a little bit each time, but it hurts every time it happens. Jake and Roe's relationship is so deep. They're best friends, they love each other's kids...they're basically married/dating, except for they're not. In this book, that was tolerable. But the HEA isn't until the next one.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I like tension and gay awakenings, though I don't think I'm as big a fan of just straight up angst.
This book follows Jake Denver, wannabe filmmaker—at least, he's a wannabe until a guy from his class approaches him with an idea for their final project.
This is the beginning of a lifelong friendship. It's Jake and Roe, his best friend, and their lives together. They go into filmmaking business together, inextricably tying their lives together, but it's more than that. They both have their girlfriends, but they're each other's BFFs. Roe is Jake's son's second father, basically.
And that's how it is...until years into their relationship, something happens that has both of them looking at each other a little differently.
This book kind of reminded me of the movie Love, Rosie. That movie has two BFFs being friends and having lives, but are so often like ships passing in the night. They just keep missing each other by a little bit each time, but it hurts every time it happens. Jake and Roe's relationship is so deep. They're best friends, they love each other's kids...they're basically married/dating, except for they're not. In this book, that was tolerable. But the HEA isn't until the next one.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I like tension and gay awakenings, though I don't think I'm as big a fan of just straight up angst.
raeoflight_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
catari's review against another edition
3.0
More like 2.5 ⭐️ because:
. The title is misleading. Where’s the hurt?
. So it’s gonna be miscommunication? Really?
. If the woman is portrayed as a bitch on the second book istg
Giving the next one a chance because it’s from Roe’s POV, but I don’t have high hopes.
. The title is misleading. Where’s the hurt?
. So it’s gonna be miscommunication? Really?
. If the woman is portrayed as a bitch on the second book istg
Giving the next one a chance because it’s from Roe’s POV, but I don’t have high hopes.
dancingterracephantom's review against another edition
4.0
Let me just start by saying I devour everything Cara writes. She is an absolute one-click author for me, and I haven't read a book of hers yet that I didn't like. However, I am basically allergic to reading angst so when I found out this book had it and that it was titled "This Will Hurt"...gulp. Cara doesn't do me dirty, and if I can get through the first couple books of her Auctioned series, I know I can get through anything. But I'm not a darn masochist, Cara! Why do you wanna hurt me?!?
Sigh. But of course I still grabbed the ARC for this book because I'm not stupid. And honestly my fears were unwarranted because while there WAS angst, it wasn't overwhelming. It was kind of like the whole boiling a frog thing. I jumped in the pot while the water was cool and she just slowly turned up the heat until whoops...I'm boiling in this darn angst! But then it was the end of the book sooooo. Now I get to take a break from it, and simultaneously suffer through wanting to know how everything gets resolved. And from Roe's perspective! Which, heck yes. I'm excited for.
I don't want to give spoilers so I'll keep it simple. This book spans a few years (which normally I'm not a fan of whatsoever but it was all linear at least so I coped). We get to see the evolution of Roe and Jake's friendship and their business. Sidenote: can I just say I LOVED their business; it's "in the business" like in Noah, but not really. I liked seeing it from the ground up.
We also get to see the evolution of how these two are in relationships. With women. That's where things start to hurt. I absolutely loved how Jake and Nikki's relationship evolved; I am sick of OW drama and how catty women can be shown in situations like theirs so it was refreshing to read.
And through the book, we learn of a memory that Jake has repressed for a long time, and him coming to terms with it. Rampant homophobia, especially internalized homophobia, is a topic I typically steer clear of because...angst. And it does hurt. Cara's not wrong.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I'll enjoy it more when the sequel is out because I HATE cliffhangers and waiting. I typically avoid reading duets or series until everything is out, but again, it's obvious that Cara has me breaking all my rules. Thankfully the next book comes out really soon so I won't have to wait long!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sigh. But of course I still grabbed the ARC for this book because I'm not stupid. And honestly my fears were unwarranted because while there WAS angst, it wasn't overwhelming. It was kind of like the whole boiling a frog thing. I jumped in the pot while the water was cool and she just slowly turned up the heat until whoops...I'm boiling in this darn angst! But then it was the end of the book sooooo. Now I get to take a break from it, and simultaneously suffer through wanting to know how everything gets resolved. And from Roe's perspective! Which, heck yes. I'm excited for.
I don't want to give spoilers so I'll keep it simple. This book spans a few years (which normally I'm not a fan of whatsoever but it was all linear at least so I coped). We get to see the evolution of Roe and Jake's friendship and their business. Sidenote: can I just say I LOVED their business; it's "in the business" like in Noah, but not really. I liked seeing it from the ground up.
We also get to see the evolution of how these two are in relationships. With women. That's where things start to hurt. I absolutely loved how Jake and Nikki's relationship evolved; I am sick of OW drama and how catty women can be shown in situations like theirs so it was refreshing to read.
And through the book, we learn of a memory that Jake has repressed for a long time, and him coming to terms with it. Rampant homophobia, especially internalized homophobia, is a topic I typically steer clear of because...angst. And it does hurt. Cara's not wrong.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I'll enjoy it more when the sequel is out because I HATE cliffhangers and waiting. I typically avoid reading duets or series until everything is out, but again, it's obvious that Cara has me breaking all my rules. Thankfully the next book comes out really soon so I won't have to wait long!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
jpbooklife's review against another edition
5.0
Well, this definitely lives up to its name. My eyes are still puffy from the tears.
Jake and Roe have such an amazing journey to their relationship in this book. The wonderfully quirky way they meet, the friendship they form, and the emotions and feelings they both have all add up to a perfect story. The build-up in this book is incredible. It's a delicate simmer until it boils over. And Roe and Jake are freaking magic.
My heart is still not ok from that ending, and I'm ready for part two.
Jake and Roe have such an amazing journey to their relationship in this book. The wonderfully quirky way they meet, the friendship they form, and the emotions and feelings they both have all add up to a perfect story. The build-up in this book is incredible. It's a delicate simmer until it boils over. And Roe and Jake are freaking magic.
My heart is still not ok from that ending, and I'm ready for part two.
wisecraic's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
winlunareads's review against another edition
4.0
This book did hurt. The reason? It was just a long prequel! Did I love it? Yes. Does it remind me of “If we could go back”? A little. Should it exist? A case could be made for no.
I truly believe that part I and II of this story could have just been one long book. But that didn’t take away from my love for Roe and Jake and the angst, pining, and torture they’re going to go through next book towards their happily ever after.
I truly believe that part I and II of this story could have just been one long book. But that didn’t take away from my love for Roe and Jake and the angst, pining, and torture they’re going to go through next book towards their happily ever after.
mr_nacho_iii's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
drjostice's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kindlemmromancereader's review against another edition
5.0
***ARC Review***
This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
The title says it all. I’m glad I knew going in that this was a duet or I’d be devastated for Jake. This book is a slow burn but overflowing with emotional intensity. This book spans years. (It starts in 2010). Part I is told from Jake’s point of view. It tells the story of how Jake and Roe (Monroe) become really close friends. They meet in LA at a documentary filmmaking class. They decide to work together and the pair grow exceptionally close.
Jake is a former Marine. Jake struggles with affection, due to a past trauma instigated by his mother about his Grandpa. This is a childhood incident that really affects him, but he suppresses for a long time. His family is very traditional/conservative. Roe’s family is Catholic, but very open-minded.
Both men consider themselves to be straight at first, then Roe confesses he thinks he might be bi to Jake. (Things get interesting with the Tequila Licking at the bar)! Jake has a son, Colin, with his ex-girlfriend Nikki. Nikki and Jake have an amicable relationship. Roe’s girlfriend (then fiancée) gets pregnant later in the story, so he too will become a dad.
The connection between the the MCs is very strong. Dee does an excellent job of showing how close they are and how much they care for one another. There’s a nod to found family in this story. Things change around the 62% mark for Jake and Roe. After a night out in Vegas, the pair get physical. It’s a very steamy one-off, but afterwards, Jake struggles with his newfound attraction towards Roe.
The day of Roe’s wedding is just gah! I wanted to hug Jake so badly. He was really going through it. All of his feelings towards Roe. The realization he makes and the decision to keep it quiet. This book’s epilogue gave me all the feels! I need Roe’s book because I need to know how things end up for these best friends. I cannot wait and definitely looking forward to Part II.
This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
The title says it all. I’m glad I knew going in that this was a duet or I’d be devastated for Jake. This book is a slow burn but overflowing with emotional intensity. This book spans years. (It starts in 2010). Part I is told from Jake’s point of view. It tells the story of how Jake and Roe (Monroe) become really close friends. They meet in LA at a documentary filmmaking class. They decide to work together and the pair grow exceptionally close.
Jake is a former Marine. Jake struggles with affection, due to a past trauma instigated by his mother about his Grandpa. This is a childhood incident that really affects him, but he suppresses for a long time. His family is very traditional/conservative. Roe’s family is Catholic, but very open-minded.
Both men consider themselves to be straight at first, then Roe confesses he thinks he might be bi to Jake. (Things get interesting with the Tequila Licking at the bar)! Jake has a son, Colin, with his ex-girlfriend Nikki. Nikki and Jake have an amicable relationship. Roe’s girlfriend (then fiancée) gets pregnant later in the story, so he too will become a dad.
The connection between the the MCs is very strong. Dee does an excellent job of showing how close they are and how much they care for one another. There’s a nod to found family in this story. Things change around the 62% mark for Jake and Roe. After a night out in Vegas, the pair get physical. It’s a very steamy one-off, but afterwards, Jake struggles with his newfound attraction towards Roe.
The day of Roe’s wedding is just gah! I wanted to hug Jake so badly. He was really going through it. All of his feelings towards Roe. The realization he makes and the decision to keep it quiet. This book’s epilogue gave me all the feels! I need Roe’s book because I need to know how things end up for these best friends. I cannot wait and definitely looking forward to Part II.