Unfortunately, this story didn't do much for me. It was in fact a bit to go through. I had hopes things got better, but that wasn't the case.

I didn't feel any chemistry between the two male protagonists, I didn't get the sense they even liked each other.
While I didn't expect them to agree on everything, they have very different tastes and opinions. They argue quite a bit over their differences.

I just felt that they settled because they were both alone and had history together. Not exactly the ending I was expecting for this characters. I was expecting more heat, the feeling of love and passion and none of those came through unfortunately.

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 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.

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.