Jack's Ever After is a fluffy sequel to Jack's On Fire, an easy and fun read!

It takes a bit for the story to pick up the pace, but once it does the story flies. Jack quickly finds out that life is unpredictable and unforseen circumstances and unpleasant people will challenge his emotional world.

A homophobic student, an indifferent teacher, his horrible mother, his boyfriend's hectic schedule, his band's troubles, all of them are obstacles life poses, but in the end Jack has his boyfriend, his friends, his brother and a healthy support system. It's a nice ever-after book, showing it's not all roses, but it's still an ever-after!

Thank you NetGalley and Jetspace Studios for the ARC!

In the return to Jack and Damon’s love story, Jack’s Ever After, Owen Lach has created a sequel that is poignant, authentic and beautiful. Part of what makes this such a beautiful story is that Jack is never painted as perfect. He has his ups and downs, those moments of insecurities and complexity that we all have. His life's not easy but neither is everything all bad. It is a true love story, in that Jack and Damon face hurdles that real life throws at them and have to figure out a solution that works best for them and also what’s most important to them. 

Owen Lach gives a modern spin to what it’s like for a queer love story and gives us authentic moments that many queer young adults face as they navigate high school and friendships. I love the frank discussion of sex, discrimination, the subtle micro aggressions and bigotry that can happen in society. The ups and downs of the challenges Jack faces are what make the novel so dramatic yet hopeful.  It is the complexities that will captivate you and the genuine characters that will leave you loving this authentic and beautiful love story. My only regret was that it was over much too soon and left me wanting way more story. While the pacing is perfect for a young adult audience, I very much feel there is more story to tell about Jack and Damon and I sincerely hope there will be a third book.

This was a wonderful and unexpected sequel to 'Jack's On Fire'. It is lovely when a sequel feels like it fits with it's predecessor and this one did exactly that. I found I enjoyed reading about Jack and how his fairy tale life unfolded after the conclusion to the last book.

With the challenges of the last book resolved, all but one anyway, there were new challenges thrown at Jack that gave his character some interesting development. Especially with one particular new character, which brought out a side of Jack and his friends that made me see them in new light. It didn't make me dislike them, but there was something very judgemental about them which I didn't gel with - at least early on. While their judgements ended up pretty spot on, it felt like conclusions were jumped to and it felt a little out of character - even for Jack, who does have a past of dealing with bullies. So it definitely made reading this interesting.

Like with the last book, there felt like there was an overuse of the words 'bro' between Jack and his brother, and 'babe' and other pet names with Jack and his boyfriend. Nicknames and pet names can be sweet, but I do prefer them in moderation. This is something that brought me out of the novel when I was reading but I feel like there would be some people who wouldn't mind it. I also found there were some parts of the novel that weren't overly necessary, like Jack choosing what to wear and little scenes like that. They are sweet, but I feel they took away from the plot of the story.

The romance however, was just as sweet and supportive as it had been in the first book. I liked reading about how Jack handled new challenges in the relationship and how the relationship developed over time. I also loved the honestly between the two brothers, and how they talked openly with each other. I also really liked how they still teased and bickered, making them feel more realistic.

Other than these little things, Jack's ever after was a really sweet and joyful read. There is something so nice about reading about queer characters who do get their happy ending and get what they want. I recommend this for anyone who wants a quick, easy, and overall fun read! (3.5 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for sending me this free eARC (eAdvanced Reader Copy). I am leaving this review voluntarily. This title was published July 11th 2023.

Jack's Ever After continues Jack and Damon's adorable love story with even more heartwarming moments and a deeper exploration of their relationship. Like the previous story, this is solidly queer and features broadly diverse representation. There's more drama this time, but Jack has the support he needs to deal with it. And Jack and Damon's date has to be the sweetest thing I've ever read. Prepare for another sweet and satisfying journey with these captivating characters.

I loved the queer joy in the first volume, which is why I was pleasantly surprised that this one kept that going but in a more realistic way. The story is still mostly positive, but I love the idea of showing that happiness is something that you work for and strive to continue even after you've found it.
We last saw Jack at the beginning of a new, happy life far away from his mother's emotional abuse and the violent homophobia he faced before moving in with his brother. His first semester in San Francisco sees him find a happy home and a great boyfriend, sell a song he wrote to a great new musician who happens to be his friend, and generally make the best of life. Things continue to be great for Jack, but life isn't a fairy tale and happily ever afters in real life take some work and come with obstacles that he'll have to find his voice to face them.
This is one of those second volumes in a series that I really think you need to have read the first volume to fully enjoy. A lot of surface comments and suggestions are made to things that happened in the first book that directly shape what goes on in this one. I don't think it's a deal breaker, but it will definitely be a better reading experience.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Jetspace Studio for the wonderful read!

Jack's Ever After is the sweet, heartwrenching, emotional roller coaster follow up to Jack's on Fire. It highlights the characters and their relationships but throws in a lot more angst than the first book. I was taken aback at first. Then I spent some time thinking about what it means to be a modern queer fairy tale. The hero struggles. The stakes are high. The villains are almost cartoonish. And everything works out in the end thanks in no small part to the love and support of the hero's family and friends. And I'm here for it. The fact that it's an original fairy tale and not a queer retelling of an existing story makes it all the better.

Lach's character craft is on point, as is his dialogue. Jack's interactions with Isaac really stood out, especially their open, honest discussions about sex. Lach also included some excellent discussions about family, race, and bullying that a lot of queer teens would want to read. All in, Lach once again successfully twists the fairy tale trope into an engrossing, modern, relevant story that I devoured in one sitting.

This sequel had everything I adored about the first book, including compelling, age-appropriate characterizations, a core focus on queer joy and resilience, sickeningly sweet high school romance, and one of my favorite sibling relationships I've read. The teen angst in this book was also so much more intense than the first book, which will be great for those who wanted a little more drama. lol. Lach's writing was as good as ever, and I truly love the way he writes character interactions.

I continued to love the characters and relationships in this book. They all grew in different ways, and I appreciated the depth this story added to them. Jack continued learning how to stand up for himself, to rely on the people who love him, and to figure out who he wants to be in his music and his life. He was whiny and self-absorbed quite a bit, like a typical teenager, and I didn't always like or agree with him. However, I did think his characterization was consistent, and his growth and arc made sense given his situation. Damon was still the best boyfriend ever, but he also learned the hard way that he cannot do all the things because taking care of himself is important too. Both of these boys struggled with figuring out how to make their life goals and dreams a reality, and I loved how they relied on and supported each other through the volatile ups and downs of adolescence. Also, their birthday date was seriously one of the cutest things I've ever read.

The boys' relationship with Jack's brother, Isaac, was once again a highlight of the book for me. The brothers had such an open, honest relationship, and I loved seeing how they leaned on each other to make their unusual dynamic work. It allowed for so many frank conversations to play out in this book about all sorts of topics, including sex. They were written in an informative, positive way but still held true to each character's voice, which made them fun to read. I wish the sex talk I received as a teen was as smooth as Isaac's. lol. Isaac was also a complex character in his own right in this story, and I appreciated seeing his relationship with his fiancee mature and hold strong despite some rocky circumstances.

Now onto the stuff that didn't work as well for me... Mostly it was the story. The plot felt all over the place. It seemed like everything went wrong for Jack. He went from getting everything he ever wanted in the first book to having problems advancing from every direction. It ultimately made it feel like there was a lack of direction for the story and led to so many loose plot threads. I would have loved an angsty story about Jack navigating the increasing complexities of his new relationship while trying to work out how to balance school and making his music career dreams a reality. That would have been plenty of conflict for the story, and I think it would have left room for an even deeper exploration of the characters' psyches and arcs. Instead it was just a mashup of all sorts of horrible stuff happening to Jack and his loved ones, and it got to the point where it felt like watching a puppy get kicked over and over for no reason. Don't even get me started on the insanity of the third act relationship break, either. It made absolutely no sense whatsoever that Damon would be better off without one of his primary supports during such a stressful time. In general, there was way too much going on, and it really needed to be reigned in a bit because the sheer number of problems cheapened their individual impact a bit.

I promise I only have a couple other things to say. :) I loved all of the support Jack and Damon had from their friends and classmates. Amidst all of the horrible stuff that happened to Jack, the way everyone had his back was a ray of hope. It once again emphasized how important acceptance, not just tolerance, is to the mental health and safety of marginalized individuals. If he'd continued to feel alone in his struggles, I'm sure the story would have had a very different outcome. Finally, I wish even a fraction of the characterization given to the main characters had also been provided to the antagonists. The "villains" in this book were truly cartoonish and stereotypical, and it had me rolling my eyes a few times.

Overall, this was a good follow-up to Jack's On Fire that built upon the themes of that first book. The characters and relationships continued to develop and grow in interesting ways. I just wish the story had been a bit more streamlined with stronger antagonists. Therefore, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Jack's Ever After is like a soul-searching mixtape of young queer love. Lach's back with the greatest hits from the first book, spinning a captivating narrative full of lovable (and not so lovable) characters that kept me hooked to the end. The deep, frank conversations about relationships and sex would've made my teen years so much easier. This heartfelt and authentic story of young love gets a top spot on my bookshelf.

Jack’s Ever After continues Jack and Damon's poignant, heartwarming story about young queer love. Jack and Damon are just as endearing as ever, especially as they take their relationship to the next level. I loved how Lach included frank, honest discussions about race, sex, and bullying and tackled important topics like identity and resilience. The ending genuinely made my heart ache. I can't wait for the next (hopefully) book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

It’s been almost a year since I read Jack’s first book, so I had to go back a bit and read my old review to refresh my memory. As I was reading, the author does a really good job at reminding the readers of what happened before. I enjoyed this one a lot more than the last one, for sure. While Jack seemed to be perfect with every good thing happening to him last book, he faces a lot of challenges and difficulties in this book.

There were times where the same words were used over and over again like before and it got a little annoying. There were also plot points that didn’t seem to make much sense or just seemed convenient to move the plot along. Why did his Mother randomly want him to move back home? Did anything ever come of the twins being gay and living with his Mother? Also who spray painted the locker and the school? They said it was more than one person. I had my money on who it was, obviously. I also hate how Logan was just a stereotype. A southern boy who loved God and hated gays. There was nothing to his character except “be bad and pick on Jack.”

I appreciated how short and sweet this was. I was obviously rooting for Jack and for him to do well in his life. He has a great support system and people obviously love and care about him. All of his friends were so nice and supportive and Issac is just the best sibling ever. I’m glad that he’s around to talk to Jack about the embarrassing stuff when he needs it. The end was tooth-rottingly adorable. If there’s more to this series, I’ll definitely be reading it. I want to see how Jack and Damon deal with long distance!

Owen Lach’s Jack’s Ever After: Another Modern Queer Fairy Tale shines with nuanced characters, poignant storytelling, and a heartfelt exploration of the challenges that threaten a happily ever after.

In Jack's Ever Lach, the captivating sequel to the heartwarming Jack's on Fire, Lach delves deeper into the intricacies of young queer love and the power of chosen family. Jack Martin and Damon Watts return with their vibrant love story, facing fresh obstacles that put their hard-earned happiness at stake. Lach's narrative prowess shines as he explores the complexities of Jack's journey, skillfully navigating the challenges of self-discovery, identity, and the fragile nature of teenage relationships. With nuanced characters and poignant storytelling, Lach captures the essence of young love and the ever-present threat to a happily ever after.

I was delighted to return to the lives of these beloved characters. Jack Martin, still sweet, anxious, and precocious, navigates a new set of challenges that put his hard-won progress from Jack’s on Fire to the test. Lach expertly portrays the realities facing many queer teenagers, from unsupportive authority figures and unloving parents to homophobic bullying, showcasing Jack’s resilience and growth. And, with heartfelt exploration and skillful storytelling, Lach asks us to ponder whether Jack's newfound strength and support will overcome the obstacles that threaten to shatter his happiness.

Lach's prolific output is impressive, with Jack's Ever After marking his fourth published novel in less than two years. True to form, this latest offering showcases all the hallmarks of Lach's writing that I’ve come to anticipate and savor. The diverse cast, sharp and witty dialogue, and unapologetically queer narrative are all present, but Lach's unparalleled skill in crafting authentic and multifaceted characters truly shines. From familial bonds to friendships, romantic entanglements, and even adversarial conflicts, Lach is commendably adept at bringing these individuals to life. In particular, the tender, passionate, and even sexy moments shared between Jack and Damon stole my heart as their relationship evolves amidst the hurdles they face.

I thoroughly enjoyed Jack’s Ever After and confidently proclaim Lach as one of my treasured authors in the young adult genre. It’s hard not to be hyperbolic when discussing a work that resonates so profoundly. But Lach's work embodies the emergence of vibrant queer voices that invigorate an otherwise stagnant genre, leaving me hopeful for a future filled with innovative and diverse stories.

Jack's Ever After had all the queer joy I loved about Jack's on Fire and more. Specifically, more character and relationship growth, more drama and angst, and more of Jack and Damon's lovely relationship. I don't know if there will be a 3rd book, but it feels like there will be. I really hope there is!

This was a fun story, but I will admit that it took me quite a while to get into the story, which I found to be a bit less-than-exciting at the start, but held my attention more easily as the story progressed.

Jack and Damon were still as likeable as in the first book, with Isaac, Nick, and other previous characters making a return, so this story was mostly just a continuation of the daily life events of the MC's and their friends, which was pretty damn hectic compared to my own uneventful high school experience. But I wasn't exactly an aspiring rock star in a major city, soooo...

My biggest fear was that this would be a "Fucking With Their HEA™" book, which blessedly wasn't the case this time.

About 95% of the conflict for Jack and Damon was external, including some in-your-face homophobia and a fairly-minor health scare, both of which I vastly preferred to relationship problems between the boys.

The boys finally took the big step into being intimate with one another, but all of those scenes were fade-to-black, so don't expect steam in this YA series.

Once I got into the swing of things, I enjoyed the book close to as much as the first one, however the subplot about the vandalism at the school was left 100% unresolved and made my teeth itch to find out who specifically was behind it. The nemesis, the teacher, someone else?

I was also intrigued by the introduction of the closeted twins, then completely let down when that was yet another plot point which was left completely hanging. I mean, come on! Where does it go from there and are the twins destined for religious trauma at the hands of Jack's mother, too? Inquiring minds, people!

In spite of the slow start and a couple of unanswered questions, I'm glad that I read this follow-up story and would recommend it to fans of the first book, rating it at around 3.75 stars.

Thank you Jetspace Studio and NetGalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. As soon as I saw there was a continuation of Jack and Damon’s story I had to read it! Jack and Damon spent the summer together and things were really good. But now school is starting again and Damon is busier then ever. Plus is it time for them to take their relationship to the next level? On top of that there’s a new kid at school and he doesn’t care much for Jack or his “lifestyle”. This kid and the new band instructor have ruined his favorite class. Jack thought the bullying was done but could it have followed him? Between his frustrations with school, Damon’s busy schedule, his worries about sex, questioning his music, and family drama Jack’s anxiety is in full force. Can he keep it at bay? Can his relationship work? Or is it all too much to handle. I enjoyed the relationships in this story, I like getting to see Jack bond more with his brother, I love the relationship the two have! I love that he meets more people and readers get to see existing relationships strengthen! Sweet, charming, and swoonworthy! Jack’s Ever After proves that more rom coms should have continuing stories! I am excited to read this again!