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bitchie's review
5.0
Very sweet, slow burn romance. There was no one not to love in this book, the love interests, the friends, the family, everyone was wonderful. I had moments to laugh and moments to tear up over the things Jasper went through. I thought the hoarding part of the story was also very well done, and was happy that Jasper's growth didn't happen overnight, that time was spent getting to the bottom of his issues. Highly recommend.
A question for other Myles readers- Is there a story about Brandon and Jos somewhere? It just felt like I might have missed something about those two.
A question for other Myles readers- Is there a story about Brandon and Jos somewhere? It just felt like I might have missed something about those two.
a_reader_obsessed's review
3.0
3.5 Hearts
Unique in topic, I was intrigued about this story on hoarding. Often fascinated and a bit uncomfortable, I felt empathy and sympathy as I rallied for the two MC’s to achieve success in their lives and each other.
Jasper definitely has some issues. He knows it and wants to change, but he’s just so scared to take that first step. His stash of books, magazines, and various paper paraphernalia, all with potentially useful knowledge, has taken years to acquire. Such a collection has filled his house to the brim, as only a small pathway from the door to the kitchen and his bedroom remains. Jasper knows he’s a prisoner of his own making, however, just the thought of throwing even one thing away sends him into a tailspin of anxiety. In a moment of frustrated desperation, he makes a call for help.
Help shows up in the form of Lewis and his sister, who make it their business to empower people to get rid of their hoards. Lewis knows Jasper from their teenage years and once the connection is made, it serves only to bolster their mutual attraction, as Jasper recalls their past association. What might’ve been awkward is thankfully not an issue since Lewis is a calm and steady force, never with any judgement. He slowly urges Jasper to figure out the reasoning behind his need to collect and gently coaxes him out of his hoard induced safety net. Lewis wants to help because that’s what he does, making his desire for Jasper all the more conflicting. When it’s reciprocated, he knows this is the worst time to start up a relationship.
What ensues is a back and forth between these two - yearning, resisting, giving in, and pushing away. For what seems like the first time ever, indecisive Jasper knows what he wants and that’s Lewis. Jasper sees how good they are together, how perfectly they match up, but Lewis is not without his own personal problems and tendencies, all mocking him in the form of a slew of bad past relationships. Lewis knows his faults and somewhat doubts his own judgement, afraid to get too attached to Jasper, fearing that once he achieves success, Lewis will no longer be needed. Despite his inner turmoil, they fall into a “friends with benefits” arrangement, each wanting more but unsure of how to go about it.
These two were very likeable guys. That always makes difficult topics or situations go down nice and easy.There was a definite poignant vulnerability seen in both these men that added emotional weight. It doesn’t hurt at all that they were also quite hot and smexy in between the book piles and packed boxes, not to mention just plain, simple bed sheets! Not surprisingly, both Jasper and Lewis finally get their shit together, and it was a sweet, though abrupt, happy ending. I’m going to assume that that was on purpose, urging readers to read the next story about Jasper’s friend Mas. So yes, I’m hooked and look forward to seeing a thriving Jasper and Lewis in the periphery of the next installment!
Thanks to the author for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Unique in topic, I was intrigued about this story on hoarding. Often fascinated and a bit uncomfortable, I felt empathy and sympathy as I rallied for the two MC’s to achieve success in their lives and each other.
Jasper definitely has some issues. He knows it and wants to change, but he’s just so scared to take that first step. His stash of books, magazines, and various paper paraphernalia, all with potentially useful knowledge, has taken years to acquire. Such a collection has filled his house to the brim, as only a small pathway from the door to the kitchen and his bedroom remains. Jasper knows he’s a prisoner of his own making, however, just the thought of throwing even one thing away sends him into a tailspin of anxiety. In a moment of frustrated desperation, he makes a call for help.
Help shows up in the form of Lewis and his sister, who make it their business to empower people to get rid of their hoards. Lewis knows Jasper from their teenage years and once the connection is made, it serves only to bolster their mutual attraction, as Jasper recalls their past association. What might’ve been awkward is thankfully not an issue since Lewis is a calm and steady force, never with any judgement. He slowly urges Jasper to figure out the reasoning behind his need to collect and gently coaxes him out of his hoard induced safety net. Lewis wants to help because that’s what he does, making his desire for Jasper all the more conflicting. When it’s reciprocated, he knows this is the worst time to start up a relationship.
What ensues is a back and forth between these two - yearning, resisting, giving in, and pushing away. For what seems like the first time ever, indecisive Jasper knows what he wants and that’s Lewis. Jasper sees how good they are together, how perfectly they match up, but Lewis is not without his own personal problems and tendencies, all mocking him in the form of a slew of bad past relationships. Lewis knows his faults and somewhat doubts his own judgement, afraid to get too attached to Jasper, fearing that once he achieves success, Lewis will no longer be needed. Despite his inner turmoil, they fall into a “friends with benefits” arrangement, each wanting more but unsure of how to go about it.
These two were very likeable guys. That always makes difficult topics or situations go down nice and easy.There was a definite poignant vulnerability seen in both these men that added emotional weight. It doesn’t hurt at all that they were also quite hot and smexy in between the book piles and packed boxes, not to mention just plain, simple bed sheets! Not surprisingly, both Jasper and Lewis finally get their shit together, and it was a sweet, though abrupt, happy ending. I’m going to assume that that was on purpose, urging readers to read the next story about Jasper’s friend Mas. So yes, I’m hooked and look forward to seeing a thriving Jasper and Lewis in the periphery of the next installment!
Thanks to the author for a copy in exchange for a honest review
litagentsaritza's review
5.0
I know I'm never going to be disappointed with a Myles book which is why they're "auto-buys" for me as this one when it was released. Her ability to make you fall in love not only with her characters but her beloved United Kingdom is unparalleled. Her characters are so well-established that you feel like you know them intimately and root for their love story's happily ever after. If you want to read true romance with all of the gritty truths and sensual encounters, pick up a Myles book.
liza5326's review
3.0
A sweet story, just moved way too slow for me. I loved Jasper and learning why he hoarded his collection.
beecycling's review
5.0
Definitely my favourite Jo Myles book. I was as glued to the story of Jasper's hoarding and recovery as I was to the romance. And the two tied together so well. Engaging characters, good love story and a fascinating and unusual psychological aspect to the book.
cseanread's review
4.0
I really, really enjoyed this. I hesitated to give it 4 instead of 5 stars, truthfully.
Ignore the comments about the slang being too much or whatever. While I certainly didn't know half the terms that were thrown in there, it's not as if I couldn't piece together what they were talking about. Context, people, context.
The characters were all delightful and well-formed, with individual backgrounds that made them come to life. My only complaint (seriously, the only thing I didn't like about the book) is that... well.... it's /too/ gay. And trust me, if you knew me personally, you wouldn't believe it true. I am always bemoaning that something or another "isn't gay enough". But this was a bit over the top. I don't know that there was a single straight character in the book! And while that sounds nice at first... it was honestly a little uncomfortable to read.
But that's seriously the only complaint I have. That should say something for how well-written and enjoyable this story was. I highly recommend it.
Oh, as a last note: toward the end of the story, Jasper and Lewis start to tease apart what happened with Jasper's mother and... well, I feel as though there ought to be a bit of a trigger warning for it? But, at the same time, to warn for it would give away exactly what it is. It's not too terrible, I don't think, and they don't go into the nitty gritty details. It's all very respectably presented and with due gravity. I was just kind of blindsided by it; totally did not expect it, and I could see it really upsetting someone who might have a personal history with those who've had terminal illnesses.
That said, I still highly recommend it!!!
Ignore the comments about the slang being too much or whatever. While I certainly didn't know half the terms that were thrown in there, it's not as if I couldn't piece together what they were talking about. Context, people, context.
The characters were all delightful and well-formed, with individual backgrounds that made them come to life. My only complaint (seriously, the only thing I didn't like about the book) is that... well.... it's /too/ gay. And trust me, if you knew me personally, you wouldn't believe it true. I am always bemoaning that something or another "isn't gay enough". But this was a bit over the top. I don't know that there was a single straight character in the book! And while that sounds nice at first... it was honestly a little uncomfortable to read.
But that's seriously the only complaint I have. That should say something for how well-written and enjoyable this story was. I highly recommend it.
Oh, as a last note: toward the end of the story, Jasper and Lewis start to tease apart what happened with Jasper's mother and... well, I feel as though there ought to be a bit of a trigger warning for it? But, at the same time, to warn for it would give away exactly what it is. It's not too terrible, I don't think, and they don't go into the nitty gritty details. It's all very respectably presented and with due gravity. I was just kind of blindsided by it; totally did not expect it, and I could see it really upsetting someone who might have a personal history with those who've had terminal illnesses.
That said, I still highly recommend it!!!
cmira2027's review
4.0
I really enjoyed learning about Jasper and Lewis, this was such a wonderful story. I could relate to Jasper's need to save everything, my father had similar issues and I have inherited the hoarding gene. Lewis was so careful with Jasper, so gentle and supportive. It was lovely watching them fall in love.
The supporting cast was strong too, Lewis's sister Carroll, and his parents were great characters. I hope Jasper's friend Mos finds someone who will treasure him one day soon.,
The supporting cast was strong too, Lewis's sister Carroll, and his parents were great characters. I hope Jasper's friend Mos finds someone who will treasure him one day soon.,
suze_1624's review
5.0
Another great read from Josephine Myles that I thoroughly enjoyed. Not a raunchy Myles read, but an insightful one.
I do love her writing style, it draws me in and the story sped along for me. I always think she produces great dialogue passages, quite real.
The story basics are that Jasper has a severe hoarding problem and Lewis, with his sister, has a company that helps hoarders control and clear their hoard.
I found it really interesting to see into the mindset of a hoarder, what thought processes Jasper went through, the organisation of his stacks, the problems it causes. And the sadness when we discover what started it all in the first place.
Equally interesting was seeing a bit about how hoarding can be controlled, how techniques are used to control and the actual sorting. I'm sure the process must take longer than Lewis did with Jasper but I did find it interesting.
One point I found quite poignant was when Jasper realises that he will have to use the coping strategies for the rest of his life.
Whilst I thought Lewis was silly for sticking to his guns about cross professional lines, it did add a angsty twist to the ending of the story. And I want to live in Jasper's newly revived house, I felt the description was great!
I do love her writing style, it draws me in and the story sped along for me. I always think she produces great dialogue passages, quite real.
The story basics are that Jasper has a severe hoarding problem and Lewis, with his sister, has a company that helps hoarders control and clear their hoard.
I found it really interesting to see into the mindset of a hoarder, what thought processes Jasper went through, the organisation of his stacks, the problems it causes. And the sadness when we discover what started it all in the first place.
Equally interesting was seeing a bit about how hoarding can be controlled, how techniques are used to control and the actual sorting. I'm sure the process must take longer than Lewis did with Jasper but I did find it interesting.
One point I found quite poignant was when Jasper realises that he will have to use the coping strategies for the rest of his life.
Whilst I thought Lewis was silly for sticking to his guns about cross professional lines, it did add a angsty twist to the ending of the story. And I want to live in Jasper's newly revived house, I felt the description was great!