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nicola949's review
4.0
Well written story exploring the concept of forgiveness and trust. After being betrayed by Luke 4 years ago, Sebastian needs to deal with his feelings when Luke makes an appointment with him to get a tattoo.
Perhaps forgiveness comes a little too easy in this story and Luke's motivations are not fully understood but it is difficult not to feel some level of sympathy and hope things work out for these men.
They obviously shared something special (at least sexually) before Luke's cheating. "We burned the midnight oil making love, even if it was just kissing and touching, for hours. It could be a single candle, Fourth of July fireworks, or anything in between." However this begs the question, why did Luke cheat particularly as he said the cheating was just about sex?
I particularly liked the style of writing with Sebastian's inner voice commenting and how Sebastian's thoughts are used to provide flashbacks into the men's history.
Perhaps forgiveness comes a little too easy in this story and Luke's motivations are not fully understood but it is difficult not to feel some level of sympathy and hope things work out for these men.
They obviously shared something special (at least sexually) before Luke's cheating. "We burned the midnight oil making love, even if it was just kissing and touching, for hours. It could be a single candle, Fourth of July fireworks, or anything in between." However this begs the question, why did Luke cheat particularly as he said the cheating was just about sex?
I particularly liked the style of writing with Sebastian's inner voice commenting and how Sebastian's thoughts are used to provide flashbacks into the men's history.
leahkarge's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 stars
I enjoyed both Seb and Luke, and the plot as a whole, even if I did kind of wonder why Seb would take Luke back after how much he cheated. It would have been nice to see a bit more of their time together once they finally talked things through so we could see the rebuilding of trust and to reassure me that Luke really had changed. It was an over all good book, though, and I liked the ending a lot. Loved the parts where Seb was actually tattooing, as well.
Favorite Quotes:
We could be so unashamedly imperfect—in bed, in conversation, in every way—so we were perfect for each other.
(Seb, Kindle Locations 1155-1156)
I enjoyed both Seb and Luke, and the plot as a whole, even if I did kind of wonder why Seb would take Luke back after how much he cheated. It would have been nice to see a bit more of their time together once they finally talked things through so we could see the rebuilding of trust and to reassure me that Luke really had changed. It was an over all good book, though, and I liked the ending a lot. Loved the parts where Seb was actually tattooing, as well.
Favorite Quotes:
We could be so unashamedly imperfect—in bed, in conversation, in every way—so we were perfect for each other.
(Seb, Kindle Locations 1155-1156)
leahkarge's review
4.0
3.75 stars
I enjoyed both Seb and Luke, and the plot as a whole, even if I did kind of wonder why Seb would take Luke back after how much he cheated. It would have been nice to see a bit more of their time together once they finally talked things through so we could see the rebuilding of trust and to reassure me that Luke really had changed. It was an over all good book, though, and I liked the ending a lot. Loved the parts where Seb was actually tattooing, as well.
Favorite Quotes:
We could be so unashamedly imperfect—in bed, in conversation, in every way—so we were perfect for each other.
(Seb, Kindle Locations 1155-1156)
I enjoyed both Seb and Luke, and the plot as a whole, even if I did kind of wonder why Seb would take Luke back after how much he cheated. It would have been nice to see a bit more of their time together once they finally talked things through so we could see the rebuilding of trust and to reassure me that Luke really had changed. It was an over all good book, though, and I liked the ending a lot. Loved the parts where Seb was actually tattooing, as well.
Favorite Quotes:
We could be so unashamedly imperfect—in bed, in conversation, in every way—so we were perfect for each other.
(Seb, Kindle Locations 1155-1156)
cadiva's review against another edition
3.0
Oooh this one's a toughie to rate because one of the MCs was an utter dick in the past and, while this is a second chance romance, it doesn't have the same depth as a usual frenemies to lovers narrative would.
Luke was a serial cheater when he was with Seb but we only ever get the story from Seb's POV so Luke, even when he apologised, never gives an explanation.
I guess we're just supposed to assume he was young, selfish and an arse. The problem is that without the insight, and a full explanation, Seb just then comes across as a bit of a doormat, unable to resist the sex.
But, having said all of the above, LA does do enough to demonstrate that Luke is still in love with Seb and that he appreciates how much he screwed up. Still, even with the epilogue a year down the line, I'm not as sure as I'd like to an out the HEA.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Luke was a serial cheater when he was with Seb but we only ever get the story from Seb's POV so Luke, even when he apologised, never gives an explanation.
I guess we're just supposed to assume he was young, selfish and an arse. The problem is that without the insight, and a full explanation, Seb just then comes across as a bit of a doormat, unable to resist the sex.
But, having said all of the above, LA does do enough to demonstrate that Luke is still in love with Seb and that he appreciates how much he screwed up. Still, even with the epilogue a year down the line, I'm not as sure as I'd like to an out the HEA.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
cadiva's review against another edition
3.0
Oooh this one's a toughie to rate because one of the MCs was an utter dick in the past and, while this is a second chance romance, it doesn't have the same depth as a usual frenemies to lovers narrative would.
Luke was a serial cheater when he was with Seb but we only ever get the story from Seb's POV so Luke, even when he apologised, never gives an explanation.
I guess we're just supposed to assume he was young, selfish and an arse. The problem is that without the insight, and a full explanation, Seb just then comes across as a bit of a doormat, unable to resist the sex.
But, having said all of the above, LA does do enough to demonstrate that Luke is still in love with Seb and that he appreciates how much he screwed up. Still, even with the epilogue a year down the line, I'm not as sure as I'd like to an out the HEA.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Luke was a serial cheater when he was with Seb but we only ever get the story from Seb's POV so Luke, even when he apologised, never gives an explanation.
I guess we're just supposed to assume he was young, selfish and an arse. The problem is that without the insight, and a full explanation, Seb just then comes across as a bit of a doormat, unable to resist the sex.
But, having said all of the above, LA does do enough to demonstrate that Luke is still in love with Seb and that he appreciates how much he screwed up. Still, even with the epilogue a year down the line, I'm not as sure as I'd like to an out the HEA.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
squirrely007's review against another edition
1.0
No where in all of this did Luke really redeem himself. No reason for how he treated Seb and I hate that Seb took him back so easily. I think there need to be a friends only period in here.
anitalouise's review against another edition
4.0
More of a 3.5 but bumped it up. Liked the angst and raw emotion of this one. Forgiveness is hard.
alextweetsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I feel like I have to start with the fact that I am not too fond of cheaters. It feels a bit icky but the book still sounded interesting and I have loved all L.A. Witt’s book I’ve read before.
Seb’s ex-boyfriend Luke suddenly comes back to his life, looking cocky and sure and with no regrets. And what is worse, he comes asking for a tattoo and Seb can’t really turn him away. This then results in time spent alone and eventually the two hook up.
The story was okay, but I was a bit bothered by the fact that, yes, the two hook up, but then Seb seem to think better of it. If it finished like that…I’d be okay with it. But of course this is a romance, so I knew what I’ll get in the end.
I also knew this was a novella, but one of my complaints is that Luke’s apology is quick and while it did feel quite realistic, and harsh, it was over so quickly. Seb gives him a huge benefit of doubt despite the fact that Luke has repeatedly cheated on him.
I think if this was longer, Luke’s redemption would be better, more developed, and would feel less like Seb just jumping back in. But, on the other hand, I have seen what love does to people and how they can trust even when they shouldn’t, and at least in this case, it works out for both of them.
I did really enjoy revelation of who A.J. is and what was their influence on Luke’s life and future decisions.
It’s an okay book, not one of my favourites, but still, it is a quick and angsty read. Although if the reader is really against cheaters, this may not be for them.
Seb’s ex-boyfriend Luke suddenly comes back to his life, looking cocky and sure and with no regrets. And what is worse, he comes asking for a tattoo and Seb can’t really turn him away. This then results in time spent alone and eventually the two hook up.
The story was okay, but I was a bit bothered by the fact that, yes, the two hook up, but then Seb seem to think better of it. If it finished like that…I’d be okay with it. But of course this is a romance, so I knew what I’ll get in the end.
I also knew this was a novella, but one of my complaints is that Luke’s apology is quick and while it did feel quite realistic, and harsh, it was over so quickly. Seb gives him a huge benefit of doubt despite the fact that Luke has repeatedly cheated on him.
I think if this was longer, Luke’s redemption would be better, more developed, and would feel less like Seb just jumping back in. But, on the other hand, I have seen what love does to people and how they can trust even when they shouldn’t, and at least in this case, it works out for both of them.
I did really enjoy revelation of who A.J. is and what was their influence on Luke’s life and future decisions.
It’s an okay book, not one of my favourites, but still, it is a quick and angsty read. Although if the reader is really against cheaters, this may not be for them.
tja055f6's review against another edition
3.0
Most this book I was like don't idiot don't, but then there were times I had a stupid smile on my face! So let's just say I frustratingly liked it...
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