Scan barcode
golem's review
Predictable and corny, which I don't necessarily mind. But the Rich plot line was icky--the book treats it with all the simplicity and scriptedness of an after-school special (especially the bit where Darryn is only allowed one correct resolution!) and the opportunism of a soap opera (it exists solely as an obstacle for the MC to overcome). The writer does not have the chops to take on this topic, IMO.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
whatemilyisreading's review
3.0
This was a sweet story. While I would have liked to see more build up Darryn and Grant, this was a unique story set within the context of a university. I loved that they were gymnasts (haven't read about this in previous books) and they deal with issues I'm not used to seeing in NA books. Overall, a good, quick read!
mxphoebesviewpoint's review against another edition
5.0
Holy sugar Rough and Tumble is intense. Shae Connor takes us on two separate journeys. Two young men whose friendship path takes a hard left when Grant walks in on his friend and roommate Darryn being intimate with a guy. The shocks keep coming for Grant as Darryn shares more with him. This is where the hard left comes in.
Connor then takes us into possible trigger territory for some readers as they deal head on with abusive relationships. The choices people can make when they think their love is unrequited and how we all want love and what it is supposed to look like. The road can be dangerous instead of filled with rose petals.
Grant’s road is just as treacherous as he has to face his own truths about himself, his relationship with Darryn, and with being a homosexual. What is being a friend? How can you be a friend through the bad times and the good? When, when, when...all of those “whens” that have to be answered while still trying to figure out who you are.
Connor adds in competitive gymnastics and the pressure mounts.
The “warning” at the end of the synopsis makes it sound as if the book focuses on the aftermath of the toxicity and this is not true. Rough and Tumble is about all of Darryn’s relationships even though the voice is Grant’s. Connor makes this story more about friendship and family than about romance. There is romance and a happily-ever-after...don’t worry. I just want to emphasize that Connor focuses on the coming of age aspect versus the dating and romance part.
Rough and Tumble’s characters draw you in and don’t let go. I want to see where they end up and you will too.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
Connor then takes us into possible trigger territory for some readers as they deal head on with abusive relationships. The choices people can make when they think their love is unrequited and how we all want love and what it is supposed to look like. The road can be dangerous instead of filled with rose petals.
Grant’s road is just as treacherous as he has to face his own truths about himself, his relationship with Darryn, and with being a homosexual. What is being a friend? How can you be a friend through the bad times and the good? When, when, when...all of those “whens” that have to be answered while still trying to figure out who you are.
Connor adds in competitive gymnastics and the pressure mounts.
The “warning” at the end of the synopsis makes it sound as if the book focuses on the aftermath of the toxicity and this is not true. Rough and Tumble is about all of Darryn’s relationships even though the voice is Grant’s. Connor makes this story more about friendship and family than about romance. There is romance and a happily-ever-after...don’t worry. I just want to emphasize that Connor focuses on the coming of age aspect versus the dating and romance part.
Rough and Tumble’s characters draw you in and don’t let go. I want to see where they end up and you will too.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
More...