I will say, this is the first romance novel that I have read. That being said, I believe I will steer clear of the genre from now on. I really enjoyed the first half of the book but it fell flat towards the end for me. Cooper is certainly a great character that I believe many can relate to and his anxiety seemed very real.
The relationship progression was great at first but I did not like the turn it made in the middle. Cooper had his heart broken over and over and in the end he forgave every wrong so easily. I'm not sure if this is normal for this genre but I don't think I will continue reading any more romance novels. ( )

Not the type of book I usually go for, but I found myself enjoying it despite myself. A book about different types of family and of love. Heart breaking and heart warming, almost lyrical yet somehow real. I now find myself looking at rocks and stones in a whole new light. ( )

it’s the most amazing thing when you begin reading a book not expecting much more than usual, and then realize that you got, pardon the pun, a gem.
this. book. was. fabulous.

I’ve never read anything by this author before, so I was surprised at the quality of writing. it’s really, really good. it’s been a while since I’ve read a book in one day, but the flow was so smooth here I just couldn't put it down. maintaining a sense of credibility in the first person POV can be tricky for an author, and I can understand why some people felt that Cooper’s narration was too mature, but hey, sometimes kids are that way, especially ones with as much on their plates as him. I found it believable and easy to get into.
now, the important part.

I had many. this book was quite tame as far as emotional rollercoasters go, but it was still filled with angst, and the best kind at that - the kind that builds slowly and steadily. the in-depth descriptions of various gemstones were a bit strange at first, but when we read on and get to know Cooper, it all makes perfect sense. I liked both boys so much, though Cooper more so, but there were moments when I wanted to shake them and make them stop dancing around the issue!

I think that stuffing this story on the YA shelf wasn’t the right thing to do. I get it - it starts when they were still young, but so do many others, and they were spared this fate. it’s way more mature than people give it credit for. I think that everyone could enjoy it. ( )

So basically I want to strangle Jace for being a jerk.
And hug it out with Cooper because he's so strong despite being fragile.

And I totally couldn't NOT give it all stars, despite feeling a little disconnected from the story until about 27% in. The language felt a little broken in some places, but I muddled through. And gosh I'm glad I did.

And how I suffered through the story... WORDS CANNOT TELL.
But I mean this in the best way possible!
Ugh. So yes, I'm an emotional mess right now. I feel like hugging it out with strangers. ( )

It's been a little while since I read this book, in fact this was probably the third M/M I ever read. I liked this book so much it gave me an almost physical reaction at the time ( no, not that physical reaction, although I'm sure it did that also. I meant I felt so betrayed by the older step brother MC at I point that I felt sick for real.)

I would have given 4 1/2 stars because there were a couple little things I think could have been a little better.

First, let me say if you don't love angst this isn't the book for you. It is as angsty as a 90's teen drama on the WB and then some. I actually was on the verge of depression which I am going to blame on this book.

I wish the two brothers could have been enemies or at least at odds for a little longer. The scene where the younger brother heard his Dad and step brother interacting together for the first time was rough. I hurt for the kid and that could have fueled so much more animosity. At the very least I would have liked a scene where the dad gets told off a bit more for his second family drama.

I don't want to say anything else. This book really did it for me at the time. It affected me much more than other books usually do. I did take Break from reading this author after this book just to de-angst myself for a little bit. In fact I'm still holding a grudge against the older brother for something he did one Christmas break that just couldn't forgive. ( )