Possible Triggers: Mental Illness & Depression
Lucas and Gabe are two young guys who, at some point, had a close enough connection to talk about their dreams, and that they wanted to meet up as adults and somehow make their way together. However, they mysteriously and tragically loose contact, but then find one another again in the very place they both wanted to escape to when they were kids. Nothing worth having is easy. There are usually always obstacles to overcome. The story and the method of storytelling grabs you from the beginning. A lot of the story is told through emails between the two, which are interspersed as flashbacks throughout the chapter giving us a peek into their early friendship. Things are tense when they first reconnect. They are both shocked to see each other, of course, and Lucas is harboring some serious bitterness towards Gabriel for dropping out of his life with not a word five years earlier. Gabe is sincere and sweet in his desire to explain, though, and their friendship returns with a natural ease. You can't help but adore them both. Their honesty and true attraction for each other shines brightly through. The story portrays characters who are struggling with mental illness. But it is handled with by this author with a great deal of care and understanding. Gabe’s battle had a very real feel and was delicately well done...but it may cause some readers anxiety. I couldn't help but admire how Gabe decided he needed to handle his therapy. Luke also had some demons of his own, along with a heavy dose of guilt and self-loathing...but seeing these guys fight through these things together was so touching and emotional. First book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last. ( )

3.75 ( )

I WASN'T EXPECTING THAT.

I loved this so much. I've been in a reading slump for months now and everything I've picked up hasn't been able to keep my interest enough to finish it until now.

This touched me so deeply. The bipolar rep is fantastic and the MC's struggles were achingly relatable (I don't have bipolar but I have BPD which has very similar symptoms, with the same highs and lows) -- Christina Lee's background in clinical social work is definitely noticeable in helping create a character who is such good representation. The two main characters' pasts (from struggling with grief to parental abuse) were done well and completely wrecked me. The way the two of them fell in love and both helped each other, but knew when to step back and let each other get healthy and heal made my heart feel like it was going to BURST.
This is definitely a new favourite m/m romance book for me.

Anyway, time to go cry. Ari out. ( )