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12:00 am 17 January 2018

Santino Hassell writes excellent, character-driven romance. I've mentioned this before. I've also mentioned a certain addictive quality to his books, and this wasn't an exception...but I did have to put it down several times.

I feel like I'm recycling an old review here, but his characters are messy. As in not-at-all-perfect. Simeon is this sweet, open, affectionate charismatic lover boy having trust issues from a former encounter and its subsequent fallout. But he's not careful. I loved him as much as I did in book #1, as much as the fictional fans do. Lots of good love and support surrounding his character, including my faves-Marcus and Gavin. He had me laughing from early on. And bless any man who loves his mama and aunties like this one.

“I’ve never seen you this bummed out,” Gavin said. “I’m starting to think you’re legit in love with this guy despite him being an actual worse asshole than me.” (God I love Gavin)
Why did I have to put it down several times? Because Adrian's journey was painful. I HATED him for a good portion of the book, but I could keep reading it because he was also intensely self-aware. Well...mostly. You think, how on earth? oh, but Hassell pulls it off, naturally. His redemption isn't really swift, it's peeled back bit by bit, thankfully, and that's what made this story so intensely satisfying. Seeing Adrian's tender side is rewarding. And it's so effective because we feel incredibly protective of the open and lovable Simeon. Loved the full circle. Loved the grand gesture.

I loved it. And whoever doesn't like it can go straight to hell.
MORE PLEASE 4.5

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