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Rock
Igneous.
When Cooper’s parents divorce, he finds himself landed in Week About—one week with his mum and one week with his dad.
Only, it’s not just his dad he has to live with. There’s Lila, too: The other woman, the one who stole the rock-solid foundation of his life.
And then . . .
There’s Jace. Lila’s son. Lila’s smug, regurgitated-fish-scale-blue eyed son.
All Cooper wants is to have his family back the way it once was, but there’s something about this boy that promises things will never be the same again.
Sedimentary.
Resisting the realities of his new life, Cooper and Jace get off to a rocky start. But rocky start or not, after hundreds of shared memories together, they forge something new. A close . . . friendship.
Because friendship is all they can have. Although it’s not like they are real brothers. Technically, they’re not even stepbrothers . . .
Metamorphic.
But how does that friendship evolve under the pressures of life?
Under pressures of the heart?
When Cooper’s parents divorce, he finds himself landed in Week About—one week with his mum and one week with his dad.
Only, it’s not just his dad he has to live with. There’s Lila, too: The other woman, the one who stole the rock-solid foundation of his life.
And then . . .
There’s Jace. Lila’s son. Lila’s smug, regurgitated-fish-scale-blue eyed son.
All Cooper wants is to have his family back the way it once was, but there’s something about this boy that promises things will never be the same again.
Sedimentary.
Resisting the realities of his new life, Cooper and Jace get off to a rocky start. But rocky start or not, after hundreds of shared memories together, they forge something new. A close . . . friendship.
Because friendship is all they can have. Although it’s not like they are real brothers. Technically, they’re not even stepbrothers . . .
Metamorphic.
But how does that friendship evolve under the pressures of life?
Under pressures of the heart?
251 pages, ebook
First published September 30, 2014
About the author
Anyta Sunday
85 books2,674 followersHey guys,
A bit about me: I'm a big, BIG fan of slow-burn romances. I love to read and write stories with characters who slowly fall in love.
Some of my favorite tropes to read and write are: Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Clueless Guys, Bisexual, Pansexual, Demisexual, Oblivious MCs, Everyone (Else) Can See It, Slow Burn, Love Has No Boundaries.
I write a variety of stories, Contemporary MM Romances with a good dollop of angst, Contemporary lighthearted MM Romances, and even a splash of fantasy.
If you'd like to check out more of my stories, check out my website:
Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=386
Für deutsche Leser:
http://www.anytasunday.de/
In italiano:
http://www.anytasunday.it/
I'm a member of Romance Writers of America.
* * *
Sign up for my newsletter & receive a free e-copy of my M/M slow burn romance "nest"! http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=977
* * *
I accept Friend Requests for anyone over 18. :)
My personal rating policy:
As an author, things get murky when it comes to rating other books. I feel uncomfortable doing it--even though, like any reader, I have books that do it for me, and books that don't.
However, I love to share amazing stories I've read, so I've decided this year (and going forward) that I will rate my 5 star reads. The ones that really, really got to me.
There will be MANY, MANY stories and books that are amazing and wonderful and 4 or 4.5 star reads for me, but I will not be rating them. No rating is no reflection on the quality of any book, simply that it wasn't a 5 for me.
<3
A bit about me: I'm a big, BIG fan of slow-burn romances. I love to read and write stories with characters who slowly fall in love.
Some of my favorite tropes to read and write are: Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Clueless Guys, Bisexual, Pansexual, Demisexual, Oblivious MCs, Everyone (Else) Can See It, Slow Burn, Love Has No Boundaries.
I write a variety of stories, Contemporary MM Romances with a good dollop of angst, Contemporary lighthearted MM Romances, and even a splash of fantasy.
If you'd like to check out more of my stories, check out my website:
Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=386
Für deutsche Leser:
http://www.anytasunday.de/
In italiano:
http://www.anytasunday.it/
I'm a member of Romance Writers of America.
* * *
Sign up for my newsletter & receive a free e-copy of my M/M slow burn romance "nest"! http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=977
* * *
I accept Friend Requests for anyone over 18. :)
My personal rating policy:
As an author, things get murky when it comes to rating other books. I feel uncomfortable doing it--even though, like any reader, I have books that do it for me, and books that don't.
However, I love to share amazing stories I've read, so I've decided this year (and going forward) that I will rate my 5 star reads. The ones that really, really got to me.
There will be MANY, MANY stories and books that are amazing and wonderful and 4 or 4.5 star reads for me, but I will not be rating them. No rating is no reflection on the quality of any book, simply that it wasn't a 5 for me.
<3
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,585 reviews
January 1, 2021
Sweet Jesus, this book.
The feeling that they're better than you.
The soccer ball to the face.
The slow journey to becoming best friends.
The torment of wanting more.
The " I would have still chosen you. "
The angel on Jace's shoulder to maintain the status quo, not disappoint or upset the family.
The devil on Cooper's shoulder to not give a fuck what other people thought, being the one to hold out hope for both of them until the very end.
The glowworm cave.
The greenstone fishhook necklace.
The truly awesome family and friends.
The heartbreak of trying to move on, find someone else, someone more 'appropriate.'
The heartbreak of knowing that's an impossible task, too devastating to even contemplate.
The 10 years of sleeping in the other's bed, just to be closer, when one of them is gone and the distance is no longer bearable.
The broken homes, broken rules.
The absolute joy of overcoming their obstacles and finally giving in to the truly inevitable.
ALL THE FUCKING STARS, people.
All of them.
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December 22, 2014
**Review may contain minor spoilers. I will spoiler tag all major spoilers**
I debated for a long time whether or not to read this book based on what I'd read in other reviews. It is no secret that I don't read incest, but step-brothers I can usually handle. I had a long discussion with many of my friends, including the lovely Anyta Sunday, and decided to give it a go.
It is impossible to be objective when it comes to a reading experience. It simply isn't possible. Everyone is going to take elements of their personal history and apply it to what they are reading, subconsciously or not. While I can truthfully say that I tried to keep an open mind throughout the book, I know my own feelings changed how I viewed this story.
But maybe not in the way that you think.
I had much less of an issue with the guys being step brothers (of sorts, the parents aren't married) than I did with the whole family dynamic. For one, the whole "dated another woman for 5 years and took vacations with her and her kid without my two children" would have been a HUGE issue for me if I was Cooper. HUGE. I honestly didn't really understand or forgive Cooper's dad for that. If that was my father, I think it would have taken years for me to come around. When Cooper sees Jace playing soccer with his dad and Jace calls Cooper's father "dad"... I would have been DONE. More than anything, I had an issue with that. I also wouldn't have forgiven Jace for just existing and knowing my dad in a way that I felt was MINE. It might be petty but I'm stubborn like that, more so than even Annie. It shocked me how fast Cooper got over it.
In terms of the squeak factor of them being pseudo step brothers (), I would have been less bothered if they both didn't call Cooper's father "dad." That made it more uncomfortable for me for some reason. And though that alone wasn't as big of a road block for me as I had expected, it might have changed how I saw Jace and Cooper as a couple.
I think most readers viewed Jace and Cooper's relationship as a sort of epic romance. However, I found the back and forth between them to be tedious. Honestly, I felt like most of the plot was sort of filler and a lot of unnecessary pain and drama. Yes, I understand that they had age and social opinion against them and they were trying to find happiness other ways, but it just didn't work for me to read about it. I felt apathetic towards Jace and Cooper and wasn't invested in their HEA.
I really wanted to see what everyone else saw in this story. It had some nice elements: The rock factoids were lovely and surprisingly touching, and I enjoyed the writing style, which is impressive for 1st person present POV. However, though I love Anyta Sunday and I'm a big fan of hers, I just wasn't moved by this one.
*Thanks, Anyta, for gifting me a copy <3*
I debated for a long time whether or not to read this book based on what I'd read in other reviews. It is no secret that I don't read incest, but step-brothers I can usually handle. I had a long discussion with many of my friends, including the lovely Anyta Sunday, and decided to give it a go.
It is impossible to be objective when it comes to a reading experience. It simply isn't possible. Everyone is going to take elements of their personal history and apply it to what they are reading, subconsciously or not. While I can truthfully say that I tried to keep an open mind throughout the book, I know my own feelings changed how I viewed this story.
But maybe not in the way that you think.
I had much less of an issue with the guys being step brothers (of sorts, the parents aren't married) than I did with the whole family dynamic. For one, the whole "dated another woman for 5 years and took vacations with her and her kid without my two children" would have been a HUGE issue for me if I was Cooper. HUGE. I honestly didn't really understand or forgive Cooper's dad for that. If that was my father, I think it would have taken years for me to come around. When Cooper sees Jace playing soccer with his dad and Jace calls Cooper's father "dad"... I would have been DONE. More than anything, I had an issue with that. I also wouldn't have forgiven Jace for just existing and knowing my dad in a way that I felt was MINE. It might be petty but I'm stubborn like that, more so than even Annie. It shocked me how fast Cooper got over it.
In terms of the squeak factor of them being pseudo step brothers (), I would have been less bothered if they both didn't call Cooper's father "dad." That made it more uncomfortable for me for some reason. And though that alone wasn't as big of a road block for me as I had expected, it might have changed how I saw Jace and Cooper as a couple.
I think most readers viewed Jace and Cooper's relationship as a sort of epic romance. However, I found the back and forth between them to be tedious. Honestly, I felt like most of the plot was sort of filler and a lot of unnecessary pain and drama. Yes, I understand that they had age and social opinion against them and they were trying to find happiness other ways, but it just didn't work for me to read about it. I felt apathetic towards Jace and Cooper and wasn't invested in their HEA.
I really wanted to see what everyone else saw in this story. It had some nice elements: The rock factoids were lovely and surprisingly touching, and I enjoyed the writing style, which is impressive for 1st person present POV. However, though I love Anyta Sunday and I'm a big fan of hers, I just wasn't moved by this one.
*Thanks, Anyta, for gifting me a copy <3*
September 5, 2023
boring and overrated. i was promised angst and got boredom instead. i was promised hurt and all i got were yawns. my tears were from lack of sleep and not emotion from this. can’t even say i’m emotionless cause we know i cry at everything. this was boring in every way.
with that being said, i felt nothing for the characters and did not root the relationship. it was as if i was reading just to read.
i don’t like books that have angst for the sake of angst and drama. i like the angst to naturally be created and flow well, instead of it feeling like it had to be made for the sake of *something.* this was a case of angst for the sake of it.
i was waiting to cry. i was waiting to feel pain. instead i waited for the time this would finally be over. the misery i felt was not from the book but instead from the utter boredom and disappointment i felt.
i know i’ve said this was boring too many times now but that’s because that’s what this book was.
also, i don’t hate jace like everyone else. i truly thought he was gonna be an evil human with how everyone described him but all he did was make a choice that he didn’t want but was seen as the best outcome. i felt bad for him instead. maybe it’s because i also tried imagining his point of view and see where he was coming from.
and as the book was approaching the ending? horrible. after everything cooper went through and after how long jace was away, it felt like they got together with not enough build up. this is another reason i wasn’t rooting for the relationship. it felt like they were strangers at that point and the author just put them together because the book was ending soon. truly a waste.
forgettable and not memorable. i can’t even write a proper review because there’s nothing to say about this besides that it’s boring. my face reading this was [😐] the entire time.
next 🥱
with that being said, i felt nothing for the characters and did not root the relationship. it was as if i was reading just to read.
i don’t like books that have angst for the sake of angst and drama. i like the angst to naturally be created and flow well, instead of it feeling like it had to be made for the sake of *something.* this was a case of angst for the sake of it.
i was waiting to cry. i was waiting to feel pain. instead i waited for the time this would finally be over. the misery i felt was not from the book but instead from the utter boredom and disappointment i felt.
i know i’ve said this was boring too many times now but that’s because that’s what this book was.
also, i don’t hate jace like everyone else. i truly thought he was gonna be an evil human with how everyone described him but all he did was make a choice that he didn’t want but was seen as the best outcome. i felt bad for him instead. maybe it’s because i also tried imagining his point of view and see where he was coming from.
and as the book was approaching the ending? horrible. after everything cooper went through and after how long jace was away, it felt like they got together with not enough build up. this is another reason i wasn’t rooting for the relationship. it felt like they were strangers at that point and the author just put them together because the book was ending soon. truly a waste.
forgettable and not memorable. i can’t even write a proper review because there’s nothing to say about this besides that it’s boring. my face reading this was [😐] the entire time.
next 🥱
July 25, 2016
THIS WAS BEAUTIFUL.
May 30, 2017
5+++++ Fan-fucking-tastic Stars
This book was so damn good I can't even wrap my head around it. As in, in all sincerity, I adored this book so much that I don't even know what to say in review.
So instead, here is Rock's review of me :
Seriously.
This was a beautiful story. Anyta Sunday's writing is flawless and the way she laid this thing out was so unique and cool.
I would recommend this to anyone.
And then to that person's mother.
And then their grandmother.
This book was so damn good I can't even wrap my head around it. As in, in all sincerity, I adored this book so much that I don't even know what to say in review.
So instead, here is Rock's review of me :
Seriously.
This was a beautiful story. Anyta Sunday's writing is flawless and the way she laid this thing out was so unique and cool.
I would recommend this to anyone.
And then to that person's mother.
And then their grandmother.
October 1, 2014
Have you ever been searching for that one story, that one hidden gem, that one perfect read and then after almost giving up in frustration you suddenly find it?
I have.
I’ve been hesitant to write this review because I just don’t know how to put into words what I went through while reading this book.
I was going to say this book destroyed me but though it may have brought me to my knees quite often throughout, in the end I survived and was left with a feeling of hope and happiness.
This isn’t a romance. No, it’s a love story. A love story between a boy and his almost step-brother. A love story between a boy and his family, both the one he was born with and the one he accumulates along the way. A love story between a boy and himself.
It’s a story about rocks. A story about family. About love and hate and betrayal and loyalty and joy and fear and insecurity and laughter and hope and sadness and life and loss.
I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. OK, so it’s not very secret but whatever. I don’t read YA. I can’t stand YA. I may go so far as to say I loathe it. Yet this book made my ‘Best of the Best’ shelf before I even got a quarter of the way through it.
Gah! I don’t even know what I’m saying here. There’s too many emotions that I’m still feeling even a week after I finished reading.
This, I think, is Anyta Sunday’s masterpiece. It is the best book of hers that I have read. It is the best book I have read all year. I can’t even categorize this because it is in a class of it’s own. I have put this book on a pedestal with a giant spotlight on it and there it shall stay for all time.
I want to say this book was superb but that’s not good enough. I want to say it is wonderful, magnificent, amazing, stunning and awe-inspiring but those aren’t good enough either. Is there something better than fabulous, stupendous or incredible? Something that transcends marvelous, remarkable or spectacular? I can think of only one word.
Perfection.
October 4, 2014
Best book of the year, for me, hands down. Made me cry, but it's not a tear-jerker in the way Amy Lane writes 'em; rather that sadness is a part of our stone too, in that conglomerate life is comprised of. Soft; brittle; shining; friable; muddy; firm - each texture has its place.
The structure is - hell, can I say flawless without it sounding over the top? It means that although this is long - 5219 locations - I was swept up in it so fast it seemed to be over before I knew, even though I was deliberately reading slower, limiting myself to sips so I could savour Sunday's word craft. Because jeepers! Sunday's craft . . . well, wow. When I look back at the first stories of hers I fell in love with - Shane and Trey, and St-st-stuffed - everything in here was in those books, but look how the skill blossomed!
This is not a YA book, it's an acutely romantic love story, set in a fractured and flawed family; only in the act of breaking open could the beauty inside be spied.
Recommended to all my friends, except Steel :P Seriously, the rest of you; line this one up pronto.
The structure is - hell, can I say flawless without it sounding over the top? It means that although this is long - 5219 locations - I was swept up in it so fast it seemed to be over before I knew, even though I was deliberately reading slower, limiting myself to sips so I could savour Sunday's word craft. Because jeepers! Sunday's craft . . . well, wow. When I look back at the first stories of hers I fell in love with - Shane and Trey, and St-st-stuffed - everything in here was in those books, but look how the skill blossomed!
This is not a YA book, it's an acutely romantic love story, set in a fractured and flawed family; only in the act of breaking open could the beauty inside be spied.
Recommended to all my friends, except Steel :P Seriously, the rest of you; line this one up pronto.
June 16, 2017
*** 3.75 STARS ***
To be honest I hadn't read many reviews for this but I saw it had good ratings and I'm always on the look out for new M/M Authors and when a friend recommended it,it was a must read.
I'm really not into YA romance but it does work for me on some occasions but this didn't fully connect with me,unfortunately.
It's a coming of age story.I think if I'd known how young the two male characters were at the start I would have run to the hills.....
So,Cooper and Jace are 12 and 13 when the book opens.They are thrown together when their respective parents get together.
There's animosity and confusion initially,which is understandable given the circumstances.
The boys start a tentative friendship but for Cooper it's always more than friendship.
I loved Jace,and could really understand his conflict but I felt Cooper just didn't really develop as a character.
The story was narrated by Cooper and I felt his 'voice' as a 12 yr old really didn't change much as a 20 something year old man..
Apart from the relationship between Cooper and Jace there is a really poignant story of families that go through break ups and the way it affects everyone involved and this was very well portrayed.
I'm all about angst,believe me,but I found the constant back and forth exhausting.
On the plus side it's a story that spans over many years,something I absolutely love and it's a true love story
To be honest I hadn't read many reviews for this but I saw it had good ratings and I'm always on the look out for new M/M Authors and when a friend recommended it,it was a must read.
I'm really not into YA romance but it does work for me on some occasions but this didn't fully connect with me,unfortunately.
It's a coming of age story.I think if I'd known how young the two male characters were at the start I would have run to the hills.....
So,Cooper and Jace are 12 and 13 when the book opens.They are thrown together when their respective parents get together.
There's animosity and confusion initially,which is understandable given the circumstances.
The boys start a tentative friendship but for Cooper it's always more than friendship.
I loved Jace,and could really understand his conflict but I felt Cooper just didn't really develop as a character.
The story was narrated by Cooper and I felt his 'voice' as a 12 yr old really didn't change much as a 20 something year old man..
Apart from the relationship between Cooper and Jace there is a really poignant story of families that go through break ups and the way it affects everyone involved and this was very well portrayed.
I'm all about angst,believe me,but I found the constant back and forth exhausting.
On the plus side it's a story that spans over many years,something I absolutely love and it's a true love story
November 22, 2014
You say you want
Diamonds on a ring of gold
You say you want
Your story to remain untold
But all the promises we make
From the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you
January 7, 2019
Just like every year, my new year's resolutions includes..."clearing out my TBR list". So every year I eagerly dive into my list and try to read all the books that have been on there for some time ! There are sooooo many !!!
I list never shrinks though...I just keep adding and adding and eventually I give up on trying to read them all...until the next new years :)
Anyways...this one has been on my list for quite some time and I have no idea why I didn't start it sooner (I say this every single time). I am glad I finally jumped though because this was definitely a great read. I opened it and didn't move from my position until I was done....and very very thirsty and hungry !!!
Now even though I finished this book in one go, it also frustrated the hell out of me. This is because I hated almost every single character in this book. I can't really explain why though without spoilering the book for those who still want to read it. So I will be a good girl and put them under spoiler tags
Warning...huge rant ahead ;)
Wow... I feel so much better now....
Now even though a lot of things frustrated me about this book...I did love reading it. I give credit when its due and in this case it definitely was. The writing style was very pleasant...even if some of the characters weren't
I am glad I finally gave this one a go and for those who don't want to read the spoiler but are worried....don't be, it does end on a HEA !!
June 13, 2016
Que bonito todo.
July 16, 2015
This is my first Anyta Sunday's novel and I'm not disappointed.
But I had issues.
First of all, if I was ever aware my father cheated on my mother and had a parallel life with another wife and son and waiting for a baby... I'd pull his eyes out of its sockets with a fork. And then I'd play a little with his intestines. Sort of William Wallace's ending. And if I ever heard another boy calling my father "Dad", I'd rip his skin to bits. Maybe I'm Spanish after all and appreciate what the Inquisition used to do. Or maybe it's just a logical reaction in a kid? The expected reaction? When you are 12 you begin to understand and argue with sense. You have a moral basis, you know what's wrong and bad and you don't accept things as easily as an infant. You are able to feel betrayed and with a good reason.
Cooper felt rage and sorrow for a while but it's surprising how well he accepts the new situation. It would have taken YEARS (if ever) for me to speak to my father again. It's not a betrayal against the wife but also against the children. I wouldn't be able to see him as a human for a while. And much less as a father.
My other problem is Jace. My resentment towards him grew with each passing page instead of fading. Cooper is with his heart open the whole way and when he is brave enough to show that in so many words Jace turns into the person who pushes him aside. Not in a loving way but in a selfish way. Not in a "I can't be that for you and you deserve better" way. He acted in a way I can't forgive, he wasn't cruel on purpose but he was nonetheless. Jace was an unlikable hero for a long time.
The drama was too convenient. Some kind of conflict was needed (apart for the love story amongst stepbrothers conflict) so the disease was touched several times and I didn't feel it natural, but forced, just in time to cause some damage and manipulate your emotions into empathy. I don't like the disease to "serve" a purpose, but as something important by itself. And I didn't feel that respect for it here. It only made torment bigger for the drama's sake.
The funny thing is... I have no problem with the fact of them being "related". None at all. And if they were, what's the issue? It's not as if they are going to have children (sorry, bad taste, I know). They are happy together, they fit... IMO, they think about it a way TOO much. It's difficult to accept something like that, I know. I mean that they are not even stepbrothers but they let that to be an insurmountable obstacle when it should have been something important but not determining in their lives. That's part of the reason I hated Jace so much. That's part of the reason I think him a fool, but not a nice fool.
Sometimes I felt I was reading Something Like Summer. Sometimes I felt I was watching Boyhood.
In spite of it all, I loved the writing and I loved the romance. I'm a sucker for epic tales and this one pretended to achieve that. Years are painful for me when they pass and people move without changing the position. It makes me feel defenseless and powerless. I feel vertigo and fear. Like a reminder that we have too little time. Above all when we compare ourselves with rocks. They last and they transform but they are not destroyed and they don't mind. I can't avoid the connection with long stories, I invest too much of myself but when I do it's because it was worth it. And this one was worth it.
My favorite part of the book is Cooper and his rocks. I find it beautiful and touching. I love gems and my earrings are the typical ones that hang with actual stones. I don't know most of the names but I used to have pyrite in a leather bag hanging from my neck. I don't know how I didn't end with my head on the floor because that thing was heavy. Fool's gold.
But I had issues.
First of all, if I was ever aware my father cheated on my mother and had a parallel life with another wife and son and waiting for a baby... I'd pull his eyes out of its sockets with a fork. And then I'd play a little with his intestines. Sort of William Wallace's ending. And if I ever heard another boy calling my father "Dad", I'd rip his skin to bits. Maybe I'm Spanish after all and appreciate what the Inquisition used to do. Or maybe it's just a logical reaction in a kid? The expected reaction? When you are 12 you begin to understand and argue with sense. You have a moral basis, you know what's wrong and bad and you don't accept things as easily as an infant. You are able to feel betrayed and with a good reason.
Cooper felt rage and sorrow for a while but it's surprising how well he accepts the new situation. It would have taken YEARS (if ever) for me to speak to my father again. It's not a betrayal against the wife but also against the children. I wouldn't be able to see him as a human for a while. And much less as a father.
My other problem is Jace. My resentment towards him grew with each passing page instead of fading. Cooper is with his heart open the whole way and when he is brave enough to show that in so many words Jace turns into the person who pushes him aside. Not in a loving way but in a selfish way. Not in a "I can't be that for you and you deserve better" way. He acted in a way I can't forgive, he wasn't cruel on purpose but he was nonetheless. Jace was an unlikable hero for a long time.
The drama was too convenient. Some kind of conflict was needed (apart for the love story amongst stepbrothers conflict) so the disease was touched several times and I didn't feel it natural, but forced, just in time to cause some damage and manipulate your emotions into empathy. I don't like the disease to "serve" a purpose, but as something important by itself. And I didn't feel that respect for it here. It only made torment bigger for the drama's sake.
The funny thing is... I have no problem with the fact of them being "related". None at all. And if they were, what's the issue? It's not as if they are going to have children (sorry, bad taste, I know). They are happy together, they fit... IMO, they think about it a way TOO much. It's difficult to accept something like that, I know. I mean that they are not even stepbrothers but they let that to be an insurmountable obstacle when it should have been something important but not determining in their lives. That's part of the reason I hated Jace so much. That's part of the reason I think him a fool, but not a nice fool.
Sometimes I felt I was reading Something Like Summer. Sometimes I felt I was watching Boyhood.
In spite of it all, I loved the writing and I loved the romance. I'm a sucker for epic tales and this one pretended to achieve that. Years are painful for me when they pass and people move without changing the position. It makes me feel defenseless and powerless. I feel vertigo and fear. Like a reminder that we have too little time. Above all when we compare ourselves with rocks. They last and they transform but they are not destroyed and they don't mind. I can't avoid the connection with long stories, I invest too much of myself but when I do it's because it was worth it. And this one was worth it.
My favorite part of the book is Cooper and his rocks. I find it beautiful and touching. I love gems and my earrings are the typical ones that hang with actual stones. I don't know most of the names but I used to have pyrite in a leather bag hanging from my neck. I don't know how I didn't end with my head on the floor because that thing was heavy. Fool's gold.
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1645500038i/37448930._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
August 31, 2021
I hear him shrug. "I don't know. It's easier." He turns to look at me. His hot gaze on my cheek pulls me to face him, but I resist. "I know we were forced into each other's lives, but, I mean, I would have chosen you if I'd had the chance."
↠ the first half was cute as hell 😭 Jace and Cooper's connection was honestly chefs kiss. i loved every moment of their friendship. i was smiling so much with even just their simplest interactions.
some of my fav scenes (first half):
✨ "Come on." I shake my head. "You can't expect me to follow you out into the bush in the middle of the night!"
He smirks. "And yet here you are."
"Wipe the grin off your face." But I'm feeling one twitch at my lips too.
✨ "I love how they're squared. But if you didn't put them here, who did?"
"Someone who wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas." Jace meanders closer, then pulls the documentary out from under my arm. "I mean, I'm not tired. I was gonna watch TV anyway. Why not this?"
He ducks into the gaming room.
I pocket the stones and follow him.
✨ "Have you looked in the mirror lately?" I ask.
He blinks and it's hard to tell in the crappy lamplight but he might be blushing. I enjoy this thought until I realize the implication of my question.
"I mean—"
He chuckles. "Thanks, Cooper. You're going to knock the girls off their feet too, soon as you have a few hairs on that chest."
✨ He balls up his fist and presses it into my open palm. "I'll be your rock. Do you think you can handle that today?"
I squeeze his warm first. His pulse—or is that mine?—beats under my finger.
↠ beautiful writing. i love stepsibling romances bc im always curious to see how each book delivers on the trope when it comes to the angst, forbidden aspect and tension. this wasn't your usual case of that, however, bc of
↠ great side characters. some of my fav scenes were when Cooper confessed to his parents he was gay (separate scenes). i loved how accepting they were, as if it wasn't a big deal bc it shouldn't be. i also loved Annie's development of how, in the beginning, she was angry at her dad's new family but, in the end, she loved them like her own family. i thought her reactions were valid tbh so i understood where she was coming from.
↠ mask scene during the wedding. i wanted to give this scene a special mention bc i loved the way it was written. due to the whole mystery of
overall, this was such a beautiful book! i loved how the first half was mainly cute while the angst came in the second half and i was a sobbing mess during that part, but i also liked the direction the story went into. 😭🤍
↠ the first half was cute as hell 😭 Jace and Cooper's connection was honestly chefs kiss. i loved every moment of their friendship. i was smiling so much with even just their simplest interactions.
some of my fav scenes (first half):
✨ "Come on." I shake my head. "You can't expect me to follow you out into the bush in the middle of the night!"
He smirks. "And yet here you are."
"Wipe the grin off your face." But I'm feeling one twitch at my lips too.
✨ "I love how they're squared. But if you didn't put them here, who did?"
"Someone who wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas." Jace meanders closer, then pulls the documentary out from under my arm. "I mean, I'm not tired. I was gonna watch TV anyway. Why not this?"
He ducks into the gaming room.
I pocket the stones and follow him.
✨ "Have you looked in the mirror lately?" I ask.
He blinks and it's hard to tell in the crappy lamplight but he might be blushing. I enjoy this thought until I realize the implication of my question.
"I mean—"
He chuckles. "Thanks, Cooper. You're going to knock the girls off their feet too, soon as you have a few hairs on that chest."
✨ He balls up his fist and presses it into my open palm. "I'll be your rock. Do you think you can handle that today?"
I squeeze his warm first. His pulse—or is that mine?—beats under my finger.
↠ beautiful writing. i love stepsibling romances bc im always curious to see how each book delivers on the trope when it comes to the angst, forbidden aspect and tension. this wasn't your usual case of that, however, bc of
↠ great side characters. some of my fav scenes were when Cooper confessed to his parents he was gay (separate scenes). i loved how accepting they were, as if it wasn't a big deal bc it shouldn't be. i also loved Annie's development of how, in the beginning, she was angry at her dad's new family but, in the end, she loved them like her own family. i thought her reactions were valid tbh so i understood where she was coming from.
↠ mask scene during the wedding. i wanted to give this scene a special mention bc i loved the way it was written. due to the whole mystery of
overall, this was such a beautiful book! i loved how the first half was mainly cute while the angst came in the second half and i was a sobbing mess during that part, but i also liked the direction the story went into. 😭🤍
November 8, 2014
♥♥♥ 5 Glowing Opal Stars ♥♥♥
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"Broken home, broken rules"
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This book... I can't believe I didn't read this sooner! I loved it so freaking much!! I don't care how much it hurt me, it was so damn beautiful!!
This stunningly beautiful story begins with a very young Cooper. He is a total geek when it comes to all things rocks, stones, etc. He loves collecting different types of rocks. Life is all good for Cooper, that is until the day he finds out his parents are divorcing. Not only that, but his Dad is moving in with his girlfriend Lila. He automatically dislikes her for ruin his family. And now he has to live with her and her son Jace for one week, alternating between his mom's and dad's. Right off the bat, Cooper and Jace don't get along. But with time, they end up making the best of their situation and become friends.
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"Wish I wasn't so afraid all the time. Wish I was strong like you. You don't care what anyone thinks and you stand up for who you are. I need to do that too. But I can't."
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This book takes you from Cooper being a kid to an adult. As time goes by, Cooper and Jace form a bond. Everyday they become closer, but soon Cooper realizes his feelings are not brotherly, he falls for Jace. They both don't know what to do. They are practically brothers so they can't be more than that. That does not mean that the feelings that they share for one another ends. Nope, there were many years of longing ahead of them.
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"I know we have to talk." He swallows and looks toward his mum and our dad. "But can you wait?"
I can. I have. I always will.
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Oh, how this book broke my heart. It was so beautifully written. I absolutely loved how Cooper's love for rocks was incorporated into the actual story line. It was so heartwarming to see the meaning behind each stone. I loved seeing Cooper and Jace grow up into men. They weren't always happy, but I think the pace in which they grew up was perfect. I was still able to connect with the twelve and thirteen year old Cooper and Jace, as I was when they were in their early twenties. What I loved the most and what had me captivated, was how much they still wanted each other after all those years. It absolutely killed me to see them apart.
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"My favorite rock," I say.
"I know."
I whisper, "Not the opal. You."
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Another thing that I really enjoyed was that there was a realistic quality to this story. It wasn't always sunshine and rainbows, there was a lot of hurt from their years of yearning for each other. It was so painful to watch them try to move on from their feelings. This story punched my heart and made me tear up bad. I was able to finish this in one day, and I will tell you that I did not want to put it down. At. All. And I probably wouldn't have if real life hadn't gotten in the way. I loved this book to pieces. I loved Cooper and Jace. I loved the family they made. It was pretty short, and yet still, it was perfectly executed. I loved it! This is definitely one of my top favourite m/m books and one I totally recommend everyone should give a try. I can't wait to read more from this author.
May 29, 2020
4.5 “Broken home, broken rules” Stars
Sometimes love doesn’t work out the way you hope it to.
Sometimes, you think you’re in love but you’re not.
Sometimes you hope you’re not but you are.
It has been a while since I had read Anyta Sunday’s books and it was so much better than my previous reads by her! Before I started reading it, I wouldn’t guess that I’d love it this much. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and I devoured every word of it (considering YA is not one of my fave genres). It was so well-written, well-paced, as emotional and angsty as I’ like in my books. I didn’t like to finish and yet I couldn’t not read it faster. Told in single POV, 1st person (and surprisingly I didn’t need the other MC’s POV), it’s a standalone novel. I loved Cooper but unfortunately, I can’t say the same about Jace for what he put Cooper through, and yet I could understand him but I wish he would have had other solutions. It has a forbidden love theme and it’s an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story. All in all, it was a really good read (and I’ll read more books by this author in the future for sure), hope you love it as well!
Sometimes love doesn’t work out the way you hope it to.
Sometimes, you think you’re in love but you’re not.
Sometimes you hope you’re not but you are.
It has been a while since I had read Anyta Sunday’s books and it was so much better than my previous reads by her! Before I started reading it, I wouldn’t guess that I’d love it this much. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and I devoured every word of it (considering YA is not one of my fave genres). It was so well-written, well-paced, as emotional and angsty as I’ like in my books. I didn’t like to finish and yet I couldn’t not read it faster. Told in single POV, 1st person (and surprisingly I didn’t need the other MC’s POV), it’s a standalone novel. I loved Cooper but unfortunately, I can’t say the same about Jace for what he put Cooper through, and yet I could understand him but I wish he would have had other solutions. It has a forbidden love theme and it’s an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story. All in all, it was a really good read (and I’ll read more books by this author in the future for sure), hope you love it as well!
September 19, 2017
Heartbreakingly gorgeous and poignant, even the second time around. Still a favorite.
-------Original Review 27 May 2016----------
This book. This insanely well written and executed book. Wrecked me. I've got so many thoughts and so many feelings running through me, I may need an exorcist to get them out.
But what can I say that would really convey the impact this story had on me? I know I will be thinking about it for a long time to come and it has gone straight to my favorites shelf, but there's more. I want to read it again. And I don't. I'm weird like that. But I also know me and I will definitely read this again. Maybe today, if I can't get it out of my head.
Told from Cooper's POV, all in the present tense, we watch a family break apart and a new one form. We witness and experience everything Cooper does. And I was happy and sad and angry and laughing and crying and raging, through the whole book.
I do have some favorite moments to share:
You know what, though? Go read Todd's review. And then read Ele's review. They both express my thoughts and feelings pretty well and also portray the flavor of the book better than I can, right now.
-------Original Review 27 May 2016----------
This book. This insanely well written and executed book. Wrecked me. I've got so many thoughts and so many feelings running through me, I may need an exorcist to get them out.
But what can I say that would really convey the impact this story had on me? I know I will be thinking about it for a long time to come and it has gone straight to my favorites shelf, but there's more. I want to read it again. And I don't. I'm weird like that. But I also know me and I will definitely read this again. Maybe today, if I can't get it out of my head.
Told from Cooper's POV, all in the present tense, we watch a family break apart and a new one form. We witness and experience everything Cooper does. And I was happy and sad and angry and laughing and crying and raging, through the whole book.
I do have some favorite moments to share:
-- Jace giving Cooper a stone at the bus stop, when they are still "enemies".
-- The 'glowworm' cave: their place, once they become friends.
-- The greenstone fishhook necklace.
-- Jace being Cooper's rock on the soccer field, when he was falling apart.
-- Prom: Bert and Ernie really coming through for Cooper
-- Prom: Jace dancing with Cooper.
-- All I Want is You <<< I cried
-- The Birthday Halloween Masquerade Wedding: The confession, the pretending, the stone, all of it. <<< I may have cried a little more
-- Every stone that Jace ever gave to Cooper.
-- Lila: she was amazing through the whole book, but toward the end, she really showed just how much. <<< Yep, cried
-- Annie: so amazingly supportive.
-- Jace, finally, facing his feelings. <<< Cried joyous tears
You know what, though? Go read Todd's review. And then read Ele's review. They both express my thoughts and feelings pretty well and also portray the flavor of the book better than I can, right now.
December 27, 2015
This was a terrible, awful, no-good book.
It broke me.
And made me cry.
A lot.
And I'd read it all over again in a heartbeat.
It broke me.
And made me cry.
A lot.
And I'd read it all over again in a heartbeat.
Read
August 28, 2018I can't rate this book. At least not for now.
I loved the relationship between Cooper and Jace when they started living together as a family. It was beautiful and touching. I adored Cooper and his stones and all the little things Jace did for him.
But the decisions Jace made after leaving for college made me so angry and sad. It was heartbreaking to read and I really felt for Cooper.
The story is truly beautifully written, but despite the sweet ending, it left me feeling down.
I loved the relationship between Cooper and Jace when they started living together as a family. It was beautiful and touching. I adored Cooper and his stones and all the little things Jace did for him.
But the decisions Jace made after leaving for college made me so angry and sad. It was heartbreaking to read and I really felt for Cooper.
The story is truly beautifully written, but despite the sweet ending, it left me feeling down.
October 5, 2020
“Sometimes love doesn’t work out the way you hope it to.Beautiful. Angsty. Emotional.
Sometimes, you think you’re in love but you’re not.
Sometimes you hope you’re not but you are.”
This book breaks my heart everytime I read it.
First read: October 2019
Re-read: September 2020
May 28, 2016
~4.5 stars~
I hated this book.
I LOVED it.
It didn't matter that the characters' actions made me angry. It didn't matter that, sometimes, they seemed too oblivious or too naive to things that were so obvious to the reader. It didn't matter that I believe some of the angst could have been avoided. And most importantly, The Letter! It simply doesn't matter. All that matters is...
Hats off to the author for the pulling off the present tense, single POV narrative. This takes serious skill, people. Anyta Sunday nailed it.
The story stretches over a period of 10+ years, and, as I reader, I felt I was there with them, while the characters were growing up. I watched them changing, facing challenges, falling in love, trying to run from it....and failing.
The kids, including Jace, are thrown in a pretty shitty situation. A family breaks and another one takes shape, and personally, I believe that this was portrayed very realistically. Not all teenagers react the same, and the way Cooper reacted felt very true to his character.
The secondary characters matter to the plot. This story is their story too. I cared for them, despite their mistakes.
There are so many things and scenes that will forever stay etched to my memory. The cave, the rocks, the prom night, the "pretending scene", the greenstone fishhook, the concerts....
Initially, I intended to round down to 4 stars because....
But then I realised that this book touched me so much and evoked all these feelings in me, that I kept thinking about it for two days straight. It was my last thought before I fell asleep and the first when I woke up. And for this, it gets all the stars.
*Review posted on Gay Book Reviews*
I hated this book.
I LOVED it.
It didn't matter that the characters' actions made me angry. It didn't matter that, sometimes, they seemed too oblivious or too naive to things that were so obvious to the reader. It didn't matter that I believe some of the angst could have been avoided. And most importantly, The Letter! It simply doesn't matter. All that matters is...
"Memories crash into me with every thrust. We’re standing in the cave on our toes, arms wide, imagining what it would be like to fall into the stars.
Like this. It feels like this."
Hats off to the author for the pulling off the present tense, single POV narrative. This takes serious skill, people. Anyta Sunday nailed it.
The story stretches over a period of 10+ years, and, as I reader, I felt I was there with them, while the characters were growing up. I watched them changing, facing challenges, falling in love, trying to run from it....and failing.
The kids, including Jace, are thrown in a pretty shitty situation. A family breaks and another one takes shape, and personally, I believe that this was portrayed very realistically. Not all teenagers react the same, and the way Cooper reacted felt very true to his character.
The secondary characters matter to the plot. This story is their story too. I cared for them, despite their mistakes.
There are so many things and scenes that will forever stay etched to my memory. The cave, the rocks, the prom night, the "pretending scene", the greenstone fishhook, the concerts....
Initially, I intended to round down to 4 stars because....
But then I realised that this book touched me so much and evoked all these feelings in me, that I kept thinking about it for two days straight. It was my last thought before I fell asleep and the first when I woke up. And for this, it gets all the stars.
*Review posted on Gay Book Reviews*
October 4, 2014
This book is a GEM
You guys know I hardly review books lately because sadly I have no time BUT sometimes a book is soooooo friggin good that I need to give my two cents.
First of all, if you feel this is not your thing because it's YA, let me tell you this doesn't feel like YA at all! You remember Superhero? This book is completely different but it's the same kind of YA if you know what I mean.
This story will bring you back to your teen years. Do you remember when flirting with someone meant insulting each other in a nice way? Do you remember when you looked at THAT person while they were looking away? Do you remember how they were looking at you when they thought you were not seeing them? Do you remember the butterflies in your belly every time you thought about that person? This book will take you there AGAIN and you'll fall in love for the first time with Jace and Cooper.
I love when a book marks me somehow, when a book teaches me something and this one did it. LIVE every single second of your life and LOVE come what may. Don't be afraid of accepting your mistakes, show your feelings and don't care about what's not important.
And this is for you book: I would have chosen you a million times because I plan to re-read your story many times.
I am so starting my own collection of rocks like yesterday <3
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND READ THIS BOOK!
March 26, 2021
This story was so beautiful it took my breath away. We have two boys. A forbidden love. Years and years of longing. Hearts breaking. Again. And again. And again. And again. And again.
I read this book in one night, and cried so many tears.
I hated Jace at times. We only get Cooper’s POV and I wanted to scream at Jace. Stop. You’re hurting him. You’re breaking his heart. But Jace’s heart was breaking too.
The ending finally made me smile through my tears and hug my kindle. Such a hard earned happiness.
These guys will stay in my heart. And I’ll want to reread this. Again and again.
I read this book in one night, and cried so many tears.
I hated Jace at times. We only get Cooper’s POV and I wanted to scream at Jace. Stop. You’re hurting him. You’re breaking his heart. But Jace’s heart was breaking too.
The ending finally made me smile through my tears and hug my kindle. Such a hard earned happiness.
These guys will stay in my heart. And I’ll want to reread this. Again and again.
December 23, 2019
I honestly don't know what's going on with me this year but the struggle has been real reading-wise.
I've started and stopped countless books, finding little that tickles my fancy. Which has sent me diving deep into my kindle for any hidden gems. For something (ANYTHING) to captivate me and, more importantly, hold my attention.
This book not only held my attention but it ensorcelled me.
The way that forbidden love is examined especially with regard to its acceptability I thought was a brilliant way of weaving the story together from Lila and David to Jace and Cooper and even Annie and Ernie to a lesser degree. Though I am admittedly a bonafide squishy marshmallow I still found the connection between them and the durability and sustainability of their loves powerful and moving.
I thoroughly enjoyed the juxtaposition of the notion that even though things may be rocky initially if you stay the course, finding solace in one another people will come around or they won't but at least you know. For better or worse, you know.
My only quibble is the lack of Jace's POV at some point. Though I wouldn't have gotten as much of a rock education, which is something else I thoroughly enjoyed, but even the epilogue would've been nice.
Regardless, I devoured this coming of age story and will remember the emotiveness of it for some time to come.
4.5 rocks
I've started and stopped countless books, finding little that tickles my fancy. Which has sent me diving deep into my kindle for any hidden gems. For something (ANYTHING) to captivate me and, more importantly, hold my attention.
This book not only held my attention but it ensorcelled me.
The way that forbidden love is examined especially with regard to its acceptability I thought was a brilliant way of weaving the story together from Lila and David to Jace and Cooper and even Annie and Ernie to a lesser degree. Though I am admittedly a bonafide squishy marshmallow I still found the connection between them and the durability and sustainability of their loves powerful and moving.
I thoroughly enjoyed the juxtaposition of the notion that even though things may be rocky initially if you stay the course, finding solace in one another people will come around or they won't but at least you know. For better or worse, you know.
My only quibble is the lack of Jace's POV at some point. Though I wouldn't have gotten as much of a rock education, which is something else I thoroughly enjoyed, but even the epilogue would've been nice.
Regardless, I devoured this coming of age story and will remember the emotiveness of it for some time to come.
4.5 rocks
May 29, 2020
4.5 stars**
First, I want to give a big shot out to my bestie nazanin for recommending me this amazing book! Thank you girl! And for answering my questions lol! ❤️❤️❤️
“Our story never sank”
“The breezes carried it for us.”
Anyta you given me such an emotional book so many feels! It really had all my emotions twisted up. I loved plot, the way the relationship between Cooper and Jace grew was so sweet, from their innocent friendship to the undeniable love they come to feel for each other. So many things happened in this story, things that had me frustrated, especially with Jace, he was such a complicated guy at times but, I did get where he was coming from and the situation wasn’t an easy one for any of them. I do wish the burning question would of been clear at the end but, I was happy that it finally didn’t matter for Jace, that he was able to live with it. I know for me it didn’t matter at all they belong together. There’s nothing that I love more than a love that is imperfectly perfect. I know that I’ll be Re reading this one in the future. ❤️
First, I want to give a big shot out to my bestie nazanin for recommending me this amazing book! Thank you girl! And for answering my questions lol! ❤️❤️❤️
“Our story never sank”
“The breezes carried it for us.”
Anyta you given me such an emotional book so many feels! It really had all my emotions twisted up. I loved plot, the way the relationship between Cooper and Jace grew was so sweet, from their innocent friendship to the undeniable love they come to feel for each other. So many things happened in this story, things that had me frustrated, especially with Jace, he was such a complicated guy at times but, I did get where he was coming from and the situation wasn’t an easy one for any of them. I do wish the burning question would of been clear at the end but, I was happy that it finally didn’t matter for Jace, that he was able to live with it. I know for me it didn’t matter at all they belong together. There’s nothing that I love more than a love that is imperfectly perfect. I know that I’ll be Re reading this one in the future. ❤️
January 3, 2017
4,5 stars
This was my first book by Anyta Sunday and I really liked it! I want to try other books written by her. The writing style is great! I was hooked from the first pages.
I read it in one sitting. Such a soul wrenching story!
I must admit I was surprised the characters were so young when they met, and I'm not a fan of young adult stories, but this was much deeper than I expected, taking place over 10 years.
Cooper and Jace were so young and inexperienced, but from cold stepbrothers they end on being best friends, and later - lovers. And what a ride it was!
I don't want to reveal too much, but I will say their story really made me ache. It was so much pain in their words and actions, at one point I got really sad. My heart hurt so much!
I'm not giving it full 5 stars because I cannot accept how they gave up so easily to something so deep!
Even if I am afraid this is a half spoiler, I will admit I was disappointed with their choice of not wanting to know the truth. I just ... I can't imagine this. I am a VERY curious person, so I wouldn't want to live my life not knowing such an important thing.
But well, the ending was sweet, and even if the dark clouds of the past still haunted them, they end up together after all.
And also I think it was a great idea of mentioning all those rocks and their history. I thought it would get me bored at one point, but it didn't, it just made this story special and different.
This was my first book by Anyta Sunday and I really liked it! I want to try other books written by her. The writing style is great! I was hooked from the first pages.
I read it in one sitting. Such a soul wrenching story!
I must admit I was surprised the characters were so young when they met, and I'm not a fan of young adult stories, but this was much deeper than I expected, taking place over 10 years.
Cooper and Jace were so young and inexperienced, but from cold stepbrothers they end on being best friends, and later - lovers. And what a ride it was!
I don't want to reveal too much, but I will say their story really made me ache. It was so much pain in their words and actions, at one point I got really sad. My heart hurt so much!
I'm not giving it full 5 stars because I cannot accept how they gave up so easily to something so deep!
Even if I am afraid this is a half spoiler, I will admit I was disappointed with their choice of not wanting to know the truth. I just ... I can't imagine this. I am a VERY curious person, so I wouldn't want to live my life not knowing such an important thing.
But well, the ending was sweet, and even if the dark clouds of the past still haunted them, they end up together after all.
And also I think it was a great idea of mentioning all those rocks and their history. I thought it would get me bored at one point, but it didn't, it just made this story special and different.
Read
July 8, 2015*As per my previous proclamation, I've stopped rating books on here.
This book was a standout read to me. It somehow managed to find a space between gaylit and M/M Romance and fit well in both. IMO it fits in that very specific subgenre of gaylit which focuses on tales of boyhood and coming of age where the reader grows up with the narrator and we are primarily told things from his perspective, but also has a strong romance vein and a happy ending. The style isn't for everyone but it's REALLY well done here. Cooper is very human and sympathetic while still having his own needs/wants. The pacing was also excellent considering it spans a period of nearly ten years.
The themes in rock are challenging but I felt they were handled well. I had some minor niggles with the ending because I wanted to know what was in The Envelope and I felt the characters were ignoring the obvious truth and just choosing to ignore it rather than face it head-on, but that's a me thing and doesn't detract from the book.
It's very much a story about navigating broken families and being a young person who is suddenly thrown into a "new family" with people who are basically strangers, and having unexpected feelings develop as a result. I highly recommend it.
**I read this book during a big buddy read on the Hassell & Hall Facebook group and we had AMAZING conversations about the complex themes in this novel. I wish I could snap it all up and put it in this review.
This book was a standout read to me. It somehow managed to find a space between gaylit and M/M Romance and fit well in both. IMO it fits in that very specific subgenre of gaylit which focuses on tales of boyhood and coming of age where the reader grows up with the narrator and we are primarily told things from his perspective, but also has a strong romance vein and a happy ending. The style isn't for everyone but it's REALLY well done here. Cooper is very human and sympathetic while still having his own needs/wants. The pacing was also excellent considering it spans a period of nearly ten years.
The themes in rock are challenging but I felt they were handled well. I had some minor niggles with the ending because I wanted to know what was in The Envelope and I felt the characters were ignoring the obvious truth and just choosing to ignore it rather than face it head-on, but that's a me thing and doesn't detract from the book.
It's very much a story about navigating broken families and being a young person who is suddenly thrown into a "new family" with people who are basically strangers, and having unexpected feelings develop as a result. I highly recommend it.
**I read this book during a big buddy read on the Hassell & Hall Facebook group and we had AMAZING conversations about the complex themes in this novel. I wish I could snap it all up and put it in this review.
October 26, 2014
This was just gorgeous. And annoying. Because I had a list of 20 things to do yesterday (Saturday) and I started this book in the morning with my coffee just 'for a few minutes'. There went my Saturday! I was completely hooked, and every time I tried to put it down, I'd find myself thinking of nothing else, so I'd give in.
The writing is just lovely in this, Anyta. Really special. And I loved the theme with the rocks. Very interesting and unusual. Highly recommended to any and all!
Anyta Sunday, I'm such a fan!
Eli
The writing is just lovely in this, Anyta. Really special. And I loved the theme with the rocks. Very interesting and unusual. Highly recommended to any and all!
Anyta Sunday, I'm such a fan!
Eli
April 20, 2021
"You can't expect me to follow you into the bush in the middle of the night?"
"And yet, here you are."
So yes in theory I could have had a good night's sleep and not stayed up absurdly late to read this book but then I wouldn't feel like garbage today and what's the fun in that? This was so beautifully written and my heart aches. To me this book felt like magic and the later it got at night the more sure I was that it would all disappear come morning light. So I read and I read and I read. I loved it so very much and I haven't a thing to complain about. To me it was perfect. Magic.
"And yet, here you are."
So yes in theory I could have had a good night's sleep and not stayed up absurdly late to read this book but then I wouldn't feel like garbage today and what's the fun in that? This was so beautifully written and my heart aches. To me this book felt like magic and the later it got at night the more sure I was that it would all disappear come morning light. So I read and I read and I read. I loved it so very much and I haven't a thing to complain about. To me it was perfect. Magic.
Currently reading
October 1, 2014Thank you to everyone (Teresa Crawford, Lynda Lamb, HJS Editing, Vicki, Natasha, Sunne, Mishyjo) who has helped me to make this book special. This one holds a tender part of my heart, and I'm equally nervous and excited to soon share it with you all.
:)
The amazing cover was designed by Natasha Snow.
This song was my inspiration and the feeling I wanted for this novel. I must have listened to this a couple of hundred times as I wrote this book. :) Thanks U2.
rock follows Cooper’s life over the course of ten years as he redefines the meaning of family, explores friendships, and tests the hard limits of love.
:)
The amazing cover was designed by Natasha Snow.
This song was my inspiration and the feeling I wanted for this novel. I must have listened to this a couple of hundred times as I wrote this book. :) Thanks U2.
rock follows Cooper’s life over the course of ten years as he redefines the meaning of family, explores friendships, and tests the hard limits of love.
February 18, 2020
This is an exquisite little gem, quite the loveliest and most romantic tale I’ve read this year. I simply fell in love with it. Sheer perfection, desperately sad at times (yes, you WILL need tissues), but so beautifully written that I was moved to tears on several occasions. I can only give it 5 stars, and it's worth millions more. I choose to think that Jace and Cooper are not in an incestuous relationship...surely Lila wouldn't have been that cruel??
Jace, you broke my heart, not once, not twice but several times with your seemingly callous disregard for Cooper’s feelings, you hurt him badly. Cooper whom you met when he was just 12 and lost, his family fractured and living a lie, whose hero worship of you quickly turned to love and you then found yourself living a lie....and didn't like the consequences.
And the stones, the stones Cooper collected to keep himself grounded gradually came to mean so much more to the two of you.
I honestly can’t tell you how beautiful this story is, my words are completely inadequate BUT like most of Anyta’s stories (she IS one of my auto-buy authors), you will feel much better for having read it, uplifted and ready to face a new day with a song in your heart – which obviously has to be ‘All I Want Is You by U2.’
Jace, you broke my heart, not once, not twice but several times with your seemingly callous disregard for Cooper’s feelings, you hurt him badly. Cooper whom you met when he was just 12 and lost, his family fractured and living a lie, whose hero worship of you quickly turned to love and you then found yourself living a lie....and didn't like the consequences.
And the stones, the stones Cooper collected to keep himself grounded gradually came to mean so much more to the two of you.
I honestly can’t tell you how beautiful this story is, my words are completely inadequate BUT like most of Anyta’s stories (she IS one of my auto-buy authors), you will feel much better for having read it, uplifted and ready to face a new day with a song in your heart – which obviously has to be ‘All I Want Is You by U2.’
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