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The Fish Tales #1
The Man I Love
"A watershed moment exists in every man's life, Fish—the moment he stops being his mother's son and starts being his lover's man. When he transitions from protected to protector."
Erik "Fish" Fiskare is only a college junior when a gunman walks into the campus theater, intent on stopping the show. From the lighting booth, Fish sees his girlfriend, Marguerite "Daisy" Bianco, get caught in the line of fire. Everyone runs away from the stage but Fish, in a watershed moment, runs toward it.
Spanning fifteen years, The Man I Love explores how a single act of violence reverberates through a circle of friends. At the center are Fish and Daisy, two soul mates who always brought out the best in each other. Both are hailed as heroes after the shooting, yet the tragedy starts to bring out the worst in them, tearing the circle apart.
Soon, Fish is running again—not toward Daisy this time, but as far away as possible. But can you really leave the one you were born to love? And is leaving always the end of loving?
"You never got over her, Fish. You just left. You may think that's closure, but it isn't. You may think a woman like Daisy comes along twice in a lifetime, but she doesn't."
Fearlessly touching on today's social and mental health issues, The Man I Love follows Erik Fiskare's journey back to the truth of himself and a woman he can't forget. With its gripping story and an unforgettable cast of characters, this epic novel of love and forgiveness lingers long after the last page is turned. on an emotional journey of love and truth."
Erik "Fish" Fiskare is only a college junior when a gunman walks into the campus theater, intent on stopping the show. From the lighting booth, Fish sees his girlfriend, Marguerite "Daisy" Bianco, get caught in the line of fire. Everyone runs away from the stage but Fish, in a watershed moment, runs toward it.
Spanning fifteen years, The Man I Love explores how a single act of violence reverberates through a circle of friends. At the center are Fish and Daisy, two soul mates who always brought out the best in each other. Both are hailed as heroes after the shooting, yet the tragedy starts to bring out the worst in them, tearing the circle apart.
Soon, Fish is running again—not toward Daisy this time, but as far away as possible. But can you really leave the one you were born to love? And is leaving always the end of loving?
"You never got over her, Fish. You just left. You may think that's closure, but it isn't. You may think a woman like Daisy comes along twice in a lifetime, but she doesn't."
Fearlessly touching on today's social and mental health issues, The Man I Love follows Erik Fiskare's journey back to the truth of himself and a woman he can't forget. With its gripping story and an unforgettable cast of characters, this epic novel of love and forgiveness lingers long after the last page is turned. on an emotional journey of love and truth."
483 pages
First published June 16, 2014
About the author
Suanne Laqueur
25 books1,552 followersA former professional dancer and teacher, Suanne Laqueur went from choreographing music to choreographing words, writing stories that appeal to the passions of all readers, crossing gender, age and genre. As a devoted mental health advocate, her novels focus on both romantic and familial relationships, as well as psychology, PTSD and generational trauma.
Laqueur’s novel An Exaltation of Larks was the grand prize winner in the 2017 Writer’s Digest Book Awards and took first place in the 2019 North Street Book Prize. Her debut novel The Man I Love won a gold medal in the 2015 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and was named Best Debut in the Feathered Quill Book Awards. Her follow-up novel, Give Me Your Answer True, was also a gold medal winner at the 2016 RFBA.
Laqueur graduated from Alfred University with a double major in dance and theater. She taught at the Carol Bierman School of Ballet Arts in Croton-on-Hudson for ten years. An avid reader, cook and gardener, she started her blog EatsReadsThinks in 2010.
Suanne lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband and two children.
Laqueur’s novel An Exaltation of Larks was the grand prize winner in the 2017 Writer’s Digest Book Awards and took first place in the 2019 North Street Book Prize. Her debut novel The Man I Love won a gold medal in the 2015 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and was named Best Debut in the Feathered Quill Book Awards. Her follow-up novel, Give Me Your Answer True, was also a gold medal winner at the 2016 RFBA.
Laqueur graduated from Alfred University with a double major in dance and theater. She taught at the Carol Bierman School of Ballet Arts in Croton-on-Hudson for ten years. An avid reader, cook and gardener, she started her blog EatsReadsThinks in 2010.
Suanne lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 705 reviews
April 12, 2017
After reading 'An Exhaltation of Larks', I knew that I wanted to read every book written by Ms. Suanne Laqueur. Her writing is exquisite. The stories and characters that she brings to life are raw and emotional, heartbreaking and inspiring. I've definitely gone a little "fangirl" where she is concerned!
'The Man I Love' tells the story of a close-knit group of friends at Lancaster University. In many ways it is a coming of age story, set against the backdrop of a terrible tragedy. They were young and carefree until the unthinkable happens. Then, this group of friends struggles to survive in the aftermath of a terrible attack.
Each of them copes with the trauma in a different way. As young, college students, they don't appreciate the need to seek out professional help. All of them develop some destructive behaviors. In the months and years that follow they fall into a downward spiral, nearly destroying themselves and their relationships with those that they love.
No relationship undergoes more strain that that of Erik "Fish" Fiskare and Daisy Bianco. Erik was a theatre tech when he met Daisy, a lead ballerina at the school. The two were head over heels in love. They had the kind of relationship that others envied...until that day. Nothing was the same after that day.
Aside from Erik and Daisy, there is a robust cast of characters that make this story memorable. Will Kaeger, Erik's best friend/roommate and Daisy's dance partner, also plays a pivotal role. He is left to live with guilt and questions whether or not his actions were to blame for the events of that tragic day. It was his brief love affair with another student, James, that seems to have been the motivator for James' horrific actions on that day.
Spanning over a decade, the long-term effects of a single traumatic event are played out through these character for readers. This story was absolutely beautiful, but also tragic and highly emotional. These characters both broke my heart and inspired me.
The first book in a series, 'The Man I Love' proves to be an addicting read. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series immediately. I highly recommend this book. I am utterly captivated by this story and these flawed, very human characters.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
'The Man I Love' tells the story of a close-knit group of friends at Lancaster University. In many ways it is a coming of age story, set against the backdrop of a terrible tragedy. They were young and carefree until the unthinkable happens. Then, this group of friends struggles to survive in the aftermath of a terrible attack.
Each of them copes with the trauma in a different way. As young, college students, they don't appreciate the need to seek out professional help. All of them develop some destructive behaviors. In the months and years that follow they fall into a downward spiral, nearly destroying themselves and their relationships with those that they love.
No relationship undergoes more strain that that of Erik "Fish" Fiskare and Daisy Bianco. Erik was a theatre tech when he met Daisy, a lead ballerina at the school. The two were head over heels in love. They had the kind of relationship that others envied...until that day. Nothing was the same after that day.
Aside from Erik and Daisy, there is a robust cast of characters that make this story memorable. Will Kaeger, Erik's best friend/roommate and Daisy's dance partner, also plays a pivotal role. He is left to live with guilt and questions whether or not his actions were to blame for the events of that tragic day. It was his brief love affair with another student, James, that seems to have been the motivator for James' horrific actions on that day.
Spanning over a decade, the long-term effects of a single traumatic event are played out through these character for readers. This story was absolutely beautiful, but also tragic and highly emotional. These characters both broke my heart and inspired me.
The first book in a series, 'The Man I Love' proves to be an addicting read. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series immediately. I highly recommend this book. I am utterly captivated by this story and these flawed, very human characters.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
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June 28, 2015::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED ::: 4.5 stars!!!
WOW. WOW. WOW!
I was blown away by this book! It was a refreshingly unique story and the writing was exquisite. Vivid, powerful, and enthralling. The story was very slow-building, and meticulously detailed, but every single detail mattered. Everything was connected and had depth, but it didn’t follow any rules. Normally that would honestly be scary for me, but with the way that everything was portrayed, I felt like I understood where the characters were coming from. Their highs and lows, flaws and strengths, mistakes and triumphs all felt believable. The story felt real. It felt like I was living the story with them. I loved it!
Ever come across a book that you feel you just have to read? Where, from the moment you hear about it, it just calls to you? Well, that’s how I felt about this one. I had other reading plans in place and three books lined up to try next, but then I stumbled across this one and it just completely took over my mind. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, wondering about it. I had to read it. And I’m so incredibly glad I did.
The story is about a Erik, a college freshman, who falls in love with a beautiful dancer named Daisy. But “when a disturbed friend brings a gun into the theater, six lives are lost and she is left seriously injured, her professional dreams shattered. Traumatized by the experience, the lovers spiral into depression and drug use until a shocking act of betrayal destroys their relationship. To survive, he must leave school and disconnect from all he loves. He buries his heartbreak and puts the past behind. Or so he believes…
As he moves into adulthood, he comes to grips with his role in the shooting, and slowly heals the most wounded parts of his soul. But the unresolved grief for her continues to shape his dreams at night. Once those dreams were haunted by blood and gunfire. Now they are haunted by the refrain of a song and a single question: is leaving always the end of loving?
Spanning fifteen years, The Man I Love explores themes of love and sexuality, trauma and its long-lasting effects, the burden of unfinished business and the power of reconciliation. Through his experience we reflect on what it means to be a man, a son and a leader. A soul mate, a partner and a lover. What it means to live the truth of who you are and what you feel. What it means to fight for what you love.”
That blurb just grabbed my attention. I love stories that span several years (especially ones that are over the space of more than a decade) and in this story, we follow the characters from about 18-19 years old up until their 30’s. It’s quite an incredible journey.
But now… THE WRITING. Holy shit, guys. THE WRITING.
The writing was absolutely breathtaking. Elegant in it’s simplicity. Flawless. Entrancing. I’m really serious here. Every. Single. Sentence. Was. Beautiful. It had this smooth-flowing, addictive quality that drew me right into the story and begged me to turn the page. But at the same time, it was the kind of book I wanted to take my time with. This wasn’t a book you could rush. The story was very slow-building but the writing itself almost begged you to slow down and just absorb it word by word. And not only was it beautifully written, but it was clearly very well-thought-out with a lot of foreshadowing. Words and phrasing from the beginning would be echoed back later in the story in ways that would make my heart skip a beat.
While I do think it’s possible that some readers will find it too slow building, I personally think it was perfect for this story. In order to full deliver the emotional punch that I promise you comes later, it needed to build that connection from the ground up. This story wasn’t just about Erik and Daisy, it was about this incredible core group of friends — the dynamics of which would forever be changed on the day of the fateful shooting. But that love and that comraderie needed to be built it a way where you, as the reader, didn’t only know about it, but also felt it. It needed to be powerful. And my God, was it ever.
There are so many moments in this story that had a such deep and profound impact on my heart… The dancing. Them falling in love. Re-reading the quote in the hotel. The tattoos. We fucking own this. I love us. Human valium. The Purple Heart. The shaved head. The alpha male. The standing ovation. The thousand-yard stare. The lint… Gah. I have this whole long list in my notes of these powerful moments. I laughed, I cried, I was overjoyed, and devastated. I felt the tragedy and I felt the triumph. I felt everything.
This really isn’t a fairytale. It’s quite a realistic story with very flawed characters. The author isn’t afraid to tackle extremely difficult subjects. But I really was impressed with the way everything was portrayed. This is a book that ignores all the rules and makes it’s own. It’s absolutely not a “normal” contemporary romance. But for me, it delivered exactly what I craved: a unique story with beautiful writing and a strong portrayal of the kind of love that doesn’t let go even after the worst violence, the deepest betrayal, and the longest separation. It’s soul mate love. The kind that never ends.
There’s actually a sentence in the story that, for me, resonated so deeply. It’s just a simple one, but it hit home so hard. She says, “I hated not knowing where you were.” When you’re someone’s soul mate, the hurt matters, but at the end of the day, you need that person in your life. And if you don’t have them, they never leave your heart, and that sentence says it all. “I hated not knowing where you were.” God. *sobs*
Now, I want to address the cheating that takes place in this story and why I was ok with it. As many of you know, it’s very rare for me to even consider reading anything with any kind of cheating. It’s a hard limit for me and it’s rare for me to either forgive the characters for it, or even want to read about it. When I read the line in the blurb saying “until a shocking act of betrayal destroys their relationship”, I immediately guessed cheating and became wary. On one hand, I was incredibly drawn to the story. On the other hand, that put me right off. So I went straight to the source and messaged the author privately about it. At the end of the day, no one wants someone who might hate their story to read it, so I trusted that she’d give me the most honest answer she could. And it was her answer that convinced me to give the book a shot.
Aestas: Ok — brutally honest question for you… cheating is usually a hard limit for me. But there have occasionally been (very rare) exceptions to my rules. Do you think honestly that there’s a chance this could still be something I’d like even taking the way I feel about cheating into consideration?
She took 4 minutes before answering, clearly thinking about it. And then said this:
Suanne (author): I think it could, yes. Because the tragedy of the storyline lies not only in Daisy’s decision (however impaired) but also Erik’s choice in how to deal with it. And it’s his evolution to turn around and face the issue which drives the story. It’s not formulaic or clichéd.
It was an honest answer and in the end she was right. My issue with cheating lies in the fact that I feel it completely undermines the characters’ love for each other. The thing that made me open to the idea of being more understanding in this case was the severe trauma they had gone through with the school shooting. I understand that PTSD changes people, and I understand that being young and trying to deal with it without professional help can lead a person down destructive paths. For me, it was more a question of trusting that in the book the author would not only explain the situation in a way that made me understand the characters, but also that she would handle the consequent healing (however long that process took) in a realistic manner. And I have to say that she was absolutely right. It wasn’t formulaic or clichéd. It felt very real. And as such, it allowed me to love this story — even the most painful parts.
For those of you who want more details…
Regarding the ending, you should know it’s happy. I’ll come right out and say it because the blurb can be a little scary. This isn’t a tragic story. It’s incredibly painful and heartbreaking at times and deals with many serious themes. But ultimately, it’s uplifiting. The point really is that these characters were able to come through it all stronger, and were able to find each other again. This is their journey to get there.
I personally loved this story because it was exactly what I was looking for right now. To me, it was amazing. Breathtaking and refreshing. Completely unique. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, fast-paced thrill-ride, this isn’t it. If you want the kind of story that’ll work it’s way into your heart, make you loose sleep while you stay up reading, and make you truly feel the journey, this is it. It’s a deep story. It’s multi-layered. It’s slow building. But I promise you that everything happens for a reason. And I personally am so glad I decided to read it because this is now without a doubt one of my favorite books!
However, I will say that I felt like it needed more to it at the end. There is actually a second book currently available that tells Daisy’s side of the story (because this book is Erik’s story). But personally I didn’t find that I needed to know more about what had already happened — I felt like I actually understood that part well enough to be completely satisfied with it — but I wanted more from the end. It’s happy, but open ended. I have heard though that she’s planning to write a third book though so maybe we’ll get more then. Regardless, this is a complete story with a resolved ending and it can be read as a standalone.
As for rating, this easily had 5 star writing and a 5 star story. But I’m going with a 4.5 star rating overall because even though it had a resolved ending, after experiencing a decade of heartache with these characters, I needed more time focused on the happiness at the end to balance the whole story out. I was euphorically relieved that they’d found their way back to each other, but I wanted to see more of their future. If this book had had three more chapters and an epilogue, it would have been 5 stars all the way!
But I truly did love it and I feel the need to mention yet again how utterly beautiful the writing was!
And lastly, I want to share a note from the author that was actually the final thing that made me drop everything to read this book. What she describes is exactly what I’m always searching for:
WOW, right? That’s why I read this book. It was absolutely breathtaking!! With it’s unique plotline and utterly exquisite writing, this is the kind of story you feel deep in your heart and that’ll stay with you long after you finish reading. I highly recommend it!
Rating: 4.5 stars!
_______________________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Twitter
✦ Subscribe by email
“She had my heart. I gave her my soul."
WOW. WOW. WOW!
I was blown away by this book! It was a refreshingly unique story and the writing was exquisite. Vivid, powerful, and enthralling. The story was very slow-building, and meticulously detailed, but every single detail mattered. Everything was connected and had depth, but it didn’t follow any rules. Normally that would honestly be scary for me, but with the way that everything was portrayed, I felt like I understood where the characters were coming from. Their highs and lows, flaws and strengths, mistakes and triumphs all felt believable. The story felt real. It felt like I was living the story with them. I loved it!
Ever come across a book that you feel you just have to read? Where, from the moment you hear about it, it just calls to you? Well, that’s how I felt about this one. I had other reading plans in place and three books lined up to try next, but then I stumbled across this one and it just completely took over my mind. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, wondering about it. I had to read it. And I’m so incredibly glad I did.
The story is about a Erik, a college freshman, who falls in love with a beautiful dancer named Daisy. But “when a disturbed friend brings a gun into the theater, six lives are lost and she is left seriously injured, her professional dreams shattered. Traumatized by the experience, the lovers spiral into depression and drug use until a shocking act of betrayal destroys their relationship. To survive, he must leave school and disconnect from all he loves. He buries his heartbreak and puts the past behind. Or so he believes…
As he moves into adulthood, he comes to grips with his role in the shooting, and slowly heals the most wounded parts of his soul. But the unresolved grief for her continues to shape his dreams at night. Once those dreams were haunted by blood and gunfire. Now they are haunted by the refrain of a song and a single question: is leaving always the end of loving?
Spanning fifteen years, The Man I Love explores themes of love and sexuality, trauma and its long-lasting effects, the burden of unfinished business and the power of reconciliation. Through his experience we reflect on what it means to be a man, a son and a leader. A soul mate, a partner and a lover. What it means to live the truth of who you are and what you feel. What it means to fight for what you love.”
That blurb just grabbed my attention. I love stories that span several years (especially ones that are over the space of more than a decade) and in this story, we follow the characters from about 18-19 years old up until their 30’s. It’s quite an incredible journey.
But now… THE WRITING. Holy shit, guys. THE WRITING.
The writing was absolutely breathtaking. Elegant in it’s simplicity. Flawless. Entrancing. I’m really serious here. Every. Single. Sentence. Was. Beautiful. It had this smooth-flowing, addictive quality that drew me right into the story and begged me to turn the page. But at the same time, it was the kind of book I wanted to take my time with. This wasn’t a book you could rush. The story was very slow-building but the writing itself almost begged you to slow down and just absorb it word by word. And not only was it beautifully written, but it was clearly very well-thought-out with a lot of foreshadowing. Words and phrasing from the beginning would be echoed back later in the story in ways that would make my heart skip a beat.
While I do think it’s possible that some readers will find it too slow building, I personally think it was perfect for this story. In order to full deliver the emotional punch that I promise you comes later, it needed to build that connection from the ground up. This story wasn’t just about Erik and Daisy, it was about this incredible core group of friends — the dynamics of which would forever be changed on the day of the fateful shooting. But that love and that comraderie needed to be built it a way where you, as the reader, didn’t only know about it, but also felt it. It needed to be powerful. And my God, was it ever.
There are so many moments in this story that had a such deep and profound impact on my heart… The dancing. Them falling in love. Re-reading the quote in the hotel. The tattoos. We fucking own this. I love us. Human valium. The Purple Heart. The shaved head. The alpha male. The standing ovation. The thousand-yard stare. The lint… Gah. I have this whole long list in my notes of these powerful moments. I laughed, I cried, I was overjoyed, and devastated. I felt the tragedy and I felt the triumph. I felt everything.
“The man I love all right,” Daisy said…
“I love you,” Erik said, laughing. He caught her hand, holding onto the connection a few more precious seconds…
“I love us,” she said, and kissed him.
“Us.”
This really isn’t a fairytale. It’s quite a realistic story with very flawed characters. The author isn’t afraid to tackle extremely difficult subjects. But I really was impressed with the way everything was portrayed. This is a book that ignores all the rules and makes it’s own. It’s absolutely not a “normal” contemporary romance. But for me, it delivered exactly what I craved: a unique story with beautiful writing and a strong portrayal of the kind of love that doesn’t let go even after the worst violence, the deepest betrayal, and the longest separation. It’s soul mate love. The kind that never ends.
There’s actually a sentence in the story that, for me, resonated so deeply. It’s just a simple one, but it hit home so hard. She says, “I hated not knowing where you were.” When you’re someone’s soul mate, the hurt matters, but at the end of the day, you need that person in your life. And if you don’t have them, they never leave your heart, and that sentence says it all. “I hated not knowing where you were.” God. *sobs*
“Do you miss her?”
“Yes.”
“What do you miss?”
“I cannot find the peace I had when I was with her. When I was with her, my cells were happy. I miss looking in her eyes and everything else just disappearing… She was my soul mate and I miss her.”
Now, I want to address the cheating that takes place in this story and why I was ok with it. As many of you know, it’s very rare for me to even consider reading anything with any kind of cheating. It’s a hard limit for me and it’s rare for me to either forgive the characters for it, or even want to read about it. When I read the line in the blurb saying “until a shocking act of betrayal destroys their relationship”, I immediately guessed cheating and became wary. On one hand, I was incredibly drawn to the story. On the other hand, that put me right off. So I went straight to the source and messaged the author privately about it. At the end of the day, no one wants someone who might hate their story to read it, so I trusted that she’d give me the most honest answer she could. And it was her answer that convinced me to give the book a shot.
Aestas: Ok — brutally honest question for you… cheating is usually a hard limit for me. But there have occasionally been (very rare) exceptions to my rules. Do you think honestly that there’s a chance this could still be something I’d like even taking the way I feel about cheating into consideration?
She took 4 minutes before answering, clearly thinking about it. And then said this:
Suanne (author): I think it could, yes. Because the tragedy of the storyline lies not only in Daisy’s decision (however impaired) but also Erik’s choice in how to deal with it. And it’s his evolution to turn around and face the issue which drives the story. It’s not formulaic or clichéd.
It was an honest answer and in the end she was right. My issue with cheating lies in the fact that I feel it completely undermines the characters’ love for each other. The thing that made me open to the idea of being more understanding in this case was the severe trauma they had gone through with the school shooting. I understand that PTSD changes people, and I understand that being young and trying to deal with it without professional help can lead a person down destructive paths. For me, it was more a question of trusting that in the book the author would not only explain the situation in a way that made me understand the characters, but also that she would handle the consequent healing (however long that process took) in a realistic manner. And I have to say that she was absolutely right. It wasn’t formulaic or clichéd. It felt very real. And as such, it allowed me to love this story — even the most painful parts.
For those of you who want more details…
“Leaving isn’t always the end of loving.”
Regarding the ending, you should know it’s happy. I’ll come right out and say it because the blurb can be a little scary. This isn’t a tragic story. It’s incredibly painful and heartbreaking at times and deals with many serious themes. But ultimately, it’s uplifiting. The point really is that these characters were able to come through it all stronger, and were able to find each other again. This is their journey to get there.
I personally loved this story because it was exactly what I was looking for right now. To me, it was amazing. Breathtaking and refreshing. Completely unique. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, fast-paced thrill-ride, this isn’t it. If you want the kind of story that’ll work it’s way into your heart, make you loose sleep while you stay up reading, and make you truly feel the journey, this is it. It’s a deep story. It’s multi-layered. It’s slow building. But I promise you that everything happens for a reason. And I personally am so glad I decided to read it because this is now without a doubt one of my favorite books!
However, I will say that I felt like it needed more to it at the end. There is actually a second book currently available that tells Daisy’s side of the story (because this book is Erik’s story). But personally I didn’t find that I needed to know more about what had already happened — I felt like I actually understood that part well enough to be completely satisfied with it — but I wanted more from the end. It’s happy, but open ended. I have heard though that she’s planning to write a third book though so maybe we’ll get more then. Regardless, this is a complete story with a resolved ending and it can be read as a standalone.
As for rating, this easily had 5 star writing and a 5 star story. But I’m going with a 4.5 star rating overall because even though it had a resolved ending, after experiencing a decade of heartache with these characters, I needed more time focused on the happiness at the end to balance the whole story out. I was euphorically relieved that they’d found their way back to each other, but I wanted to see more of their future. If this book had had three more chapters and an epilogue, it would have been 5 stars all the way!
But I truly did love it and I feel the need to mention yet again how utterly beautiful the writing was!
“All I know is twelve years later, you’re still in my head and I don’t stop thinking about you. I can’t stop thinking about you.”
And lastly, I want to share a note from the author that was actually the final thing that made me drop everything to read this book. What she describes is exactly what I’m always searching for:
A good story absorbs you into another world, where you meet characters so believable, you’re pissed off you can’t call them to have coffee. Or take them to bed.
You don’t want just another “contemporary romance.” You don’t want a genre. You want a story that mirrors your longing. You want to see the unspoken words in your heart on the page. You want to be touched and validated. You want to be swept up in a love that erases the universe and sets you at the center of a new galaxy. But you’re no fool… You want it to be believable.
I want that, too. I want to write passionate but thoughtful love stories. I made up my own genre: I call it emotionally intelligent romance.
Now come over here. I have a story for you.
WOW, right? That’s why I read this book. It was absolutely breathtaking!! With it’s unique plotline and utterly exquisite writing, this is the kind of story you feel deep in your heart and that’ll stay with you long after you finish reading. I highly recommend it!
Rating: 4.5 stars!
_______________________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Subscribe by email
June 21, 2018
Bilgi: Bu kitap çok yakında Türkçe'ye çevrilecek ve şahsen bu güne kadar okuduğum en muhteşem ve en unutulmaz kitaplardan biri olduğunu söyleyebilirim. Yazarın anlatımı o kadar güzel ve farklı ki... Özetle Erik ve Daisy'nin hikayesini mutlaka okumalısınız! <3
Update: This book will be translate into Turkish soon. OMG words will only fail me but Suanne, I'm so happy for you. Congrats! You deserve this. 🌼🌼🌼 I love us! ❤❤❤
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"I want to know you in the dark.
I want you to look at me with your hands.
I want to kiss you until I die."
-Phenomenal-
Mrs. Laqueur, this story has earned a special place in my heart and I'm going to carry it with me until I die... Thank you very much for this unforgettable journey. <3
I've read this book 3 days ago but I still couldn't get over it. I'm still thinking about it and I'm still feeling those amazing moments of that book and I feel like whatever I write in here, it just couldn't express my feelings. Ahh I literally couldn't remember when was the last time that I read such a powerful book which affected me body & soul. This story was really beautiful and also it was so sad. It was so well written which I've found myself I was reading some of the lines over and over again and I felt every single emotion in that book. I laughed and I also cried so bad with Erik and Daisy. Their love was so unique and after 3 days I'm still speechless. <3
And I don't know what can I say more to you but if you trust my book choices, please just give it a chance this book. I'll guarantee, you won't be regret for reading it. ;)
Ps. I have a lot favorite quotes from this book and I want to share some of them with you. <3
“She smiled back at him. Neither of them had said so much as hello yet she was looking at him with those eyes. Deep in the cathedral of his young being, Erik felt a bell toll, a peal of recognition. And for the rest of his life, he would swear, he would swear to anyone who asked, although nothing was said aloud, he heard Daisy Bianco speak to him. She said it with her eyes, he heard it clearly in his head, and it wasn’t hello.
It was, 'Well, here you are...'
Here I am, he thought.”
“I'm feeling so much. I don't even have names for what I feel.”
“I love us,” she whispered.
He smiled, feeling the world to his bones. “I love us, too."
“When I was with her, my cells were happy. I miss looking in her eyes and everything else just disappearing.”
“She was a beautiful china cup on a table, quietly asking to be filled. And little by little, Erik was tipping over and pouring out.”
“His heart expanded until he was nothing but a heart. A giant pounding heart on two shaking legs walking over to her.”
“Leaving isn't always the end of loving. Love doesn't give a shit about geography. It's not a thing you can abandon at will.”
“Nothing man made was perfect. A partnership wasn't about being beautiful and adored...it was about incorporating the mistakes into the architecture and continuing to build something beautiful. Together.”
“You can bury your pain or avoid it. You can tattoo over it. But you won't be free of it until you feel it.”
"Loving her felt like creating something. A cathedral. Spires and stained glass and bells. But she broke one window and I indiscriminately tore the whole thing down.”
“At some point you just gotta start living the truth of who you are and what you feel.”
Update: This book will be translate into Turkish soon. OMG words will only fail me but Suanne, I'm so happy for you. Congrats! You deserve this. 🌼🌼🌼 I love us! ❤❤❤
------------------
"I want to know you in the dark.
I want you to look at me with your hands.
I want to kiss you until I die."
-Phenomenal-
Mrs. Laqueur, this story has earned a special place in my heart and I'm going to carry it with me until I die... Thank you very much for this unforgettable journey. <3
I've read this book 3 days ago but I still couldn't get over it. I'm still thinking about it and I'm still feeling those amazing moments of that book and I feel like whatever I write in here, it just couldn't express my feelings. Ahh I literally couldn't remember when was the last time that I read such a powerful book which affected me body & soul. This story was really beautiful and also it was so sad. It was so well written which I've found myself I was reading some of the lines over and over again and I felt every single emotion in that book. I laughed and I also cried so bad with Erik and Daisy. Their love was so unique and after 3 days I'm still speechless. <3
And I don't know what can I say more to you but if you trust my book choices, please just give it a chance this book. I'll guarantee, you won't be regret for reading it. ;)
Ps. I have a lot favorite quotes from this book and I want to share some of them with you. <3
“She smiled back at him. Neither of them had said so much as hello yet she was looking at him with those eyes. Deep in the cathedral of his young being, Erik felt a bell toll, a peal of recognition. And for the rest of his life, he would swear, he would swear to anyone who asked, although nothing was said aloud, he heard Daisy Bianco speak to him. She said it with her eyes, he heard it clearly in his head, and it wasn’t hello.
It was, 'Well, here you are...'
Here I am, he thought.”
“I'm feeling so much. I don't even have names for what I feel.”
“I love us,” she whispered.
He smiled, feeling the world to his bones. “I love us, too."
“When I was with her, my cells were happy. I miss looking in her eyes and everything else just disappearing.”
“She was a beautiful china cup on a table, quietly asking to be filled. And little by little, Erik was tipping over and pouring out.”
“His heart expanded until he was nothing but a heart. A giant pounding heart on two shaking legs walking over to her.”
“Leaving isn't always the end of loving. Love doesn't give a shit about geography. It's not a thing you can abandon at will.”
“Nothing man made was perfect. A partnership wasn't about being beautiful and adored...it was about incorporating the mistakes into the architecture and continuing to build something beautiful. Together.”
“You can bury your pain or avoid it. You can tattoo over it. But you won't be free of it until you feel it.”
"Loving her felt like creating something. A cathedral. Spires and stained glass and bells. But she broke one window and I indiscriminately tore the whole thing down.”
“At some point you just gotta start living the truth of who you are and what you feel.”
January 8, 2024
5 stars
Where has this book been all my life? I can't believe it's been out for years and I'm just now reading it. Better late than never I suppose, but seriously, if you haven't read it, you need to. Erik and Daisy's story is EVERYTHING.
This story spans 15 years and starts with Daisy and Erik in college and falling in love. They say when you know you know, and from the moment Erik met Daisy, he knew. These two belonged together and it seemed like nothing could ever tear them apart. Until an unthinkable tragedy happened at their college campus. If you've ever truly suffered through a tragedy you know that it changes people. Grief can consume you, tragedy can change you, and if you don't work on healing, it can tear you apart. That is what happens with Daisy and Erik. Tragedy tears them apart.
As time passes, it is always obvious to both of them that they are meant to be. No matter what happens in their lives, it never feels quite right because they aren't together.
The end of this book had me jumping straight into the second book. I read that it's some of the same story from Daisy's perspective (plus a lot of new material) and even though a lot of times I skip over retelling books I need this one desperately. I have to know what was going on in her head when she did what she did and I want to see what she was up to all those years these two were apart.
If you are a fan of epic romance, pick this book up. It will give you all the feels and take over your life while reading. I can't wait to read more of Erik and Daisy's love story!!
Where has this book been all my life? I can't believe it's been out for years and I'm just now reading it. Better late than never I suppose, but seriously, if you haven't read it, you need to. Erik and Daisy's story is EVERYTHING.
This story spans 15 years and starts with Daisy and Erik in college and falling in love. They say when you know you know, and from the moment Erik met Daisy, he knew. These two belonged together and it seemed like nothing could ever tear them apart. Until an unthinkable tragedy happened at their college campus. If you've ever truly suffered through a tragedy you know that it changes people. Grief can consume you, tragedy can change you, and if you don't work on healing, it can tear you apart. That is what happens with Daisy and Erik. Tragedy tears them apart.
As time passes, it is always obvious to both of them that they are meant to be. No matter what happens in their lives, it never feels quite right because they aren't together.
“Do you miss her?”
“Yes.”
“What do you miss?”
“I cannot find the peace I had when I was with her. When I was with her, my cells were happy. I miss looking in her eyes and everything else just disappearing… She was my soul mate and I miss her.”
The end of this book had me jumping straight into the second book. I read that it's some of the same story from Daisy's perspective (plus a lot of new material) and even though a lot of times I skip over retelling books I need this one desperately. I have to know what was going on in her head when she did what she did and I want to see what she was up to all those years these two were apart.
If you are a fan of epic romance, pick this book up. It will give you all the feels and take over your life while reading. I can't wait to read more of Erik and Daisy's love story!!
“Leaving isn’t always the end of loving.”
May 22, 2018
*****4.75 STARS*****
My poor soul...
Wow!
Just Wow!
I need to find my words. I’ve officially lost my words.
This book is told from the 3rd person but it is all from Erik, our hero.
Erik is a guarded person who just like everyone else wants to be loved and adored although it was never too show how to accomplish that. After his father leaving without a word when he was 8 years old, Erik built an invisible wall around his heart. He was open to letting those walls down one day when he came across the right person. He believed that when the right girl came along he would know.
Luckily for him, he would met this girl as a freshman in college….
Along came Daisy….
Erik met Daisy at his university theater where his worked on the production crew. Daisy is a very talented and beautiful ballerina. Erik is immediately drawn to her and her to him. It was truly love at first sight, if believe in that sort of thing. I don’t normally believe but Daisy and Erik changed my mind.
Daisy was Erik’s safe place, a place where there was no judgement, only understanding. She was his shoulder to lean on and someone to share his pain with.
He was able to open up and talk about his dad leaving….
They were perfect for each other, maybe even made for one another.
And along came James, a new guy who transferred from another school who entered the ballet program. James never seemed “quite right” you know. Something was just off with him. Not to mention he was in love with Erik’s best friend and roommate, Will. Overtime it became apparent to James that Will could not love him in return and things started falling apart.
And then shit hit the fan…
It’s crazy how one day everything in fine, life is beautiful and the next day your entire wold changes.
Now that is love let me tell ya. To walk into your possible death to get to the woman you love. Not every man would make that choice. But to Erik it was never a choice it wasn’t even an option – it was want had to be done. Not everyone is lucky enough to be loved that way, so deeply and completely.
This story makes you wonder about things, such as....
When do you go from the one who needs to forgive to the one who needs forgiving? After so many years of avoiding and ignoring Daisy without explanation, did Erik need to be forgiven for never speaking with her as well? Fuck if I know.
The Man I Love was completely Erik so I have no idea what was going on in Daisy’s head but I look forward to learning in the next book, Give Me Your Answer True – from Daisy’s POV. Until then I can only go off of what Erik felt. But I can say no matter what, Erik had a right to grieve the way he did, no one can make that choice for him.
No one can tell another person how to grieve or how long they can be upset for. Did Erik wait too long before he went to Daisy? I don’t know, maybe. It’s a hard question to answer. I have no business making someone think just like me.
This story is so complex it’s hard to answer some questions as to what was right and what was wrong. Everyone has to come to their own opinion about it. I recommend that you read the book and find the answers for yourself.
To read my unfiltered, complete review....https://prettymessreading.wordpress.c...
Follow all my crazy....
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/prettymessr...
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/prettymessre...
Twitter https://twitter.com/prettymessread
My poor soul...
Wow!
Just Wow!
I need to find my words. I’ve officially lost my words.
This book is told from the 3rd person but it is all from Erik, our hero.
Erik is a guarded person who just like everyone else wants to be loved and adored although it was never too show how to accomplish that. After his father leaving without a word when he was 8 years old, Erik built an invisible wall around his heart. He was open to letting those walls down one day when he came across the right person. He believed that when the right girl came along he would know.
Luckily for him, he would met this girl as a freshman in college….
Along came Daisy….
Erik met Daisy at his university theater where his worked on the production crew. Daisy is a very talented and beautiful ballerina. Erik is immediately drawn to her and her to him. It was truly love at first sight, if believe in that sort of thing. I don’t normally believe but Daisy and Erik changed my mind.
Daisy was Erik’s safe place, a place where there was no judgement, only understanding. She was his shoulder to lean on and someone to share his pain with.
He was able to open up and talk about his dad leaving….
“That is,” she said slowly, “such a violent thing. For a parent to disappear. Emotionally violent. It just stops a story dead in the middle. Like you turn the page and there are no more pages. What do you do with the story.”
He shrugged one shoulder. “It becomes a different story.”
She nodded. “Your story.”
They were perfect for each other, maybe even made for one another.
And along came James, a new guy who transferred from another school who entered the ballet program. James never seemed “quite right” you know. Something was just off with him. Not to mention he was in love with Erik’s best friend and roommate, Will. Overtime it became apparent to James that Will could not love him in return and things started falling apart.
And then shit hit the fan…
It’s crazy how one day everything in fine, life is beautiful and the next day your entire wold changes.
Now that is love let me tell ya. To walk into your possible death to get to the woman you love. Not every man would make that choice. But to Erik it was never a choice it wasn’t even an option – it was want had to be done. Not everyone is lucky enough to be loved that way, so deeply and completely.
This story makes you wonder about things, such as....
When do you go from the one who needs to forgive to the one who needs forgiving? After so many years of avoiding and ignoring Daisy without explanation, did Erik need to be forgiven for never speaking with her as well? Fuck if I know.
The Man I Love was completely Erik so I have no idea what was going on in Daisy’s head but I look forward to learning in the next book, Give Me Your Answer True – from Daisy’s POV. Until then I can only go off of what Erik felt. But I can say no matter what, Erik had a right to grieve the way he did, no one can make that choice for him.
No one can tell another person how to grieve or how long they can be upset for. Did Erik wait too long before he went to Daisy? I don’t know, maybe. It’s a hard question to answer. I have no business making someone think just like me.
This story is so complex it’s hard to answer some questions as to what was right and what was wrong. Everyone has to come to their own opinion about it. I recommend that you read the book and find the answers for yourself.
To read my unfiltered, complete review....https://prettymessreading.wordpress.c...
Follow all my crazy....
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/prettymessr...
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/prettymessre...
Twitter https://twitter.com/prettymessread
July 7, 2024
I've had a really rough couple of days here with books, and so I was trying my hardest to see this one through to the end and not DNF, but here we are.
The writing is lovely, and the romance is literally love at first sight. The very quick love match is portrayed with this super heavy, ooey-gooey, sickly sweet vibe that's really just too much for me.
I don't believe it for a second. The fact that I was dreading picking this book up is enough for me to just move on and not even feel guilty about it.
DNF @60%
I'm hearing that this is an epic, beautiful and painful love story. Looking forward to finding out. Bring on the sobbing.
୨୧ "A watershed moment exists in every man's life, Fish—the moment he stops being his mother's son and starts being his lover's man. When he transitions from protected to protector." ୨୧
୨୧ “She smiled back at him. Neither of them had said so much as hello yet she was looking at him with those eyes.
Deep in the cathedral of his young being, Erik felt a bell toll, a peal of recognition. And for the rest of his life, he would swear, he would swear to anyone who asked, although nothing was said aloud, he heard Daisy Bianco speak to him. She said it with her eyes, he heard it clearly in his head, and it wasn’t hello.
It was, 'Well, here you are...'
Here I am, he thought.” ୨୧
The writing is lovely, and the romance is literally love at first sight. The very quick love match is portrayed with this super heavy, ooey-gooey, sickly sweet vibe that's really just too much for me.
I don't believe it for a second. The fact that I was dreading picking this book up is enough for me to just move on and not even feel guilty about it.
DNF @60%
・・・・☆・・・・☆ ・・・・
୨୧ "A watershed moment exists in every man's life, Fish—the moment he stops being his mother's son and starts being his lover's man. When he transitions from protected to protector." ୨୧
୨୧ “She smiled back at him. Neither of them had said so much as hello yet she was looking at him with those eyes.
Deep in the cathedral of his young being, Erik felt a bell toll, a peal of recognition. And for the rest of his life, he would swear, he would swear to anyone who asked, although nothing was said aloud, he heard Daisy Bianco speak to him. She said it with her eyes, he heard it clearly in his head, and it wasn’t hello.
It was, 'Well, here you are...'
Here I am, he thought.” ୨୧
・・・・☆・・・・☆ ・・・・
July 19, 2015
~5 Flawless Stars~
"Dancers live in light as fish live in water."- Jean Rosenthal
Every once in a while you come across a book that speaks to your soul and it irrevocably changes you. The Man I Love is one of those reads. From the first word on the first page, I was swept into another world. A world not much different from our own. A world where a boy and girl fall in love. A world where violence sweeps in and infects all of the goodness that exists between two souls. A world where they have to fight like hell to find themselves again and hopefully make their way back to each other.
Erik is a Theatre Tech minor at Lancaster University.
"The show was on the stage, true, but a second show was going on backstage, in front of the stage, even over the stage. And without those shows, there was no show."
He is learning how to hang lights, set up cue sheets, design and build sets, and just figuring out who he is. When the dance department sets up camp in the theatre to rehearse their annual showcase performance, Erik meets a very special dancer that will become his entire world.
"And though it wasn't anything close to true love, or even false love, the encounter seemed to fix the coordinates for Erik's place in the universe."
Daisy is a young Dance major. She is beautiful and kind and exudes joy with every breath that she takes. Erik and Daisy meet and become fast friends. The dancers and theatre majors mingle and a close knit group is formed. Daisy and Erik begin to experience young love that in turn develops into an intense romance. (We all know what can happen when two artists come together!) It is passionate, romantic, endearing, sweet, loving, and a little painful at times.
"I was born to be near you. I want to know you in the dark. I want you to look at me with your hands. I want to kiss you until I die."
As the young students grow and develop their craft together, things seem to be perfect. They are young and experiencing everything new. But when tragedy strikes the campus, everything is torn apart.
However hard Daisy and Erik work to fight through the pain, eventually things fall apart. The friends that had once spent their hours studying, rehearsing, building, laughing, and partying are now living shattered lives. All of a sudden things cannot be made right. At least, not at that moment in time.
When Daisy makes a mistake, Erik leaves her in order to escape the pain.
"I can't hate you. I could never hate you. But now I can never love you."-Erik
"I can never love her. And I can never love anyone else. This is my life now. Everything is ruined."-Erik
The next ten years of his life are spent with more hurting, healing, loving, and just dealing with the trauma he experienced the best way that he can. It was a difficult journey to behold. There were times that I wanted to climb through my kindle and give Erik a good shake or hug or both. However painful his journey was, it was meant to be in order for him to find peace.
"At some point, you just gotta start living the truth of who you are and what you feel."
The Man I Love is not your typical romance read. Although the love affair between Daisy and Erik is tender and very sexy, the book focuses on the repercussions and aftermath of a violent act. To put it frankly, this book is not for the faint of heart. I cried. I cried the big bad "ugly cry.". However devastated I felt for the characters, I was also present to experience their joy. I smiled with them in the tender moments and cried with them through the pain. Every single character in this book experiences a transformation. Ms. Laquer's writing is rich with detail. Every moment is described thoroughly. The color of the text, the depth of the emotions, the physical pain that is felt in your gut, are all elements that remain present throughout the read. The book is written in Erik's POV as the story focuses on his journey. My heart hurt for him and yet my mind was constantly wondering, what is happening with Daisy? Luckily, the author has already released Give Me Your Answer True which is Daisy's story.
"Leaving isn't always the end of loving. Love doesn't give a shit about geography. It's not a thing you can abandon at will."
As an artist, I want to applaud the author for thoroughly and "completely" immersing me back in time to the life of a studying artist. Every single description from hanging stage lights, experiencing a production from rehearsal to technical rehearsal to performance, and the easy comradire that is felt within a young artist institution was explored and felt to my core. Ms. Laqueur is an exquisite storyteller.
"You can bury your pain or avoid it. You can tattoo over it. But you won't be free of it until you feel it."
Overall, The Man I Love is by far the most intense book that I have ever read. The emotions that it evoked were raw, real, violent, heartbreaking, and beautiful. Erik and Daisy share a unique story combined with intense joy and intense pain. What makes this story especially precious is that it is real. Violence of this nature can happen, it has happened, and it will happen again. The question we all beg to know is: can love be enough to heal us and carry us through the most unthinkable atrocities ? After the terror strikes, can we truly move forward? I simply cannot express my gratitude to this author for addressing such serious and relevant issues and presenting them through the love story of these beautiful characters. Daisy and Erik are two characters that I will never forget. If you are looking for a deep read with a lot of heart, look no further. The Man I Love is the book for you!
"I don't know where I stop and you begin."
~ARC generously offered by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Ms. Laqueur for sharing your work with me.~
"Dancers live in light as fish live in water."- Jean Rosenthal
Every once in a while you come across a book that speaks to your soul and it irrevocably changes you. The Man I Love is one of those reads. From the first word on the first page, I was swept into another world. A world not much different from our own. A world where a boy and girl fall in love. A world where violence sweeps in and infects all of the goodness that exists between two souls. A world where they have to fight like hell to find themselves again and hopefully make their way back to each other.
Erik is a Theatre Tech minor at Lancaster University.
"The show was on the stage, true, but a second show was going on backstage, in front of the stage, even over the stage. And without those shows, there was no show."
He is learning how to hang lights, set up cue sheets, design and build sets, and just figuring out who he is. When the dance department sets up camp in the theatre to rehearse their annual showcase performance, Erik meets a very special dancer that will become his entire world.
"And though it wasn't anything close to true love, or even false love, the encounter seemed to fix the coordinates for Erik's place in the universe."
Daisy is a young Dance major. She is beautiful and kind and exudes joy with every breath that she takes. Erik and Daisy meet and become fast friends. The dancers and theatre majors mingle and a close knit group is formed. Daisy and Erik begin to experience young love that in turn develops into an intense romance. (We all know what can happen when two artists come together!) It is passionate, romantic, endearing, sweet, loving, and a little painful at times.
"I was born to be near you. I want to know you in the dark. I want you to look at me with your hands. I want to kiss you until I die."
As the young students grow and develop their craft together, things seem to be perfect. They are young and experiencing everything new. But when tragedy strikes the campus, everything is torn apart.
However hard Daisy and Erik work to fight through the pain, eventually things fall apart. The friends that had once spent their hours studying, rehearsing, building, laughing, and partying are now living shattered lives. All of a sudden things cannot be made right. At least, not at that moment in time.
When Daisy makes a mistake, Erik leaves her in order to escape the pain.
"I can't hate you. I could never hate you. But now I can never love you."-Erik
"I can never love her. And I can never love anyone else. This is my life now. Everything is ruined."-Erik
The next ten years of his life are spent with more hurting, healing, loving, and just dealing with the trauma he experienced the best way that he can. It was a difficult journey to behold. There were times that I wanted to climb through my kindle and give Erik a good shake or hug or both. However painful his journey was, it was meant to be in order for him to find peace.
"At some point, you just gotta start living the truth of who you are and what you feel."
The Man I Love is not your typical romance read. Although the love affair between Daisy and Erik is tender and very sexy, the book focuses on the repercussions and aftermath of a violent act. To put it frankly, this book is not for the faint of heart. I cried. I cried the big bad "ugly cry.". However devastated I felt for the characters, I was also present to experience their joy. I smiled with them in the tender moments and cried with them through the pain. Every single character in this book experiences a transformation. Ms. Laquer's writing is rich with detail. Every moment is described thoroughly. The color of the text, the depth of the emotions, the physical pain that is felt in your gut, are all elements that remain present throughout the read. The book is written in Erik's POV as the story focuses on his journey. My heart hurt for him and yet my mind was constantly wondering, what is happening with Daisy? Luckily, the author has already released Give Me Your Answer True which is Daisy's story.
"Leaving isn't always the end of loving. Love doesn't give a shit about geography. It's not a thing you can abandon at will."
As an artist, I want to applaud the author for thoroughly and "completely" immersing me back in time to the life of a studying artist. Every single description from hanging stage lights, experiencing a production from rehearsal to technical rehearsal to performance, and the easy comradire that is felt within a young artist institution was explored and felt to my core. Ms. Laqueur is an exquisite storyteller.
"You can bury your pain or avoid it. You can tattoo over it. But you won't be free of it until you feel it."
Overall, The Man I Love is by far the most intense book that I have ever read. The emotions that it evoked were raw, real, violent, heartbreaking, and beautiful. Erik and Daisy share a unique story combined with intense joy and intense pain. What makes this story especially precious is that it is real. Violence of this nature can happen, it has happened, and it will happen again. The question we all beg to know is: can love be enough to heal us and carry us through the most unthinkable atrocities ? After the terror strikes, can we truly move forward? I simply cannot express my gratitude to this author for addressing such serious and relevant issues and presenting them through the love story of these beautiful characters. Daisy and Erik are two characters that I will never forget. If you are looking for a deep read with a lot of heart, look no further. The Man I Love is the book for you!
"I don't know where I stop and you begin."
~ARC generously offered by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Ms. Laqueur for sharing your work with me.~
October 7, 2016
I was warned, dammit.
I was so not ready for this journey that took me up, brought me down, then crushed my feeble heart only to glue it back inside out.
Erik-Fish, I love you. Will, I love you. Daisy, I love you. I love you all. So, damn much. You have a special place in my heart, you you loveable trio you.
Erik, I forgive you for being so damn obtuse. Daisy, I forgive you, for breaking my and Fish’s heart. Will, well Will, I was so hopeful that you would kiss my boy Fish and I forgive you for not attempting to even go there.
Suanne Lacqueur,
But, I forgive you.
Gaaahhhhh.... Give me a minute, I’ll be back with a full review.
I was so not ready for this journey that took me up, brought me down, then crushed my feeble heart only to glue it back inside out.
Erik-Fish, I love you. Will, I love you. Daisy, I love you. I love you all. So, damn much. You have a special place in my heart, you you loveable trio you.
Erik, I forgive you for being so damn obtuse. Daisy, I forgive you, for breaking my and Fish’s heart. Will, well Will, I was so hopeful that you would kiss my boy Fish and I forgive you for not attempting to even go there.
Suanne Lacqueur,
But, I forgive you.
Gaaahhhhh.... Give me a minute, I’ll be back with a full review.
January 16, 2016
Title: The Man I Love
Series: The Fish Tales #1
Author: Suanne Laqueur
Release date: June 16, 2014
Cliffhanger: Yes
HEA
Of all the books I have ever read, this may be the absolute hardest for me to sit down and review. There are books that you finish and you're speechless because you can't seem to find anything to talk about. And then there are books like these that make you speechless for a whole other reason. The feelings of inadequacy and the inability to share the sheer magnitude of what this book has to offer is sitting hard on my shoulders. But as Suanne tells us in the end of The Man I Love,
"It doesn't have to be a thing. Just breathe yourself onto the paper..."
And that's just what I'm going to do. Because my experience reading the book was that I lived it. It's the kind of book that's so raw and honest that you're inhaling this book, by the chapter, by the paragraph, down to each word. It settles in until the story is your oxygen and you can't catch your next breath. So now, this is me. Exhaling.
First and foremost, what is this book about? To me, a celebration of life. And some who read it might ask, "Are you crazy? This book is anything but a celebration." This book is brutal in it's depiction of human pain. I can honestly say I have never experienced such hurt for two characters in any other book. Their tears were my tears. Their agony was coursing through my body and I couldn't stop reading until I saw them start to heal. So why is it a celebration?
Inside the pain was violent beauty. A love that blossomed quickly and fiercely and through tragedy started to implode slowly...until the final blow ripped them apart. There was human failures and mistakes, a toxicity that was beyond their control and poisoned something that this couple found so simply. They gave up on each other, but their love didn't give up on them. Through years of separation, trying to forget, and struggling within themselves, one conclusion is made by Erik:
"At some point, you just have to start living the truth."
The love story between Erik and Dais was vast and complex. It's not a fictional fairytale of contrived plastic drama and bandaging bullet holes to satisfy the masses. It's gritty, and harsh, and turbulent. These two characters have to finally own their pasts, their present, and they find strength in letting the weakness in and overcoming it. The hope that forms for the future wraps all around you...through everything they have battled, you know in your heart that there is no one else for either of them.
"I love us," she whispered.
He smiled, feeling the world to his bones. "I love us, too."
Some would label this simply a second chance love story. In essence, I guess you could say that. But it's much more than that, it's an expression of love, tragedy, pain, fear, struggle, discovery, recovery, hope, truth, and a million more things.
If you've heard things about this book that scare you, I've been sitting where you're sitting. If you think there's not a snowball's chance in hell you'll enjoy something so difficult, I walked in your shoes. But I'm here, saying, it reached me, at a deep level-and I won't regret putting my hesitation aside, closing my eyes, and pushing past my boundaries. My expectations and preconceptions are rubble...I'm so far outside "the box" that I've lost it completely. And as a reader, that is something that is so rare and valuable, I know I'll never forget this story.
Suanne Laqueur, if you ever read this, thank you for being so brave. Thank you for giving us the story as it was meant to be told and not taking the easy way out. This book was poetry and perfectly imperfect. I wouldn't have it any other way.
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October 19, 2022
Wow.
I am a little speechless after experiencing this story. And I say 'experience' instead of 'read' purposely. Because this isn’t a story you sit down and just read. No, no. This is a book that consumes you, that works its way into your mind and makes you feel every single thing the characters feel.
This is not just a story. This is a tale. A saga. A lifelong journey. This is fucking incredible.
This is not fiction. It can't be. The story and characters felt SO damn real, so complex, that I felt like I was living everything right alongside them. Never have I read something that I enjoyed so much, but at the same time didn't want to read. I know that may not make much sense. But this story hit me so hard that at times I was too emotional and quite honestly scared to pick it back up and see what would happen next.
"I was born to be near you. I want to know you in the dark. I want you to look at me with your hands. I want to kiss you until I die."
Is it long? Yes. But it spans 15 years.
Is it slow? No. To me it was not. Everything the author wrote served a purpose and her writing is incredibly smart, poetic, and multilayered. It may seem ‘slow’ at first, but once that bomb drops - brace yourselves.
Is it heartbreaking? Yes. YES YES YES. I am stressing this now. This is not your average, mushy, lovey-dovey romance. This is REAL. This is about the sometimes romantic, sometimes gritty and devastating journey of two people who meet, fall in love, and after tragedy strikes, fuck up and all the moments in between.
Do I recommend it? YES YES YES.
"Leaving isn't always the end of loving. Love doesn't give a shit about geography. It's not a thing you can abandon at will."
I sat on writing this review for a little bit because really I didn’t know what to say. And in that time I think I came to appreciate the author and her writing even more. As an avid reader, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate and LOVE stories like this. Stories that are outside of the box. Stories that aren’t afraid to break the rules and rip your freaking heart out.
Suanne- if you are reading this. BRAVO. Your storytelling ability is incredible. Your unique writing is addictive. And this book needs to be experienced by EVERYONE.
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March 20, 2018Erik went back to his work, and a pleasant interlude passed where he was busy and Daisy was reading, yet the space they shared was companionable. The silence between them shimmered warm and inviting, like a campfire. He settled into it contentedly. A cat on the hearth.
“I like your necklace,” she said.
“This?”
“Can I see?”
He put his pencil down, reached behind his neck and unclasped it. He put it in a coiled heap in her waiting palm. She stretched it carefully across her long fingers. It was a gold chain with squared, faceted links. The squares gave it a unique, masculine silhouette, heavy but streamlined. Off the chain hung three small charms. Erik watched as Daisy examined each one: a boat, a fish and a saint’s medal, which was also square.
“Who is this?”
“Birgitta. She’s the patron saint of Sweden.”
Her fingers, with their unpolished oval nails, played with the charms which, like the chain, were old gold, weathered. They had a dull, wise brightness. Many fingers had rubbed, contem-plated and worried over them.
“This is beautiful,” Daisy said. “Actually it’s handsome. I don’t want to say macho, but it’s strong-looking.”
“I like the weight of it,” he said. “It’s solid.”
“Is it old?”
He reached and turned the medal over, to show her the engraving on the back: B.K.E.F. 1865.
“Bjorn Kennet Erik Fiskare. My great-great-grandfather.”
“Wow. This is like your history right here.”
“I’m told the boat and the fish are even older but nobody knows really. See. Here.” Erik turned the boat over and showed her Fiskare engraved into its bottom. “Fiskare means fisherman in Swedish.”
She studied the necklace again, holding it up. “So this has come down through the generations?”
He nodded. She wasn’t the first girl to ask him about his father’s side of the family. But other girls’ questions always felt like birds pecking at him, wearing him down or tearing him open. Daisy’s curiosity was soft on his skin. She was a beautiful china cup on a table, quietly asking to be filled. And little by little, Erik was tipping over and pouring out.
“Do you remember your father wearing this?”
“Sure. All the time. If I was sitting on his lap I’d like, you know, play with it. I had a little story in my head, this is the pretty lady and this is her boat and she goes sailing in the boat and catches this beautiful fish…”
She held the chain back out to him and he took it, their fingertips touching. “When did he give it to you? You said you were eight when he left.”
He fastened the chain behind his neck again. “The story I know,” he said, “is my mom saw him one more time after he left. To sign divorce papers.”
He glanced down. Daisy had put her hand out, palm up on the table between them. “And sometime during the meeting—” he put his hand on hers. “—he gave this to her. To give to me. And she didn’t for a long time, she kept it put away. I was too young.” His other hand joined the first, holding Daisy’s, rolling it between his palms, running his fingertips along the edges of her nails.
“Then when I was about sixteen, she gave it to me.”
“Did you want it?”
“I hadn’t seen it in years so at first it was like, ‘Oh wow, I remember this, the lady and the boat.’ But then I had to be sixteen about it, you know, prove he was no big deal to me. I told her I didn’t want it, I didn’t want anything of his. Screw him. All that shit.”
Under the table their ankles had cozied up together. It felt intimate and close there in the booth, holding her hands and feet, telling her secret things.
“I like your necklace,” she said.
“This?”
“Can I see?”
He put his pencil down, reached behind his neck and unclasped it. He put it in a coiled heap in her waiting palm. She stretched it carefully across her long fingers. It was a gold chain with squared, faceted links. The squares gave it a unique, masculine silhouette, heavy but streamlined. Off the chain hung three small charms. Erik watched as Daisy examined each one: a boat, a fish and a saint’s medal, which was also square.
“Who is this?”
“Birgitta. She’s the patron saint of Sweden.”
Her fingers, with their unpolished oval nails, played with the charms which, like the chain, were old gold, weathered. They had a dull, wise brightness. Many fingers had rubbed, contem-plated and worried over them.
“This is beautiful,” Daisy said. “Actually it’s handsome. I don’t want to say macho, but it’s strong-looking.”
“I like the weight of it,” he said. “It’s solid.”
“Is it old?”
He reached and turned the medal over, to show her the engraving on the back: B.K.E.F. 1865.
“Bjorn Kennet Erik Fiskare. My great-great-grandfather.”
“Wow. This is like your history right here.”
“I’m told the boat and the fish are even older but nobody knows really. See. Here.” Erik turned the boat over and showed her Fiskare engraved into its bottom. “Fiskare means fisherman in Swedish.”
She studied the necklace again, holding it up. “So this has come down through the generations?”
He nodded. She wasn’t the first girl to ask him about his father’s side of the family. But other girls’ questions always felt like birds pecking at him, wearing him down or tearing him open. Daisy’s curiosity was soft on his skin. She was a beautiful china cup on a table, quietly asking to be filled. And little by little, Erik was tipping over and pouring out.
“Do you remember your father wearing this?”
“Sure. All the time. If I was sitting on his lap I’d like, you know, play with it. I had a little story in my head, this is the pretty lady and this is her boat and she goes sailing in the boat and catches this beautiful fish…”
She held the chain back out to him and he took it, their fingertips touching. “When did he give it to you? You said you were eight when he left.”
He fastened the chain behind his neck again. “The story I know,” he said, “is my mom saw him one more time after he left. To sign divorce papers.”
He glanced down. Daisy had put her hand out, palm up on the table between them. “And sometime during the meeting—” he put his hand on hers. “—he gave this to her. To give to me. And she didn’t for a long time, she kept it put away. I was too young.” His other hand joined the first, holding Daisy’s, rolling it between his palms, running his fingertips along the edges of her nails.
“Then when I was about sixteen, she gave it to me.”
“Did you want it?”
“I hadn’t seen it in years so at first it was like, ‘Oh wow, I remember this, the lady and the boat.’ But then I had to be sixteen about it, you know, prove he was no big deal to me. I told her I didn’t want it, I didn’t want anything of his. Screw him. All that shit.”
Under the table their ankles had cozied up together. It felt intimate and close there in the booth, holding her hands and feet, telling her secret things.
June 7, 2019
5 ‘Alpha male’ stars
"I love us,” she whispered.
He smiled, feeling the world to his bones. “I love us, too."
This was like nothing I’ve ever read before.
I’ve no words to describe how I feel. I’m in awe? Heartbroken? A freakin emotional mess? It’s just, this book was so overwhelming! I felt like it’s all too much and I need a break but then I find myself unable to stop, eager to know what’s going to happen next.
Deep in the cathedral of his young being, Erik felt a bell toll, a peal of recognition. And for the rest of his life, he would swear, he would swear to anyone who asked, although nothing was said aloud, he heard Daisy Bianco speak to him. She said it with her eyes, he heard it clearly in his head, and it wasn’t hello.
It was, “Well, here you are.”
Erik “Fish” a college freshman who has fallen in love with Daisy. He knew from the very beginning that she’s it. She’s the one. But then a traumatic thing happen that didn’t just affect Daisy and Erik’s life, but everyone. The blurb actually contain all that you need to know about this book. However, it’s more than that. This is a coming of age book. About young love that develops to something more. You get to live with this characters and “experience” everything they’ve been through. They become a part of your life. You see how something so good and pure become tainted with something ugly. This is a book about grieving and healing. I think it’s simply a book about living.
He wasn’t a hero.
He was in love.
The characters were so interesting. They were so different. They weren’t perfect, they were just so real. Flawed. Traumatized. And broken. And alive. You see how everything affected them, and how it changed them.
Erik is so good!! He’s such a good person. I loved him. My heart bleeds for him. HE’S A GOOD PERSON. He’s so gentle, caring, and responsible. He gives his all. He’s so loving. You can’t help but see how Daisy and Erik were made for each other. They were perfect together. And I freakin loved his friendship with Will. They were amazing. I felt so connected to this characters. And I really really loved Will.
"Leaving isn’t always the end of loving. Love doesn’t give a shit about geography, Erik. It’s not a thing you can abandon at will.”
The book was written in the most captivating way possible. It was so good. Exquisite. The best thing about this book is the writing. It just pulled me in. The book was so real. I felt like I was living everything with them, which was scary and emotional as hell. The plot was so steady that make you grasp everything that’s happening without it being boring. The build up was perfect. This book was so tragic, emotional, and epic. It contain some really powerful moments. It affected me deeply. I think this is one of those book that changes lives. It’s an unforgettable story for sure.
*Thank you KAS for making me read this book. I loved it.*
"Nobody loves me like you,” she whispered.
Song recommendation:
Tiny dancer by Elton John
Scared to be lonely by Dua Lipa ft. Martin Garrix
The man I love by George Gershwin
High hopes by Kodaline
"I love us,” she whispered.
He smiled, feeling the world to his bones. “I love us, too."
This was like nothing I’ve ever read before.
I’ve no words to describe how I feel. I’m in awe? Heartbroken? A freakin emotional mess? It’s just, this book was so overwhelming! I felt like it’s all too much and I need a break but then I find myself unable to stop, eager to know what’s going to happen next.
Deep in the cathedral of his young being, Erik felt a bell toll, a peal of recognition. And for the rest of his life, he would swear, he would swear to anyone who asked, although nothing was said aloud, he heard Daisy Bianco speak to him. She said it with her eyes, he heard it clearly in his head, and it wasn’t hello.
It was, “Well, here you are.”
Erik “Fish” a college freshman who has fallen in love with Daisy. He knew from the very beginning that she’s it. She’s the one. But then a traumatic thing happen that didn’t just affect Daisy and Erik’s life, but everyone. The blurb actually contain all that you need to know about this book. However, it’s more than that. This is a coming of age book. About young love that develops to something more. You get to live with this characters and “experience” everything they’ve been through. They become a part of your life. You see how something so good and pure become tainted with something ugly. This is a book about grieving and healing. I think it’s simply a book about living.
He wasn’t a hero.
He was in love.
The characters were so interesting. They were so different. They weren’t perfect, they were just so real. Flawed. Traumatized. And broken. And alive. You see how everything affected them, and how it changed them.
Erik is so good!! He’s such a good person. I loved him. My heart bleeds for him. HE’S A GOOD PERSON. He’s so gentle, caring, and responsible. He gives his all. He’s so loving. You can’t help but see how Daisy and Erik were made for each other. They were perfect together. And I freakin loved his friendship with Will. They were amazing. I felt so connected to this characters. And I really really loved Will.
"Leaving isn’t always the end of loving. Love doesn’t give a shit about geography, Erik. It’s not a thing you can abandon at will.”
The book was written in the most captivating way possible. It was so good. Exquisite. The best thing about this book is the writing. It just pulled me in. The book was so real. I felt like I was living everything with them, which was scary and emotional as hell. The plot was so steady that make you grasp everything that’s happening without it being boring. The build up was perfect. This book was so tragic, emotional, and epic. It contain some really powerful moments. It affected me deeply. I think this is one of those book that changes lives. It’s an unforgettable story for sure.
*Thank you KAS for making me read this book. I loved it.*
"Nobody loves me like you,” she whispered.
Song recommendation:
Tiny dancer by Elton John
Scared to be lonely by Dua Lipa ft. Martin Garrix
The man I love by George Gershwin
High hopes by Kodaline
December 24, 2016
"Some seek the limelight, and some hold the light in place." Well. My. Gracious. Sakes!!! This is just the first sentence of the first chapter, and from word one I was "fishy, fishy" hooked and completely wrapped up in this captivating, gorgeously written masterpiece. Desiring to be totally engaged and immersed in every conversation, every raw emotion, and in every scene these hauntingly esquisite characters were involved, I found myself morphing into the proverbial "fly on the wall". So, please indulge me as I try to convey what is was like to be on this incredible journey as the said 'fly.'
IF a fly could cry, I shed a puddle of tears. IF a fly could laugh, heads turned to see it was me giggling. IF a fly could breathe, I gasped for air. IF a fly had a heart, mine beat erratically. IF a fly could scream, I rendered those nearby temporarily deaf. IF a fly could feel, my wings were wrapped tightly around my body wracked in pain. IF a fly could smile, I looked like the Chesire Cat! BUT hallelujah, a fly CAN fly, and I am flapping my wings so vigorously, zipping round and round in complete joy for having had the opportunity to experience the beauty of this absolute work of art! I am about ready to pass out from dizziness ;)
The storyline focuses on two main characters, Daisy Bianco, a ballet dancer, and Erik Fiskare, a behind the scenes stagehand. Both are freshmen enrolled in the same college. Erik, dealing with abandonment issues since his father walked out of his life at age eight, always guarded his heart with the girls he dated throughout high school, figuring he will just get hurt in the end. But, he also deeply feels somewhere out there is a girl who will never leave him, always love him, and when she comes along he will "simply know." Busily working on the stage set for an upcoming college fall dance concert, Erik stops to watch as the dancers arrive inside the theater and then spots Daisy walking down the aisle. He is unable to move, finds his mouth watering and his body is heating with pulsating blood. When Daisy smiles at him, he "simply knows" and his heart says "well, here she is."
And this beautiful, yet devastating, love story begins with the most amazing and tragically flawed cast of supporting characters. Part way through reading, I took a few minutes to listen to Ella Fitzgerald's rendition of "The Man I Love," wrecking me even further, but it brought everything together to make perfect "fishy, fishy" sense! This one will remain with me forever.
A friend (thank you, Robin) recommended this author and book to me, and so I am "paying it forward" and recommending it to everyone I possibly can! You totally rock, Ms. Laqueur, and I cannot wait to devour your other novels!
*I received a copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
IF a fly could cry, I shed a puddle of tears. IF a fly could laugh, heads turned to see it was me giggling. IF a fly could breathe, I gasped for air. IF a fly had a heart, mine beat erratically. IF a fly could scream, I rendered those nearby temporarily deaf. IF a fly could feel, my wings were wrapped tightly around my body wracked in pain. IF a fly could smile, I looked like the Chesire Cat! BUT hallelujah, a fly CAN fly, and I am flapping my wings so vigorously, zipping round and round in complete joy for having had the opportunity to experience the beauty of this absolute work of art! I am about ready to pass out from dizziness ;)
The storyline focuses on two main characters, Daisy Bianco, a ballet dancer, and Erik Fiskare, a behind the scenes stagehand. Both are freshmen enrolled in the same college. Erik, dealing with abandonment issues since his father walked out of his life at age eight, always guarded his heart with the girls he dated throughout high school, figuring he will just get hurt in the end. But, he also deeply feels somewhere out there is a girl who will never leave him, always love him, and when she comes along he will "simply know." Busily working on the stage set for an upcoming college fall dance concert, Erik stops to watch as the dancers arrive inside the theater and then spots Daisy walking down the aisle. He is unable to move, finds his mouth watering and his body is heating with pulsating blood. When Daisy smiles at him, he "simply knows" and his heart says "well, here she is."
And this beautiful, yet devastating, love story begins with the most amazing and tragically flawed cast of supporting characters. Part way through reading, I took a few minutes to listen to Ella Fitzgerald's rendition of "The Man I Love," wrecking me even further, but it brought everything together to make perfect "fishy, fishy" sense! This one will remain with me forever.
A friend (thank you, Robin) recommended this author and book to me, and so I am "paying it forward" and recommending it to everyone I possibly can! You totally rock, Ms. Laqueur, and I cannot wait to devour your other novels!
*I received a copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
August 10, 2016
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Suanne Laqueur being the latest. This book will stay for a long time with me. And it definitely deserves the first place on my shelves.
It’s for experiences like these that I’m grateful for the romance book community. One day I stumbled upon a friend’s review of The Man I Love by Suanne Laqueur and I knew this book could possibly be a game changer for all the romance books that would follow on my TBR. (The review that draw me in was by Jennifer Beach from Back Off My Books)
It took me some time to actually decide to start the book, you could say I was dreading the feelings I most likely knew were waiting for me. I also told myself that I was indeed an emotional reader but not a cryer, so I should be safe from the unraveling emotions I could witness from my reader friends.
Let me stop right here, I WAS WRONG. This book made me a flat out a liar. A crying liar.
The Man I Love is without a doubt the best and the most beautiful book I’ve had the pleasure to read in a long time.
The writing is exquisite, the similes of pure beauty and you want to highlight each sentence and put it on a pedestal. Author Suanne Laqueur is a fantastic storyteller!
As poetic and light the writing was, the feelings and matters at stakes here were raw and brutal. You’ll be knocked out by the intensity of all the feels this story has for you.
You’ll care for these characters like you would your best friends or family.
Suanne Laqueur did such an astonishing job with character development, you cannot NOT feel connected to every character.
Even the ones you’re supposed to hate? You’ll love.
The story of Erik and Daisy—I should say : The story of Erik, Daisy, Will, Lucky, David, Opie, Melanie, Kees, Francine, Joe and many others…— was a pure delight to read.
Every word. Every detail. Every joy. Every sorrow. Every hope.
You’ll feel it all, and you’ll want more.
I laughed so hard at the easy banter between the characters, I fell in love right along with them, I fell hard for Erik, but kept room for Will and John/Opie. David had his moments, he was mostly an asshole but I actually loved him too.
I don’t know how to explain the connection I felt with all the characters, everyone of them. You’ll feel it too. Thanks to the author astute and sharp writing. It’s in the little details, you know? Word after word she made me part of this group and I think I truly bonded with fictional characters. This is pure magic writing here.
This was a fascinating love story, spanning out over 15 years time, a young love exploration, a revelation in love and contentement, a riveting downfall to perdition, and a second chance at love. One of the best I’ve ever read. If not the best. I can’t even think past or prior this book.
Now, you know how I roll, I don’t like to give too much about the plot, especially when I loved a book—I prefer to talk about what I felt, my experience with the story, sort of. Enough is said in the blurb and I don’t want to spoil it all.
A lot is happening in The Man I Love and I could not possibly try to tell this tale without butchering it. It won’t do the book justice by just enumerating the play by play.
I believe the best way to enjoy this book is to follow your guts and dive in as blind as you can. This was a true emotional rollercoaster and by reading reviews you could be afraid of all the feels. So my advice would be : don’t read too much of them, just listen to your book friends and try this book!
If you are like me and read The Man I Love but cannot say goodbye to its characters, hurry up and grab book 2, Give Me Your Answer True, which tells Daisy’side of the story and more. And no, it doesn’t remotely feel like you are experiencing the same book again. You’ll learn a lot of things, you’ll end-up loving them all a little more and it’ll leave you dying to get your hands on book 3, Here to Stay, which should release this January 2016.
For all the reasons mentioned above, The Man I Love sits now #1 of my 2015’s favorites.
I’ll end this with a open question : Why is this author not more OUT THERE?
Let me explain, I read a lot of books. I’m consuming them. I read okay books. Good books. Great books.
But then I find this GEM, this little place of haven, and I’m wondering why isn’t this book on everyone’s shelves?
I know, I know, different strokes and all that…
But really, this book deserves to be shared, to be read, to be experienced, and I would be eve so grateful if you could share about your own experience reading or simply keeping recommending to your entourage.
And if you are still undecided about it, I’ll just ask you to take a leap of faith and try it. Just like I did.
**August 2016 Update : Erik Fiskare was featured in my Wonder Hero section today !
More reviews and book talk at :
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Some seek the limelight and some hold the light in place.
Suanne Laqueur being the latest. This book will stay for a long time with me. And it definitely deserves the first place on my shelves.
I have set you in my presence forever. I uphold you. You’re in my skin. And I’m not leaving.
It’s for experiences like these that I’m grateful for the romance book community. One day I stumbled upon a friend’s review of The Man I Love by Suanne Laqueur and I knew this book could possibly be a game changer for all the romance books that would follow on my TBR. (The review that draw me in was by Jennifer Beach from Back Off My Books)
It took me some time to actually decide to start the book, you could say I was dreading the feelings I most likely knew were waiting for me. I also told myself that I was indeed an emotional reader but not a cryer, so I should be safe from the unraveling emotions I could witness from my reader friends.
Let me stop right here, I WAS WRONG. This book made me a flat out a liar. A crying liar.
The Man I Love is without a doubt the best and the most beautiful book I’ve had the pleasure to read in a long time.
The writing is exquisite, the similes of pure beauty and you want to highlight each sentence and put it on a pedestal. Author Suanne Laqueur is a fantastic storyteller!
As poetic and light the writing was, the feelings and matters at stakes here were raw and brutal. You’ll be knocked out by the intensity of all the feels this story has for you.
You’ll care for these characters like you would your best friends or family.
Suanne Laqueur did such an astonishing job with character development, you cannot NOT feel connected to every character.
Even the ones you’re supposed to hate? You’ll love.
The story of Erik and Daisy—I should say : The story of Erik, Daisy, Will, Lucky, David, Opie, Melanie, Kees, Francine, Joe and many others…— was a pure delight to read.
Every word. Every detail. Every joy. Every sorrow. Every hope.
You’ll feel it all, and you’ll want more.
-"That is such a violent thing. For a parent to disappear. Emotionally violent. It just stops a story dead in the middle. Like you turn the page and there are no more pages. What do you do with the story?"
-"It becomes a different story. Your story."
I laughed so hard at the easy banter between the characters, I fell in love right along with them, I fell hard for Erik, but kept room for Will and John/Opie. David had his moments, he was mostly an asshole but I actually loved him too.
I don’t know how to explain the connection I felt with all the characters, everyone of them. You’ll feel it too. Thanks to the author astute and sharp writing. It’s in the little details, you know? Word after word she made me part of this group and I think I truly bonded with fictional characters. This is pure magic writing here.
The more she gave, the more he wanted. He had never wanted so much.
He wanted all of her. Her thoughts, her words, her silences and her stillness. He wanted her skin, her smell, her taste and her noises. He loved to make her come, could not get enough of the sound she made when he was bringing her around. Or rather, it was the absence of sound.
This was a fascinating love story, spanning out over 15 years time, a young love exploration, a revelation in love and contentement, a riveting downfall to perdition, and a second chance at love. One of the best I’ve ever read. If not the best. I can’t even think past or prior this book.
Now, you know how I roll, I don’t like to give too much about the plot, especially when I loved a book—I prefer to talk about what I felt, my experience with the story, sort of. Enough is said in the blurb and I don’t want to spoil it all.
A lot is happening in The Man I Love and I could not possibly try to tell this tale without butchering it. It won’t do the book justice by just enumerating the play by play.
Poised on the lip of his own desire, he pushed further into her as he slowly wound the line tighter. Listening for it, feeling it, waiting for her edge to touch his. It was almost there. Just right there.
I believe the best way to enjoy this book is to follow your guts and dive in as blind as you can. This was a true emotional rollercoaster and by reading reviews you could be afraid of all the feels. So my advice would be : don’t read too much of them, just listen to your book friends and try this book!
If you are like me and read The Man I Love but cannot say goodbye to its characters, hurry up and grab book 2, Give Me Your Answer True, which tells Daisy’side of the story and more. And no, it doesn’t remotely feel like you are experiencing the same book again. You’ll learn a lot of things, you’ll end-up loving them all a little more and it’ll leave you dying to get your hands on book 3, Here to Stay, which should release this January 2016.
Staring into her eyes without speaking was making love. Being buried in the heat of her frustration was making love. Wether her kiss crashed into his mouth, or just brushed it like a passing dream, he could taste her love. And nothing could top it. Nothing could surpass it.
For all the reasons mentioned above, The Man I Love sits now #1 of my 2015’s favorites.
I’ll end this with a open question : Why is this author not more OUT THERE?
Let me explain, I read a lot of books. I’m consuming them. I read okay books. Good books. Great books.
But then I find this GEM, this little place of haven, and I’m wondering why isn’t this book on everyone’s shelves?
I know, I know, different strokes and all that…
But really, this book deserves to be shared, to be read, to be experienced, and I would be eve so grateful if you could share about your own experience reading or simply keeping recommending to your entourage.
And if you are still undecided about it, I’ll just ask you to take a leap of faith and try it. Just like I did.
It’s not too late. And I’m ready if you are.
**August 2016 Update : Erik Fiskare was featured in my Wonder Hero section today !
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
December 13, 2015
4.5 stars.
Well, that was some journey. Jeepers. I did enjoy it. Why not 5 stars, I hear you ask? In the end there was just too much thrown at me and the ending felt very rushed. I would have loved an epilogue some months or years later. Yeah, yeah, Mo, you and your fucking epilogues.
I know my review might be a bit vague but I think you are better off going in blind on this one.
Beautiful prose. Well written. Overwhelming at times.
It's only a dollar. Well worth it. Go for it.
Well, that was some journey. Jeepers. I did enjoy it. Why not 5 stars, I hear you ask? In the end there was just too much thrown at me and the ending felt very rushed. I would have loved an epilogue some months or years later. Yeah, yeah, Mo, you and your fucking epilogues.
I know my review might be a bit vague but I think you are better off going in blind on this one.
Perfect Peace
At some point you just gotta start living the truth of who you are and what you feel.
Roast nuts chesting on an open fire,
Nipfrost jacking off your nose,
Yuletide Carol getting laid by the choir ...
Given his way, he would destroy every known copy of
Elton John's "Tiny Dancer."
Beautiful prose. Well written. Overwhelming at times.
It's only a dollar. Well worth it. Go for it.
January 2, 2017
Love, life, and theatre, has its ups and downs. Erik and Daisy's love relationship ....and their supporting friends, with all their tragedies, keep this story elevating.
This is not my typical read. I'm certainly not the target demographic but, I gave it a whirl.
*KAS*.....Thanks for the recommendation!!!!!
This is not my typical read. I'm certainly not the target demographic but, I gave it a whirl.
*KAS*.....Thanks for the recommendation!!!!!
December 27, 2016
Fishy, fishy in the brook, what's Irene's new favorite book?
I won't bother leaving a 'proper' review for several reasons:
1. NOTHING I say will EVER do this author/book justice;
2. This author needs to be read by EVERYONE who craves originality;
3. This author's storytelling can only be described as 'life changing'.
I might add to this review when I can form a coherent sentence. In the meantime ... read this book! Read this author. If you are like me and A. value your reading time and B. want to EXPERIENCE stories vs just going through the motions of flipping pages of a book not to mention sick of the 'same old, same old', this is an author for you. UNFORGETTABLE characters. Heart-wrenching stories. Unbelievable prose that is so vivid, you forget you are reading and feel like you are intruding.
This is about as good as it gets! For me anyhow.
Cheers!
August 13, 2016
The Man I Love is not my usual kind of read, but my GR friend Bianca's enthusiasm for Suanne Laqueur's books made me curious so I decided to give this one a try when it became available on Netgalley. I'm glad I did; It made for a lovely lighter but emotionally engaging read. The narrative arc is a fairly traditional love story, but what made it original and engaging is that it was told from male protagonist Erik's perspective and that the characters -- including the men -- defied male/female stereotypes while being believable contemporary characters. I must admit that it took me a while to get into the story -- the beginning felt like lighter YA fare -- but this is a situation in which sticking with the book paid off. Something happens about a third of the book in that changes everything and that had me fully engaged for the rest of the book. I don't want to say too much about the story to avoid spoilers. It turns out that this is the first of four books in a series -- I'm not sure how this will work as a series but based on my experience with this book I'm willing to give the next book a chance. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
February 24, 2016
Once, when I was in college, I had a date with a young gent and we tossed back a few too many cocktails before deciding to see Saving Private Ryan in the movie theatre. We got there late and had to sit about three rows back from the front. And then the invasion began.
If you recall this movie, the first ten minutes or so is the storming of the beach at Normandy. I had to watch it with one eye closed, sort of unable to process it all. Maybe that was the booze, but I think it was more the reality of it. I remember thinking, "Thanks a lot, Spielberg. If I wanted to fight in WWII I would hop in my time machine and go." I felt like I had been right there, in the thick of it.
What, pray-tell, has this to do with The Man I Love? Because that's sort of how I felt reading this book. Like I was right there, right in it, too close for comfort sometimes. In fact the sweetness of the first 30% I read with a vague sense of unease twisting in my gut. I was anxious the entire time because I knew this sweet, soul-deep love story was going to get blown to bits and I was going to be splattered with the blood and guts of it.
There's a word, "interiority". There is a regular definition for it, but the literary one is Interiority is defined as a character's thoughts, feelings, and reactions to the situation. It's a flashier word for "show" (as in show, don't tell) but it's a little more than that. The ability of an author to do this is what connects a reader to the characters, and if it's done in the jaw-droppingly masterful way that this author does it, instead of watching or reading the text, you're living in it, absorbing it, you're RIGHT THERE. This novel is a textbook definition of interiority done right. Despite the--sometimes--pages of almost unbroken exposition, Erik's interiority never wavers. We're right there with him, intimately so. Every joy, heartache, pain, loss, grief. You live it right a long with him. His story comes to life, and there's a LOT of story.
I don't do recap reviews; as a writer myself, I like to focus on mechanics and the HOW of the writing. How did she do it? Why? So this probably doesn't read as a typical review but it's the only way I know to describe and process artistry such as this. Suffice it to say, this author had a story to tell and she told it. She gripped it tight, twisted, and wrung it dry, and was unapologetic about all of it.
For instance, insta-love. It's a generally hated term in the romance world and something most authors tend to avoid, incurring the insta-wrath of readers if done poorly. And rightly so, as it usually comes off as a cliche. Here the author is unapologetic, having her characters even come out and say it, "It's only been a week." And it worked. Why? Two reasons: The first being once you've mastered all the rules you're free to break them. So she did and fuck it, it was glorious. Secondly, there are those who recognize the longevity of a soul, its agelessness while bodies wither and die. If one is a believer in the idea of soulmates then one must write honestly about how two soulmates would react upon being confronted with one another again.
She said it with her eyes, he heard it clearly in his head, and it wasn’t hello. It was, “Well, here you are.”
Here I am, he thought.
And that's how it's done.
"Insta-love" is cheesy and stupid when two characters meet and fall in love in order to speed the plot along or for the convenience of the author. Insta-love, when it's the core principle in the novel itself, when it's soul mates reconnecting, is as integral to it as a beating heart is to a body. There is a difference and this is it.
Now there were two parts that threw me out a bit, though neither was unable to the shake the book from a 5 star perch. But...
And
Those nits aside, I thought this book was astounding. I was RIGHT THERE the whole time and it wasn't always easy. This is not the book you reach for when you want some fluffy escapism, nor is it even the book you want when you're feeling angsty for some good drama. This is the book you read when you want to jump heads and live another life or when you want to submerge yourself into another reality, blood, guts and all. It's the first 10 minutes of Saving Private Ryan, the chaotic battle for survival against impossible odds, and you are--say it with me now--RIGHT THERE.
As for me, this is the book I will only read once, though I may return to certain parts for the phrasing. And I will read the sequel, though I'm going to need to buffer myself with other books of fluffy escapism first. Then, when I have amassed the mental fortitude to journey into Daisy's mind, I'll read the second which I bought the instant I finished reading the sample.
Insta-one-click, of this author. Insta-love for the win!
ES
If you recall this movie, the first ten minutes or so is the storming of the beach at Normandy. I had to watch it with one eye closed, sort of unable to process it all. Maybe that was the booze, but I think it was more the reality of it. I remember thinking, "Thanks a lot, Spielberg. If I wanted to fight in WWII I would hop in my time machine and go." I felt like I had been right there, in the thick of it.
What, pray-tell, has this to do with The Man I Love? Because that's sort of how I felt reading this book. Like I was right there, right in it, too close for comfort sometimes. In fact the sweetness of the first 30% I read with a vague sense of unease twisting in my gut. I was anxious the entire time because I knew this sweet, soul-deep love story was going to get blown to bits and I was going to be splattered with the blood and guts of it.
There's a word, "interiority". There is a regular definition for it, but the literary one is Interiority is defined as a character's thoughts, feelings, and reactions to the situation. It's a flashier word for "show" (as in show, don't tell) but it's a little more than that. The ability of an author to do this is what connects a reader to the characters, and if it's done in the jaw-droppingly masterful way that this author does it, instead of watching or reading the text, you're living in it, absorbing it, you're RIGHT THERE. This novel is a textbook definition of interiority done right. Despite the--sometimes--pages of almost unbroken exposition, Erik's interiority never wavers. We're right there with him, intimately so. Every joy, heartache, pain, loss, grief. You live it right a long with him. His story comes to life, and there's a LOT of story.
I don't do recap reviews; as a writer myself, I like to focus on mechanics and the HOW of the writing. How did she do it? Why? So this probably doesn't read as a typical review but it's the only way I know to describe and process artistry such as this. Suffice it to say, this author had a story to tell and she told it. She gripped it tight, twisted, and wrung it dry, and was unapologetic about all of it.
For instance, insta-love. It's a generally hated term in the romance world and something most authors tend to avoid, incurring the insta-wrath of readers if done poorly. And rightly so, as it usually comes off as a cliche. Here the author is unapologetic, having her characters even come out and say it, "It's only been a week." And it worked. Why? Two reasons: The first being once you've mastered all the rules you're free to break them. So she did and fuck it, it was glorious. Secondly, there are those who recognize the longevity of a soul, its agelessness while bodies wither and die. If one is a believer in the idea of soulmates then one must write honestly about how two soulmates would react upon being confronted with one another again.
She said it with her eyes, he heard it clearly in his head, and it wasn’t hello. It was, “Well, here you are.”
Here I am, he thought.
And that's how it's done.
"Insta-love" is cheesy and stupid when two characters meet and fall in love in order to speed the plot along or for the convenience of the author. Insta-love, when it's the core principle in the novel itself, when it's soul mates reconnecting, is as integral to it as a beating heart is to a body. There is a difference and this is it.
Now there were two parts that threw me out a bit, though neither was unable to the shake the book from a 5 star perch. But...
And
Those nits aside, I thought this book was astounding. I was RIGHT THERE the whole time and it wasn't always easy. This is not the book you reach for when you want some fluffy escapism, nor is it even the book you want when you're feeling angsty for some good drama. This is the book you read when you want to jump heads and live another life or when you want to submerge yourself into another reality, blood, guts and all. It's the first 10 minutes of Saving Private Ryan, the chaotic battle for survival against impossible odds, and you are--say it with me now--RIGHT THERE.
As for me, this is the book I will only read once, though I may return to certain parts for the phrasing. And I will read the sequel, though I'm going to need to buffer myself with other books of fluffy escapism first. Then, when I have amassed the mental fortitude to journey into Daisy's mind, I'll read the second which I bought the instant I finished reading the sample.
Insta-one-click, of this author. Insta-love for the win!
ES
September 16, 2018
My most coveted feeling as a reader is to open a book and get lost in the first few pages. Is that easy? Hell, no!
In fact, it's been so hard that “the unputabledown book feel” has become something priceless to me. I heart this feeling.
The Man I love started like that, I felt the spell in the first few pages. You have a life, you have to work, you have a family to feed but you can only think about the damn book.
This is no fairy tale, I feel that I need to make this clear.
It started very good, as in 4.5 Stars good, steady, solid, with the author laying a foundation for what was coming. A meaty writing, no fillers. Every bloody word fundamentally important to the context of their story.
Around 50% it all changed. Upgraded to 6 stars. The angst, oh... sweet baby Jesus, the angst... beautifully done. I was a goner. Bewitched. Ruined.
Suanne Laqueur with her endearing, compelling and enthralling writing holds my heart spellbound.
What to do when life takes an unexpected tragic turn?
So many layers carefully and meticulously laid down to give us characters with skin, blood, heart, soul AND an aura in a plot where life throws its worst at them.
And as if that was not enough, it laughs at their expense. That is the way I felt.
Realshit#bitchlife#Iwantaturnaround
Now I need closure.
Give it to me Erik “Fish” Fiskare.
"Fishy, fishy in the brook, into Fishy, she put her hook."
I fell for this story hook, line, and sinker.
Suanne, author extraordinaire, I will read your shopping list.
August 7, 2016
I'm staring at my iPad trying to find the exact right words to sum up how I feel after finishing The Man I Love. Well, first I had to splash some cold water on my face cause my eyes were swollen from crying, then I had to take a few breaths to gather my thoughts. I'm still having difficulty finding words.
The Man I Love is unlike anything I've ever read before. I feel like I've gained four new friends in the form of Erik, Daisy, Will and Lucky. I've experienced writing like I've never experienced before. This story was extraordinary. It was such an intense journey and I think the reason it worked so well for me was that I got to follow these characters through fifteen years. I formed a bond with them. A connection. I felt I lived vicariously through Erik especially but also Daisy. Their relationship was raw, honest and real.
This was also an experience in relationships and emotions. How to love and forgive. To accept and let go.
What Erik and Daisy went through was real and believable. Their relationship was a journey and I cherish every moment. No matter how ugly it got because it's a part of their history. It made them the people they are. Shaped them.
Suanne Laqueuer's writing is insanely addictive and beautiful. It was like reading poetry. The words took on a whole new meaning and gutted me. Page after page. My heart was filled with love. Love for her words and these fabulous characters. The Man I Love is proof why I love to read. This isn't just a story. It's an experience!!
5 BadAssIBreatheYouStars
The Man I Love is unlike anything I've ever read before. I feel like I've gained four new friends in the form of Erik, Daisy, Will and Lucky. I've experienced writing like I've never experienced before. This story was extraordinary. It was such an intense journey and I think the reason it worked so well for me was that I got to follow these characters through fifteen years. I formed a bond with them. A connection. I felt I lived vicariously through Erik especially but also Daisy. Their relationship was raw, honest and real.
This was also an experience in relationships and emotions. How to love and forgive. To accept and let go.
What Erik and Daisy went through was real and believable. Their relationship was a journey and I cherish every moment. No matter how ugly it got because it's a part of their history. It made them the people they are. Shaped them.
Suanne Laqueuer's writing is insanely addictive and beautiful. It was like reading poetry. The words took on a whole new meaning and gutted me. Page after page. My heart was filled with love. Love for her words and these fabulous characters. The Man I Love is proof why I love to read. This isn't just a story. It's an experience!!
5 BadAssIBreatheYouStars
Read
June 8, 2019No Rating
I don’t know how to rate this book so I’m not going to rate it.
I can understand why so many loved this story. It's beautifully written and the characterization is superb. Sadly, it became obvious that it’s not the kind of “romance” I enjoy reading. I don’t enjoy love stories that span years before the couple gets together. I don’t enjoy reading about the hero or heroine in other relationships. I really, really don’t enjoy reading about the hero or heroine marrying other people. That’s so not the type of romance I enjoy reading. That said, this was such a well written book. I didn’t enjoy it but I couldn’t put it down. On a personal level, I have a hard time recommending this book. At the same time, I can’t help but recommend it. If you’re a die hard traditional romance reader like me, I highly suggest you read the “spoiler” reviews before starting this book. It’s a very well written and captivating read but there a few “hard limit” plot lines that may not work for all romance readers.
I don’t know how to rate this book so I’m not going to rate it.
I can understand why so many loved this story. It's beautifully written and the characterization is superb. Sadly, it became obvious that it’s not the kind of “romance” I enjoy reading. I don’t enjoy love stories that span years before the couple gets together. I don’t enjoy reading about the hero or heroine in other relationships. I really, really don’t enjoy reading about the hero or heroine marrying other people. That’s so not the type of romance I enjoy reading. That said, this was such a well written book. I didn’t enjoy it but I couldn’t put it down. On a personal level, I have a hard time recommending this book. At the same time, I can’t help but recommend it. If you’re a die hard traditional romance reader like me, I highly suggest you read the “spoiler” reviews before starting this book. It’s a very well written and captivating read but there a few “hard limit” plot lines that may not work for all romance readers.
March 1, 2018
☆☆4.5 Emotionally-Charged Stars☆☆
My heart is actually hurting right now. I need to breathe. Breathe in, breathe out. This is the first time in my life a book has made me feel this way. I can’t even really review it because I don’t know what to say, the words aren’t coming to me. Maybe I need a few days to sit on it. This story is so painful, heavy and emotionally traumatizing. I honestly don’t know how I got through it. Erik and Daisy have been through so much as a couple. Wow my heart hurts for them.
I won’t ever forget this story story, I’m a little worried about reading the rest of the series cause if I’m not careful these books will put me in a funk, but at the same time, the writing and the story is so good how can I not continue reading.
My heart is actually hurting right now. I need to breathe. Breathe in, breathe out. This is the first time in my life a book has made me feel this way. I can’t even really review it because I don’t know what to say, the words aren’t coming to me. Maybe I need a few days to sit on it. This story is so painful, heavy and emotionally traumatizing. I honestly don’t know how I got through it. Erik and Daisy have been through so much as a couple. Wow my heart hurts for them.
I won’t ever forget this story story, I’m a little worried about reading the rest of the series cause if I’m not careful these books will put me in a funk, but at the same time, the writing and the story is so good how can I not continue reading.
November 30, 2016
More than 5 “huge triggers but outstanding writing” stars!
A copy of this book has been kindly provided by the author via Netgalley.com, in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re looking for a very emotional and intense story written from third point of view, I want to shout: “just give this book a chance!”.
I had never read anything by this author and never expected her to trigger such extreme and primal emotions in me.
It began all smooth charming and sweet with Erik’s childhood and later on his encounter with Daisy on campus. I was intrigued by this world of dance and concert with fifty percent of the male population openly gay. The mirror is the dancer’s best friend. It’s a world of discipline and dedication. You go into dancing like you would enter religion: you’re all in or not at all. Passionate.
When Erik met Daisy it was instant recognition of two souls. Their love was shining. They were utterly happy surrounded by friends all very interesting characters. They made the story bright, vivid. Their interactions and banter made it real, relatable.
When the tragedy happened it was terrible…
It was so close to what I’ve read on the news these last years. They were all devastated their dreams shattered. But they survived. Except…they were far from good.
Always serene, real rocks into a stormy sea Erik and Daisy were unrecognizable. They were in a frenzied rush. The ups were so high and the downs so low. A race to self-destruction.
Little did I know the worst was yet to come for me… It was like a slap in the face. I could not breathe anymore. Bile gathered in my throat. I was cold all over. What happened pushed my buttons so hard I wanted to stop reading, stop suffering, stop…just make it stop!
But I promised an honest review and so I soldiered on. I put my huge (because to me personally it was harsh) girl panties and finished the story.
The main and some of the side characters were battered, broken beyond belief physically and/or emotionally. Suanne Laqueur spared absolutely no pain to Erik and Daisy.
It’s a story of great love and utter devastation. A tale of surviving events so dreadful you’re pushed into the dark pit of depression. It’s intense, desperate, gut wrenching and yet brilliant in its execution. The author could make her characters shine so bright, exhilarated just to snuff their lights out mere moments later and throw them on the long journey of reinventing themselves. They become better, stronger but have to pay the price as they stumble and fall so many times.
»Nothing man-made was perfect. Not even massive churches. A partnership wasn’t about being beautiful and adored in the spotlight, it was about incorporating the mistakes into the architecture.”
She pushed me way out of my comfort zone but I can honestly say Suanne Laqueur is a brilliant author.
My only complaint: the door is still open I want more about their after.
A copy of this book has been kindly provided by the author via Netgalley.com, in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re looking for a very emotional and intense story written from third point of view, I want to shout: “just give this book a chance!”.
I had never read anything by this author and never expected her to trigger such extreme and primal emotions in me.
It began all smooth charming and sweet with Erik’s childhood and later on his encounter with Daisy on campus. I was intrigued by this world of dance and concert with fifty percent of the male population openly gay. The mirror is the dancer’s best friend. It’s a world of discipline and dedication. You go into dancing like you would enter religion: you’re all in or not at all. Passionate.
When Erik met Daisy it was instant recognition of two souls. Their love was shining. They were utterly happy surrounded by friends all very interesting characters. They made the story bright, vivid. Their interactions and banter made it real, relatable.
When the tragedy happened it was terrible…
It was so close to what I’ve read on the news these last years. They were all devastated their dreams shattered. But they survived. Except…they were far from good.
Always serene, real rocks into a stormy sea Erik and Daisy were unrecognizable. They were in a frenzied rush. The ups were so high and the downs so low. A race to self-destruction.
Little did I know the worst was yet to come for me… It was like a slap in the face. I could not breathe anymore. Bile gathered in my throat. I was cold all over. What happened pushed my buttons so hard I wanted to stop reading, stop suffering, stop…just make it stop!
But I promised an honest review and so I soldiered on. I put my huge (because to me personally it was harsh) girl panties and finished the story.
The main and some of the side characters were battered, broken beyond belief physically and/or emotionally. Suanne Laqueur spared absolutely no pain to Erik and Daisy.
It’s a story of great love and utter devastation. A tale of surviving events so dreadful you’re pushed into the dark pit of depression. It’s intense, desperate, gut wrenching and yet brilliant in its execution. The author could make her characters shine so bright, exhilarated just to snuff their lights out mere moments later and throw them on the long journey of reinventing themselves. They become better, stronger but have to pay the price as they stumble and fall so many times.
»Nothing man-made was perfect. Not even massive churches. A partnership wasn’t about being beautiful and adored in the spotlight, it was about incorporating the mistakes into the architecture.”
She pushed me way out of my comfort zone but I can honestly say Suanne Laqueur is a brilliant author.
My only complaint: the door is still open I want more about their after.
June 18, 2019
4.5 Stars!!!!
I have so many thoughts and emotions running in my mind about this book. I loved so many parts. Yet, I’m really torn as to how to rate it. I will try my best to explain.
First, I’ve had this book in my kindle for about 5 years. The zon says I bought it in 2014. I even got all the other books in the series as soon as they came out just waiting for the right time to read them. Why haven’t I read it before? I’m not sure, but I have my own theories. One of the reasons is that it has amazing reviews and I tend to get scared of those. I know, ridiculous! But historically, I find myself in the minority when everyone else super loves a book. Also, the squeealing-clickbaiter blogger recommended it and again, I tend to disagree with her a lot, I don’t really trust her recommendations, not to mention she spoiled the book in her review. Lastly, I love this author at a personal level, super love her so I was scared I was going to hate the book and then how was I going to look her in the eye? So, every year I say I will read the series, but then hold back, until last week when I found out the audiobooks were part of the Romance Package and took it as a signal that it was time.
So, back to the book, oh man what a ride! First, this is beautifully written. There’s zero doubt about that. I was mesmerized by the writing, it was great. The story was relevant, beautiful and heartbreaking, very heartbreaking. I also love books set in the 90s, perhaps because I can relate to them more. So that’s a plus. And the theatre/ballet stuff was awesome.
The angst, oh my god, there’s so much angst! And I love it, angst does things to me, it makes me constantly think about the book and the characters and if I stop the book mid read to do things like work or sleep (lol) the anticipation of going back to all that angst is like a high! So not going to lie, every time I was apart from this book, I longed to go back!
So why am I torn? Overall, I was hooked, I loved so many parts of this book and have so many highlights. However, I had some issues with the story that didn’t allow me to fully love the book, but most of them are just preference. This is definitely not a typical romance book, at least the last half is not, the first half is pretty straight romantic. I don’t mind that that is atypical, but this is also not a second chance romance IMO. Nope, the characters don’t go back to each other until the very end and the ending is very unresolved and HFN, at least in this book, the romance part of the second chance is not quite there. All the things I love about second chances are not really present. It does leave you wanting more. Thank goodness there’s a sequel that hopefully gives me some closure.
On a personal level, while I don’t mind cheating and I also don’t mind if characters move on with other people and then reconcile I also don’t want those things to be in my face and occupy significant space in the story. This book had both. I wasn’t a fan of the main character’s decisions, which made it really difficult for me to connect with either Daisy or Erick. Mostly with Daisy. I’m not sure I can reconcile the length of the separation and the fact that one of them marries someone else, but hey I get it, and I respect how the author chooses to tell the story. I get that these characters went through a lot and were messed up. And I totally get moving on with other people even if they’re soulmates.
To quote the book:
“They were trying so hard but they were young. Unskilled and powerless at three o’clock in the morning when they ought to be consumed with each other. Instead they were being eaten alive.”
But I felt that Daisy’s betrayal was extreme, because of who it was with and just hard to come back from. And then she moves into another relationship with a different character within the same group of friends? That just bothered me so much and I still can’t get over it. I would’ve preferred her paired up with people outside the friend group like in Erick’s case. But again it’s me and not the book. The book is told in Erick’s POV so I might change my opinion once I read Daisy’s POV.
Like I said, I have many thoughts about this book. However, I still think the book was great and I’m immediately diving into the next book because I simply need more of these characters. I’m completely invested in their story!
PS: I half read, half listened and the audiobook was fantastic!
I have so many thoughts and emotions running in my mind about this book. I loved so many parts. Yet, I’m really torn as to how to rate it. I will try my best to explain.
First, I’ve had this book in my kindle for about 5 years. The zon says I bought it in 2014. I even got all the other books in the series as soon as they came out just waiting for the right time to read them. Why haven’t I read it before? I’m not sure, but I have my own theories. One of the reasons is that it has amazing reviews and I tend to get scared of those. I know, ridiculous! But historically, I find myself in the minority when everyone else super loves a book. Also, the squeealing-clickbaiter blogger recommended it and again, I tend to disagree with her a lot, I don’t really trust her recommendations, not to mention she spoiled the book in her review. Lastly, I love this author at a personal level, super love her so I was scared I was going to hate the book and then how was I going to look her in the eye? So, every year I say I will read the series, but then hold back, until last week when I found out the audiobooks were part of the Romance Package and took it as a signal that it was time.
So, back to the book, oh man what a ride! First, this is beautifully written. There’s zero doubt about that. I was mesmerized by the writing, it was great. The story was relevant, beautiful and heartbreaking, very heartbreaking. I also love books set in the 90s, perhaps because I can relate to them more. So that’s a plus. And the theatre/ballet stuff was awesome.
The angst, oh my god, there’s so much angst! And I love it, angst does things to me, it makes me constantly think about the book and the characters and if I stop the book mid read to do things like work or sleep (lol) the anticipation of going back to all that angst is like a high! So not going to lie, every time I was apart from this book, I longed to go back!
So why am I torn? Overall, I was hooked, I loved so many parts of this book and have so many highlights. However, I had some issues with the story that didn’t allow me to fully love the book, but most of them are just preference. This is definitely not a typical romance book, at least the last half is not, the first half is pretty straight romantic. I don’t mind that that is atypical, but this is also not a second chance romance IMO. Nope, the characters don’t go back to each other until the very end and the ending is very unresolved and HFN, at least in this book, the romance part of the second chance is not quite there. All the things I love about second chances are not really present. It does leave you wanting more. Thank goodness there’s a sequel that hopefully gives me some closure.
On a personal level, while I don’t mind cheating and I also don’t mind if characters move on with other people and then reconcile I also don’t want those things to be in my face and occupy significant space in the story. This book had both. I wasn’t a fan of the main character’s decisions, which made it really difficult for me to connect with either Daisy or Erick. Mostly with Daisy. I’m not sure I can reconcile the length of the separation and the fact that one of them marries someone else, but hey I get it, and I respect how the author chooses to tell the story. I get that these characters went through a lot and were messed up. And I totally get moving on with other people even if they’re soulmates.
To quote the book:
“They were trying so hard but they were young. Unskilled and powerless at three o’clock in the morning when they ought to be consumed with each other. Instead they were being eaten alive.”
But I felt that Daisy’s betrayal was extreme, because of who it was with and just hard to come back from. And then she moves into another relationship with a different character within the same group of friends? That just bothered me so much and I still can’t get over it. I would’ve preferred her paired up with people outside the friend group like in Erick’s case. But again it’s me and not the book. The book is told in Erick’s POV so I might change my opinion once I read Daisy’s POV.
Like I said, I have many thoughts about this book. However, I still think the book was great and I’m immediately diving into the next book because I simply need more of these characters. I’m completely invested in their story!
PS: I half read, half listened and the audiobook was fantastic!
September 4, 2018
FIVE Heartbreaking Stars*****
This book simply blew my mind. I picked it up because I saw the high ratings on my feed and the great reviews by some of my friends, but I never expected it to be so intense, I couldn't put it down.The Man I Love shattered my heart and fed my soul, all in one read. I will never forget these characters and their beautiful story.
This book wasn't just about one great thing, it was the perfect combination of many; love, tragedy, friendship, loss, self discovery, and many more. Every aspect perfectly measured to create a truly unforgettable story, that at least for me, felt life altering. Maybe because right now I'm in a very vulnerable place in my life, or perhaps because I'm naturally a very sensitive person but my experience with this book was very special.
A group of very complex characters go through a journey of love, pain and self discovery together. The way the author humanized each character made it possible to relate, love and suffer along with them.
These is a group on young adults living in college, discovering adulthood and experiencing the ups and downs in life, together. One dark day, tragedy strikes, shattering their lives and altering their paths forever. Relationships will suffer, time will go by and healing is the main goal for all, but it won't be easy.
I was so impressed and inspired by this author's writing style, some writers know how to speak to your heart and to me, this one did, I am hooked, forever.
I am very excited to continue on reading this series. I can't wait to devour each word and experience and learn more...
This book simply blew my mind. I picked it up because I saw the high ratings on my feed and the great reviews by some of my friends, but I never expected it to be so intense, I couldn't put it down.The Man I Love shattered my heart and fed my soul, all in one read. I will never forget these characters and their beautiful story.
This book wasn't just about one great thing, it was the perfect combination of many; love, tragedy, friendship, loss, self discovery, and many more. Every aspect perfectly measured to create a truly unforgettable story, that at least for me, felt life altering. Maybe because right now I'm in a very vulnerable place in my life, or perhaps because I'm naturally a very sensitive person but my experience with this book was very special.
A group of very complex characters go through a journey of love, pain and self discovery together. The way the author humanized each character made it possible to relate, love and suffer along with them.
These is a group on young adults living in college, discovering adulthood and experiencing the ups and downs in life, together. One dark day, tragedy strikes, shattering their lives and altering their paths forever. Relationships will suffer, time will go by and healing is the main goal for all, but it won't be easy.
I was so impressed and inspired by this author's writing style, some writers know how to speak to your heart and to me, this one did, I am hooked, forever.
I am very excited to continue on reading this series. I can't wait to devour each word and experience and learn more...
December 28, 2016
#6STARS FULL REVIEW THOUGHTS TO COME
Suanne Laqueur creates the most spectacular friendships and beautiful relationships..... She has the ability to blow worlds apart and rebuild whilst maintaining my rapt attention and investment. This story hurt so good. The angst is simply sublime. I cried and sobbed, felt despair and happiness. THE MAN I LOVED took me on a trajectory I did not expect and boy did I love. FULL REVIEW THOUGHTS TO COME
December 26, 2018
6 stars.
“Fishy, Fishy in the brook…I’m going to stab you and gut you and rip you apart with my dull, rusty, jagged little hook.”
Yeah I know. It’s brilliant. I made that one up myself. Suanne, feel free to use it.
I had to take a break before penning my thoughts because for one, I was busy sweeping my shattered heart up off the floor, and two…I’m not right.
I just re-read the blurb and it gives nothing away. Which surprises me because I knew the basic plot going in. I guess that was all the buzz the book received when it was released. And as with most books, I’m late to the party.
The first 30% I spent waiting for what I “knew” was coming and wondering if I’d been mistaken. I didn’t allow myself to just get lost in it. I was reading with purpose. But the book refused to let that continue. Before I knew it, I was immersed in a different world. Lost in the theater with new people and new adventures. New friends. A new love…
And then BAM!
What I knew was coming came, and knocked the wind right out of me. And that was only the beginning. I felt like an extra, just sitting in the background watching it all unfold. Sometimes laughing, sometimes smiling, sometimes physically holding my mouth closed. I watched one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read originate and grow. Then I watched it crash and burn. And I stayed glued to my seat as the characters dealt with the fall out, myself dealing right along with them.
There are a handful of characters I wanted to hate. But I couldn’t. None of them. Not even HIM. Props to Ms. Laqueur. How did you make me feel for HIM? And then later…the other him…and then her? OK. I’m getting cryptic.
I realize this is a jumbled mess, but I wanted to write something while my heart is still in a pile on my dust pan and my stomach is still in my throat. I seriously hope I’m not scaring anyone away with my babble because that’s not my intent. Yes, this book hurts. And if you’re not into that kind of thing, you’re probably not reading this review anyway. But painful or not, it’s beautiful. And so incredibly real. The characters are broken. Their hearts are broken. Their lives are broken. But even so, “a broken cookie is still sweet.”
I’m SOOOOO happy I finally plucked it from the depths of my TBR. Actually I can’t even take credit for that. My reading buddy suggested it. Thanks Ashley.
March 21, 2023
Thank you to the author, Suzanne Laqueur, for a digital copy of THE MAN I LOVE, in exchange for which I'm providing my honest thoughts.
In this story, we follow Erik, the first person narrator of the book, and stage hand at his university's theater. He falls in love with Daisy, prima ballerina and known among his group as the unattainable catch. But Erik has always been a motivated person, so he keeps trying. And it's worth it in the end. But what do we mean when we say love is "worth it?" Erik and Daisy spend the book exploring this question. And what, exactly, is an "end?" They will need to answer that too.
I loved this book. I can't say too much about the story itself, or I will spoil everything for you. But I will say that I am a huge fan of this story's couple. And I adore that this story isn't a romantic comedy, but more like a romantic tragedy. It is deeply sweet and evocative.
There were so many times that I thought I knew what was coming, but I was often wrong. I remember looking at my husband at the halfway point and crying, omg, they're so perfect together! But I'm only halfway through the book, so something is going to go wrong, it has to!😭 And that was the closest I ever came to being right about any of my predictions lol.
I am amazed with Laqueur's depictions of post-trauma responses in this story's characters. I though she wrote these character traits with honesty and sensitivity. I thank her for avoiding sensationalizing.
Also, this is a spicy book, super spicy. I don't think she overdid it though; again, she wrote the characters with a level of vulnerability appropriate to the story. Still. 3.5🌶!
Rating: 🩰🩰🩰🩰🩰 / 5 toe shoes
Recommend? Heck yes!
Finished: January 17 2023
Read this book if you like:
💕 Contemporary romance
🌶 Spicy romance
💜 Christina Lauren
👯♂️ Stories about dancing
🎭 Tragedy and overcoming
In this story, we follow Erik, the first person narrator of the book, and stage hand at his university's theater. He falls in love with Daisy, prima ballerina and known among his group as the unattainable catch. But Erik has always been a motivated person, so he keeps trying. And it's worth it in the end. But what do we mean when we say love is "worth it?" Erik and Daisy spend the book exploring this question. And what, exactly, is an "end?" They will need to answer that too.
I loved this book. I can't say too much about the story itself, or I will spoil everything for you. But I will say that I am a huge fan of this story's couple. And I adore that this story isn't a romantic comedy, but more like a romantic tragedy. It is deeply sweet and evocative.
There were so many times that I thought I knew what was coming, but I was often wrong. I remember looking at my husband at the halfway point and crying, omg, they're so perfect together! But I'm only halfway through the book, so something is going to go wrong, it has to!😭 And that was the closest I ever came to being right about any of my predictions lol.
I am amazed with Laqueur's depictions of post-trauma responses in this story's characters. I though she wrote these character traits with honesty and sensitivity. I thank her for avoiding sensationalizing.
Also, this is a spicy book, super spicy. I don't think she overdid it though; again, she wrote the characters with a level of vulnerability appropriate to the story. Still. 3.5🌶!
Rating: 🩰🩰🩰🩰🩰 / 5 toe shoes
Recommend? Heck yes!
Finished: January 17 2023
Read this book if you like:
💕 Contemporary romance
🌶 Spicy romance
💜 Christina Lauren
👯♂️ Stories about dancing
🎭 Tragedy and overcoming
January 9, 2024
CONSUMING <> SPIRALING <> PROCESSING
Erik & Daisy are college freshman who meet while working on a project together in the theater department. Their young love is ideal and all-consuming. They were each other's reason for breathing. It was cute watching them fall deeper in love with each other.
One fateful day this love story comes to a spiraling downturn that will forever change Erik & Daisy’s lives. The crash was one that made each of them do stuff that they would have never considered doing prior to this event took over their lives.
Many years have passed as they wrestle to come to terms with what happened to them. They spend a lot of processing that day and figuring out how it affected them and how they were going to move forward.
A little personal history now: I’ve been once removed twice for the event that happened in this book that caused Erik & Daisy to spiral downwards. I’ve seen the heartache and pain this kind of thing causes everyone around them.
The author did a great job recreating and taking the characters through what it was like to re-emerge from such a horrific event.
While this book is very emotional I didn’t cry. I credit my lack of tears to the fact that I’ve been through this twice in my life and each time I shed many tears and I still do today. I did find when Erik went to counseling I felt like I was right there with him getting the help I needed to make sense about how people navigate these type situations.
THE MAN I LOVE is book 1 in The Fish Tales series. I listened to the audio and found it to be wonderfully done. This is my second book by, Ms. Laqueur, and like the other book I read the storytelling is incredible. WELL DONE!
Thank you, Christy, for recommending it and Kara for buddy-listening to it with me. ♥ ♥ ♥
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Erik & Daisy are college freshman who meet while working on a project together in the theater department. Their young love is ideal and all-consuming. They were each other's reason for breathing. It was cute watching them fall deeper in love with each other.
One fateful day this love story comes to a spiraling downturn that will forever change Erik & Daisy’s lives. The crash was one that made each of them do stuff that they would have never considered doing prior to this event took over their lives.
Many years have passed as they wrestle to come to terms with what happened to them. They spend a lot of processing that day and figuring out how it affected them and how they were going to move forward.
A little personal history now: I’ve been once removed twice for the event that happened in this book that caused Erik & Daisy to spiral downwards. I’ve seen the heartache and pain this kind of thing causes everyone around them.
The author did a great job recreating and taking the characters through what it was like to re-emerge from such a horrific event.
While this book is very emotional I didn’t cry. I credit my lack of tears to the fact that I’ve been through this twice in my life and each time I shed many tears and I still do today. I did find when Erik went to counseling I felt like I was right there with him getting the help I needed to make sense about how people navigate these type situations.
THE MAN I LOVE is book 1 in The Fish Tales series. I listened to the audio and found it to be wonderfully done. This is my second book by, Ms. Laqueur, and like the other book I read the storytelling is incredible. WELL DONE!
Thank you, Christy, for recommending it and Kara for buddy-listening to it with me. ♥ ♥ ♥
Follow Foxy Blogs at: Foxy Blogs ♥ Twitter ♥ Instagram ♥ Facebook
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