4 Stars

A road trip. A homage. A chance to defy the rules and ultimately break them.

Justin has barely been living under the thumb of his well intentioned mother. He’s been in the closet and in love with his best friend Landry for years, and he’s scared shitless to do anything about it. On said road trip to honor his dead father, stress and grief come to a head, and the truth comes out with unsurprisingly, a lot of consequences.

Despite some upsetting angst, the writing here is what gives this extra points. The way Erickson conveys how Justin and Landry fit perfectly - always did, always will - was the best part of this book. So yes, this wasn’t the easiest read - but the poignancy, the intimacy - all won me over.

Admittedly, Justin has a shit ton of growing up to do - finding, owning, and embracing himself so he could be with Landry who btw, was a wonderful character to experience. Overall this was touching and very romantic. Of course, it was sweet and sexy too. These two meet cute when they were young and immediately connect. There was never a question as to whether they were meant for each other - they just had to take a journey to realize and embrace that possibility. Really, all the rest is inconsequential, and that my friends, is the way love should be. ( )

This is all from Justin's point of view, which I assume explains the narrative choices. (I'll know when I read the next in the series, I presume.) I find I prefer alternating POV, but for this story single works well. Justin's learning curve is much more difficult than Landry's.

I really liked the series of resolutions -- halting, flawed and all too real. Best of all, the author absolutely sticks the landing.

The ebook needed a better line edit, but the mistakes are easy enough to gloss over for most readers. ( )

I have conflicting feeling about this one.
For the record: I went into this book with my eyes wide open. So yes, I knew what I was getting into.

I liked the idea, but did not care for its execution.
The book left me feeling a little empty.

Passions are supposed to drive people. None of that here.
Justin should be into photography but it doesn't feel like that, at all. Driving force? Nope!

The relationship? No clue what it's based on.
How did they get here? What on earth do they talk about? What makes them click?
I'm not buying into soulmates thing unless it's being continuous proven by characters. They should fit together, make a whole - however imperfect.
Did not feel any of it here. Just don't see it.

The whole honouring Justin's Dad thing? Not much of it takes place. There weren't any feels, it didn't strike any chords.

The Mum front? *tired sigh* The resolution is just so...
I was actually looking forward to their out and out conversation with guns a-blazing.

This was a fast read. I wish it were a good one.

FINAL VERDICT: I'm pretty sure there are better written books out there. Please, do yourself a favour: go find them. ( )

Rating and review removed.

This was a great story of unrequited love and friendship. Justin and Landry were just taking a trip at the end of summer before adulting commences. Told in dual POV, you are just rooting for each one to really 'see' the other. It's not all easy. But that's what makes the HEA so sweet. ( )