Apparently I'm a total sap, and I'm not going to apologize for loving the sentimental romance that this was. It must be the college setting and the setup of the shy virgin who just can't help but fall in love with the notorious player, slowly winning over his heart. Though this is a classic NA trope we've all read many times before, Cullinan executes this quite brilliantly.

So yes, this was a perfect blend of everything I like in a romance. You've got well balanced push pull, crazy jealousy, gut twisting insecurity, torturous want, and miserable doubt - capped off with a slow burn UST and seriously hot, sexual exploration. Uh huh.

Kelly - shy, a bit awkward, and who sees and hopes for the best in life and love. He doesn't want to compromise on what he wants from a relationship and stays firm in his idealistic beliefs.

Walter - a cynic who takes naive Kelly under his wing in navigating the ins and outs of college. Deep down, he too just wants to be loved, though he's never going to admit that to anyone, let alone himself.

As their friendship grows, these boys want each other so bad, and for different reasons, hesitate and resist the longing for something they feel they can't have. But once Kelly and Walter step over that proverbial line in the sand… mmmmm.

This gets the rare 5 stars from me because though Kelly and Walter have internal and external debates about the pros and cons of their relationship, there was no excessive, unnecessary melodrama, nor any cringe worthy, over the top miscommunication. They may have their doubts about themselves, but not any for each other. This was simply a sweet and very sexy look at first times, first relationships, and first love. If only real life emulated this for everyone.


Meags, thanks for keeping me company!!