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Love Lessons #2
Fever Pitch
Sometimes you have to play love by ear.
Love Lessons, Book 2
Aaron Seavers is a pathetic mess, and he knows it. He lives in terror of incurring his father’s wrath and disappointing his mother, and he can’t stop dithering about where to go to college—with fall term only weeks away.
Ditched by a friend at a miserable summer farewell party, all he can do is get drunk in the laundry room and regret he was ever born. Until a geeky-cute classmate lifts his spirits, leaving him confident of two his sexual orientation, and where he’s headed to school.
Giles Mulder can’t wait to get the hell out of Oak Grove, Minnesota, and off to college, where he plans to play his violin and figure out what he wants to be when he grows up. But when Aaron appears on campus, memories of hometown hazing threaten what he’d hoped would be his haven.
As the semester wears on, their attraction crescendos from double-cautious to a rich, swelling chord. But if more than one set of controlling parents have their way, the music of their love could come to a shattering end.
Contains showmances, bad parenting, Walter Lucas, and a cappella.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2014
43 people are currently reading
1761 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Cullinan
50 books2,874 followersAuthor of over thirty novels, Midwest-native Heidi Cullinan writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because they believe there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. Heidi’s books have been recommended by Library Journal, USA Today, RT Magazine, and Publishers Weekly. When Heidi isn’t writing, they enjoy gaming, reading manga, manhua, and danmei, playing with cats, and watching too much anime.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 483 reviews
January 29, 2015
A million stars wouldn't be enough.
Good heavens, this book tore my heart apart. It made me delirious with joy...and tears...and never-ending FEELS.
I liked the first book a great deal, but this one?
This one I LOVED.
There was a sense of community, of bonding together. There was so much love to go round, you'd need a giant-ass ladle to scoop it all up, and it would still spill over.
Kelly compared Giles to a "young Dustin Lance Black," and as soon as I read that, bells went off in my head. Because, YES. If Giles is Dustin Lance Black, then Aaron is Tom Delay. And that FITS.
GILES
AARON
The heroes: Giles' parent who refuse to let any boy be lost; Walter, because he understands; Kelly, because no one helped Walter; MUSIC, because nothing is more powerful than arranging a rendition of Titanium belted out for Baz, for unity, for the sheer JOY of it.
I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
Romance, kisses, sexy first times, friendship, KISSES, coming into your own, learning to LOVE, learning to TRUST, becoming yourself and not the person your parents demand you be...
all that and Kelly and Walter's Wedding of the Century.
The secondary characters, Drs. Nussenbaum and Dr. Allison, Mia and Jilly, Damien and Marius...ELIJAH...god, Elijah with his secrets and brutal bible-thumping parents, and BAZ, of the too-cool sunglasses hiding a world of pain (oh, yes, there's a story there): they BELONGED in this book.
Walter was the rock. Kelly was the balm. Aaron, who lost so much, was the soul.
And geeky, lanky Giles, beaten and bruised, scared of his own shadow, screwing straight boys for revenge, violinist extraordinaire --
Giles fucking OWNED it.
You sure did, Giles; you sure did.
Good heavens, this book tore my heart apart. It made me delirious with joy...and tears...and never-ending FEELS.
I liked the first book a great deal, but this one?
This one I LOVED.
There was a sense of community, of bonding together. There was so much love to go round, you'd need a giant-ass ladle to scoop it all up, and it would still spill over.
Kelly compared Giles to a "young Dustin Lance Black," and as soon as I read that, bells went off in my head. Because, YES. If Giles is Dustin Lance Black, then Aaron is Tom Delay. And that FITS.
GILES
[Giles] wasn't a lanky geek with weird hair and embarrassing ears anymore. He was...cool, in his own way. It wasn't how he looked. It was how he looked BACK.
AARON
It was like nobody had ever kissed Aaron before in his life, because nothing in his realm of experience had ever been like this....The rest of the world fell away, so far gone Aaron wasn't sure it could ever come back.
The heroes: Giles' parent who refuse to let any boy be lost; Walter, because he understands; Kelly, because no one helped Walter; MUSIC, because nothing is more powerful than arranging a rendition of Titanium belted out for Baz, for unity, for the sheer JOY of it.
I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
Romance, kisses, sexy first times, friendship, KISSES, coming into your own, learning to LOVE, learning to TRUST, becoming yourself and not the person your parents demand you be...
all that and Kelly and Walter's Wedding of the Century.
The secondary characters, Drs. Nussenbaum and Dr. Allison, Mia and Jilly, Damien and Marius...ELIJAH...god, Elijah with his secrets and brutal bible-thumping parents, and BAZ, of the too-cool sunglasses hiding a world of pain (oh, yes, there's a story there): they BELONGED in this book.
Walter was the rock. Kelly was the balm. Aaron, who lost so much, was the soul.
And geeky, lanky Giles, beaten and bruised, scared of his own shadow, screwing straight boys for revenge, violinist extraordinaire --
Giles fucking OWNED it.
"I'll never do that to you. Ever. I've been to the mountaintop, and I came down with an Uzi."
You sure did, Giles; you sure did.
December 5, 2014
When Heidi writes her sweet stuff, it is just magic for me. This book is oozy-gooey sweetness, and even with its angsty moments (and there are a ton of them), it is still a book that you'll want to cuddle at night.
First of all, I'm just going to post the pictures of Giles and Aaron that Heidi used for her characters. Are they perfect or what? Just spot on, especially with Giles and his adorable ears!
Okay, now that you've got our two lovely gents in your head, I'll get on with it.
Giles and Aaron have a love/hate sort of relationship. They had a memorable night while the two were still in high school, then one misunderstanding lead to another. When they reunited in college, both felt confused and rejected by the other. Much angst ensues.
For me, the book was a bit frustrating in the middle. I wanted the two guys to just TALK to each other. The chapters upon chapters of Giles and Aaron attempting to interpret each other's body language and facial expressions were endlessly irksome. However, when the two finally got together, it was beautiful. These two guys had great chemistry and vulnerability with each other. The way that they supported one another and communicated once they were a couple was perfect. They were squee-worthy, to be sure.
This book also had excellent supporting characters. I LOVED seeing Walter again. He had a sizable role in this story, and was adorable in each scene. Everyone, from both sets of parents to Giles and Aaron's friends, had interesting and powerful roles. Heidi knows how to make well rounded characters that feel real.
While I didn't cry like most readers, I was still touched by the story. It is a poignant one, especially for anyone who has struggled to find themselves and has risked rejection by family and friends. I think fans of the first in the series will be equally impressed by this lovely installment.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
First of all, I'm just going to post the pictures of Giles and Aaron that Heidi used for her characters. Are they perfect or what? Just spot on, especially with Giles and his adorable ears!
Okay, now that you've got our two lovely gents in your head, I'll get on with it.
Giles and Aaron have a love/hate sort of relationship. They had a memorable night while the two were still in high school, then one misunderstanding lead to another. When they reunited in college, both felt confused and rejected by the other. Much angst ensues.
For me, the book was a bit frustrating in the middle. I wanted the two guys to just TALK to each other. The chapters upon chapters of Giles and Aaron attempting to interpret each other's body language and facial expressions were endlessly irksome. However, when the two finally got together, it was beautiful. These two guys had great chemistry and vulnerability with each other. The way that they supported one another and communicated once they were a couple was perfect. They were squee-worthy, to be sure.
This book also had excellent supporting characters. I LOVED seeing Walter again. He had a sizable role in this story, and was adorable in each scene. Everyone, from both sets of parents to Giles and Aaron's friends, had interesting and powerful roles. Heidi knows how to make well rounded characters that feel real.
While I didn't cry like most readers, I was still touched by the story. It is a poignant one, especially for anyone who has struggled to find themselves and has risked rejection by family and friends. I think fans of the first in the series will be equally impressed by this lovely installment.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
August 5, 2015
♥ ♥ ♥ 3.5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥
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"The life you're meant to lead is worth fighting for. Worth crying for, even worth bleeding for. When you sing the right song, your life opens before you, and all the pain and sorrow become the bricks you build your castles with. You, Aaron Seavers, will build amazing things. I look forward very much to seeing that unfold.”
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Aaron Seavers is scared to take that step out of the closet for the fear of what his strict parents would think. Meanwhile, Giles Mulder is out and proud but getting bashed for being who he is. They meet at a party and they instantly connect. They had one night together before they both part ways to go to college. But, both are left wanting more after they leave, even if it ended on a bit of a bad note. Never did Giles ever think that Aaron would end up going to his school and seeing him again.
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'Giles shut his eyes once more--and surrendered to the kiss he'd been dreaming of for six months.'
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I did enjoy this book, but maybe not quite as much as the first one in the series. The first third of the book was really slow to me. It took forever for these two characters to come to speaking terms after their misunderstanding from that one night they shared. I wanted them to clear the air sooner, but that did not happen. Once it finally did happen I was able to get into it. I loved the musical aspect that was put into this book. Since Aaron is a singer and Giles is a violinist. There were many moments I really wanted to actually listen to the music that was being described. I think the music just made the story so much more better and emotional. I just really loved it. And there were many emotional parts that made me tear up. Some not even involving music. I hurt for Aaron so much during one scene. I just couldn't believe what his parents did to him. It made me so upset and angry
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"I'll never do that you. Ever. I've been to the mountain top, and I came down with a Uzi. You're strong too, and you're going to get through this. The world's not too hard for you, Aaron. And you don't have to face it on your own.”
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I was very happy to see Walter and Kelly from book one in this one as well. Walter played a bit of a role in Aaron's life, for which I was grateful for. Just when I thought I couldn't possibly love Walter more, he goes off and cares for Aaron selflessly. I liked some of the secondary characters, although there did seem to be quite a lot of them. I did like the set up for Baz and Elijah's story and am very curious about those. The shooting though, I was not expecting, and I'm still not too sure how I feel about it. But everything else I did enjoy. Something I really appreciated about these characters, is that Heidi knows how to make her young characters actually sound like young characters. She uses references to things young people use or talk about. That was something I really loved. I also really liked the cheesy ending. My heart was melting so bad.
Overall, I may not have loved this one as much as the first, but I did enjoy it for the most part. I also really loved how Aaron and Giles finally came together. They were really cute together. I can't wait to move on to the next book.
June 29, 2015
Must love music.
Music. Wow. There's a lot of music, and that's coming from an unmusically gifted person living in a house with guitars on the wall, amps, sax, 2 keyboards, clarinet and an oboe. Electric violin and English horn have been ogled lately and under consideration. STILL... this story has an intense amount of music, from composition, to instruments, to vocal. The reader is going to get a lot of detail on process, which is a hallmark Cullinan trait. Maybe it's sour grapes. To be fair, I get to play the cowbell andl uli ulis.
This dragged at some point. I think the parallel sub-stories of Kelly and Walter, Elijah, and Baz just elongated the whole thing too much. It became less Aaron and Giles, and more their terribly coincidental friends' lives. I guess for a YA book this makes sense--I'm not knowledgeable. But, even though I liked all the guys' stories, this got boring at some point and I made myself finish it.
Then there's the melodramatic finish. Sure added some zing, but it felt so OTT. In the end, I felt alienated. I'm sure this will really appeal to a bunch of readers, but due to the couple reasons mentioned it fell short for me.
2.5 Stars
Overall, an angsty YA story with a lot of coincidence.
Favorite quote
Music. Wow. There's a lot of music, and that's coming from an unmusically gifted person living in a house with guitars on the wall, amps, sax, 2 keyboards, clarinet and an oboe. Electric violin and English horn have been ogled lately and under consideration. STILL... this story has an intense amount of music, from composition, to instruments, to vocal. The reader is going to get a lot of detail on process, which is a hallmark Cullinan trait. Maybe it's sour grapes. To be fair, I get to play the cowbell andl uli ulis.
This dragged at some point. I think the parallel sub-stories of Kelly and Walter, Elijah, and Baz just elongated the whole thing too much. It became less Aaron and Giles, and more their terribly coincidental friends' lives. I guess for a YA book this makes sense--I'm not knowledgeable. But, even though I liked all the guys' stories, this got boring at some point and I made myself finish it.
Then there's the melodramatic finish. Sure added some zing, but it felt so OTT. In the end, I felt alienated. I'm sure this will really appeal to a bunch of readers, but due to the couple reasons mentioned it fell short for me.
2.5 Stars
Overall, an angsty YA story with a lot of coincidence.
Favorite quote
It wasn’t how he looked. It was how he looked back.
April 15, 2015
~
Quick and dirty in 3... 2... 1... Go!
Giles and Aaron:
What I loved:
Not So Much:
Haven't Decided Quiet Yet:
3.499999 stars, but it's most likely not the book as much as it is me this time. I might need a Midol for my cramping. hehe
------------------------------
This was my copy of the book and was not provided by the publisher.
Quick and dirty in 3... 2... 1... Go!
Giles and Aaron:
What I loved:
Aaron, top to big ole' total bottom. He rocked it.------------------------------
Walter, whose role in this one was much larger than I'd first thought it would be. The scene on the bed where Walter comforts Aaron, with Giles helping. Epic.
Giles' confession while Aaron had his headphones on.
Giles' dad's quiet way of always being there when people needed him.
Not So Much:
The incredibly sloooooooooooooow burn once Aaron & Giles got to college.------------------------------
The sheet number of supporting characters. I didn't sit down and count, but I'm sure there were at least 25 of them. Kinda distracting.
For a large part of the book, mostly the first 2/3rds or so, Giles was kind of a whiney little bitch. Not a fan of that.
Giles' high school "shame-and-blames". Stop fucking dangerous closet cases. You're a smart guy and it's 2015. There's an app for that. Several, actually.
The shooting. That came way out of left field, but I'm sure more will be explained in book 3.
Titanium. That part at the end wound me up, not in a good way.
The big gay wedding. Pretty over the top for me and not every MM story needs one, just because it's 'trending' these days.
Haven't Decided Quiet Yet:
Baz. Still scratching my ass over him.------------------------------
Elijah's story. I know he's an MC in book 3, so a lot of his pages were setup, but I felt like I either got way too much of his story in this book or not quite enough.
Still indecisive on that. Like I tried to climb over that fence, but I only ended up getting my balls caught in the barbed wire. :- /
3.499999 stars, but it's most likely not the book as much as it is me this time. I might need a Midol for my cramping. hehe
------------------------------
This was my copy of the book and was not provided by the publisher.
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March 27, 2015Inspired by you guys.
http://heidicullinan.tumblr.com/post/...
ETA: LOVE that I get to add this to the description: 2015 RITA® Finalist
http://heidicullinan.tumblr.com/post/...
ETA: LOVE that I get to add this to the description: 2015 RITA® Finalist
October 20, 2014
4.5 stars
I first read this book back in June and then read it again in September. I should have written a review right away so that I would have fresh words to spill about it...other than the ordinary "omigod this BOOK...I loved it so much!" But alas, that's what I've been resigned too...
OMIGOD THIS BOOK! I loved it SO MUCH!
When Love Lessons came out last year, I had only read a couple Heidi Cullinan books and I was used to her writing kinky stuff wrapped up in a hug. I didn't expect a deeply emotional and heartsqueezing NA/college boys novel that would STEAL MY HEART. But that's what it did. Kelly & Walter became like family to me.
Since then, I've stocked up on more and more HC reads and joining Kelly & Walter is my boo/spirit animal Randy (I still can't believe I just typed that)...and now...make room for Giles & Aaron (and frankly Baz & Eliah...but we'll get back to them in a bit). Giles & Aaron are the MC's of book 2 of this series, "Fever PItch"...and much to my own surprise, I loved this one even more than book 1. It's kind of a perfect fit, really. I'm a show choir fan...love me some acapella harmonies. I love music. I love college boys. I love the bullied gay HS kid who finds himself and then finds love. I love emotional family arcs. And I love...love. So yeah, that's Fever Pitch for you.
Some background:
Giles is the out kid in high school who was picked on and beat up. His fear broke my f'ing heart...you just don't know. I wanted to walk around with a bat and pummel anyone who came near him. All my protective hackles were raised as I read Giles in the beginning of the book. While still in HS, he meets Aaron, a great-looking popular kid. And they have a chance encounter...and walk away afterwards. Only to meet up again in college.
The slow build, enemies to friends to lovers storyline was at times emotional (painful even), at times squeee-worthy, at times fiercely loyal and protective, at times so deliciously romantic. I loved this couple...they made my heart FULL!
Add in a HOST of really fantastic side characters...and a whopper of a soon-to-be-explored story line about 2 of the most potentially fascinating characters Baz & Elijah (GIVE ME THEIR BOOK IMMEDIATELY!!!! Please?!)...and well, yeah...you've got a HIT with Fever Pitch.
I'd love to share more...but again, it's been a bit since I've read it. HOWEVER, I did an interview with Heidi Cullinan about this book...right after I read it for the 2nd time...and this might help better express my thoughts of the book: http://boysinourbooks.com/2014/09/22/...
Loved this book, LOVE this series...can't wait for more (no, literally, I CAN'T WAIT! Gimme!!!!!)
October 4, 2014
Having raised a musical teenager, this story pulled me in from the start. I wanted to shelter Aaron from the heartache I could see coming, and Giles from the pain his open nature brought down on him. This book is darker than the first in the series (although not as gut-wrenching as I can see the third book will be.) This is a story of the quintessential first year of college, and the changes it can work on the young men who leave home for the first time. It's about coming out and acknowledging who you are, in all the myriad facets.
Aaron is gay, he lives for music, he's kind and lonely and in need of friends, and all of those are things he has shut away from his full awareness in the last year of high-school. But the floodgates open wide after his first meeting with Giles at a summer party. The force of just how much he wants his life to be different hits him like a gut-punch. He picks his college as a chance to try to reconnect with Giles, when he's too shy to go about it any other way. Unfortunately, when he sets eyes on Giles again, it does not go well.
Giles is lucky in having warm family support, both for his orientation and his music. His parents weren't able to protect him from bullying in school, but they had his back and they encourage him in his dreams and goals. Getting to college is the fresh start they all want for Giles. But even with the best parents, figuring out how to translate his interests into life goals isn't straightforward. He's not the type of prodigy to make music performance an obvious career. And that guy Aaron, whom he had a brief encounter with and then a stinging rejection from, seems to be lurking everywhere he goes.
I loved both the MCs. The misunderstanding that keeps them apart at first was plausibly supported by the characters and experiences. I enjoyed the way music infuses the whole story. The other music students, especially the choirs, were excellent (if occasionally too good.) There are some very nasty parents in this book - I wish that was just fiction, but in a decade where the number of homeless LGBT youth is increasing, it sadly is not. The secondary characters are excellent. I enjoyed seeing Walter again (and although he was occasionally intrusive, that fit his character. When Walter takes care of you he doesn't just drop by once with chicken soup, he hires a caterer to deliver it daily and comes by to be sure you're eating it. Turning off the Walter Lucas support system once engaged isn't easy.) And God knows, Aaron needed that, needed to know that he mattered, as the gay musician that he is, and not just to his boyfriend.
But the secondary character who really engaged my interest was Elijah, Aaron's confusing roommate. I expect the next book to be his and I expect it to kill me, in the very best way.
Aaron is gay, he lives for music, he's kind and lonely and in need of friends, and all of those are things he has shut away from his full awareness in the last year of high-school. But the floodgates open wide after his first meeting with Giles at a summer party. The force of just how much he wants his life to be different hits him like a gut-punch. He picks his college as a chance to try to reconnect with Giles, when he's too shy to go about it any other way. Unfortunately, when he sets eyes on Giles again, it does not go well.
Giles is lucky in having warm family support, both for his orientation and his music. His parents weren't able to protect him from bullying in school, but they had his back and they encourage him in his dreams and goals. Getting to college is the fresh start they all want for Giles. But even with the best parents, figuring out how to translate his interests into life goals isn't straightforward. He's not the type of prodigy to make music performance an obvious career. And that guy Aaron, whom he had a brief encounter with and then a stinging rejection from, seems to be lurking everywhere he goes.
I loved both the MCs. The misunderstanding that keeps them apart at first was plausibly supported by the characters and experiences. I enjoyed the way music infuses the whole story. The other music students, especially the choirs, were excellent (if occasionally too good.) There are some very nasty parents in this book - I wish that was just fiction, but in a decade where the number of homeless LGBT youth is increasing, it sadly is not. The secondary characters are excellent. I enjoyed seeing Walter again (and although he was occasionally intrusive, that fit his character. When Walter takes care of you he doesn't just drop by once with chicken soup, he hires a caterer to deliver it daily and comes by to be sure you're eating it. Turning off the Walter Lucas support system once engaged isn't easy.) And God knows, Aaron needed that, needed to know that he mattered, as the gay musician that he is, and not just to his boyfriend.
But the secondary character who really engaged my interest was Elijah, Aaron's confusing roommate. I expect the next book to be his and I expect it to kill me, in the very best way.
September 29, 2014
About a year ago I read a story, Love Lessons, on an emotionally dark day where I wasn’t sure there would be any light in the near future. That day, things were bad but reading those words on the page, made me feel less alone and that there had to something better than what I was going through. Not only did I feel the connection to the characters on a deep level, that story made me do something I rarely do, email the author and pour my soul out at their feet for giving me, yes me, the words that I needed. Little did I know that the email would lead to me being told that Aaron, from this book, would be my spirit animal. Now how in the world do you approach a book, from one of your favorite authors knowing that ahead of time? With both feet and eyes wide open of course.
We have Aaron, our lovely misunderstood and oh so lonely boy who through the help of Giles realizes he is indeed gay and follows the boy who opened up this new world to him to the Collegiate grounds of Saint Timothy. There, Aaron becomes this boy who I can’t get out of my head. I though I connected with Walter in Love Lessons and the things he went through but reading Aaron, it hit very close to home. No, I wasn’t a music major and cannot belt it out like the boy can but the things he thinks; about himself, his life and his future. I can’t see as I write this because there is a curtain of strange liquid falling from my eyes. I love Aaron beyond the beyond, and I felt everything he went through. When he sees Giles at school, I couldn’t handle it.
Giles, where do I begin? I could see this tall lanky boy with the faux hawk and the ears. THE EARS! Ugh. I loved being in his head as he navigated the time with Aaron and the times he sees him at college. My heart ached for all the pain, both physical and emotional he had been through and yet I was in awe of strength he possessed.
The storytelling with Fever Pitch is amazing. You get the boys as they meet; they connect and then are separated. The separation was anxiety filled for me; I just wanted them together so bad and to see them happy, but it was this separation that built the boy’s character. It was beautiful to see them alone, even breaking down to the point of being so raw there was nowhere to go but higher than they dreamed. Giles, I was in love with him from the beginning, his geeky and lanky self being likened to Dustin Lance Black, how could I not but I loved being inside his head. Let me tell you, I was a sobbing snot fest so many times reading in his POV. His confessions are burned into my romantic heart, and I can’t forget them. Good lord, that boy.
Along with the romance, there is this strong self of family that I clung to. It’s true what they say; family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what. This story weaves this fact through the lines in a gorgeous tapestry.
But back to Aaron, I weep, my soul weeps for this boy. I was happy he found friends in the Ambassadors. OH YEAH! Let me pause for a moment and say I think things happen for a reason. I had this ready to read over a week ago but for some reason, albeit the fear of being torn to shreds, it didn’t start it. This past Friday, I was sick in bed, and while checking to see what was on TV, I decided to watch Pitch Perfect for the first time. Talk about the ultimate set up for this book! Not that it’s needed, but I got it. OMG, I got it.
So back to Aaron, the struggles he deals with, wanting to be in control of his life, of his present and his future and be his true self just wrecked me. Don’t get me wrong, I smiled a lot through this book but the deep emotions just owned my ass. I thought I was a wreck reading the Walter and Kelly dance scene to “Titanium” in Love Lessons; I can’t even listen to a certain Keane song without completely losing it. Granted, I had the Glee version on my phone to listen to and though the song had the affect on me before but now? Forget about it. It’s Aaron’s song, and it’s perfect.
Speaking of Walter and Kelly, what a joy it was to see them again. I loved (How many times have I said that the word, loved?) the advice that Walter passes to Aaron was amazing, and you see how much he has grown with Kelly. Read the dedication of this book and it’s true; Walter rivals my #1 book boyfriend (I have a badge to prove it) that is Randy Jansen. His growth is even greater than it was in Love Lessons and the gravitational pull this new found family has toward him melted me many times over.
Now I talked about music and the music in this book is important. I am a self-proclaimed music nerd; I love it, I collect it, I devour it and I hold it inside for the moments I need it most. There is a playlist with this book, and I strongly suggest you listen to it, listen to it when the songs are mentioned and go back and read the scene again with the sound as the soundtrack. It’s transitional, as music and reading should be but when paired together, it’s phenomenal.
These two. This book. This author. This series! I can’t stop gushing and smiling and crying and just falling in love with it. This book was so full of layers; layers that were dripping with deep emotions that all I could do was tear each one away wrap them around me and marinate in all the words gave me. The words that cut and hit way too close to home but also radiated safety and strength.
Oh! One last thing… When I realized who book three in this series was going to be about, having seen the author tweet about a certain boy whose name is three letters long, my mind was blown. BLOWN and I bow down to this woman. MY GOODNESS!
We have Aaron, our lovely misunderstood and oh so lonely boy who through the help of Giles realizes he is indeed gay and follows the boy who opened up this new world to him to the Collegiate grounds of Saint Timothy. There, Aaron becomes this boy who I can’t get out of my head. I though I connected with Walter in Love Lessons and the things he went through but reading Aaron, it hit very close to home. No, I wasn’t a music major and cannot belt it out like the boy can but the things he thinks; about himself, his life and his future. I can’t see as I write this because there is a curtain of strange liquid falling from my eyes. I love Aaron beyond the beyond, and I felt everything he went through. When he sees Giles at school, I couldn’t handle it.
“… he knew a bone-deep terror he’d chosen his source of secondary education based on sex at a lake with a guy he’d only just met, a guy who might be disgusted to see him again.”
Giles, where do I begin? I could see this tall lanky boy with the faux hawk and the ears. THE EARS! Ugh. I loved being in his head as he navigated the time with Aaron and the times he sees him at college. My heart ached for all the pain, both physical and emotional he had been through and yet I was in awe of strength he possessed.
“You shut too many people off. How do you know you haven’t missed someone amazing right here at home because you decided they were an ass? How do you know you won’t do the exact same thing at Saint Timothy? College isn’t going to be that much different than high school.”
The storytelling with Fever Pitch is amazing. You get the boys as they meet; they connect and then are separated. The separation was anxiety filled for me; I just wanted them together so bad and to see them happy, but it was this separation that built the boy’s character. It was beautiful to see them alone, even breaking down to the point of being so raw there was nowhere to go but higher than they dreamed. Giles, I was in love with him from the beginning, his geeky and lanky self being likened to Dustin Lance Black, how could I not but I loved being inside his head. Let me tell you, I was a sobbing snot fest so many times reading in his POV. His confessions are burned into my romantic heart, and I can’t forget them. Good lord, that boy.
Along with the romance, there is this strong self of family that I clung to. It’s true what they say; family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what. This story weaves this fact through the lines in a gorgeous tapestry.
But back to Aaron, I weep, my soul weeps for this boy. I was happy he found friends in the Ambassadors. OH YEAH! Let me pause for a moment and say I think things happen for a reason. I had this ready to read over a week ago but for some reason, albeit the fear of being torn to shreds, it didn’t start it. This past Friday, I was sick in bed, and while checking to see what was on TV, I decided to watch Pitch Perfect for the first time. Talk about the ultimate set up for this book! Not that it’s needed, but I got it. OMG, I got it.
So back to Aaron, the struggles he deals with, wanting to be in control of his life, of his present and his future and be his true self just wrecked me. Don’t get me wrong, I smiled a lot through this book but the deep emotions just owned my ass. I thought I was a wreck reading the Walter and Kelly dance scene to “Titanium” in Love Lessons; I can’t even listen to a certain Keane song without completely losing it. Granted, I had the Glee version on my phone to listen to and though the song had the affect on me before but now? Forget about it. It’s Aaron’s song, and it’s perfect.
I don’t have to fit in with what people decide for me because I know where I fit in. Everybody has somewhere they fit in. We just have to look hard to find it sometimes.
Speaking of Walter and Kelly, what a joy it was to see them again. I loved (How many times have I said that the word, loved?) the advice that Walter passes to Aaron was amazing, and you see how much he has grown with Kelly. Read the dedication of this book and it’s true; Walter rivals my #1 book boyfriend (I have a badge to prove it) that is Randy Jansen. His growth is even greater than it was in Love Lessons and the gravitational pull this new found family has toward him melted me many times over.
Now I talked about music and the music in this book is important. I am a self-proclaimed music nerd; I love it, I collect it, I devour it and I hold it inside for the moments I need it most. There is a playlist with this book, and I strongly suggest you listen to it, listen to it when the songs are mentioned and go back and read the scene again with the sound as the soundtrack. It’s transitional, as music and reading should be but when paired together, it’s phenomenal.
“Music is powerful, and when you’re fighting a health battle, it can mean the difference some days between the strength to fight or giving in.”
These two. This book. This author. This series! I can’t stop gushing and smiling and crying and just falling in love with it. This book was so full of layers; layers that were dripping with deep emotions that all I could do was tear each one away wrap them around me and marinate in all the words gave me. The words that cut and hit way too close to home but also radiated safety and strength.
Oh! One last thing… When I realized who book three in this series was going to be about, having seen the author tweet about a certain boy whose name is three letters long, my mind was blown. BLOWN and I bow down to this woman. MY GOODNESS!
April 17, 2015
Oh boy. I am totally going to be odd girl out here. This makes me sad because I loved the first book so very, very much.
I was totally moved by the music and the togetherness. I don’t think I have ever read a music book where I had such a need to hear the music like I did with this one. I cried itty bitty tears more than once. I was over the moon getting to see Walter and Kelly again and again and again. But…
I honestly never connected with Aaron or Giles, and because of this, the romance part of the story just didn’t work for me. The set up was very frustrating and it went on for a long while. Long enough that . Even once they were together there were just thoughts inside of their own heads that just made me say huh?
Another thing, and here is where I think a lot of my tears came from, there were tons of very, very serious things happening in this book. Topics that upset me very much. Topics that I don’t think were handled as seriously as they should have been. Some of this stuff was really bad and should come with some warnings. I honestly felt I was supposed to NOT take it as seriously as I did and that was a little uncomfortable for me. Kids guys, kids.
I feel I need to state that I didn’t hate this book. I felt tons of emotions but there was just always something prickling at the back of my mind. After some serious thought I just have to go with the romance in this one not being for me and some of the perfection was just too much. I love to escape reality as much as the next girl but it needs to be a bit based on reality especially if the perfection is focused around some very serious stuff. It isn’t easy for my brain to say “bad, bad, bad” and then immediately “oh yeah! It worked out perfectly!”.
Oh, and Walter and Kelly? Well…I don’t know! Part of me wishes that they weren’t as big a part of this book as they were.
I am actually a little upset about this book I think.
I am dying to read the next one though. I am very interested in that story.
I am glad everyone else loved it! It just wasn’t for me.
I was totally moved by the music and the togetherness. I don’t think I have ever read a music book where I had such a need to hear the music like I did with this one. I cried itty bitty tears more than once. I was over the moon getting to see Walter and Kelly again and again and again. But…
I honestly never connected with Aaron or Giles, and because of this, the romance part of the story just didn’t work for me. The set up was very frustrating and it went on for a long while. Long enough that . Even once they were together there were just thoughts inside of their own heads that just made me say huh?
Another thing, and here is where I think a lot of my tears came from, there were tons of very, very serious things happening in this book. Topics that upset me very much. Topics that I don’t think were handled as seriously as they should have been. Some of this stuff was really bad and should come with some warnings. I honestly felt I was supposed to NOT take it as seriously as I did and that was a little uncomfortable for me. Kids guys, kids.
I feel I need to state that I didn’t hate this book. I felt tons of emotions but there was just always something prickling at the back of my mind. After some serious thought I just have to go with the romance in this one not being for me and some of the perfection was just too much. I love to escape reality as much as the next girl but it needs to be a bit based on reality especially if the perfection is focused around some very serious stuff. It isn’t easy for my brain to say “bad, bad, bad” and then immediately “oh yeah! It worked out perfectly!”.
Oh, and Walter and Kelly? Well…I don’t know! Part of me wishes that they weren’t as big a part of this book as they were.
I am actually a little upset about this book I think.
I am dying to read the next one though. I am very interested in that story.
I am glad everyone else loved it! It just wasn’t for me.
May 7, 2016
I know Heidi Cullinan can write, of course. But this book...it slayed me! My thoughts and feelings are all over the place, so this is more like a bulletin board than a review.
-Aaron...What a kind soul he had. Adorable when he was shy and insecure, fierce when determined.
-Giles... He becomes Aaron's home, he never leaves him. He might have been bullied and beaten but he was there for Aaron, ready to fight.
-
-The secondary characters... Walter and Kelly from book one have a strong presence, especially Walter. He becomes a safe place for Aaron, besides Giles. Elijah,what an awsome and complex character. I really don't know how I'll manage to wait until August for his story with "bulletproof" Baz. The choir, the parents, all of them matter to the story.
-I cried like a baby when But how amazing his safety net turned out to be...And Giles' pain for him was so heartbreaking
-They turned him off. They turned my beautiful baby off, and now he’s dead inside. I have to wake him up.
-Walter and Kelly's wedding...beautiful!
Needless to say...highly recommended.
-Aaron...What a kind soul he had. Adorable when he was shy and insecure, fierce when determined.
-Giles... He becomes Aaron's home, he never leaves him. He might have been bullied and beaten but he was there for Aaron, ready to fight.
-
“I’ll never do that to you. Ever. I’ve been to the mountaintop, and I came down with an Uzi. You’re strong too, and you’re going to get through this.
-The secondary characters... Walter and Kelly from book one have a strong presence, especially Walter. He becomes a safe place for Aaron, besides Giles. Elijah,what an awsome and complex character. I really don't know how I'll manage to wait until August for his story with "bulletproof" Baz. The choir, the parents, all of them matter to the story.
-I cried like a baby when But how amazing his safety net turned out to be...And Giles' pain for him was so heartbreaking
-They turned him off. They turned my beautiful baby off, and now he’s dead inside. I have to wake him up.
-Walter and Kelly's wedding...beautiful!
Needless to say...highly recommended.
February 21, 2025
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
As much as it was a frustrating setback to see how a slight misunderstanding prevented too skinny, too geeky, too awkward Giles Mulder and hot and slightly aloof Aaron Seavers' to have a dismissive arrival at St. Timothy, after their very mutually gratifying time spent together in Oak Grove at that most fortuitous night at the lake - it's my general annoyance at how the story shifted gears towards the end - focusing on Elijah's story-line and giving the pacing of the story a Fever Pitch tone that left me wanting more of Giles and Aaron, rather than the multiple characters that made their presence known. 😮💨
It's also unnerving and sadly disappointing how Heidi C.'s writing tends to give off this political and religious viewpoint, which makes it harder for me to get into it. 😔 I know that both points do play a significant and critical part in the lives of those who are unfairly judged for their expression of love. 'We’re dangerous because we know how to survive.' 🥺 But, it still creates an imbalance to the story that then adversely also affects the writing tone and style, and effectively, rating. If anything, this really just felt like a segue for the next book, and that really did, in turn, damage the full focus on the main romance.
“I’m so in love with you I’m sick with it, but I’m afraid to tell you. Which is crazy, because I think you like me too.”
However, when she did focus on the two of them - I soaked up every declaration of love, affirmation of affection, proposal of intimacy - it was pure and genuine and just so deeply real. 🥹🤍 She captured the intensity of their wanting so viscerally - how they both innately wanted each other, but gorgeous, beautiful and afraid Aaron was too unsure that if he even made a move again would Giles, who is still haunted by the ghosts of his past hovering over his beautiful, shiny future. 😢
It made it difficult for him to accept that someone like Aaron who had found his joy and happiness and popularity again, would even deign to give someone like him a second glance, even when his traitorous heart whispered he deserved someone who would love him for who he was, too. And it is here where I did accept the need for those many specific interactions to occur before their paths FINALLY crossed with brave honesty and hopeful promises - full of love and surprise and tenderness and tears - for them to realize how much they needed each other, how much they meant to each other. 🥺💟
“Please see me trying to help you.Please see me loving you. No matter what else you see or feel, know that.”
And then it's just pure love. Emotional vulnerability, the fierce wanting, the tangible aching desire, the intense chemistry that that one moment was not just a spur of the moment - it was a definition of their everything. And as much as Giles has carried the brunt of a burden that has made him cynical and wary, it is that caution that makes him the grounding force for when Aaron's own levels reach a breaking point. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 What happened to Aaron was so heartbreaking, and yet tragically real that, I know it is written back in the early 2010s - but the way things seem to have again regressed, I can only begin to imagine how fearful it may be for those who do find themselves in similar situations...
“Take me home, Aaron. Wherever you are, for the rest of my life, that’s where I want to go.”
Music and college life certainly plays a big factor in their relationship - a composition in their development and one that also spearheads a lot of the plot. There is heavy emphasis on what profession they hope to pursue, the bitter reality of how much is not really in their hands, and the difficulty that comes with breaking free of parents' expectations. They are eighteen, after all, so much is riding on making it count in college - so many doubts, but so much passion, too. Passion to sing, passion to love, passion to live. 'I hear you. I see you. I play for you.' 🎶🫶🏻 It reaches a soaring crescendo that reverberates with the many arduous and strenuous challenges they face, paired with Aaron even expressing his sexuality that sets a wave for an even more damaging and dangerous precedent. It was painful and heartbreaking. But, Giles was so supportive, so patient, so careful with his emotions, but so giving in his tenderness and comfort. There was a sincere truth to his own uncertainty of how much he can give Aaron space while still wanting to be there for him that really resonated with me. 🥲
“It feels real when you care.” Walter’s gaze never left Kelly’s. “About caring who you’re with. It hurts because it’s real, because it’s hard to be brave enough to reach for something you want.”
And how can I forget Walter and Kelly? To have just a support system who loves you unconditionally --- Walter and Aaron's bond was so beautiful and even Aaron's attitude with him being so affectionate with Kelly, while advising Aaron to be patient with love had me chuckling. It was sweet; sweet with an ending that was definitely Disney-worthy, and made me smile at how easily the author brought Giles and Aaron's love story back to that fateful night at the lake... 🥰❣️
Clearly this review is a lot more enthusiastic than my rating would suggest. 😅😅 But, it can be good and still be bad - so no judgment, please. 😌 Also, the piece de resistance, Elijah's reveal???? You could hear my jaw drop - that was a plot twist 100!!! 🤯🤯 Just masterfully done - just ... it took my breath away. Yes, I know I did complain about how much focus his story took later on, but damn, that was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 Mucho kudos to the author for laying that out the way she did... His prickly attitude, that fearful gaze - what eventually DID occur... many many thoughts.... 👉🏻👈🏻 I am actually scared now how his story is going to play out, but still very much intrigued...
“The battles they’d fought, inside and out, showed on their skin.They were not the poster boys. They were simply boys.”
No love lost in how I didn't quite vibe with the sudden twist to the ending, but what I did -- not love, but totally got behind was how Aaron and Giles approached the delicate Elijah situation. It displayed their growth and their strong conviction in staying by those who need love and support - for those who are lost and alone - they would not run from them. 😣 He was not their project, he was their friend, a kindred soul that they refused to back away from. That wonderful intimate moment of the boy-burrito on the narrow dorm bed and the vow Giles promises to those two hurting and broken boys - 'you’re safe, you got it? Both of you' - my heart melted... solid endearing friendship at its finest. 🫂
“I love you, I love you, I love you, he said over and over, without saying a single word.”
As much as it was a frustrating setback to see how a slight misunderstanding prevented too skinny, too geeky, too awkward Giles Mulder and hot and slightly aloof Aaron Seavers' to have a dismissive arrival at St. Timothy, after their very mutually gratifying time spent together in Oak Grove at that most fortuitous night at the lake - it's my general annoyance at how the story shifted gears towards the end - focusing on Elijah's story-line and giving the pacing of the story a Fever Pitch tone that left me wanting more of Giles and Aaron, rather than the multiple characters that made their presence known. 😮💨
It's also unnerving and sadly disappointing how Heidi C.'s writing tends to give off this political and religious viewpoint, which makes it harder for me to get into it. 😔 I know that both points do play a significant and critical part in the lives of those who are unfairly judged for their expression of love. 'We’re dangerous because we know how to survive.' 🥺 But, it still creates an imbalance to the story that then adversely also affects the writing tone and style, and effectively, rating. If anything, this really just felt like a segue for the next book, and that really did, in turn, damage the full focus on the main romance.
“I’m so in love with you I’m sick with it, but I’m afraid to tell you. Which is crazy, because I think you like me too.”
However, when she did focus on the two of them - I soaked up every declaration of love, affirmation of affection, proposal of intimacy - it was pure and genuine and just so deeply real. 🥹🤍 She captured the intensity of their wanting so viscerally - how they both innately wanted each other, but gorgeous, beautiful and afraid Aaron was too unsure that if he even made a move again would Giles, who is still haunted by the ghosts of his past hovering over his beautiful, shiny future. 😢
It made it difficult for him to accept that someone like Aaron who had found his joy and happiness and popularity again, would even deign to give someone like him a second glance, even when his traitorous heart whispered he deserved someone who would love him for who he was, too. And it is here where I did accept the need for those many specific interactions to occur before their paths FINALLY crossed with brave honesty and hopeful promises - full of love and surprise and tenderness and tears - for them to realize how much they needed each other, how much they meant to each other. 🥺💟
“Please see me trying to help you.Please see me loving you. No matter what else you see or feel, know that.”
And then it's just pure love. Emotional vulnerability, the fierce wanting, the tangible aching desire, the intense chemistry that that one moment was not just a spur of the moment - it was a definition of their everything. And as much as Giles has carried the brunt of a burden that has made him cynical and wary, it is that caution that makes him the grounding force for when Aaron's own levels reach a breaking point. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 What happened to Aaron was so heartbreaking, and yet tragically real that, I know it is written back in the early 2010s - but the way things seem to have again regressed, I can only begin to imagine how fearful it may be for those who do find themselves in similar situations...
“Take me home, Aaron. Wherever you are, for the rest of my life, that’s where I want to go.”
Music and college life certainly plays a big factor in their relationship - a composition in their development and one that also spearheads a lot of the plot. There is heavy emphasis on what profession they hope to pursue, the bitter reality of how much is not really in their hands, and the difficulty that comes with breaking free of parents' expectations. They are eighteen, after all, so much is riding on making it count in college - so many doubts, but so much passion, too. Passion to sing, passion to love, passion to live. 'I hear you. I see you. I play for you.' 🎶🫶🏻 It reaches a soaring crescendo that reverberates with the many arduous and strenuous challenges they face, paired with Aaron even expressing his sexuality that sets a wave for an even more damaging and dangerous precedent. It was painful and heartbreaking. But, Giles was so supportive, so patient, so careful with his emotions, but so giving in his tenderness and comfort. There was a sincere truth to his own uncertainty of how much he can give Aaron space while still wanting to be there for him that really resonated with me. 🥲
“It feels real when you care.” Walter’s gaze never left Kelly’s. “About caring who you’re with. It hurts because it’s real, because it’s hard to be brave enough to reach for something you want.”
And how can I forget Walter and Kelly? To have just a support system who loves you unconditionally --- Walter and Aaron's bond was so beautiful and even Aaron's attitude with him being so affectionate with Kelly, while advising Aaron to be patient with love had me chuckling. It was sweet; sweet with an ending that was definitely Disney-worthy, and made me smile at how easily the author brought Giles and Aaron's love story back to that fateful night at the lake... 🥰❣️
Clearly this review is a lot more enthusiastic than my rating would suggest. 😅😅 But, it can be good and still be bad - so no judgment, please. 😌 Also, the piece de resistance, Elijah's reveal???? You could hear my jaw drop - that was a plot twist 100!!! 🤯🤯 Just masterfully done - just ... it took my breath away. Yes, I know I did complain about how much focus his story took later on, but damn, that was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 Mucho kudos to the author for laying that out the way she did... His prickly attitude, that fearful gaze - what eventually DID occur... many many thoughts.... 👉🏻👈🏻 I am actually scared now how his story is going to play out, but still very much intrigued...
“The battles they’d fought, inside and out, showed on their skin.They were not the poster boys. They were simply boys.”
No love lost in how I didn't quite vibe with the sudden twist to the ending, but what I did -- not love, but totally got behind was how Aaron and Giles approached the delicate Elijah situation. It displayed their growth and their strong conviction in staying by those who need love and support - for those who are lost and alone - they would not run from them. 😣 He was not their project, he was their friend, a kindred soul that they refused to back away from. That wonderful intimate moment of the boy-burrito on the narrow dorm bed and the vow Giles promises to those two hurting and broken boys - 'you’re safe, you got it? Both of you' - my heart melted... solid endearing friendship at its finest. 🫂
June 11, 2017
This series has turned me into a sap. Seriously. Again, I just ate this up.
Angstier than Love Lessons, Giles and Aaron each have their issues but mostly, they yearn to connect with someone, to love and be loved.
Giles - tired of fleeting hookups and one offs, he wants to start anew and not have to worry about being judged or harassed. He's been crushing on Aaron for awhile, but their first encounter turns into a disaster, an event he wants to forget but can't.
Aaron - paralyzed by fear in all aspects of his life, he just wants the support and unconditional love of those who should do so. He's alone, desperately trying to fit in and find a place to call his own.
Eventually, these two finally figure themselves out and make their way back to each other. Their inner turmoil was sweet and sad, their vulnerability was crushingly palpable.
So was the sexual tension and combustion. *ahem*
This was another excellent look at first times galore - first relationships, first experiences, first love. It was also a powerful message of hope and opportunity, to grab life and to not waste it on things that you don't feel 100% sure about. Happiness isn't necessarily going to fall into your lap; be strong enough to go after it if it doesn't.
"The only way you do life wrong is by living out someone else's expectations instead of your own."
A terribly tough and terrifying thing for Aaron and Giles to do, but bittersweetly beautiful in witnessing their success.
Meags, I'm ready for the next when you are ;)
Angstier than Love Lessons, Giles and Aaron each have their issues but mostly, they yearn to connect with someone, to love and be loved.
Giles - tired of fleeting hookups and one offs, he wants to start anew and not have to worry about being judged or harassed. He's been crushing on Aaron for awhile, but their first encounter turns into a disaster, an event he wants to forget but can't.
Aaron - paralyzed by fear in all aspects of his life, he just wants the support and unconditional love of those who should do so. He's alone, desperately trying to fit in and find a place to call his own.
Eventually, these two finally figure themselves out and make their way back to each other. Their inner turmoil was sweet and sad, their vulnerability was crushingly palpable.
So was the sexual tension and combustion. *ahem*
This was another excellent look at first times galore - first relationships, first experiences, first love. It was also a powerful message of hope and opportunity, to grab life and to not waste it on things that you don't feel 100% sure about. Happiness isn't necessarily going to fall into your lap; be strong enough to go after it if it doesn't.
"The only way you do life wrong is by living out someone else's expectations instead of your own."
A terribly tough and terrifying thing for Aaron and Giles to do, but bittersweetly beautiful in witnessing their success.
Meags, I'm ready for the next when you are ;)
Want to read
January 24, 2014September? I have to wait till September?
That's just cruel and unusual punishment. I want WANT it NOW.
That's just cruel and unusual punishment. I want WANT it NOW.
July 21, 2015
I'm just falling more in love with this series. I loved the main characters in this one. I love that even though Giles is a bit of an awkward, nerdy kid he is far from the stereotypical virgin. He hasn't had it easy, and in some ways it's made him a bit hard, but he is a survivor. I really loved Aaron, and I really felt for him. So many characters make the mistake of thinking he's got the perfect life when really it's far from it. He's quiet, and shy, but kind, and sad. I love the relationship between him and Giles, how they learn to trust, and understand each other, but I adore the relationship between Aaron and Walter. It's Walter's friendship that helps Aaron grow so much over the course of the story, and I love when author's understand that people need more than lovers in their lives. That it's friends, family, lovers, and other that make life complete.
I liked the role music played in the story. I appreciated what a big part of the character's lives it was. I really loved the idea about the difference between what your good at, and what you love. It's something my mother was big in instilling in my sister and I when we were younger. The music school stuff rang true to what I know of my sister's time studying music in college, and the dedication it requires. It added a lot to the story, and my enjoyment of it.
The ending was a bit over the top, but, for me, it fit the mood of the story that came before it. I'm a little wary of the next book considering how much I liked Aaron in this book, and how un-wowed I was by his roommate. We shall see.
I liked the role music played in the story. I appreciated what a big part of the character's lives it was. I really loved the idea about the difference between what your good at, and what you love. It's something my mother was big in instilling in my sister and I when we were younger. The music school stuff rang true to what I know of my sister's time studying music in college, and the dedication it requires. It added a lot to the story, and my enjoyment of it.
The ending was a bit over the top, but, for me, it fit the mood of the story that came before it. I'm a little wary of the next book considering how much I liked Aaron in this book, and how un-wowed I was by his roommate. We shall see.
November 7, 2014
4.5 rounded up
OMG, what a roller coaster! I laughed, I cried, I melted. So many little moments, so many feels. Giles and Aaron were so good together. And Walter! I loved him even more than I did in Love Lessons.
My brain is not cooperating for a more detailed, coherent review. There are a few things that I can question now with a little distance, but during the reading, I was too caught up in the story and it was all emotions for me.
I will say sometimes it almost got to be too much with the families. A little too much drama for me. I know families like those exist, but it's so hard for me to fathom. I kept going "Really? ...Really?!" But I was too busy wiping away tears to put up too much of a fuss about it.
Side notes:
I loved the music. The instruments, the singing, the arranging...all of it. It was an integral part of the story and moved the story along beautifully.
I can't wait for Baz and Elijah's story.
OMG, what a roller coaster! I laughed, I cried, I melted. So many little moments, so many feels. Giles and Aaron were so good together. And Walter! I loved him even more than I did in Love Lessons.
My brain is not cooperating for a more detailed, coherent review. There are a few things that I can question now with a little distance, but during the reading, I was too caught up in the story and it was all emotions for me.
I will say sometimes it almost got to be too much with the families. A little too much drama for me. I know families like those exist, but it's so hard for me to fathom. I kept going "Really? ...Really?!" But I was too busy wiping away tears to put up too much of a fuss about it.
Side notes:
I loved the music. The instruments, the singing, the arranging...all of it. It was an integral part of the story and moved the story along beautifully.
I can't wait for Baz and Elijah's story.
September 1, 2015
Omg soo good. Started a little slow but then Bam wow so good. Oh and there we're tears. Heidi you blow me away every time I read one of your books.
July 22, 2019
Audio - 5 stars!
Story - 3 stars
Story - 3 stars
March 30, 2015
I feel enchanted by this series. Enchanted is the right word. When I've read Love Lessons I fell for the story, but mostly for the characters. Kelly and Walter were amazing, and to have the opportunity to "see" them again, was absolutely fantastic.
This story, however, is not about them, is about Aaron and Giles. Both of them with fears, different stories, but they were scared of their future. Their relationship starts in an unusual way, but develops in something so deep, so beautiful and sweet! Together they have everything... family, friends and love! It was so great how everyone got together to help those in need... It would be amazing if that was what really happen in real life. To find comfort on those that are not blood related, but, in the end, they are much more than that!
This story, however, is not about them, is about Aaron and Giles. Both of them with fears, different stories, but they were scared of their future. Their relationship starts in an unusual way, but develops in something so deep, so beautiful and sweet! Together they have everything... family, friends and love! It was so great how everyone got together to help those in need... It would be amazing if that was what really happen in real life. To find comfort on those that are not blood related, but, in the end, they are much more than that!
April 4, 2023
3 stars
Hmm..there was something missing in this. I felt as if there was more telling than showing with almost everything. I couldn’t feel the connection between Aaron and Giles..
it felt like the miscommunication that happened with Giles and Aaron in the beginning lasted longer than needed, and then we were told they became friends then bam “I love you’s” were declared haha very out of the blue haha. I think cause we didn’t see the friendship bloom I couldn’t see the connection/chemistry.
But I will say something about these characters/the way this was written made it hard to put down.
Iggy Toma really makes these stories, his narrations are perfect!
I loved that we got to see Walter and Kelly again in this. A lot more than I thought but I loved it.
Also please be aware there are heavy topics in this book, there is kinda a mix of a lot, major bullying, some suicide idealism, toxic parental relationships, and some more but those are the major ones, that aren’t too spoilery.. I hope.
I am looking forward to Baz and Elijahs book, there book is going to be a ride.
Hmm..there was something missing in this. I felt as if there was more telling than showing with almost everything. I couldn’t feel the connection between Aaron and Giles..
it felt like the miscommunication that happened with Giles and Aaron in the beginning lasted longer than needed, and then we were told they became friends then bam “I love you’s” were declared haha very out of the blue haha. I think cause we didn’t see the friendship bloom I couldn’t see the connection/chemistry.
But I will say something about these characters/the way this was written made it hard to put down.
Iggy Toma really makes these stories, his narrations are perfect!
I loved that we got to see Walter and Kelly again in this. A lot more than I thought but I loved it.
Also please be aware there are heavy topics in this book, there is kinda a mix of a lot, major bullying, some suicide idealism, toxic parental relationships, and some more but those are the major ones, that aren’t too spoilery.. I hope.
I am looking forward to Baz and Elijahs book, there book is going to be a ride.
May 12, 2018
Well that was interesting. At first I was having a great time with it because I went to undergrad in Saint Paul, Minnesota so some of the college stuff rang true. Of course my school was totally NOT Saint Timothy - wow - that was pretty out there. It got kinda over the top for me between all the performing artists and the supportive professors and the wakadoo family stuff. It was sweet, and I loved the sentiment of standing up for people who need a helping hand, that part worked for me.
I'll admit that, while I did enjoy the first book in the series, I hadn't planned to continue with it (though I did really love Walter). I grabbed the audiobook because it was Iggy Toma and he's so great I figured it would be worth my time and money and it was.
I'll admit that, while I did enjoy the first book in the series, I hadn't planned to continue with it (though I did really love Walter). I grabbed the audiobook because it was Iggy Toma and he's so great I figured it would be worth my time and money and it was.
September 3, 2016
I seriously pulled an all-nighter to finish this book! I just couldn't put it down my feelings were just overflowing about everywhere.
The loneliness that I felt at times, the warmth that overwhelmed me other times and the anger and the shock that pierced my soul all the events were pretty real to me.
All the brave souls from this book will give you HOPE.
it was interesting to read about everyone of these characters, their personality development, their struggles and happy moments.
The loneliness that I felt at times, the warmth that overwhelmed me other times and the anger and the shock that pierced my soul all the events were pretty real to me.
All the brave souls from this book will give you HOPE.
it was interesting to read about everyone of these characters, their personality development, their struggles and happy moments.
July 22, 2019
4.5 Stars
Love-love-loved it!!
In my over-excited post-reading mental state of being, I’m having a difficult time collecting my thoughts in a manner that would indicate to the outside world that I am anything other than a raving lunatic.
You see, I have this issue, wherein I tend to ramble and rant incoherently when I love a book to the degree that I loved this one. I struggle to express my enjoyment adequately, and I definitely become useless at discussing the complexities of the actual plotline.
So, I’ll do what I do best and make some lists! Because who doesn’t love a pros and cons list!?
Things I loved:
- Aaron and Giles’ slow build relationship (I’m in the minority here. Where everyone else is all GIVE IT TO ME!!, I was pleasantly content following their lives pre-relationship).
- Having said that, once the feels started to really be expressed I was a puddle of goo on the floor – because, seriously, that moment when Giles confessed his love to an unhearing Aaron (wearing headphones) was basically my favourite scene of the entire book.
- The immersion of music within this story was fantastic!
- Walter and Kelly’s ongoing presence. ‘Nuff said!
- Giles’ parents...Those f*cking legends!! His father brought me to tears with his support and tenderness.
- Speaking of tears: Walter and his “I am your safe place” speech. Me = bawling like a baby.
Things I wasn’t keen on:
- First third of the book Giles. He bitched and moaned a bit too much for me, but he won me over once he and Aaron reconnected. (Did I mention the inaudible love confessions!?! *swoon*).
- Giles’ past hook-ups slash questionable sexual exploits.
- I straight up HATED Aaron’s parents. His dad was an overbearing mongrel, no doubt, but his mum’s passively pathetic attitude had me enraged.
- All the extreme religious nuts. They can f*ck right off.
I’m sure I’ve missed a lot of things, but like I said, I have trouble focusing my thoughts when I’m this blissed-out by a book. I might just self-combust if Baz and Elijah's story is on par with the first two stories.
Love-love-loved it!!
In my over-excited post-reading mental state of being, I’m having a difficult time collecting my thoughts in a manner that would indicate to the outside world that I am anything other than a raving lunatic.
You see, I have this issue, wherein I tend to ramble and rant incoherently when I love a book to the degree that I loved this one. I struggle to express my enjoyment adequately, and I definitely become useless at discussing the complexities of the actual plotline.
So, I’ll do what I do best and make some lists! Because who doesn’t love a pros and cons list!?
Things I loved:
- Aaron and Giles’ slow build relationship (I’m in the minority here. Where everyone else is all GIVE IT TO ME!!, I was pleasantly content following their lives pre-relationship).
- Having said that, once the feels started to really be expressed I was a puddle of goo on the floor – because, seriously, that moment when Giles confessed his love to an unhearing Aaron (wearing headphones) was basically my favourite scene of the entire book.
- The immersion of music within this story was fantastic!
- Walter and Kelly’s ongoing presence. ‘Nuff said!
- Giles’ parents...Those f*cking legends!! His father brought me to tears with his support and tenderness.
- Speaking of tears: Walter and his “I am your safe place” speech. Me = bawling like a baby.
Things I wasn’t keen on:
- First third of the book Giles. He bitched and moaned a bit too much for me, but he won me over once he and Aaron reconnected. (Did I mention the inaudible love confessions!?! *swoon*).
- Giles’ past hook-ups slash questionable sexual exploits.
- I straight up HATED Aaron’s parents. His dad was an overbearing mongrel, no doubt, but his mum’s passively pathetic attitude had me enraged.
- All the extreme religious nuts. They can f*ck right off.
I’m sure I’ve missed a lot of things, but like I said, I have trouble focusing my thoughts when I’m this blissed-out by a book. I might just self-combust if Baz and Elijah's story is on par with the first two stories.
April 23, 2015
I'm gonna start in the middle. I was loving everything about this and it was probably a solid 4.5 stars, except the Elijah subplot. He was an ass and I just didn't care (even though I could tell he would prob be the MC for the next book). But then, it all changed. And the course that the book took turned into a full-on 5 star because it was just beautiful in every way. The characters, the story, and the music all melded perfectly into a complex and emotional journey. And it was fucking great.
The audio version only enhanced this. I didn't read the book so I can't exactly compare, all I can say is that I was totally in this book and the narration was perfect. The voices were distinguishable but all normal, so not overly deep or overly nasally etc. I found myself crying quite frequently.
When the boys finally got together it was probably half-way, but I felt like it better happen effen soon. But then I was glad for the long build from tentative lovers to enemies to friends and back to lovers. Their emotions were completely believable and real.
I didn't read book 1, Love Lessons, but I didn't feel lost at all. This was a beautiful and sad and happy story about friendship and love and real family - not just by blood. The narration was great, and I am absolutely sticking with audio for book 3!
Audiobook received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
The audio version only enhanced this. I didn't read the book so I can't exactly compare, all I can say is that I was totally in this book and the narration was perfect. The voices were distinguishable but all normal, so not overly deep or overly nasally etc. I found myself crying quite frequently.
When the boys finally got together it was probably half-way, but I felt like it better happen effen soon. But then I was glad for the long build from tentative lovers to enemies to friends and back to lovers. Their emotions were completely believable and real.
I didn't read book 1, Love Lessons, but I didn't feel lost at all. This was a beautiful and sad and happy story about friendship and love and real family - not just by blood. The narration was great, and I am absolutely sticking with audio for book 3!
Audiobook received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
July 13, 2015
Despite me wanting to conk their heads together so many times in the beginning of this book, I really liked Giles and Aaron's story. Amidst the hate to friends to lovers showmance, there are also serious issues that are addressed and not always in the way you would expect.
Heidi Cullinan's writing skills are never in question and she delivers here again. There is a lot going on, and a lot of secondary characters who play prominent roles. Walter and Kelly are back from Love Lessons, with Walter playing a major role in Aaron's life, although you could read this easily as a standalone. This story engaged me more than the first book and I am really looking forward to more about Baz and Elijah in the future, which will also hopefully offer more time with Giles and Aaron and the rest of their culled together family and friends.
Heidi Cullinan's writing skills are never in question and she delivers here again. There is a lot going on, and a lot of secondary characters who play prominent roles. Walter and Kelly are back from Love Lessons, with Walter playing a major role in Aaron's life, although you could read this easily as a standalone. This story engaged me more than the first book and I am really looking forward to more about Baz and Elijah in the future, which will also hopefully offer more time with Giles and Aaron and the rest of their culled together family and friends.
October 8, 2014
This has been tricky for me to rate.... but I've gone with four stars, because by the end I was so on board with these characters and wanted to know everything about them. I have to admit though, it took me a little while to get into the story...actually that's not entirely accurate...
I enjoyed the book from the beginning but it felt like two separate stories put together, like it could have been two books about the same characters. The writing in all of it was amazing (it's Heidi Cullinan, so of course it was), it just felt as though it should have been two books. There were two main story arcs going on and though they segued into each other I personally would have preferred just the second one.
This book is definitely worth reading though, the characters are fantastic and it was great revisiting those from Love Lessons.
I enjoyed the book from the beginning but it felt like two separate stories put together, like it could have been two books about the same characters. The writing in all of it was amazing (it's Heidi Cullinan, so of course it was), it just felt as though it should have been two books. There were two main story arcs going on and though they segued into each other I personally would have preferred just the second one.
This book is definitely worth reading though, the characters are fantastic and it was great revisiting those from Love Lessons.
June 20, 2015
I'm going to admit that I don't really like to read about college kids. They're young and most of the time the HEA is not believable. So I have a hard time with college-aged kids and tend to read books with older characters. I guess that means I'm getting older, huh? With the first book, Love Lessons, I really liked both Kelly and Walter. I mean, how could you not? But in Fever Pitch Aaron and Giles made me melt. I loved them both from the start.
I have a really hard time with parents ruling their kids lives. Don't you just want them happy? I would rather my kids end up poor and happy than miserable and rich.
Aaron Seavers is a miserable 18 year old. He broke my heart. He kept it all hidden though with only music as an outlet. To top it off, his dad is going to pick his college for him if he doesn't do it. He's so stressed out it's scary. His mother is a joke. I think I was like 2% in when I wanted to bash her head in.
Giles Mulder is prone to gay bashing, taunts, and constantly looking over his shoulder. He can't wait to get to college and start new. Just play his violin and live life. He's been out to his family for a long time and they support him.
During a party Giles finds Aaron in the laundry room and they end up talking.
Then they go to college. This is when things get chill worthy. You see, music saved my life much like it saved Aaron's. In Junior High and High School I used to play the oboe, but I stopped immediately after. No what saved me was someone else's music. I would sit and listen and make "playlists", before there was iTunes. I would have my pen and paper and write down songs for my moods and make mix CD's. I still have them and occasionally I bust one out and it brings me back to when I was saved by music. I don't sing, I don't compose, I don't play an instrument anymore but this book got to me.
"The one good thing about music, is that when it hits you, you feel no pain." ~Bob Marley
I remember shutting the world out and closing my eyes listening and letting it take me to where I needed to be at the time. When one chord brought me chills. When one note brought me to tears. When I would listen to one song over and over and over 100 times over to escape and be free.
When I saw Aaron becoming free, it brought me to tears. I wanted it for him. I wanted him to live life. Live HIS life.
I mentioned that I loved Walter Lucas in the first book, but in this book love doesn't even begin to describe my feeling for him. Walter was Aaron's rock. His lifeline. His constant. Walter's words? Walter and Aaron in bed?
Giles. "We're dangerous because we know how to survive." GAH! Then he pulled out the big guns and daddied both asses. That part made me laugh and then cry. When I think of Giles I see strength.
I loved all the secondary characters, too. I can't wait to learn more about Baz.
I see Aaron and Giles and I see a future. I believe them. I'm rooting for them.
I have a really hard time with parents ruling their kids lives. Don't you just want them happy? I would rather my kids end up poor and happy than miserable and rich.
Aaron Seavers is a miserable 18 year old. He broke my heart. He kept it all hidden though with only music as an outlet. To top it off, his dad is going to pick his college for him if he doesn't do it. He's so stressed out it's scary. His mother is a joke. I think I was like 2% in when I wanted to bash her head in.
Giles Mulder is prone to gay bashing, taunts, and constantly looking over his shoulder. He can't wait to get to college and start new. Just play his violin and live life. He's been out to his family for a long time and they support him.
During a party Giles finds Aaron in the laundry room and they end up talking.
Then they go to college. This is when things get chill worthy. You see, music saved my life much like it saved Aaron's. In Junior High and High School I used to play the oboe, but I stopped immediately after. No what saved me was someone else's music. I would sit and listen and make "playlists", before there was iTunes. I would have my pen and paper and write down songs for my moods and make mix CD's. I still have them and occasionally I bust one out and it brings me back to when I was saved by music. I don't sing, I don't compose, I don't play an instrument anymore but this book got to me.
"The one good thing about music, is that when it hits you, you feel no pain." ~Bob Marley
I remember shutting the world out and closing my eyes listening and letting it take me to where I needed to be at the time. When one chord brought me chills. When one note brought me to tears. When I would listen to one song over and over and over 100 times over to escape and be free.
When I saw Aaron becoming free, it brought me to tears. I wanted it for him. I wanted him to live life. Live HIS life.
I mentioned that I loved Walter Lucas in the first book, but in this book love doesn't even begin to describe my feeling for him. Walter was Aaron's rock. His lifeline. His constant. Walter's words? Walter and Aaron in bed?
Giles. "We're dangerous because we know how to survive." GAH! Then he pulled out the big guns and daddied both asses. That part made me laugh and then cry. When I think of Giles I see strength.
I loved all the secondary characters, too. I can't wait to learn more about Baz.
I see Aaron and Giles and I see a future. I believe them. I'm rooting for them.
February 23, 2023
Re-read February 2023
I wasn't sure if I would still like this after all this time. But I'm happy to say I did! I still loved it. 🥰
--------------------
Wow! I loved every single second of it this. Narrator Iggy Toma rocks!
This book is music. So much music.
Aaron is one of the popular jocks in high school, or so it seems. What no one knows is that he has a father who wants to control his every move. So now Aaron has to pick a college, any college, but he can’t seem to make up his mind.
It is at a graduation party that he meets Giles. Nerdy, skinny Giles, who is being chased by some ‘friends’ of Aaron. They meet each other while hiding in the laundry room. Aaron is trying to get shitfaced so he doesn’t have to make a decision about college, since his dad is coming to pick him up the next day.
When Giles asks Aaron if he wants to leave the party Aaron agrees. They end up parked at the lake, and when Giles notices that Aaron is attracted to him, he takes the lead and they make out. Aaron is so overwhelmed after that that he closes off and doesn’t say a word to Giles. Giles thinks Aaron is blowing him off and drives him home. He thinks he is never going to see Aaron again.
But Giles told Aaron that he will be attending Saint Timothy, a nice respectable college. So Aaron decides to go there too, in the hope to see Giles again.
When Aaron and Giles see each other at Saint Timothy, Giles thinks Aaron is out to get him, since all the popular jocks in high school used to beat him up. Aaron gets scared and doesn’t dare approach Giles after the look Giles gave him.
The two go their own way for a while. I loved reading about their experiences. Giles is trying to no longer be the nerdy kid everyone picks on, and he does succeed in this. He feels better and things are different than in high school.
But Aaron isn’t so lucky, Aaron is drowning.
Aaron chose pre-law as his major because his father wanted that, but he feels so unhappy with it. Aaron also doesn’t have any friends and he can’t seem to figure out how to handle college life. He also has a roommate who won’t talk to him.
The one good thing is that he got accepted into the men’s a cappella group, the Ambassadors. It turns out Aaron has an amazing singing voice and can play almost any instrument. But he still struggles.
When Aaron breaks down in the middle of the hallway, it is Damien who finds him. Damien is part of the Ambassadors and decides to take Aaron under his wing. Things are now looking up for Aaron. He drops all the pre-law classes and decides to major in music.
When he is helping to put together a girls a cappella group as well, he gets to work with Giles. Giles has lots of experience in music because he plays the violin and is in the orchestra.
The two become friends again and it is clear them avoiding each other was one big misunderstanding. It is not long before Giles can’t take it anymore and kisses Aaron. This was such an incredible scene! I loved it! So romantic.
What I loved most about this book was the fact that it turned out that nerdy Giles was the one who liked to take charge and Aaron, the handsome jock, was the shy one. This had some wonderful hurt/comfort going on, since Aaron felt so lost at times.
And as I said in the beginning of my review, this book is music. Aaron lives and breathes music. I could just hear it, feel it. It was amazing.
Walter and Kelly of the previous book also play a very big role in this story. Walter was such a good friend to Aaron. I fell in love with Walter all over again.
We also saw a lot of Baz and Elijah in this, the couple of the next book. I cannot wait to read about them.
I wasn't sure if I would still like this after all this time. But I'm happy to say I did! I still loved it. 🥰
--------------------
Wow! I loved every single second of it this. Narrator Iggy Toma rocks!
This book is music. So much music.
Aaron is one of the popular jocks in high school, or so it seems. What no one knows is that he has a father who wants to control his every move. So now Aaron has to pick a college, any college, but he can’t seem to make up his mind.
It is at a graduation party that he meets Giles. Nerdy, skinny Giles, who is being chased by some ‘friends’ of Aaron. They meet each other while hiding in the laundry room. Aaron is trying to get shitfaced so he doesn’t have to make a decision about college, since his dad is coming to pick him up the next day.
When Giles asks Aaron if he wants to leave the party Aaron agrees. They end up parked at the lake, and when Giles notices that Aaron is attracted to him, he takes the lead and they make out. Aaron is so overwhelmed after that that he closes off and doesn’t say a word to Giles. Giles thinks Aaron is blowing him off and drives him home. He thinks he is never going to see Aaron again.
But Giles told Aaron that he will be attending Saint Timothy, a nice respectable college. So Aaron decides to go there too, in the hope to see Giles again.
When Aaron and Giles see each other at Saint Timothy, Giles thinks Aaron is out to get him, since all the popular jocks in high school used to beat him up. Aaron gets scared and doesn’t dare approach Giles after the look Giles gave him.
The two go their own way for a while. I loved reading about their experiences. Giles is trying to no longer be the nerdy kid everyone picks on, and he does succeed in this. He feels better and things are different than in high school.
But Aaron isn’t so lucky, Aaron is drowning.
Aaron chose pre-law as his major because his father wanted that, but he feels so unhappy with it. Aaron also doesn’t have any friends and he can’t seem to figure out how to handle college life. He also has a roommate who won’t talk to him.
The one good thing is that he got accepted into the men’s a cappella group, the Ambassadors. It turns out Aaron has an amazing singing voice and can play almost any instrument. But he still struggles.
When Aaron breaks down in the middle of the hallway, it is Damien who finds him. Damien is part of the Ambassadors and decides to take Aaron under his wing. Things are now looking up for Aaron. He drops all the pre-law classes and decides to major in music.
When he is helping to put together a girls a cappella group as well, he gets to work with Giles. Giles has lots of experience in music because he plays the violin and is in the orchestra.
The two become friends again and it is clear them avoiding each other was one big misunderstanding. It is not long before Giles can’t take it anymore and kisses Aaron. This was such an incredible scene! I loved it! So romantic.
What I loved most about this book was the fact that it turned out that nerdy Giles was the one who liked to take charge and Aaron, the handsome jock, was the shy one. This had some wonderful hurt/comfort going on, since Aaron felt so lost at times.
And as I said in the beginning of my review, this book is music. Aaron lives and breathes music. I could just hear it, feel it. It was amazing.
Walter and Kelly of the previous book also play a very big role in this story. Walter was such a good friend to Aaron. I fell in love with Walter all over again.
We also saw a lot of Baz and Elijah in this, the couple of the next book. I cannot wait to read about them.
December 15, 2014
Love Lessons, the first book in this milder-than-usual series (at least for this author), proved that Heidi excels at characterization. This fact was pretty clear from her previous work as well, especially Dance With Me, which is one of my all-time favorites. But for some unidentifiable reason, Love Lessons didn’t quite reach me emotionally, not as much as I felt it should have.
When Fever Pitch came along, I waited a bit to read it, expecting more of the same, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. This book, you guys, I have no words to describe how it made me feel.
The story starts with Aaron in his final days of high school. Aaron is one of the popular crowd, but not necessarily by conscious choice. He is a quiet boy, terrified of his father and reluctant to disappoint his weak mother. He needs to choose a college, but trying to make everyone happy is slowly driving him crazy, which is how he ends up drunk in a laundry room at a party. There he finds Giles, the school geek one of the few openly gay boys. Giles has a habit of sleeping with the closeted boys, the straight boys, and pretty much everyone he aims to prove a point to, which usually ends up with him being bullied and beaten after the fact, when said boys realize that going on the defensive is the only way to hide their adventures. For Giles, Aaron is just another closeted gay boy looking for some fun before putting him in the hospital, but by the end of the night, they both end up making some major changes.
Despite their explosive beginning, Fever Pitch is a veryslow burn romance. It takes a lot for these two to finally come together, a lot of growing on both their parts, plenty of self-discovery for Aaron, more than a little courage and quite a few disasters along the way. Although they’re at the same college and both interested in music, they both have a hard time overcoming their fear and prejudice, which they have to do in order to finally admit their feelings.
Walter and Kelly from the first book are very present in this story, as a safety net of sorts for poor Aaron. It was nice seeing them happy and engaged, fully embracing their love for each other and Kelly’s love for all things Disney-related. But Cullinan introduces a whole army of new characters as well, and gives them all plenty of attention. Those secondary characters, including Giles’ parents, Aaron’s awful family, their college friends and especially Baz and Elijah, turned this book from something ordinary and nice into something quite extraordinary and just gorgeous.
It needs to be said that music plays a huge part in this book. It gives our boys common ground, something they’re both extremely talented at, but it also gives Aaron some much-needed self-confidence and a reason to finally stand up to his father. The final scene had me laughing and crying at the same time, playing Titanium over and over again and singing for all I was worth. If you decide to read this book, you’ll likely end up doing the same and trust me, it’ll be one of the best experiences you’ve had in ages.
When Fever Pitch came along, I waited a bit to read it, expecting more of the same, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. This book, you guys, I have no words to describe how it made me feel.
The story starts with Aaron in his final days of high school. Aaron is one of the popular crowd, but not necessarily by conscious choice. He is a quiet boy, terrified of his father and reluctant to disappoint his weak mother. He needs to choose a college, but trying to make everyone happy is slowly driving him crazy, which is how he ends up drunk in a laundry room at a party. There he finds Giles, the school geek one of the few openly gay boys. Giles has a habit of sleeping with the closeted boys, the straight boys, and pretty much everyone he aims to prove a point to, which usually ends up with him being bullied and beaten after the fact, when said boys realize that going on the defensive is the only way to hide their adventures. For Giles, Aaron is just another closeted gay boy looking for some fun before putting him in the hospital, but by the end of the night, they both end up making some major changes.
Despite their explosive beginning, Fever Pitch is a veryslow burn romance. It takes a lot for these two to finally come together, a lot of growing on both their parts, plenty of self-discovery for Aaron, more than a little courage and quite a few disasters along the way. Although they’re at the same college and both interested in music, they both have a hard time overcoming their fear and prejudice, which they have to do in order to finally admit their feelings.
Walter and Kelly from the first book are very present in this story, as a safety net of sorts for poor Aaron. It was nice seeing them happy and engaged, fully embracing their love for each other and Kelly’s love for all things Disney-related. But Cullinan introduces a whole army of new characters as well, and gives them all plenty of attention. Those secondary characters, including Giles’ parents, Aaron’s awful family, their college friends and especially Baz and Elijah, turned this book from something ordinary and nice into something quite extraordinary and just gorgeous.
It needs to be said that music plays a huge part in this book. It gives our boys common ground, something they’re both extremely talented at, but it also gives Aaron some much-needed self-confidence and a reason to finally stand up to his father. The final scene had me laughing and crying at the same time, playing Titanium over and over again and singing for all I was worth. If you decide to read this book, you’ll likely end up doing the same and trust me, it’ll be one of the best experiences you’ve had in ages.
September 15, 2014
Oh god, I loved this. Two new young men from Ms Cullinan who never fails to deliver a heart-warming story and an emotional whammy.
Although Giles and Aaron get their smexy on very early in the story, it only happens once, then we have to wait a loong time for anything more intimate.
I loved this slow building, pressure building relationship development. I know we know who gets together, but there are moments, tiny moments, when I doubted myself (never Heidi), and I worried.
Bloody Walter Lucas - just can't help being saviour, mentor, buddy and flirt. His presence is important, if only because of the final scenes of the book....
Giles is a funny mix of anger and fear. Aaron is bewildered and lonely. And Elijah and Baz make the whole thing real. And sad. And beautiful.
And everybody should just sing. ALL. THE. TIME.
I want to hug this book.
Copy given through Netgalley. Out 30th September.
Although Giles and Aaron get their smexy on very early in the story, it only happens once, then we have to wait a loong time for anything more intimate.
I loved this slow building, pressure building relationship development. I know we know who gets together, but there are moments, tiny moments, when I doubted myself (never Heidi), and I worried.
Bloody Walter Lucas - just can't help being saviour, mentor, buddy and flirt. His presence is important, if only because of the final scenes of the book....
Giles is a funny mix of anger and fear. Aaron is bewildered and lonely. And Elijah and Baz make the whole thing real. And sad. And beautiful.
And everybody should just sing. ALL. THE. TIME.
I want to hug this book.
Copy given through Netgalley. Out 30th September.
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