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Let's Connect #2
Let's Go Out
Being dumped is oddly freeing.
It wasn't as though Robin could have met Dan in the real world, anyway. To do that, Robin would have to leave his house. But uploading his picture to the dating app Let's Connect, only to have Dan let him down, is still disappointing. Now Robin has run out of excuses not to look outward, and for the first time in three years, he's seeing many of the things he's been hiding from—including his next-door neighbor, Sean.
The very same obstacle remains, however. Sean lives in the real world too. And if Robin wants to get to know him better, to move beyond friendship to something more, he's going to have to step outside his front door.
Robin will have to go out.
It wasn't as though Robin could have met Dan in the real world, anyway. To do that, Robin would have to leave his house. But uploading his picture to the dating app Let's Connect, only to have Dan let him down, is still disappointing. Now Robin has run out of excuses not to look outward, and for the first time in three years, he's seeing many of the things he's been hiding from—including his next-door neighbor, Sean.
The very same obstacle remains, however. Sean lives in the real world too. And if Robin wants to get to know him better, to move beyond friendship to something more, he's going to have to step outside his front door.
Robin will have to go out.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2021
2 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Jensen
38 books238 followersIf aliens ever do land on Earth, Kelly will not be prepared, despite having read over a hundred stories of the apocalypse. Still, she will pack her precious books into a box and carry them with her as she strives to survive. It’s what bibliophiles do.
Kelly is the author of twelve novels–including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke–and several novellas and short stories. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/czGhYz
Kelly is the author of twelve novels–including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke–and several novellas and short stories. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/czGhYz
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 19, 2021
4 Stars
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, Jensen always excels at the conflicting emotions that a person can have about love and life, and she doesn’t fail here.
I really liked Robin, warts and all. His debilitating anxiety was acutely felt. It’s not as if he wants to feel this way, it’s not as if he wants to stay in his house forever, and it’s not as if he wants to be alone for the rest of his life paralyzed by indecision and fear. However, one day Robin realizes he’s kinda sorta had enough. His almost connection with Dan from Let's Connect was just the sort of impetus for him to take stock of his life and finally notice that he’s been noticed by his friendly neighbor Seth.
There’s a bunch of fits and starts as Robin slowly makes progress because he really wants a partner, he wants to experience companionship and intimacy, to enjoy what life has to offer again. Sean is quite the patient, sexy guy, and how these two steadily get to really know each other was a poignant, painful, and funny experience.
I read this when it was offered as a freebie serial through the author’s newsletter. This time around though, this sequel provided for me more compelling and likeable characters, so much so that I shelled out the cash for the much anticipated epilogue in Seth’s voice. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed!
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, Jensen always excels at the conflicting emotions that a person can have about love and life, and she doesn’t fail here.
I really liked Robin, warts and all. His debilitating anxiety was acutely felt. It’s not as if he wants to feel this way, it’s not as if he wants to stay in his house forever, and it’s not as if he wants to be alone for the rest of his life paralyzed by indecision and fear. However, one day Robin realizes he’s kinda sorta had enough. His almost connection with Dan from Let's Connect was just the sort of impetus for him to take stock of his life and finally notice that he’s been noticed by his friendly neighbor Seth.
There’s a bunch of fits and starts as Robin slowly makes progress because he really wants a partner, he wants to experience companionship and intimacy, to enjoy what life has to offer again. Sean is quite the patient, sexy guy, and how these two steadily get to really know each other was a poignant, painful, and funny experience.
I read this when it was offered as a freebie serial through the author’s newsletter. This time around though, this sequel provided for me more compelling and likeable characters, so much so that I shelled out the cash for the much anticipated epilogue in Seth’s voice. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed!
April 18, 2021
I've given this a B- at AAR, so 3.5 stars rounded up.
Let’s Go Out is the sequel to Let's Connect and, as with that story, was originally written in instalments that were sent out with the author’s newsletter. In it we met sweet, quirky Robin and Dan – a just-turned-fifty divorcé having trouble moving on with his life – who met each other online via the Let’s Connect dating app. The men chatted regularly and went on a few virtual dates; things were going well between them, and Robin hoped that maybe there was a chance of his having a real relationship again, but he also knew that his anxiety about going outside was going to be a big obstacle and that he just… wasn’t ready. Let’s Go Out picks up Robin’s story shortly after Dan told him he was in love with someone else (his long-time crush and best friend) and they agreed to stay in touch as friends.
Robin works from home as an environment architect for video games. He’s online with his colleague and best friend Barrett frequently, as they work through and test the latest developments in their current projects, but otherwise, the only person Robin sees regularly is Kaleb, the teenaged son of his next-door neighbour Sean. Kaleb runs errands for Robin and he and his dad have joined Robin for Thanksgiving for the last few years; Robin likes Sean – maybe he even has a little bit of a crush on him – but like Dan, Sean exists in the outside world, and if Robin wants to get to know him and see if maybe there’s a chance for them to be more than friends, he’s going to have to walk through his front door.
Kelly Jensen does a great job here of exploring Robin’s situation. Anxiety has been a lifelong problem for him, but the death of a beloved pet around the same time as the break-up of a long-term relationship hit him really hard and almost without his realising it, three years have passed and he’s gone no further than his back yard. And even that, not very often. But sometimes, just occasionally, he’s discovers his need to be outside is greater than his fear of stuff – and on one particular evening, he ventures out there and hears sounds coming from the other side of the fence that tell him someone – probably Sean – is outside, too. Through a knot-hole in the fence, he can see that Sean – an artist and sculptor – is working on something, and almost jumps out of his skin when Sean starts talking about it. Robin wonders for a second if someone is there with Sean (he hadn’t realised Sean knew he was there) but no, Sean is talking to him, and Robin is torn between wanting to stay and chat, and wanting to rush back inside the house and pretend Sean had never spoken to him. But Robin stays, and is intrigued by piece Sean shows him through the hole in the fence, one of a series of mosaic tiles he’s working on for an upcoming show. When Robin asks about the story behind them, Sean tells him: “Isolation. Separation. Loneliness.” Robin is stunned and a little panicked and runs back inside.
“Sean had seen him. Not the man lurking behind the fence, but the man waiting inside Robin’s skin.”
Robin longs to see the other tiles, to see the rest of the story. But to do that… he’ll have to go out.
Let’s Go Out is short and sweet, but like its predecessor doesn’t lack depth or insight. Robin is the PoV character here, he’s well-realised and his dryly humorous outlook and inner monologues are delightful. Unfortunately however, Sean is less well-developed, and although Robin thinks about him and they have the occasional conversations through the fence and via text, physically, he’s on the periphery of the story for around three-quarters of it. In fact, Robin spends more time interacting with Barrett in the first half of the book than he does with Sean! Sean’s a great guy though; he’s intelligent, creative and very respectful of Robin’s situation and issues, plus he’s incredibly patient, waiting three years for Robin to be ready – ready for Sean, for taking those first steps out and to finally realise that he’s never been alone because Sean and Kaleb have been there for him. But… I couldn’t help thinking he was just a little bit too perfect.
The found family aspect of the story is lovely, and Robin and Sean make a great couple, but the romance in this one takes a bit of a back seat to Robin’s journey. His anxiety issues are handled sensitively and the way he progresses– or doesn’t – feels very realistic and appropriate; just because he wants to go out and has set himself some achievable goals, doesn’t mean it’s easy or that he’s always going to be successful. But I was cheering him on from the sidelines, and delighted at every breakthrough.
Even with those reservations, Let’s Go Out is worth a recommendation. It’s not absolutely essential to have to have read Let’s Connect first, but I’d suggest doing so; they’re short, satisfying stories that will leave you with a smile on your face – and there’s always room for more of those!
Let’s Go Out is the sequel to Let's Connect and, as with that story, was originally written in instalments that were sent out with the author’s newsletter. In it we met sweet, quirky Robin and Dan – a just-turned-fifty divorcé having trouble moving on with his life – who met each other online via the Let’s Connect dating app. The men chatted regularly and went on a few virtual dates; things were going well between them, and Robin hoped that maybe there was a chance of his having a real relationship again, but he also knew that his anxiety about going outside was going to be a big obstacle and that he just… wasn’t ready. Let’s Go Out picks up Robin’s story shortly after Dan told him he was in love with someone else (his long-time crush and best friend) and they agreed to stay in touch as friends.
Robin works from home as an environment architect for video games. He’s online with his colleague and best friend Barrett frequently, as they work through and test the latest developments in their current projects, but otherwise, the only person Robin sees regularly is Kaleb, the teenaged son of his next-door neighbour Sean. Kaleb runs errands for Robin and he and his dad have joined Robin for Thanksgiving for the last few years; Robin likes Sean – maybe he even has a little bit of a crush on him – but like Dan, Sean exists in the outside world, and if Robin wants to get to know him and see if maybe there’s a chance for them to be more than friends, he’s going to have to walk through his front door.
Kelly Jensen does a great job here of exploring Robin’s situation. Anxiety has been a lifelong problem for him, but the death of a beloved pet around the same time as the break-up of a long-term relationship hit him really hard and almost without his realising it, three years have passed and he’s gone no further than his back yard. And even that, not very often. But sometimes, just occasionally, he’s discovers his need to be outside is greater than his fear of stuff – and on one particular evening, he ventures out there and hears sounds coming from the other side of the fence that tell him someone – probably Sean – is outside, too. Through a knot-hole in the fence, he can see that Sean – an artist and sculptor – is working on something, and almost jumps out of his skin when Sean starts talking about it. Robin wonders for a second if someone is there with Sean (he hadn’t realised Sean knew he was there) but no, Sean is talking to him, and Robin is torn between wanting to stay and chat, and wanting to rush back inside the house and pretend Sean had never spoken to him. But Robin stays, and is intrigued by piece Sean shows him through the hole in the fence, one of a series of mosaic tiles he’s working on for an upcoming show. When Robin asks about the story behind them, Sean tells him: “Isolation. Separation. Loneliness.” Robin is stunned and a little panicked and runs back inside.
“Sean had seen him. Not the man lurking behind the fence, but the man waiting inside Robin’s skin.”
Robin longs to see the other tiles, to see the rest of the story. But to do that… he’ll have to go out.
Let’s Go Out is short and sweet, but like its predecessor doesn’t lack depth or insight. Robin is the PoV character here, he’s well-realised and his dryly humorous outlook and inner monologues are delightful. Unfortunately however, Sean is less well-developed, and although Robin thinks about him and they have the occasional conversations through the fence and via text, physically, he’s on the periphery of the story for around three-quarters of it. In fact, Robin spends more time interacting with Barrett in the first half of the book than he does with Sean! Sean’s a great guy though; he’s intelligent, creative and very respectful of Robin’s situation and issues, plus he’s incredibly patient, waiting three years for Robin to be ready – ready for Sean, for taking those first steps out and to finally realise that he’s never been alone because Sean and Kaleb have been there for him. But… I couldn’t help thinking he was just a little bit too perfect.
The found family aspect of the story is lovely, and Robin and Sean make a great couple, but the romance in this one takes a bit of a back seat to Robin’s journey. His anxiety issues are handled sensitively and the way he progresses– or doesn’t – feels very realistic and appropriate; just because he wants to go out and has set himself some achievable goals, doesn’t mean it’s easy or that he’s always going to be successful. But I was cheering him on from the sidelines, and delighted at every breakthrough.
Even with those reservations, Let’s Go Out is worth a recommendation. It’s not absolutely essential to have to have read Let’s Connect first, but I’d suggest doing so; they’re short, satisfying stories that will leave you with a smile on your face – and there’s always room for more of those!
March 2, 2021
If you've read Let's Connect, you'll recognize Robin in Let's Go Out as Dan's almost love interest. In Book 2 of the Let's Connect series, the reader gets to know Robin and his challenges. His agoraphobia is so well written that I felt I was experiencing his anxiety and fears in real time.
The slow burn fits the character and the plot perfectly. Robin takes baby steps, some of them backwards, in venturing out into the world beyond his home. And Sean is the perfect love interest for Robin. He's patient, understanding, and kind. The inclusion of side characters--Kaleb, Sean's son, and Barrett, Robin's colleague and best friend--round out Robin's story without taking away from Robin's struggles and progress.
Let's Go Out is sweet, sometimes sad, and relevant to the reality of today's pandemic-driven isolation some of us feel.
I highly recommend.
***Massive thanks to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.***
The slow burn fits the character and the plot perfectly. Robin takes baby steps, some of them backwards, in venturing out into the world beyond his home. And Sean is the perfect love interest for Robin. He's patient, understanding, and kind. The inclusion of side characters--Kaleb, Sean's son, and Barrett, Robin's colleague and best friend--round out Robin's story without taking away from Robin's struggles and progress.
Let's Go Out is sweet, sometimes sad, and relevant to the reality of today's pandemic-driven isolation some of us feel.
I highly recommend.
***Massive thanks to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.***
March 2, 2021
OMG,
Let's Go Out
touched my heart so completely, I had tears for several parts of this book! Robin is so precious for me and this is his story, his journey, his triumph. I don't even care about the romantic relationship being very, very slow burn. Yes, sure, Sean is Robin's motivation to finally go out. But that's not what important for me.
I felt like my heart was there for Robin each time he thinking of trying, each time he failed, each time he made plan, each time he took one step at a time. When he talked to Sean, when he talked to Dan, when he talked to Barrett (that best friend of him was AMAZING on his own!). That half of an hour journey of Robin walking to the gallery... gah, I was sniffling and doing inside-cheering at the same time.
It is about Robin and what a glorious achievement for him.
I actually felt a bit grumpy with one epilogue from Sean's perspective. Somehow I feel that this is Robin's book, it his time to shine. While I know that Sean's chapter adds a nuance of being a boyfriend of someone with Robin's anxiety, that Sean can have his own self-doubt about whether or not Robin could be better with him --
-- still, I prefer to know more about Robin's own victory of tacking his challenges: I want see Robin meeting Dan and Trevor for the first time, I want to see Robin visit Barrett, I want to read about Robin's . I want all that!
And why can't Jensen give another for Robin?!? *grumbles*
I felt like my heart was there for Robin each time he thinking of trying, each time he failed, each time he made plan, each time he took one step at a time. When he talked to Sean, when he talked to Dan, when he talked to Barrett (that best friend of him was AMAZING on his own!). That half of an hour journey of Robin walking to the gallery... gah, I was sniffling and doing inside-cheering at the same time.
It is about Robin and what a glorious achievement for him.
I actually felt a bit grumpy with one epilogue from Sean's perspective. Somehow I feel that this is Robin's book, it his time to shine. While I know that Sean's chapter adds a nuance of being a boyfriend of someone with Robin's anxiety, that Sean can have his own self-doubt about whether or not Robin could be better with him --
-- still, I prefer to know more about Robin's own victory of tacking his challenges: I want see Robin meeting Dan and Trevor for the first time, I want to see Robin visit Barrett, I want to read about Robin's . I want all that!
And why can't Jensen give another for Robin?!? *grumbles*
September 16, 2021
As good as any Nicky James tale ... this delightfully engaging romance effectively blends mental ill-health/concerns with a strong plot, lovable MCs plus lovely secondary characters. 4.5 stars.
March 9, 2021
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
After reading Let's Connect I was curious about Robin's story and Let's Go Out is that story. This book really resonated with me and I appreciate how it dealt with some heavier topics while also keeping the overall tone quite light. Robin has anxiety and hasn't been outside in three years, he likes his next door neighbor and slowly finds motivation to outside.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought Robin felt realistic and relatable. It made sense why he didn't go outside for so long and how he could afford to do as he worked from home and many of his hobbies also could be done inside of his home. He has no reason to go outside and is afraid to do so, until he starts wanting more with his next door neighbor. I liked how he slowly gets further and decides to deal with his anxiety. I also liked that while love definitely helps him, it doesn't fix his anxiety.
There is a bit where I got a bit annoyed at Sean, the love interest, with how he pushes Robin. In the end tough I realized that maybe Robin needed that push. And getting Sean's point of view in the epilogue was great as it got me to see things from his perspective and the struggle of loving a guy with anxiety and how he has his own struggles and fears as well. And how it's totally valid for him to sometimes not be as accepting and just hope Robin could overcome his fears. It also made him feel more real with how he also struggled and was afraid. I really like the epilogue and seeing things from Sean's perspective was just the perfect wrap up.
Sean and Robin make for such a great couple. I like who they are and how they are together. I like the way they communicate and they way they accept the other how they are. I also liked the scenes with Sean's son and seeing how Robin and Sean both interacted with them. I also liked how they both had such an unique work situation. Robin developed game environments and they way those scenes are describe makes it obvious the author knows a bit about games. Sean creates art with tiles and other physical object and I enjoyed reading about his creations.
Something about this book felt really powerful and heartfelt. The struggle of Robin with his anxiety and his determination to go out. And that scene later in the book with the traffic light really showed his struggle. I liked how Robin's struggle was never made light of, but the book itself still had a light and upbeat theme. And the way these two characters are together was just beautiful. This story his me emotionally and I think it's a very beautiful story.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this book. It's a heartfelt and realistic romantic story that despite dealing with some heavier topics mostly had a light feel. Robin has been stuck at home for three years and now slowly is trying to make his way outside. His struggle with anxiety felt realistic and was hard to read at times, but the overall tone stays light while still packing an emotional punch. I enjoyed reading about Robin and how he managed to go outside. The romance between him and Sean is great to see and I liked how understanding they were and how they are determined to work together and make things work. I really liked the epilogue from Sean's point of view and it felt really powerful to see how he also had his own struggles and fears and how he viewed things. It's a heartfelt and sweet romance with some emotional undertones. All in all this was a beautiful story that resonated with me and I am so glad I read this one.
After reading Let's Connect I was curious about Robin's story and Let's Go Out is that story. This book really resonated with me and I appreciate how it dealt with some heavier topics while also keeping the overall tone quite light. Robin has anxiety and hasn't been outside in three years, he likes his next door neighbor and slowly finds motivation to outside.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought Robin felt realistic and relatable. It made sense why he didn't go outside for so long and how he could afford to do as he worked from home and many of his hobbies also could be done inside of his home. He has no reason to go outside and is afraid to do so, until he starts wanting more with his next door neighbor. I liked how he slowly gets further and decides to deal with his anxiety. I also liked that while love definitely helps him, it doesn't fix his anxiety.
There is a bit where I got a bit annoyed at Sean, the love interest, with how he pushes Robin. In the end tough I realized that maybe Robin needed that push. And getting Sean's point of view in the epilogue was great as it got me to see things from his perspective and the struggle of loving a guy with anxiety and how he has his own struggles and fears as well. And how it's totally valid for him to sometimes not be as accepting and just hope Robin could overcome his fears. It also made him feel more real with how he also struggled and was afraid. I really like the epilogue and seeing things from Sean's perspective was just the perfect wrap up.
Sean and Robin make for such a great couple. I like who they are and how they are together. I like the way they communicate and they way they accept the other how they are. I also liked the scenes with Sean's son and seeing how Robin and Sean both interacted with them. I also liked how they both had such an unique work situation. Robin developed game environments and they way those scenes are describe makes it obvious the author knows a bit about games. Sean creates art with tiles and other physical object and I enjoyed reading about his creations.
Something about this book felt really powerful and heartfelt. The struggle of Robin with his anxiety and his determination to go out. And that scene later in the book with the traffic light really showed his struggle. I liked how Robin's struggle was never made light of, but the book itself still had a light and upbeat theme. And the way these two characters are together was just beautiful. This story his me emotionally and I think it's a very beautiful story.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this book. It's a heartfelt and realistic romantic story that despite dealing with some heavier topics mostly had a light feel. Robin has been stuck at home for three years and now slowly is trying to make his way outside. His struggle with anxiety felt realistic and was hard to read at times, but the overall tone stays light while still packing an emotional punch. I enjoyed reading about Robin and how he managed to go outside. The romance between him and Sean is great to see and I liked how understanding they were and how they are determined to work together and make things work. I really liked the epilogue from Sean's point of view and it felt really powerful to see how he also had his own struggles and fears and how he viewed things. It's a heartfelt and sweet romance with some emotional undertones. All in all this was a beautiful story that resonated with me and I am so glad I read this one.
March 1, 2021
Having read “Let’s Connect” just last year, I was keen to find the continuation to Robin. LET’S GO OUT delivered exactly that, yet in a way I thought surprising. I guess I just didn’t expect his story would turn out the way it was. This is a slow burn - as in reaaally slow - romance that developed over close-proximity and familiarity.
Throughout reading I altered between cheering for and pushing exasperatedly at Robin. He was such a complex character but perhaps following his antics during this current pandemic making him (and his issues) to be so relatable. Not that this book taking place during Covid-19 lockdown. NO. This is far from that! And for all his anxiety, Robin aroused a sort of affinity with the dilemma he was facing.
Even with (Robin’s) sole POV, Jensen managed to portray Sean in every hue (of colors) and even the budding friendship between Robin and Dan. To be fair there’s also a chapter dedicated to Sean’s POV but that’s after things had settled between the men.
This sequel is not as lighthearted as the previous book. But it captured the sweet and close-knit connection the two household had. Robin’s best friend served as the icing of the cake with his snark and uninhibited nature - it’s among the highlight moments for me. I reveled for the glimpses of his convo with Robin in between Robin’s what -ifs and self contemplations. This novella is the happy beginning Robin sorely needed and I dearly wish for there be a snippet of Robin/Sean and Dan/Trevor altogether in the not too distant future and be friends.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Throughout reading I altered between cheering for and pushing exasperatedly at Robin. He was such a complex character but perhaps following his antics during this current pandemic making him (and his issues) to be so relatable. Not that this book taking place during Covid-19 lockdown. NO. This is far from that! And for all his anxiety, Robin aroused a sort of affinity with the dilemma he was facing.
Even with (Robin’s) sole POV, Jensen managed to portray Sean in every hue (of colors) and even the budding friendship between Robin and Dan. To be fair there’s also a chapter dedicated to Sean’s POV but that’s after things had settled between the men.
This sequel is not as lighthearted as the previous book. But it captured the sweet and close-knit connection the two household had. Robin’s best friend served as the icing of the cake with his snark and uninhibited nature - it’s among the highlight moments for me. I reveled for the glimpses of his convo with Robin in between Robin’s what -ifs and self contemplations. This novella is the happy beginning Robin sorely needed and I dearly wish for there be a snippet of Robin/Sean and Dan/Trevor altogether in the not too distant future and be friends.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2021
Heartwarming
I really liked how there wasn’t a magic fix to Robin’s anxiety. There is no big drama but a nice story with real people.
I really liked how there wasn’t a magic fix to Robin’s anxiety. There is no big drama but a nice story with real people.
August 6, 2021
This is the sequel to Let’s Connect, and I think it’s the stronger book. Also, this book has very strong 'Tell me you’re living through a pandemic without telling me you’re living through a pandemic' vibes. Or maybe it was just me. The reason I say that is that the main character, Robin, is an agoraphobic who hasn’t left his house in around three years. He’s made it work by befriending the neighbor kid next door who runs errands for him, and who also happens to have a kindhearted father Robin has sort-of crushed on since his last boyfriend moved out.
This book is mostly about Robin working to overcome aspects of his crippling anxiety. He is not fixed at the end of this book, but his is doing much better. Like I said, Covid isn’t mentioned, but I know that I have some heightened agoraphobic tendencies as a result of this time, and whether or not the author intended it, it was something I could relate to.
This book is mostly about Robin working to overcome aspects of his crippling anxiety. He is not fixed at the end of this book, but his is doing much better. Like I said, Covid isn’t mentioned, but I know that I have some heightened agoraphobic tendencies as a result of this time, and whether or not the author intended it, it was something I could relate to.
March 2, 2021
I had to think about this one a bit before posting a review. In a lot of ways, this book turned out to not be not quite what I expected - but in a good way.
Whereas most books in the genre these days tend to be filtered through a movie lens with sepia colors ( in movie terms think of "Pretty Woman" or most of Sandra Bullock's movies). Now think of those films done in a slightly more gritty, more "independent" cinema style (imagine "Pretty Woman" as filmed by Francois Truffaut, for example) and you get an idea of what I felt was the tone for this book.
Robin, the main character, has been stuck in a rut for three years at the beginning of the book, caught in a cycle of depression and social anxiety disorders that cut off most of his face to face human contact. What contact he has tends to come through online means, either through interacting with his coworkers online as they collaborate on a multiplayer game or texting his next door neighbor, Sean. Kaleb, Sean's son, is the main exception and serves as Robin's bridge to functioning without leaving his home, retrieving groceries and the like for Robin.
This definitely wasn't a typical romance in the plotting of the story, either. I'd argue that the story is more one about connections, whether with friends, potential partners, mentors and mentees, pets, and past friends and lovers. The main romance didn't even come into focus until towards the end of the story but made perfect sense as Robin isn't ready for the relationship till the end of the story, which made it more realistic and interesting to me as Robin's struggles weren't just cast aside after he embarks on romance.
Jensen's writing style is perfect for this story, lightening up slightly a story that could get overly maudlin but also at times challenging the reader in recognizing the very real, day to day struggles of Robin as he struggles to reestablish contact with the people around him. It was also very nice to see a somewhat older character, in his late 40s.
Definitely recommended, particularly if you're looking for a story that's a little more "real" in its romance.
Whereas most books in the genre these days tend to be filtered through a movie lens with sepia colors ( in movie terms think of "Pretty Woman" or most of Sandra Bullock's movies). Now think of those films done in a slightly more gritty, more "independent" cinema style (imagine "Pretty Woman" as filmed by Francois Truffaut, for example) and you get an idea of what I felt was the tone for this book.
Robin, the main character, has been stuck in a rut for three years at the beginning of the book, caught in a cycle of depression and social anxiety disorders that cut off most of his face to face human contact. What contact he has tends to come through online means, either through interacting with his coworkers online as they collaborate on a multiplayer game or texting his next door neighbor, Sean. Kaleb, Sean's son, is the main exception and serves as Robin's bridge to functioning without leaving his home, retrieving groceries and the like for Robin.
This definitely wasn't a typical romance in the plotting of the story, either. I'd argue that the story is more one about connections, whether with friends, potential partners, mentors and mentees, pets, and past friends and lovers. The main romance didn't even come into focus until towards the end of the story but made perfect sense as Robin isn't ready for the relationship till the end of the story, which made it more realistic and interesting to me as Robin's struggles weren't just cast aside after he embarks on romance.
Jensen's writing style is perfect for this story, lightening up slightly a story that could get overly maudlin but also at times challenging the reader in recognizing the very real, day to day struggles of Robin as he struggles to reestablish contact with the people around him. It was also very nice to see a somewhat older character, in his late 40s.
Definitely recommended, particularly if you're looking for a story that's a little more "real" in its romance.
November 21, 2022
I'm really glad I read Let's Go Out even though it was a little challenging to get through at times. The author does a great job with Robin's acute anxiety issue and I felt so sad for him. The first part of the book is mainly him trying to find a reason to go out of the house. Jensen makes Robin's job (game worldbuilding) interesting and fun, and his friendship with his coworker is so sweet. That and Robin's relationship with the teenager, Kaleb, from next door show us what a really kind person Robin is. I also loved the gentle, wonderful Sean, Kaleb's dad.
Once Robin is able to leave his house again the story moves quickly and ends a little abruptly, except thankfully there is a decently long epilogue from Sean's point of view. The epilogue is very important to the book and I'm so glad she included it. The story was really Robin's story (his struggle) up to that point, but getting Sean's POV really made him a more well-rounded character and brought a new perspective to the relationship. Overall a good book, and although it may seem to move a little slowly at first, it's worth it to keep going.
Once Robin is able to leave his house again the story moves quickly and ends a little abruptly, except thankfully there is a decently long epilogue from Sean's point of view. The epilogue is very important to the book and I'm so glad she included it. The story was really Robin's story (his struggle) up to that point, but getting Sean's POV really made him a more well-rounded character and brought a new perspective to the relationship. Overall a good book, and although it may seem to move a little slowly at first, it's worth it to keep going.
July 28, 2021
Writing about characters I can identify too much with - reading about them, is always a little risky, as I am very sensitive about not trying to makeover them and stay true and portray any issues sensitively and with enough realism. So it's actually a pretty big compliment to say there were times I had my fingers crossed MC would actually leave his house. Even when he had everything he needed at home 😁... and anything he could want just next door. Sometimes, I am kind of disappointed people insist all the time how awesome it is outside and sun and people and ghrrr leave me alone you deserve each other. Why is it bad being happy with what you have (at home) without traveling all over the place is a mystery.
But it was good enough I am not too mad about the ending and everyone around was nice enough about their good intentions of dragging him outside so... mostly good book.
But it was good enough I am not too mad about the ending and everyone around was nice enough about their good intentions of dragging him outside so... mostly good book.
April 6, 2021
After Robin gets dumped via chat by Dan, he has to figure out what to do next. Robin is agoraphobic and hasn't left his home in over 3 years. His next door neighbor's son helps him with groceries and runs errands for him while Robin is happy just staying indoors. Sometimes he ventures out into the yard and talks with Sean his next door neighbor that he has been crushing on. This was a really wonderful book about an MC who has challenges leaving his house with a supportive best friend, next door neighbor and an insightful teenager cheering him on.
September 24, 2022
Likeable characters and a satisfying story. Good character growth on both sides. I like reading stories about people with real challenges and see them get their happy ending. I also like that Robin’s anxiety was not magically cured. It’s still a thing and doesn’t make him any less loveable.
March 3, 2021
Wow was I pulling for Robin. Since Dan let him down (and I was so pissed at Dan in his own book for that) Robin could have faded. Instead, "this is me being brave" and he was.
May 7, 2021
3.75 stars
July 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, nice characters that you can relate to, recommend this book.
March 20, 2021
3.5 stars
March 5, 2021
Cute sequel to Let's Connect, with an agoraphobic MC crushing on his next door neighbor. I had just finished a deeply emotional novel, and felt like I had been through the wringer, so I'm afraid this felt very much like a palate cleanser, no fault of the author. Robin's hard-fought battle to go outside, walk down the street and engage with the world was poignant and relatable (I can see myself becoming a bit agoraphobic after a year of quarantining), but the romance with Seth didn't quite resonate, perhaps because of the novella length. Bonus points for the Northeast Philadelphia setting, my old stomping grounds.
Hoping that Kelly Jensen gets back to publishing longer novels soon. She's good at capturing emotions but she needs a little more room to let them develop more naturally and fully.
Hoping that Kelly Jensen gets back to publishing longer novels soon. She's good at capturing emotions but she needs a little more room to let them develop more naturally and fully.
August 15, 2021
Reviewed at Dear Author.
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