When I Grow Up

Tales from Foster High #8

by John Goode

A Tales from Foster High Story

After graduation, Kyle Stilleno and Brad Graymark move to California to pursue their dreams. But high school sweethearts are called that for a reason, and their love rarely stands up to the test of time. As money, school, sex, and jealousy test their relationship to the breaking point, Kyle and Brad fight to hold on to the love that brought them together.

But when a frantic phone call sends them back to Texas, they discover love and understanding might not be enough this time.

Genres: M M Romance, College, Romance, Contemporary, Gay, Young Adult, Coming Of Age

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2015

About the author

John Goode is a member of the class of '88 from Hogwarts school of wizardry, specializing in incantations and spoken spells. At the age of 14 he proudly represented District 13 in the 65th Panem games where he was disqualified for crying uncontrollably before the competition began. After that he moved to Forks, Washington where, against all odds, dated the hot, incredibly approachable werewolf instead of the stuck up jerk of a vampire but was crushed when he found out the werewolf was actually gayer than he was. After that he turned down the mandatory operation everyone must receive at 16 to become pretty citing that everyone pretty were just too stupid to live before moving away for greener pastures. After falling down an oddly large rabbit hole he became huge when his love for cakes combined with his inability to resist what sparsely worded notes commanded and was finally kicked out when he began playing solitaire with the Red Queen's 4th armored division. By 18 he had found the land in the back of his wardrobe but decided that thinly veiled religious allegories where not the neighbors he desired. When last seen he had become obsessed with growing a pair of wings after becoming obsessed with Fang's blog and hasn't been seen since.

Or he is this guy who lives in this place and writes stuff he hopes you read.

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ending to Kyle and Brad's story.

Finally out of Foster Texas, Kyle and Brad start to settle into their new lives in California. Kyle becomes consumed with college and Brad with his job as a personal trainer. What was great at first slowly becomes real life and they are faced with the challenges that real life presents. But when disaster strikes back home, all that has to be put aside as first Kyle and then Brad are forced to return to Foster to deal with it.

I've really enjoyed most of the books in this series. So many of the books about Kyle and Brad have mirrored my experiences in high school so closely. Though my boyfriend and I didn't have the same drama when we went off to college, we still went through some of the same things. The excitement of having our own place. The stress of having to pay our own bills. Having our own schedules and finding time for each other. All of these things were found in When I Grow Up, making it feel very real for me. This has been true for all of the books in the series.

As always when a series ends, it's disappointing to say goodbye to characters I've gotten attached to. I can certainly say that about Kyle and Brad. This book, as with the others in the series, I've enjoyed are well written, funny but with their fair share of drama. The book made me laugh, cry, shake my head in disbelief, and cheer for joy.

I would definitely recommend all the books in the series that are about Kyle and Brad. The ones that aren't hare hit and miss.

[☆ Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

God. This book, this book, this book...

I finished it about 3 weeks ago and have kind of stewed in my own juices about the ending ever since. Like when you want to just blurt out something, but you know you'll never be able to shove it back in your mouth or take it back.

I know it's just me and I know logically that the way the book ended was needed, but 8 books in, the way that this one was wrapped up for people who feel like family to me felt like a good, swift kick in my nuts. Not. Cute. or. Fun.

The book's still getting 5 solid *nut-crunching* stars, because it's John and it's Brad and Kyle, and because I LOVE all three dearly, but I would have loved for the book to have wrapped up differently.

Did I like that the book had (yet another) HEA? Yes.

Did I hate Brad's ginormous "No" toward the end? Hell. Fucking. Yes. I. Did.

Firstly, Dani and I have discussed, ad nauseam, how we hate, hate, hate books that fuck with happily ever afters for established couples that we love. Sooo not a fan.

Secondly, I would have been somewhat more okay with Brad's plan *if* I could have a part of the journey, instead of just fast forward 4 years without even a single detail during that period. It left me feeling completely cheated out of 4 years of Brad and Kyle's lives, when I'd rather not miss a second.

Thirdly, if they were strong enough to survive Brad's plan, deep down I feel that they could have made it work, growing up together, without spending 4 years apart.

Fourthly, rant over. Breathing and moving forward.

My favorite parts of book 8 were Robbie and Sebastian. They really came into their own, speaking up for what they felt was right, even if that meant possibly pissing off their partners. They fucking brought it this time.

Conversely, Teddy (one sonic screwdriver away from being a Time Lord) and Colt (selfish, dipshit asshole) can get fucked. If I never hear of either of them again, no loss for me.

But I would love for Troy, Kyle's half-brother, to make a reappearance in future books. : )

So, as I said, 5 solid *nut-crunching-but-moving-along-now* stars for book 8.

God, I feel like I've just given birth, but at least all that 'purge' above does indicate how deeply I care about these two amazing characters, right? ;- )

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** UPDATE: Read "Message 15" below where John dropped a short excerpt from the NEXT book!!! *crazy-crazy-crazy-excited-here* Thank you, John !!!

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My copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

*this review contains spoilers*

After a week or so, I’m still in awe about this book!! Kyle and Brad are so real to me, I love them so much. I’ve been reading all these awesome reviews and quite honestly feeling very inadequate cause I’m never going to be able to pull that off.. But I’ve been told to speak from my heart and just show how much I appreciated this book.

So here we go…

I’ll tell you how my Friday (release-day) went!! First of all, I took the day off especially to give the book my fullest attention… So, I was up by the crack of dawn, ebook already downloaded and ready to go!!! But I had this birthday party of my daughters that evening…. So I was sitting there amid the racket of the music these days, wondering if I was weird, pulling my ereader out of purse….



But I endured and thankfully I was released of my parental duties at 11PM.

Back to the important stuff, “When I Grow up”..





Have I mentioned before how much I adore this series? I’m a big sucker for fluffy, “good feel” books but once in a while I’m just ready for some “real-life” books.. Because as difficult they are to read sometimes, they break my heart, these book ALWAYS give me hope that someday everything will make sense and we’ll understand the pain we’re going through!!!

Although I love Kyle to bits, I really felt this book was about Brad. Brad, the invisible one, the one seemingly without brains cause all he’s got is a pretty face and a great body!! Well, let me tell you people what I think about Brad. Brad is the force behind Kyle. He keeps him sane and grounded. All he has to do is grow up a little by finding what HE wants to do with his life…. And so he did.

Kyle and Brad move to California after graduation. They’re living in this small appartement and all is hanky dory.. No parents and all this time together.. A lot of smexy times.

“There was something completely liberating about having sex in the living room in the middle of the afternoon with the front door unlocked. No parents to come rushing in, no distractions, just him and me and our ever-present need for each other. No matter how often we had sex—and so far it had been at least twice a day, once in the morning before our shower and again after the lights went out to make sure we drifted off—there was always a hunger for more.”

But then the honeymoon is over and RL strikes. Kyle needs to get ready for school and what is Brad going to do with his time? Should he just wait for his boyfriend to come home from working for his future or should he do something for himself?
Brad finds a job at fitness center. This is when the insecurities strike in with Kyle. Because of course you won’t speak to each other about your own insecurities…. No, you just let it build up and make it a REALLY BIG issue…

Kyle eventually drives Brad away with his jealousy!!

“I’d felt so cut off from him lately I couldn’t even bring myself to fool around with him. If I kissed him, all I could think about was how many kisses were left? Was he kissing that other guy? Did he want to kiss him? I trusted Brad with my life, but lately not with my heart.”

So, that happened and some more what I won’t spoil..

“You want to help?” he asked.
“Find somewhere else to live.”
“Well, good-bye, Brad.”

It broke my heart, my boys Kyle and Brad apart from each other!!

While me being in a blubbering mess of tears, the book took a turn and Kyle was sitting at the airport going home to Texas because of his mother being in the hospital.

In part two we meet the gang again… Tyler with his boyfriend Matt but also Robbie with his newest, awesome boyfriend Sebastian!!!

Kyle meets his crazy, effin dad, he hasn’t seen all of this life and his half-brother. And this reunion does not work out well.. Hell breaks loose when Kyles understands his dad his keeping his mother getting the operation she needs to survive…. But Kyle wouldn’t be Kyle when he solves this issue… I’m curious to know if we get to know more of Kyle’s half-brother in other installments of the series.

Meanwhile Jennifer, Matt and Sebastian are flying to California to drag Brad back to Kyle because Kyle is in urgently need of some seriously grounding. And Brad is just the person to do that!!

I really loved Sebastian is this part. And Matt, being so protective of Robbie.. He was out of line of course but he made up for it…

Robbie and Sebastian are already my second best couple…. I just need to read more about them.. I must…. The things that come out of that man’s mouth!!!

“Don’t start,” I said, pushing the elevator button. “You know how they say not to tell people about a pregnancy before the first trimester because… you know?” She nodded. “With gay men it’s like that with relationships. We try not to talk about it until a year passes or we buy a pet.

We get another good preach from Father Mulligan. I love that man. I could listen to him preach all day.. He really “gets” the Bible.

“See, that kind of thinking is what’s wrong with the world, Kyle. People do good things and expect some kind of reward, and when they don’t get it, they use it as proof there is no God or that God is cruel. God does not reward good behavior, Kyle, the same way he doesn’t punish bad. If you were being good for his sake, you’re wasting your time.”

“Then why bother trying?”

“Being good is its own reward. You should do good things because it’s the right thing to do, not because you think that it will get you brownie points with someone. Doing good things so that God will take your side isn’t doing a good thing, it’s doing something to get you ahead of others, which is just selfish.”

Brad arrives at the hospital. Kyle gets his head out of his ass and understands his role in the break-up. And again Robbie’s wise words.....

“I said you were a hero, not an all-powerful god who can stop car crashes or go back in time and rewrite things. Heroes don’t fix everything all the time. That’s why there’s WD-40 and duct tape. Heroes don’t back down when it looks hopeless. Hopeless is when they get geared up.”

If you think things are simple and Kyle and Brad just kiss and make up, you’re mistaken, because this is real life, remember and some things won’t go away that easy.. It needs some work.

"This is tiring, Kyle. I mean, we’re a fucking Taylor Swift song on repeat, and I can’t do it anymore.”

“This is the same fight we’ve been having since the night I dropped you off,” he said. “Where I stand very still and try to convince you I love you, and you think this is insane and isn’t going to last. This is the same fight we had that night at the lake. The same fight we had in the parking lot. And I’m sorry, Kyle. I can’t do it anymore.”



But then there’s Sebastian who asks the right question;

“What would Brad do?”

And Kyle did what Brad would do and whoooood Brad and it was freaking awesome!!

Kyle just broke my heart in what he was willing to do to get Brad back. Made me cry “happy tears” this time.

“He sang about the morning and my dreams and he looked up and saw me. I heard the change in his voice as he fought off tears.
As he went on, his anguish was washing off of him like radiation off a bomb. I took another step and I could see his whole body was trembling slightly.
I jumped onstage, just wanting him to stop, to stop being in pain.

“Please, my intentions are true,” he sobbed no longer singing, and then in a tiny voice added, “Won’t you come home with me?”

And that was it; he lost it.”

They needed to grow up and realize they needed to sort out their own lives before having a future together.

And though you’ll think, okay an HFN and I was fine with it, John comes with more OF COURSE!!!

Epilogue one:

The goodbye at the airport was AWESOME!!!

“Bye,” he said in a tiny voice.
I grabbed his hand. “No. No good-byes.” He looked at me questioningly. “Until next time.”
He gave me a sad smile. “Until next time.”

Epilogue two:

Dolores kicks ass with Billy (Kyle’s dad) and shoooos him out of town.

“Please, have mercy.”
Mercy is for those who deserve it.” She paused and looked back at him. “Trust me, Billy, this is exactly what you deserve.”

At this point I was jumping up and down but there was more…

Epilogue three:

Brad coming home after four years..
P.s. I am a bit mad about that for skipping those years, but you more than made up for this with these last words. I can die a happy woman… (not literly of course!)

“Wanna spend the rest of our lives together?” he asked, the twinkle in his eyes telling me it was taking all his concentration not to just explode with happiness.
“Thought you’d never ask,” I said, putting my arms around him and kissing him hard.

Thank you John for writing this series, for giving us these boys. I look forward in reading more of the grown up Kyle and Brad. And may there be more happy times for them in the furture!!

Never the END


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10 more days.... I'm freaking out a LOT, but I can do this!!!!!!



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In case you've missed!!! I'm so happy about this!!!!

[~Mindy Lynn~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me throughout all 8 books:

After finishing this book, this series...

The thing is I was still going through the aftershocks of emotions with 151 Days when I dove right into this one. So I guess you can say I was still on an emotional rollercoaster and for some stupid reason I thought things might actually go right and be looking up for these boys. That was were I went wrong. That's not real life and if there's anything that I have learned from John Goode's writing and his books, it's that he sticks pretty damn close to how things in the real world work and that is why his writing is so honest and why so many people love this series. So in the end it's a shame on me situation for being naïve thinking things would be wrapped up in rainbows and glitter. I should've known better especially since Robbie warned us about glitter.

I was pretty frustrated with Kyle right off. It was like he became someone else once school started up.

He was so insecure and kept saying things to Brad that kind of made me feel like he was putting him down even though I don't think Kyle realized that was what he was doing. He thought distancing himself would hide his insecurities but Brad knowing him so well saw right through it.

I'm not going to lie and say Brad didn't make a stupid decision when it came to him going with Colt that night. But in the end everything that came down on them afterwards was going to happen sooner or later without Brad giving it the extra push. Of course it doesn't mean I wasn't hoping for a different scenario and not completely shattered by the outcome.

And they did...

I won't go into much detail about the rest of the book because I am still exhausted and can't bring myself to write much more. Lazy? Yes.

But the things that go on back in Foster with his mom and dad was really horrific and unfathomable that there are people like his father out there.

He disgusted me on not only how he was treating the situation but also how he was towards his other son, Troy.

Kyle of course being the genius he is overcomes the bullshit his dad tried to bring down on him and ended up helping Troy out as well. I loved that. It's one of the many reasons I love Kyle's character. He's always trying to help other's. He's just kind of crappy at helping himself.

The last epilogue... Wow...

That made it all worth it. I expect great things with these two in future books. I was told by a certain someone there will be at least 3 more coming and I am so down with that, that it deserves an awkward uncomfortable dance.

LOL


John,
I appreciate the honesty and truth you speak in your books. I come away from your stories feeling like I know these characters on a personal level because you have managed to make your characters come off the pages and feel real. That is talent my dear author. One other authors should inspire to. If there is anything to be learned from your books it's this:

[Amina · Rating 2 out of 5]

✰ 2.5 stars ✰

“You’re who I’m going to grow old with; we just need to grow up first.”

Kyle and Brad thought life would be a bed of roses once they turned eighteen and flew the coos from Foster. After everything they've been through at their time in Foster, they thought they could face anything - together. But, being eighteen doesn't suddenly mean that they're adults or that everything is magically going to work out if they settle their arguments with avoidance sex or continue to ignore whatever it is that's threatening to damage their relationship. 😟 And when outside interference and unexpected incidents shake their foundation, it is those tough challenges they face that finally gives them the chance of learning what it truly means to be on your own. Of what lies ahead of them - the ups and the downs of what happens When I Grow Up.

“...you’re both young and things like this seem insurmountable, but trust me, they aren’t. If you guys are really meant to be together, you will be.”

So much drama - so much relationship angst - but John Goode has never shied away from showing his characters with as much of a realistic hand as possible of what first love feels like and all that it entails. 'This was the first moment of our lives together.' Yes, it is messy, it is flighty - it is fight-y (yes, i know it's not a word, but i wanted it to rhyme), and it is hard. Oh it is so hard for Kyle and Brad - so stubbornly set in what they each think is the right way to think, and you want to knock their heads together or simply let them talk it out - to work it out. 😩 Or sometimes you can let nature run its course and let them figure it out at their own pace. Their college breakup tested their boundaries and pushed them to question why they were even together in the first place, when they felt so incompatible at this stage in their lives. And I was frustrated for them - a lot of misguided handling - a lot of ill-conceived actions, but maybe that is exactly what they needed. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

Oh Kyle - you'll always be a bit hasty in your resolve, but no one should have gone through what you did. I felt so bad for you - I wanted to figure out a solution to your problem, kick them to the curb and shake people to realize just how wrong this whole messed up situation was. It was stressful for me just by reading it - the burden and guilt of having his hands completely tied, helpless to do anything - the added stress doubled by his breakup with Brad that took such a toll on him. 😢 It is really rough waters for him and I ached for him. 💔💔 All that tumultuous emotional pain that was dawning on him about how perhaps he needed to take a constructive step back to see things from Brad's point of view. As exhausting as it was - he never fails to make me care for him - never fails to show how his brain is truly a force to be reckoned with - never hesitated to show that for Brad, he would admit his mistake. For even when it is that moment when 'the strongest guy I know completely crumbles in front of everyone', it only deepens how deeply Brad is loyal and sincere and wholly committed in his devotion to Kyle. 😥

And that is why Brad really was the one who surprised me the most - won my heart over with how he matured over the course of events. He definitely made some questionable choices, behaved in rather unappealing and unflattering ways at the start, but he never wavered in his affection for Kyle - never lost faith in what they shared with each other - 'we aren’t the people we’re going to be yet.'. 😔 He put up a tough act, but he had a sensible and reasonable head on his shoulder this time around at times that I admired him for. There was a level of maturity that he displayed upon his return to Kyle's side that I really liked; the way it slowly dawned on him that he had to change - not for Kyle, but for himself. 'He was trying so hard and he meant so well…. How could you not root for this kid even a little?' They went through a lot of hurdles - plenty of darkened paths that worsened with each passing moment - moments that tested their patience and resolve. But when the skies cleared, it was worth it to see them have their moment in the sun again.🥹

“Love is about taking your time, picking your battles.”

It pains me to admit, though, that as much as I was invested in their future, I could not say the same for the myriad of supporting cast that has lent their part to their character development - so much so that it severely dampened my enjoyment. 🙎🏻‍♀️ Perhaps what I could have done without - in order for it to be a more engaging read - was not having, once again, the inclusion of multiple points of view. I do appreciate what Goode is trying to achieve by having each of the respective side characters offer their own personal pearls of wisdom that will help these young men embark on their next step in their journey - whilst also learning something of their own from these encounters and experiences. But, I just didn't care about them now; their relationship advice felt too irksome and annoying - to the point that I just wished it could have focused on Kyle and Brad figuring it out on their own - without anyone else's involvement. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Or even if it is them offering advice that is important for them to work things out, I don't need their thoughts on the matter; especially, when there never seems to be any rhythm to the constant point of view changes. 🙍🏻‍♀️ I could have lived without the snark and the snappiness - even if it with good intentions. 'I’m convinced that together they could do anything; apart, they’re just two teenagers with their heads up their asses.' The style in which it is written often gives me this feel of wanting it to be depicted as if it was a tv show, where simultaneously all the action is happening and we need to see it happen from all different sides of the parties involved. Maybe some readers enjoy that style, but for me, it tends to get a bit distracting and makes me disappointed. I didn't mind the craziness of Kyle and Brad's breakup - it was everyone else that I just felt so unnecessary that I couldn't bring myself to even care about them. 😞

“Wanna spend the rest of our lives together?”

The ending was beyond adorbs - uff, so sweet, it disgusted me. 😄 Haha, no, they deserved to be sweet and in love. Love is a Battlefield and for the two of them, it was a hard-earned one that couldn't help the silly smile that spread across my face as they fiercely embraced. 🥲 No one knows what the future awaits them, heck, even Goode doesn't know what's in store for them! But, to believe that a first love - 'first loves are incredible things, and you will never forget your first' - can be a forever love is the happiness that we all hope to have - it's something so precious that if you find that special someone - you'll do whatever it takes - fight any hurdle to hold onto them. 🩷🩷

It doesn't even have to be the best love you'll have, but Goode believed in Kyle and Brad being together - 'I wanted to give them their first love and make it their best, because it does happen in real life, and those two boys deserve each other' - that you can't help but root for them, as well. 🥺 They've come so far since those days of Foster High, and even with my disappointment in the writing structure, it didn't mean that my investment in their future has diminished in the slightest. Knowing that there are only a couple more installments till I bid them adieu is a bittersweet feeling, but I'm looking forward to it when I do. 🫡

[Elsa Bravante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Después de 8 libros pocas cosas originales se me ocurren que decir que no haya dicho ya en los anteriores. A estas alturas, cuando sigues una serie es que adoras gran parte de ella, y eso es lo que me pasa a mi. Adoro a sus protagonistas principales, igual que lo hago con los secundarios. En esta ocasión, Brad y Kyle se tienen que enfrentar a lo duro que es crecer, las decisiones que hay que tomar, lo que abruman a veces las responsabilidades, y que para que una pareja funcione en el tiempo el amor no es suficiente, se necesita más. Los conflictos a los que se enfrentan son muy realistas, aunque con este autor ya sabemos que las soluciones, aunque sean realistas también, van unidas a un toque que en España diríamos "americanada", sin embargo no chirría, es fiel a los personajes y a lo que ya ha contado.
Bien contado, muy entretenido, todo mi amor para ellos.

[Sonia ~Ruber's fiancé in Crystal Court universe~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

BR with Momo (reread for me)

Loved it the second time around as much as I did the first time, if not more! :D

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Hi! *lame wave*

Yes, I lied!! I didn't write the review "tomorrow" as I promised! Why? I'm glad you asked! Because it's been 3 days since I read "When I grow up" by John "GO(o)D(e) of the written word" and I'm still overwhelmed and emotional and amazed how one book can suck you in and make you forget absolutely everything else! I was captivated from the first freaking page and I couldn't put it down if my life depended on it. (I almost canceled a meeting with a client because I didn't want stop reading!!! Yes!!! I actually had the number dialed and everything, but clients help pay for stunning books like this one so I had to refrain myself.. but I glared at the poor woman the whole meeting!! I am not kidding!!) So now.. please tell me how I'm supposed to write an awesome and eloquent review that can do it justice? Yeah, I thought so.. But I'll try..

!!!!*there will probably be a lot of spoilers ahead so you know... be warned*!!!!
You know why John is the best? Other than because he writes the most wonderful books in the world? Because he makes you feel like the story you're reading is only meant for you and only you.. I always feel like he's talking directly to me and you have no idea how many times I answer.. out loud that is.. and I know some of you will say that's the writing technique (is that a thing?) he uses but so what? does it make me feel special? yes! yes it does! so everything else is irrelevant. Also here is an other reason:

"But I want to send a shout-out to the girls (and boys) over at Leafreads—you all know who you are. I am but one writer in a huge world, but you all make me feel like a star, so thank you for that."

Yes! That's right! John dedicated this book to me! *wide grin and pointed stare* And John you are a star to me! I'm happy our love makes you feel this way :D Now we can call it not even, cause.. well.. I don't write awesome books for you so.. :D
Now enough about me.. Let's get back to the boys!

Part I

Our lovely boys (how I missed them!) are starting their life together! Kyle is about to start college and Brad is happy to be with his man! The first days are beautiful! There are some mishaps with the IKEA furniture that are hilarious but everything else is perfect! Or so you'd think.. The first clue that things are not as they should be is the fact that Brad and Kyle see those free days together before classes start completely differently...

"THE WEEKS leading up to Kyle going to school were like magic. We’d wake up with nowhere to go and all day to get there. We’d spend the morning waking each other up and then take a shower and wake each other up again."-Brad

"THE WEEKS leading up to school were the worst. I had nothing to do and all the time in the world to do it.[..]That was just one of the many things that began to bug me in that month before class started. Brad seemed obsessed with finding us some kind of entertainment for the evening." - Kyle

And that's where it starts.. The beginning of the end.. This first part of the book was extremely painful... But you know what? I got it..
All the issues they had, I could see why they were there. And I must admit I got so mad at Kyle.. He could only think how Brad is gonna leave him, how much prettier Brad is than him so of course he would choose to be with somebody else.. It's really exhausting to be with someone like that, to have to constantly prove your love... And Brad, coming with Kyle just to be with him is really romantic in theory but at one point you need some outside validation that you are worth it.. so of course you want to be liked, admired by other people, your partner's opinion is not that important anymore.. and when that happens...
If you think back to the other books, you can actually remember other instances when these exact issues were a big problem.. But back in Foster they had a common goal or enemy if you will.. they had to fight to just be allowed to be together.. Now, they're overcome that but have to actually work on their relationship. And as it it the case for many, many young couples (but not only) there is NO COMMUNICATION!! Why would you talk to your partner about what's bothering you when you can just misinterpret everything in your head and make it ten times more serious? Ah. young age and relationships... been there, done exactly that, have the T-shirt.. And what's even sadder is that when we grow up we are not that mush better at communication but get better at trying :)

Of course we have two side characters Colt (ugh!!) and Teddy(ugghh!!) that make everything so much worse! Colt trying to sabotage Brad and Kyle's relationship with lies, BIG STUPID LIES!! yes, that's right! There is no cheating! Whatever you may think when reading the book, there is no cheating! you actually thought for a moment that John would do that to his boys? Have you met John? (well "technically" me neither, but you know what I mean:P) So we hate Colt for a while!! We actually imagine bloody ways to kill him (we get a bit over it later)!

Then we have good old boy Teddy *cracks knuckles* which represents the MOST COMMON MISTAKE we make when in a relationship. Asking other people advice. You know what? Nobody can possibly know what happens between you and your partner other than you two (and sometimes not even you know! ) So whomever you ask for advice, even if they mean well (and stupid Teddy most certainly didn't mean well) they most often than not give you stupid advice, colored by their bad experiences etc.
So I think John did a spectacular job of showing what actually happens in a real, young relationship.. Sometimes love really is not enough *sobs*

Bad, heartbreaking stuff happens, I'll just let you discover that because I don't want to talk about it! I don't want my heart broken again, it got wonderfully mended at the end of the book and I want to keep it that way :D

p.s. there's an excellent scene with Kyle and Teddy (ugh!!) in Proffersor Madison's class! you'll love it! John (umm.. I mean Kyle) at his best!!! Why we fell in love with him!

Part II

This part is mostly belly aching hilarious! What do you get when you put Matt, Tyler, Robbie, Sebastian, Kyle and Jennifer in the same place? God! I laughed my ass off!!

"IF THIS fuck doesn’t hurry up, I’m going to slap the taste right out of his mouth. And that has nothing to do with my previous issues with Tyler. These are all new ones stemming from the fact that he thinks he’s fucking Charles Dickens all of a sudden, telling me it was the best of times and it was the worst of times. Oh, screw off with that look. I’ve read a book or two." - Robbie about Tyler's storytelling tehnique :P
"There was the sound of either a grizzly bear reciting poetry or a Harley Davidson badly in need of a tune up next to us. We looked over and Seb was halfway on one of the waiting room chairs, snoring his ass off and drooling a little, not that I really looked."

That's basically the tone of the 2nd part. Why are they all together you ask? Kyle's mom was in an accident and needs surgery and Kyle stupid long lost father is threatening to forbid the surgery if he doesn't get a ton of money! He's a big time asswhole, but of course Kyle outsmarts him and all ends well!
John was very clever to introduce this after what happened with Kyle and Brad. I actually felt myself relax for a while.. It was actually perfect!

Part III

A lot of stuff happens but I want to get to the part I got my heart broken again!!!

“This is the same fight we’ve been having since the night I dropped you off,” he said. “Where I stand very still and try to convince you I love you, and you think this is insane and isn’t going to last. This is the same fight we had that night at the lake. The same fight we had in the parking lot. And I’m sorry, Kyle. I can’t do it anymore.” - Brad

But then... Sebastian makes Kyle asks himself one important thing...

“What would Brad do?”

And then Kyle does exactly what Brad would do and it was FREAKING BEAUTIFUL!! I cried like a little baby.. It was just PERFECT.. But their relationship is not perfect just yet.. They need to grow up.. they need to become the men they were set out to be in order to be together..

The airport scene was stunning! I loved it! For me that was a beautiful ending to a stunning book! I was absolutely satisfied with the outcome!

“Bye,” he said in a tiny voice.
I grabbed his hand. “No. No good-byes.”
He looked at me questioningly. “Until next time.”
He gave me a sad smile. “Until next time.”

But then John had to come an make everything more! Simply MORE!! I can't even.. *happy sob* It was so, so....*wipes happy tears* so Kyle and Brad!

“Hi,” he said as I got closer.
“Hey,” I said, still moving toward him.
“Wanna spend the rest of our lives together?” he asked, the twinkle in his eyes telling me it was taking all his concentration not to just explode with happiness.
“Thought you’d never ask,” I said, putting my arms around him and kissing him hard.
He kissed me back and for the first time in a long time… the world stopped moving for a second. And I was okay with that.

--> read only if you read the book or if you you're hesitant about reading the book for fear of a broken heart..

Whew! I did it! I don't know if it makes any sense, I'm not gonna re-read what i wrote..

I just want to say adored "When I grow up" !

Thank you AGAIN, John for making me feel special and writing the most beautiful stories about amazing boys!

Looking forward to the next chapter in Brad and Kyle's life!

Smooches!

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I loved it!!! I looooved it!!!! I FREAKING LOOOOOVED IT!!!!!!!


review tomorrow :D

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Oh my... I absolutely love the cover!!!!!!

I can't even..



Can't wait for the release day!!!! :D

[wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've been in Foster High for the most part of Kyle and Brad's story. Heck, all of us know what went down in Foster, Texas. So, when I read the blurb in When I Grow Up, I was all, "Bitch please. Nothing can go wrong that can't be worked out this time. They already went through and left the worst in Foster." But somehow, I can't help but have this sliver of doubt in my mind.

And of course, that tiny voice inside my head chose to be right after all when it started raining I-told-you-sos in my wake as I went through page after page of Kyle and Brad's story post Foster High.

You, Mr. Goode, are a cruel, evil person. I thought I was prepared for what was to come when I excitedly bought this and started reading night of the 19th (which was when the book was released in our country) to unwind from the week's stress. But I'm here, broad daylight the following day, with no sleep and my adrenaline drained out of me when I've practically only been in the bed the whole night. And I don't really mean what I said about Mr. Goode. I am just in a place right now where my emotions are off the charts which is always a side effect of reading his books.

People, trust me, if you're about to read the book, let me get this straight: the blurb is an understatement! My word of advice for you before reading this? Nah, it will ruin the fun. Just brace yourself though, because When I Grow Up is going to be a big roller coaster ride.

Prologue and Kyle is already spewing venom right at the bat. And I was like, "Typical Kyle Stilleno moves." God! I've never missed him, them, more until then. I am never going to get tired of Kyle and Brad. Like ever, ever. End of 151 Days and more than a year later, I'm still obsessed. John Goode had never gone easy on his characters and after each book, you are always left wanting to know what's next for these star-crossed lovers. John has never been one to paint a happy picture complete with rainbow and unicorns for them. They always had to work hard to earn their coveted happy ending (or close to a happy ending depending on whose standards). And where does that leave us readers? With our breaths held and our hearts pounding madly until we reach the end is where. But that is what I love most about John Goode's stories and characters. Yes, everything is overly dramatic but so is real life. Well, I don't think anyone gets all that drama slapped right at their face in one sitting but that's not the point. The point is, his characters will never be perfect. They will sin and screw up a lot, but that humanity makes them real to me. That is something you don't get to see in many fictional work more often. A touch of realism. I mean come on, a typical author would want to be in your good graces, right? Always the perfect character with the perfect body and perfect personality and the perfect ending. But with John Goode, he's like, "Fuck if I care!" And instead of being annoyed, I commend him for that. Because each book is nothing short of a life lesson more than the mere entertainment of adding a clusterfudge of drama in Kyle and Brad's lives.

"Heroes don't back down when it looks hopeless. Hopeless is when they get geared up."

Robbie encapsulates the whole lesson on growing up which is what this particular book is about. Yeah, nothing surprising in that regard buddy since it's in the title. But what strikes me the most in this installment is: somewhere in between the never ending drama is the amazing realization that we've been in their shoes many times, we probably lost count. I know I've been wanting to grow up fast when I was a kid but when I got to the point in life when I thought I was no longer a kid, shit just got serious and many times I wanted to bail. Life offers... no, shoves us a lot of fork roads just like what Kyle and Brad had been given in this book. And seeing them go through all those tough decisions made me love and root for them more. It allowed me to connect with them in a whole new way. And John Goode is so good with that. His stories are always one explosion away from being an action film. Entertainment value, check. Witty POVs, sure. But more than that, what sticks with me at the end of the day (or at the start of the day in my case, he he) is the underlying message -- the subversiveness -- and the call for change. The call to action. Which, is more important than any star-crossed lovers getting their happy ending. And 9, 10, 11, 20 books later, I will still be a die hard fan of this author's witty and brilliant writing. I can't wait to find out what John Goode is hiding in his sleeves or brewing in his pot after this. But I'm sure it will still be epic.

Oh and P.S. Mr. Goode: Thank you for the kinda sorta reunion. I missed everyone at Foster.

[Dalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

(...) When you're an adult, you say, 'That's my car because I paid for it. This is my house because I bought it, and this is my life because I made it with my own two hands.' That makes getting up worth it. Just find something you want to wake up for."

Kyle and Brad move to California and start their new life together that they have always wanted. However, everything around them starts falling apart after awhile. Suddenly they have to overcome their doubts, fight for love and grow up, if they still want to be in a relationship.

This book is beautiful, moving and inspiring. It shows us characters that feel like real people who have real problems, which I think is amazing. It gave me so many feelings and broke my heart, but it also made me tear up from happiness. It was great to read about Kyle and Brad again. I love these guys so much.

I don't know what is next for them. I really don't. As I write this, I have no earthly idea what comes next. I just know one thing.
They will do it together, and in the end, isn't that the happiest ending you could ask for?

Highly recommended!

[Cristina T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been three days since I finished this book, and let me tell you... It gave a whole new meaning to book hangover. I'm so emotionally invested in the Foster gang, that the only books I can stand to read right now are PWPs, and novellas at that.

When I Grow Up was everything I hoped for and more. You see, since I discovered Foster, I've come to expect a healthy dose of reality from these books. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy M/M romance as much as the next person, if not more. But sometimes, what we need is to learn, to be taught valuable lessons about real life. And to get our heads out of the clouds which are made up of fluffy romance books. Well, you know, at least that's how I personally feel.

Now, let's see why I adored this book, and thank God for the Kindle App, 'cause I can literally carry this little jewel around in my pocket at all times! Erm, where was I...? Oh, yes, reasons why I loved this book...

Exhibit A: Characters

Kyle – I've called Kyle a hero before, and I feel the urge to say it again. He's brilliant, and he has the ability to understand what matters in life. Kyle solves problems like no one else, and everyone around him knows what he's capable of. Nonetheless, when it comes down to matters of the heart, Kyle is still a teenager–or young adult, if you will–with his head up his ass.

Brad – Brad is Kyle's rock, he's the one fighting for the relationship tooth and nail. He is underestimated a lot, because people see a gorgeous guy with a killer body when they look at him. Well, Brad is much more than that, and he has a heart of gold.

Robbie – AKA the best thing in the Foster universe–apart from Kyle & Brad, that is. I really, really adore this guy and his love for all things Disney, and his no-nonsense attitude when it comes to his family and friends.

Seb – Can you say freaking awesome?! Seb is Robbie's new boyfriend, and a really cool guy all around. Also, he's pretty smart, and something else I liked was his humor and easy-going attitude.

Tyler – I have never had anything against Tyler, not even because of the mistake of epic proportions he made. Au contraire, I felt for him when the guilt ate at him, and I wanted him to stop punishing himself.

Matt – This guy can be a judgmental asshole, but he has the best intentions, and he tries to protect the people in his life he cares about most.

Jennifer – Funny gal and a good friend. Not much to say about her, but I've always liked her dynamics with the group.

Gayle – Oh. My. God. I don't think I have words to describe this incredible woman. She's kind of the Foster's men tiger mama. Seriously, girl can scratch something fierce when her cubs are in danger.

Ugh, I guess I have to talk about the scum-of-the-earth characters too, eh? Alright, alright.

Billy – Someone should give him an award for 'Worst Dad of the Century'–note: the award should be made of nails, and be handed to Billy by hitting him on his head repeatedly. What?! I sweartoGod he's the worst scumbag crackhead ever!

Troy – Kyle's half brother. I can excuse his behavior, because he hasn't learned any better. And I was glad for him when he decided to turn his life around and make something of himself.

Colt – Major gag! This asshole thinks he's hot shit, except he's so far from it that it's unreal. I could write an essay on why he sucks dirty balls, but I'll just say I hated him with a passion and leave it at that.

Teddy – Hmm. Teddy takes the whole self-righteous asshole act to a whole new level. His holier-than-thou attitude pissed me off, frankly.

Exhibit B: Plot

Warning: You might want to skip this part if you haven't read the book. It's spoilery, just saying...

The short version is this: This book is an emotional roller-coaster with heartbreak, love, life-threatening situations, scumbags, heroes, family, and what it means to grow up. As for the long version...

Part One: new beginnings, relationship problems, and heartache

Kyle gets a scholarship, and he moves with Brad to California. They get an apartment above a Chinese restaurant, and the first weeks are heaven. Sex on every surface, giggles and relaxing, IKEA furniture and the theory of evil Swedish people. Life is good for Kyle & Brad.

But this being real life, things go south, and love is not enough. Kyle wants something and Brad sees things from the opposite perspective. Kyle wants to focus on school, and Brad feels empty and bored. Kyle starts college, and Brad gets a job at a gay gym.

Needless to say, by the end of this part, they both have their heads up their asses, and the relationship seems to be over for good. I was angry at them, frustrated with the situation, just as brokenhearted as the two of them. I just wanted some reprieve and some sunshine for our boys.

Part Two: the past, drama, and humor

I was hoping this part would bring Kyle & Brad back together, but I'm glad that didn't happen. It would have been too fast. Anyway. This part is mainly about Kyle's mom lying in a hospital bed, in need of an surgery Billy the Bastard refuses to sign for.

But this part was also very funny, and every other interaction between all the characters made me laugh hysterically. I enjoyed their conversations and seeing them come to each other's aid like a true family.

Part Three: being a good person, love lessons, and hell

Well, this is when Brad gets dragged back to Texas by Matt, Sebastian and Jennifer. All hell breaks loose at the hospital, there are punches thrown–literally and figuratively–and Tyler and Brad are bad-ass mofos!

Part Four: hope, rekindling love, and bravery

During this chapter, everyone–and I mean everyone–pushes for Brad & Kyle to be together. They have interventions, they give advice, but what it comes down to is everyone seeing what the guys can't. That Brad & Kyle are perfect for each other.

And then there's Kyle, who yet again has a brilliant idea to win his man over. And God, does he execute that idea with bravery. It was epic! What's more, Brad figures out what they need to do in order to work as a couple, and I thought it was the best outcome.

The Three Epilogues: PERFECTION!

One more beautiful than the other, the epilogues took my breath away, and the finale was fan-freaking-tastic!!!

"Wanna spend the rest of our lives together?" he asked, the twinkle in his eyes telling me it was taking all his concentration not to just explode with happiness.
"Thought you'd never ask," I said, putting my arms around him and kissing him hard. –Kyle

Exhibit C: Life lessons – of which there are many

Lesson #1 – Grown-ups don't have life figured out.

Life sucks and, no matter how old a person is, it never makes sense. There's no instruction manual. Living on your own and paying your own bills isn't going to give you secret knowledge. If you had just admitted you were adult fuck-ups when people like me were kids, then we might be ready for all the crap when we graduated. We'd know there is no magical bullet for our ignorance, just more questions and a lot of improvising. –Kyle

Lesson #2 – The matter of opinions.

"Opinions are just that: opinions. Everyone has one and most of them are wrong."
Neither of us was waiting for the professor anymore. "And people aren't allowed to have opinions?" he asked me.
"Sure, you can have an opinion on whatever you want, but it doesn't make it right, valid, or even interesting. It means it's just something you think. What value does that have?"
"To the person who has it?"
"To anyone but them," I answered back. –Kyle [with Teddy]

Lesson #3 – What it means to be good.

"Being good is its own reward. You should do good things because it's the right thing to do, not because you think that it will get you brownie points with someone. Doing good things so that God will take your side isn't doing a good thing, it's doing something to get you ahead of others, which is just selfish."
[...]
"Horrible things happen, Kyle. It's just that kind of world. Sometimes people do it and sometimes they just happen, but if all you're looking at is the bad stuff you're going to miss the good." –Father Mulligan

Lesson #4 – Love.

"Love is about taking your time, picking your battles. Knowing when to let the Wookiee win and when to really dig in and fight." –Matt

... I could go on, but I don't mean to copy-paste the entire book into this review. Just rest assured that these are just a few of the many lessons to be taken away from the story ...

Exhibit D: Amazing writing! – this one speaks for itself

John has a subtle way of getting under one's skin. I seriously don't know how he does it, but it happens. You open one of his books and get sucked in. Real life ceases to exist. The world he created holds your entire attention. Now, that's what authors are supposed to do, right? Right. But John... John's talent is of a great magnitude, and his wisdom is of epic proportions.

I'm not even kidding. There are few authors I would read anything from, and fewer books which shape who I am or who I want to become. So, when I say John's books and/or characters mean a lot to me, I don't say that just to hear myself speak. I mean it.

Oops. This review has gotten way out of hand and I wasn't expecting it to be so long. Anyway, I've said my piece, and I definitely could say more, but I'm going to shut up now.

So. Case closed. Judge's order?


Seriously. I promise it's good!

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Goode, I’ve said it before, and I’ll no doubt say it again..you are a genius!!




5 shiny gold stars for this amazing piece of romantic fiction (YES!! John Goode and Romantic Fiction, truly), the story of Brad and Kyle finally growing up, the decisions they make (whether good or bad), their hopes, dreams...and even nightmares it has to be said.



I loved that all of their friends rallied in their days of need - even those that had moved far away, and once again everyone descended on Foster..small and now ‘not so bigoted’ town in Texas.

I was blubbering for the final 10% of the story, desperately wishing for things to work out..in EVERY thread and what did you do?? You made me really work for it I admit but - I was OK with Epilogue 1 (if that was the best we could have), completely in agreement with Epi 2 (in fact, I would have gone along to the prison with the old bag and congratulated her on her sound reasoning AND gotten away with murder if at all possible) but Epi 3 just blew me away. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE reading about the other characters in the series BUT it’s Brad and Kyle I’ve grown to love, and that remains unchanged.

There were a couple of characters that I hated of course, Colt (well come on, how can one of them NOT be Colt??, but there ought to be a pantomime villain in every story), and that drug addled, sleazy, workshy, life threatening ‘sperm donor’ whose ‘swimmers’ just happened to unleash Kyle Stilleno on the world. What a revolting piece of slime he was, ugh AND he seems to be on course for a dramatic end. Yay!! As for his very reluctant partner in crime, well I hope he finally gets a break, and who knows, we might see him again in a future story??

I love the ‘NEVER the end’ phrase at the end of the story..gives me hope and allows me to do some more happy dancing!!

[BWT · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Goode you are a brilliant, sadistic, wonderful, crazy, impressive bastard. How else to explain how you can take a story with this many moving parts and create a masterpiece?

This is not a standard romance with hearts and flowers. This is a "real life" (sort of) romance.

As John writes in his afterword: ...romances that are made for entertainment reasons: they don’t really capture the complications of real life. "When I Grow Up" captures a lot of "real life" problems and complications.

BR with R and Meags!

When we last spent time with the boys at the end of 151 Days Kyle and Brad rode off into the sunset together. Going to California so Kyle can attend Berkeley on full scholarship while Brad...goes with Kyle to California.

And that's when things begin to unravel.

Because, really, who doesn't see that train wreck coming? And even though we're all screaming to get off the tracks...



A relationship takes two to tango and, ultimately, it takes two to fuck it up. Then, place that relationship in John Goode's world and you can count on massive drama helping everything to go wrong.


“This doesn’t bother you?” he asked suddenly.

“Us not being together? Of course it bothers me.”

“No, the fact that we broke up. Again. This is tiring, Kyle. I mean, we’re a fucking Taylor Swift song on repeat, and I can’t do it anymore.”

“It won’t happen again! I swear it won’t!” I pleaded with him.

“You say that now, but what happens the next time you think we aren’t going to work out? Or that you think I’m going to leave you? Or that I have a friend who you think is better-looking than you? You’re fine now and you want to get back together, but then you end up snapping and I’m the one who pays. Every time, I have a ring thrown at my head or I’m kicked out and forced to find another place to live. I can’t do it. I can’t keep doing this when you don’t have faith in us.”

“This is the same fight we’ve been having since the night I dropped you off,” he said. “Where I stand very still and try to convince you I love you, and you think this is insane and isn’t going to last. This is the same fight we had that night at the lake. The same fight we had in the parking lot. And I’m sorry, Kyle. I can’t do it anymore.”

Brad was right, of course. We have been having the same fucking fight since he dropped me off and I told him he didn’t have to talk to me at school. Then we’d make up, but not really. All we’ve done with kisses and hugs and finally sex is try to cover up the fact that the way we are isn’t working.

This entire time it had been my fault, and I had no idea.




Luckily though Kyle and Brad have friends and family to help get their heads out of their asses. (Though mostly it's Kyle's head out of Kyle's ass.)

Some of my favorite scenes:

Sebastian to Kyle:
“I think you want it to be over,” Sebastian announced out of nowhere.

“What?” I almost choked.

“I think you want it to be over because then you know you were right. I think you aren’t fighting because you want it to be over and your own prophecy to come true so you can then use that to make sure you never put yourself out there again. I think you’re scared, and I think this is an excuse for you to be alone.”

My jaw literally dropped as I stared at him.

Yeah, that's right...and someone needed to tell it to him straight. Because Saint Kyle was fucking it up.

*************************

Brad's dad to Brad:
“I know you said the reason things didn’t work out was Kyle sabotaging everything, but do you think it might have had to do with the fact that you followed him with the plan of just being with him? I mean, that sounds romantic and all, but this is real life, kiddo. Moving cross-country so you can be with someone is fine, but there has to be more to your life than that.”

I sat there, stunned at his revelation.

Because it's not just one person making all the mistakes.



*************************

Brad: “I don’t want to get back together with him.”

“Yeah, you do,” Tyler corrected. He definitely sounded like an adult.

“No, I don’t,” I assured him.

“Yes, you do,” Matt chimed in.

“I think I know what I want,” I snapped…well, I whined.

“Did you know what you wanted at eighteen?” Tyler asked Matt.

“Besides sex? Nope.”

Tyler looked back at me. “So yeah, you don’t know what you want.”



*************************

Sebastian to Kyle:
“Robbie filled me in on what went down when he lived here, and every story seemed to be this incredible thing that Brad did for you. I really never heard something you did for him. Did Robbie forget to tell me a story? Did he leave out an event?”

I felt myself shrinking into the chair.

“See, guys like Brad, they’re fiercely loyal and will go to the ends of the Earth for the people they love. But that loyalty only lasts so long if it isn’t reciprocated. He gave it his all trying to be with you, and you still dumped him. He’s hurt and he doesn’t want to be made a fool of again.”

Sebastian was awesome in this book. He made up a lot of the "he makes so much sense" portions and was often the voice of reason and the voice who made the most difference. Robbie best be watchful and hold onto his man, 'cause I think John's got a bit of a crush on him...



*************************

“You’re not holding me back,” he said, sounding like he was going to start crying again.

“Kyle, we both know I am. But that’s not the point. The point is that I have absolute faith in us.”

“So much faith you’re leaving?” he asked sarcastically.

I had known he wasn’t going to take my decision well. “Okay, look, that whole thing.” I nodded to the stage. “The whole singing thing was to prove to me that you were willing to fight to keep us together, right?” He nodded. “Okay, fine, then here’s your chance to prove it. I am so sure that you’re the guy I’m going to spend my life with that I am willing to walk away for a few years to become a better person for me and for you…for us. This isn’t me breaking up with you. This is me telling you that I’m so invested that I’m willing to forgo the now to make the future better.”




But don't worry everyone! It's not all drama and long-lost drug addicted fathers trying to blackmail their son into giving them money so his mother can have a necessary surgery to possible save her life...I owed Tyler an apology; there was no quick way to tell this story after all.
Turns out Kyle's parents aren't divorced, his dad, Billy Stilleno's a drug addict who lost a bunch of dope and now owes over $50K to some very bad people, so he's trying to get the money Robbie gave to Kyle to pay off what he owes.

See, Robbie? You can. oh, no, kids...There is romance:

The words fell out of my mouth. “I love you.”

He looked up at me, and I saw the old sparkle back in his eyes. “I know.”

“Oh, now you’re Han?” I teased.

“I’m the guy in love with you,” he said, putting his hands over my shoulders.

“Hi, guy who is in love with me,” I said in almost a whisper. “I’m the guy you’re going to spend your life with.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Kyle said before he kissed me.

And in the end...we get the ending we really wanted all along (whether that's because John knew we'd hunt him down like a dog if he didn't give it to us - I can't say).


“Hi,” he said as I got closer.

“Hey,” I said, still moving toward him.

“Wanna spend the rest of our lives together?” he asked, the twinkle in his eyes telling me it was taking all his concentration not to just explode with happiness.

“Thought you’d never ask,” I said, putting my arms around him and kissing him hard. He kissed me back and for the first time in a long time…the world stopped moving for a second.

And I was okay with that.

So, yeah...you got me John. You got me good.

Personally, I felt like the Navy part is crucial to Brad and Kyle actually sustaining their happily ever after.

If Brad had stayed in California, even to go to community college or a university, it wouldn't have taught him to stand on his own...to be his own person and not just a part of the "Kyle show".

The Navy will give him direction and the opportunity to go to school on his own two feet, and be a man that Kyle can be proud to be with, but that he can be proud of too.

I hope his next book catalogs some of their separation, like where Brad was stationed and how often they got to see each other, etc.



ETA 6/20/2015: After the third (continuous, 'cause I'm crazy like that!) reading, lest it be said I abandoned my usual criticism and snark, though I LOVED this book (it's now on my "Favorites" shelf) and would totally recommend it...be warned! The rapid and constant POV changes are sometimes very distracting and/or hard to follow. We got no less than NINE POVs:
Kyle, Brad, Matt, Tyler, Robbie, Sebastian, Jennifer, Coach Gunn and Troy. I actually may have missed someone...oh yeah, even Billy gets a turn at bat when Dolores comes over and is all badass.

Sometimes the POV would change by the paragraph. Sometimes the same person got to denoted POV in a row (talk about confusing!), which caused me to backtrack again and again to figure out just who was talking at that moment.

That criticism aside, I loved it just as much the second time around.

Brad + Kyle = ♥TRUE LOVE FOREVER♥

This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave

[Meags · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for you, Glen Coco. You go, Glen Coco!!

After a night of mulling it over, I’ve decided that writing a “proper” review will be beyond my capabilities. So if you want a couple of great reviews for this book, ones that actually discuss the premise and highlight the true genius of the story and its significance, then look no further than this bad boy, or even this little beauty. (Shout-out to my BR babes, R and Belen--couldn't have survived this emotional roller-coaster intact without you.)

As for me, I’ll simply say that this series has very quickly become one of the most deeply affecting series I’ve ever read.

John Goode has created something truly special within this series - a story that I’m fairly confident will stay with me my whole life.

The storyline is brilliantly crafted, with content that reflects on real-life issues in a remarkable and edifying manner, and the writing is, in my opinion, impeccable.

But ultimately it’s the character development that sells me on the whole damn thing. I’m not just referring to the MCs either, regardless of my epic adoration (and sometimes utter frustration) with both Kyle and Brad. Every single character in this series is vividly fleshed out and grounded in reality. Every character is human – flaws and all. It doesn’t matter whether they are minor or reoccurring secondary characters. It doesn't matter whether we as readers get to experience more of a character through a fantastically voiced POV chapters or not. It doesn't even matter whether a character is lovable or deplorable in nature. Every single one of them is relatable; even when I don’t like them, I understand them. I could count on one hand how many books I’ve read that have this kind of phenomenal character development.

The rest of my thoughts are spoiler ridden, so beware of the following:

Brad and Sebastian shined in this book. I respected the hell out of Brad and the choices he made throughout the second half of the story. He didn’t back down, or give in to Kyle and his overwhelming bullshit. It was a sight to behold --

“..what happens the next time you think we aren’t going to work out? Or that you think I’m going to leave you? Or that I have a friend who you think is better-looking than you? You’re fine now and you want to get back together, but then you end up snapping and I’m the one who pays. Every time, I have a ring thrown at my head or I’m kicked out and forced to find another place to live. I can’t do it. I can’t keep doing this when you don’t have faith in us.”

******

Then there was that time (or like the 5th time during this story) that Sebastian dropped a knowledge bomb full of tasty revelations on one of the other unsuspecting characters --

“I think you want this to be over,” Sebastian announced out of nowhere.

“What?” I (Kyle) almost choked.

“I think you want it to be over because then you know you were right. I think you aren’t fighting because you want it to be over and your own prophecy to come true so you can then use that to make sure you never put yourself out there again. I think you’re scared, and I think this is an excuse for you to be alone.”

******

I also believe Brad grew the most as a character. His ultimate understanding and acceptance of the fact that he couldn’t simply follow Kyle and be happy, but rather, had to build a future for himself first, one he could claim as his own, before he and Kyle could create a life together. It was a brilliant writing choice by John, and it paid off in the grand scheme of things --

“We aren’t the people we’re going to be yet. You’re going to go and be this incredibly successful guy, and I have no idea what I want to be, and right now we just can’t do this because all we’re doing is holding each other back…… I am so sure that you’re the guy I’m going to spend my life with I am willing to walk away for a few years to become a better person for me and for you..for us. This isn’t me breaking up with you. This is me telling you that I’m so invested that I’m willing to forgo the now to make the future better.”

******

And the (3rd) epilogue – *swoon* – I cried all the happy tears!

I’m endlessly impressed with this series as a whole, and this latest instalment was simply the icing on an already fricken delicious cake. My endless praise, once again, to John Goode.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I will say this - Goode writes real life. He's not going to sugarcoat things, he's not going to make sure everything works out 100%. The hopeless lover of romance did not like this at all. But this series is not for escapism, it's more like a cold bucket of water or a slap in the face (and I mean that in the nicest way possible).

Basically Kyle and Brad are now "grownups". They've escaped Foster and are supposedly living the dream - being together while Kyle goes to college and Brad…. well Brad is going to wing it. And this is where real life takes over. Suffice it to say a "perfect storm" of epic proportions drives these two apart, and it isn't pretty.

Thus far, the main focus has always been pretty much Kyle. He has grown from an invisible person to an outspoken, brilliant activist in his own right, championing others. He's been the victim often in his life, which fuels his fatalistic attitude at times, making you (me) want to throttle some sense into him. Kyle is so smart he should and will have the world at his fingertips, but that does not necessarily make him worldly and wise in relationships. He's got a lot of growing up to do.

So I think finally, this was Brad's time to shine. He went from self absorbed jock to something amazing. Over and over he proves that coming out was the right choice, and he never, ever wavered on that once he did. Throw in his steadfast support and unconditional love for Kyle and I was done for. Hands down, he was the best thing about this book because he realizes what needs to be done in order for him and Kyle to be together. And that ending?? Seeing him across the street?? Swooning so hard here!!

I can only hope that Goode continues to write about these two - life won't easily fall into place because that's obviously not a given, but he's shown that things are worth fighting for, waiting for. I have the utmost belief in Kyle and Brad because I'm taking to heart what Brad said - "have faith in that."

Thanks to Belen and Meags for the much needed BR support!!

[Alvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The problem I have with YA Romance novels is that I know a lot of high school sweethearts don't make it until the end. I'm not bitter or anything, but a lot of couples from our high school had already broken up. That's because we were still young then, and we were not yet what we should be. Young people still has to grow up and a lot of those couples grow out of each other. They wanted different things. They change. Hence, they break up.

After a lot of books, I'm rooting for Brad & Kyle to stay together badly. But I know it won't be easy because they will have to grow up. Especially with Brad just tagging along with Kyle to Berkeley. And it this book, they have gone through that. That's why even when Part I was so hard to read, I really appreciated it. I think it was the best part of this book.

Then some shit happened. A lot of POVs floated again. I didn't hate or love Part 2 & 3. It was just okay with me. Then Part 4, where Kyle & Brad have to figure out what they would do next, it was a good part. But 151 Days ended better than this one. I'm not saying it's bad, but that one ended more spectacular than this.

I love it when books and stories speak to me. And there was a part of the story that affected me so much. I hate you Mr. Goode. XD You made me cry. Yeah, I like to share. But this time I think I'm gonna keep this one for myself. For now.

This was a wonderful continuation to the series and to Brad & Kyle. I'm not sure if there will be more to them. But I hope if he ever continues this, I think he should continue it in a few years time. So the timeframe will match to the time when this book ended.

4.25 STARS!


MY OTHER REVIEWS FROM THE FOSTER HIGH UNIVERSE:
Maybe with a Chance of Certainty
End of the Beginning
Raise Your Glass
End of Innocence
Taking Chances
151 Days
A Way Back To Then
Save Yourself


PS:(very looooooooong)
I was checking out the other reviews for this book, then I stumble upon Todd's review (Please do read his reviews. They're great.) and in one of the comments, the author gave an excerpt for the next book!!!!!

Here it is:

Teddy. I needed to call Teddy about that email.

And just like that the fear was back. Not as strong, just a ghost of what it used to be but enough to make me pause mid sip of my coffee. Brad understood I didn't want to do this, I mean it just isn't my thing. I was the wrong kind of lawyer, I don't know the kids, all of that is more than enough reason not to do it.

But I was still scared of letting Brad down.

Shaking the feeling off I padded over to my office and made a call.

“Why look it is my youthful ward.” Teddy said in way of a hello.

“Right. Cause no one would look at a black man dressed in all leather jumping from roof to roof and wonder what the hell?”

He laughed and I heard some papers shuffle near him. “So what's the occasion little buddy? I thought your kind didn't come out until February 2nd.”

“One, my kind is dangerously close to actionable language and two, fuck you.”

Another laugh. “How are you and Zoolander doing?”

Oh yeah, he never got over the fact that I scored a guy that looked like Brad.

“We're fine, he's working the mines so he has the black lung but it's going to be ok because he can almost turn left now.”

“Man I forgot how fast you can form a come back.” he said ruefully. “So what's up?”

I glanced over to the email that was on my screen and my mouth froze on me.

“Kyle? You there?” he asked into the silence.

“Yeah.” I said quickly. “I was just seeing how you were. You know, touch base.”

He sighed and asked. “Oh god did he put out another video?”

“What?”

“Colt. Did he put out another video and this is you warning me.”

“Oh!” I said understanding what he was worried about. “No, nothing like that.”

You see Colt, his ex boyfriend does porn now. This, of course, shouldn't shock anyone who actually met Colt. In a desperate attempt to regain his lost youth, Colt filmed himself jerking off and sent it to one of those online porn sites. Well no one ever said Colt wasn't hot and he became the newest bottom for SeanFisherXXX.com, Of course Teddy, who really only wanted was a long term relationship, was not going to date someone who got fucked for money so they broke up.

One of them was having tons of sex and was completely over it, the other was Teddy.

-I was kinda sad that Teddy & Colt didn't end up together... Too bad some people don't change. :P

Now, I'm curious for what's in store for Kyle & Brad.....

[Ele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy relationship angst batman! I kinda love it when a HEA gets a little messed up only for the characters to figure things out and become stronger. My only complaint is that I feel I missed a lot of stuff during that 4 year period that Brad and Kyle were apart. Still it was one of my favorites in the series so I guess I'm borrowing Todd's nut-crunching-but-moving-along-now review.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...this was good! I'm still wearing that silly smile that appeared on my face as I reached the end of the book. And you're probably thinking Pfft. Yeah right. Weren't the majority of your updates about *sniff* here and *sniff* there? One: True that. Two: They weren't all sad tears. Three: Don't you know me? If the answer is no. Well I tend to suffer from this condition called emotionalitis. It's a word. Just, um, not one you'll find in a medical book (or anywhere else). But anyways, this whole emotional thang was something I expected after bumping into a couple of gifs/comments. So in a way I kind of knew what would be in store. But at the same time things went down so much differently then what my mind had created. Obvs it brought out the feels. How could it not? These are my boys. But here's the thing: amongst the tears, nervys, worries, and serious situation I still found myself smiling through out... Dude is a genius!

So yes, I LOVED the book!! I loved the direction John went with it and I wouldn't change a thing. It is soooo full of win! So it goes without saying that I highly recommend it!

Now John, while you did bring on the feels, not once did I feel the need to tell at you :) But I did however accumulate a pretty good size Kleenex bill. But in actuality I'm the one that owes you. Thank you for putting yourself out there. For sharing your books with us. And for giving me an insane amount of (unforgettable) feels <3

Thanks to Paul, who I had on speed dial for pretty much the whole series. Paul, thank you for always hearing this over emotional chic out :-) :-* <3

[Deeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

No way I can give this a review that's worthy so as usual I'm just gonna ramble a bit.

Brad and Kyle captured my heart while they were in high school so I was keen to see how they faired out in the big wide world, and life certainly intruded on their happy idyllic start.

Brad following Kyle was the fairytale ending, but this wasn't the ending just the beginning and it was soon apparent storms were brewing. They stopped talking to each other and that's all it took for others to spot the cracks and wheedle their way through.

I disliked Teddy from the start. So many times I wanted to scream at him to SHUT UP. He seemed far to happy to stir up doubts and that really ticked me off.

Colt I disliked at first and his behaviour was despicable, but honestly after Sebastian got through with him I kinda felt he was redeemable.

Meeting up with the rest of the gang was among the highlights. This group can always get me to smile. They are family in every way but blood.

For me this was Brad and Kyles true love story, complete with all the baggage that comes with trying to find their own places in the world.

I read to escape RL but these books combine my need to escape with my need to see the good in the world. It takes make believe characters and turns them into real people with real emotions, real problems and shows them finding real solutions while keeping the reader interested and not bored.

As for that ending? No that was just the beginning right? There is more to come yes? Please?

ETA I love this one the best

[Tina Koran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This new installment to the Foster High series took my breath away. Words cannot describe how much in love I am with this series as a whole. It's definitely my top favorite.

These characters go through so much junk in every book and it's hard to think things can't possibly get worse for them, but then it does! Brad and Kyle are strong and always find a way through. But the things that happened in this book were so unexpected and took me by surprise.

What I really love though, is the fact that although Foster, TX may be a made up place, the characters are all so fleshed out that they feel extremely real. Foster feels like a real place. These characters are like everyday people in the real world. If I didn't know any better, I'd say this was nonfiction. Even the events that occur and the way the characters go about solving it is all so realistic yet unique to each personality.

Kyle and Brad are my favorite couple but my favorite character has always been and still is Robbie. He is a card, that Robbie! One can't help but love him to pieces. That's why when Sebastian was introduced, I immediately went on guard and into protective mode just like Tyler and Matt did. I would have been royally upset if he had hurt Robbie. Sure, I don't want to see Kyle or Brad go through anymore garbage but I especially don't want to see Robbie go through it either. Thank God it seems like he met someone who is decent and actually cares. I look forward to seeing more of Sebastian and how he treats Robbie.

On a small side note, it was nice to hear mentions of Danny here and there. It was also nice to see old characters from Foster pop up in the story again.

At first, I was going back and forth between sort of liking and hating Teddy. But he grew on me and I really like him now. Colt on the other hand, I despised from the moment he was mentioned for the first time. I still don't quite like him and I think he doesn't deserve Teddy and that Teddy could do better but I guess we'll see what happens and whether or not Colt can redeem himself. I was curious how the two got together though...

All in all, this was an amazing read and like always, I highly recommend this series to anyone and everyone. Please continue to write awesome books John! I love the work you do!! (But stop torturing these beloved characters so much, ease off just a little) <3

P.S. The priest was awesome, as always~

Edit: P.S.S. That false ending almost gave me a heart attack until the real ending came along. You can't do things like that or else your fan base will drop significantly not because they don't like your work but because they are dying from heart attacks!! It' not good for our health! Just saying...

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Brad and Kyle!!

This isn't a perfect book but I'm rounding up to five stars because of the way things rolled out in the last quarter of the book. Let's just say that what happens gives me so much more faith in Brad and Kyle's HEA!!

Thanks to the author for creating such a fantastic, compelling series and two MCs that I loved rooting for.

[Eitan · Rating 2 out of 5]

No es por decir una crítica negativa, simplemente no es un libro que haya disfrutado del todo. Aunque la saga empezó muy bien, se ha desinflado de manera extrema por una sencilla razón: no sabe mantener continuidad en sus personajes. Parece que el tiempo pasa, pero Kyle sigue siendo el mismo neurótico inseguro que tiene a un Brad demasiado bueno para él (porque anda que no le aguanta). Y eso simplemente es la punta del iceberg.

Me queda uno de la saga y la daré por terminada, pero seguiré por curiosidad y poco más. Con lo bien que empezó todo! :(

[M.A.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel definitely deserves to be recommended. If you have not read this book yet, go read it right now. This is my favorite series since I started reading the genre 3 years ago. John Goode has the amazing talent of making you smile, laugh, yell in anger, cry and spend the next few hours (or days..) feeling like the world should stop for a sec because you need a moment to gather your thoughts and put your emotions back in their place.

Not going to recount everything that happens because read the novel.

So, why is this series fantastic? because its real. Its not the typical cutesy happily ever after. There is struggle, and real problems and pain. As the characters grow, their problems grow and you see them learn from their experiences and mature. Brad and Kyle from book 1 and not the same Brad and Kyle at the end on this book.
Kyle learns to trust most of all but Brad, he has the biggest transformation of all. I gotta be honest, i used to dislike him in the first 2 books because he was such an… I'm not going to say it but you know what i mean. He was only 17 so i forgave him. This time around he is the one to realize that he, that they, needed to discover and become who they were meant to be before they could have any future together and that is a very tough thing to do when you love someone so much.
I was seriously sad when Brad told Kyle he was not going back with him but by the end of it all i was ok because Kyle knew that no matter how much time they spent apart, they would find a way back to each other. They end up with a stronger relationship and bond than all the other couples in the book that stayed together. I didn't think the third epilogue was necessary, although i guess lots of fans would have had John’s head on a stick otherwise.
As for the rest of the characters, Im curious to see how the situation between Brad and Kyle is going to affect their own relationships. I sensed a lot of tension between Tyler and Matt and maybe it was just in my head but its clear that Tyler still has a lot of issues to deal with.

Can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you John.

PS I always have a playlist for novels that i like so here is part of my Tales From Foster High playlist.

Sick Cycle Carousel - Lifehouse
Crazy Lucky - Better than Ezra
Point Me Towards the Sky - The Coronas

This Is Not a Test - The Coronas (End of Innocence)
Rooftop - Melissa McClelland (Kelly, End of Innocence)

Best Laid Plans - We The Living
Parade - Matchbox Twenty (Jeremy and Kyle, 151 Days)
Our Song - Matchbox Twenty (Prom 151 Days)

I Still Love You - Damhnait Doyle
Someday - Justin Hopkins
Menelaus - We The Living

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering I was practically biting my nails (something I've never done) at the end of the previous book in the 'Tales from Foster High' series, it's no wonder I was almost afraid to begin this book. Kyle, Brad, and all of Foster, Texas, have run me through the wringer so many times that it's no wonder I grab a Kleenex before opening to page one. I honestly wasn't sure my heart could handle the turmoil if something really bad happened between my two favorite new adults.

"Life sucks and, no matter how old a person is, it never makes sense. There’s no instruction manual. Living on your own and paying your own bills isn’t going to give you secret knowledge. If you had just admitted you were adult fuck-ups when people like me were kids, then we might be ready for all the crap when we graduated." ~ Kyle

Sorry Kyle but it's not until you're out on your own, living as an adult, that you realize it isn't as easy and carefree as you thought it would be. I have always loved the way the author writes these books with both Kyle and Brad's point of view. It was so easy to see how the crumbling began when they were far from home and on their own. Yes, it's what they wanted, but they're still young and communication seems to have flown out the window once they got to Berkley. Kyle doesn't think Brad is taking their new life, i.e. Kyle's school responsibilities, serious enough, and Brad feels like he's going to end up just waiting every day for Kyle to come home, i.e. like the family dog.


Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews

[Elithanathile · Rating 3 out of 5]

True rating: 2.5 stars. I rounded up only in honor of the Brad and Kyle I fell In love with in all the books before this one. Unfortunately I didn't really gel with this one, just because I could have done without the ensemble POVs :-/. I didn't appreciate so much time away from Brad and Kyle :-/!!

******
Finally, finally, FINALLY cracking this one open <333!!
I'm really looking forward to saying hello again to one of my ultimate favorite M/M couples of all time :-)!!


*****
I am SO excited for this book and I want it, want it, WANT. IT!!!! Also, I absolutely ADORE the cover!!

Author's note: "Read the entire book, everything, even the author's notes. Trust me, the WHOLE thing. LOL."

[RB Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

can someone please tell me this is not the end of the series?

thsnk you sonia!!!! :)

[Bill Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gay coming of age book, When I Grow Up, ends the very entertaining Tales of Foster High series on a very dramatic note. And even when you think you know how it's going to end, Brad pulls a fast one and adds a whole new layer to the grand finale. I love the characters of Brad and Kyle, very believable and relatable. This final tale really puts them through the wringer. In the end I was very pleased with this book, and with the ultimate ending of the saga. I highly recommend When I Grow Up and the whole Tales of Foster High series of books.

[Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been a revelation......Brad, Kyle and friends feel like family. Plenty of drama, love, excitement and interesting new characters. Thanks.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

Some things I loved. Some things I liked. Some things I didn't like. Some things I didn't care about...

Things I loved

I felt that I have been with Kyle and Brad since the very beginning, five years, seven books, and few short stories ago. So I loved being with them, watching them growing up as they left the town of Foster. Stumbled into life uncertainties, wrong choices, fear of the unknown, jealousy, making mistakes along the way, but then found their way back to each other with what I hope to be wiser decisions.

I thought John Goode did really well in this part. Clearly he cared about these boys, and myself as a reader felt the same way. The third epilogue made me smile, and I can't wait to read about them in their twenties.

Things I liked

I liked the additional 'voice' of Troy, Kyle's half brother. I definitely think he had his own story to tell. I don't really care if he's not gay, I kind of want to read something about him. Despite his sexuality. Oh, and I also liked to get more voices of Robbie. This father figure for Kyle (and Brad to that extent) was also somebody dear to my heart, every since he burst into the scenes few books ago.

Things I didn't like

Brad's decision ... he actually stayed with the person who DRUGGED him?!?. I know that Brad could be a little bit naive, like he only sees the possibility of good things from other people. But this borders to stupidity. I didn't like that because it seemed like enforcing stereotype of jocks are stupid *shrugs*.

Things I didn't care about

Tyler. Matt. Seriously, these two are my least favorite characters from the Foster-verse. And no matter what they did, I couldn't seem to find myself liking them as individuals or as a couple. Before, I only didn't care about Tyler (I'm still too vindictive about him). But here, with Matt, acting like he's what, Robbie's best friend? Trying to warn Sebastian about his intention?? To me Matt is acting all high and mighty. See Matt, you are NOT Robbie's anything. So screw you.

Yeah, these two I didn't care about. Actually, maybe this should fall into things I didn't like. I don't even think that I want to read their next book (but darn there will be Robbie and Sebastian there, I'm conflicted!).

Oh, I didn't care about reading Coach Gunn's narration too *shrugs*

I guess in the end, why I ended up giving this 3-stars was that this story to have a little too many perspectives for what I wanted to be a Kyle and Brad's book. I don't mind getting updates from other characters, but maybe in their own books, rather than stealing the thunder from the two boys that hold my heart in their hands.

Especially Tyler and Matt. Urgh.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I Grow Up has me laughing, smiling, exasperated, sniffling... sometimes a combination of either at the same time.

It's rare that multiple POVs in a book could work well for me. And John Goode is one of the few that could pull this through. All the voices in the story came loud and clear. Brad's eagerness and naiveté, Kyle's disbelieving happiness and insecurities, and the others too. The story really played with my emotion, I often found myself chuckling in the middle of sniffling. Yet, the author not intentionally being comedic: it was just the way all these characters interacted to each other.

At the center of the story was Kyle
and Brad; with their fresh start in life that somehow got interrupted. They had to fight back through the hurdle, find way to be together. I thought this is one of the most real story that I've read so far. It's a romance, but with less shiny sparkly pink heart ballon by the dozens. Okay, there might be a couple of over the top moments in my book, but still - as a whole - it's a believable tale.

I also likened this book to a Marvel's movies in the way that post credit scenes kept popping. *LOL*
This book is a good closing to the Tales From Foster High universe (though I wouldn't say no to shorts/novellas/spin-off from this series). And I am happy with "Never The End" sign off, as I could picture Kyle and Brad and the rest of Fosterverse people lived bickeringly ever after happily.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 VERY HUGE AMAZING STARS

Me giving this story 5 Stars surprises me. I mean how do you give a story 5 amazing stars when you had a love/hate relationship with it? So confusing. *hangs head*

So, my love for Brad and Kyle got stronger in this installment but damn, did I ever want to knock their heads together! They were equal parts frustrating, annoying and adorable, actually they were probably more frustrating than anything else. There is a lot of angst and sadness but that melted away with the heart warming and fabulously funny ending, I just loved that ending!

Yup, I'm still confused as to why I'm giving something that chewed me up and spit me out through out most of the story 5 amazing stars but life is full of surprises.....exactly like this series.