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I Saw You First
Following a devastating childhood trauma, Jude Applegate has spent years picking up the pieces of his life and gluing them back together. Now, as an adult, his life is solid enough to begin taking some risks. So when an intriguing and handsome man asks him on a date, he says yes.
But then he’s forced to contend with the man’s brother, whose presence creates conflict, chaos, and confusion that threatens to upend the careful peace Jude’s spent years building.
But then he’s forced to contend with the man’s brother, whose presence creates conflict, chaos, and confusion that threatens to upend the careful peace Jude’s spent years building.
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First published January 17, 2019
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624 people want to read
About the author
Darien Cox
26 books345 followersAuthor Darien Cox lives in New England and enjoys using romantic fiction to explore the intensity, insanity, humor, and chaos that accompanies cupid’s arrow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
January 20, 2019
4.5
Note to self: Read more books by this Author.I read Victim of Love years ago and really liked it so I don't know what took me so long.
Book titles don't normally grab my attention but this one definitely did....I mean,I Saw You First? and then the blurb....two brothers wanting the same man,I honestly couldn't wait to get my hands on this.
After a traumatic incident in his childhood Jude is finally getting his life back on track but things are about to get a whole lot complicated when a person he never wanted to see again re enters his life.As if that wasn't problematic enough said person's brother is taking an interest in him...
I don't want to say too much but don't worry....for those who don't like love triangles,this really isn't one.The Author makes it work as events from the past become clear and I was totally routing for Jude,Walt,and Shea and the outcome was pretty damn perfect.
It's quite a slow burn but the sex scenes are HOT and their placement in the story was just right.
Favourite quotes,
I really enjoyed this and would definitely recommend it.
"You're my biggest regret."
Note to self: Read more books by this Author.I read Victim of Love years ago and really liked it so I don't know what took me so long.
Book titles don't normally grab my attention but this one definitely did....I mean,I Saw You First? and then the blurb....two brothers wanting the same man,I honestly couldn't wait to get my hands on this.
After a traumatic incident in his childhood Jude is finally getting his life back on track but things are about to get a whole lot complicated when a person he never wanted to see again re enters his life.As if that wasn't problematic enough said person's brother is taking an interest in him...
I don't want to say too much but don't worry....for those who don't like love triangles,this really isn't one.The Author makes it work as events from the past become clear and I was totally routing for Jude,Walt,and Shea and the outcome was pretty damn perfect.
It's quite a slow burn but the sex scenes are HOT and their placement in the story was just right.
Favourite quotes,
When I was a young teenager, he’d caused my palms to sweat and my head to spin. But now we were adults, and I was getting to know him, I feared for my heart. (...)
“I haven’t always been a good man. But I think I could be good for you. If you give me a chance, I know I could. I know it.”
“I’m gonna make sure you know...” His palm glided up over my tee shirt and my breath caught as his fingers teased my nipple through the cotton. “That you belong to me now.”
I really enjoyed this and would definitely recommend it.
February 5, 2019
This story is dramatic, angsty, intense. It's sinfully sexy and rough in all the right places.
Walt and Jude are only boys when things fall apart. Fifteen years later, they meet again, but nothing is simple. Life rarely is.
Walt reacts like a wounded animal. He hisses and spits, but he's determined to make Jude his. But first Jude must forgive and decide which of the Cook brothers he wants to date.
There's Walt: a force of nature, an untamed spirit. Walt is the wild storm to Shea's calm beauty. Not that Shea isn't fucked up, not with a father like Harry Cook, that violent, despicable pile of festering shit.
This book is expertly paced. The MCs are complex, fully realized people, with deep-seated fears, insecurities, and desires.
I loved the secondary characters but was disappointed that Walt's dogs were essentially background fodder. What dog parent doesn't introduce their four-legged babies to a potential partner? Jude is scared of the dogs, and they're never given a name. Unacceptable.
I also wasn't a fan of Walt's ex-wife drama. I never got a handle on their relationship. The scene at the party was awkward and unnecessary.
Nevertheless, I became fully immersed in this sexy, passionate story. The last chapter isn't labeled an epilogue, but it serves as one.
I believed in this HEA, despite of, or maybe because of, Walt's obsessive love. Jude wanted to be owned, and Walt saw him first.
Walt and Jude are only boys when things fall apart. Fifteen years later, they meet again, but nothing is simple. Life rarely is.
Walt reacts like a wounded animal. He hisses and spits, but he's determined to make Jude his. But first Jude must forgive and decide which of the Cook brothers he wants to date.
There's Walt: a force of nature, an untamed spirit. Walt is the wild storm to Shea's calm beauty. Not that Shea isn't fucked up, not with a father like Harry Cook, that violent, despicable pile of festering shit.
This book is expertly paced. The MCs are complex, fully realized people, with deep-seated fears, insecurities, and desires.
I loved the secondary characters but was disappointed that Walt's dogs were essentially background fodder. What dog parent doesn't introduce their four-legged babies to a potential partner? Jude is scared of the dogs, and they're never given a name. Unacceptable.
I also wasn't a fan of Walt's ex-wife drama. I never got a handle on their relationship. The scene at the party was awkward and unnecessary.
Nevertheless, I became fully immersed in this sexy, passionate story. The last chapter isn't labeled an epilogue, but it serves as one.
I believed in this HEA, despite of, or maybe because of, Walt's obsessive love. Jude wanted to be owned, and Walt saw him first.
February 1, 2019
3.75 Stars
I’m so glad I went into this blind. Because the blurb with that title screams love-triangle and I hate love triangles! But it’s not, not at all! At least, I didn’t feel that way. The other thing is Darien Cox’s books usually don’t work for me. But this one was good! It’s well-written, angsty and slow burn but towards the end, it was a bit rushed. Told in single POV, 1st person. It’s a standalone, second chance, enemy to lovers novel. All in all, I had a good time reading this and hope you enjoy it as well!
I’m so glad I went into this blind. Because the blurb with that title screams love-triangle and I hate love triangles! But it’s not, not at all! At least, I didn’t feel that way. The other thing is Darien Cox’s books usually don’t work for me. But this one was good! It’s well-written, angsty and slow burn but towards the end, it was a bit rushed. Told in single POV, 1st person. It’s a standalone, second chance, enemy to lovers novel. All in all, I had a good time reading this and hope you enjoy it as well!
January 25, 2021
Going into this story I kind of expected to like it, but ended up loving it.
There's just something about it that clicked with me instantly. From the very first page I didn't want to put it down, because I couldn't wait to see what happens next. And that doesn't happen to me often. I loved the story, loved its setting, loved the characters.
This is the first book that I've read by this author and I really loved the writing style.
******
Re-read 7/2019
Re-read 1/2021: Still one of my favorites. It's so different and special and very emotional. I love how I never know what to expect from the characters and the storyline when I pick one of this author's books.
There's just something about it that clicked with me instantly. From the very first page I didn't want to put it down, because I couldn't wait to see what happens next. And that doesn't happen to me often. I loved the story, loved its setting, loved the characters.
This is the first book that I've read by this author and I really loved the writing style.
******
Re-read 7/2019
Re-read 1/2021: Still one of my favorites. It's so different and special and very emotional. I love how I never know what to expect from the characters and the storyline when I pick one of this author's books.
July 5, 2023
4.5 Stars!
Darien Cox has written about:
- inadvertently seeing one's college professor at a sex party
- falling for a guy while babysitting one of the most hellish teenagers in existence
- meeting an intriguing person who one finds out is actually undercover
- falling for the guy who stole one's phone and made one chase him up a sand dune to retrieve it
- falling for the upstairs neighbor who is in a relationship
So I took a gander at Cox's author bio:
Well that explains a lot.
Because THIS book? Well, let's just say Cox is the master of taking the uncomfortable situation and making me root for them anyway.
I'm convinced, now, that he takes his time to think of some of the most awkward situations and decides to throw them into his books. And because of the way he does it, I'm not complaining.
So what do we have here?
One MC (Jude) who went through a pretty traumatic coming out story. All because of his best friend who betrayed him - check
Jude meets a charming, grown up version of ex-best friend's brother and begins dating him - check
Jude sees ex best friend (Walt) after 15 years and befriends him again - check
Jude feels more for Walt than the actual man he's dating - check
Walt and his brother are close. Incredibly close. Like, die-for-each-other close - check
This was just all kinds of wrong until it was all kinds of right. I loved it! Darien brings the fantastic one-liners, the feelz, and he made everything ok.
This was another winner. Recommended!
Darien Cox has written about:
- inadvertently seeing one's college professor at a sex party
- falling for a guy while babysitting one of the most hellish teenagers in existence
- meeting an intriguing person who one finds out is actually undercover
- falling for the guy who stole one's phone and made one chase him up a sand dune to retrieve it
- falling for the upstairs neighbor who is in a relationship
So I took a gander at Cox's author bio:
Well that explains a lot.
Because THIS book? Well, let's just say Cox is the master of taking the uncomfortable situation and making me root for them anyway.
I'm convinced, now, that he takes his time to think of some of the most awkward situations and decides to throw them into his books. And because of the way he does it, I'm not complaining.
So what do we have here?
One MC (Jude) who went through a pretty traumatic coming out story. All because of his best friend who betrayed him - check
Jude meets a charming, grown up version of ex-best friend's brother and begins dating him - check
Jude sees ex best friend (Walt) after 15 years and befriends him again - check
Jude feels more for Walt than the actual man he's dating - check
Walt and his brother are close. Incredibly close. Like, die-for-each-other close - check
This was just all kinds of wrong until it was all kinds of right. I loved it! Darien brings the fantastic one-liners, the feelz, and he made everything ok.
This was another winner. Recommended!
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June 20, 2022
He grinned shyly, but closed in on me again, fingers brushing mine. "I asked if I had a chance with you."
"Yes."
"You feel something then?"
"I feel something."
"For me?"
I laughed. "Yes, you idiot."
this was actually heartbreaking, emotional but also cute all at once. i really liked the direction the story went into and some revelations had me shook (especially with Walter), but i think it definitely showed you can't judge a book by its cover. present Walter surprised me... in a good way. similar to Jude, i wasn't sure how to feel about Walter during their 'reunion', especially bc of how he acted in the past, but then he revealed what he endured all those years ago and i found myself understanding his side of the story as well. 🥺 i really loved the banters between Walt and Jude. they were hilarious, but i loved how passionate their romance was once things started to become more. the story was heavy at times but i feel like it had such a hopeful tone by the end—about second chances, forgiveness and not feeling afraid to take a chance in happiness. overall, would definitely recommend this. 😌
"You scare me so much," I whispered.
His arms slid around my waist and he leaned against me, lips brushing my ear. "Why? Why do I scare you?"
"You destroyed me once."
"Then we're even. Because you're destroying me now."
"Yes."
"You feel something then?"
"I feel something."
"For me?"
I laughed. "Yes, you idiot."
this was actually heartbreaking, emotional but also cute all at once. i really liked the direction the story went into and some revelations had me shook (especially with Walter), but i think it definitely showed you can't judge a book by its cover. present Walter surprised me... in a good way. similar to Jude, i wasn't sure how to feel about Walter during their 'reunion', especially bc of how he acted in the past, but then he revealed what he endured all those years ago and i found myself understanding his side of the story as well. 🥺 i really loved the banters between Walt and Jude. they were hilarious, but i loved how passionate their romance was once things started to become more. the story was heavy at times but i feel like it had such a hopeful tone by the end—about second chances, forgiveness and not feeling afraid to take a chance in happiness. overall, would definitely recommend this. 😌
"You scare me so much," I whispered.
His arms slid around my waist and he leaned against me, lips brushing my ear. "Why? Why do I scare you?"
"You destroyed me once."
"Then we're even. Because you're destroying me now."
April 27, 2022
I had tears streaming down my face when they had their first kiss!!!! 😭❤️ So beautifully written, so emotional and I was one million percent hooked from page one. It’s a story about second chances - in love and in life. There were so many lines that I reread again and again, trying to sear them into my memory. The communication and dialogue was so top tier and I so appreciate that conflict didn’t get shoved under a rug, that things were resolved with time and more importantly - with effort. This has my favorite love confession of all time. Without a doubt. Impossible to put down and impossible to forget. I miss this story already. 💙
January 22, 2019
I absolutely ADORED this book. I'm so happy I gave this book a chance, because it became one of my favorites.
From the beginning there was palpable chemistry between Jude and Walt - and I wasn't expecting that to happen after what happened in the prologue when they were kids. There was something there too, but what happens effectively ends anything that could have possibly happened with them as kids.
We get a little back story in the prologue, that Walt is from a wealthy family in the town over from Jude's, but Walt has been going to the public school Jude goes to for the whole last year of middle school, and they became friends.
And at the end of the school year, it's Walt's fourteenth birthday and at the end of it he asks if Jude wants to sleep over. Of course Jude, who has a major crush on Walt, says yes.
But things don't go well when one of Walt's brothers walk in on him and Jude doing something, and because of Walt's abusive father, he sells Jude out and blames him for what they were doing so he won't get beaten.
It isn't right, and things just go to shit from there, and Jude and Walt don't see each other until 15 years later, but when you think about how they were just kids, Walt having just turned 14, and his situation, it's a little more easily forgiven and understandable.
And Walt more than makes up for it when they meet up again as adults.
Jude is angry and (thinks) he hates Walt at first, but fairly quickly it becomes apparent that that's not the case. Things are complicated when Jude starts to date Walt's brother, but things don't last long between Jude and Shea - Walt's brother - and thankfully nothing more than kissing happens between them.
I don't think I - or Walt and Jude - could get past Jude and Shea sleeping together...or at least, it would have been really hard to do, that's for sure.
Walt was the third child of four brothers, and Shea was the youngest, the sweetest and most innocent, and Walt did his best to protect him, and they've grown up close and protective of each other. It takes a bit for things to happen between Walt and Jude because of the whole Shea thing, but once that's sorted out, Walt and Jude start seeing each other and it's awesome.
I loved their chemistry, I loved their scenes together, their passion popped off the page, it was just so well written, and their love was so so easy to see. This is like the perfect way to write a one person POV romance book. It's all in Jude's POV, but I never felt like I was missing anything with Walt, because he was open with his feelings for Jude and how much he loved him. There was no doubt to his feelings or his attraction to Jude.
Plus, these two talked to each other, so we learned about Walt's past and how bad things got and just exactly what happened, so I never felt like I was missing anything by not getting Walt's POV.
This is my favorite book by this author and just makes me want to read more by him. He's such a great writer and this is his strongest story I've read so far, it's a favorite it was that good for me. The characters were real, the romance was written so well, the chemistry came off the page and I hated when I had to put this down.
HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this book, I absolutely adored it. Two massive thumbs up from me! <333
From the beginning there was palpable chemistry between Jude and Walt - and I wasn't expecting that to happen after what happened in the prologue when they were kids. There was something there too, but what happens effectively ends anything that could have possibly happened with them as kids.
We get a little back story in the prologue, that Walt is from a wealthy family in the town over from Jude's, but Walt has been going to the public school Jude goes to for the whole last year of middle school, and they became friends.
And at the end of the school year, it's Walt's fourteenth birthday and at the end of it he asks if Jude wants to sleep over. Of course Jude, who has a major crush on Walt, says yes.
But things don't go well when one of Walt's brothers walk in on him and Jude doing something, and because of Walt's abusive father, he sells Jude out and blames him for what they were doing so he won't get beaten.
It isn't right, and things just go to shit from there, and Jude and Walt don't see each other until 15 years later, but when you think about how they were just kids, Walt having just turned 14, and his situation, it's a little more easily forgiven and understandable.
And Walt more than makes up for it when they meet up again as adults.
Jude is angry and (thinks) he hates Walt at first, but fairly quickly it becomes apparent that that's not the case. Things are complicated when Jude starts to date Walt's brother, but things don't last long between Jude and Shea - Walt's brother - and thankfully nothing more than kissing happens between them.
I don't think I - or Walt and Jude - could get past Jude and Shea sleeping together...or at least, it would have been really hard to do, that's for sure.
Walt was the third child of four brothers, and Shea was the youngest, the sweetest and most innocent, and Walt did his best to protect him, and they've grown up close and protective of each other. It takes a bit for things to happen between Walt and Jude because of the whole Shea thing, but once that's sorted out, Walt and Jude start seeing each other and it's awesome.
I loved their chemistry, I loved their scenes together, their passion popped off the page, it was just so well written, and their love was so so easy to see. This is like the perfect way to write a one person POV romance book. It's all in Jude's POV, but I never felt like I was missing anything with Walt, because he was open with his feelings for Jude and how much he loved him. There was no doubt to his feelings or his attraction to Jude.
Plus, these two talked to each other, so we learned about Walt's past and how bad things got and just exactly what happened, so I never felt like I was missing anything by not getting Walt's POV.
This is my favorite book by this author and just makes me want to read more by him. He's such a great writer and this is his strongest story I've read so far, it's a favorite it was that good for me. The characters were real, the romance was written so well, the chemistry came off the page and I hated when I had to put this down.
HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this book, I absolutely adored it. Two massive thumbs up from me! <333
March 14, 2021
"You scare me so much," I whispered.
His arms slid around my waist and he leaned against me, lips brushing my ear. "Why? Why do I scare you?"
"You destroyed me once."
"Then we're even. Because you're destroying me now."
This was beautifully done. No words honestly (here I am rambling still). The prologue is titled as 'The Luckiest Boy in the World' and that intrigued me and then I read it. When I finished the lengthy prologue, I just knew this book would be one crazy ride for me. Walt and Jude will forever be in my memory. The way they struggled, especially Walt, gave me the shivers.
I need a bad book quick! I can't let myself to be this happy.
January 26, 2021
I loved this book so much. ❤️❤️❤️
I couldn’t put it down, not even to sleep. I have to say that based on the blurb and overall GR rating, I probably wouldn’t have picked it up. But 4⭐️ and 5⭐️ reviews from my trusted GR friends generally don’t lie.
What a ride. There are tears. There are lots of awkward moments. There are laughs. Friends. Family. Love. Sex.
But also violence. Abuse. Broken people. Lies. And two boys who missed their chance and then got it back 15 years later. I hated Walt at first. But then I kept reading, and I wanted to wrap him in a warm hug and never let him go.
It was my first read by this author and I want more. I’ll take your recommendations.
I couldn’t put it down, not even to sleep. I have to say that based on the blurb and overall GR rating, I probably wouldn’t have picked it up. But 4⭐️ and 5⭐️ reviews from my trusted GR friends generally don’t lie.
What a ride. There are tears. There are lots of awkward moments. There are laughs. Friends. Family. Love. Sex.
But also violence. Abuse. Broken people. Lies. And two boys who missed their chance and then got it back 15 years later. I hated Walt at first. But then I kept reading, and I wanted to wrap him in a warm hug and never let him go.
It was my first read by this author and I want more. I’ll take your recommendations.
January 28, 2019
*4.5 stars*
So much talent. Such an underrated author. Darien Cox is one of the best authors in this genre. His books always include what I'm looking for in a book: tension, angst, banter, smexy times, romance!
Recommended!
So much talent. Such an underrated author. Darien Cox is one of the best authors in this genre. His books always include what I'm looking for in a book: tension, angst, banter, smexy times, romance!
Recommended!
dnf
January 27, 2019DNF at 60%
I'm in the mood for something sweet and fluffy and for some reason I keep picking angsty books! Perhaps I should read the blurbs before I start...
This was way too dramatic for me. And I thought I'd like it more once these guys got together, but nope, I still don't care about them. Time to call it quits.
I'm in the mood for something sweet and fluffy and for some reason I keep picking angsty books! Perhaps I should read the blurbs before I start...
This was way too dramatic for me. And I thought I'd like it more once these guys got together, but nope, I still don't care about them. Time to call it quits.
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January 24, 2019
I love romantic stories which doesn't follow a predictable route, and dare to create characters who might not always act according to the norm for a romance novel hero. I've found those elements in all of the Darien Cox' books I've read so far, to my utter delight!
I was glued to 'I Saw You First' right from the very beginning (what an opening!) and enjoyed to see what happened to them all as their life paths crossed again several years later. The chemistry was there, the dialogue entertaining, the inner thoughts of the individuals made sense and felt real.
There's both anger from past hurts and angst in this story, but handled in a way so that it didn't become overly dark. On the bright side the story is also brimming with tangible emotions of love, attraction, friendship, loyalty due to their shared history. For me the balance between dark and light on page was absolutely perfect. My only minor complaint were the last few chapters, which were a bit too sweet for my personal preference. Apart from that, this was a vivid story with a strong romance and will linger with me for a long time.
I was glued to 'I Saw You First' right from the very beginning (what an opening!) and enjoyed to see what happened to them all as their life paths crossed again several years later. The chemistry was there, the dialogue entertaining, the inner thoughts of the individuals made sense and felt real.
There's both anger from past hurts and angst in this story, but handled in a way so that it didn't become overly dark. On the bright side the story is also brimming with tangible emotions of love, attraction, friendship, loyalty due to their shared history. For me the balance between dark and light on page was absolutely perfect. My only minor complaint were the last few chapters, which were a bit too sweet for my personal preference. Apart from that, this was a vivid story with a strong romance and will linger with me for a long time.
February 8, 2021
Well, well, well... This author is slowly becoming a sure thing for me, this was LOVELY! ❤😍
I didn't know what to expect based on the blurb, I knew there was gonna be a love triangle of some sorts and that gave me doubts about picking this, but nothing like that! It's a lovely second chance, the first chapter was heavy yes, but then the stuff that happens it's not as sad, it's just the development and the solution, in a way, of the clusterfuck that happened in the first chapter.
There were sad moments and stuff that made me mad but I loved that there wasn't any unnecessary drama, I loved the development, I loved the passion and the love and the characters.
Lovely story! ❤😍
I didn't know what to expect based on the blurb, I knew there was gonna be a love triangle of some sorts and that gave me doubts about picking this, but nothing like that! It's a lovely second chance, the first chapter was heavy yes, but then the stuff that happens it's not as sad, it's just the development and the solution, in a way, of the clusterfuck that happened in the first chapter.
There were sad moments and stuff that made me mad but I loved that there wasn't any unnecessary drama, I loved the development, I loved the passion and the love and the characters.
Lovely story! ❤😍
December 8, 2021
I have a new book-boyfriend, and his name is Walt.
June 3, 2021
4.5 stars. Loved it - my first by this author and definitely not my last
January 21, 2019
4 stars
June 10, 2023
After all the ugly things that happened to these boys, I'm just relieved to know that they get their well-deserved happy ending. Getting through the prologue was horrible and the succeeding effect of their trauma all throughout the story hurt my heart.
What I love about this second chance, hurt/comfort story is how it felt like they were redoing the worst night of their lives. When they were younger, it was Julien who was pining hard for Walt. This time, it's adult Walt who's nursing an unrequited love for adult Jude. He constantly antagonized Jude like a teen and short of pulling his hair, he honestly made an ass of himself to catch Jude's attention. 😂
The only off thing for me was how towards the end, it felt like Walt started behaving younger than his years when he got insecure or panicked, as opposed to how brash and obnoxious he was at the beginning. I guess, there goes his lost childhood or something.
I am starting to love Darien's idea of intimate scenes. Like Tempting Fools, everything they do, no matter how brief, felt very intimate and private. Like a true manifestation of love between two people. ❤❤❤
What I love about this second chance, hurt/comfort story is how it felt like they were redoing the worst night of their lives. When they were younger, it was Julien who was pining hard for Walt. This time, it's adult Walt who's nursing an unrequited love for adult Jude. He constantly antagonized Jude like a teen and short of pulling his hair, he honestly made an ass of himself to catch Jude's attention. 😂
“I wasn’t watching the road because I was hoping to catch a glimpse of you.”
The only off thing for me was how towards the end, it felt like Walt started behaving younger than his years when he got insecure or panicked, as opposed to how brash and obnoxious he was at the beginning. I guess, there goes his lost childhood or something.
I am starting to love Darien's idea of intimate scenes. Like Tempting Fools, everything they do, no matter how brief, felt very intimate and private. Like a true manifestation of love between two people. ❤❤❤
January 29, 2019
2.5 stars
I didn't like this one as much. I didn't really care for Walter and Jude felt kind of doormat-ish. I get that a long time had passed since the incident from Jude's childhood but the speed at which everything was resolved just seemed a bit unrealistic. I didn't trust Walt even at the end, I can see the entire relationship falling apart after a few years.
I didn't like this one as much. I didn't really care for Walter and Jude felt kind of doormat-ish. I get that a long time had passed since the incident from Jude's childhood but the speed at which everything was resolved just seemed a bit unrealistic. I didn't trust Walt even at the end, I can see the entire relationship falling apart after a few years.
February 1, 2019
This one started off great for me, I never read anything from this author prior to this one. I liked the promise of this book but the more it went on the less I enjoyed it. I am all for the second chance love story, but I feel like there needs to be more. After 13 years of nothing yet both of these men are holding on to a teen crush - too far fetched IMO. the whole brother thing was weird. Too much just didn’t sit right with me, I like a story to feel real I just didn’t get that here. I guess this was a case of it’s not for me
did-not-finish
May 3, 2023DNF @ 10%. No rating.
I was recommended this book as a second chance romance (one of my favorite types of romances) but warning bells started ringing pretty much right away. The story starts with a prologue that involves a lot of telling instead of showing and basically speeds through how the two MMCs know each other and how their first 'relationship' went.
First - the writing wasn't very good with the pace moving way too quickly and not enough exploration of emotions. Second - I disliked both MMCs. Walt is apparently a bully and Jude's fine with that because Walt is Hottie McHottie and Jude wants to get in his pants.
But then the author goes through the so-called progression of the relationship between Walt and Jude and that's when my eye rolling started. Walt is Mr Popular, Jude is Mr Nerdy Nerd. They have nothing in common and there's no explanation given for why Walt would want to get closer to Jude. Literally, Jude is contributing nothing to the friendship except hero-worshipping Walt. But okay, let's pretend they're friends. Out of the blue, WHAT?! This isn't how teenage boys act. It's not how any human being acts.
Then the over the top drama continues with . The whole thing was a mess of drama and bad writing and that's not a combination that works for me.
I was recommended this book as a second chance romance (one of my favorite types of romances) but warning bells started ringing pretty much right away. The story starts with a prologue that involves a lot of telling instead of showing and basically speeds through how the two MMCs know each other and how their first 'relationship' went.
First - the writing wasn't very good with the pace moving way too quickly and not enough exploration of emotions. Second - I disliked both MMCs. Walt is apparently a bully and Jude's fine with that because Walt is Hottie McHottie and Jude wants to get in his pants.
But then the author goes through the so-called progression of the relationship between Walt and Jude and that's when my eye rolling started. Walt is Mr Popular, Jude is Mr Nerdy Nerd. They have nothing in common and there's no explanation given for why Walt would want to get closer to Jude. Literally, Jude is contributing nothing to the friendship except hero-worshipping Walt. But okay, let's pretend they're friends. Out of the blue, WHAT?! This isn't how teenage boys act. It's not how any human being acts.
Then the over the top drama continues with . The whole thing was a mess of drama and bad writing and that's not a combination that works for me.
February 11, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
The first chapter of this book opens when Jude is 13 years old and attending a birthday party for the wildly popular Wally (who goes by Walt in his adult years). That first chapter is explosive and young Jude’s life and metal health is forever changed.
We catch up with Jude again in his late 20s, where he is working for the family motel cabin business. It took a lot for him to put himself back together and trust doesn’t come easily for him. When the property is damaged by a drunk driver and the driver gets community service on the cabin grounds, Jude knows he cannot handle this new development.
This is a true enemies-to-lovers story and it was intriguing to see how Cox was going to pull this off.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
The first chapter of this book opens when Jude is 13 years old and attending a birthday party for the wildly popular Wally (who goes by Walt in his adult years). That first chapter is explosive and young Jude’s life and metal health is forever changed.
We catch up with Jude again in his late 20s, where he is working for the family motel cabin business. It took a lot for him to put himself back together and trust doesn’t come easily for him. When the property is damaged by a drunk driver and the driver gets community service on the cabin grounds, Jude knows he cannot handle this new development.
This is a true enemies-to-lovers story and it was intriguing to see how Cox was going to pull this off.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
January 27, 2019
This is a new-to-me author. I really dislike second chance romances, so the fact that I read this pretty much in one sitting (minus putting it down to get out of the bath, as I had turned into a prune while reading). The plot wasn't anything new (I mean, c'mon... every knows how second chance romances are going to pan out from the get go) but the characters were believable and more importantly, the writing was very engaging. I probably would have given this 5-stars (rounded up from what would have been a 4.5 rating) if it had been written from the 3rd person POV instead of 1st. This is definitely an author I'll be giving another go.
January 29, 2019
Really enjoyed this! RTC
July 12, 2021
To speak with Jude, one of the MC's in this book: the author hooked me and reeled me in. That easy.
I had this book on my tbr for ages, and just didn't seem to come around to read it. I hadn't read this author before, and even though the blurb intrigued me, I didn't know what to expect.
But since my tbr is a forever growing and never ending pile of all sorts, I made an agreement with myself: each week, in between the ARC's I'm reading, I will pick at least one book from it, because otherwise I won't ever read all the awesome books I have sitting there.
And so I guess it was time to pick this one. I was in the mood for something not so fluffy, for some angsty, real life emotions. And even though the (long) epilogue was a heavy one, the rest of the book wasn't, like I assumed it would be. And yes, there are heavy topics, there are some uncomfortable, tough scenes, but overall it was mainly just about the second chances we sometimes get in life. The ones we are handed out and are or aren't willing to take.
It's also about redemption, about forgiveness, about family. It has a first time gay kissing and sex, it has quite some steam, and it is told solely from Jude's pov.
The epilogue starts off with Wally and Jude at Wally's birthday. A lot of things happen that day. A LOT. And most of them were very, very unpleasant. Causing Jude to hate Wally for the rest of his life, leaving him with a trauma so big he needs professional help in order to get a grip on his life and himself again.
Then, after fifteen years, they meet again. Unexpectedly Jude is forced to deal with his nemesis from his teenage years. Wally goes by Walt now, and has changed into one of the most beautiful men Jude ever saw. Of course he has. I enjoyed their first encounters and that has a lot to do with the perfect dialogues this author writes. I'm a sucker for real life, natural dialogues, and I discovered Darien Cox does that really, really well.
Eventually Walt seeks redemption. He asks for forgiveness, explains Jude why things happened the way they did, and it's not that Jude is able to forgive him in a whim, it takes time, but when it happens, it feels natural. Legit. Walt seems sincere, and when he reveals his own feelings to Jude, both as the teenager he was back then, and as the adult he is now, I couldn't help but cheer for them, wanting them to find happiness together.
Shea is a beautiful character as well. He's Walt's younger brother and I loved him too.
I loved the way the story unfolded with Jude meeting Shea, the feeling of belonging Shea had when he sees Jude, all leading back to the events on Wally's birthday.
The book didn't feel angsty either, despite the awful childhood both brothers had and the glimpses we see of that. There were times Walt couldn't handle his problems very well, but most of the times he was a funny, sweet and caring man, who only wanted what was best for the man he was in love with.
Together they were perfect, they were meant to be, their longing and need palpable on every single page. I loved them!!
This is one of those books that surprised me in such a good way, it went straight up to my all time favorites shelf. I'm sure I will re-read this again. I immediately clicked with this author's writing, the pacing of the story is perfect, the setting, the background story...I couldn't tell one single thing I didn't like.
"I saw you first" is an unforgettable read, with characters that will stay with me for some time, and it's a shame it isn't recommended more!
I will definitely be checking out more books by Darien Cox.
Highly recommended!!
I had this book on my tbr for ages, and just didn't seem to come around to read it. I hadn't read this author before, and even though the blurb intrigued me, I didn't know what to expect.
But since my tbr is a forever growing and never ending pile of all sorts, I made an agreement with myself: each week, in between the ARC's I'm reading, I will pick at least one book from it, because otherwise I won't ever read all the awesome books I have sitting there.
And so I guess it was time to pick this one. I was in the mood for something not so fluffy, for some angsty, real life emotions. And even though the (long) epilogue was a heavy one, the rest of the book wasn't, like I assumed it would be. And yes, there are heavy topics, there are some uncomfortable, tough scenes, but overall it was mainly just about the second chances we sometimes get in life. The ones we are handed out and are or aren't willing to take.
It's also about redemption, about forgiveness, about family. It has a first time gay kissing and sex, it has quite some steam, and it is told solely from Jude's pov.
The epilogue starts off with Wally and Jude at Wally's birthday. A lot of things happen that day. A LOT. And most of them were very, very unpleasant. Causing Jude to hate Wally for the rest of his life, leaving him with a trauma so big he needs professional help in order to get a grip on his life and himself again.
Then, after fifteen years, they meet again. Unexpectedly Jude is forced to deal with his nemesis from his teenage years. Wally goes by Walt now, and has changed into one of the most beautiful men Jude ever saw. Of course he has. I enjoyed their first encounters and that has a lot to do with the perfect dialogues this author writes. I'm a sucker for real life, natural dialogues, and I discovered Darien Cox does that really, really well.
Eventually Walt seeks redemption. He asks for forgiveness, explains Jude why things happened the way they did, and it's not that Jude is able to forgive him in a whim, it takes time, but when it happens, it feels natural. Legit. Walt seems sincere, and when he reveals his own feelings to Jude, both as the teenager he was back then, and as the adult he is now, I couldn't help but cheer for them, wanting them to find happiness together.
Shea is a beautiful character as well. He's Walt's younger brother and I loved him too.
I loved the way the story unfolded with Jude meeting Shea, the feeling of belonging Shea had when he sees Jude, all leading back to the events on Wally's birthday.
The book didn't feel angsty either, despite the awful childhood both brothers had and the glimpses we see of that. There were times Walt couldn't handle his problems very well, but most of the times he was a funny, sweet and caring man, who only wanted what was best for the man he was in love with.
Together they were perfect, they were meant to be, their longing and need palpable on every single page. I loved them!!
This is one of those books that surprised me in such a good way, it went straight up to my all time favorites shelf. I'm sure I will re-read this again. I immediately clicked with this author's writing, the pacing of the story is perfect, the setting, the background story...I couldn't tell one single thing I didn't like.
"I saw you first" is an unforgettable read, with characters that will stay with me for some time, and it's a shame it isn't recommended more!
I will definitely be checking out more books by Darien Cox.
Highly recommended!!
July 26, 2021
3.5 stars
January 28, 2019
4 stars!
Okay, so after I read the first half of the book I was absolutely delighted with the chemistry between those two. There was an intense scene at the beginning which I get recovered from when I read some more and I wanted to see how the author would continue with the story.
What happened between Walt and Jude when they were boys was not something light. Physical abuse is not drama, it's a very important subject. I don't like to read about it, because it makes me feel sick. People who do that must be in prison. Through the first chapter, I hated Walt, I really did. But at the same time, I felt sorry for him. The prologue was important so that we could understand what happened to them before we meet them both 15 years later.
Jude and Walt are changed, they've grown up and the first scenes when they meet again were very good. There was chemistry, there was fire. I had butterflies in the stomach and it was great. The attraction was intense, something I like very much. I even started liking Walt a bit.
Jude was too good in my opinion. He was forgiving, genuine and absolutely adorable human being. He was easy to love, and Walt-well, not so much. And that's totally understandable. His childhood issues were too big to be buried and forgotten.
Until the first half of the book everything was absolutely good - the story, the characters, the dialogue, even the secondary characters. An absolute 5-star book for me. Then something happened and I was confused. It was like I was reading a different book. The chemistry was off, the butterflies - gone. Walt started acting weird and I couldn't remember why I started to like him in the first place. He was even creepy and I didn't find it romantic at all. I will say it again - he is not an easy man to love and I give Jude all the credit for doing so. The pace in the first part of the book was great and in the second half, I felt everything rushed. I'm not particularly fond of unrealistic and rushed HEAs.
I'm giving this book a 4-star rating especially because of the absolutely good first half and the writing which I liked very much. Minus 1 star because of the second half, because my butterfly mood was gone.
Overall a one very good book!
Okay, so after I read the first half of the book I was absolutely delighted with the chemistry between those two. There was an intense scene at the beginning which I get recovered from when I read some more and I wanted to see how the author would continue with the story.
What happened between Walt and Jude when they were boys was not something light. Physical abuse is not drama, it's a very important subject. I don't like to read about it, because it makes me feel sick. People who do that must be in prison. Through the first chapter, I hated Walt, I really did. But at the same time, I felt sorry for him. The prologue was important so that we could understand what happened to them before we meet them both 15 years later.
Jude and Walt are changed, they've grown up and the first scenes when they meet again were very good. There was chemistry, there was fire. I had butterflies in the stomach and it was great. The attraction was intense, something I like very much. I even started liking Walt a bit.
Jude was too good in my opinion. He was forgiving, genuine and absolutely adorable human being. He was easy to love, and Walt-well, not so much. And that's totally understandable. His childhood issues were too big to be buried and forgotten.
Until the first half of the book everything was absolutely good - the story, the characters, the dialogue, even the secondary characters. An absolute 5-star book for me. Then something happened and I was confused. It was like I was reading a different book. The chemistry was off, the butterflies - gone. Walt started acting weird and I couldn't remember why I started to like him in the first place. He was even creepy and I didn't find it romantic at all. I will say it again - he is not an easy man to love and I give Jude all the credit for doing so. The pace in the first part of the book was great and in the second half, I felt everything rushed. I'm not particularly fond of unrealistic and rushed HEAs.
I'm giving this book a 4-star rating especially because of the absolutely good first half and the writing which I liked very much. Minus 1 star because of the second half, because my butterfly mood was gone.
Overall a one very good book!
December 27, 2020
I had broken *him*. I’d thought that was what I wanted. To break him. But now I wanted to take it back. To unbreak him. I’d never considered what this information might do to him. I hadn’t cared. But now I was shaken to discover I did care. He was so big and tough and obnoxious, I didn’t think he could be broken. I’d expected him to fight me. I had not anticipated this reaction. “Are you all right?”
I absolutely loved everything about this. But damn...this one packs a punch. There is no doubt this one will be reread in my future as the story will be one that sticks with me for many years to come.
The HEA these three men receive is well earned. Man. My heart breaks for any child subjected to this kind of upbringing.
I absolutely loved everything about this. But damn...this one packs a punch. There is no doubt this one will be reread in my future as the story will be one that sticks with me for many years to come.
The HEA these three men receive is well earned. Man. My heart breaks for any child subjected to this kind of upbringing.
January 25, 2019
All the bad. I used to love Cox’s work, but his last two efforts have been awful.
I am not sure this is a bad book - I just know I hate it deeply. And the stuff at the end? No. (There is a standard romance ending, it’s not that).
One of the MCs has a violent family background and the father is still a violent spiteful person. ...so maybe that’s part of why I couln’t cope with this book. I also hated one of the MCs.
And, pro tip? Don’t represent your boyfriend. If you do, you are excercising poor professional judgement.
I am not sure this is a bad book - I just know I hate it deeply. And the stuff at the end? No. (There is a standard romance ending, it’s not that).
One of the MCs has a violent family background and the father is still a violent spiteful person. ...so maybe that’s part of why I couln’t cope with this book. I also hated one of the MCs.
And, pro tip? Don’t represent your boyfriend. If you do, you are excercising poor professional judgement.
February 6, 2019
It's taken me 2 weeks to finish this, which should tell you that I've not really enjoyed it all that much. Couldn't warm to Walt at all, and I found the language used to be a little childish sometimes. Maybe Darien Cox and I are yet another unsuitable match?? Who knows, but 3.25 stars is all it's getting from me I'm afraid.
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