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Unf;nished
Could a pair of tattoos ignite a passionate romance? Technical analyst Garrett Jones lives a solitary life. Occasionally, he must venture into the outside world to get what he needs. On one such occasion, he finds himself at a local tattoo shop getting inked for the first time with a semi-colon as a reminder of his past--one he cannot allow himself to forget. Fun-loving and outspoken Dev Hemingway is a social worker for a local LGBTQ shelter. He’s covered in tatts, has long hair, and though most people think he belongs on a Harley, he prefers his Venom electric scooter. He’s adding a semi-colon to his tattoo repertoire to mark eight years since his mental health diagnosis. Though they start seeing each other casually, Garrett and Dev’s relationship soon deepens into something more than either one could have prepared for. But will the illness that brought them together ultimately be the one to tear them apart? Could this be the end of their story, or is there still too much left unfinished?
267 pages, Paperback
Published August 28, 2016
About the author
J.R. Barten
8 books27 followersJ.R., or Jen, as friends call her, has always been an avid reader, oftentimes finishing five to six books a week. When she was a kid, she found a huge box of old paperbacks for sale at a neighbor's garage sale. She offered the woman a quarter for the entire haul, and then went home and locked herself in her bedroom so her younger brother couldn't interrupt her while she read. This fueled her love for romantic fiction and inspired her to try her hand at writing. In 2013 Jen started writing fan-fiction, and then began creating her own original stories in 2014. Currently, her favorite genre to read and write is contemporary gay romance.
J.R. Barten was born and raised in Iowa and now resides in the Twin Cities of Minnesota with her partner of eighteen years and a spoiled rotten rescue dog.
J.R. Barten was born and raised in Iowa and now resides in the Twin Cities of Minnesota with her partner of eighteen years and a spoiled rotten rescue dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 16, 2017
3,5 stars
This story was full of angst. Two broken characters, with painful pasts. The semicolon tattoo was the one thing that brought them together.
I enjoyed the first half of the book more. Garrett and Dev met in a tattoo shop and even if they were different as day and night, they felt a strong pull to each other.
Garrett is introverted and single for 3 years now, because his ex was in jail. His ex's bipolar disorder was the reasons their relationship changed, and Garrett was so hurt by the way things ended. He still struggled to accept his mistakes and had many unfinished business from his past.
Dev is sweet and funny, despite his long hair and body covered in tattoos. It hurt to see how Garrett treated him so cold because of HIS unfinished problems. Poor Dev didn't do anything wrong, he really had a heart of gold and thank God he understood and accepted Garrett's need to take his time and make peace with his past.
I think their separation hurt Dev so much and lasted for too long. It broke my heart to see Dev hurting so much! He deserved better.
This story was full of angst. Two broken characters, with painful pasts. The semicolon tattoo was the one thing that brought them together.
I enjoyed the first half of the book more. Garrett and Dev met in a tattoo shop and even if they were different as day and night, they felt a strong pull to each other.
Garrett is introverted and single for 3 years now, because his ex was in jail. His ex's bipolar disorder was the reasons their relationship changed, and Garrett was so hurt by the way things ended. He still struggled to accept his mistakes and had many unfinished business from his past.
Dev is sweet and funny, despite his long hair and body covered in tattoos. It hurt to see how Garrett treated him so cold because of HIS unfinished problems. Poor Dev didn't do anything wrong, he really had a heart of gold and thank God he understood and accepted Garrett's need to take his time and make peace with his past.
I think their separation hurt Dev so much and lasted for too long. It broke my heart to see Dev hurting so much! He deserved better.
September 13, 2016
Unf;nished
4,5 stars This was an amazing story of Garrett and Dev
Garrett an introvert with issues which settled deep in his soul. And Dev omg I looooved Dev my heart overflows... I loved him hard. That man was strong, dedicated, full of compassion and love.
When they met at a tattoo shop (Dev is covered by tattoos <3 ) there is a connection and Dev gives his number but Garrett never calls.
Dev is inventive and tried to reconnect but again no calls. After a rencounter in a bar Garrett gives in and the have a wonderful passionate night. Garrett is restrained and modest. But bit by bit he opens up. Dev is out of his head with this more open Garrett. Their connection is so hot.
Only when he tells Garrett he has bipolar something is changing a bit, not totally because of the bipolar but more that it shakes up Garrett his past. And Garrett doesn't even knows what he is doing. My heart breaks for Dev. He has such a great heart.
Garrett has so so much trouble and struggle to come clean with his past and his ex. He has a long way to go and on this way there is no place for a relationship.....
Gladly everything works out fine and they have their HEA ...because if not... I would kick some ass....
Their friends are great and I've you are looking for the steam this is more in the first part.
Beautiful and smoothly written story. Bipolar is not the main subject in this story in my opinion. I think it's about the understanding what is your responsibility and what is not, about closing your past and opening your future and above all love and compassion.
4,5 stars This was an amazing story of Garrett and Dev
Garrett an introvert with issues which settled deep in his soul. And Dev omg I looooved Dev my heart overflows... I loved him hard. That man was strong, dedicated, full of compassion and love.
When they met at a tattoo shop (Dev is covered by tattoos <3 ) there is a connection and Dev gives his number but Garrett never calls.
Dev is inventive and tried to reconnect but again no calls. After a rencounter in a bar Garrett gives in and the have a wonderful passionate night. Garrett is restrained and modest. But bit by bit he opens up. Dev is out of his head with this more open Garrett. Their connection is so hot.
Only when he tells Garrett he has bipolar something is changing a bit, not totally because of the bipolar but more that it shakes up Garrett his past. And Garrett doesn't even knows what he is doing. My heart breaks for Dev. He has such a great heart.
Garrett has so so much trouble and struggle to come clean with his past and his ex. He has a long way to go and on this way there is no place for a relationship.....
Gladly everything works out fine and they have their HEA ...because if not... I would kick some ass....
Their friends are great and I've you are looking for the steam this is more in the first part.
Beautiful and smoothly written story. Bipolar is not the main subject in this story in my opinion. I think it's about the understanding what is your responsibility and what is not, about closing your past and opening your future and above all love and compassion.
September 14, 2016
****~4~****
I really enjoyed this book!
The main characters Garrett and Dev are wonderful together.Dev..oh I loved him..outside he looks like a bad boy with long hair,his body is covered with tattoos (and drive a scooter :D )Dev is outspoken,funny,very easy to be loved and he has a big heart.His past was tormenting because he suffers from bipolar depression but we see here a strong Dev which did not allow of this disease to control his life.
Garrett is a lonely person who has problems to leave the past behind and the breakup with his ex-boyfriend.He feels guilty( for some reasons) and this will affect his relationship with Dev.Sometimes I wanted to slap him, to wake up. :d
The secondary characters they are wonderful and supportive.Sometimes dialogues between the characters are very funny.
I loved the first half but the second part of the book it seemed to me a little too fast forward sometimes but that does not mean I have not enjoyed the book.It is a good book with low angst, hot scenes,lovely and funny characters. I recommend the book!
I really enjoyed this book!
The main characters Garrett and Dev are wonderful together.Dev..oh I loved him..outside he looks like a bad boy with long hair,his body is covered with tattoos (and drive a scooter :D )Dev is outspoken,funny,very easy to be loved and he has a big heart.His past was tormenting because he suffers from bipolar depression but we see here a strong Dev which did not allow of this disease to control his life.
Garrett is a lonely person who has problems to leave the past behind and the breakup with his ex-boyfriend.He feels guilty( for some reasons) and this will affect his relationship with Dev.Sometimes I wanted to slap him, to wake up. :d
The secondary characters they are wonderful and supportive.Sometimes dialogues between the characters are very funny.
I loved the first half but the second part of the book it seemed to me a little too fast forward sometimes but that does not mean I have not enjoyed the book.It is a good book with low angst, hot scenes,lovely and funny characters. I recommend the book!
January 2, 2017
Every year 1 MILLION people die by suicide. That's one person since you've opened this review.
A horribly true statement.
When you write a sentence that is complete, you finish it with a period to signify the end of that thought and there’s no more. A semi-colon is used in place of a period to connect two related clauses. It makes you pause but continue on to the next thought. People with mental illness use the idea of the semi-colon as a mantra. Their story could have been over, whether it was suicide or other forms of self-harm. Their life could have ended then with a period. Instead, they used a semi-colon. They took pause, because they still had too much of their story to tell. They connected their struggles to hope with a semi-colon. This is the premise behind the Semi-colon Project.
This story is centered around that premise and has a underlying sense of hope and is told with dignity.
But...I'm a picky, evil bitch and I had some issues.
The book is featured around a symbol of punctuation and the book is seriously lacking in that department. Grammar is fine but missing a huge amount of punctuation. Hmmmm. Ok, not major. And yet still annoying.
The two MC's. Garrett, who is dealing with the after effects of being in an emotionally abusive relationship with a man who suffered from Bipoloar Disorder and Dev who is currently living and thriving with Bipolar Depression.
I liked both MC's.....in the beginning. Garrett was uptight and a bit rigid and Dev was carefree and bubbly. I found it interesting that even though Dev was the one suffering with his disease, it was Garrett who had the most issues. Actually, Dev hardly had any other than stress with his job and problems becoming emotionally attached with the kids he counseled. Though, I didn't feel it was a handicap. More caregivers should be that way. When Dev feels safe enough to tell Garrett about his disease, I expected Garrett to have more issues. He would have little niggles here and there and compare Dev to Pierre (the ex) but nothing really stood out. When the conflict finally came at about the 58% mark, it was out of nowhere and occurred after Garrett's first time bottoming for Dev. It is mentioned that Garrett feels bottoming for someone takes a tremendous amount of trust for him. But.....he offered. Dev was not pressuring him to do it. He then completely shuts down and kicks Dev out without any warning. I found him cruel and completely cold especially in the face of Dev's hurt. I get it. Garrett was afraid and just looking for an excuse. Sometimes it's easier to hurt rather than be hurt. But what follows is months of separation. Though Garrett did finally pull his head out of his ass enough to realize the magnitude of what he did and get help, I was already done with him. Instead of having a conversation with Dev, he first spoke to Dev's friend instead of the person he should have explained himself to while leaving Dev hanging for MONTHS. By the time he finally sees Dev, Garrett is enrolled in therapy and attempting to get closure from his ex. The whole closure thing was really long and drawn out. I felt more time was spent focused on the closure with the ex then was needed. When he does finally see Dev, he gives him just enough hope to keep him dangling. Again for months, with no communication between the two. I get that if someone needs space to work through personal shit they need some distance but to expect someone to wait for you without any sort of communication that you still care and are willing to build toward something is selfish. There is a little moment where Dev is actually asked out by someone. The author waits and drags it out a bit, making you think he might take it. At this point, I kind of wanted him to, to be honest. I felt Dev deserved much better than Garrett at this point. But, of course, Dev lets the guy down easy because that's just the kind of guy Dev is. By the time Garrett gets his shit together and finally decides he's ready and contacts Dev, he has a slight breakdown because Dev doesn't respond right away. Dev worries and constantly checks his phone for any kind of messages from Garrett which causes him undue anguish so he turns off his phone for days at a time. It's his way of handling the stress which I can sympathize with and again shows the means Dev goes to to have a handle on his disease. He acknowledges something his going to cause him to have issues and finds the means to adapt in a way that is healthy for him. I loved that Garrett was given a bit of a taste of his own medicine actually and felt insecure for a bit. Petty, I know but....fuck you, Garrett. It wasn't enough for me. When Garret does finally see Dev, everything basically falls right back in Garrett's lap. Granted, I guess everything was handled in a healthy way but Dev deserved Garrett to fucking grovel. (I love a good grovel) But fine, Dev had to be all mature and sweet and shit. Ugh, fuck. Honestly, I really felt Dev deserved better than Garrett. I really did. No one who works so hard on his recovery deserves to be judged and hurt that way. He definitely deserved to have Garrett work harder to get him back especially with the lengths he chose to go through to get closure from his ex.
I found it almost textbook in parts and this made it feel like some of the emotion was missing where it should be.
And the sex was kinda blah to me. But really, I'm a dirty pervert so you can't really take my word on that one. It ends with a solid HFN ending with them a few months after reconciliation.
Ultimately, it's a good book centered around a truly amazing premise and I enjoyed it. It was nice and parts of it were very sweet and well written. But it was just nice, not incredibly gripping but I would still recommend.
A horribly true statement.
When you write a sentence that is complete, you finish it with a period to signify the end of that thought and there’s no more. A semi-colon is used in place of a period to connect two related clauses. It makes you pause but continue on to the next thought. People with mental illness use the idea of the semi-colon as a mantra. Their story could have been over, whether it was suicide or other forms of self-harm. Their life could have ended then with a period. Instead, they used a semi-colon. They took pause, because they still had too much of their story to tell. They connected their struggles to hope with a semi-colon. This is the premise behind the Semi-colon Project.
This story is centered around that premise and has a underlying sense of hope and is told with dignity.
But...I'm a picky, evil bitch and I had some issues.
The book is featured around a symbol of punctuation and the book is seriously lacking in that department. Grammar is fine but missing a huge amount of punctuation. Hmmmm. Ok, not major. And yet still annoying.
The two MC's. Garrett, who is dealing with the after effects of being in an emotionally abusive relationship with a man who suffered from Bipoloar Disorder and Dev who is currently living and thriving with Bipolar Depression.
I liked both MC's.....in the beginning. Garrett was uptight and a bit rigid and Dev was carefree and bubbly. I found it interesting that even though Dev was the one suffering with his disease, it was Garrett who had the most issues. Actually, Dev hardly had any other than stress with his job and problems becoming emotionally attached with the kids he counseled. Though, I didn't feel it was a handicap. More caregivers should be that way. When Dev feels safe enough to tell Garrett about his disease, I expected Garrett to have more issues. He would have little niggles here and there and compare Dev to Pierre (the ex) but nothing really stood out. When the conflict finally came at about the 58% mark, it was out of nowhere and occurred after Garrett's first time bottoming for Dev. It is mentioned that Garrett feels bottoming for someone takes a tremendous amount of trust for him. But.....he offered. Dev was not pressuring him to do it. He then completely shuts down and kicks Dev out without any warning. I found him cruel and completely cold especially in the face of Dev's hurt. I get it. Garrett was afraid and just looking for an excuse. Sometimes it's easier to hurt rather than be hurt. But what follows is months of separation. Though Garrett did finally pull his head out of his ass enough to realize the magnitude of what he did and get help, I was already done with him. Instead of having a conversation with Dev, he first spoke to Dev's friend instead of the person he should have explained himself to while leaving Dev hanging for MONTHS. By the time he finally sees Dev, Garrett is enrolled in therapy and attempting to get closure from his ex. The whole closure thing was really long and drawn out. I felt more time was spent focused on the closure with the ex then was needed. When he does finally see Dev, he gives him just enough hope to keep him dangling. Again for months, with no communication between the two. I get that if someone needs space to work through personal shit they need some distance but to expect someone to wait for you without any sort of communication that you still care and are willing to build toward something is selfish. There is a little moment where Dev is actually asked out by someone. The author waits and drags it out a bit, making you think he might take it. At this point, I kind of wanted him to, to be honest. I felt Dev deserved much better than Garrett at this point. But, of course, Dev lets the guy down easy because that's just the kind of guy Dev is. By the time Garrett gets his shit together and finally decides he's ready and contacts Dev, he has a slight breakdown because Dev doesn't respond right away. Dev worries and constantly checks his phone for any kind of messages from Garrett which causes him undue anguish so he turns off his phone for days at a time. It's his way of handling the stress which I can sympathize with and again shows the means Dev goes to to have a handle on his disease. He acknowledges something his going to cause him to have issues and finds the means to adapt in a way that is healthy for him. I loved that Garrett was given a bit of a taste of his own medicine actually and felt insecure for a bit. Petty, I know but....fuck you, Garrett. It wasn't enough for me. When Garret does finally see Dev, everything basically falls right back in Garrett's lap. Granted, I guess everything was handled in a healthy way but Dev deserved Garrett to fucking grovel. (I love a good grovel) But fine, Dev had to be all mature and sweet and shit. Ugh, fuck. Honestly, I really felt Dev deserved better than Garrett. I really did. No one who works so hard on his recovery deserves to be judged and hurt that way. He definitely deserved to have Garrett work harder to get him back especially with the lengths he chose to go through to get closure from his ex.
I found it almost textbook in parts and this made it feel like some of the emotion was missing where it should be.
And the sex was kinda blah to me. But really, I'm a dirty pervert so you can't really take my word on that one. It ends with a solid HFN ending with them a few months after reconciliation.
Ultimately, it's a good book centered around a truly amazing premise and I enjoyed it. It was nice and parts of it were very sweet and well written. But it was just nice, not incredibly gripping but I would still recommend.
August 31, 2016
This is where I would have REALLY appreciated being able to add half stars to a rating!! That said, my true rating for this one is 4.5 stars :-)!
As always, while this won’t necessarily be a review in the truest sense of the word, I WILL take the time to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing this story … it was thought provoking, thorough, eloquent, heartfelt, profound, deep-rooted, hopeful, and I simply could not put it down. Seriously. I could NOT put it down!!
I really appreciated the author’s pluck, his or her spirited and determined courage, in taking this book in directions that were a great big breath of fresh air :-). I really enjoy it when an author pushes the envelope and provides me with a portal into worlds I couldn’t possibly imagine without a guiding hand, and this author certainly guided. Being allowed a window into both Garrett and Dev enabled me in understanding what these two beautiful men were going through and through them, perhaps what others in those same shoes might be going through as well. I know I couldn’t possibly (fully) grasp the magnitude of the strifes these two and people like them might be facing on a daily basis, but the insight afforded me here was certainly respected and sincerely appreciated :-)!!
I really would have liked to give this book a 4.5 rating (which is crazy high and is exactly what I'm doing), because while I didn’t necessarily connect with this book on a 5 star level [not because it wasn't deserving but because it's so incredibly rare for me to feel that way; 5 stars are like unicorns], it certainly wasn’t a 4 star read either; this book is too significant, too special. It’s for that reason, I decided to round UP instead of down. More to the point, I have to point out that I truly enjoyed how detail oriented this author was in terms of bringing everything full circle, in connecting the dots, in tying lose ends, and in bringing everything to the fore. J.R. Barten even went so far as to put semi-colons as the dividers between POVs, which I thought was simply adorable :-)!
Ironically enough though, in spite of all the attention to detail, I DO have to point out that there was a sprinkling of typos here and there, and this book would have seriously benefited from additional editorial revision. It’s truly a shame when a book bears the brunt of substandard editing :-/. Truth be told, I don’t believe the book suffered too much in terms of its typos or faulty editing, as the book did indeed manage to shine in spite of it all, but still … this story definitely would have benefited with one more proofread. Regardless, I felt like it would have been a disservice to a truly lovely book to penalize it for its editing and have that impact my rating. Once in a while a book will come along and compel a reader to disregard the niggles and the faults, and bestow said book with the rating it would have gotten, had the gem been polished. This is such a book. I’m going to dismiss the niggles and give this book the stars I feel it deserves … because it definitely does deserve them. One hundred percent <3!!
I’d really like to read more about these two and I’m intrigued to hear Pierre’s story; hopefully, we’ll get it all ;-)!!
*****
Wow, look at that cover :-) ... GORGEOUS!!! This author is brand-spankin-new for me and I am anticipating that this is the start if a great reading relationship. I've got high hopes and expectations :-)! I'm very VERY intrigued by the blurb [I absolutely ADORE when an author pushes the envelope] and something tells me this'll be a good one; I just had to purchase. Reading now. Here we go :-) ...
As always, while this won’t necessarily be a review in the truest sense of the word, I WILL take the time to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing this story … it was thought provoking, thorough, eloquent, heartfelt, profound, deep-rooted, hopeful, and I simply could not put it down. Seriously. I could NOT put it down!!
I really appreciated the author’s pluck, his or her spirited and determined courage, in taking this book in directions that were a great big breath of fresh air :-). I really enjoy it when an author pushes the envelope and provides me with a portal into worlds I couldn’t possibly imagine without a guiding hand, and this author certainly guided. Being allowed a window into both Garrett and Dev enabled me in understanding what these two beautiful men were going through and through them, perhaps what others in those same shoes might be going through as well. I know I couldn’t possibly (fully) grasp the magnitude of the strifes these two and people like them might be facing on a daily basis, but the insight afforded me here was certainly respected and sincerely appreciated :-)!!
I really would have liked to give this book a 4.5 rating (which is crazy high and is exactly what I'm doing), because while I didn’t necessarily connect with this book on a 5 star level [not because it wasn't deserving but because it's so incredibly rare for me to feel that way; 5 stars are like unicorns], it certainly wasn’t a 4 star read either; this book is too significant, too special. It’s for that reason, I decided to round UP instead of down. More to the point, I have to point out that I truly enjoyed how detail oriented this author was in terms of bringing everything full circle, in connecting the dots, in tying lose ends, and in bringing everything to the fore. J.R. Barten even went so far as to put semi-colons as the dividers between POVs, which I thought was simply adorable :-)!
Ironically enough though, in spite of all the attention to detail, I DO have to point out that there was a sprinkling of typos here and there, and this book would have seriously benefited from additional editorial revision. It’s truly a shame when a book bears the brunt of substandard editing :-/. Truth be told, I don’t believe the book suffered too much in terms of its typos or faulty editing, as the book did indeed manage to shine in spite of it all, but still … this story definitely would have benefited with one more proofread. Regardless, I felt like it would have been a disservice to a truly lovely book to penalize it for its editing and have that impact my rating. Once in a while a book will come along and compel a reader to disregard the niggles and the faults, and bestow said book with the rating it would have gotten, had the gem been polished. This is such a book. I’m going to dismiss the niggles and give this book the stars I feel it deserves … because it definitely does deserve them. One hundred percent <3!!
I’d really like to read more about these two and I’m intrigued to hear Pierre’s story; hopefully, we’ll get it all ;-)!!
*****
Wow, look at that cover :-) ... GORGEOUS!!! This author is brand-spankin-new for me and I am anticipating that this is the start if a great reading relationship. I've got high hopes and expectations :-)! I'm very VERY intrigued by the blurb [I absolutely ADORE when an author pushes the envelope] and something tells me this'll be a good one; I just had to purchase. Reading now. Here we go :-) ...
January 9, 2018
This book explores the relationship of two men who meet getting a semi-colon tattoo to mark a moment in their lives that could have stopped them, but instead they chose to move on. It explores the impact of being bipolar, or loving someone bipolar, on a relationship. And yet is is not angsty or emotional in tone.
Garrett is a shy introvert who is haunted by the fact that he missed or ignored the signs that his bipolar boyfriend was getting out of control. His boyfriend went to prison, which broke them apart, and Garrett can't help wondering if he could have changed both their lives by doing something earlier. But now, he has to move ahead and he wants his ; to mark that point.
Dev is funny and pushy and loud, when he's up. He was once down enough to attempt suicide. He's managing his own bipolar with care, and doing well, but falling for a guy with a lot of unfinished business may be rougher than he expects.
I liked these guys together, loved that therapy gets its due and love doesn't heal all. I missed a bit of intensity - perhaps in showing how the bipolar is merely a small part of who Dev is the tone became a bit smooth and upbeat. That's not a bad thing in advocacy, but meant the book didn't have quite the deep emotional pull I thought it might, especially towards the end. Still a good, realistic and well-done romance between two very different guys who definitely belonged together.
Garrett is a shy introvert who is haunted by the fact that he missed or ignored the signs that his bipolar boyfriend was getting out of control. His boyfriend went to prison, which broke them apart, and Garrett can't help wondering if he could have changed both their lives by doing something earlier. But now, he has to move ahead and he wants his ; to mark that point.
Dev is funny and pushy and loud, when he's up. He was once down enough to attempt suicide. He's managing his own bipolar with care, and doing well, but falling for a guy with a lot of unfinished business may be rougher than he expects.
I liked these guys together, loved that therapy gets its due and love doesn't heal all. I missed a bit of intensity - perhaps in showing how the bipolar is merely a small part of who Dev is the tone became a bit smooth and upbeat. That's not a bad thing in advocacy, but meant the book didn't have quite the deep emotional pull I thought it might, especially towards the end. Still a good, realistic and well-done romance between two very different guys who definitely belonged together.
September 7, 2016
The first 50% was rock solid for me & I'd rec it based on that alone. The last 50% felt a little bit like unnecessary separation but everyone deals with things differently so... I think with the separation, which was long considering the limited amount of time they'd actually been together at that point and the shitty way it occurs, the fairytale reconnection & pace at which the two regrouped bothered me. Overall I liked it and would read more by these two...
I did adore the prologue immensely...
I did adore the prologue immensely...
August 30, 2016
3.5 stars.
This book takes a look at a rather heavy topic - what it's like to live with Bipolar Disorder/Depression, and how to live with someone who has Bipolar Disorder/Depression.
The author's wife wrote the foreword, and she wrote it from the perspective of someone who has this condition. It sort of sets the tone for this book.
We first meet Garrett Jones when he's in a tattoo shop getting a semi-colon tattoo. He's a solitary person, works as a technical analyst, and only ventures outside when he absolutely has to. His relationship with his family is strained, for reasons we find out further into the book. His reason for getting the tattoo is as a reminder of his past, of a failed relationship, and of the guilt he still carries with him every day. He has zero friends, but is friendly with one of his co-workers, a woman who is a good friend to him.
In this same tattoo shop, Dev Hemingway is a regular. His body is covered in multiple tattoos, all with a specific meaning to him. He's there to get a semi-colon tattoo himself. A social worker, and someone who has Bipolar Depression, he is getting the tattoo to mark the 8th anniversary of the day his life could have been over, the day he tried to commit suicide and thankfully failed.
Dev is immediately intrigued by the handsome man sitting in the tattooist chair.
From the get-go, the differences between the two men are very obvious - Dev is outspoken, fun-loving, spontaneous, whereas Garrett is a planner, keeps to himself, and appears to carry a burden much to heavy for his shoulders. Their personalities clash on occasion, but also complement each other.
I liked Dev quite a lot, and I thought the author did a great job fleshing out his character. Garrett too was likable, though I didn't click with him for almost the entirety of the book. He's just as fleshed out as Dev, but I had a difficult time connecting with him, mostly due to his behavior in the book. There was one scene midway or so, when I just wanted to slap the stupid out of him, and that wasn't the only time he ticked me off.
The relationship begins slowly, with the two men hanging out as fuckbuddies for a bit, before embarking on a more serious, but still casual relationship. It often felt as if Dev was all in, whereas Garrett was waiting for the other shoe to drop. When Dev tells Garrett about his diagnosis, I expected Garrett to put a stop to the relationship, but he almost nonchalantly absorbs those news.
The expected and inevitable break-up reason is almost out of left field - I was so angry with
Garrett and how that scene deteriorated, and the ridiculous (in my mind) reason he gave Dev. I had to applaud Dev though for his backbone, for not putting up with that crap.
Garrett needed to grow, and he does in this book. His journey is difficult, and it took work and help from professionals, for him to get to a point where he could see the past more clearly, and find not only forgiveness for what he perceived as his fault, but also realize that what happened with Pierre wasn't his fault at all. That he couldn't "fix" another person, no matter how much he loved him, and that the fixing is on the person with the issue, not their partner. The author did a fantastic job letting Garrett move at his own pace, and repair the relationship with his family through honesty and communication.
What cost the book a higher rating was the writing itself. While the story flows well, with few lulls in the progression, the writing oftentimes felt more tell than show, which left me with a somewhat clinical feeling. The dialogue was mostly fine, but in some cases felt forced and unnatural. The intimate scenes were excellent though, full of emotions that showed how connected these two men really were, even if Garrett couldn't put it into words very well.
Overall, this is a good book, and I enjoyed reading it. It takes a deep look at Bipolar Disorder/Depression, and takes the time to explain the differences between having Bipolar and having Bipolar Depression. The relationship progression felt realistic and natural, and I thought the two men were well suited to each other, with Dev pulling Garrett more and more out of his shell, and Garrett calming Dev down on occasion.
The author does tell a great story here, and this book is well worth your time.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author. Thank you, Jen! A positive rating was not promised in return. **
This book takes a look at a rather heavy topic - what it's like to live with Bipolar Disorder/Depression, and how to live with someone who has Bipolar Disorder/Depression.
The author's wife wrote the foreword, and she wrote it from the perspective of someone who has this condition. It sort of sets the tone for this book.
We first meet Garrett Jones when he's in a tattoo shop getting a semi-colon tattoo. He's a solitary person, works as a technical analyst, and only ventures outside when he absolutely has to. His relationship with his family is strained, for reasons we find out further into the book. His reason for getting the tattoo is as a reminder of his past, of a failed relationship, and of the guilt he still carries with him every day. He has zero friends, but is friendly with one of his co-workers, a woman who is a good friend to him.
In this same tattoo shop, Dev Hemingway is a regular. His body is covered in multiple tattoos, all with a specific meaning to him. He's there to get a semi-colon tattoo himself. A social worker, and someone who has Bipolar Depression, he is getting the tattoo to mark the 8th anniversary of the day his life could have been over, the day he tried to commit suicide and thankfully failed.
Dev is immediately intrigued by the handsome man sitting in the tattooist chair.
From the get-go, the differences between the two men are very obvious - Dev is outspoken, fun-loving, spontaneous, whereas Garrett is a planner, keeps to himself, and appears to carry a burden much to heavy for his shoulders. Their personalities clash on occasion, but also complement each other.
I liked Dev quite a lot, and I thought the author did a great job fleshing out his character. Garrett too was likable, though I didn't click with him for almost the entirety of the book. He's just as fleshed out as Dev, but I had a difficult time connecting with him, mostly due to his behavior in the book. There was one scene midway or so, when I just wanted to slap the stupid out of him, and that wasn't the only time he ticked me off.
The relationship begins slowly, with the two men hanging out as fuckbuddies for a bit, before embarking on a more serious, but still casual relationship. It often felt as if Dev was all in, whereas Garrett was waiting for the other shoe to drop. When Dev tells Garrett about his diagnosis, I expected Garrett to put a stop to the relationship, but he almost nonchalantly absorbs those news.
The expected and inevitable break-up reason is almost out of left field - I was so angry with
Garrett and how that scene deteriorated, and the ridiculous (in my mind) reason he gave Dev. I had to applaud Dev though for his backbone, for not putting up with that crap.
Garrett needed to grow, and he does in this book. His journey is difficult, and it took work and help from professionals, for him to get to a point where he could see the past more clearly, and find not only forgiveness for what he perceived as his fault, but also realize that what happened with Pierre wasn't his fault at all. That he couldn't "fix" another person, no matter how much he loved him, and that the fixing is on the person with the issue, not their partner. The author did a fantastic job letting Garrett move at his own pace, and repair the relationship with his family through honesty and communication.
What cost the book a higher rating was the writing itself. While the story flows well, with few lulls in the progression, the writing oftentimes felt more tell than show, which left me with a somewhat clinical feeling. The dialogue was mostly fine, but in some cases felt forced and unnatural. The intimate scenes were excellent though, full of emotions that showed how connected these two men really were, even if Garrett couldn't put it into words very well.
Overall, this is a good book, and I enjoyed reading it. It takes a deep look at Bipolar Disorder/Depression, and takes the time to explain the differences between having Bipolar and having Bipolar Depression. The relationship progression felt realistic and natural, and I thought the two men were well suited to each other, with Dev pulling Garrett more and more out of his shell, and Garrett calming Dev down on occasion.
The author does tell a great story here, and this book is well worth your time.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author. Thank you, Jen! A positive rating was not promised in return. **
September 2, 2016
I was given this book in exchange for a honest review so here it is......This was an awesome book, giving insight into the lives of people who suffer from Bipolar disease/depression as well as those who love them. The story line was strong and incredible. The characters were well developed and amazing. The main characters, Garrett and Dev, have been attracted to one another from the first time they met at the Tattoo parlor. Garrett was having a semi-colon tattoo applied to signify his past unfinished relationship to a man who had bipolar disease. The man was charged with illegal gambling and money laundering, sentenced to prison for 7 years. Garrett was greatly affected by this thinking it was his fault that he hadn't addressed the change of behavior in the man he thought he loved. Over the course of the last 3 years, Garrett stayed to himself, staying away from his family and others. When he met Dev, the two got together on a one night casual basis.. When they both realized they wanted more, getting to know one another, Dev confided in Garrett telling him of his past with his suicide attempt and the bipolar depression he would always have, even though he was well controlled with meds. Garrett, one night struggled with the fact that Dev could change one day like his ex did, so it led him to break it off with Dev, crushing both of them. Garrett had unfinished business with Pierre (his ex) and decided it was time for apologies and closure. He started to talk with his ex in prison and the healing process began for both. Mental health is sometimes a difficult thing for people to overcome in their lives and the lives of people they love. This story was an incredible one that took these two men through a process of self-discovery and the hope they could love again regardless of their pasts and the struggles that go along with mental illness. This book was brilliantly written incorporating the knowledge of what mental illness can do. The love of two men so strong that shows you can overcome anything together. Great Read... Highly recommend this one to all. Loved it.
December 3, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I absolutely loved the fact that this book shines light on bipolar in a positive way, but also shows the ups, downs and the ways it can impact someone's life or the people in their life.
That being said, I really didn't feel like this story was only about bipolar. It was about two people who have been through a lot of pain and are trying to find their way through it while learning how to love again.
I really enjoyed watching as these two very different people came together and the struggles they have to deal with. It was a very well written story that I really enjoyed with some humor and great secondary characters.
However, I do have to say that at times I felt the first half of the book moved a bit slowly and then the second half seemed to zoom along almost too fast.
I absolutely loved the fact that this book shines light on bipolar in a positive way, but also shows the ups, downs and the ways it can impact someone's life or the people in their life.
That being said, I really didn't feel like this story was only about bipolar. It was about two people who have been through a lot of pain and are trying to find their way through it while learning how to love again.
I really enjoyed watching as these two very different people came together and the struggles they have to deal with. It was a very well written story that I really enjoyed with some humor and great secondary characters.
However, I do have to say that at times I felt the first half of the book moved a bit slowly and then the second half seemed to zoom along almost too fast.
Did Not Finish
February 11, 2017May or may not come back to it. It wasn't working for me.
May 4, 2020
This is one of the BEST representations of bipolar disorder I have ever read in a book. I love Dev and Garret, both have a tragic past and want to get a tattoo to remind them of what they have gone through. But what this story also tells us is that there is no cookie-cutter picture of a person who has bipolar disorder. There are different types and everyone manifests in different ways. There're angst and sadness in this story, but there's also hope, love, and second chances.
June 14, 2018
3.5 Stars
A well told love story where opposites attract. Garret, the introvert and Dev, the extrovert. I like how this difference between got as much time and Dev's mental health and the trigger it is for Garret given his history.
This book takes takes it time and we get to see a loving relationship bloom and a lot of personal healing and growth.
A well told love story where opposites attract. Garret, the introvert and Dev, the extrovert. I like how this difference between got as much time and Dev's mental health and the trigger it is for Garret given his history.
This book takes takes it time and we get to see a loving relationship bloom and a lot of personal healing and growth.
September 4, 2016
Unfinished
This is a great story that doesn't fit the typical romance mold! And it provided great insight on mental health and relationships. I'd love to read a follow up story about the two MC's!
This is a great story that doesn't fit the typical romance mold! And it provided great insight on mental health and relationships. I'd love to read a follow up story about the two MC's!
January 30, 2018
Just....wow! What a beautiful, heart wrenching story of love, loss and caring for yourself.
Mental health is becoming a bigger issue these days, more commonly acknowledged and accepted, to s degree anyway.
This story is about Dev, a man with Bipolar Depression and Garrett, a man who's ex was undiagnosed with bipolar and it kinda did a number on him. Dev is open, most and in your face. Garrett is reserved, a loner and anti social. They like each other on first sight whilst getting the semi colon tattoo. It takes a while and some coaxing on Dev's part but eventually meet up, and again, and again. Before they know it, it's something resembling a relationship and one of them flees.
This story broke my heart on both sides. Having depression I can fully sympathise and mostly understand Dev. Having a mother with depression I can fully sympathise and understand Garrett. Both men work to make themselves better and move forward with their lives after dealing with scrappy situations. The card they show towards each other is amazing,allowing time to adjust and think for themselves. Everything from how they are written to the setting in which they live is so well written. As soon as I started reading, I was engrossed through til the end. Everything that is sensitive is written with care and compassion. Each MC's bff is hilarious and fabulous. Both with attitude and snark, and love for their friends. It's great when you know that there is that unwavering support there behind you 100%, it honestly makes all the difference. The LGBT shelter that Dev works at sounds amazing and it's nice to read about one that's not constantly struggling for money. I know they need funding consistent and support from the public but this was more focused on the people and kids that Dev was helping,,each with their own story.
Thank you to J.R. Batten for writing this and for both you and your partner and the honest dedication and acknowledgment that was made at the beginning. Somehow makes it that much more of an incredible story
Mental health is becoming a bigger issue these days, more commonly acknowledged and accepted, to s degree anyway.
This story is about Dev, a man with Bipolar Depression and Garrett, a man who's ex was undiagnosed with bipolar and it kinda did a number on him. Dev is open, most and in your face. Garrett is reserved, a loner and anti social. They like each other on first sight whilst getting the semi colon tattoo. It takes a while and some coaxing on Dev's part but eventually meet up, and again, and again. Before they know it, it's something resembling a relationship and one of them flees.
This story broke my heart on both sides. Having depression I can fully sympathise and mostly understand Dev. Having a mother with depression I can fully sympathise and understand Garrett. Both men work to make themselves better and move forward with their lives after dealing with scrappy situations. The card they show towards each other is amazing,allowing time to adjust and think for themselves. Everything from how they are written to the setting in which they live is so well written. As soon as I started reading, I was engrossed through til the end. Everything that is sensitive is written with care and compassion. Each MC's bff is hilarious and fabulous. Both with attitude and snark, and love for their friends. It's great when you know that there is that unwavering support there behind you 100%, it honestly makes all the difference. The LGBT shelter that Dev works at sounds amazing and it's nice to read about one that's not constantly struggling for money. I know they need funding consistent and support from the public but this was more focused on the people and kids that Dev was helping,,each with their own story.
Thank you to J.R. Batten for writing this and for both you and your partner and the honest dedication and acknowledgment that was made at the beginning. Somehow makes it that much more of an incredible story
January 17, 2018
Emotional, angsty, intense and wonderful. The chemistry between Garrett and Dev comes off the pages. And yet, this story is about introspection, dealing with past mistakes and the need for honest communication between partners. Warning, there may be a trigger for a past suicide attempt mentioned.
Garrett is introverted and working to get past his ex, who because of his bipolar disorder is in jail. He decides on a semicolon tattoo for its meaning and so that he can always remember his past. He hasn’t been with anyone since his ex and he’s okay with being alone.
Dev is outgoing and fun loving. He’s at the same tattoo shop for a semicolon tattoo also. But his is for the struggle he’s gone through with his illness and coming out on the other side. He sees Garrett and wants to get to know the cute nerd sitting in his friend’s tattoo chair.
Their relationship has many ups and downs along the way. But it makes this a beautiful story as you watch them grow individually, then together, then apart, then back together again.
This story worked on so many levels. The writing is phenomenal, the author masterfully walked that fine line while telling the story of a character with mental health issues. It never overpowers the story or the characters. It is just a part of who the character is. And I love how real the characters seem when dealing with it. The lack of knowledge about it and learning more, the fear of relapses. Or not understanding what it truly means, that it doesn’t define who someone is, it is just a part of them. Or how Garrett not dealing with it lead to Pierre being his ex.
There is so much more I’d like to say about this book, and how good it is, but for once, the right words aren’t coming to me. Read it, it is that worth it.
Garrett is introverted and working to get past his ex, who because of his bipolar disorder is in jail. He decides on a semicolon tattoo for its meaning and so that he can always remember his past. He hasn’t been with anyone since his ex and he’s okay with being alone.
Dev is outgoing and fun loving. He’s at the same tattoo shop for a semicolon tattoo also. But his is for the struggle he’s gone through with his illness and coming out on the other side. He sees Garrett and wants to get to know the cute nerd sitting in his friend’s tattoo chair.
Their relationship has many ups and downs along the way. But it makes this a beautiful story as you watch them grow individually, then together, then apart, then back together again.
This story worked on so many levels. The writing is phenomenal, the author masterfully walked that fine line while telling the story of a character with mental health issues. It never overpowers the story or the characters. It is just a part of who the character is. And I love how real the characters seem when dealing with it. The lack of knowledge about it and learning more, the fear of relapses. Or not understanding what it truly means, that it doesn’t define who someone is, it is just a part of them. Or how Garrett not dealing with it lead to Pierre being his ex.
There is so much more I’d like to say about this book, and how good it is, but for once, the right words aren’t coming to me. Read it, it is that worth it.
January 12, 2018
I'm always looking for books about mental health and not always I find something that will make me loose myself in in while living in time with the characters.
I loved the characters so much. Dev is my favorite character and I'm in awe of how much he survived and how strong he became. He's the type of person that can get through anything life throws at him and coming out winning.
Garrett, hmm, I liked him too, just not as much as Dev. I know he went through a lot but still, he shouldn't have compared Dev with his ex just because they had the same illness. It's not like he chose it. I admit that I was a bit disappointed in him but I was happy that he got his head out his ass in the end and din't let an amazing guy like Dev get away from him.
I loved the characters so much. Dev is my favorite character and I'm in awe of how much he survived and how strong he became. He's the type of person that can get through anything life throws at him and coming out winning.
Garrett, hmm, I liked him too, just not as much as Dev. I know he went through a lot but still, he shouldn't have compared Dev with his ex just because they had the same illness. It's not like he chose it. I admit that I was a bit disappointed in him but I was happy that he got his head out his ass in the end and din't let an amazing guy like Dev get away from him.
November 20, 2017
I think my hearts was ripped out of my chest reading this book. Garrett and Dev were hot together. Garrett has had a hard time getting over his bi-polar ex boyfriend only to meet Dev. Dev also has bi-polar disorder that he has learned to live with and control. He assures Garrett he knows when to get help. Garrett tries but then uses it as an excuse to break things off with Dev.
I think Garrett suffers from what we all do, trusting someone with the damage another has left us with.
I wish I was better at reviews so I could put into better words how great and powerful this story was.
I think Garrett suffers from what we all do, trusting someone with the damage another has left us with.
I wish I was better at reviews so I could put into better words how great and powerful this story was.
January 31, 2018
This is a great book. Dev has turned a diagnosis of bipolar depression into a fulfilling life helping others. Garrett's failed relationship with someone who didn't handle a similar diagnosis as well, has made him leery of making mistakes with a new lover. The struggles both men have to deal with are very realistic. Garrett's back and forth tendencies with how he treats Dev are frustrating, but he has to work through his issues before he can be the boyfriend Dev deserves. Garrett's family and both men's friends make for a terrific support group. I enjoyed and appreciated this story.
January 27, 2018
Realistically portrayed
Mental illness is a tough subject to tackle, and I feel this was well done. I feel it realistically portrayed the relationship between Dev and Garrett - Dev’s hurt and Garrett’s inability to trust a fragile bond. Life is not all sunshine and puppies; sometimes it’s like drowning in quicksand. There was no quick fix, it took work to make their love take hold and grow roots. Well done to the author.
Mental illness is a tough subject to tackle, and I feel this was well done. I feel it realistically portrayed the relationship between Dev and Garrett - Dev’s hurt and Garrett’s inability to trust a fragile bond. Life is not all sunshine and puppies; sometimes it’s like drowning in quicksand. There was no quick fix, it took work to make their love take hold and grow roots. Well done to the author.
January 29, 2018
Beautiful story that takes you on an emotional roller coaster. Incredible storyline that is very well written and developed. The author did a wonderful job of explaining and dealing with the mental issues. Garrett and Dev are beautiful characters with an instant connection even though they didn't start seeing each other right away. Love watching their relationship develop throughout the book and they really complete each other.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
January 15, 2018
i have a lot of mixed feelings about this book, but not bad ones...it was very angsty, and for most of the book felt really bad for Dev, and one point wanted him to just be done with Garrett. i would def recommend this book, it was really well written and emotional.
February 3, 2018
OMGosh!!! I loved this story. First book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading many more. I'm not one to summarize books in reviews and I won't start now but I will say that these characters are so well written that you think of them as real people not as people in a story.
March 6, 2017
3.5 stars
I like stories that explore mental health issues. I thought I would be tearful and have "all the feels". I felt nothing. I just didn't get into the MCs themselves or with each other. The whole book, tbh, felt a bit contrived. Disappointed.
I like stories that explore mental health issues. I thought I would be tearful and have "all the feels". I felt nothing. I just didn't get into the MCs themselves or with each other. The whole book, tbh, felt a bit contrived. Disappointed.
September 20, 2016
Book: Unfinished
Author: JR Barten
Rating: 4.5 Stars
We all know how important discussing mental health is, we all know of the stigma that comes along with those diagnosis’s but what, in my opinion, is one of the other major factors that lends to that stigma is the lack of knowledge of mental health diagnosis along with the empathy that can come from truly understanding the effect it has on someone’s everyday life. Although the rarity of these types of stories being written in this genre is becoming less and less it is still rare enough. And Unfinished is one of those stories that opens up the door to that world and truly gives us a glimpse to what life with Bipolar Disorder is truly like; how it alters Dev’s everyday life and thoughts and how someone else having bipolar can affect our own lives like it did for Garrett.
I connected so much with Garrett from the first page to that last, he captured me. He struggles so much with the past and getting through hurts that he distances himself from friends and life in general. It's funny how the things we go through in life change how we handle our life and for Garrett he stopped being able to live spontaneously; life for him was now planned to the final detail. In some ways Garrett finds it safer to be the way he is than to change so when he meets and finally “hooks up” with Dev he never foresaw things needing to change because it was a one-night thing, casual. But life has a way of throwing in those wrenches when we least want them.
Dev..what can I say I loved him so much! He is this bad boy looking guy who drives a scooter and has a heart of gold. Although we know he is the one with the bipolar depression he is not the one that struggles the most in this book. Dav is outspoken, forward, funny, loving, and happy. He is also very aware of his limitations and his disease. Dev knows he is worthy of being loved and loving in return. This state of mind gets him through his everyday tough on the heart job and in dating Garrett.
I loved these two together. I think their personalities and life experiences played well off each other plus they were able to each give something to each other that encouraged the growth they needed. Although Garrett is the one in this story that really went through the most growth I do believe Dev learns from the experience as well. This is a beautifully written story that flows well and with the author's attention to detail all the dots are connected. All of the secondary characters were well developed and each played the part in the development of the story as they were meant; not one of them were there just as filler. Thank you for that JR! Oh by the way this cover? Gorgeous!
As someone with mental health diagnosis I truly love how the author handled this story with great understanding and empathy. I know I came out the better for going through Dev and Garrett’s journey. We can never truly understand what it’s like to live in the shoes of another without going through it ourselves but JR gives us a small sample of what it might be like.
Can we hope to maybe get Pierre’s story next?
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/ *
Author: JR Barten
Rating: 4.5 Stars
We all know how important discussing mental health is, we all know of the stigma that comes along with those diagnosis’s but what, in my opinion, is one of the other major factors that lends to that stigma is the lack of knowledge of mental health diagnosis along with the empathy that can come from truly understanding the effect it has on someone’s everyday life. Although the rarity of these types of stories being written in this genre is becoming less and less it is still rare enough. And Unfinished is one of those stories that opens up the door to that world and truly gives us a glimpse to what life with Bipolar Disorder is truly like; how it alters Dev’s everyday life and thoughts and how someone else having bipolar can affect our own lives like it did for Garrett.
I connected so much with Garrett from the first page to that last, he captured me. He struggles so much with the past and getting through hurts that he distances himself from friends and life in general. It's funny how the things we go through in life change how we handle our life and for Garrett he stopped being able to live spontaneously; life for him was now planned to the final detail. In some ways Garrett finds it safer to be the way he is than to change so when he meets and finally “hooks up” with Dev he never foresaw things needing to change because it was a one-night thing, casual. But life has a way of throwing in those wrenches when we least want them.
Dev..what can I say I loved him so much! He is this bad boy looking guy who drives a scooter and has a heart of gold. Although we know he is the one with the bipolar depression he is not the one that struggles the most in this book. Dav is outspoken, forward, funny, loving, and happy. He is also very aware of his limitations and his disease. Dev knows he is worthy of being loved and loving in return. This state of mind gets him through his everyday tough on the heart job and in dating Garrett.
I loved these two together. I think their personalities and life experiences played well off each other plus they were able to each give something to each other that encouraged the growth they needed. Although Garrett is the one in this story that really went through the most growth I do believe Dev learns from the experience as well. This is a beautifully written story that flows well and with the author's attention to detail all the dots are connected. All of the secondary characters were well developed and each played the part in the development of the story as they were meant; not one of them were there just as filler. Thank you for that JR! Oh by the way this cover? Gorgeous!
As someone with mental health diagnosis I truly love how the author handled this story with great understanding and empathy. I know I came out the better for going through Dev and Garrett’s journey. We can never truly understand what it’s like to live in the shoes of another without going through it ourselves but JR gives us a small sample of what it might be like.
Can we hope to maybe get Pierre’s story next?
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/ *
January 23, 2017
I loved the story of Garrett & Dev. They seem an unlikely couple, Garrett is a very shy, introverted man & Dev is full of life. After meeting at a tattoo shop Dev wants to pursue Garrett but Garrett backs away from the outspoken man. They meet again at a club & Garrett decides to give Dev a chance & what started as a hook up between the two begins to evolve into more.
As their relationship progresses they learn a little more about each other & Garrett learns about Dev's now well managed mental illness. Garrett had a previous boyfriend with mental illness that didn't end well & Dev's admission brings back some unwanted feelings for him.
My heart broke a little for Dev as Garrett tried to work through his issues.
This story has a bit of everything. It draws you into the lives of these men & has you wanting to cheer for them to work it out so they get the HEA they both deserve. I thought it was very well written with no editing issues or mistakes (this is a big thing for me as I seem to be seeing so many mistakes in the books I read lately).
I happily recommend.
As their relationship progresses they learn a little more about each other & Garrett learns about Dev's now well managed mental illness. Garrett had a previous boyfriend with mental illness that didn't end well & Dev's admission brings back some unwanted feelings for him.
My heart broke a little for Dev as Garrett tried to work through his issues.
This story has a bit of everything. It draws you into the lives of these men & has you wanting to cheer for them to work it out so they get the HEA they both deserve. I thought it was very well written with no editing issues or mistakes (this is a big thing for me as I seem to be seeing so many mistakes in the books I read lately).
I happily recommend.
September 18, 2016
I have to say this is a wonderful and beautiful book. The story between Garrett and Dev needed to be told from the beginning to end and the author accomplished the same in a way that I felt every word was what needed to be.
The significance of the semi-colon … the way they learned how to understand the past and move forward made sense … made their love complete … because Garrett and Dev knew deep inside their hearts they belong together.
The significance of the semi-colon … the way they learned how to understand the past and move forward made sense … made their love complete … because Garrett and Dev knew deep inside their hearts they belong together.
September 11, 2016
Intense, emotional, sometime brutal, honest, real and incredibly beautiful. I just had so many 'feels' roiling through me after I finished this that I couldn't get words to coagulate into sentences that would make sense for a review but just know that this book, while emotional and hard, was amazing and so worth it in the end.
January 22, 2017
Gritty, heart-pulling love story
Dev and Garrett are two interesting characters. The writer delves into psychological issues, past relationships and family issues to tell the reader a gritty, but heart-pulling love story. I couldn't wait to find out if they ended up happily ever after.
Dev and Garrett are two interesting characters. The writer delves into psychological issues, past relationships and family issues to tell the reader a gritty, but heart-pulling love story. I couldn't wait to find out if they ended up happily ever after.
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