Leçon numéro 3: Leçon de séduction, T3

Love Lessons #3

by Heidi Cullinan, Arnold Petit (Translator)

Grâce à l’aide discrète de sa riche famille, Sebastian Acker, dit « Baz », a réussi à tenir son passé douloureux à distance. Mais alors que la fin de ses études approche, ses amis – ceux qui forment sa petite bulle – se préparent à passer à autre chose, alors que sa vie à lui stagne. Cette solitude pesant sur lui, Baz se laisse aller et couche avec Elijah Prince, le type pour lequel il a pris une balle l’année précédente. Les conséquences de leur coup d’un soir laissent des fissures géantes dans l’armure soigneusement érigée de Baz. Et pour la première fois, cette perspective ne lui fait pas peur.

Habitué à échapper à ses démons en se retirant dans son imagination, Elijah n’a pas l’habitude d’être entouré par un cercle d’amis épanouis. Et il est encore moins à l’aise avec l’idée d’être l’objet des affections d’un playboy notoire, même si tous les signes semblent indiquer que cette fois-ci, le bonheur pourrait être à sa portée. Lorsque la mère de Baz présente sa candidature à une fonction publique très prisée, les médias s’empressent de faire la lumière sur le passé de Baz et d’Elijah. Sous les spots aveuglants des projecteurs, ils font face à l’épreuve ultime : découvrir s’ils sont plus forts ensembles... ou séparément.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, College, Audiobook, Disability

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2015

About the author

Author of over thirty novels, Midwest-native Heidi Cullinan writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because they believe there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. Heidi’s books have been recommended by Library Journal, USA Today, RT Magazine, and Publishers Weekly. When Heidi isn’t writing, they enjoy gaming, reading manga, manhua, and danmei, playing with cats, and watching too much anime.

Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We have different curses. We have to undo our own spells.”

If you do nothing else today, go watch RuPaul’s “Sissy That Walk” video so when you get to THAT scene in the book, you’ll cheer even louder.



This is the grittiest of the three Love Lessons books. The series begins with cocky Walter, sweet Kelly, and princess glitter. In the second book, Aaron struggles with his cold, manipulative father, but he has Giles and his wonderful family to take him in.

Elijah has no one. Or so he believes.

Both Elijah and Baz are damaged and fragile, Baz physically as well as emotionally. Abused by his parents, Elijah has never trusted that anyone would love him, that anyone would stay.



Having gone through more at age 16 than most people go through in a lifetime, Baz puts on his shades and plasters on a wide grin. It's how he keeps out the light. And the world.

The more Baz cares about somebody the more he pushes them away.

[Baz] didn’t panic. Okay, he panicked a little. But not because it freaked him out to be close. Because he’d found a new terror—the acknowledgement he wanted something to stay.

What starts off as steamy, dirty sex in the backseat of a Tesla evolves into a strong, REAL relationship.

But, damn, it’s not easy.

At one point, Baz is all in, but Elijah keeps up his walls; he doesn’t think anyone wants to “date this mess.”

“All I know is I don’t want to stop being with you once we go back.” Baz rested a hand on Elijah’s hair and threaded his fingers hesitantly. “I get tired of being alone. I think you do too. We could be alone together, instead.”

Elijah’s parents are beyond redemption, but there’s hope for Baz’s politically minded, wealthy mother. When she brings a veritable shit storm upon the White House and her son, everyone bonds together to keep Baz and Elijah safe.

The spirit of camaraderie and friendship is strong in this story. I loved visiting with Kelly and Walter, Giles and Aaron … even Ed and Laurie from Dance With Me.

We also meet a new character, Lewis, desperately wanting to live as Lejla. The author does a great job introducing a transgender character and showing the genuine day-to-day battles of individuals struggling with their gender identity.

“Survival is worth whatever you wish it to be. It’s not a burden to navigate. It’s a laurel to wear.”

The truths in this book: real friends may leave, but they always come back; healing takes time, patience ... and deep-dish pizza; there's nothing quite like getting down and dirty in a Tesla; everyone has a drag queen inside them; sugar cookies won't solve all your problems, but they help a great deal; we're always our own villains in the end.




I just got approved for this ARC!



This books is now on my Kindle.

On my Kindle, people. ON. MY. KINDLE.



ohmyfuckinggod

*dies*

[☆ Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I completely connected with and absolutely love the first half of this story.

It was fully of feels and genuine connecting as Baz and Elijah began doing a dance of flirting, avoidance, then more.

The story begins as the entire gang is still at Walter and Kelly's "Big Gay Wedding", with even more in-depth description of how the entire event was a bit Disney Showgirls on Steroids.

Not my thing, so imagine a lot of eye rolling. Or possibly just one long, continuous mutli-chapter eye roll for that.

But at the wedding, in spite of himself, Baz can't stay away from Elijah, which leads to a moon roof blow job and the continued defiling of Baz's very sweet, futuristic Tesla.

Then nada. Baz ignores Elijah for the next month, like he's not even in the same room with him.

But when Baz needs to conjure up a fake boyfriend for a gala fundraiser for his mother's political campaign, Baz only truly wants one person for the job. Elijah.

And Elijah eventually, reluctantly and against his better judgement, agrees to play along.

The remainder of the first half of the book is amazing, as Baz and Elijah begin showing one another their true selves. Opening up and entrusting one another with their fears. All of that was great and right up my alley.

However, once they decided to drop the "fake" part and move forward with only the "boyfriends" title, the book took a decidedly left turn away from "Baz and Elijah".

The story began concentrating more on "Baz and his problems" and "Elijah and his problems," separately, which took a lot of the enjoyment out of the last half of the book for me.

Hello, this is Baz and Elijah we're talking about. They fight, they yell, they scream, they snark, but in the first half of the book, they did all of that together.

My main issue was that once these two highly-volatile characters decided to date, it was as if there were no problems between the two of them, at all. Again, this is Baz and Elijah we're talking about, so that wasn't very realistic to me.

Instead, other than a few insecurities, Baz and Elijah were pretty much smooth sailing as far as their coupledom went.

We do find out more insight into what makes Baz and Elijah tick in the second half; however, we mostly got political and parental headaches for Baz, web-based slander for Elijah, repeated anime movie references from both and a new transgender friend thrown into the mix (maybe because it's a 'hot topic' today, not exactly sure?)

All that came across more as 'foreground noise' in front of the Baz and Elijah love story, so it wasn't really where I expected, or wanted, the story to go, which left me a bit disappointed.

Much like the Baz and Elijah 'feels', the first half of the book was also packed with smoking hot, dirty sex, but the last half of the book was much less sexy, allotting those pages to external dramatics.

Book 3 had significantly less singing than book 2, for which I was immensely grateful, but I'd have to say that book 1 was still my overall favorite of the series thus far.

All that being said, I did still enjoy the story, so I'm giving it 4 *I-know-where-you-keep-your-heart* stars overall.

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

------------------------------------------

** NOTE:

A lot of this book is heavy with pop cultural references essential to connecting with the story's themes, so If you want a several parts of the book to actually have much meaning, you might first want to:

1.) Watch the anime movie "Howl's Moving Castle."

2.) Watch several of RuPaul's latest videos, including "Sissy that Walk."

3.) Watch some of Maino's latest videos, just to get an idea of the feeling behind his music.

------------------------------------------

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series of Heidi's is a tricky one for me. I really want to love each book, but I always have some stumbling blocks that make me pull back on my ratings.

I was pretty much dying for this book before it came out. I mean, BAZ AND ELIJAH!! So much angst, so much sexual tension, so much POTENTIAL! My rich, dreamy, cool guy gets it on with my angst-ball kinky sex snark-monster... le sigh. But while parts of this book were pretty awesome, I also didn't enjoy other parts of it.

I'll start with some good stuff. Baz and Elijah don't skimp on the personality or the emotions. I mean, the FEELZ in this one... just off the charts. I really got a sense of Elijah's feeling of loneliness (hence the title, duh), guilt, and anguish from all that he's been through. I liked the fact that he was skittish and afraid, especially around Baz. Baz was also great as the reformed player struggling to find his place and path, and also trying to come back from some pretty serious physical and psychological injuries. Really interesting, well thought-out stuff here.

So what's my beef? Well, for one thing, I found this book to be overly long and somewhat preachy-feeling. The preachiness is something that I've come to expect with this series. A lot of heavy-handedness with the messages of openmindedness, which is a great message, to be sure (!), but it gets a little after-school-special after a while. As far as pacing, the story really dragged towards the end for me, and I struggled a bit to pick it up again. This book took me DAYS to read, which isn't ever a great sign.

Also, there were too many side characters for my liking. I like a lot of focus on my MCs and this book felt spread too thin. The side characters get a ton of playtime, and while I like visiting with characters from previous books of Heidi's, I really want to get to know the two MCs more and I sort of want to ditch the distractions.

While this book was good, and I'm sure it will please most Heidi fans, it wasn't the Elijah-Baz explosion of awesome that I was looking for.

**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

[* Meli Mel * · Rating 4 out of 5]

♥ ♥ ♥ 4 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

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"Being with you, taking care of you, fills up my holes. I don't want to stop."

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This book picks up where the last one left off, at Walter and Kelly's "Big Gay Disney Wedding"--which was totally them. Baz and Elijah are attending the wedding and this is where Baz can't seem to stop staring at Elijah. He wants to get closer as the tension bulids with each second. They end up having a smoking hot night in Baz's Tesla. But like Baz always does after sex, he pushes people away, and that is exactly what he does to Elijah. Elijah becomes upset, he knew there wasn't going to be more to their relationship but he never expected to get the cold shoulder. After everything Elijah has been through, he feels more lonelier than before. He hates that he cares about Baz's attitude but it does.





Later on, Baz is in need of a date for a fundraiser his wealthy political mother is organizing and it is important he brings a date. His mother was more than willing to find him one, be he decided to lie and say he had a boyfriend. He didn't know who to ask, so he decided Elijah was the right candidate. Elijah is over being used but after some coaxing he finally relents and goes with Baz. After pretending to be boyfriends that weekend, something happens between them. Neither of them wants it to be over. This is where a real relationship blooms between them.

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"In the moment I felt the most scared and alone, helpless because there was no escape--there you were. Literally saving my life. Not because you wanted something from me or because we were friends. After years of being told I wasn't worthy to be saved by the people who were supposed to love everyone unconditionally, the coolest guy on campus rescued me because it was the right thing to do."

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

These characters are both broken in their own way, and both feel alone, except Elijah really is because he has no one. Elijah has a hard time trusting people. While Baz's disability sometimes gets in the way of feeling normal, which makes him feel not worthy. But together they both felt whole and so much more. Baz helps bring Elijah out of his shell more and to accept that people care about him. Elijah challenges Baz and teaches him that he is perfect the way he is. I loved watching these two grow in love together. I was addicted to them. Baz was a total flirt, while Elijah was more reserved but sassy. I was so happy with how well I connected to them. I felt for Elijah's upbringing that made me a whole lot emotional, and then to learn what happened to Baz, I was so upset. I was so glad they found each other because they were actually perfect for one another.

Another thing I really liked was that once Baz made up his mind that Elijah was all he wanted, he didn't let anything get in the way of breaking them up. And there was one part in particular where it could of happened, I'm just glad Baz finally stood his ground. I was also really happy to see Walter, Kelly, Giles, and Aaron were still a part of this story, as well as the rest of the gang with some new members, one being Lewis/Lejla--whom I really loved. I loved all the references made throughout the book because it made the story that much more cuter and interesting.

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"I know where you keep your heart, Sebastian."

"Yes." He pressed the flat of his hand over the fluttering organ inside Elijah's chest. "It's right here."

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Overall, I really liked this one. I loved both characters and I loved seeing them fall for each other and slowly picking up their broken pieces to become whole. I loved the awesome secondary characters that really added so much to the story. I loved the story line, there were some emotional parts, as well as a little bit of drama, but very little to no angst. The ending was crazy over the top fun and enjoyable. I had a big grin reading that part. This series has become known for being quite cheesy, and this book had plenty as well, which didn't bother me because I felt like it really worked. That ending really left me smiling and I couldn't have been more satisfied with their ending. I totally recommend this series. If you haven't checked it out you should.

[Kaje Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has tugged at the heartstrings with every instalment. Now we get the story of the most broken boys in the group - Baz, who has chronic health issues since a gay-bashing when he was a teen, and Elijah, whose oppressively-Christian parents ended the last book in a drama of violence and insanity.

These guys are both interesting characters. Elijah is trying to reclaim the independence that he has fought so hard for. Living on the streets almost killed him. Pretending to be Born Again, so his parents wouldn't throw him back out, was a shitty answer to his problems. But letting a bunch of people take care of him now, because he thinks they feel sorry for him, is smothering and hard to deal with too. And after having used sex for survival, Elijah's reflexes of when and why to sleep with someone are pretty screwed up. He's interested in Baz - they have some seriously hot chemistry - but Baz's own issues on top of Elijah's could well torpedo their relationship. He needs to figure out how to be a real boy, before becoming half of a couple makes sense.

Baz blows very hot and cold at first. The reader learns that his backstory gives him a strong reason to be wary of getting close to another guy, and his health issues, with photophobia and chronic pain and headaches, are a serious and constant limitation. Baz's parents give him things rather than time. And despite having good friends, Baz is pretty lonely. But he still has to fight his conviction that a guy with Elijah's history might be better off without someone as screwed up as Baz.

I liked the way both guys had to battle negative inner voices. They both had a kind of brittle, fragile strength, as if they were almost at their limits for survival. They made sense together. They shared fears and flash-backs, and pot and Xanax, and sex. It was a rough road toward love.

It was fun seeing characters from other books appear, particularly Ed and Laurie. But despite enjoying catching up with them all, I felt like the ensemble cast was a bit big and positive and musical. The number of supporting characters, and the heavy use of animé and movie references, diluted the main character emotions for me a little. The guys had so much support from so many quarters, and the ending was so uniformly upbeat, that I didn't get quite sucked into the guys' feels the way I was looking for.

Still a smooth, well-written, angsty, feel-good story in a favorite series. I'll be looking forward to the next instalment.

[Amina · Rating 4 out of 5]

✰ 3.75 stars ✰

“How about we be Baz and Elijah, together forever?”

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Maybe it was their individual group of friends - from Marius to Walter that staked their claim in providing the most heartfelt comfort. 🌸 Maybe it was the intense chemistry between skinny and awkward über-twink sophomore Elijah and dark, delicious​ Baz with his haunting cryptic past. Maybe it was the way they danced into each other's lives and protected each other through thick and thin. 🩶 'Anyone laughs at you, I’ll tear them apart.' Maybe it was the Studio Ghibli allusions that made their relationship all the more magical. Maybe it was because the political agenda was toned down a notch to be slightly bearable. Maybe it was just a part of me that was so visibly moved and touched to see two Lonely Hearts find one another in the midst of absolute darkness.​ 🤍

All I can say is that Heidi Cullinan sold me Baz and Elijah's romance and I bought it.​ 💸💸

“You’re the Prince of my heart.”

“Why?” Elijah asked at last, in a rough whisper. “I’m so fucked up. Why would you want me?”

“Because you don’t look at me the way anyone else​ does. You act as if I’m a real person.”

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Nay, I didn't just buy it. I ate it, gobbled it up, highlighted more quotes than ever - picking just a select few was the most difficult thing I had to do all week because there were so many that I liked! 🌟​ My heart swooned to see these two broken souls how their pain was reflected in each other - longing for a special kind of love - each trying to break a curse that prevented them from wanting and believing that they deserve happiness, despite the mess they both are. 'You’re so much fucking work. So. Much.' There was something so achingly poetic in how they tore down each other's walls - buried their heartache in harmful yet understanding ways.​ 💞🫂

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I enjoyed their playful yet achingly yearning banter, their passionate yet so sincere confessions that gnawed at my soul. 'This was…tender. Aching. Perfect. Mind-bendingly​ dangerous.'. 🥺​ I can't even begin to find the words to describe the pantry scene, uff, the pantry scene!!! *deep breath* There were a lot of sexy times, really hot times, but none of them compared to the genteel touch that was the pantry scene - not the kinky Black Butler role-play, not the panic attack comfort, not the bathroom moment - not their Tesla heart-to-heart​. *paws air like a hungry cat*​

“Hush, Sophie. You’re beautiful.”
“Don’t eat my heart, Howl.”
“Never,” Baz vowed, sealing the promise with a kiss.

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I --- I feel guilty thinking that it's because of Baz's physical defect that makes their relationship all the more endearing, but it was more than just that. It was the way Elijah saw Baz in the most intimate and vulnerable state that he knows with absolute certainty not anyone will ever have the chance to see him this unadulterated - this pure, this free of guilt of being unable to save him back then. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹​ 'He already ached for Baz, had since forever.' It was so beautiful and heart-wrenching those scenes in the red light, where Baz convinces Elijah that his feelings are real, loved him for his mouthy bratty self, cared for him when he's laying himself entirely bare with the absolute trust and confidence that he'll have his back - to believe in what he's offering him.

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I didn't even mind all the drama llama with Baz's mother, or Elijah's traumatic past catching up to the media frenzy, or the moments of bonding that sometimes makes me cringe at how touchy-feely it is - don't ask me to explain it, I honestly can't​ at how it was sweet, and it wrapped the moment in safety and softness - a gentle warmth that neither ever wanted to end.​ 🥺 When Elijah's so fearful and doubtful that Baz's feelings are genuine, how he gently convinces him to stay - to trust in what they have... and when he sees his eyes!!! Ah, each time he looked straight into those brown irises, I was a puddle of feels... Gone, sayonara, can't find me through the tears.​ 🥹🥹

“Elijah thought he was going to cry. He set his teeth. “Stop it. You don’t even like me.”

In reply, Baz pressed Elijah’s hand to his mouth, but didn’t kiss it. Only held on to it as if it were the only thing anchoring him to earth.”



​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Due to their shared painful past, it does make Elijah uncertain of how real ​Baz's feelings are; but you can't fake those emotions.​ 🙂‍↔️ And the romantic in me was dancing the happy jig that made me root for them - hope that they would make it past all the distractions and problems standing in their way. They were definitely the couple with the steamiest of shenanigans; and honestly, not complaining, because it was ​ *fans self* 🫠❤️‍🩹

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Still​, it wouldn't be a Heidi C. novel without the political nightmare, but since it felt more grounded and kinda ended on a high note​. Haha, okay, you have to read it to get the jok​e. 😏 I wasn't too annoyed by it since the message really struck a nerve and one we definitely need to pay attention to - for 'when we face adversity together, we can overcome almost anything.' It's never too late, and if it takes for a little magical music numbers to have people realize that, then why not?​ 🤜🏻🤛🏻

“I’ll keep your heart safe, Baz. As best I can, for as long as you’ll let me.”

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ And yes, the cheese came on​ extra thick in the epilogue, but I am ashamed to admit that every comment uttered was highlighted by me. It was too swoon-worthy not to, despite how it was led up to it​. 🥰 So if I'm a hypocrite for loving it, despite my usual complaints, then I'm not at all sorry about it this time around.​ 🧀🫶🏻

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at Sinfully...Addicted to All Male Romance.

4.5 stars

This series has gotten better with each book. I’ll admit to having a soft spot for lost and broken boys and both Elijah and Baz fit that bill.

Rich kid Baz is physically and emotionally scarred, the result of a gay bashing nearly ten years earlier. He over medicates and tries to keep everyone, especially Elijah, at arm’s length by acting like an ass. Baz is slowly losing that battle however, as his overwhelming need to protect Elijah grows. Baz feels detached from his parents and now his friends are graduating without him. Baz realizes he has been avoiding moving forward and wonders what he could possibly do with his future as once again, the people he cares about are leaving him.

Elijah uses caustic remarks to keep people from getting close. His time on the streets and the aftershocks of his father’s attempt to kill him have left him suffering from panic attacks and unable to lose himself in his writing as he once did. As his friends rally around him, Elijah finds it hard to accept their help and feels more unworthy and alone than ever.

Although Baz and Elijah have a history, Baz has done his best to avoid Elijah, while still keeping a very close eye on him. This ends when the two have some hot, dirty, drug and booze fueled sex in Baz’s car at Walter and Kelly’s Disney Princess wedding. Much to Elijah’s disappointment afterwards, Baz again shuts Elijah out and Elijah withdraws further from the friends and house he is supposed to be moving into when school begins. Baz can’t keep away this time and talks Elijah into taking a road trip to Chicago and acting as boyfriends while they attend a fund raiser that will kick off his mother’s political campaign. As their attraction grows and Baz becomes determined to have Elijah as his real boyfriend, so do the complications, but the two are more alike than they ever expected which works both for and against them.

[Elijah] lifted his face to Baz’s gaze. “Why me?”
Baz hesitated. Eventually he sighed, and Elijah could practically see the walls coming down. “Because you don’t look at me the way anyone else does. You act as if I’m a real person.”

Heidi Cullinan has a wonderful way of dealing with serious issues, keeping them in the forefront without overwhelming the story. Although I know she always guarantees a happy ending, there were times where I was wondering if Baz and Elijah were destined for a “Sid and Nancy” disaster (but I have to admit their under the influence sex was scorching). The characters feel real and regardless of the fact that both Baz and Elijah have been through more than most people go through in an entire lifetime, what they want more than anything is just having someone they can be open and vulnerable with and who will be there when they need to fall apart. They will deny it, fight it and even self-sabotage it, but in the end you know it will be beautiful.

“…I don’t want to be alone.” [Elijah] sagged. “But I think maybe I have to be. Even in a crowd of people, my heart will always ache.”
The statement resonated in the furthest hollows of Baz’s soul. “Then we’ll be lonely hearts together.”

The story is not all heavy angst and emotional upheaval. There is Walter and Kelly’s over the top wedding, a road trip, movie marathons, drag performances, pop culture and fandom references, some musical numbers, lots of sugar cookies and a happy ending that will make you smile. Baz and Elijah are perfect matches for each other. I can’t decide what I liked better, the quiet, tender moments where the two men let down their walls or the dirty talking, slightly kinky, times.

As if the main story alone isn’t enough, we are introduced to another amazing secondary character in Elijah’s co-worker Lewis/Lejla, who I dare you not to fall in love with. Pastor Schultz and his wife are a grounding force for both Baz and Elijah and all the characters from the previous two books are back to add support along with two fan favorites from another one of Heidi’s books that are woven into the story perfectly (although she’s discussed their appearance in the story in other interviews, I won’t spoil it here).

This installment of the series was more character driven than the others, without as much outside drama. Although enough background is given so you could read this as a standalone, I would strongly recommend reading Fever Pitch first. Baz and Elijah both have big roles and Elijah’s backstory with his parents plays out there, so I think their story arcs would be so much more satisfying, especially those times when Baz takes off his glasses and just lets Elijah take care of him and Elijah embraces the family he has found at the White House and St. Timothy’s.



Check out my blog tour interview with Heidi Cullinan at Sinfully...Addicted to All Male Romance where you can enter to win a Lonely Hearts prize pack and find out which of the many kinky scenes in her books is her favorite. (Hint: you'll find it in Lonely Hearts!)

[Heidi Cullinan]

Hey, you awesome Goodreads reviewing people. Do you want an quote meme image for your review or Facebook or Twitter or something but don't know how to make one? Or just don't feel like doing it this time? Here, I helped you out.

http://www.heidicullinan.com/LonleyHe...

Use whatever you like! There are other images on that page too:

Cover images/etc: http://www.heidicullinan.com/LonleyHe...
Characters: http://www.heidicullinan.com/LonleyHe...

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never know how to review a book from an author I consider one of my favorites and possibly my most favorite. Heidi Cullinan, she just does it for me. She puts my heart through the wringer, hits on the best music and pop culture references as well as movies and shows (thank you for the Black Butler by the way, I am now hooked on Sebastian and Ciel), she gets down and dirty with sex and then there are the emotions - they are the best part because though the sex is hot, what the hell is romance or life even without the emotions? They. Are. Everything.

So having a personal connection to the first books in the story – with Walter and then way too close to home with Aaron – it was a nice change of pace for me to be ready for Baz and Elijah and just read and fall in love. Oh boy did I ever read and fall in love with these two. Knowing bits about them from Fever Pitch and then having this begin where that ended? It was perfect and though I read Fever Pitch last year, everything came flooding back to my mind and heart in vivid detail.

I am a mess of the best kind right now. Completely drunk and sated from this story about two very lonely hearts finding their way to the one who gives them strength and purpose. To say I fell hard for Baz and Elijah would be like saying I kinda like a cup of coffee in the morning when in fact I have three. They were so perfect in their broken ways and who doesn’t love a broken boy becoming vulnerable to the one they love? I mean, come on.

I was prepared for major angst in this but honestly, though there was some, this was just a pure pleasure to read. Sure, there is shit that comes up they have to deal with and there are some majorly intense themes throughout the story that are dealt with but at the heart of this, it was gorgeous and uplifting without having to drag you down first. Not that the others did, but the tears I shed in this were more overwhelming of the good emotions than that of needing to self-medicate myself to continue reading.

Ugh. I am getting off on ramble which is normal for me and totally par for the course when it comes to Heidi’s books.

There is a great surprise in here, that isn’t much of a surprise if you follow Heidi on Twitter and seeing him and his husband again was the best gift. And no, not Walter and Kelly though of course those two are here and just as delicious as ever. But these two, a small gem of a gift for those who read all Ms. Cullinan writes… I love how they show up and blended in with the few family in the White House of Saint Timothy and how happy they still are together. Pure bliss having them along on this ride, pure gorgeous bliss and I think I need to read their story again.

So, have a said anything about this book? Broken boys finding strength and love. Fantastic music. Total geek fest for me with the Howl’s Moving Castle, which I admit to watching at least ten times with my sons after it was mentioned many months ago, it would be a point in this as well as the mention of my beloved Ponyo. Family dynamics from those who are blood related and those who become your family by choice, both yours and theirs. A new character who I really hope gets a book because they deserve an HEA the way Heidi can give an HEA and just… this was everything. I knew it would be and yet it was so much more. So much more and I am going to go stare off at nothing and remember the best parts, which start at the first page and ends with the last.

Yeah. This was good. How could it not be?

OH! and let me say a huge freaking fracking thank you to Samhain for making this book, or at least the ARC version I got end at 99%!! I needed every damn word of this story.

[Mare SLiTsReaD Reviews]

ELIJAH!!!!! OMG!!! ITS ELIJAH.

IM SO GOING TO SLEEP UNTIL THIS BOOK COMES OUT....

BE STILL MY HEART. BE STILL

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can these series become more perfect? What a fabulous book!!!

[Meags · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

The more I read of this series, the greater my love grows. The feels are strong and all of the characters are beautifully developed.

Simply put, I love everything about this series.

Can't wait to see what happens next with the gang!

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much more than I did Fever Pitch but not nearly as much as Love Lessons. I was very anxious for Baz’s story, not Elijah’s as much, but I knew they were a pair so I guess I was anxious for him too. Well, add into that the fact that we got a lot of him in Fever, I guess I was at least curious.

These books are such a combination of everything. They are fun but deal with some serious shit. They are romantic but also hot as Hell. Mostly though they are a bit over the top but the author makes it work. They always kind of just leave me feeling really, really good.

They also have me looking a lot of stuff up. Music, movies, etc.

There was some stuff in this that pushed my boundaries but just when I thought it was going to ruin some of the book for me it was addressed and I was able to move on through it. That doesn’t mean I liked it but I kind of got it and was happy to see how it was dealt with and really just happy it was dealt with period.

I wish there had been just a tad more talking between Baz and Elijah instead of us just getting their inner thoughts. There were so many times I screamed out loud TELL HIM! I think it worked for them though.

Overall I have really enjoyed this series and am anxious for more.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome from beginning to end. The best in the series for me (which is saying a lot after Fever Pitch). I loved every dirty, funny, heart breakingly beautiful moment of it. The story picks up shortly after the events in book two. Baz and Elijah are both feeling like they are on the sidelines of the rest of the crowd. Everyone else is happy and they are not. Both of them are lonely and emotionally isolated. At Walter and Kelly's wedding they decide to stop fighting their attraction to each other and to soak up some momentary affection. Of course this freaks them both out and of course Baz runs.

They don't run for long though and one of the things I really liked about this book compared to the previous two is that this couple was together most of the book. They're struggling with how to have a relationship and they're working through their many insecurities but they do it together. Both of these MC's were well written and engaging. I wanted a happily ever after for them so badly as I read this. And Baz. Wow, everyone should have their own Baz.

This was really well done and I couldn't put it down. I admit I am a fan of this author anyways and I really enjoyed the previous books in the series but this may be my favorite work of hers. This story was perfection. It was full of emotions, it was funny and the sexy times were off the charts hot. All of the side characters we've gotten to know from previous books were there and they had some touching moments as they supported Elijah and Baz. There was some carry over of the music theme from the last book and those moments carried the same magic as they did in Fever Pitch.

Again, I loved this book. This book can be read as a stand alone if you have not read the rest of the series. You would have a much better idea of who Baz and Elijah are and what issues they've gone through though if you read Fever Pitch first and I recommend that you do that. Hurry though because you want to scoop this book up the day it comes out. It's that good.

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

I have to say that what I like so much about this series are the feels. Such deep feels.

Both MC's avoid attachments to circumvent inevitable disappointment. Elijah dares not hope for any kind of happiness lest it be taken away from him. He feels undeserving, unworthy. In turn, Baz is burdened by guilt and has not moved on from his past. He's used to holding others at arms length. However, on a lark they forge an agreement and it surprisingly opens their eyes and hearts, making them fiercely protective of the other as outside forces conspire to keep them apart.

What I adore too and what I whole heartedly continue to appreciate, is the minimal drama that this could so easily devolve into. That's not to say this doesn't have tough topics, emotional ups and downs, and plenty of obstacles to overcome… but the other shoe never drops and that's refreshing.

So it all started with Love Lessons as simply a fantastic, smexy love story between two young adults in college. However it has slowly morphed into something so much more. Don't worry - the hot quotient continues to run high, but these characters have branched out, formed an unconventional family and continue to bring new members into their fold. As they face some formidable challenges, they do it with grit, loyalty and love. Of course this is fiction and we expect a happy ending. Though it may seem just a bit fairy tale in its resolutions, the extraordinary trials and pain they all overcome, is no less impactful because of it.


Thank you Meags for reading with me - looks like this series is not over yet! More adventures await!

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

Definitely my favorite of the three! Idk something about these two tortured boys finding love with each other just did it for me.

I can’t wait to read their novella!!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Heidi Cullinan's writing.

When I was approved for an ARC of this book (thank you, Samhain), I did the happy dance and started reading.

Yeah, there are some pop culture references within that required context, like Howl's Moving Castle, but even though I may not have been familiar with that book and movie, it didn't distract nor deter from the story in this 3rd installment of the Love Lessons series.

Aptly named, too, this series. Much like Walter had to learn that lesson in the first book, and Giles and Aaron in the 2nd one, book 3 gives Baz (he with the constant sun glasses) and Elijah (he with the religious nuts for parents) a chance to learn what love is all about for themselves.

Because, trust me, they needed to learn. Both of them are a hot mess in their own way.

The book starts with Kelly and Walter's wedding, which all their friends attend, including Elijah and Baz, with Disney and glitter galore, and a performance by the Ambassadors, after which Baz and Elijah sneak off to Baz's Tesla for a bit of drugs, alcohol and sex.

As a matter of fact, while this series is generally sweeter than Heidi's other books, the sex in Lonely Hearts is pretty raunchy. But both Baz and Elijah have seen more crap in their young lives than anyone should, so I wasn't expecting bubblegum pop and unicorns.

Both of them are damaged. We saw some of that damage in Fever Pitch, but the extent of Elijah's fucked-up parents is only fully coming out in this book. The same goes for Baz - of two of them, he's actually the more fragile, not only physically, but certainly emotionally. When he shares his story with Elijah, I cried. The fact that he survived THAT is a double-edged sword for him. Not only is there survivor guilt eating at him, but also the aftermath of it, of having to carry that burden of expectations, because he's the one who lived. While he pushes everyone away, with an easy smile and the ever-present shades, afraid to love, unwilling to let anyone see the real him, he doesn't question though is that he himself is loved.

Elijah on the other hand doesn't believe anyone will ever love him, nor will anyone stay if he doesn't meet their expectations. Prescription pills his drug of choice, numbing his pain with those and alcohol, he has closed himself off from everyone, even Aaron and Giles. After the incident at the end of Fever Pitch, Elijah has been living with the school pastor and his wife, both of whom are wonderful, amazing, kind people, and going to classes paid for by the growing "Elijah Prince" fund, donations from all kinds of people, and someone I suspected early on was adding larger chunks. He trusts no one completely, not even the pastor's wife, who becomes more of a mother to Elijah than his own ever was, and he certainly doesn't trust Baz. No, the walls are up, they're high, and nobody's gonna get into that particular castle.

But love wins, and neither Baz nor Elijah are immune in the end.

Dirty, hot sex turns into a real romance, a relationship, both of them scared to let it happen, but neither strong enough to make it stop.

I loved almost all the supporting characters, especially the pastor's wife, loved that we got to visit with Aaron and Giles, Mina, Walter and Kelly, everyone at the "White House", and I loved that Heidi introduced Lewis/Lejla, a trans character who will hopefully get her own book.

I strongly disliked Baz's mother. The crap she unleashed on him, with her machinations, was not doing her any favors in the "me-likey" department, and she seriously pissed me off. Until she redeems herself somewhat, though I wasn't mollified, only less irritated.

Both of these young men go through a lot, but also really grow into themselves throughout this book. That's the kind of thing I like to see, and Heidi, as usual, didn't disappoint. Yeah, there's pain, there's hurt, there were tears, but I knew they were in love before they would even admit it to themselves.

A brilliant 3rd installment, one I had been looking forward to, and I devoured it.

Highly recommended.


** I received a free copy from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return. **

[Maja (The Nocturnal Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Heidi Cullinan’s Love Lessons series is the only new adult contemporary series I’ve ever liked. That may be a bold and unusual starting sentence, but it’s sincere. I’m not much of a NA reader and I never was, but if there’s an author out there who has the power to turn me into an avid fan, it’s the amazing Ms. Cullinan.

Love Lessons, Fever Pitch and now Lonely Hearts, one gorgeous, heartbreaking story after another, show us that Heidi is more than just a romance writer, she is a true connoisseur of human souls with such a profound understanding of our nature, all our little hurts and pains and fully capable of giving our fears names and faces we can relate to.

We met Baz and Elijah in Pitch Perfect, where enough of their story was given to make us understand what lies ahead. After spending his early teens on the streets, selling his body to survive, Elijah went back home ready to say whatever his extremely religious parents wanted to hear in order to accept him back. He then went through conversion therapy and played their tune for years until the situation escalated and left him free, but deeply traumatized. Baz is a bit more mysterious, but no less damaged, both physically and spiritually. He comes from very different circumstances - his family is political royalty, and insanely rich, which only means that his problems need to be handled under the spotlight. Elijah is hardly a good boyfriend for the senator’s nephew and the future senator’s son. But Elijah is hardly a good boyfriend for anybody, nor does he want to be.

I knew from meeting them in Pitch Perfect that these two would break my heart and they did, many, many times. But they also both surprised me with their maturity, their quirks and their overwhelming love for each other. I had high expectations from this book and they were met, but at the same time, it was completely different from what I expected to read. Better in many ways, but different.

Sebastian’s seemingly easygoing nature and Elijah’s endless cynicism might look incongruous on the surface, but they really are perfect for each other. Baz softens some of Elijah’s sharp edges (although not all, never all), and Elijah constantly shows Baz that he can come first to somebody, that he can be loved unconditionally. The two of them heal together, slowly, gradually, painfully, and with lots of understanding.

Heidi Cullinan is one of those rare few authors who constantly teach us new things and crush stereotypes into nothing. She goes beyond expectations with her stories and her characters. Lonely Hearts is a confirmation of her talents, not that a confirmation was needed at this point, and I’m so happy this series and this group of friends will give us more stories in the future.

[Ele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wil be short.

Like Todd said in his review, I absolutely loved and connected to the first part of the book . I loved the chemistry between Baz and Elijah and I liked them as individuals all the same. Elijah was a very intriguing character in the second book, closed off and mysterious, almost creepy and inhuman. It was a fun ride watching him lose all that cover, let others help him and fall in love. Same thing with Baz, I liked being inside his head, it explained a lot of things about him and his previous behaviour.

I liked less the second part of the book, after the political drama with Baz's mom. I also felt that the relationship progressed maybe too fast from fake to real and I'd like to see them working things out in their relationship instead of trying to deal with all this external political crap.

And another niggle, I believe Elijah needed therapy. I agree that medication treatment was not a good idea for him, but I found odd that the doctor only suggested alternative lifestyle like vegan and paleo (which is helpful of course, I'm not saying it isn't), but didn't suggest actual psychological therapy.

So all these took some of my enjoyment out but overall, this was a good read.

Favorite moments:
-The pantry scene.
-The Tesla scene, because...so freaking hot.
-Lewis/Leijla moments.
-Baz going all matcho and pissing a circle around Lewis/Leijla leving the bully speechless.
-Baz taking advantage of Elijah's exhibitionist kink.
-The comeback of Ed and Laurie from Dance With Me
-"Sissy that walk" scene.

So, this was great but book 2 is still my favorite.

Hmm..not that short after all.

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely lovely series, even better in audio performed by Iggy Toma. It took awhile to gear up for Baz's story, but I'm glad I finally did it.
Unique and beautifully written, a truly special series.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I was pretty into this book at first, even though I didn't like Baz or Elijah very much. I got why they were the way they were, but I still disliked all the casual drug use and the asshole-ishness. That's fine though, I don't necessarily have to like the main characters to enjoy a book. One of my problems was that these two guys jumped from being assholes who had sex but avoided each other to all of a sudden moving in with each other within a chapter or two, and I thought that was pretty wtf. I like to call it insta-move-in.

My other problems with this book were:
1. Way too preachy. I know that a lot of Heidi Cullinan's books are preachy af but this one was over the top. At times it was like I was reading the gay version of a long ass PSA like those old " The More You Know" commercials, or even "Degrassi High: The College Years (With Singing!). It was wayyyy too much, and I found myself rolling my eyes at times as the characters pontificated/gave their speeches-as-dialogue.
2. Too long. There were a few times where the book could have and should have ended, but it kept going....and going...and going. Yes, we get they're going to live happily ever after. We don't need to know ALL the details.
3. The singing felt like an afterthought. Yes I know a lot of people didn't enjoy all the singing in the previous books but I actually did, and I felt like it was relegated to the sidelines in this book even though Baz was an integral part of his choir. I just found that to be a too broad departure from the other books. Because of this, there was also absolutely no need to have Elijah become a part of the choir. He went from not even thinking about being in it and not really wanting to, to being able to sing well and deciding he wanted to be in it in the space of a few paragraphs. Unnecessary.
4. Baz's mom and her immediate about face in the ending. Really? Really??? I'm supposed to believe that all of a sudden she dropped her bid for whatever political office she was running for, after all the talk about how she was more into politics than her family (and showing us just how ruthless she was) because of a song? Yeah right.
5. Too many characters and too much focus on those other characters.
6. I always feel like every year or so, this genre grabs onto a cause of the day embodied in a type of character, and runs with it, so that we end up reading books featuring these characters ad nauseum. It ends up looking like these characters are fads instead of legitimate characters that they were planning to write about in the first place, which I majorly dislike. Right now, that fad would be Hispanic men and Transgender people, and the trans character in this book felt tacked on because it's a thing that everyone else is doing and not because she was planned from the beginning. Haven't thought about it? Think back to each year and you'll realize it's true. Last year it was autism, a few years back it was femme men with butch men, there was the year of the black men with white men, escorts/prostitutes need love too!, men that were sexually abused as kids, BDSM as psychology, poor man meets rich man, and more. Then there's the fad professions: cowboys, college kids, cops, PIs, military, etc. etc. etc. Anyway, I prefer for book characters to feel organic and not like a cause célèbre that's included as a teaching moment.
7. Oh and the winking! Let's not forget about all the winking. Ugh.

Because of all this, it took me much longer to finish this book than usual. I wanted to love it, but I finished feeling frustrated and slightly annoyed instead of happy, teary eyed and triumphant like I did with the last book in this series, so I'm giving the first half of this book 3.5 stars and the last half 2 stars.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read March 2023

I still love these guys..

-----------------------------

Baz!!!



I loved this!! Baz and Elijah were perfect for each other.

In the previous book Baz saved Elijah from getting shot. Baz cannot help but feel the need to look out for Elijah after this. When Baz notices Elijah is very close to losing it at Kelly and Walter’s wedding, he offers some relief from the harsh world. They share some cigarettes, joints and prescription pills in Baz’ car. Of course this leads to them having sex. To get the other one 'out of their systems'.

Well, that didn't work.

But Baz being Baz, he tried to ignore Elijah after their encounter. Elijah feels devastated by it and feels more alone than ever.

But then Baz’ mother decides that Baz needs a date to a charity event. Baz says he will bring his boyfriend Elijah. He doesn’t want his mom to dictate his life, so he asks Elijah to go with him and pretend to be his boyfriend. Elijah is not amused, but eventually caves.

The boys have a wonderful weekend together and when they get back Baz tells Elijah he doesn’t want it to be over.

After this the guys try the dating thing and they both find out that despite both of their problems they work out rather well as a couple. They just fit.



I loved how this was surprisingly low-angst. With both Baz’ his history and disabilities and Elijah’s headspace I was worried there would be a lot of push and pull. But no, they were great together. I especially loved the tender moments.

These books will always have a special place in my heart and I just know I will listen to these again and again. Iggy Toma rocks!

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read April 2018:

Sooooo ... I didn't love it as much the second time around. Still liked it, but probably more in the 4/4.25 star range.

----------------

Absolute perfection!!

I'm not going to attempt much of a review because there are so many good reviews out there and I really couldn't do this justice. This is also one of those books that I just know I love without being able to fully express why. In part, I guess, it's that heart tugging feeling I get from these guys and their journey.

"It makes me feel shitty and alone. I don't want to be alone." He sagged. "But I think maybe I have to be. Even in a crowd of people, my heart will always. ache." The statement resonated in the further hallows of Baz's soul. "Then we'll be lonely hearts together."

It's quite a journey for Baz and Elijah both as they gradually recover from the terrible events that others inflicted upon them and make their way to their fantastic ending/beginning. But Lonely Hearts wasn't only about them finding each other, it was also about each of them finding their way in the world as they became stronger together.

"He really is your Howl, you know ... He's better with you, and you've found your true strengths by being with him. You bloom together."

Highly, highly recommended!

[AliciaJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gawd that was so cheesy, but so perfect. I've had a huge crush on Baz since the beginning of this series, so to see him finally get his HEA just made me so fucking happy. Now I feel like there should be some sweet theme music playing in the background to give it the perfect ending.

[Krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might have a tiny, itty-bitty obsession with RuPaul's Drag Race. So I loved all the references. Sissy That Walk is my favorite RuPaul song too. So I was fangirling all over this book. Loved it.

[Stella ╰☆╮╰☆╮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a great book, I loved the writing soooo much, the dialogues were so real. I stopped my rating at 4 stars right now, cause I want to think better about the story. I had some problems dealing with the light use of drugs, alcohol and pills. it's a dark point to me. so full review coming as soon as my heart will catch up with my mind LOL

REVIEW @Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words


“People moved on. Everyone did, eventually. Everyone but Baz”

Elijah Prince is finally in a safe place. He’s really been through hell. After spent some time on the streets and being almost killed by his father, he’s trying to live his life. He’s got a job at a cafeteria for the summer and he’s waiting to move to the White House (not the one you’re thinking about, but if you have read Fever Pitch you already know it). Now it’s starting the real struggling, dealing with a lot of fears and panic attacks. Used to take care of himself since he was just a little baby, he’s not comfortable to receive kindness, to be cared of. He hides himself behind walls so high. Elijah is very lonely and unhappy. He’s not able to accept something, he’s scared of be a friend and have a friend. He always kept his pain closed away.

“[Elijah]I mean, I know I push people away, hurting them first so they can’t hurt me. I’m trying not to do that with most people, but I can’t stop with him. I want” […]“I want…him. A lot.

I maybe get a few good tries at not preemptively attacking him, and I fail…but he actually gets more aggressive then. The more I try to run, the more he wants me. I feel like he’s led me way out into the deep water where I can’t swim, and any second he’ll leave me to drown.”

“What in the deep water makes you so scared?”

It was a raging sea of terrible darkness in his mind. Huge, black, stormy. The emotion shafted him like cold light. “Loneliness. The water is full of loneliness.”

Sebastian “Baz” Acker has already saved Elijah once. But when Elijah’s dad tried to kill his son, Baz took a bullet in the shoulder to save him. And the need to protect the young man is still strong, still there in his soul.

Baz’s family is really rich, his uncle is a senator and his mum is running for a prestigious role in politic. When she wants him to attend a fundraiser with a boyfriend, Baz soon thinks about Elijah. After had sex at Kelly and Walter’s wedding, he had totally ignored Elijah for over a month. Baz is attracted to him cause Elijah is the only one to antagonize and keep him to his toes, to threat him as a normal person, where everyone in his life babies him.

Of course what started as a fake boyfriend is becoming to Baz a real one, he wants more from Elijah for the first time after a long time. He too has a painful past, physically and in his heart too, it’s time for someone to saves him from the daily pains he has to endure due to his disabilities and from the guilty he still feels about a dramatic event he couldn’t control.

“I…love you. I’m scared and I don’t want to, not anybody, but I do. Love you. And I don’t think I can stop.”

Hot breath exhaled on his cheek as Baz sighed, then nuzzled his temple. “I love you too.”

The story is detailed, a specific feature of Heidi Cullinan’s writing style. It follows the MCs’ life together very well, let’s us know them and their feelings, their fears and most of all their incredible family, not the bloody one, but the true, faithful and stronger protective family of amazing friends. While both their families are non existent, there are a lot of people around them, their real family. There is a huge, pretty well-defined second characters cast: Marius and Damien are Baz best friends: Pastor Robert and his wife Liz, I loved how they cared for the boys, how they helped them in their job hunting or in their everyday activities. When Liz told Elijah “Oh, sweetheart. Come inside and let me wrap you in a blanket” I was so ready to let her adopt me too. Besides meeting Kelly and Walter (Love Lessons) and Aaron and Giles (Fever Pitch), Ed from Dance With Me appears in Lonely Hearts. I particularly liked when an author does this kind of mixing of choices, I always crave to know more and more after the HEAs of my favorite couples. The book starts with Elijah taking part at the wedding of Kelly and Walter and I was so happy to know more about them, especially re-meet them at their wedding, a Disney theme wedding!

Apart from the not so ordinary lives Baz and Elijah have, one being trashed and left disabilitated, the other being almost killed by his own father (previous books), the story felt to me pretty real, especially in the dialogues between the characters. Only one thing I didn’t like: the easy way both of them used anxiolytics. Being there and struggling a lot to put them away, I wasn’t so comfortable at reading the easy way they took them and mixed with alcohol. At the same time I could understand the need and I so appreciate how the author chose to develop this need in the end.

I had to think a little about it, cause I honestly can say at the beginning it was hard to me to override what my mind was telling me and just let my heart show me how much I was loving the book, no matter what was happening at the moment. Most of all where the weed, alcohol, and xanax lead to some hot moments between Baz and Elijah. Nothing new in it because Heidi is really the QUEEN of hot scenes (have you read Special Delivery or Dirty Laundry? You know what I’m talking about).

I can’t talk of course of the ending but I want to tell you is just fantastic. It made me cry a little too. Just a little prayer to Heidi, I’m ready to begging, please can I have Lewis/Lejla in the next book, please?

Highly recommended. A great book with perfect writing.

Cover art by Kanaxa I’m particularly loving this series’ covers. Really well done.

[Pjm12 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely intense, with both Baz and Elijah close to the two most damaged boys I have ever read. Heidi doesn't rush their story, giving readers lots of opportunities to see the guilt that Baz lives with, and the self-loathing Elijah has to combat everyday.

It's not surprising how good they are for each other. But it takes a while before they can be honest with each other and 'fess up their feelings. Seriously, these boys have had so much hurt and betrayal in their lives, it's a wonder they can take any sort of leap of faith.

While Elijah grapples with an online slur campaign, the unfolding story of a new friend, Lewis and his growing sense of security with Baz, Baz is trying to conquer his demons about graduating, about contributing meaningfully and solving the problems of everyone he cares about including Elijah. In this case, money does provide a whole lot of happiness.

But until Baz can make his parents accept that he not around for their professional requirements, he can't be his own man, and be the person he needs to be for Elijah. So it's all angst, denial, running away, until it's not. Then it becomes caring, submitting, protecting and loving. aww.

But for Heidi, it's all about who you surround yourself with. The group keeps growing - Marius and Damien might leave the White House but Brian and Mina and Lewis join, and we see a bit of Aaron and Giles AND Walter and Kelly. It's these people that continually show both Elijah and Baz they are valued and loved and have plenty to give. It's such a strong and powerful message.

I want to add something about the appearance of another pair, but I so enjoyed being surprised by them that I won't. Suffice to say *squee*.

It's possible that people might see this as too earnest, too determined to right all the wrongs for LGTBQIA people. She is kind of preaching to the converted. We who read these books, are already depressed and angry at the plight of homeless young people, misunderstood trans kids, and the lack of resources. But clearly we need to move beyond anger and get to where action replaces powerlessness. Anyway, I am so happy that Baz and Elijah get their Studio Ghibli happy-ever-after. It's amazing.

Not out till August but I could not wait. Loved it.

[namericanwordcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

You need to read the other books in this series to enjoy this book to its fullest but enjoy it you will.

As always, Heidi Cullinan writes compelling flawed lovable characters. Neither Bas nor Elijah are nice. Elijah has massive trust issues and Baz too easily use power. But they are both kind.

They each have so many open and closed wounds and have physical and mental disabilities created by the events of their past. They have coping mechanism that are not healthy.

They are drawn to each other and they come to love each other. And we can believe that while not easy, they will be each others soft place to fall.

They love.

A great circle of friends and all kinds of support systems, reaching out, healing of others, and fun details make this a really great book and romance.

[Toni FGMAMTC · Rating 5 out of 5]

FGMAMTC Blog Review

I just finished reading this minutes ago, and my emotional cup runneth over. Wow! I loved so much about it.

The writing style is a total breath of fresh air. No deja vu scenes or lines, which happens when you read a lot of romance. This author gets major originality points, using nontraditional words and ideas. You know in real life when you're talking with your friends, a noun becomes a verb or an adjective. Language is fluid. It just rolls. That's how this story is. I hope that makes sense, not that there are grammatical errors, but the book's language is real. I felt like these people were my friends, and we were having inside discussions. Also, I like how it isn't over explained, how you have to read between the lines just a tad occasionally.

Lonely Hearts has a great cast of imperfect characters. They are so believable, littered with problems and quirks. The bottom line is that they are good people. I don't think I have common interests with any of them, and I still wanted to be part of the gang. Friendships and romances like these are special.

The two leads have been through majorly terrible times. The way they keep going and keep trying to save others is so inspiring. This is the type of novel that makes you take a look at yourself, all the good you have in your life and what you could be doing to make something better.

Masterpiece!

***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***

toni

FangirlMoments and My Two Cents

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Lonely Hearts is out today! I'm linking my review, which I wrote for Boys In Our Books, I think, maybe 4 months ago? I don't know... it's been a while. But here it is. For you!

So, my review, wherein I ramble like a school girl, hyped up on candy. Or maybe just gush a little because I really enjoyed this one as I have a serious crush on Baz. And maybe because I dream of living in a place like White House, and having all those amazing friends... making music, living life, sharing, learning, loving so openly and free. I swear, that house is like Utopia.

I also have a great fondness for Black Butler and Howl's Moving Castle, and Ms. Cullinan uses them quite well in this story.