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Together Always #1
Anguish
A Best Friends-To-Lovers Contemporary Romance from debut author Lillie Jayne.
Theo and Finn have always been best friends, but they both have a secret. They are in love with each other , but cannot confess for fear of severing their close bond, as well as the fear of Theo's homophobic father finding out. Theo is set to inherit his family's estate, where there is no place for a gay son.
Finn is also on the verge of making it big in the music industry, and Theo will move heaven and earth to ensure nothing will get in the way of him fulfilling his dreams, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness for the man he loves.
Until one night of recklessness jeopardises everything.
*Warning: Contains non-detailed sexual assault and homophobic language.
Theo and Finn have always been best friends, but they both have a secret. They are in love with each other , but cannot confess for fear of severing their close bond, as well as the fear of Theo's homophobic father finding out. Theo is set to inherit his family's estate, where there is no place for a gay son.
Finn is also on the verge of making it big in the music industry, and Theo will move heaven and earth to ensure nothing will get in the way of him fulfilling his dreams, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness for the man he loves.
Until one night of recklessness jeopardises everything.
*Warning: Contains non-detailed sexual assault and homophobic language.
- GenresMusicM M Romance
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2020
6 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 24, 2020
it was good.. it was interesting.. im not big on sharing partners the way this did but.. it was still sexy... i liked the triggers (i dont have any triggers so i enjoy some of those) . there is a lot of drama... a lot of angst.. a lot of issues and things that need worked out.. it is also a huge cliffhanger so if you dont like those i dont recommend this until more of the series is out. it had sweet spots.. it had things that had to be figured out as individuals and together.. and it left us hanging.. i can't wait to read book 2. lol
May 9, 2020
I love him, but he doesn't love me. Better not talk about it.- on a loop. That's the story.
Oh, and it ends on a "cliffhanger" one could spot a mile away.
Oh, and it ends on a "cliffhanger" one could spot a mile away.
April 23, 2020
This debut novel by Lillie Jayne has a lot going for it. Endearing characters, a slow-burn friends-to-lovers, bi-for-you romance, lovely British English, which provides some of my favorite words ever. It does have an appropriate title, because it's 90,000 + words chock full of mostly self-induced anguish. One exception, an on-page sexual assault of a main character. The assault isn't vividly graphic, but it is there and affects the rest of the book for both MCs.
As a first book, Anguish is a good one. However, I do have a couple of warnings - there is plenty of partner-sharing through the first half of the book with both male and female partners for each character. There's also one of the biggest, hairiest cliffhangers I've read in a long time. I knew it was the first book in a series, and as the percentage read got higher without a couple of the main plot points being wound up, I was afraid it was going to end without them being resolved, and I was right.
Also, if you're a reader who can't stand it when the drama in a relationship comes from the characters not communicating, this is probably not the book for you. Both of these men were emotionally teenagers from the beginning and they had misunderstanding after misunderstanding. Don't get me wrong - I enjoyed the book, and was invested in the characters or I wouldn't have finished it, but I thought that it would have benefited from some tightening up, some situations were dragged out a bit too long, and the characters' angst needed to be dialed back a bit so that it didn't lose emphasis.
Anguish is slated to be the first in a trilogy, and I will give the second book a read because I want to know what happens with those unresolved issues. Overall, solid freshman effort by Lillie Jayne!
As a first book, Anguish is a good one. However, I do have a couple of warnings - there is plenty of partner-sharing through the first half of the book with both male and female partners for each character. There's also one of the biggest, hairiest cliffhangers I've read in a long time. I knew it was the first book in a series, and as the percentage read got higher without a couple of the main plot points being wound up, I was afraid it was going to end without them being resolved, and I was right.
Also, if you're a reader who can't stand it when the drama in a relationship comes from the characters not communicating, this is probably not the book for you. Both of these men were emotionally teenagers from the beginning and they had misunderstanding after misunderstanding. Don't get me wrong - I enjoyed the book, and was invested in the characters or I wouldn't have finished it, but I thought that it would have benefited from some tightening up, some situations were dragged out a bit too long, and the characters' angst needed to be dialed back a bit so that it didn't lose emphasis.
Anguish is slated to be the first in a trilogy, and I will give the second book a read because I want to know what happens with those unresolved issues. Overall, solid freshman effort by Lillie Jayne!
May 20, 2020
4 solid stars.. A good start to lead off with a little blackmail.. Theo and Finn have been friends their hole life. but Fin has the secret crush. The book progresses along and the friendship shares some saucy foursomes included. Both play a game with their feelings especially Finn and someone gonna get hurt its predicted. This is a friends to lovers story they start early with a few shades of grey coloured in to scenes. Date rape happens in scenes for a character. What happens next had me urring about the scenes from the attack but Finn changes. This book is great story to read. Note the trigger warnings of rape and the ending of a huge cliffhanger. Life for them is a mix of secrets, dramas with family and love road blocks. The ending is a huge cliffhanger that leads on the the next book called Avenge..
Theo was a successful vet yet he couldn't stand up to his father pushing him to take over the family buss.. Blackmailed by his father to give it all up, including his gay best friend..and only has a six months deadline..
Theo was a successful vet yet he couldn't stand up to his father pushing him to take over the family buss.. Blackmailed by his father to give it all up, including his gay best friend..and only has a six months deadline..
April 24, 2020
A good friends-to-lovers book where you want to shake the MCs and say just kiss already! Beautiful friendship with a bit of codependency where they let too much little stuff come between their shot at love before they finally got their acts together. I cried at what happened to Finn and for what it did to Theo, too, and I had a sneaking suspicion about Theo’s dad that was proved with that cliffhanger. I’ll definitely be reading book two...
April 23, 2020
I don’t normally read books that leave with a cliffhanger but the blurb drew me in, Lillie is a new writer her words flowed so beautifully. Emotive writing, so much drama, humour, loveable and not so loveable characters, had me crying and laughing. Theo and Finn couldn’t get enough of them and a wow factor ending. Hopefully the next book will be soon, I’m on edge waiting for it.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
May 27, 2020
Anguish filled
Oh my goodness this story was so severely filled with anguish that it was causing me pain!! First the author did a great job with character development and the storyline and plot. Also, the sexual assault portion was done with finesse and an excellent job was done with the ramifications and effects of the assault. The anguish that the characters felt could felt found I g from the pages. I hope the wait won't be too long for the second book!! Nicely done!!
Oh my goodness this story was so severely filled with anguish that it was causing me pain!! First the author did a great job with character development and the storyline and plot. Also, the sexual assault portion was done with finesse and an excellent job was done with the ramifications and effects of the assault. The anguish that the characters felt could felt found I g from the pages. I hope the wait won't be too long for the second book!! Nicely done!!
April 22, 2020
I am going to assume this was the first book by this author? Unless it is a pseudonym? I really enjoyed this story. Theo and Finn were very likable and it really made me feel for both of them. There were lots of emotions throughout the entire book, I cried, laughed, cringed, and felt a lot. This is part one of the story, it ends on a huge cliffhanger and I am anxious to read on.
I received an ARC for an honest opinion.
I received an ARC for an honest opinion.
April 27, 2020
3 1/2 Stars
Anguish is the first I’ve read by this author.
I like the premise. It’s a trope that I enjoy.
Parts did drag for me. I found myself skimming references of sexual escapades that the characters shared with others. That’s not my thing, and I would not have read the book had I been warned.
There is also the fact that the two characters can’t seem to find the voice to TALK about all these feelings they have for each other. It reeked of teenage angst most of the time, and with all the hookups with others, it left me uncomfortable.
I ended up liking the characters in the end, but I do not have confidence in a HEA for Theo and Finn at this point in the series.
The author wrote the sexual assault (details off-page) and its ramifications to the character with sensitivity and had me horrified with the act itself and so very sad for this damaged young man and all he suffered in the aftermath.
I did not mind the cliff hanger since I was warned of it beforehand, but I won't read the second book since the multiple partner thing blindsided me in this one, and I don't have any faith that the author won't do that again.
Anguish is the first I’ve read by this author.
I like the premise. It’s a trope that I enjoy.
Parts did drag for me. I found myself skimming references of sexual escapades that the characters shared with others. That’s not my thing, and I would not have read the book had I been warned.
There is also the fact that the two characters can’t seem to find the voice to TALK about all these feelings they have for each other. It reeked of teenage angst most of the time, and with all the hookups with others, it left me uncomfortable.
I ended up liking the characters in the end, but I do not have confidence in a HEA for Theo and Finn at this point in the series.
The author wrote the sexual assault (details off-page) and its ramifications to the character with sensitivity and had me horrified with the act itself and so very sad for this damaged young man and all he suffered in the aftermath.
I did not mind the cliff hanger since I was warned of it beforehand, but I won't read the second book since the multiple partner thing blindsided me in this one, and I don't have any faith that the author won't do that again.
April 26, 2020
This was an overall good read :-). I think this worth your time.
Christian is the handsome, rich best friend coming to terms with his own sexuality and what path his life is taking.
Finn who grew up with Christian has loved him since he was a teen. Finn knows what he wants and works at trying to move on.
They live together, share partners and have the same network of friends. Finn is sexually assaulted one night while at a club. The assault isn’t graphic but the reader is aware of what happens. This affects the rest of the book and determines actions by both friends.
Christian has a dickwad of a father who causes him major angst. This will force him to make some major life decisions. As he said - if his backbone would just show up again he might be able to get through this.
There are a few drawbacks for me in this book. I don’t care for the casual sharing of sex partners which happens quite frequently in the beginning. My second peeve is miscommunication between friends, partners, etc.
* This ARC was generously provided by the author for an honest review*
Christian is the handsome, rich best friend coming to terms with his own sexuality and what path his life is taking.
Finn who grew up with Christian has loved him since he was a teen. Finn knows what he wants and works at trying to move on.
They live together, share partners and have the same network of friends. Finn is sexually assaulted one night while at a club. The assault isn’t graphic but the reader is aware of what happens. This affects the rest of the book and determines actions by both friends.
Christian has a dickwad of a father who causes him major angst. This will force him to make some major life decisions. As he said - if his backbone would just show up again he might be able to get through this.
There are a few drawbacks for me in this book. I don’t care for the casual sharing of sex partners which happens quite frequently in the beginning. My second peeve is miscommunication between friends, partners, etc.
* This ARC was generously provided by the author for an honest review*
April 27, 2020
Friends to lovers, hurt/comfort
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride and packed a gut punch of beautifully heartbreaking moments.
Theo and Finn have both been secretly in love with each other fir practically their whole lives.
They're both terrified of admitting the truth first of all to each other for fear of losing their beautiful friendship and also because of the ramifications of coming out.
They both seem to have an almost unhealthy codependencey with each other and when Finn is hurt in a horrific incident, Theo is left to pick up the shattered pieces.
They're both left crawling back from the brink of desperation as they struggle to come to grips with their new reality.
I am absolutely invested in this series and I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride and packed a gut punch of beautifully heartbreaking moments.
Theo and Finn have both been secretly in love with each other fir practically their whole lives.
They're both terrified of admitting the truth first of all to each other for fear of losing their beautiful friendship and also because of the ramifications of coming out.
They both seem to have an almost unhealthy codependencey with each other and when Finn is hurt in a horrific incident, Theo is left to pick up the shattered pieces.
They're both left crawling back from the brink of desperation as they struggle to come to grips with their new reality.
I am absolutely invested in this series and I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
April 25, 2020
Debut stories always make me a bit anxious and I approached this one with a lot of reserve. It didnt last long though, because I was totally hooked in no time at all! There is nothing simple about this best friends to lovers story. The profiles of both MCs, their backgrounds and current situation make for an amazing maze of conflicting emotions, pain, longing and difficult decisions. What is the most impressive though, is how well all those emotions were put down in writing! The language is very emotional and evocative, the twist of the plot done just right.
There is a cliffhanger in the story, but all it does is make me want more!
There is a cliffhanger in the story, but all it does is make me want more!
April 25, 2020
This book is not for the light of heart. It's a bit angsty but OH SO ENJOYABLE. I ate this book up in one sitting. I could not put it down. But warning it's a bit of a cliffhanger so I am in 'anguish' waiting for the next story. If you love a good friends to lovers book, with a discovery of self and first time gay tropes, this is for you. A definite recommend for anyone looking for a good story with so many emotions rolled into it.
April 27, 2020
**Possible spoilers
I admit I wanted to slap the main characters at first for not pulling their heads out of their butts and just admitting what was so obvious to literally everyone else...however they were extremely loveable guys. They had me cheering for them one minute and crying the next. I really enjoyed this book even tho it's a cliffhanger, I will just have to read the next one!! Plus the guys had wonderful chemistry once they FINALLY hooked up ;)
I admit I wanted to slap the main characters at first for not pulling their heads out of their butts and just admitting what was so obvious to literally everyone else...however they were extremely loveable guys. They had me cheering for them one minute and crying the next. I really enjoyed this book even tho it's a cliffhanger, I will just have to read the next one!! Plus the guys had wonderful chemistry once they FINALLY hooked up ;)
December 20, 2020
Anguish is an apt name for this book. My heart was hurting for Theo and Finn. I really just wanted them to get their acts together, and I did get my wish! Their story is very sweet and tender but also gut-wrenching and angsty. When I started this book, I didn't realize it is part of a trilogy, and be warned... it ends on a cliffhanger. It looks to be a really great series, and I look forward to the other books.
April 26, 2020
Love can be so pure that it withstands attacks from all sides.
Parenting is more than just procreating...it is also emotional and physical support...and some people should never be allowed to be parents!
This is a love story with pain, homophobia, crime and friendship.
Since it ends with a cliffhanger prepare yourself to the realization there is more to come. I'm hoping for a HEA!
Parenting is more than just procreating...it is also emotional and physical support...and some people should never be allowed to be parents!
This is a love story with pain, homophobia, crime and friendship.
Since it ends with a cliffhanger prepare yourself to the realization there is more to come. I'm hoping for a HEA!
January 5, 2022
This book infuriated me for many reasons, but I’ll list the main one. The back and forth between Theo and Finn was so childish. You would think that they’re teens in high school when in reality they’re grown men. ZERO COMMUNICATION!!! CANNOT EVEN!!!! 🙄
May 21, 2020
3/5
I know the book name is litterally Anguish, but man all the fabricated dramas... I love it and hate it at the same time. XD
I know the book name is litterally Anguish, but man all the fabricated dramas... I love it and hate it at the same time. XD
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews