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Lover's Journey #2
Dusk to Dawn
Since he was thirteen, Sebastian’s every precious moment was connected to his first crush, Edi. His protector through his toughest school years, Edi has always guided Sebastian’s choices. Love, lust, the realization he was gay, his passion for sports and karate, his studies and career of choice, everything in Seba’s life is somehow linked to Edi.
Sebastian’s love never faltered over the years, not as he challenged himself to catch up to Edi. Nor when Edi’s on and off boyfriend, Robert, showed up to wreak havoc in their lives.
Sebastian has shaped his life to revolve around Edi—his friend, roommate, and occasional lover. But is that the right path for him, or should he start a new journey, one that takes him away from Edi all the way to another country? And will running away solve anything in the end?
Sebastian’s love never faltered over the years, not as he challenged himself to catch up to Edi. Nor when Edi’s on and off boyfriend, Robert, showed up to wreak havoc in their lives.
Sebastian has shaped his life to revolve around Edi—his friend, roommate, and occasional lover. But is that the right path for him, or should he start a new journey, one that takes him away from Edi all the way to another country? And will running away solve anything in the end?
294 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2017
7 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Alina Popescu
76 books180 followersI am a writer, traveler, blogger, and coffee addict. I started writing stories when I was 10 and kept doing it as a hobby till a few years ago. I prefer fantasy and sci-fi when it comes to writing and I am currently working on a vampire series, Bad Blood. Book I of the series, The Edge of hope, was published in April 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 13 reviews
June 21, 2017
This is only my second book by Alina Popescu, the first being Dawn to Dusk, but I can say with absolute certainty that she is one of my favorite authors and that Lover's Journey is one of my favorite M/M series.
Let me just tell you one thing straight, this is not a love story. This is not a romance novel. Yes, there are romance elements and it's the MC's primary conflict, but this book is more of a coming of age. In the first book of this series I fell in love with Edi and Alina Popescu both. I connected to that character more than I have connected to perhaps any MC in any book I've ever read. Edi was very literally a reflection of myself and my own experiences. For that reason, this series is very special to me.
I knew the moment that I saw this book being announced that I wanted to get my hands on it, but I also knew it would be very emotionally draining to read. Popescu's writing is packed with emotionally heavy words that make you think for hours after reading. I took breaks between chapters to breathe and digest what was happening.
I think, going into this book, I had really high hopes but low expectations. With a first book like Dawn to Dusk, I knew that it would be hard to top, even with Edi still being a main element in the story, but this book really surprised me. I didn't have as much in common with Sebastian, and that made the book a little less emotionally taxing for me to read, but I still had a strong connection because he was an incredibly multi-dimensional and lovable character.
One of my favorite things about Dawn to Dusk that I'm glad transferred over into Dusk to Dawn is the reality of life. These MC's don't feel like characters to me. They experience life in all of it's bleak imperfection and Popescu did one hell of a job putting it all into words so that I could feel everything that Sebastian was experiencing. Dusk to Dawn brought this series full circle. In the same way that Dawn to Dusk was about the loss of hope, Dusk to Dawn was about pushing through barriers and finding hope.
This was a great addition to the series and I highly highly recommend it. Dusk to Dawn is more than just a book. It's an experience. Usually, I peruse reviews before deciding to read a book, but this series is really best read without any spoilers or impressions.
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
________________________
Pre-Read Shenanigans:
I can't wait to get my hands on this book but I also know that it's probably going to break my heart into a million pieces that leave me wanting more for days. But I will pick it up and begin to read anyway.
THAT is the mark of a damn good author.
Let me just tell you one thing straight, this is not a love story. This is not a romance novel. Yes, there are romance elements and it's the MC's primary conflict, but this book is more of a coming of age. In the first book of this series I fell in love with Edi and Alina Popescu both. I connected to that character more than I have connected to perhaps any MC in any book I've ever read. Edi was very literally a reflection of myself and my own experiences. For that reason, this series is very special to me.
I knew the moment that I saw this book being announced that I wanted to get my hands on it, but I also knew it would be very emotionally draining to read. Popescu's writing is packed with emotionally heavy words that make you think for hours after reading. I took breaks between chapters to breathe and digest what was happening.
I think, going into this book, I had really high hopes but low expectations. With a first book like Dawn to Dusk, I knew that it would be hard to top, even with Edi still being a main element in the story, but this book really surprised me. I didn't have as much in common with Sebastian, and that made the book a little less emotionally taxing for me to read, but I still had a strong connection because he was an incredibly multi-dimensional and lovable character.
One of my favorite things about Dawn to Dusk that I'm glad transferred over into Dusk to Dawn is the reality of life. These MC's don't feel like characters to me. They experience life in all of it's bleak imperfection and Popescu did one hell of a job putting it all into words so that I could feel everything that Sebastian was experiencing. Dusk to Dawn brought this series full circle. In the same way that Dawn to Dusk was about the loss of hope, Dusk to Dawn was about pushing through barriers and finding hope.
This was a great addition to the series and I highly highly recommend it. Dusk to Dawn is more than just a book. It's an experience. Usually, I peruse reviews before deciding to read a book, but this series is really best read without any spoilers or impressions.
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
________________________
Pre-Read Shenanigans:
I can't wait to get my hands on this book but I also know that it's probably going to break my heart into a million pieces that leave me wanting more for days. But I will pick it up and begin to read anyway.
THAT is the mark of a damn good author.
June 18, 2017
**This book is a true serial and should not be read as a standalone**
We met Edi's best friend and roommate, Sebastian, in Dawn to Dusk. This is the story of how they met and how Seba fell in love with Edi, as well as the multiple heartaches he faces at watching Edi continually run back into Robert's arms no matter how badly Robert hurts him. Their story begins in their hometown where they meet when Seba is 13 and Edi 17 and takes place over the next 13 years. Seba is small and skinny and while he's smart and really loves school, the bullies he has to face everyday drain the joy from of his learning experience. Spending his free time between classes admiring Edi helps ease the sting a bit and gives him something to look forward to and although Edi has a girlfriend, or what Seba assumes is his girlfriend, he can still drool over him from afar. After Edi saves Seba from an altercation with a bully, the admiration turns into a friendship, and eventually love on Seba's part, but Robert is always around, lurking or dropping back into Edi's life, and although the lines of the friendship between Seba and Edi are eventually blurred, much to the disappointment of Sebastian, they remain firmly in the friends' zone .
I absolutely hated Robert in book one and my disdain and hatred only managed to grow throughout this story. We don't even really see him on page really, but just his name or the mention of something he's done, made me want to punch him in the face. I'm not normally a violent person, I swear, he's one of those characters that I'm not sure can ever be redeemed. Okay, enough about that twatwaffle, he isn't worth my energy.
I absolutely loved Sebastian. He was so sweet, kind and caring. He gave his all to the people he cared for and loved. Throughout his relationship with Edi, he'd do anything that was asked of him. He hung around even while he thought Edi had a girlfriend and later he stuck by Edi's side throughout all the ups and downs with Robert. He was there to put the pieces back together every time Edi was left broken by Robert's betrayal. My heart absolutely broke for him, though. You could feel the love he had for Edi and it broke me that Edi didn't return those feelings. I wanted to cuddle and protect Seba.
I adored Edi in book one, but he became frustrating and I was tired of seeing him be Robert's doormat and this book was no different. I wanted so bad for him to open his eyes and see the love that was staring him in the face, but I knew it wouldn't happen. He couldn't see beyond Robert's nose, and I wanted to shake him.
I really loved this story. I love that Alina shares the culture of her country with the readers. The story is well-written and flows well through the years. I loved seeing Edi through Seba's eyes and finally getting to know Seba. When I finished Dawn to Dusk I was so angry and frustrated, and I'll be honest, I spent a lot of this book in the same state. I was beyond frustrated with Edi, even though I knew just how many times he takes Robert back, it still had my stomach in knots. But the ending made up for all the frustration and torture. I loved Edi and Seba together. They had amazing chemistry and were beyond hot together. This story had amazing secondary characters as well. I loved Elena and Evelina. They were awesome support systems for Edi and Sebastian. Even Damien, Sebastian's boyfriend, was amazing and I'd love to see him get a HEA. *hint, hint, nudge, nudge*
All in all, this was an amazing book that I couldn't put down. Alina wove a story of friendship, family and love and I adored every word. Very recommendable!!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
We met Edi's best friend and roommate, Sebastian, in Dawn to Dusk. This is the story of how they met and how Seba fell in love with Edi, as well as the multiple heartaches he faces at watching Edi continually run back into Robert's arms no matter how badly Robert hurts him. Their story begins in their hometown where they meet when Seba is 13 and Edi 17 and takes place over the next 13 years. Seba is small and skinny and while he's smart and really loves school, the bullies he has to face everyday drain the joy from of his learning experience. Spending his free time between classes admiring Edi helps ease the sting a bit and gives him something to look forward to and although Edi has a girlfriend, or what Seba assumes is his girlfriend, he can still drool over him from afar. After Edi saves Seba from an altercation with a bully, the admiration turns into a friendship, and eventually love on Seba's part, but Robert is always around, lurking or dropping back into Edi's life, and although the lines of the friendship between Seba and Edi are eventually blurred, much to the disappointment of Sebastian, they remain firmly in the friends' zone .
I absolutely hated Robert in book one and my disdain and hatred only managed to grow throughout this story. We don't even really see him on page really, but just his name or the mention of something he's done, made me want to punch him in the face. I'm not normally a violent person, I swear, he's one of those characters that I'm not sure can ever be redeemed. Okay, enough about that twatwaffle, he isn't worth my energy.
I absolutely loved Sebastian. He was so sweet, kind and caring. He gave his all to the people he cared for and loved. Throughout his relationship with Edi, he'd do anything that was asked of him. He hung around even while he thought Edi had a girlfriend and later he stuck by Edi's side throughout all the ups and downs with Robert. He was there to put the pieces back together every time Edi was left broken by Robert's betrayal. My heart absolutely broke for him, though. You could feel the love he had for Edi and it broke me that Edi didn't return those feelings. I wanted to cuddle and protect Seba.
I adored Edi in book one, but he became frustrating and I was tired of seeing him be Robert's doormat and this book was no different. I wanted so bad for him to open his eyes and see the love that was staring him in the face, but I knew it wouldn't happen. He couldn't see beyond Robert's nose, and I wanted to shake him.
I really loved this story. I love that Alina shares the culture of her country with the readers. The story is well-written and flows well through the years. I loved seeing Edi through Seba's eyes and finally getting to know Seba. When I finished Dawn to Dusk I was so angry and frustrated, and I'll be honest, I spent a lot of this book in the same state. I was beyond frustrated with Edi, even though I knew just how many times he takes Robert back, it still had my stomach in knots. But the ending made up for all the frustration and torture. I loved Edi and Seba together. They had amazing chemistry and were beyond hot together. This story had amazing secondary characters as well. I loved Elena and Evelina. They were awesome support systems for Edi and Sebastian. Even Damien, Sebastian's boyfriend, was amazing and I'd love to see him get a HEA. *hint, hint, nudge, nudge*
All in all, this was an amazing book that I couldn't put down. Alina wove a story of friendship, family and love and I adored every word. Very recommendable!!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
May 20, 2017
If the first book in Lover's Journey brought me back to my own childhood memories of spending summers in the country side, Dusk to Dawn transposed me back in my school days: running around the school yard, people watching, having a crush at school and being too young to know what to do or how to act.
Like Edi, Seba's journey in love also goes through some stages. While the first one started in the morning, when there's the promise of a new day, and ended up in the blackness of the dusk, Seba's journey begins in that darkness and gradually progresses to the comforting rays of dawn.
We learn about how Sebastian first saw Edi and how his love for him nourished with each passing moment. The school life, where everyone had to make a name for himself, usually by bullying other kids, brought a ray of sunshine in Seba's life: meeting his first love and developing a strong bond with him, the one that lasts through many obstacles.
Seen from Seba's eyes, I realized how unhealthy Edi's relationship with Robert was and how self-destructive Edi actually was.
With Seba I felt a motherly sentiment in the beginning, I wanted to protect him and give his young mind advice to use it later. Alina portrayed throughout the book an amazing character, with a warm heart and strong soul.
This book is about another face of a first love, a different side to the same wonderful story that could happen to anyone.
Alina showed that a lover's journey is not always sunshine and roses, it has some blind spots, some ups and downs, a little fear of the unknown, but all in all, it has love. Don't get me wrong, this is not a love story, it's a journey
Like Edi, Seba's journey in love also goes through some stages. While the first one started in the morning, when there's the promise of a new day, and ended up in the blackness of the dusk, Seba's journey begins in that darkness and gradually progresses to the comforting rays of dawn.
We learn about how Sebastian first saw Edi and how his love for him nourished with each passing moment. The school life, where everyone had to make a name for himself, usually by bullying other kids, brought a ray of sunshine in Seba's life: meeting his first love and developing a strong bond with him, the one that lasts through many obstacles.
Seen from Seba's eyes, I realized how unhealthy Edi's relationship with Robert was and how self-destructive Edi actually was.
With Seba I felt a motherly sentiment in the beginning, I wanted to protect him and give his young mind advice to use it later. Alina portrayed throughout the book an amazing character, with a warm heart and strong soul.
This book is about another face of a first love, a different side to the same wonderful story that could happen to anyone.
Alina showed that a lover's journey is not always sunshine and roses, it has some blind spots, some ups and downs, a little fear of the unknown, but all in all, it has love. Don't get me wrong, this is not a love story, it's a journey
July 31, 2017
In book 1 I was so invested in Edi and Robert I hardly noticed Seba (kid), so in a way this book totally derailed my idea of where the story was going, seems Edi was in same boat as me!
Seba was the youngest of the 3 men in the story so in a way I hadn't noticed him grow up before, even though it was obvious as he moved through the educational system, he was always there for Edi in book 1 offering friendship, support and more! This book made me see him completely different.
This really is a journey for all involved, it's sweet, sexy and moving.
4 stars
Seba was the youngest of the 3 men in the story so in a way I hadn't noticed him grow up before, even though it was obvious as he moved through the educational system, he was always there for Edi in book 1 offering friendship, support and more! This book made me see him completely different.
This really is a journey for all involved, it's sweet, sexy and moving.
4 stars
June 13, 2017
OMG more crying! But all my wishes came true! Dusk to Dawn is the second book in the Lovers Journey Series by Alina Popescu. After Dawn to Dusk I said screw Robert, I wanted to read more about Sabastian and I wanted Edi to find happiness for the rest of his life. I got it all!!!!! This book is wrote in Sabastian's point of view and it's fantastic! Love the characters! Love the storyline! Definitely Two must read books! I've become a fast fan of Alina's.
November 24, 2017
Dusk to Dawn is not only a companion story to book one in the series—Dawn to Dusk—but continues where that left off, after telling what has already happened from a different perspective.
Starting this story, I wasn’t sure what to expect as I’d read some of it was a retelling of events I’d already read, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Although some of the scenes are replayed from Sebastian’s perspective there are others that are new. I found Sebastian’s ‘take’ on events refreshing, and the author does a great job in showing how a point of view shades the lens through which we as readers view a situation and/or character.
As with book one, the descriptions are fabulous, and it was very easy to visualise what and who I was reading about. One that stood out for me in particular was the description of a bus ride as “like being out at sea on restless waters.” I also liked the contrasts shown between the UK and Romania, especially with the freedom—or not—to be obviously with another man in public.
I’d already liked Evelina from Dawn to Dusk, but this story provided more insight into her and Sebastian sees a slightly different side to her than Edi does. Elena—Sebastian’s friend—is also a strong female character, and I loved her, and both women’s roles in this.
The times of day play their part as chapter headings in this story too, but as the title suggests they lead toward a more hopefully happy ending. Dawn, after all, is the start of a new day, while dusk brings with it other connotations.
I really felt for Sebastian as he loves Edi “quietly and in secret.” I thought Edi’s response when he discovers Sebastian’s true feelings towards him was realistic, and I had to keep reading to find out whether they do finally get together.
Although Dusk To Dawn could be read alone, I think it’s a far more satisfying read if you start with Dawn to Dusk so I’d recommend reading them together if you can.
I’d recommend Dusk to Dawn to readers who like contemporary romance with interesting flawed characters who need to work for their HEA, a strong supporting cast, and stories set in other countries.
Starting this story, I wasn’t sure what to expect as I’d read some of it was a retelling of events I’d already read, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Although some of the scenes are replayed from Sebastian’s perspective there are others that are new. I found Sebastian’s ‘take’ on events refreshing, and the author does a great job in showing how a point of view shades the lens through which we as readers view a situation and/or character.
As with book one, the descriptions are fabulous, and it was very easy to visualise what and who I was reading about. One that stood out for me in particular was the description of a bus ride as “like being out at sea on restless waters.” I also liked the contrasts shown between the UK and Romania, especially with the freedom—or not—to be obviously with another man in public.
I’d already liked Evelina from Dawn to Dusk, but this story provided more insight into her and Sebastian sees a slightly different side to her than Edi does. Elena—Sebastian’s friend—is also a strong female character, and I loved her, and both women’s roles in this.
The times of day play their part as chapter headings in this story too, but as the title suggests they lead toward a more hopefully happy ending. Dawn, after all, is the start of a new day, while dusk brings with it other connotations.
I really felt for Sebastian as he loves Edi “quietly and in secret.” I thought Edi’s response when he discovers Sebastian’s true feelings towards him was realistic, and I had to keep reading to find out whether they do finally get together.
Although Dusk To Dawn could be read alone, I think it’s a far more satisfying read if you start with Dawn to Dusk so I’d recommend reading them together if you can.
I’d recommend Dusk to Dawn to readers who like contemporary romance with interesting flawed characters who need to work for their HEA, a strong supporting cast, and stories set in other countries.
June 3, 2017
This is the 2nd book in the journey.
This follows Sebastian and his journey to love. Sebastian first meets Edi at school when he helps save him from bullies. There are a few years age difference and Sebastian falls in love but Edi has no idea and carries on with his life. This follows the relationship between them and also Robert.
Sebastian has to endure years of seeing Edi try to maintain his relationship with Robert and then when they go through their many break ups he's there to help pick up the pieces.
But after Edi and Robert get back together Sebastian realises he can't continue watching and waiting for the break up. And then picking up the pieces.
Sebastian goes to England and tries to continue his life.
Edi eventually sees what is happening with Robert and let's that side of his life go.
Through confessions and hardships Sebastian and Edi get their happy ever after.
This is a really well written book. And throughout you are wanting Sebastian to come out on top.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
This follows Sebastian and his journey to love. Sebastian first meets Edi at school when he helps save him from bullies. There are a few years age difference and Sebastian falls in love but Edi has no idea and carries on with his life. This follows the relationship between them and also Robert.
Sebastian has to endure years of seeing Edi try to maintain his relationship with Robert and then when they go through their many break ups he's there to help pick up the pieces.
But after Edi and Robert get back together Sebastian realises he can't continue watching and waiting for the break up. And then picking up the pieces.
Sebastian goes to England and tries to continue his life.
Edi eventually sees what is happening with Robert and let's that side of his life go.
Through confessions and hardships Sebastian and Edi get their happy ever after.
This is a really well written book. And throughout you are wanting Sebastian to come out on top.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
December 24, 2017
Well this had a lot of the problems the first book had. It started out really good and promising but then it became very repetitive and tedious to read. It was a lot of back and forth, angst, up and down, angst, etc. Lack of communication is the antagonist in the story. That is a very frustrating weak plot device, in my opinion. The story, the situation, was pretty much identical to first book. For some reason I was compelled to finish, even though I knew where it was going and how it would end. Like the first book, I didn't hate it but there wasn't much love or like.
August 7, 2017
This book switched voices from the first book and went back in time to retell us events from a different pair of eyes. Personally, I would rather have switched between the boys throughout both books or stuck to one person's POV for both books. I think it would have flowed better and felt less...needlessly repetitious. The opportunity to get in Seba's head was nice. But rather unnecessary, as his feelings were never questioned or hidden. Merely unspoken.
August 10, 2017
You What?
This is the story of Seba and Edi told from Saba's point of view. It is heart wrenching, impossibly love!y and reaffirming all at the same time. Alina gives such vivid descriptions of people and places that you feel like you're part of the story.
A testament to the need for open communication if you want your relationship to succeed. I
This is the story of Seba and Edi told from Saba's point of view. It is heart wrenching, impossibly love!y and reaffirming all at the same time. Alina gives such vivid descriptions of people and places that you feel like you're part of the story.
A testament to the need for open communication if you want your relationship to succeed. I
December 31, 2018
Contemporary second chances romance with two childhood friends finding more then love and friendship to a life partnership.
Sebastian and Edi are getting a chance at love as adults when the situation is just right. The only problem is that Edi's ex-bf shows up Robert to try to take her back, but there is a HEA in this stand alone story.
Fluff romance
293 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Sebastian and Edi are getting a chance at love as adults when the situation is just right. The only problem is that Edi's ex-bf shows up Robert to try to take her back, but there is a HEA in this stand alone story.
Fluff romance
293 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Displaying 1 - 12 of 13 reviews