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Naughty Things #1
Pretty Thing
My best friend made damn sure I knew the rules. His sister was strictly off limits.
UNTIL NOW.
KALI
Growing up it was always the three of us. Me, my twin brother, Kyle, and our best friend, Aiden. We were inseparable all the way through high school.
Did I picture myself with Aiden from the first moment I laid eyes on him back when we were eight? Hell. Yes. I fell in love with his soul that day. But he was always more Kyle’s friend than mine. And Kyle made damn sure we both know the rules.
I was strictly off limits. Forever.
But now Kyle is gone. Dead from a freak accident. And Aiden is still here. Looking hot as hell in his grown-up body. Looking sexy AF with those tattoos all over his muscular chest. Sad and in need of comfort. Just like me.
AIDEN
Every time Kyle caught me lusting after his twin sister, Kali, he reminded me of the rule. “You were my friend first.”
If you want to get technical about it, I was Kali’s friend first, not Kyle’s. But that’s not how he saw it. One rule. That’s all we had between us. Just one. Stay away from my sister.
All these years I’ve honored that. I never broke his trust. Until now. Because he’s dead. He left us. And being with Kali is the only thing that makes the pain go away.
I want Kali. I want to marry her, and have kids with her, and keep her in my bed forever.
But I want Kyle’s blessing too. And that’s something I’ll never get.
UNTIL NOW.
KALI
Growing up it was always the three of us. Me, my twin brother, Kyle, and our best friend, Aiden. We were inseparable all the way through high school.
Did I picture myself with Aiden from the first moment I laid eyes on him back when we were eight? Hell. Yes. I fell in love with his soul that day. But he was always more Kyle’s friend than mine. And Kyle made damn sure we both know the rules.
I was strictly off limits. Forever.
But now Kyle is gone. Dead from a freak accident. And Aiden is still here. Looking hot as hell in his grown-up body. Looking sexy AF with those tattoos all over his muscular chest. Sad and in need of comfort. Just like me.
AIDEN
Every time Kyle caught me lusting after his twin sister, Kali, he reminded me of the rule. “You were my friend first.”
If you want to get technical about it, I was Kali’s friend first, not Kyle’s. But that’s not how he saw it. One rule. That’s all we had between us. Just one. Stay away from my sister.
All these years I’ve honored that. I never broke his trust. Until now. Because he’s dead. He left us. And being with Kali is the only thing that makes the pain go away.
I want Kali. I want to marry her, and have kids with her, and keep her in my bed forever.
But I want Kyle’s blessing too. And that’s something I’ll never get.
280 pages, ebook
First published April 14, 2019
769 people are currently reading
1,391 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Huss
138 books8,962 followersJ.A. Huss never wanted to be a writer and she still dreams of that elusive career as an astronaut. She originally went to school to become an equine veterinarian but soon figured out they keep horrible hours and decided to go to grad school instead. That Ph.D wasn’t all it was cracked up to be (and she really sucked at the whole scientist thing), so she dropped out and got a M.S. in forensic toxicology just to get the whole thing over with as soon as possible.
After graduation she got a job with the state of Colorado as their one and only hog farm inspector and spent her days wandering the Eastern Plains shooting the shit with farmers. After a few years of that, she got bored. And since she was a homeschool mom and actually does love science, she decided to write science textbooks and make online classes for other homeschool moms. She wrote more than two hundred of those workbooks and was the number one publisher at the online homeschool store many times, but eventually she covered every science topic she could think of and ran out of shit to say.
So in 2012 she decided to write fiction instead. That year she released her first three books and started a career that would make her a New York Times bestseller and land her on the USA Today Bestseller’s List eighteen times in the next three years. Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie award in 2016 and 2017 respectively, her audiobook Mr. Perfect was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017, and her book, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Johnathan McClain is her first (and only) writing partner and even though they are worlds apart in just about every way imaginable, it works.
She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.
After graduation she got a job with the state of Colorado as their one and only hog farm inspector and spent her days wandering the Eastern Plains shooting the shit with farmers. After a few years of that, she got bored. And since she was a homeschool mom and actually does love science, she decided to write science textbooks and make online classes for other homeschool moms. She wrote more than two hundred of those workbooks and was the number one publisher at the online homeschool store many times, but eventually she covered every science topic she could think of and ran out of shit to say.
So in 2012 she decided to write fiction instead. That year she released her first three books and started a career that would make her a New York Times bestseller and land her on the USA Today Bestseller’s List eighteen times in the next three years. Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie award in 2016 and 2017 respectively, her audiobook Mr. Perfect was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017, and her book, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Johnathan McClain is her first (and only) writing partner and even though they are worlds apart in just about every way imaginable, it works.
She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.
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December 21, 2023
2023 reread
I still got emotional listening. The idea of Dead Notes (notes from loved ones after they die) got me in my feels.
On my reread, a few things bothered me:
—the lack of safety talk 😐. Sigh. Since I’ve been writing down ⚠️ info and I’ve been rereading certain books, I’ve noticed that JA Huss doesn’t include safe sex info😐… or the possibility of there being a pregnancy. Considering no one’s a virgin in this book, I wanna know that the MCs are protected in all ways. I get it. Not all readers care, and I know some people would prefer condoms or a safety talk to not even be mentioned, but I’m not one of those readers 🤷🏻♀️. Unless everyone’s a virgin, I wanna know that the MCs are clean.
—someone in the comments asked if the MCs were in love, and after my reread, I can answer that question. Apparently, they’ve both been in love with each other for decades, but because they were friends and Kali and Aiden had her twin Kyle in the way, they never acted on their feelings.
But it’s been decades 😐
DECADES 😑😑😑😑😑
Sigh. And neither were celibate 😐.
But we’re not told anything about their previous sexual experiences. We don’t even know when the last time either of them were intimate with anyone.
He’s definitely been more active than her, because she mentions that she only uses her toys when she has a dry spell, and he’s ready to use them on her and tell her that a male partner can do it to their female partner, as if he’s done this before 😑, but again, we don’t know. We don’t know if Cali will encounter his previous f buddies or if he hooks up with people out of town or what. We just don’t know 😐
I still felt the emotions from down below in my old review, but the swoony feelings I felt about Aiden and Kali finally getting together were muted considering all I’ve mentioned above ^^.
In my old review, I didn’t talk about the 🔥.
Ufff 🥵. I love me a man who takes care of his girl, and Aiden does that in spades 💦. He has no qualms about getting down and dirty 😉 and uffff 🫠 does he ever 🔥
Sometimes I wish I could shut my brain up 🤣🤣🤣🤣.
2020 Review down below
First off, damn you Julie for making me cry!!! Ugh!!! I ugly cried... the heartbreak of losing a sibling was unbearable... I can’t even describe how I’m feeling. This is not the normal Julie book for sure (of what I’ve read from her) but damn did I love it just the same..
Kali and Kyle are twins and Aiden, Kali and Kyle were, at one point, a trio. They’ve known each other since they were 8 and, for some reason, Kali and Aiden were attracted to each other. Kyle told Aiden and kept reminding him throughout the years that he was his friend first, as a way of saying “don’t date my twin sister”.
Decades later, Kyle dies (he’s crushed by his jeep) and the story starts off with Aiden reading a eulogy at his funeral. They go to bury him, and Aiden and Kali stay until it gets dark; they walk home together, deciding that they don’t want the night to end. Then, their decades-long attraction kicks in and they can’t resist each other anymore. The next day, they regret it, and then realize they have to see each other for the reading of the will. When the reading of the will happens, Kyle leaves them all a number for them to call in order to hear a message he left them from beyond the grave-‘Dead Notes.’
Dead Notes is such an amazing concept. When it first came up in the book, I felt a thud in my stomach. I knew hearing Kyle’s messages was going to get to me, and it sure did. But besides that, both Aiden and Kali kept dreading these messages (hey even me as I reader) because they were unsure what Kyle had to say about their maybe/relationship (I say maybe because they weren’t official or anything before Kyle died- more like an understanding of what they could be). They have been in love with each other since they were little and Kyle knew it, yet never pushed them to get together. So when their feelings solidify (they were always there, just not obvious to the whole world) they have to make some choices and decide what they wanna do about it.
Omg the ending... agh... tears, of happiness, of sadness, of resolve... so many emotions. It made me google this Dead Notes concept (I searched in my apps lol)... I mean, thinking about it still makes my stomach drop and a knot form in my throat. This book... damn... this book gave me all the feels. I absolutely loooooved the connection between Aiden and Kali but I also loved how close Kyle was to both of them (omg cue my tears again 🤦🏻♀️🥺). I mean, when a book makes my stomach, heart, and throat feel pain, then I know it’s a great book because it will stick with me forever. And although this book is on the shorter end, I loved it just the same.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd
-after math of brother’s death
-biting/toys/anal play
-no condoms/safe sex isn’t even mentioned 😐/no info on either of them were with anyone either/they’ve both loved each other for years
-HEA/epilogue/years later
I still got emotional listening. The idea of Dead Notes (notes from loved ones after they die) got me in my feels.
On my reread, a few things bothered me:
—the lack of safety talk 😐. Sigh. Since I’ve been writing down ⚠️ info and I’ve been rereading certain books, I’ve noticed that JA Huss doesn’t include safe sex info😐… or the possibility of there being a pregnancy. Considering no one’s a virgin in this book, I wanna know that the MCs are protected in all ways. I get it. Not all readers care, and I know some people would prefer condoms or a safety talk to not even be mentioned, but I’m not one of those readers 🤷🏻♀️. Unless everyone’s a virgin, I wanna know that the MCs are clean.
—someone in the comments asked if the MCs were in love, and after my reread, I can answer that question. Apparently, they’ve both been in love with each other for decades, but because they were friends and Kali and Aiden had her twin Kyle in the way, they never acted on their feelings.
But it’s been decades 😐
DECADES 😑😑😑😑😑
Sigh. And neither were celibate 😐.
But we’re not told anything about their previous sexual experiences. We don’t even know when the last time either of them were intimate with anyone.
He’s definitely been more active than her, because she mentions that she only uses her toys when she has a dry spell, and he’s ready to use them on her and tell her that a male partner can do it to their female partner, as if he’s done this before 😑, but again, we don’t know. We don’t know if Cali will encounter his previous f buddies or if he hooks up with people out of town or what. We just don’t know 😐
I still felt the emotions from down below in my old review, but the swoony feelings I felt about Aiden and Kali finally getting together were muted considering all I’ve mentioned above ^^.
In my old review, I didn’t talk about the 🔥.
Ufff 🥵. I love me a man who takes care of his girl, and Aiden does that in spades 💦. He has no qualms about getting down and dirty 😉 and uffff 🫠 does he ever 🔥
Sometimes I wish I could shut my brain up 🤣🤣🤣🤣.
2020 Review down below
First off, damn you Julie for making me cry!!! Ugh!!! I ugly cried... the heartbreak of losing a sibling was unbearable... I can’t even describe how I’m feeling. This is not the normal Julie book for sure (of what I’ve read from her) but damn did I love it just the same..
Kali and Kyle are twins and Aiden, Kali and Kyle were, at one point, a trio. They’ve known each other since they were 8 and, for some reason, Kali and Aiden were attracted to each other. Kyle told Aiden and kept reminding him throughout the years that he was his friend first, as a way of saying “don’t date my twin sister”.
Decades later, Kyle dies (he’s crushed by his jeep) and the story starts off with Aiden reading a eulogy at his funeral. They go to bury him, and Aiden and Kali stay until it gets dark; they walk home together, deciding that they don’t want the night to end. Then, their decades-long attraction kicks in and they can’t resist each other anymore. The next day, they regret it, and then realize they have to see each other for the reading of the will. When the reading of the will happens, Kyle leaves them all a number for them to call in order to hear a message he left them from beyond the grave-‘Dead Notes.’
Dead Notes is such an amazing concept. When it first came up in the book, I felt a thud in my stomach. I knew hearing Kyle’s messages was going to get to me, and it sure did. But besides that, both Aiden and Kali kept dreading these messages (hey even me as I reader) because they were unsure what Kyle had to say about their maybe/relationship (I say maybe because they weren’t official or anything before Kyle died- more like an understanding of what they could be). They have been in love with each other since they were little and Kyle knew it, yet never pushed them to get together. So when their feelings solidify (they were always there, just not obvious to the whole world) they have to make some choices and decide what they wanna do about it.
Omg the ending... agh... tears, of happiness, of sadness, of resolve... so many emotions. It made me google this Dead Notes concept (I searched in my apps lol)... I mean, thinking about it still makes my stomach drop and a knot form in my throat. This book... damn... this book gave me all the feels. I absolutely loooooved the connection between Aiden and Kali but I also loved how close Kyle was to both of them (omg cue my tears again 🤦🏻♀️🥺). I mean, when a book makes my stomach, heart, and throat feel pain, then I know it’s a great book because it will stick with me forever. And although this book is on the shorter end, I loved it just the same.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd
-after math of brother’s death
-biting/toys/anal play
-no condoms/safe sex isn’t even mentioned 😐/no info on either of them were with anyone either/they’ve both loved each other for years
-HEA/epilogue/years later
July 11, 2020
This was an unexpectedly sweet read from J.A. Huss. I'm used to the mind twists that this author throws in her stories. It looks like she wanted to do a new thing with this book and I enjoyed it very much.
Pretty Thing is more of a contemporary love story with the best friend's sister trope. It's very sweet and also has a sad element to it. It will get you right in the feels when you uncover a little something from Kali's brother. And that ending! Oh man, that had me crying like a baby. Be ready to have tissues ready.
Pretty Thing is more of a contemporary love story with the best friend's sister trope. It's very sweet and also has a sad element to it. It will get you right in the feels when you uncover a little something from Kali's brother. And that ending! Oh man, that had me crying like a baby. Be ready to have tissues ready.
April 15, 2019
Well this story was so different from the rest of Julie’s books and it was such a sweet story ☺
Twins Kali & Kyle meet Aiden when they are 8 years old. He moved into their neighbourhood and they become firm friends. Even from a young age Kali hero worshipped Aiden and this developed into a huge crush as they moved into their teenage years.
Kyle was very aware of Kali’s crush and warned Aiden to steer clear of his sister. Aiden respectfully went along with Kyle’s wishes and keep her at arms length, treating her more as his little sister.
‘You’re my best friend, but if you ever try to hold my sister’s books again, I’ll punch you in the eye’
Years later, Kyle is tragically killed. Kali & Aiden seek solace in their friendship and their combined grief for Kyle. After numbing their sorrow with alcohol, Kali & Aiden cross the line that Kyle set many years ago. They finally give into something they have both wanted for years and it was so much more than they could have anticipated.
‘I’ve really, really missed you. And I have this whole time. It’s not Kyle’s death that’s making me miss you, Kal. It’s just… that’s how I feel.’
However, as wonderful as it was to spend a night together and forget about their pain for a while, they both feel guilty about not respecting Kyle’s wishes. It’s a bit of a conundrum really. Aiden was Kyle’s best friend and someone he trusted. Surely he would want him to be the person that Kali ends up with. Someone who will look after her and care for her as much as Kyle did.
‘One day, Kali Anderson, I’m gonna make you my wife.’
As these two battle with guilt and indecision the answers they seek may be more obvious than they realised. This was such a sweet heartfelt story, a perfect weekend read ☺
Twins Kali & Kyle meet Aiden when they are 8 years old. He moved into their neighbourhood and they become firm friends. Even from a young age Kali hero worshipped Aiden and this developed into a huge crush as they moved into their teenage years.
Kyle was very aware of Kali’s crush and warned Aiden to steer clear of his sister. Aiden respectfully went along with Kyle’s wishes and keep her at arms length, treating her more as his little sister.
‘You’re my best friend, but if you ever try to hold my sister’s books again, I’ll punch you in the eye’
Years later, Kyle is tragically killed. Kali & Aiden seek solace in their friendship and their combined grief for Kyle. After numbing their sorrow with alcohol, Kali & Aiden cross the line that Kyle set many years ago. They finally give into something they have both wanted for years and it was so much more than they could have anticipated.
‘I’ve really, really missed you. And I have this whole time. It’s not Kyle’s death that’s making me miss you, Kal. It’s just… that’s how I feel.’
However, as wonderful as it was to spend a night together and forget about their pain for a while, they both feel guilty about not respecting Kyle’s wishes. It’s a bit of a conundrum really. Aiden was Kyle’s best friend and someone he trusted. Surely he would want him to be the person that Kali ends up with. Someone who will look after her and care for her as much as Kyle did.
‘One day, Kali Anderson, I’m gonna make you my wife.’
As these two battle with guilt and indecision the answers they seek may be more obvious than they realised. This was such a sweet heartfelt story, a perfect weekend read ☺
April 16, 2019
Oh WOW.... is there something Julie can't write... NOPE ABSOLUTELY NOT!! She's given us.. twists and turns, mind-blowing, suspenseful, keeping you on the edge of your seat and now she's giving us a quick, sweet emotional read. You will be blown away with this raw, captivating read that will have you devouring page after page while putting tears in your eyes and a smile on your face. This was not at all what I expected from this book; needless to say, I absolutely LOVED this story and so will you!
April 18, 2019
A message and a confession
This book was very deep and so hard to explain. There are 3 friends. A set of twins and a boy. Then one of the twins the boy dies. Secretly the boy has always loved the twin girl. But Kyle the boy who died tells Aiden we were friends first just you and i. Now since Kyle has passed on Aiden and kylie can be together and he can confess his true feelings to her. But Kyle has left each one a message. Aiden is afraid he has lost kylie as well.
This book was very deep and so hard to explain. There are 3 friends. A set of twins and a boy. Then one of the twins the boy dies. Secretly the boy has always loved the twin girl. But Kyle the boy who died tells Aiden we were friends first just you and i. Now since Kyle has passed on Aiden and kylie can be together and he can confess his true feelings to her. But Kyle has left each one a message. Aiden is afraid he has lost kylie as well.
August 18, 2022
This one just didn't do it for me. I didn't feel that there was real chemistry between the main characters, the story felt flat and somewhat forced. Just meh.
April 17, 2019
Hmm I’m in such a book funk 😖 this just didn’t grab me😔
April 10, 2019
Oh mother of all things holy, this book made me an emotional mess.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
I’ve been a big fan of JA Huss’ books for a while now and once I read the info on this book I knew I had to read it. Knowing how amazing JA Huss is with her words I just knew I would love this one as much as her other ones if not more and I was right, this book was amazing.
Kali and Aiden are experiencing grief that no one should have to deal with, the death of their best friend and brother. Not knowing how to handle it they both lean on each other. Reading about the pain, grief and heartache they all go through is just heartbreaking and so sad to witness and not only do you witness it but you feel it too. You feel every single moment they hurt, when they’re happy or when they’re grieving, you feel it all and that is down to the incredible writing from this amazing author.
JA Huss has a knack for pulling you in from the get go and sucking you into a world that consists of only her character and their story and absolutely nothing else. That’s exactly what Pretty Thing does, it takes over your mind and thoughts and all you can think about is it. It’s really very incredible and I loved it.
Pretty Thing is sad and beautiful with a whole lot of sexy, so much sexy you’ll be needing a few panty changes or a really cold shower.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
I’ve been a big fan of JA Huss’ books for a while now and once I read the info on this book I knew I had to read it. Knowing how amazing JA Huss is with her words I just knew I would love this one as much as her other ones if not more and I was right, this book was amazing.
Kali and Aiden are experiencing grief that no one should have to deal with, the death of their best friend and brother. Not knowing how to handle it they both lean on each other. Reading about the pain, grief and heartache they all go through is just heartbreaking and so sad to witness and not only do you witness it but you feel it too. You feel every single moment they hurt, when they’re happy or when they’re grieving, you feel it all and that is down to the incredible writing from this amazing author.
JA Huss has a knack for pulling you in from the get go and sucking you into a world that consists of only her character and their story and absolutely nothing else. That’s exactly what Pretty Thing does, it takes over your mind and thoughts and all you can think about is it. It’s really very incredible and I loved it.
Pretty Thing is sad and beautiful with a whole lot of sexy, so much sexy you’ll be needing a few panty changes or a really cold shower.
April 15, 2019
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookworms
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via . This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
Pretty Thing is not typical JA Huss in that there isn't any real mind-twisting or conspiracy theorizing or nail-biting suspense. However, it was a solid and sweet story.
I agree, it was very different, and also very sweet... Since I didn't expect sweet, I had a little bit of difficulty entering the story at first, even.
I know we both felt a little "lost" in Pretty Thing, wifey, because it wasn't exactly what we've come to expect from Huss. I admit to trying to "figure it out" early on since that's what I'm typically doing when I read her but I wasn't disappointed that those elements weren't there. The story worked as it is, I think. Were you disappointed?
LOL! There wasn't really anything to figure out here, was there? I wasn't disappointed with that, per se. A little surprised - definitely. But as you said, the story was solid, so it was still good.
There wasn't as strong of a connection with Kali and Aiden as I'm used to having with Huss characters and I've been pondering why. Here's what I think: There's not as much character development in this story. Kali and Aiden kinda are who they are already. We see glimpses of what they were like growing up and how that shaped them but for the most part, this is a small window of time where they're dealing with a tragedy as well as the feelings they have for one another. What's your take?
You're right. There wasn't much character development, and I had trouble connecting with both Kali and Aiden. On top of that, there hardly were any other characters present in the story - so it was just the two of them, or their thoughts on things, and that's it. They were also both very open to the fact that they had been apart for so long, but still felt that they knew each other. While also realizing that they didn't really know the adults they had become.
I don't mind that there wasn't as much character development because in this case it kinda worked with the story. However, I wouldn't have minded exploring Kali and Aiden more deeply. Especially Kali and her reasons for having moved away and stayed away. She made comments about not knowing who she was anymore and I realize circumstances allowed for her to get in touch with the real her but I'd have liked to know more about why she'd lost herself in the first place. You?
Yes! I still don't understand why Kali went home so seldom, and why nobody from home came to visit her. She only lived a couple of hours away, after all. And her friends and family could have made an effort, too.
The Dead Notes app was an interesting plot device. And I liked how Huss incorporated it. Yes, maybe it was a little morbid but then I appreciated how Kyle made use of it. I think it helped his family and Aiden cope. What did you think of it?
I did actually enjoy the Dead Notes app quite a bit... and I'm actually wondering if there isn't something like that that exists for real. Or maybe that was leaving letters for loved ones? I'm not sure. It definitely helped them in the long run - but just after the reading of the will, it almost felt a little bit cruel. Also - who has the time to actually sit down and record messages to people for after they die? I hardly have the time to chat with the people I love when I want to - leaving them messages for when I'm no longer here probably wouldn't work for me.
So Pretty Thing was your average Huss story. But it was solid and well-written. I liked it overall despite the few things I missed. It was sweet. Not a word I ever expected to use to describe a Huss story. LOL But it was sweet...and hot. And a satisfying read after accepting it wasn't standard Huss-fare. Your final thoughts?
I had forgotten that she said it was going to be different, but I was satisfied even if I wasn't wow'ed. LOL sweet is not a word I thought I'd ever use to describe a Huss story either, but there you go, wifey. I'm glad we both enjoyed it, and I'm curious about her other upcoming books - will they be sweeter, too, or will she insert some darkness? I think that is what I'm going to ask myself the next time I pick up one of her new books now.
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via . This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
Pretty Thing is not typical JA Huss in that there isn't any real mind-twisting or conspiracy theorizing or nail-biting suspense. However, it was a solid and sweet story.
I agree, it was very different, and also very sweet... Since I didn't expect sweet, I had a little bit of difficulty entering the story at first, even.
I know we both felt a little "lost" in Pretty Thing, wifey, because it wasn't exactly what we've come to expect from Huss. I admit to trying to "figure it out" early on since that's what I'm typically doing when I read her but I wasn't disappointed that those elements weren't there. The story worked as it is, I think. Were you disappointed?
LOL! There wasn't really anything to figure out here, was there? I wasn't disappointed with that, per se. A little surprised - definitely. But as you said, the story was solid, so it was still good.
There wasn't as strong of a connection with Kali and Aiden as I'm used to having with Huss characters and I've been pondering why. Here's what I think: There's not as much character development in this story. Kali and Aiden kinda are who they are already. We see glimpses of what they were like growing up and how that shaped them but for the most part, this is a small window of time where they're dealing with a tragedy as well as the feelings they have for one another. What's your take?
You're right. There wasn't much character development, and I had trouble connecting with both Kali and Aiden. On top of that, there hardly were any other characters present in the story - so it was just the two of them, or their thoughts on things, and that's it. They were also both very open to the fact that they had been apart for so long, but still felt that they knew each other. While also realizing that they didn't really know the adults they had become.
I don't mind that there wasn't as much character development because in this case it kinda worked with the story. However, I wouldn't have minded exploring Kali and Aiden more deeply. Especially Kali and her reasons for having moved away and stayed away. She made comments about not knowing who she was anymore and I realize circumstances allowed for her to get in touch with the real her but I'd have liked to know more about why she'd lost herself in the first place. You?
Yes! I still don't understand why Kali went home so seldom, and why nobody from home came to visit her. She only lived a couple of hours away, after all. And her friends and family could have made an effort, too.
The Dead Notes app was an interesting plot device. And I liked how Huss incorporated it. Yes, maybe it was a little morbid but then I appreciated how Kyle made use of it. I think it helped his family and Aiden cope. What did you think of it?
I did actually enjoy the Dead Notes app quite a bit... and I'm actually wondering if there isn't something like that that exists for real. Or maybe that was leaving letters for loved ones? I'm not sure. It definitely helped them in the long run - but just after the reading of the will, it almost felt a little bit cruel. Also - who has the time to actually sit down and record messages to people for after they die? I hardly have the time to chat with the people I love when I want to - leaving them messages for when I'm no longer here probably wouldn't work for me.
So Pretty Thing was your average Huss story. But it was solid and well-written. I liked it overall despite the few things I missed. It was sweet. Not a word I ever expected to use to describe a Huss story. LOL But it was sweet...and hot. And a satisfying read after accepting it wasn't standard Huss-fare. Your final thoughts?
I had forgotten that she said it was going to be different, but I was satisfied even if I wasn't wow'ed. LOL sweet is not a word I thought I'd ever use to describe a Huss story either, but there you go, wifey. I'm glad we both enjoyed it, and I'm curious about her other upcoming books - will they be sweeter, too, or will she insert some darkness? I think that is what I'm going to ask myself the next time I pick up one of her new books now.
January 28, 2021
Well...once I heard the Dead notes app I was shocked at how she connects these books. So, I really liked Five in the other series so hearing about his app being used was intriguing.
This was an odd romance book. Aiden and Kali were sweet. I was a little annoyed with the brother, but It’s the typical situation where the brother doesn’t want to loose the best friend to the sister...
I won’t spoil the dead notes surprise, but that’s crazy, cool, and creepy all at the same time. Just wow!
This is sweet, sad, cute and the ending is perfect.
This was an odd romance book. Aiden and Kali were sweet. I was a little annoyed with the brother, but It’s the typical situation where the brother doesn’t want to loose the best friend to the sister...
I won’t spoil the dead notes surprise, but that’s crazy, cool, and creepy all at the same time. Just wow!
This is sweet, sad, cute and the ending is perfect.
April 9, 2019
SWOON WORTHY! You have to get past a little heartbreak in the beginning, but oh my, oh my, the swoon action on this one is off the charts.
Julie really can write a sweet, story, but still with tons of naughty fun times.
Julie really can write a sweet, story, but still with tons of naughty fun times.
April 10, 2019
I just finished this book and I’m a sobbing mess with a massive book hangover. I’m not sure I can find the words for this one. Just be prepared for ALL the feels. This is not your typical “best friend’s sister” book. Grab a glass of wine, a box of tissues and settle in.
April 9, 2019
Only J.A. Huss can make me cry, make me laugh and make me fan myself, all while reading one book! But with Pretty Thing, she did all that and so much more. I didn't know what to expect with this poignant tale of 3 friends and the way life moves forward when the trio becomes a duo. And yeah, it had been years since Kali, her twin brother Kyle and their best friend Aiden were all together but the bonds they created from the first time they met at the tender age of eight could never truly be severed. Not even when life throws them all a curveball and Kali and Aiden are left to pick up the pieces and hopefully find a way to move on.
Wow. This is one powerful little read. There is a deep sadness at the loss that has been suffered by Kali and Aiden and yet all the underlying feelings they have had for the other come racing back to the surface. But do they go against Kyle's wishes? Do they continue to long for the other and do nothing about it? Oh my, it's one big messy situation and yet Huss manages to carefully allow Kali and Aiden to sort through their grief and find some semblance of peace, no matter the cost.
And I loved the subtle 'signs' from Kyle that gave a certain sweetness to this story. It added the right touch as both Kali and Aiden have this push and pull, wanting the other so fiercely and desperately afraid to hurt Kyle. They were beautiful signs of acceptance and was exactly what our couple needed to move on. Kali and Aiden have an incredible chemistry and their reluctant yet overwhelming desire led to some insanely hot trysts. Those scenes added a realness to what they were dealing with internally and couldn't help but act upon.
Pretty Thing proves that J.A. Huss can incite fierce emotion even in the pages of a shorter read. She knows how to get to the heart of the matter and keep me thoroughly engaged and I'm in continued awe of her talent.
This book is quite simply lovely from start to finish and deserves a solid 5 stars!
Wow. This is one powerful little read. There is a deep sadness at the loss that has been suffered by Kali and Aiden and yet all the underlying feelings they have had for the other come racing back to the surface. But do they go against Kyle's wishes? Do they continue to long for the other and do nothing about it? Oh my, it's one big messy situation and yet Huss manages to carefully allow Kali and Aiden to sort through their grief and find some semblance of peace, no matter the cost.
And I loved the subtle 'signs' from Kyle that gave a certain sweetness to this story. It added the right touch as both Kali and Aiden have this push and pull, wanting the other so fiercely and desperately afraid to hurt Kyle. They were beautiful signs of acceptance and was exactly what our couple needed to move on. Kali and Aiden have an incredible chemistry and their reluctant yet overwhelming desire led to some insanely hot trysts. Those scenes added a realness to what they were dealing with internally and couldn't help but act upon.
Pretty Thing proves that J.A. Huss can incite fierce emotion even in the pages of a shorter read. She knows how to get to the heart of the matter and keep me thoroughly engaged and I'm in continued awe of her talent.
This book is quite simply lovely from start to finish and deserves a solid 5 stars!
May 28, 2022
"You're my friend first."
With her Naughty Things series, JA Huss explored sweet, slightly taboo , short contemporary stories.
Pretty Things is the first of these standalone books, and that is also the one I read last.
I just finished it, and while I'm writing down my impressions, I am still drying my tears. The brother's best friend trope definitely did not sound taboo in this book. Forbidden, definitely but only because of that particular setting. As I started reading I was far from imagining where the story would lead me, but I can only praise the author for that touching tale. Best friend, family, the LOVE felt vivid all along. If the sexy parts weren't what sold me to Kyle, Kali and Aiden's story, the heart-wrenching feelings certainly did. Love, guilt, grief. An SO. MUCH. LOVE. I smiled, laughed, and cried the ugliest tears. I don't rememeber crying so much for a story in the last years, and loved every moment of it.
With her Naughty Things series, JA Huss explored sweet, slightly taboo , short contemporary stories.
Pretty Things is the first of these standalone books, and that is also the one I read last.
I just finished it, and while I'm writing down my impressions, I am still drying my tears. The brother's best friend trope definitely did not sound taboo in this book. Forbidden, definitely but only because of that particular setting. As I started reading I was far from imagining where the story would lead me, but I can only praise the author for that touching tale. Best friend, family, the LOVE felt vivid all along. If the sexy parts weren't what sold me to Kyle, Kali and Aiden's story, the heart-wrenching feelings certainly did. Love, guilt, grief. An SO. MUCH. LOVE. I smiled, laughed, and cried the ugliest tears. I don't rememeber crying so much for a story in the last years, and loved every moment of it.
April 10, 2019
As usual, JA Huss has written another hit! This book is a standalone, friends to lovers book that has all the feels. It's more tender and romantic than I usually go for, and it made me feel things in my gut. It did hit close to home for me, because I have a twin and this is my biggest fear. That made it slightly more difficult for me personally to enjoy the story, because I was heartbroken the entire book. But that's my issue, that's not an issue with the story or the writing. There's a nod to another character in this book too, nothing that you need to know, but something that will make long term Hussies smile. I think everyone would love this one!
May 1, 2021
I listened to this fast paced brothers best friend romance on Audible. I love listening to books and lately JA Huss is my addiction ❤️
Kyle and Kali are twins and they grew up with Aiden since elementary school. Kali are Kyle have always loved each other. Then sadly Kyle dies a tragic death and it brings Kali and Aiden close.
So what frustrated me was that Kali and Aiden never acted on their attraction sooner!
Kyle and Kali are twins and they grew up with Aiden since elementary school. Kali are Kyle have always loved each other. Then sadly Kyle dies a tragic death and it brings Kali and Aiden close.
So what frustrated me was that Kali and Aiden never acted on their attraction sooner!
April 26, 2019
A to the freaking DORABLE. This book broke me down a couple times.. it was just sooo sad, and kind of beautiful and still so sad and made me happy too. Thats right I'm a freaking mess.. All in all I really enjoyed it because it was more than just romance it was more about just love in general, the love between a boy and girl, the love between brothers, friends, twins, family... It just jackknifed me right in the feels! Gah my heart is a road map of pieces, both broken and then put back together by the books that I've read and this one might just own a piece lol.
Aiden has loved Kali since the day he first met her at 8 years old, but her twin brother, Kyle, has always stood in his way with only one rule, Stay away from my sister, you were my friend first. Now years later, Kyle is dead. His best friend, his brother, and he doesn't know how to do life without Kyle there everyday. When he sees Kali at Kyles funeral he latches on, this his last connection with his best friend, but soon he remembers all the feelings he has had for Kali over the years and now may be his chance to finally get the girl of his dream.. if only Kyle would quit haunting him. Kali has crushed on Aiden for most of her adult life, even after moving away to get a life of her own she still thought of Aiden her brothers best friend.. except he used to be her best friend too. Now seeing Aiden during her heartbreak over loosing her other half, Kali decides that her and Aiden can share their grief, together. Now both Aiden and Kali are wracked with both grief, and guilt having violated Kyles wishes even though he is gone.. will they be able to move on from Kyle's death and embrace the love they have had for each other all this time? or will Kyle keep them apart forever even in death.
My summary didn't quite do this justice I don't think. I love how the author incorporated Kyle into the story even years down the road with her cleverness. Even if it was a tad creepy too. Really enjoyed this book!
Aiden has loved Kali since the day he first met her at 8 years old, but her twin brother, Kyle, has always stood in his way with only one rule, Stay away from my sister, you were my friend first. Now years later, Kyle is dead. His best friend, his brother, and he doesn't know how to do life without Kyle there everyday. When he sees Kali at Kyles funeral he latches on, this his last connection with his best friend, but soon he remembers all the feelings he has had for Kali over the years and now may be his chance to finally get the girl of his dream.. if only Kyle would quit haunting him. Kali has crushed on Aiden for most of her adult life, even after moving away to get a life of her own she still thought of Aiden her brothers best friend.. except he used to be her best friend too. Now seeing Aiden during her heartbreak over loosing her other half, Kali decides that her and Aiden can share their grief, together. Now both Aiden and Kali are wracked with both grief, and guilt having violated Kyles wishes even though he is gone.. will they be able to move on from Kyle's death and embrace the love they have had for each other all this time? or will Kyle keep them apart forever even in death.
My summary didn't quite do this justice I don't think. I love how the author incorporated Kyle into the story even years down the road with her cleverness. Even if it was a tad creepy too. Really enjoyed this book!
April 15, 2019
Goosebumps and palpitations. Tears those won't stop. An aching sensation in my chest and avalanche of emotions in my heart. And that almost sums up my reaction to Pretty Thing
by JA Huss. This was simple brilliance from a genius author.
On surface Pretty Thing is a brother's best friend romance. The similarity ends there. Aiden and Kali are lonely, angry, sad and desolate after Kyle, Kali's twin brother and Aiden's best friend is suddenly gone. Years have passed to create a rift between them. But they need each other now. This story is not only about a couple. It is like a love story with three persons from an entirely different angle. Aiden is struggling with the burden of his best friend's death, own guilt, insecurity and his uncontrollable attraction to Kali. Kali is fighting with her distance with family, feeling for Aiden and the pain of losing half of her soul. And JA Huss took me through everything. The layers , the depth of emotions and the effect of the story on me is something only JA Huss can do every time.
JA Huss gave the familiar story her own original spin. It felt so real yet unreal at some times. It was just beautifully written. She went into unimaginable depth into the feelings of Aiden and Kali. She dug deeper and deeper till I lost myself in the darkness. And then she rescued me with miraculous hope. The pain of loss, the shame, the denial, the harsh reality and the soulnumbing love were brought to life with JA Huss's extraordinary writing. A component of mystical afterlife is lurking through the story. You can interpret them in your own way.
Some stories need to be read to feel how mindblowing they are. Reviews are inconsequential. I can gurantee it will be the best kind of adventure for you.
Received ARC for Honest Review
by JA Huss. This was simple brilliance from a genius author.
On surface Pretty Thing is a brother's best friend romance. The similarity ends there. Aiden and Kali are lonely, angry, sad and desolate after Kyle, Kali's twin brother and Aiden's best friend is suddenly gone. Years have passed to create a rift between them. But they need each other now. This story is not only about a couple. It is like a love story with three persons from an entirely different angle. Aiden is struggling with the burden of his best friend's death, own guilt, insecurity and his uncontrollable attraction to Kali. Kali is fighting with her distance with family, feeling for Aiden and the pain of losing half of her soul. And JA Huss took me through everything. The layers , the depth of emotions and the effect of the story on me is something only JA Huss can do every time.
JA Huss gave the familiar story her own original spin. It felt so real yet unreal at some times. It was just beautifully written. She went into unimaginable depth into the feelings of Aiden and Kali. She dug deeper and deeper till I lost myself in the darkness. And then she rescued me with miraculous hope. The pain of loss, the shame, the denial, the harsh reality and the soulnumbing love were brought to life with JA Huss's extraordinary writing. A component of mystical afterlife is lurking through the story. You can interpret them in your own way.
Some stories need to be read to feel how mindblowing they are. Reviews are inconsequential. I can gurantee it will be the best kind of adventure for you.
Received ARC for Honest Review
April 11, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. This book was amazing, it was heart wrenching, emotional and I couldn’t put it down. When you lose the most important person in your life how do you deal with the loss? Kali and Aiden are dealing with the loss of Kali’s twin Kyle, they’ve all known each other since they were kids and Kali has always been off limits to his friends especially Aiden. Aiden and Kali have always had a special bond and as they grew older it started turning into more than an infatuation. The loss of Kyle is bringing them closer together, but the guilt and sadness surrounding them is taking control of their feelings. Feeling guilty for going after the one person who Aiden has always loved and Kali accepting the love that Aiden is giving. How would Kyle feel about what they are doing? Would he be mad, or would he approve? How would their families react to their relationship? So many emotions to go through, but how can they stay away from each other any longer? Coming together feels so right but also wrong, how do you fight the urge to be with the one you love knowing that your brother and best friend forbade it? Their story is so powerful it will hit you with all the feels you were never expecting. They are explosive together, sexy, the push and pull between them is amazing, and all they need is that one sign that it’s ok to move forward together. Loved this book and I highly recommend it.
April 15, 2019
Funny, how i developed this habit of looking for that 1 star review here in GR.
I didn't see one, and I understand why.
This book is about love, life, the memories from it and how we go from there to continue with living. This is a pretty decent read-- well decent and emotional, with likeable and easy to connect main characters. The writing is neat and despite having an emotional theme (gawwd those phone calls), the book is a light read for me (if we don't count the used tissues).
“Mrs. Cranston would kill us if she caught us.”
“Oh,” Aiden says. “You don’t know?”
“Know what?”
“She died a couple years back. Jack and Marie Lesser live here now.”
“Oh,” I say, stopping in my tracks. For some reason this hits me hard. Maybe because I didn’t know and I should’ve. Should’ve shown up for her funeral, at least. Or maybe because it’s a symptom of why I’m standing here in this alley with Aiden,
This part made me sad, as one part of their past is never gonna be there anymore or never going to be the same. This with the major fact that they just buried Kyle,
It reminds me that the only constant thing is change (even before Kyle's death, somethings weren't the same for awhile already). That, we either gain or lose things (pretty things) and we need to find the will to move on.
I didn't see one, and I understand why.
This book is about love, life, the memories from it and how we go from there to continue with living. This is a pretty decent read-- well decent and emotional, with likeable and easy to connect main characters. The writing is neat and despite having an emotional theme (gawwd those phone calls), the book is a light read for me (if we don't count the used tissues).
“Mrs. Cranston would kill us if she caught us.”
“Oh,” Aiden says. “You don’t know?”
“Know what?”
“She died a couple years back. Jack and Marie Lesser live here now.”
“Oh,” I say, stopping in my tracks. For some reason this hits me hard. Maybe because I didn’t know and I should’ve. Should’ve shown up for her funeral, at least. Or maybe because it’s a symptom of why I’m standing here in this alley with Aiden,
This part made me sad, as one part of their past is never gonna be there anymore or never going to be the same. This with the major fact that they just buried Kyle,
It reminds me that the only constant thing is change (even before Kyle's death, somethings weren't the same for awhile already). That, we either gain or lose things (pretty things) and we need to find the will to move on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2019
Pretty Thing by JA Huss is a standalone romance with a twist.
Pretty Thing is an emotional read and I recommend to have tissues at hand, I certainly needed them.
Meet Kali and Aiden on one of their worst days of their lives. The two and Kali' twin Kyle grew up together and they were like wite on rice. But life got in the way. While Aiden and Kyle build a business together, Kali left for the city and became a successful chef.
Aiden always liked her, loved her, but she strictly was off limits -Kyle didn't approve. But now everything changed and the two have to start living without brother and best friend. Their crazy chemistry and attraction is still through the roof high, yes it grew over time.
Pretty Thing is a gripping story, starts out emotional and ends in the same way. I confess I cried my way through the book. Pretty Thing is excellent written by an outstanding author with characters I easily connected with and a story that is beautifully thought out and beautifully told. 5 Stars.
Pretty Thing is an emotional read and I recommend to have tissues at hand, I certainly needed them.
Meet Kali and Aiden on one of their worst days of their lives. The two and Kali' twin Kyle grew up together and they were like wite on rice. But life got in the way. While Aiden and Kyle build a business together, Kali left for the city and became a successful chef.
Aiden always liked her, loved her, but she strictly was off limits -Kyle didn't approve. But now everything changed and the two have to start living without brother and best friend. Their crazy chemistry and attraction is still through the roof high, yes it grew over time.
Pretty Thing is a gripping story, starts out emotional and ends in the same way. I confess I cried my way through the book. Pretty Thing is excellent written by an outstanding author with characters I easily connected with and a story that is beautifully thought out and beautifully told. 5 Stars.
April 9, 2019
Pure Relationship Feels, Stunning Story!!
Poignant story of Kali and Aiden as they bury her twin, and his best friend Kyle. The three meet at age eight, and when Aiden starts to notice Kali at about age fourteen Kyle reminds Aiden that he is *his* friend first – keep away from my twin sister. Kali had moved to another town to try life as a “single”. She is surprised by the maturity, musculature and tattoos of Aiden when she returns for the funeral.
Feelings are the star of this story. Loss, life, and what it means to be truly living. Can the wishes from the grave affect those still living? Should they? When they are given a phone number of a final message in an App that Kyle used: Dead Notes…. What will they hear, and how will it impact their future.
Amazing read. Read in less than 24 hours – had to gain my own closure on this remarkable story.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Poignant story of Kali and Aiden as they bury her twin, and his best friend Kyle. The three meet at age eight, and when Aiden starts to notice Kali at about age fourteen Kyle reminds Aiden that he is *his* friend first – keep away from my twin sister. Kali had moved to another town to try life as a “single”. She is surprised by the maturity, musculature and tattoos of Aiden when she returns for the funeral.
Feelings are the star of this story. Loss, life, and what it means to be truly living. Can the wishes from the grave affect those still living? Should they? When they are given a phone number of a final message in an App that Kyle used: Dead Notes…. What will they hear, and how will it impact their future.
Amazing read. Read in less than 24 hours – had to gain my own closure on this remarkable story.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
April 15, 2019
Pretty Thing is such a sweet, heart felt story that I devoured in one sitting. I honestly spent the entire book waiting for the twist, that I have come to expect with this author and I was shocked when I realized that this author writes sweet romance as well as she writes wtf romances!
Kyle, his twin, Kali and their best friend Aiden were always a package deal...until they weren’t. Now Aiden and Kali are left dealing with their new reality. Then turn to each other in the moment of need and now the guilt sets in and they are lost in the what if’s..
I really loved these characters, both were so loyal and strong. They were willing to sacrifice everything for what they thought was right. They both broke my heart and put it back together and I this is a book you don’t want to miss out on!
Kyle, his twin, Kali and their best friend Aiden were always a package deal...until they weren’t. Now Aiden and Kali are left dealing with their new reality. Then turn to each other in the moment of need and now the guilt sets in and they are lost in the what if’s..
I really loved these characters, both were so loyal and strong. They were willing to sacrifice everything for what they thought was right. They both broke my heart and put it back together and I this is a book you don’t want to miss out on!
July 1, 2021
My best friend made damn sure I knew the rules. His sister was strictly off limits. UNTIL NOW. Well this was a very unexpected read from J.A Huss, very different from her other books and a very pleasant surprise. The story line was a sweet and a deeply emotional one that deals with, love, guilt, loss and the pain of losing a loved one while trying to save a loved one. The chemistry between the characters is so warm and sweet, and they are both absolutely lovable. This was an all over beautiful romance to read.
April 10, 2019
I think J.A Huss is going soft on us. LOL!!!
I am a huge fan of Huss. I have read almost all of her books except the Junco series. And she hasn't written anything like Pretty Thing. This book for me had more of a contemporary feel to it. And I loved every word.
This story will take you on a journey of loss, pain, love, and the struggles of loyalty. This book was such an emotional read. Something I'm not used to by Huss. But it was beautifully written. There were so many elements that tied this story together. Things that I don't want to mention because I don't want to give anything away. It is definitely a must read.
I am a huge fan of Huss. I have read almost all of her books except the Junco series. And she hasn't written anything like Pretty Thing. This book for me had more of a contemporary feel to it. And I loved every word.
This story will take you on a journey of loss, pain, love, and the struggles of loyalty. This book was such an emotional read. Something I'm not used to by Huss. But it was beautifully written. There were so many elements that tied this story together. Things that I don't want to mention because I don't want to give anything away. It is definitely a must read.
April 25, 2019
This one was emotional, a story of true love finally having there day and life after death.
I also loved the illustration of their names at every chapter
I also loved the illustration of their names at every chapter
May 30, 2019
Oh, my heart! This one was really touching... and honestly, that surprised me in the best if ways😁
May 17, 2019
Wow!
I don't know where that came from but Wow! JA Huss swept me off my feet. She knocked my knees out from underneath me and pushed me in a fast flowing river at the same time. So instead of wobbling like a fawn to stand, I'm caught in the current that is Pretty Thing.
Dead Notes is all kinds of messed up and yet the sweetest thing ever. I'm both intrigued and horrified by it. I know that anyone who has lost someone close will feel the same way but it is such a vital part of this love story. As warped and amazing as Kyle was, I don't think this story would have been the same without his weird investment.
Fall in love with your twin brother's best friend, one crazy decision at a time. Or 26 years ago...Your choice, Pretty Thing!
I don't know where that came from but Wow! JA Huss swept me off my feet. She knocked my knees out from underneath me and pushed me in a fast flowing river at the same time. So instead of wobbling like a fawn to stand, I'm caught in the current that is Pretty Thing.
Dead Notes is all kinds of messed up and yet the sweetest thing ever. I'm both intrigued and horrified by it. I know that anyone who has lost someone close will feel the same way but it is such a vital part of this love story. As warped and amazing as Kyle was, I don't think this story would have been the same without his weird investment.
Fall in love with your twin brother's best friend, one crazy decision at a time. Or 26 years ago...Your choice, Pretty Thing!
September 18, 2020
Wow. What an exceptionally moving look at love and loss and how the two can make or break us. This isn’t the kind of book I expect from Julie. Not that she can’t do sweet - she just proved that she really, really can - but usually there’s mystery, suspense, twists and turns, and a dash of some dark.
This book is all heart. I can’t tell you the number of times I teared up reading it. The emotion is so raw, the grief is so real. And tangled up in it is this incredible story about second chances and a lifelong love. I really don’t know what else to say. It moved me on a level I wasn’t expecting. And Kyle’s voice through it all? Almost guiding the story... just. Wow.
This book is all heart. I can’t tell you the number of times I teared up reading it. The emotion is so raw, the grief is so real. And tangled up in it is this incredible story about second chances and a lifelong love. I really don’t know what else to say. It moved me on a level I wasn’t expecting. And Kyle’s voice through it all? Almost guiding the story... just. Wow.
April 18, 2019
I'm confused
I get that grief is unbearable....but I can't comprehend the constant constant disrespect of literally cussing the deceased because he isn't here anymore ....when as a twin, you had all but removed him from your life only to see him 2 holidays a year for no other reason than....oh wait...there was no reason. Now he's gone and you replay this wonderful life you had as twins, as kids? What? Her behavior is rude and disrespectful....and confusing.
I get that grief is unbearable....but I can't comprehend the constant constant disrespect of literally cussing the deceased because he isn't here anymore ....when as a twin, you had all but removed him from your life only to see him 2 holidays a year for no other reason than....oh wait...there was no reason. Now he's gone and you replay this wonderful life you had as twins, as kids? What? Her behavior is rude and disrespectful....and confusing.
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