HIM
Rating- 5/5 tails
An endearing story about two
young athletes who uncover their hidden emotions behind their masks of
friendship.
The book starts with the
perspectives of the two main characters, Ryan Wesley and Jamie Canning. Ryan
Wesley, the local badass and cocky to the core, is confronted with an
embarrassing history he has failed to overcome: his gut-wrenching and
mind-boggling love for his ex-best friend. Jamie Canning had always imagined
himself as the ladies man, but his thoughts keep returning to his best
friend, who abruptly ended their friendship by going MIA during the best years
of his life. Even after all these years, the anger and confusion appear to have
followed him. The plot twists when both protagonists unexpectedly meet during a competition and rekindle their long-forgotten friendship, yearning to
return to those simpler times when nothing else mattered but one other. However,
fate has other ideas for them. When Wesley unexpectedly shows up at the
summer camp Jamie is coaching with the purpose of mending the past, the six-week event becomes more than they could have imagined.
“My weakness is him.”
―
Criticisms
I honestly couldn't think of
anything negative to say about the book. Jamie and Wesley's coming-of-age
narrative of discovering their sexualities were so nicely depicted, the
only criticism I had was that the book was too short; I wanted to see more of
Wes and Jamie. And, don't get me wrong, I know the book has a sequel
called 'Us', but I guarantee it won't be enough. I was completely smitten.
“Because I’d wanted to touch him more than I’d
wanted my next breath.”
―
The book had me grinning like a
fool. Wesley and Jamie are two of my favourite characters. This is the first
book in which I don't think I'm picky when it comes to favourites. I felt every
feeling that the author tried to convey because Wesley's love for Jamie was so
terribly intoxicating. Furthermore, Wesley's cockiness and unapologetic
attitude toward his sexuality was so inspiring.
“I…” He clears his throat. “I’d let you do it,
though.” My hand freezes in his hair. “You would?” Wes nods. “I’d let you do
anything to me, Canning.”
― Him
'Him’ by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy can be read on its own, but the good news is that it has a sequel, 'Us.' Although most M/M novels are told in a single stand-alone book, I was delighted to see that this one has a second part in which the characters are already together, followed by their difficulties and tribulations which would help the readers to understand and appreciate the characters further with extended plots for character development. Frequently, stories end with the characters marrying and admitting their feelings. Meanwhile, this book takes it a step further by allowing the characters to grow as individuals. I can’t wait to read the sequel.
“You
really do love me, huh?”
“Always have.” I swallowed hard. “Always will.”
―
Recommendations
This is a novel that I would
strongly suggest to any M/M fan. This is a must-read since it has a little bit
of everything a good romance should have. The best aspect of this novel was the
character development, slow-burn components, heart-wrenching interior dialogue,
hot scenes, and humorous remarks. You'll undoubtedly root for the boys and
squeal with delight during their interactions. In addition, it serves as a
coming-of-age journey for Jamie, who considers himself to be 'straight' (or is
he?). Jamie begins to adjust and embrace the reality that he loves his best
friend after delving deeper into his friendship and sentiments of jealously for
Wes. We even get a glimpse into the societal quirks that label gay guys as
'disgusting.' The moments in which the protagonists must conceal their
sexuality in order to achieve their greater aims was extremely depressing.
However, I admire Wes for being so upfront and defensive towards Jamie and
himself, displaying the tough demeanour that is required to avoid being looked
down upon.
“But here’s the thing about family, Ryan…blood
doesn’t mean shit. You just need to surround yourself with people who do love
you, and they become your family.”
―
Aside from my evident outrage at such bigotry, I found this book to be a fun read. This isn't a tearjerker; rather, it's a light-hearted and humorous twist on the best friends to lovers narrative. For fans of BL, Yaoi, or M/M, this is a must-read.
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Thank you for reading. ❤
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