This young adult book deals with some very heavy issues. Ellis deals with trying to figure out his life and future while also trying to hang on to his friendship with Cary after Cary drops out of school. Cary is like a brother to Ellis and is having his own troubles trying to figure out his future. Ellis also has to deal with a troubled home life. His mother is an angry person and takes that anger out on him.
Then along comes Saul, the new kid. Ellis is instantly attracted to the wealthy new boy, but is trying to figure him out as well. Saul has secrets and it doesn’t take long for Ellis to find out what they are. Saul has OCD. He is struggling to deal with it and make what he does okay in his mind. I know that sounds confusing, but I want to be careful not to give away important parts of the story. It’s part of the mystery that makes Saul such an interesting character. But I will say that, while his father believes his obsession with Ellis is unhealthy, Saul fights to prove it’s not.
As things start to relax a bit, Ellis’ mom comes out with her big secret which throws Ellis off. He’s not sure what to make of his mother’s new relationship and instantly disapproves, but not for the reasons everyone else believes.
Then along comes Saul, the new kid. Ellis is instantly attracted to the wealthy new boy, but is trying to figure him out as well. Saul has secrets and it doesn’t take long for Ellis to find out what they are. Saul has OCD. He is struggling to deal with it and make what he does okay in his mind. I know that sounds confusing, but I want to be careful not to give away important parts of the story. It’s part of the mystery that makes Saul such an interesting character. But I will say that, while his father believes his obsession with Ellis is unhealthy, Saul fights to prove it’s not.
As things start to relax a bit, Ellis’ mom comes out with her big secret which throws Ellis off. He’s not sure what to make of his mother’s new relationship and instantly disapproves, but not for the reasons everyone else believes.
The only issue I had with this story is, when all was out in the open, the author skims through the rest of the story and leaves me feeling a little unfulfilled. I need more. I need to understand what happens next. Their story didn’t really have an ending, and that bothered me. I give this book 3 Marbles and hope there is more coming from the author. If there is, I may rethink my 3 Marble rating. As it is now I feel I only got part of the story.~Timmy
If You Really Love Me is available
With time ticking until graduation, Ellis Carter doesn't have a plan for after high school. Since his best friend Cary dropped out, he has no one to talk to. All he knows is he doesn’t want to continue being a burden to his mother. Adding to his daily torture is the school’s new resident bad boy, Saul Brooks. So to say he’s amazed when the mysterious Saul invites him to the gym for a workout is an understatement. Soon, they go from workout buddies to boyfriends, and Ellis couldn't be happier. But happiness is fleeting. His mother begins a new relationship he thinks will lead to pain, and Cary makes a decision that could take him out of Ellis's life for good. Just when he needs to lean on his boyfriend the most, Ellis discovers Saul has a secret that could break them apart.
About Gene Gant
I'm Tennessean by birth, a resident of Memphis for most of my life. I tried living in a few northern cities after graduating from college, but I couldn't take the brutal winters, and I missed good ol' southern barbecue. Now I make my home on a country lane outside of Memphis. When I'm not reading, working out, watching movies or spending time with family and friends, you can find me tapping away at my computer.
Boo! It stinks when a book feels unfinished at the end. :( Hopefully there will be a follow up. Great review, Timmy! :)
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't a bad story, but I do hope there is more to it at some point.
Delete<3 Timmy
You make this one sound very intriguing Timmy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, its very disheartening when an author builds up a story then seems to skim with the ending so to speak.
It is good. Let me know if you give it a try.
Delete<3 Timmy
Well, darn. I hate it when a book ends like that. It sounds like there are plenty of twists and turns in the story. It's a shame the wrap-up wasn't better. It's especially disappointing because I'm a big fan of Gene Gant's work. So I'll probably give it a read just for that reason alone. Good review, Timmy. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteTerrific review, Timmy! Hopefully there'll be more coming so this doesn't feel so unfinished.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great review! It's really difficult to balance your words when you are not completely happy with what the story gave you (it's personal!), but you wrote a very good three-star review. (And for those who didn't know it, 3 stars is still a good book! It is just missing something).
ReplyDeleteAt times, an author works so hard to put it all together in the first place that the unravelling of the mystery is seen as an aside, instead of the author creating a fulfilling wrap-up. This happens more often than one would think, and perhaps the authors are SO glad they finished it that they don't polish the ending? Maybe a merciless beta reader would have helped! Or a fearless editor!
I much prefer books to be finished stories (that can very well be continued in a second book), with answers to most of the questions that have come up during the course of the book.
Very well thought-out review, Timmy. You impress me every time. <3