Review: Sequel is better than the short story appetizer.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 09 10, 2013
This novel carries on from the short story Friends or Lovers?Friends Or Lovers?It continues the story of Shane and Nick.  Shane has been in a 5 year relationship with Mark who left him at the alter.  In the short story there were secrets alluded to around Mark and we find out what they are.  And what secrets!  I won't go into that because I don't want to be the spoiler.  However, Nick and Shane have been friends for years and Nick had feelings for Shane before Shane started his relationship with Mark.  Shane was young and poor, in college or just finishing it and Mark had money, was older, and swept him off his feet.  But he was unfulfilled even though he pushed Mark to get married.  Turns out Mark did him a huge favour in not turning up on the day.  Nick stepped up and they started a relationship.  Problems with this story for me are around Shane and his wishy-washy decisions, lack of actions and behaviours.  He is constantly looking for someone to take care of him even though he keeps saying he isn't.  Mark wants him back but he is with Nick, but won't live with Nick because he wants to be independent.  Ok then, but he loses his home because he lived with Mark, he loses his job because Mark gets him fired, he can't go to most friends because Mark has threatened them with something.  His old boss gets him an interview with Brian who knows who Shane is and wants him for the position, among other things.  Thing is Brian has history with Mark.  Brian quickly offers a place for Shane to live, a job, and himself if he wants him.  Shane demurs but caves pretty quickly.  His is in a relationship, sort of, with Nick but likes Brian flirting with him but doesn't want to go further.  Shane is very egocentric it is annoying.  However there is another story, Brian wants a Shane/Nick relationship of his own and meets Jamie.  There is angst but love prevails - a bit too easily.  This book is very emotive and talks about feelings.  The perspectives change and we see the story from the different characters eyes which I like.  But to me it is like two books smooshed together a bit, I don't know if that is just how I have read it.  Brian goes from having no-one to picking up a waiter in a bar (who wears hotpants and no shirt) to offering a home and marriage in a minute (well a week).  And Shane goes from not wanting to declare love for Nick because he can't go from one relationship to another to agreeing to get married within a blink of the eye.  I like the story, don't get me wrong, just wasn't as gritty as it could have been. I don't like the main character, he seems shallow and vacuous. It's like he is using Nick, or taking him for granted, more than building a relationship.  I do like the Brian/Jamie story better.