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Until #1
Until You
Every life has a before and an after. An invisible line that divides a life into two halves: the before and the after...
When Jude is seventeen he overhears something that changes the course of the rest of his life. Now, at twenty-five, he's guarded, distrustful, and determined to keep the rest of the world at arm's length. He doesn't need other people. He has plenty of issues to keep him busy.
Until a chance meeting at a rooftop party brings Blake into his life. Blake, who's sunny presence suddenly fills Jude's empty life with laughter and happiness. Blake, who breaks down Jude's walls layer by layer and brick by brick. Blake, who makes Jude break every one of his rules. Blake, who makes Jude fall in love.
But Jude's not the only one with secrets in his past, so what happens when the truth comes out? Will falling in love be enough to overcome all the challenges life has thrown in their path?
When Jude is seventeen he overhears something that changes the course of the rest of his life. Now, at twenty-five, he's guarded, distrustful, and determined to keep the rest of the world at arm's length. He doesn't need other people. He has plenty of issues to keep him busy.
Until a chance meeting at a rooftop party brings Blake into his life. Blake, who's sunny presence suddenly fills Jude's empty life with laughter and happiness. Blake, who breaks down Jude's walls layer by layer and brick by brick. Blake, who makes Jude break every one of his rules. Blake, who makes Jude fall in love.
But Jude's not the only one with secrets in his past, so what happens when the truth comes out? Will falling in love be enough to overcome all the challenges life has thrown in their path?
323 pages, ebook
First published May 16, 2023
774 people are currently reading
5880 people want to read
About the author
Briar Prescott
18 books1,234 followersBriar Prescott is a work in progress. She swears too much, doesn’t eat enough leafy greens and binge watches too much television. It’s okay, though. One of these days she'll get a hang of that adulting thing.
Probably.
Maybe.
She hopes.
Want to check in occasionally to hear what's up? You can stalk her here:
Newsletter: https://www.briarprescott.com/contact
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/briar...
Email: [email protected].
Webpage: www.briarprescott.com.
Probably.
Maybe.
She hopes.
Want to check in occasionally to hear what's up? You can stalk her here:
Newsletter: https://www.briarprescott.com/contact
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/briar...
Email: [email protected].
Webpage: www.briarprescott.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,117 reviews
November 4, 2023
I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. The story is so unique and beautifully written. It completely consumed me, surprised me, had me on the edge of my seat and made me feel so many emotions. I didn't want to put it down.
Everything about Jude and Blake was perfect - from the moment they meet, their conversations and the slow build up of their relationship, to the epilogue. I absolutely loved Blake.
That's as much as I can say without spoiling anything. The blurb is pretty vague for a reason, and I would suggest going into this knowing as little as possible.
Next to Project Hero, this is definitely my new favourite by this author. 😊
*******
Re-read 11/2023: Still amazing. I only wish I could read it for the first time again.
Everything about Jude and Blake was perfect - from the moment they meet, their conversations and the slow build up of their relationship, to the epilogue. I absolutely loved Blake.
That's as much as I can say without spoiling anything. The blurb is pretty vague for a reason, and I would suggest going into this knowing as little as possible.
Next to Project Hero, this is definitely my new favourite by this author. 😊
*******
Re-read 11/2023: Still amazing. I only wish I could read it for the first time again.
February 8, 2025
~4.5~
Until You began like every other Briar Prescott book does for me ... slowly, with one too many conversations between characters I don't know or like (yet).
At 20%, I considered not finishing.
But, friends, the joke would have been on me because I really enjoyed this story, which speaks to longing, loneliness, and trust, the loss of which is like an avalanche - one minute you have a stable snowpack that took months (sometimes years) to form, and the very next, the whole thing is careening down the mountain destroying everything in its path.
Jude hasn't trusted anyone since he was a teenager when he found out something shocking about his childhood, something his parents kept a secret.
Now, Jude lives alone in New York City working odd jobs. He keeps in touch with his high school friend, Blair, her wife Nora, and his other friend, Stephen, but doesn't get close; that way no one can hurt him.
Then Jude meets Blake on a rooftop, and everything changes. Blake chases the clouds away. He takes care of Jude and needs taking care of in return. He resists Jude's advances, until he needs Jude more than he needs to breathe.
Jude is the sole narrator of this story. I usually hate the singular POV, but it was necessary here.
I had some inkling as to what was coming, but there is more than one plot twist here and the second one left me reeling.
While this book isn't heavy handed or preachy, it does beg the question: Is it wrong to disobey the law for the right reason?
Before you answer that, consider that it was once illegal to harbor an enslaved person or a Jew, but perfectly legal to murder one, and we're on the precipice (in America at least) of criminalizing how people dress, what they do with their bodies, whom they love, what they're taught, and what they read.
HUGE SPOILER (don't read if you haven't read the book!):
Whew, now that I got that off my chest, let me conclude by saying: I loved Blake, and I loved Jude, and I loved Blake & Jude together. I loved the blanket forts, the way Blair interrogated Blake about his hacking skills, and the piano heist.
I loved the epilogue just a little less because, come on, that wasn't romantic, but it was also real and ridiculous in a way that works for this couple.
This is a tender, steamy book with a dash of suspense. Definitely worth reading!
Until You began like every other Briar Prescott book does for me ... slowly, with one too many conversations between characters I don't know or like (yet).
At 20%, I considered not finishing.
But, friends, the joke would have been on me because I really enjoyed this story, which speaks to longing, loneliness, and trust, the loss of which is like an avalanche - one minute you have a stable snowpack that took months (sometimes years) to form, and the very next, the whole thing is careening down the mountain destroying everything in its path.
Jude hasn't trusted anyone since he was a teenager when he found out something shocking about his childhood, something his parents kept a secret.
Now, Jude lives alone in New York City working odd jobs. He keeps in touch with his high school friend, Blair, her wife Nora, and his other friend, Stephen, but doesn't get close; that way no one can hurt him.
Then Jude meets Blake on a rooftop, and everything changes. Blake chases the clouds away. He takes care of Jude and needs taking care of in return. He resists Jude's advances, until he needs Jude more than he needs to breathe.
Jude is the sole narrator of this story. I usually hate the singular POV, but it was necessary here.
I had some inkling as to what was coming, but there is more than one plot twist here and the second one left me reeling.
While this book isn't heavy handed or preachy, it does beg the question: Is it wrong to disobey the law for the right reason?
Before you answer that, consider that it was once illegal to harbor an enslaved person or a Jew, but perfectly legal to murder one, and we're on the precipice (in America at least) of criminalizing how people dress, what they do with their bodies, whom they love, what they're taught, and what they read.
HUGE SPOILER (don't read if you haven't read the book!):
Whew, now that I got that off my chest, let me conclude by saying: I loved Blake, and I loved Jude, and I loved Blake & Jude together. I loved the blanket forts, the way Blair interrogated Blake about his hacking skills, and the piano heist.
I loved the epilogue just a little less because, come on, that wasn't romantic, but it was also real and ridiculous in a way that works for this couple.
This is a tender, steamy book with a dash of suspense. Definitely worth reading!
November 10, 2023
☆☆☆4.75 rating ☆☆☆
"I can live without you. I just choose not to. And I'm terrified as fuck, still, by the way. But...I also love you more than I'm afraid."
This is my first read by Briar Prescott, and what an introduction!✨✨
I am blown away by the beautiful writing and storytelling. I haven't had the best luck with my recent reads and some of the arcs I have read. So this was both a treat and a surprise! While some were great, I wasn't blown away or left in awe like I was by Briar's writing.
This story was heartfelt, touching, and emotional. I loved everything about it. The characters, the plot, the side characters, the plot twist, and everything else. I could go on. But what I loved the most was that the author's concept for the book was ORIGINAL and INTRIGUING.
It didn't feel like your typical tired MM romance books that you have been reading lately. Yes, some things are familiar like the grumpy/sunshine aspect of the MCs but it was executed in a way that felt exciting and enjoyable! The story of Jude and Blake (the MCs) is very emotional and angsty but it is worth the read and curiosity.
Jude is a twentysomething man living in New York City. He lives a lonely and dull life. He works temporary jobs and is not attached to anybody or anything. After all, why should he tie himself down to things permanently? It's easier to be detached and noncommittal. Easier not to get hurt and betrayed. People can hurt you, lie to you and do worse things. Same with other aspects of life, like one's career. Easier to move on than having something you want deeply to be taken away from you. It's easier to be guarded than to be let down time and time again. That is at least how Jude sees life. He sees it as black and white. He is very guarded and has good reasons for being the way he is.
"I've built a wall around me. Sturdy layers of bricks, one after another, year after year. It's safe here, hiding from the world and the people in it. Nobody can hurt you if you won't let them close enough."
It's safer to be guarded than hurt. Better not to risk getting hurt again. Jude has been lied to and betrayed many times in his life. He has been hurt and let down. Life has made him pessimistic and grumpy. A coward and in his own words "an asshole". He keeps friends at bay and never lets anyone in fully. Can you blame him?
Prescott's writing makes the reader resonate with Jude's character and flaws, but most of all she informs the reader that Jude knows that this isn't how he should live. It's not a life if one is merely existing day by day, without a purpose. Prescott doesn't immediately reveal to the reader what shaped Jude's life or the series of events that made him into the bitter person that he came to be. She hints at it and gives the reader clues. She draws you in and slowly lets the reader into Jude's life. I appreciated that because it feels like you are getting to know someone and as guarded as Jude was, it made sense that we slowly get to know him.
Jude and Blake meet one night on a rooftop of all places, at a party. They have a very interesting interaction and hit it off right away. Jude's flirty nature was fun and it comes out when he is with Blake. He wants to hook up with Blake, but for whatever reason that doesn't happen, at least until much later. They get to know each other and become friends. The romance is slow-burn. You get to witness their relationship development and it is not fast-paced, which I loved and appreciated. As their friendship developed more, so did their bond. They get to know each other well and the reader gets to know things like Blake's job which is him being a hacker. You enjoy their interactions and intimate moments. You also will enjoy Jude's friends who have a huge impact on his life. His friend Stephan (Steph) is very fun and flirty. So if he has a book coming up next, I can't wait for it!
Blake and Jude eventually become more than friends, and it is expected because the author has prepared you for it. Their romance is hot and heavy but also built on friendship. You will probably smile like an idiot when you get to that part of the book, so enjoy! But like every romance book, there is also some drama and angst.
Jude's past catches up with him and everything with our sweet Blake is not as it seems. However, as a reader, you will come to empathize with all the characters involved. You will understand why everyone did what they did. You may not agree with their choices or decisions, but the author makes it hard for you to hate any character. There are also themes of healing, forgiving and not forgetting in this book. Jude and Blake both have serious character development and as a reader, you will come to enjoy their personal growth.
I could go on forever but to sum up, this was such a lovely story. I loved Jude and Blake. Jude is such a precious character and you just want to hug him. This book though vastly different reminded me a bit of Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman and I know why. I loved both books. So if you enjoyed that one then you will probably love this as well, they are similar in terms of angst and romance.
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. I hope you end up loving and enjoying this book as much as I did.❤️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"I can live without you. I just choose not to. And I'm terrified as fuck, still, by the way. But...I also love you more than I'm afraid."
This is my first read by Briar Prescott, and what an introduction!✨✨
I am blown away by the beautiful writing and storytelling. I haven't had the best luck with my recent reads and some of the arcs I have read. So this was both a treat and a surprise! While some were great, I wasn't blown away or left in awe like I was by Briar's writing.
This story was heartfelt, touching, and emotional. I loved everything about it. The characters, the plot, the side characters, the plot twist, and everything else. I could go on. But what I loved the most was that the author's concept for the book was ORIGINAL and INTRIGUING.
It didn't feel like your typical tired MM romance books that you have been reading lately. Yes, some things are familiar like the grumpy/sunshine aspect of the MCs but it was executed in a way that felt exciting and enjoyable! The story of Jude and Blake (the MCs) is very emotional and angsty but it is worth the read and curiosity.
Jude is a twentysomething man living in New York City. He lives a lonely and dull life. He works temporary jobs and is not attached to anybody or anything. After all, why should he tie himself down to things permanently? It's easier to be detached and noncommittal. Easier not to get hurt and betrayed. People can hurt you, lie to you and do worse things. Same with other aspects of life, like one's career. Easier to move on than having something you want deeply to be taken away from you. It's easier to be guarded than to be let down time and time again. That is at least how Jude sees life. He sees it as black and white. He is very guarded and has good reasons for being the way he is.
"I've built a wall around me. Sturdy layers of bricks, one after another, year after year. It's safe here, hiding from the world and the people in it. Nobody can hurt you if you won't let them close enough."
It's safer to be guarded than hurt. Better not to risk getting hurt again. Jude has been lied to and betrayed many times in his life. He has been hurt and let down. Life has made him pessimistic and grumpy. A coward and in his own words "an asshole". He keeps friends at bay and never lets anyone in fully. Can you blame him?
Prescott's writing makes the reader resonate with Jude's character and flaws, but most of all she informs the reader that Jude knows that this isn't how he should live. It's not a life if one is merely existing day by day, without a purpose. Prescott doesn't immediately reveal to the reader what shaped Jude's life or the series of events that made him into the bitter person that he came to be. She hints at it and gives the reader clues. She draws you in and slowly lets the reader into Jude's life. I appreciated that because it feels like you are getting to know someone and as guarded as Jude was, it made sense that we slowly get to know him.
Jude and Blake meet one night on a rooftop of all places, at a party. They have a very interesting interaction and hit it off right away. Jude's flirty nature was fun and it comes out when he is with Blake. He wants to hook up with Blake, but for whatever reason that doesn't happen, at least until much later. They get to know each other and become friends. The romance is slow-burn. You get to witness their relationship development and it is not fast-paced, which I loved and appreciated. As their friendship developed more, so did their bond. They get to know each other well and the reader gets to know things like Blake's job which is him being a hacker. You enjoy their interactions and intimate moments. You also will enjoy Jude's friends who have a huge impact on his life. His friend Stephan (Steph) is very fun and flirty. So if he has a book coming up next, I can't wait for it!
Blake and Jude eventually become more than friends, and it is expected because the author has prepared you for it. Their romance is hot and heavy but also built on friendship. You will probably smile like an idiot when you get to that part of the book, so enjoy! But like every romance book, there is also some drama and angst.
Jude's past catches up with him and everything with our sweet Blake is not as it seems. However, as a reader, you will come to empathize with all the characters involved. You will understand why everyone did what they did. You may not agree with their choices or decisions, but the author makes it hard for you to hate any character. There are also themes of healing, forgiving and not forgetting in this book. Jude and Blake both have serious character development and as a reader, you will come to enjoy their personal growth.
I could go on forever but to sum up, this was such a lovely story. I loved Jude and Blake. Jude is such a precious character and you just want to hug him. This book though vastly different reminded me a bit of Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman and I know why. I loved both books. So if you enjoyed that one then you will probably love this as well, they are similar in terms of angst and romance.
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. I hope you end up loving and enjoying this book as much as I did.❤️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 17, 2023
This is my favorite book I’ve read so far this year and I can’t even find the words to talk about it!!!!!! But omg!!!!!
May 14, 2023
The book that dragged me out of my slump.
A new release by the fabulous Briar Prescott and it couldn’t have been better!
“Being alone hasn’t bothered me in a long, long time. I prefer it, to be honest. But sometimes, late at night, aloneness morphs into loneliness. Soul-scratching, painful loneliness—that squatter in the back of my brain I just don’t seem to be able to evict for good.”
-Amazing writing and story telling.
-Fabulous main characters! I’m so in love with Blake!
-My favorite kind of humour.
-Painful past - trust issues- hurt/comfort.
-Proudly out, vers characters, no homophobia.
-Characters with strength, and good self respect.
-Amazing blossom of the romance. Beautiful moments and realistic relationship build up.
-Hot, so hot scenes.
-Mild angst, overall the book has a good vibe.
-Couldn’t put it down, I want to see more of them!
-Best HEA
““I don’t want that. That’s their love. Their version. I want yours. I want you to love me just the way you love me. Just make it forever. That’s all I need.””
I have recieved an ARC from the Author and I’m leaving a honest and unbaised review.*
A new release by the fabulous Briar Prescott and it couldn’t have been better!
“Being alone hasn’t bothered me in a long, long time. I prefer it, to be honest. But sometimes, late at night, aloneness morphs into loneliness. Soul-scratching, painful loneliness—that squatter in the back of my brain I just don’t seem to be able to evict for good.”
-Amazing writing and story telling.
-Fabulous main characters! I’m so in love with Blake!
-My favorite kind of humour.
-Painful past - trust issues- hurt/comfort.
-Proudly out, vers characters, no homophobia.
-Characters with strength, and good self respect.
-Amazing blossom of the romance. Beautiful moments and realistic relationship build up.
-Hot, so hot scenes.
-Mild angst, overall the book has a good vibe.
-Couldn’t put it down, I want to see more of them!
-Best HEA
““I don’t want that. That’s their love. Their version. I want yours. I want you to love me just the way you love me. Just make it forever. That’s all I need.””
I have recieved an ARC from the Author and I’m leaving a honest and unbaised review.*
October 20, 2024
Nobody can hurt you if you won’t let them close enough.
But you’re also never fully alive behind the wall. You exist, safe in your own bubble, and you think it’s enough.
But what if it isn’t?
No-dating is not only a rule for Jude but his only way to survive. He can’t afford getting his heart broken again, there had already been too much drama in his life as a kid. But he wasn’t expecting to be locked up on a roof with a guy who makes him want to free fall, consequences be damned.
But Blake is a mirror image of himself: full of secrets he can’t get out. The only thing he can offer Jude is friendship, even if it’s clear both of them are dreaming with a lot more than that. When their secrets finally see the light, will there be any hope left for these two scarred souls?
I met Briar Prescott in Project Hero and every single book I had read by her afterwards had paled in comparison to that masterpiece. Very far away from the fun rom-com Project Hero is, Until You has finally managed to break the curse, placing himself as one of the best angsty suspense romances I’ve ever read.
As someone who never cries, I couldn’t believe it when the letters got all foggy while I was seeing Blake struggle. I loved how the author was able to reflect how their childhood trauma shaped who they were, yet there were cracks on their shield that became more obvious the more time they spent with each other. How Jude considered being loyal his biggest flaw, how much I understood why he would rather survive than risk falling in love just to be betrayed again. How Blake had to live knowing that his secret grew stronger with every second that passed, but telling Jude could destroy the only thing he had ever dreamt of having.
“I hid your shoes”, he says and starts to kiss me, but I rear back.
“What the fuck?”
“I hid your shoes,” he repeats patiently and tries to kiss me again.
“Why?”
“If you don’t have your shoes, you can’t run out on me in the middle of the night.”.
While you are following Jude, Blake was the one that broke my heart the most. You didn’t need his POV to see his pain, to want to hug him and beg for forgiveness. The worst part is that you understood the character’s actions so well that you couldn’t even be angry at them, just you suffer in silence while wishing for a miracle to happen.
The only thing I would have changed is that I don’t understand how you can forget that the person you are in love with had told you ‘i need to tell you something’. Come on, that’s the kind of thing you are so curious about you never, ever forget. Even if it’s a bad moment, you’ll remember the next time you are with them; I couldn’t understand how it happened more than once here.
Overall, Until You was a slow burn romance with an amazing characterization and the suspense that comes from having a POV that keeps hiding things from you. While the secrets aren’t so difficult to figure out if you are alert, you will still be really curious about how they are going to make it work, and so in love with the characters you will suffer the pain of not knowing along with them.
↬ Until by Briar Prescott
1. Until You: 4.25 stars
2. And Then You: 4.5 stars
3. Maybe You: 4.25 stars
March 3, 2025
A story featuring two emotionally stunted characters wouldn’t typically be my cup of tea. However, this one completely won me over.
At 17, Jude overhears something that changes his life forever. Now, at 25, he’s built walls so high that no one can get close. He doesn’t need anyone.
A random encounter at a rooftop party brings Blake into his world. Blake, with his effortless charm and positive, unwavering presence. Blake, who fills Jude’s empty spaces with laughter and warmth. Blake, who slowly, patiently, tears down every one of Jude’s carefully constructed barriers.
I absolutely adored this book. Was it the incredible audiobook narration by Devon Ryder, or the author's beautifully crafted words? Maybe both.
Though it starts off slow, it’s well worth the journey. The depth of emotional trust and love it takes for Jude and Blake to truly find each other is portrayed so very well.
I’m starting to think my love language does not come in the form of beautiful words and candlelit dinners but well-placed sarcastic remarks and exasperation. Blake has clearly mastered both.
At 17, Jude overhears something that changes his life forever. Now, at 25, he’s built walls so high that no one can get close. He doesn’t need anyone.
A random encounter at a rooftop party brings Blake into his world. Blake, with his effortless charm and positive, unwavering presence. Blake, who fills Jude’s empty spaces with laughter and warmth. Blake, who slowly, patiently, tears down every one of Jude’s carefully constructed barriers.
I absolutely adored this book. Was it the incredible audiobook narration by Devon Ryder, or the author's beautifully crafted words? Maybe both.
Though it starts off slow, it’s well worth the journey. The depth of emotional trust and love it takes for Jude and Blake to truly find each other is portrayed so very well.
November 9, 2023
3/5
Well, it was a decent story. I wanted to love it, but honestly, I'll probably forget about it tomorrow because I didn't really connect with the main characters. At times I was a bit bored and I skipped two chapters because I was, as I said, bored. The last ten percent were amazing though. The groveling made the whole book for me. The way he was sitting outside his door almost made tear up.
Well, it was a decent story. I wanted to love it, but honestly, I'll probably forget about it tomorrow because I didn't really connect with the main characters. At times I was a bit bored and I skipped two chapters because I was, as I said, bored. The last ten percent were amazing though. The groveling made the whole book for me. The way he was sitting outside his door almost made tear up.
June 1, 2023
This was so good, I enjoyed it so much.
Since I knew from the beginning that Blake would be hiding something, I was kind of on edge from his first appearance.
And given that this is only from Jude's POV, that heightened the feeling. I read a review or two that hinted at the big reveal near the end, but no spoilers were given.
I'll do the same here, because while the reveal is surprising and a little shocking, it's not the worst secret ever and I can say no reader should be overly worried about what Blake is hiding and it all works out in the end in such a wonderful way.
But for myself, since I didn't know just exactly what this big secret was, I couldn't help how on edge I felt, especially when there were hints of Blake hiding something, whatever it was.
I suspected since the beginning that he ran into Jude on the stairs on purpose, and I was right, but just for the wrong reasons. I was suspecting he was like...a secret thief or something, trying to con Jude or something but then he falls him for anyway (that is NOT his deal and not what happens, but that's what I was thinking haha. Kudos to the book for keeping me guessing until the reveal!)
Because I should have put two and two together, but I so did not.
But Blake was up to something, because even though we don't get his POV, the author masterfully gets across how much he wants Jude anyway, how into him he is. It confuses poor Jude, because Blake seemingly turns him down because he doesn't want him at first, even though they are both vibing so well together.
He keeps turning Jude down as well as they develop a friendship.
See, something in Jude's past has made him allergic to connections, to commitment, to getting close to anyone.
We learn early on that he has great parents who love each other and love him, but then an overheard conversation he hears at 17 years old creates a snowball affect for some truths to come to light. We, the reader, get as far as him learning that he isn't biologically related to his parents, and he finds his birth mom.
But he gets an e-mail from her he seems horrified at, but we don't get to learn what it is until about two thirds into this book.
Again, I should have suspected what it was, but I had no idea and was surprised by that reveal too. I was in the dark until the reveals with both Jude and Blake.
So, aside from Blair and Stephen, his two friends he had from high school before everything went down, he doesn't have friends or anything besides one-night stands. And even with those two, he keeps a pretty big distance.
He's scared to trust, to let anyone in to potentially hurt him - for good reason, we later learn.
But his walls and tendency to push people away also leaves him lonely. And when he meets Blake, there is an instant connection that, at first, he just sees as lust that will lead to a one and done type deal. But because Blake says no, and instead offers friendship, he gets to know Blake very well before anything sexual happens.
Thus, letting the door open to him falling in love, a scary endeavor for one so opposed to the idea.
But he can't stay way from Blake, be it friendship or otherwise, as he's so drawn to him, and they form a fast friendship, that grows into more, that Jude tries to play off as just something he'd need to get out of his system with a quick fuck, and something Blake tries to resist for reasons unknown.
But eventually, of course, they can't stay away forever, and they give into their desire and growing feelings for each other.
Jude, of course, freaks out after the first time, but Blake isn't one to let Jude push him away. And Jude can't really resist him, as much as he talks himself into trying.
Their relationship was done so well. And it is such a feat to make the reader feel the feelings coming from the non-POV characters. I generally prefer dual POV for that reason, and just being able to get both their thoughts and feelings loud and clear.
Not that I still wouldn't have appreciated Blake's POV, of course. I would have loved that. But the author managed to do something that is very hard to do, which is portray Blake's feelings for Jude so well that we didn't really need his POV to feel his attraction, lust, feelings and then love for Jude.
Even as the threat of whatever he was hiding loomed. To his credit, he tries to tell Jude several times. His "I have to tell you something" that gets lost in events happening or some other thing coming up, etc etc, it doesn't happen until a dramatic reveal.
Although it didn't feel overdramatic to me, or done for drama's sake. I can see why Blake would forget or be scared to tell Jude, as events unfold. And how his secret is found out felt like something that could happen and something fairly ordinary.
While dramatic, it didn't lean into melodramatic, and I loved that.
And Blake's solid determination to get Jude's forgiveness at the end, showing he wasn't going anywhere unless Jude asked him to.
It was all so good and I loved this. Definitely, I'd say, this is one of the author's best, if not the best work by her.
Definitely two thumbs up from me. If you haven't read this, definitely pick it up. It's worth the read.
Can't wait for the next book from this wonderful author.
Onto the next! 😍
Since I knew from the beginning that Blake would be hiding something, I was kind of on edge from his first appearance.
And given that this is only from Jude's POV, that heightened the feeling. I read a review or two that hinted at the big reveal near the end, but no spoilers were given.
I'll do the same here, because while the reveal is surprising and a little shocking, it's not the worst secret ever and I can say no reader should be overly worried about what Blake is hiding and it all works out in the end in such a wonderful way.
But for myself, since I didn't know just exactly what this big secret was, I couldn't help how on edge I felt, especially when there were hints of Blake hiding something, whatever it was.
I suspected since the beginning that he ran into Jude on the stairs on purpose, and I was right, but just for the wrong reasons. I was suspecting he was like...a secret thief or something, trying to con Jude or something but then he falls him for anyway (that is NOT his deal and not what happens, but that's what I was thinking haha. Kudos to the book for keeping me guessing until the reveal!)
Because I should have put two and two together, but I so did not.
But Blake was up to something, because even though we don't get his POV, the author masterfully gets across how much he wants Jude anyway, how into him he is. It confuses poor Jude, because Blake seemingly turns him down because he doesn't want him at first, even though they are both vibing so well together.
He keeps turning Jude down as well as they develop a friendship.
See, something in Jude's past has made him allergic to connections, to commitment, to getting close to anyone.
We learn early on that he has great parents who love each other and love him, but then an overheard conversation he hears at 17 years old creates a snowball affect for some truths to come to light. We, the reader, get as far as him learning that he isn't biologically related to his parents, and he finds his birth mom.
But he gets an e-mail from her he seems horrified at, but we don't get to learn what it is until about two thirds into this book.
Again, I should have suspected what it was, but I had no idea and was surprised by that reveal too. I was in the dark until the reveals with both Jude and Blake.
So, aside from Blair and Stephen, his two friends he had from high school before everything went down, he doesn't have friends or anything besides one-night stands. And even with those two, he keeps a pretty big distance.
He's scared to trust, to let anyone in to potentially hurt him - for good reason, we later learn.
But his walls and tendency to push people away also leaves him lonely. And when he meets Blake, there is an instant connection that, at first, he just sees as lust that will lead to a one and done type deal. But because Blake says no, and instead offers friendship, he gets to know Blake very well before anything sexual happens.
Thus, letting the door open to him falling in love, a scary endeavor for one so opposed to the idea.
But he can't stay way from Blake, be it friendship or otherwise, as he's so drawn to him, and they form a fast friendship, that grows into more, that Jude tries to play off as just something he'd need to get out of his system with a quick fuck, and something Blake tries to resist for reasons unknown.
But eventually, of course, they can't stay away forever, and they give into their desire and growing feelings for each other.
Jude, of course, freaks out after the first time, but Blake isn't one to let Jude push him away. And Jude can't really resist him, as much as he talks himself into trying.
Their relationship was done so well. And it is such a feat to make the reader feel the feelings coming from the non-POV characters. I generally prefer dual POV for that reason, and just being able to get both their thoughts and feelings loud and clear.
Not that I still wouldn't have appreciated Blake's POV, of course. I would have loved that. But the author managed to do something that is very hard to do, which is portray Blake's feelings for Jude so well that we didn't really need his POV to feel his attraction, lust, feelings and then love for Jude.
Even as the threat of whatever he was hiding loomed. To his credit, he tries to tell Jude several times. His "I have to tell you something" that gets lost in events happening or some other thing coming up, etc etc, it doesn't happen until a dramatic reveal.
Although it didn't feel overdramatic to me, or done for drama's sake. I can see why Blake would forget or be scared to tell Jude, as events unfold. And how his secret is found out felt like something that could happen and something fairly ordinary.
While dramatic, it didn't lean into melodramatic, and I loved that.
And Blake's solid determination to get Jude's forgiveness at the end, showing he wasn't going anywhere unless Jude asked him to.
It was all so good and I loved this. Definitely, I'd say, this is one of the author's best, if not the best work by her.
Definitely two thumbs up from me. If you haven't read this, definitely pick it up. It's worth the read.
Can't wait for the next book from this wonderful author.
Onto the next! 😍
May 21, 2023
Loved this. Absolutely LOVED it!!
I laughed, cried and got heart ache, which always makes a book perfect for me.
Although the story is told entirely from Jude's perspective, except for the epilogue, I feel like we see enough of Blake to get to know him well.
I loved being inside Jude's head, and how much of the book was internal thoughts - my favourite books all have this approach and I love being able to really get into a character's head space.
Jude's sense of humour was perfect and pretty much the same as mine, which is always a comfort to read, and I love how Blake just got him immediately - kind of jealous of these two fictional people, not going to lie 😂.
Blake was the absolute sweetest and the way he fought for their relationship... 🥺🥺🥺🥺
I have absolutely no complaints and I can't wait to read the next Briar Prescott book.
I laughed, cried and got heart ache, which always makes a book perfect for me.
Although the story is told entirely from Jude's perspective, except for the epilogue, I feel like we see enough of Blake to get to know him well.
I loved being inside Jude's head, and how much of the book was internal thoughts - my favourite books all have this approach and I love being able to really get into a character's head space.
Jude's sense of humour was perfect and pretty much the same as mine, which is always a comfort to read, and I love how Blake just got him immediately - kind of jealous of these two fictional people, not going to lie 😂.
Blake was the absolute sweetest and the way he fought for their relationship... 🥺🥺🥺🥺
I have absolutely no complaints and I can't wait to read the next Briar Prescott book.
May 24, 2023
✰ 4.75 stars ✰
“Remember how you said you weren’t really the dating type?”
He lifts his head and studies me curiously before he nods.
“Well, I was wondering,” I say. “If, maybe… you’d make an exception for me?”
I sound uncertain and kind of pathetic, and I’m sure that could’ve been said in a better way. A more memorable way. A more heartfelt way. Or at least in a hotter way. In a way that’d indicate I’m worth taking a chance on.
Too bad I’ve got nothing more eloquent to add.
Even so, Blake’s eyes are glimmering in the late morning sunlight, and his smile is equally brilliant as he nods again, thumbs still moving over my skin. “Okay.”
“Yeah?” I ask.
His smile grows even wider. “Yeah.” He looks down at where his thumbs are playing on my skin and then up again. Serious now.
“You already are my every exception.”
Everything about Until You was 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼. To say nothing else besides that except that I loved absolutely everything about it would be a disservice to what a wonderful reading experience it was for me. I've only read one other book by Briar Prescott, but if her other books are as incredible as this one, then I'll certainly have to update that number. It's hard for me to explain why I loved this so much. Told entirely from Jude's POV, it starts off with an air of mystery around his life - based on the little clues, I could easily infer what exactly was the reasoning behind it all - it was the ball drop - the twist at the end that I did not see coming, that made this story stand out even more for me.
Why??? Because --- I was reading it and the shock that Jude felt when it happened - you may not believe it, but I actually felt it - that hit of dread and shock. Sunday morning, sitting on my sofa, reading along - laughing along - enjoying along - all the intimate ups he was having in his life with Blake - and then suddenly when it happened - when it happened - when that shock hit me - because it was so unexpected and not at all what I thought would be the conflict point... I knew then - for me - that this book was special. 🥺🥺 I was already very much in love with the banter - the writing style - the character dynamics - Jude's inner thoughts - but that was the sealing point for me.
“You’re pulling me in like quicksand.”
His eyes turn me transparent like glass. Fragile like it, too.
“What are you doing?” I ask, because none of my friends have said things like that to me before. Or looked at me like I’m something new.
Undiscovered. A treasure chest that hasn’t been opened yet.”
From their first meeting together, the chemistry between Jude and Blake was incredible. I loved that even though Jude wasn't the commitment-type, he didn't shy away from expressing his desire to be with Blake - despite his own reservations. And as their relationship developed, I enjoyed all their delightful banter, their intimate moments of sharing personal tidbits with each other - how their lives growing up were so similar and yet different in their own way.
“Our eyes are locked. It’s too intimate. Absolutely awful. Somebody needs to put an end to this. The sooner the better.”
It's not easy for Jude to let someone into his life - into his heart - as the story goes on, you'll understand why he is the way he is, but once he met Blake, all he wanted was to have someone like him in his life. Someone who brings out a side of him, he didn't know was a part of him - someone who's laughter makes him feel lighter - someone who makes him feel better about himself - his own worth - his own presence just being enough to be around.
That feeling is so powerful - something that anyone would want to feel - just to feel loved - someone who can bring you out of the lonely bubble, you've wrapped around yourself. ❤️🩹 Even if he has people in his life who do make him feel this way, he's always pushing them away, keeping them at arm's length, but somehow with Blake, he doesn't want that anymore - he wants that level of trust - to let down his walls and just open up about anything and everything - that sense of calmness that only he can give him.
“You’re enough,” he says very quietly. “Just you.”
I didn’t even know I needed to hear that so badly. Something seems to crack inside me. That last stubborn piece of resistance I’ve been holding on to. Poof. Disappears.
There’s freedom in it when you’re allowed to be a mess in front of somebody you trust and you know they won’t think less of you because of it.”
And uff, the writing was spot-on perfect. Ms.Prescott maintained such an incredible balance between the light-hearted tender moments, to the scorching hot make-out sessions, to their charming flirty yet teasing banter, and Jude's inner humorous bouts of denial that I was just swept along with the story. 🥰🥰 And even though, we never got to see inside Blake's head - I thought that was a great point - because, his reveal would not have made such an impact as it did.
“Saying ‘I can’t live without you’ is pretty much equivalent to saying ‘I’m with you because I don’t have any other choice.’ And that’s fucking stupid. And we’re not gonna do that. I can live without you. I just choose not to.
And I’m terrified as fuck, still, by the way. But… I also love you more than I’m afraid.”
Nor would the many attempts he made to not fall for Jude (unsuccessfully so) and then woo him in every way with such passion and intensity that had me fanning myself and re-reading bits because it made me swoon (yes, I am a helpless romantic - don't judge me). 🫠🫠 And then when he woefully tried to win Jude back - like an abandoned heartbroken puppy - refusing to give up - and then, the ending - that beautiful love letter at the end. 💕💕
Was it sappy? Yes. Was it sweet? Yes. Did I tear up? You bet I did - and I don't regret it, because it was poetic and it was perfect and it was them - the true essence behind the title of this book - captured with the emotions that defined the beauty of their story. And I soaked up every minute of it - loved every second of it - wished I could see more of it - crying at the happiness at the end of it. 🥹🥹
“I'm scared, too. You know that, right?” Blake asks. “We’ll figure it out.”
And with Blake that’s all I need.
I don’t want big promises or even bigger vows.
I want the journey.
With him.
Together.
And when he wraps himself around me and hugs me tightly, it feels like my heart is going to burst.
I’ve never felt like this before.
Until him.”
“Remember how you said you weren’t really the dating type?”
He lifts his head and studies me curiously before he nods.
“Well, I was wondering,” I say. “If, maybe… you’d make an exception for me?”
I sound uncertain and kind of pathetic, and I’m sure that could’ve been said in a better way. A more memorable way. A more heartfelt way. Or at least in a hotter way. In a way that’d indicate I’m worth taking a chance on.
Too bad I’ve got nothing more eloquent to add.
Even so, Blake’s eyes are glimmering in the late morning sunlight, and his smile is equally brilliant as he nods again, thumbs still moving over my skin. “Okay.”
“Yeah?” I ask.
His smile grows even wider. “Yeah.” He looks down at where his thumbs are playing on my skin and then up again. Serious now.
“You already are my every exception.”
Everything about Until You was 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼. To say nothing else besides that except that I loved absolutely everything about it would be a disservice to what a wonderful reading experience it was for me. I've only read one other book by Briar Prescott, but if her other books are as incredible as this one, then I'll certainly have to update that number. It's hard for me to explain why I loved this so much. Told entirely from Jude's POV, it starts off with an air of mystery around his life - based on the little clues, I could easily infer what exactly was the reasoning behind it all - it was the ball drop - the twist at the end that I did not see coming, that made this story stand out even more for me.
Why??? Because --- I was reading it and the shock that Jude felt when it happened - you may not believe it, but I actually felt it - that hit of dread and shock. Sunday morning, sitting on my sofa, reading along - laughing along - enjoying along - all the intimate ups he was having in his life with Blake - and then suddenly when it happened - when it happened - when that shock hit me - because it was so unexpected and not at all what I thought would be the conflict point... I knew then - for me - that this book was special. 🥺🥺 I was already very much in love with the banter - the writing style - the character dynamics - Jude's inner thoughts - but that was the sealing point for me.
“You’re pulling me in like quicksand.”
His eyes turn me transparent like glass. Fragile like it, too.
“What are you doing?” I ask, because none of my friends have said things like that to me before. Or looked at me like I’m something new.
Undiscovered. A treasure chest that hasn’t been opened yet.”
From their first meeting together, the chemistry between Jude and Blake was incredible. I loved that even though Jude wasn't the commitment-type, he didn't shy away from expressing his desire to be with Blake - despite his own reservations. And as their relationship developed, I enjoyed all their delightful banter, their intimate moments of sharing personal tidbits with each other - how their lives growing up were so similar and yet different in their own way.
“Our eyes are locked. It’s too intimate. Absolutely awful. Somebody needs to put an end to this. The sooner the better.”
It's not easy for Jude to let someone into his life - into his heart - as the story goes on, you'll understand why he is the way he is, but once he met Blake, all he wanted was to have someone like him in his life. Someone who brings out a side of him, he didn't know was a part of him - someone who's laughter makes him feel lighter - someone who makes him feel better about himself - his own worth - his own presence just being enough to be around.
That feeling is so powerful - something that anyone would want to feel - just to feel loved - someone who can bring you out of the lonely bubble, you've wrapped around yourself. ❤️🩹 Even if he has people in his life who do make him feel this way, he's always pushing them away, keeping them at arm's length, but somehow with Blake, he doesn't want that anymore - he wants that level of trust - to let down his walls and just open up about anything and everything - that sense of calmness that only he can give him.
“You’re enough,” he says very quietly. “Just you.”
I didn’t even know I needed to hear that so badly. Something seems to crack inside me. That last stubborn piece of resistance I’ve been holding on to. Poof. Disappears.
There’s freedom in it when you’re allowed to be a mess in front of somebody you trust and you know they won’t think less of you because of it.”
And uff, the writing was spot-on perfect. Ms.Prescott maintained such an incredible balance between the light-hearted tender moments, to the scorching hot make-out sessions, to their charming flirty yet teasing banter, and Jude's inner humorous bouts of denial that I was just swept along with the story. 🥰🥰 And even though, we never got to see inside Blake's head - I thought that was a great point - because, his reveal would not have made such an impact as it did.
“Saying ‘I can’t live without you’ is pretty much equivalent to saying ‘I’m with you because I don’t have any other choice.’ And that’s fucking stupid. And we’re not gonna do that. I can live without you. I just choose not to.
And I’m terrified as fuck, still, by the way. But… I also love you more than I’m afraid.”
Nor would the many attempts he made to not fall for Jude (unsuccessfully so) and then woo him in every way with such passion and intensity that had me fanning myself and re-reading bits because it made me swoon (yes, I am a helpless romantic - don't judge me). 🫠🫠 And then when he woefully tried to win Jude back - like an abandoned heartbroken puppy - refusing to give up - and then, the ending - that beautiful love letter at the end. 💕💕
Was it sappy? Yes. Was it sweet? Yes. Did I tear up? You bet I did - and I don't regret it, because it was poetic and it was perfect and it was them - the true essence behind the title of this book - captured with the emotions that defined the beauty of their story. And I soaked up every minute of it - loved every second of it - wished I could see more of it - crying at the happiness at the end of it. 🥹🥹
“I'm scared, too. You know that, right?” Blake asks. “We’ll figure it out.”
And with Blake that’s all I need.
I don’t want big promises or even bigger vows.
I want the journey.
With him.
Together.
And when he wraps himself around me and hugs me tightly, it feels like my heart is going to burst.
I’ve never felt like this before.
Until him.”
May 26, 2023
This. Was. So. Beautiful. Easiest 5 stars I’ve given in a while ❤️
Please bear with me, I’m still a bit teary-eyed after finishing this. Happy tears, mainly. But tears nevertheless, I think I’ve found myself a book to reread again.
Omg. Where to start and what to write to adequately describe the emotional mess this book left me in.
It’s about Jude. Jude, who’s pov we get through the entire book (only the epilogue is not his). Jude lives a happy life, until one day, as a teenager, he stumbles upon something that leaves him in shambles, turning his world upside down.
(Please notice how I avoid mentioning anything that world be a spoiler. I mean - the plot isn’t exactly ALL that surprising, but I want you to experience everything like I did, unprepared for what’s about to happen. Trust me.)
Years later, Jude is one to run whenever things get serious. His only commitments are one night stands, and he keeps even his best friends at arm’s length.
Until him.
Until he meets Blake on a rooftop at a party. Blake, who refuses to have sex with him, but who wears him down, and gets under his defences.
That’s it. That’s all I’ll say about the plot. And now go on, read it if you haven’t yet.
It’s so… beautiful. Funny. Romantic. Poetic. Passionate. Heartbreaking. And … well. Perfect in its imperfection, if that makes sense. It filled my heart to the brim with all the feels, and I think Jude and Blake are one of these pairings I’ll never forget.
And now excuse me while I put my phone down and bask in all the fuzzy feels this book gave me ❤️
Please bear with me, I’m still a bit teary-eyed after finishing this. Happy tears, mainly. But tears nevertheless, I think I’ve found myself a book to reread again.
Omg. Where to start and what to write to adequately describe the emotional mess this book left me in.
It’s about Jude. Jude, who’s pov we get through the entire book (only the epilogue is not his). Jude lives a happy life, until one day, as a teenager, he stumbles upon something that leaves him in shambles, turning his world upside down.
(Please notice how I avoid mentioning anything that world be a spoiler. I mean - the plot isn’t exactly ALL that surprising, but I want you to experience everything like I did, unprepared for what’s about to happen. Trust me.)
Years later, Jude is one to run whenever things get serious. His only commitments are one night stands, and he keeps even his best friends at arm’s length.
Until him.
Until he meets Blake on a rooftop at a party. Blake, who refuses to have sex with him, but who wears him down, and gets under his defences.
That’s it. That’s all I’ll say about the plot. And now go on, read it if you haven’t yet.
It’s so… beautiful. Funny. Romantic. Poetic. Passionate. Heartbreaking. And … well. Perfect in its imperfection, if that makes sense. It filled my heart to the brim with all the feels, and I think Jude and Blake are one of these pairings I’ll never forget.
And now excuse me while I put my phone down and bask in all the fuzzy feels this book gave me ❤️
May 28, 2023
This was a wonderful surprise. I loved every page. Every smile. Every joke. Every touch. Every tear. I loved Jude. I loved Blake. They made me smile. They broke my heart.
Their past. Their present. Their future.
Everything.
Their past. Their present. Their future.
Everything.
September 19, 2024
Reread 09/2024
Jude is my absolute favourite MC in this series.
His sarcasm, his ability to laugh at himself, his big heart that he tries so desperately to protect.. it's rare that I love a MC as much as I love him.
Can't wait to read Jude and Blake's story now in "Until Jude" from Blake's pov.
---------
Reread 06/2024
Still love Jude (and Blake) so much..
5 stars.
----------
Reread 11/2023
Still awesome, although rereading this book the reading experience is obviously a bit different from reading it the first time, knowing where the storyline was heading. No matter, I love this book, espescially Jude.
*insert my gushing from my first review, still valid*
5 stars. Bumping it up to "all time favorite".
Ps Can't wait for Steph's book now, only 2 days left, yay!
-------------
Read 05/2023
5 stars.
This was my first book by Briar Prescott. I had some expectations, but was actually surprised by how much I loved it.
The story is told from just one pov (Jude's pov) so I got to feel everything without constantly changing pov. I prefer one pov (if written as well as in this story) a lot to changing pov's, because this way I feel much closer to the MC and what he's going through.
I loved Jude a lot. His sarcasm, the walls he's build to protect himself, the way he slowly opens up to Blake.. it was so beautiful to read.
Blake... he was sweet and lovely and I knew it was because I saw him only through Jude's eyes, but I feared he would remain this perfect flawless character, BUT THEN he was human and real, too, and I loved him even more than before.
And the groveling didn't hurt, either. It was the perfect ammount and kind of groveling, too.
The side characters fit with the storyline, and added to the whole reading experience.
I loved the storyline, I devoured the book, and didn't want to let go of it nearing the end.
I'm going to reread this, that's for sure. But I have to explore the author's other books as well.. I hope more of her books are as awesome as this (I even have Project Hero on my tbr-list but never got around to reading it).
Jude is my absolute favourite MC in this series.
His sarcasm, his ability to laugh at himself, his big heart that he tries so desperately to protect.. it's rare that I love a MC as much as I love him.
Can't wait to read Jude and Blake's story now in "Until Jude" from Blake's pov.
---------
Reread 06/2024
Still love Jude (and Blake) so much..
5 stars.
----------
Reread 11/2023
Still awesome, although rereading this book the reading experience is obviously a bit different from reading it the first time, knowing where the storyline was heading. No matter, I love this book, espescially Jude.
*insert my gushing from my first review, still valid*
5 stars. Bumping it up to "all time favorite".
Ps Can't wait for Steph's book now, only 2 days left, yay!
-------------
Read 05/2023
5 stars.
This was my first book by Briar Prescott. I had some expectations, but was actually surprised by how much I loved it.
The story is told from just one pov (Jude's pov) so I got to feel everything without constantly changing pov. I prefer one pov (if written as well as in this story) a lot to changing pov's, because this way I feel much closer to the MC and what he's going through.
I loved Jude a lot. His sarcasm, the walls he's build to protect himself, the way he slowly opens up to Blake.. it was so beautiful to read.
Blake... he was sweet and lovely and I knew it was because I saw him only through Jude's eyes, but I feared he would remain this perfect flawless character, BUT THEN he was human and real, too, and I loved him even more than before.
And the groveling didn't hurt, either. It was the perfect ammount and kind of groveling, too.
The side characters fit with the storyline, and added to the whole reading experience.
I loved the storyline, I devoured the book, and didn't want to let go of it nearing the end.
I'm going to reread this, that's for sure. But I have to explore the author's other books as well.. I hope more of her books are as awesome as this (I even have Project Hero on my tbr-list but never got around to reading it).
July 8, 2023
Wonderful story!
This wasn’t a perfect story. Jude isn’t perfect. Blake is definitely not perfect. However, all their broken pieces fit together perfectly! I absolutely adore this story! 4.75 stars rounded up to 5! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This wasn’t a perfect story. Jude isn’t perfect. Blake is definitely not perfect. However, all their broken pieces fit together perfectly! I absolutely adore this story! 4.75 stars rounded up to 5! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read
September 9, 2023No rating.
Um. Well I must have read a different book than everyone else because I honestly didn’t like any part of this.
Jude..couldn’t connect with you.. and same goes for you Blake… haha
I pushed through because I was waiting for that magical moment that everyone talked about, but for me never came. I am wondering if I am broken, or if I just don’t get what other people do when it came to this book.
The audiobook is on Scribd, and that helped me finish because this would have been a DNF. Devon Ryder did a great job, I’ll definitely look for more of his books!
I am bummed especially after coming out of the high of the “Soulbound” universe. Oh well on to the next.
Um. Well I must have read a different book than everyone else because I honestly didn’t like any part of this.
Jude..couldn’t connect with you.. and same goes for you Blake… haha
I pushed through because I was waiting for that magical moment that everyone talked about, but for me never came. I am wondering if I am broken, or if I just don’t get what other people do when it came to this book.
The audiobook is on Scribd, and that helped me finish because this would have been a DNF. Devon Ryder did a great job, I’ll definitely look for more of his books!
I am bummed especially after coming out of the high of the “Soulbound” universe. Oh well on to the next.
May 16, 2023
this is one of those books that keeps you glued to it. you start it and you have to finish it because you need to know what will happen and what happened.
i expected a completely different story from this but i’m not mad about it.
it’s definitely a good book. i liked the writing a lot, but i’m on the fence about the drama. it was a lot but also i kind of get why. but you guys know that i can’t stand too much drama. if you don’t have a problem with that, you’ll love this.
i expected a completely different story from this but i’m not mad about it.
it’s definitely a good book. i liked the writing a lot, but i’m on the fence about the drama. it was a lot but also i kind of get why. but you guys know that i can’t stand too much drama. if you don’t have a problem with that, you’ll love this.
November 10, 2024
why did i not read this sooner!? i loved every single second of jude and blake <3 i could not put it down. i also didn’t want it to end, i could have easily read 200 more pages of them tbh 😭
the banter, the chemistry!! EVERYTHING about this book was perfect.
“𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙄 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙢 𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠, 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡, 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮. 𝘽𝙪𝙩… 𝙄 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙄’𝙢 𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙙.”
the banter, the chemistry!! EVERYTHING about this book was perfect.
“𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙄 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙢 𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠, 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡, 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮. 𝘽𝙪𝙩… 𝙄 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙄’𝙢 𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙙.”
June 6, 2023
edit 2.5 rounded down in the end. This is a case of everybody loved it but me 😭. I really wanted to love it but I really didn't. And I love single POV so this should have been a slam dunk. My main problem, which is what most people love so the problem is clearly me, is the big secret trope. I mean I knew there would be twists and it was hinted pretty early on that more lied beneath the surface but the reveals came way too late for me, both in terms of the book and the relationship development. I won't spoil it for anyone else but it didn't sit well with that we had to wait so long. I mean they both have secrets but the reader should at least have known Jude's secret and see Jude trying to figure out Blake's. From the moment they meet we know there is something, he keeps telling Jude they need to talk but the plot gets in the way. Reading I could sense that things were going to explode and they did (makes perfect sense, wasn't a fan of the way it happened but things blowing up made sense) and I'm not sold on how it was resolved. I also wasn't a fan of the secondary characters. I liked Blair and Nora but Steph grated me and Blake's "friends" were not present/interesting/developed enough. Which was also the pb with Nora and Blair, they had page time but didn't really feel like part of Jude's life. I kind of got it but still. Not a total bust, the writing was nice and they were cute together. .
September 27, 2023
Updated: I loved this even more the second time. I think knowing everything made it all that much more meaningful!! The connection and friendship built between Jude and Blake was so beautiful. The groveling is still some of the best! I loved that the epilogue skipped so far forward!
Well that ended up completely fucking wrecking me. Literally sobbing into my pillow.
I get Jude’s sarcasm will be challenging for some but it’s very much the wall he put up to protect himself. He trusted no one and you find out later in the book why. He was justified in many ways. You do have to wait for the “reveal” as to what gap ended to Jude but it is so worth the wait. Jude is quite complex but also simple in many ways. His story was complicated but he just wanted to be loved. He wanted honesty and he wanted forever but he was so scared of all of those things.
Well that ended up completely fucking wrecking me. Literally sobbing into my pillow.
I get Jude’s sarcasm will be challenging for some but it’s very much the wall he put up to protect himself. He trusted no one and you find out later in the book why. He was justified in many ways. You do have to wait for the “reveal” as to what gap ended to Jude but it is so worth the wait. Jude is quite complex but also simple in many ways. His story was complicated but he just wanted to be loved. He wanted honesty and he wanted forever but he was so scared of all of those things.
September 11, 2024
I was almost scared to read Until You by Briar Prescott as it's one of the books most universally liked by my friends. And I have to say, I don't always have the best track record with books that are the "hot" book, though I think I'm a couple years too late from catching this book at *peak* trendy.
I really, really enjoyed Until You, but it's one of those books that lets you know there is a twisty twist from the beginning. There is a set-up for some serious drama, right from the beginning, so I feel like I spent the whole book waiting for the other shoe to drop. I could just sense it coming.
I loved how the romance was slow burn, and we saw the MCs walls come slowly down and the love develop over time. I STILL knew that some $hit was going to come, so part of me was cringing and waiting for it to happen. I even predicted it, but it still didn't make it any easier to read.
I LOVEEEEE a good grovel, and I think the author sufficiently made amends for these characters. There were some sad and tense moments, and I couldn't put the story down some nights. I love how things came together by the last chapter.
Perhaps not my *favorite* book, like some of my friends, but a moving, romantic, slow-burn romance that I can fully endorse.
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I really, really enjoyed Until You, but it's one of those books that lets you know there is a twisty twist from the beginning. There is a set-up for some serious drama, right from the beginning, so I feel like I spent the whole book waiting for the other shoe to drop. I could just sense it coming.
I loved how the romance was slow burn, and we saw the MCs walls come slowly down and the love develop over time. I STILL knew that some $hit was going to come, so part of me was cringing and waiting for it to happen. I even predicted it, but it still didn't make it any easier to read.
I LOVEEEEE a good grovel, and I think the author sufficiently made amends for these characters. There were some sad and tense moments, and I couldn't put the story down some nights. I love how things came together by the last chapter.
Perhaps not my *favorite* book, like some of my friends, but a moving, romantic, slow-burn romance that I can fully endorse.
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August 21, 2023
Gosh, such a journey! I was invested from the very first page and although I guessed one piece of the puzzle early on, I couldn’t wait for events to unfold. The reveal may have been a long time coming, but it just made it all the more impactful 💔 The resolution thoroughly rewarding - never have I seen such determination or read such a beautiful love letter, Until You ❤️
Original, articulate, emotional, bittersweet, witty, sexy, angsty. Loved Jude and Blake. One of my favourite reads this year 🦋
Original, articulate, emotional, bittersweet, witty, sexy, angsty. Loved Jude and Blake. One of my favourite reads this year 🦋
May 24, 2023
I really overall enjoyed this book. It was a good read that kept me interested the entire way through. Definitely the kind of book that has you wanting to read "just one more chapter" before you can put it down.
At times, I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style - some parts felt like a long string of consciousness with fragments of sentences. For example in the before there is a whole page of (paraphrased):
This is stupid.
Ridiculous.
Impossible.
Lies.
That happened so often through the book and felt kind of choppy to read. But I guess it didn't happen enough to really bug me, I still really did overall enjoy it.
Spoilers:
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Am I just a cold-hearted unforgiving person? I was so upset when Jude told Sarah they should meet up for lunch sometime. And to see her still in contact with Jude in the epilogue? Oh heck no, she did not deserve forgiveness. I know it said their relationship was icy or something, but the fact that he still kept in contact and spoke with her on the phone and saw her when she was in town. I'm sorry but no - I thought she deserved to be completely cut off and I was upset to see her in the epilogue.
Neglecting your baby and leaving them home alone, I guess you could say she was young and not prepared for motherhood (horrible excuse, but I guess you could make that excuse) but then what about how she treated Jude when he was made to live with her as a teenager. She no longer has the excuse of being young - she refused to call him Jude, told him to "put the past behind him and close that chapter of his life" and then put in a restraining order against his parents, lied about it, and made it so Jude never got to speak to his mother before she died. I just found that unforgiveable.
At times, I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style - some parts felt like a long string of consciousness with fragments of sentences. For example in the before there is a whole page of (paraphrased):
This is stupid.
Ridiculous.
Impossible.
Lies.
That happened so often through the book and felt kind of choppy to read. But I guess it didn't happen enough to really bug me, I still really did overall enjoy it.
Spoilers:
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-
-
-
-
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-
-
Am I just a cold-hearted unforgiving person? I was so upset when Jude told Sarah they should meet up for lunch sometime. And to see her still in contact with Jude in the epilogue? Oh heck no, she did not deserve forgiveness. I know it said their relationship was icy or something, but the fact that he still kept in contact and spoke with her on the phone and saw her when she was in town. I'm sorry but no - I thought she deserved to be completely cut off and I was upset to see her in the epilogue.
Neglecting your baby and leaving them home alone, I guess you could say she was young and not prepared for motherhood (horrible excuse, but I guess you could make that excuse) but then what about how she treated Jude when he was made to live with her as a teenager. She no longer has the excuse of being young - she refused to call him Jude, told him to "put the past behind him and close that chapter of his life" and then put in a restraining order against his parents, lied about it, and made it so Jude never got to speak to his mother before she died. I just found that unforgiveable.
April 27, 2024
Reread.
The last 20-25% of this book was ALL THE THINGS! I cried 4 separate times. It hurt so good. This author is an autobuy for a reason.
The last 20-25% of this book was ALL THE THINGS! I cried 4 separate times. It hurt so good. This author is an autobuy for a reason.
October 4, 2023
I really, really liked this book. A lot
Thank you, Snjez for recommending it to me.,💜
On a personal note I will say it took a lot for me to forgive Blake, too. I understood Jude in many ways. I, too, have a parent who has done despicable things and though Jude's bio-mother had changed, in real life, my father, has not. If I had been lied to like Jude was, even from my beloved husband, I don't know if I ever could have gotten over it. So, I give props to the author for eventually getting me back on board for Jude and Blake to be together.
That's excellent storytelling 😍
4.5 stars rounded up
Thank you, Snjez for recommending it to me.,💜
On a personal note I will say it took a lot for me to forgive Blake, too. I understood Jude in many ways. I, too, have a parent who has done despicable things and though Jude's bio-mother had changed, in real life, my father, has not. If I had been lied to like Jude was, even from my beloved husband, I don't know if I ever could have gotten over it. So, I give props to the author for eventually getting me back on board for Jude and Blake to be together.
That's excellent storytelling 😍
4.5 stars rounded up
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2024
3.5 stars
Couldn't connect with the MCs, unfortunately. The story was okay, but not what I was expecting after all the raving reviews.
I’m kind of disappointed ….
Couldn't connect with the MCs, unfortunately. The story was okay, but not what I was expecting after all the raving reviews.
I’m kind of disappointed ….
January 24, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“Stay?” he whispers into my skin. “You stole my shoes. I kind of have to stay, don’t I?” I glance at him, gaze catching his. “Stay because you want to,” he says softly. In the end, the decision isn’t that difficult. “I’ll stay.”
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Briar Prescott can write her socks off. The premise of the story was also really good, unique and kept me interested throughout. I did however not really like the character Jude much at all, so while I don’t regret listening to the book or anything, it just wasn’t the right tropes and characters for me.
I’ve heard so much praise for this book and have friends that wanted me to read it, so I kinda forgot about making sure it was a story I would actually be interested in. Got a bit blinded by the shiny-new-thing with the pretty cover. Totally on me, not the author.
To be fair (to me), I think a lot of us can agree that Jude is a bit of a dick, lol, and it changed a bit quickly from the MCs not wanting to get together, to banging a lot, which really created a disconnect for me.
“[…] That you never get to say goodbye to most people. They’re there, and then they’re gone, and nobody cares that you’re left behind with all those words you never got to say that are now trapped inside you for good.”
The final parts of the book definitely held my attention more, and it did make me cry eventually. A highly emotional book with a very original plot that will keep you guessing all the way through. I’m impressed by how the author also kept the tension super high throughout, like I was constantly waiting for something bad to happen.
If these tropes are for you though, don’t let my review negatively sway you. The writing is top notch.
I will say, the narrator made it difficult to distinguish between who was speaking at times, which didn’t help.
“[…] You’re so afraid people will screw you over that you avoid anything more serious than being somebody’s passing acquaintance. Once the girl at Starbucks started spelling your name correctly you were all, ‘Well, this is getting awfully serious,’ and started going to a different coffee shop!”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Secrets
Friends to lovers
Slow-ish burn
Commitment-phobe
Hacker
A bit of edging
Snarky banter
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Brief mentions of gory injury (past)
Brief mentions of miscarriages (past, side character)
Brief mentions of incarceration in juvenile detention
Incarcerated parent
Death of a parent (off page, past)
Child abandonment
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of child neglect (past)
Mentions of child endangerment (past)
Mentions of drug and alcohol abuse (past, side characters)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: Yes, a little bit, but nothing happens with anyone else.
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, single POV (epilogue switches to the other MC)
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
MCs age: 25 and 25
Pages: 323
I nearly jump out of my skin when my phone starts ringing. Who the fuck calls people? What kind of weird social experiment is this?
Mild spoiler alert, unless you’ve read the ‘book safety’ info.
He made me love him.
He turned himself into my home.
Now he’s gone.
And I’m homeless.
But life doesn’t stop for a broken heart.
So somehow, I keep going.
“Stay?” he whispers into my skin. “You stole my shoes. I kind of have to stay, don’t I?” I glance at him, gaze catching his. “Stay because you want to,” he says softly. In the end, the decision isn’t that difficult. “I’ll stay.”
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Briar Prescott can write her socks off. The premise of the story was also really good, unique and kept me interested throughout. I did however not really like the character Jude much at all, so while I don’t regret listening to the book or anything, it just wasn’t the right tropes and characters for me.
I’ve heard so much praise for this book and have friends that wanted me to read it, so I kinda forgot about making sure it was a story I would actually be interested in. Got a bit blinded by the shiny-new-thing with the pretty cover. Totally on me, not the author.
To be fair (to me), I think a lot of us can agree that Jude is a bit of a dick, lol, and it changed a bit quickly from the MCs not wanting to get together, to banging a lot, which really created a disconnect for me.
“[…] That you never get to say goodbye to most people. They’re there, and then they’re gone, and nobody cares that you’re left behind with all those words you never got to say that are now trapped inside you for good.”
The final parts of the book definitely held my attention more, and it did make me cry eventually. A highly emotional book with a very original plot that will keep you guessing all the way through. I’m impressed by how the author also kept the tension super high throughout, like I was constantly waiting for something bad to happen.
If these tropes are for you though, don’t let my review negatively sway you. The writing is top notch.
I will say, the narrator made it difficult to distinguish between who was speaking at times, which didn’t help.
“[…] You’re so afraid people will screw you over that you avoid anything more serious than being somebody’s passing acquaintance. Once the girl at Starbucks started spelling your name correctly you were all, ‘Well, this is getting awfully serious,’ and started going to a different coffee shop!”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Secrets
Friends to lovers
Slow-ish burn
Commitment-phobe
Hacker
A bit of edging
Snarky banter
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Brief mentions of gory injury (past)
Brief mentions of miscarriages (past, side character)
Brief mentions of incarceration in juvenile detention
Incarcerated parent
Death of a parent (off page, past)
Child abandonment
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of child neglect (past)
Mentions of child endangerment (past)
Mentions of drug and alcohol abuse (past, side characters)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: Yes, a little bit, but nothing happens with anyone else.
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, single POV (epilogue switches to the other MC)
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
MCs age: 25 and 25
Pages: 323
I nearly jump out of my skin when my phone starts ringing. Who the fuck calls people? What kind of weird social experiment is this?
Mild spoiler alert, unless you’ve read the ‘book safety’ info.
He made me love him.
He turned himself into my home.
Now he’s gone.
And I’m homeless.
But life doesn’t stop for a broken heart.
So somehow, I keep going.
September 17, 2024
briar really understands that when men fuck up they need to look a damn mess sitting outside ur door for hours in a pathetic heap begging for a scrap of ur attention, not getting it, and still returning the next day anyway for round two💯👏👏 ENCORE ENCORE🗣🗣 and this form of grovel went on for WEEKS! served, ate, plate was scraped‼️ delish😋
the watch shit made me screech and giggle bc do u even care if ur not doing whatever it takes to see me again🙄 same with the ‘doesn’t matter if ur moving, like did u forget my profession, i’ll find ur new address no problem’🤣
the plot reveals and twists were so interesting, i didn’t even gaf about a third act break up, just kept gulping it all down.
I can live without you. I just choose not to. And I’m terrified as fuck, still, by the way. But…I also love you more than I’m afraid. 🥺🥺
help i think i got something in my eye😭😭😫😫
urrrggh i really wanted that ‘jude tries his hand at romancing’ scene tho😩 it would’ve been soooo good FUCK like i’m almost positive blake would’ve cried and i NEEDED it RIP😔😔
the watch shit made me screech and giggle bc do u even care if ur not doing whatever it takes to see me again🙄 same with the ‘doesn’t matter if ur moving, like did u forget my profession, i’ll find ur new address no problem’🤣
the plot reveals and twists were so interesting, i didn’t even gaf about a third act break up, just kept gulping it all down.
I can live without you. I just choose not to. And I’m terrified as fuck, still, by the way. But…I also love you more than I’m afraid. 🥺🥺
help i think i got something in my eye😭😭😫😫
urrrggh i really wanted that ‘jude tries his hand at romancing’ scene tho😩 it would’ve been soooo good FUCK like i’m almost positive blake would’ve cried and i NEEDED it RIP😔😔
May 28, 2023
I couldn't put this book down! I loved the plot and the characters and the banter, but most of all I loved that it was different. It was intriguing. I knew I didn't have all the facts and I desperately wanted them. And god, I loved Blake. Even though the story was told through Jude's POV, Blake's personality shined through. I loved that he gave as good as he got and that he didn't take things lying down. I would never have expected him to be so defiant, but when he wanted something, he fought for it with gloves off. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll stop there. This was just such a good book and a beautiful love story. This may be my new favorite from this author.
June 6, 2023
Absolutely LOVED this. It takes a lot to make me tear up but this book did it.
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