The Way She Reads

I’ve been trying to come up with a good word to describe this book and the term I keep on coming back to is: refreshing.

It was refreshing to read a book in which two grown up men mostly behave like grown up men. It was equally refreshing to read a book in which conflict doesn’t automatically mean drama and shouting matches followed by one or the other storming off. Mostly it was refreshing to read a book in which the characters for once did what I’m always willing characters in other books to do: talk to each other.

Now, before you think everything I said in the previous paragraph means ‘Always Another Side’ is a boring book, allow me to reassure you. This book was touching, the story gripping and both Jack and Tyler charmed their way into my reader’s heart. I loved their no-nonsense approach towards each other.

“I don’t have time or energy to pretend to be something I’m not for the sake of a quick shag. This is me, warts and all.” – Jack

Although their first meeting is a reluctantly agreed to blind date for both of them, it is instantly clear they click on several levels. Because they’re both dealing with unresolved hurts and issues they decide to take their time getting to know each other, but mutual attraction speeds to process up.

Of course there were bumps in the road for these two, but none of them lead to drawn out or massive fights. The biggest hurdle between them didn’t come as a huge shock to me (in fact, I would have been shocked if it hadn’t been the case) but then again, I don’t think it was supposed to surprise me.

I can’t tell you how rewarding it was for me to read about characters dealing with issues in a way I (would like to think I) would deal with them. Well written, smooth to read, wonderfully British, and with two realistic and interesting main characters, ‘Always Another Side’ comes very close to being an ultimate comfort read for me.