•spoilers•

Henri has been happy, working hard in classes to get a job in the States when he graduates and hanging with his dearest friends. But he can't help but feel longing when he sees how happy they are in their relationships. Atlas doesn't want love, relationships, or anything resembling the two. But he can't help but be charmed by the sweet, adorable Henri. They slowly build a tentative friendship which could turn into something wonderful, if only Atlas could get past his fears. 

Henri is an absolute sweetheart. He's so genuine and honest it's hard not to love him. Even with his people pleasing tendencies he's aware of when he needs help and isn't afraid to say how he feels, which is perfect for prickly Atlas. Atlas isn't afraid to not be nice, and it's immediately distrustful of the ever friendly Henri. The first part of this book you just want to yell at Atlas to be nice to sweet baby Henri, but even Atlas succumbs to his heartfelt charms eventually. Henri gives Atlas the unconditional love that's been missing from his life, while Atlas accepts Henri for all that he is and never pushes for more. Even though they had a slow start, they have such an easy and accepting love for one another. 

I didn't totally love some of Atlas's actions in the later part of the book. I wasn't sold on a third act breakup when literally nothing was going wrong. Yes, Atlas does have his issues with his inability to love and accept love. It comes up a a lot in his internal monologue, but once he accepts his feelings and lets himself fall for Henri it's smooth sailing for the most part. There are a few bumps with his growing anxiety, but he jumped straight to cutting things off so quickly and harshly. I just wasn't crazy about the execution or reasoning. Everything worked out quickly at least, and Henri of course was perfect about it all. 

I wish there was a bit more of a communication between Henri and Atlas about Henri's (implied) asexuality. Atlas is amazingly respectful of Henri's wants and needs, but he was pretty sexually active before. I feel like this would be a bit of a shift in his expectations, not in a bad way but definitely a change from what he was thinking and how he was acting at the beginning of the book. I would've loved to seen a conversation from Atlas's POV on acknowledging the changes in his lifestyle. Or just maybe talking more about the Henri's limits. There's not a huge explanation of his sexuality, which is fine because not everyone needs labels, but as a reader I wanted to know a little more about this side of him because everything seemed really vague. 

There were also some loose ends I wish were tied up a bit - like Atlas's mom - but overall I really enjoyed the story. I'm always a fan of JJ's writing and this time there was a legitimate epilogue! I was so happy to see Henri and Atlas all loved up even years later. I've said it once and I'll say it again, these two are an adorable couple - the apple gifts, the German cooking! I also really loved the seeing all the other MCs in the series again. Henri loves his friends, and it's just so stinking cute. Really excited about a certain rancher/hockey player and his "mysterious" baseball beau next! 

Read if you like: 
• opposites attract
• slow burn             
• ace rep                   

•••••••••••••••••••••