Rezension zu "Bowl Full of Cherries (The Avona Tales Book 1)" von Raine O'Tierney
Since Crowley can't go home for Christmas his roommate Tyler takes him to his family, where he meets his roommates twin Averell. But where Tyler is all hipster, Rell is a big nerd like Crowley and the two get along instantly. Rell finds Crowley very attractive, even though Crowley thinks of himself as fat and ugly, but Tyler warns his brother off. Rell is a job-less layabout and in Tyler's opinion would just break his roommates tender heart.
This was a very good read. It has a rather slow, tender high school love feel to it sometimes, but I liked it. The relationship just felt real, sweet and caring.
I thought the weight issues where handled very well and with great care, though the "solution" was done a bit fast, in my opinion. But I can forgive that, since it keeps the time-frame small and together.
The sex scenes where written in sweet, exploratory and tender words rather than hot and sexy, but that fits the whole tone of the book better.
It has a not exactly small amount of angst, but everything is always cleared up pretty soon, so there are no long stretches of unhappiness or moping.
I really liked Averell and Crowley. I'm a big nerd and a big child myself, so I was really happy about the scenes in the beginning, about them chatting about their video game, card games, miniatures, and enjoying a visit of Toys'R'us. It made my nerd-heart soar and it's such a great way to bond.
I thought the Lang family was pretty great and the family dynamics where described very well and had a very realistic, "not perfect but home" feel. Though I admit, I didn't quite warm up to Tyler. He had his nice moments, but he often felt condescending and annoying to me. I get that he was trying to protect Crowley, but I didn't think his methods where sound. Also, the whole twin rivalry got old very fast. From both of them. I just wanted them to shut up and play nice for Crowley if nothing else. Well, in the end they kind of got there.