Our Way

Wow. Ummm. Just WOW.

This book is everything and more. I’ve never read a story, with the type of category and situations discussed, in this book before, and lemme tell you, I fell in love with this author hardcore.

I wish there was a way for me to place my forehead on my phone and have it type out every detail and emotion that I’m feeling from reading this book. It was just that good. Definitely a must read and definitely a book I will be purchasing a hardcover for.

The chemistry and vibe between the MMC and the FMC is off the charts. I’m telling you right now, Nathe is my new book boyfriend and I’m sad that this book had to come to an end. Author I need more of him lol pleeeeeeease 😩♥️

When I sat down to write this review, I still wasn’t sure if this book was going to get five stars or three stars from me, that’s how strong my feelings are. Technically speaking, this is one of the best books I have read this year, hands down. But emotionally, I had a lot of issues with the level of OW/OM drama. However, I can honestly say I have never read a romance that played out at all like this one does, and I will surely be thinking about it months from now. The story is beautifully written, emotional, intense, and a delicate balance of right/wrong. You can tell that these two are perfect for each other, but their path to happily ever after is... complicated.

I will tell you right now that there is a glaring omission in the blurb. I don't consider this to be a spoiler because the reader finds out right away, but... keep that in mind before you continue reading this review. The story follows Nathan and Eliza, two friends who have gotten closer and closer over the last ten years. When they first met, there was attraction on Eliza's end, but Nathan quickly made it clear that she didn't have the right equipment to interest him. That's right, Nathan has only ever been with men. But as Eliza and Nathan have gotten closer - probably too close for two platonic friends - things start to change for him. Not wanting to destroy the most important relationship of his life by making a rash decision, Nathan is determined to look deeper at his sexual orientation.

Since that is the heart of this book, it seems too important to leave out of the blurb. Nathan and Eliza are clearly meant to spend their lives together, it's just a matter of what they're meant to be to each other. The level of depth and emotion there is what makes this book; these two have a rock solid foundation of friendship - even if there are aspects of their lives that they've kept secret from each other. I loved that there was a clear catalyst for the shift in their relationship, and I empathized with Nathan along the way. But I did NOT always agree with his decisions. Or Eliza's, for that matter. There is an incredible amount of tension and drama in a relationship that's been so easy for so long. It's also an unashamedly STEAMY book, so be prepared for your Kindle to burn up as the story progresses. This love story is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is worth the struggle. I don't consider this to be a safe read in any way, shape, or form, but it's so well written that I will begrudgingly admit that I'm willing to overlook a few issues that would normally trip me up BIG TIME. I received an ARC (then purchased it for my collection), and am voluntarily leaving a review of this sexy, angsty, friends to lovers romance.

If you do nothing else to ease your fractured soul this summer, you must read Our Way, a unique modern, deeply resonant and hopelessly romantic story. Our Way is a subversive s3xy twist on Pride and Prejudice that hits you in all the feels. My kindle needed windshield wipers for the deluge of tears that ending unleashed. This is a good story. If you love TL Swan’s storytelling ways, you will CRAVE Nathan and Elize. 

This book is TOO DAMN GOOD! It’s brilliant in a low key, under the radar OOF! to the solar plexus kinda way. I could not put it down. If you savor true love’s journey, if you enjoy wry humor and a dirty mouth, if you relish personal transformation, and REAL conversations between men and women with love in their hearts and lust on their lips, you will delight in this very modern book.

You know those stories that twist up your throat, and you can feel your emotions slowly sliding up your neck into your ears, and then suddenly you're overwhelmed and the tears start running, your nose itches and you can not look away? You just NEED to know what happens next? Read Elize's story. She's not perfect and I love her. Love love love her. I don't want to say a word about plot. It's really compelling.

Our Way is soooo not formulaic. It’s very very different from her other stories. Nathan Mercer is a revelation, a top shelf book boyfriend in every way.

I was not expecting the charmsicle that is Nathan Mercer. Entirely unique, Nathan is like no other leading man I’ve read before. The lists of the perfect book boyfriends are long and varied, but rarely does one come across a hero who’s far from perfect, yet so immaculately well-suited for the heroine. His mind, it’s filthy and wise, funny and charming, and patient. And flawed, very deeply flawed. But he knows it. What a twist that is. He’s not in denial like a billion other broken men, and he’s not cruel or closed off. Just the opposite… gah!

Read this book immediately.

Our Way is a unique and very sensual love story too, with an addictive narrative and hot s3xy times that leave you breathless. The plot is so taut, and these aren’t just sultry moments, these are soul-stealing scenes that light up all your emotions and give you a great ride. I am stuck in the afterglow of this lovely story. It’s a beautiful bubble to be in.

Frankly, I think there are more highlighted passages on my kindle than unhighlighted. A rarity for me. And that’s the thing. TL Swan has a rep for long books with push and pull and lots of drama. THIS BOOK!!!! There’s not a wasted word! Every scene, every passage has a moment. It’s so unique and very adult. Of course this is only my opinion and I really truly recommend this book.

First and foremost this is a great story, rooted in reality with memorable characters that leave you breathless and craving more pages. You almost relish the massive book hangover that follows.

I will preface my review by stating that I have never taken the time to write a single review of a book I've read & I have read a ton of books.

"Our Way" is one of the best and worst books I have read in a long time. I found myself experiencing a whirlwind of emotions throughout the entire book. This is the first book I've read by TL Swan. I was thoroughly impressed with the way I remained engaged for the entirety of the book.

However, with that being said, Eliza's character was such a disappointment. There were only a couple of times when I found myself in agreement with her. Those times were short lived as she would immediately do or say something to contradict the little bit of progress she appeared to have made. She was not a good friend so of course she wasn't a good girlfriend either. She was insecure 100% of the time and instead of acting like an adult that is in her 30s, she acts like an immature child. She has so many concerns that she never voices. Instead of having discussions with Nathan she has many conversations with her "friends" and i use that term lightly. I found said friend, Jolie, to be problematic. She was not a good judge of character but was quick judge and speak out of turn without a whisper of sensitivity. Ultimately, I found myself rooting for Nathan to leave Eliza and find happiness elsewhere. She was not a good person. I realized that her love for Nathan was very much conditional. Because he was not the person she expected him to be, a box she put him in, she in turn has a freak out that essentially lasts the entire book.

Nathan is not without his own flaws but I felt that he was the only character actually being honest with himself. And he actually got a therapist which was at least a step in the right direction. Eliza didn't do the bare minimum to make their relationship work. I found her to be manipulative and purposefully hurtful towards Nathan.

I was irritated with the use of the same phrases throughout the book such as "my beautiful friend" but it's something I could tolerate until the end of the book.

In conclusion, if you are prepared to get a little whip lash from your emotions and can have empathy for the realness of the situation, then I think this is an excellent read. Once I finished the book I understood all of the mixed reviews. The author definitely evokes a response from her readers. Beware, this book is not for the faint of heart.

Here is the thing the story was good, different, and better than average, but not one of her best. As always it was nice and spicy however this book hit on one of my biggest pet peeves which is that is clear that no one from the United States or spend a significant amount of time in the United States took a pass at editing the American characters dialogue or internal thoughts.

I have given her other books a pass because one or both of the characters are from or living in the UK so having Americans use clearly British English turns of phrases is possible. But I have no excuse in this book it’s about two Americans who have always lived in the United States and have them say things like “I have something on” or “I lost a couple of kilos” or “wank” just isn’t how we would describe any of this - really frustrating. Also one other pet peeve from all her books is the amount of margaritas consumed- in the US we really only drink margaritas at Mexican restaurants or sometimes at home with friends you would go into a nice cocktail bar and just say give me a margarita.

Ok rant over. Again the story line was different as overall the story was better than average even though I find several of her other books better