Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Downpour - Reviewed by Trix

DOWNPOUR (Weathering #1)
By: Bella Leone
Publisher: LooseId

Weathering one of the fiercest storms of your life can seem almost impossible, but once you’re through it, things can be a whole lot brighter. Markus Simmons, a pre-med student who moonlights as a barista, narrates as he and his long-time crush, Clinton Stewart, learn more about themselves and what they’re willing to go through to heal and be together.

It took weeks before Markus knew his crush’s name. It took months of serving him coffee every morning before Markus learned that Clinton was an American History major. It took nearly six months into their senior year at UC Davis before Markus accidentally found out that Clinton had no family, few friends, and rather than the dorms, he actually lived in the library.


Trix’s Review:
4 stars


DOWNPOUR is told from the perspective of Markus, a premed student who has a day job as a barista. The first third of the book is a very sweet, slow-simmering portrayal of his longtime crush on Clinton and their shy flirtation. Both he and Clinton are sympathetic guys, and the start of their relationship feels almost cozy. The emotional stakes get ramped up as the plot turns increasingly serious, and it's compelling to see how the two weather some very real challenges. (Some reviewers have mentioned a few points that seem implausible. As a caffeine addict myself, I know how pricey a daily latte habit can be, so it's strange that Clinton can frequent a coffee house but lack basic living amenities and a means of support. A UC Davis student mentioned on Goodreads that the campus policies affecting Clinton are portrayed inaccurately in the story. I wasn't bothered by that, but I'm sure I would have been if I knew more about the campus.) I appreciated the attention spent on developing the side characters, especially Markus's roommates Jesse and Peter (who are also a couple). I actually thought that DOWNPOUR was a sequel to an earlier book starring Jesse and Peter, because so much time was spent on their backstory. (It is a compelling one, and I would have read that book.) I also like the characterization of Tyson, a one-time competitor for Markus' affections who turns out to be a valuable friend to both guys. The story isn't perfect, but I enjoyed getting to know this couple and their friends. 

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