Review: The Spencer Cohen Series: Book Two by N.R. Walker

March 17, 2016

Note: This ARC was provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Can I hold your hand?"

It was funny how simple words could make your heart trip over itself. "Um, yes?" I said. I was pretty sure I was wearing that ridiculous smile again.

Andrew exhaled deeply. "I just wanted to ask. Some people don't like it; some people are too afraid that some random stranger will make a big deal of seeing two guys holding hands. Some people are just not hand-holders, and that's okay. I never asked you before if you liked to hold--"

"Andrew?"

"Yes?"

I put mine out, palm up, between us. "Shut up and hold my hand."

Spencer and Andrew. Gah! I love these two and after the end of the first book, I was itching to find out where they were headed and this sequel definitely took things up a notch or two (or more) and has simply confirmed what I already knew with book one: I'm a Spencer and Andrew fangirl. Things pick up exactly where they left off and we find Spencer Cohen and Andrew Landon debating what exactly to label their relationship and come to the conclusion that they're "officially dating" (considering they had already spent two weeks pretending to be dating...but then being fake boyfriends stirred real feelings for both). Fans of the series learn more about Spencer and Andrew, especially our Aussie expat, who is far more vulnerable here, and Andrew's bossiness amps up and he's this super adorable mix of awkwardness and assertiveness.

It was difficult for me to get through this book...difficult not to swoon my way through every freakin' chapter! And it isn't just all the flirting, kissing, humping, and far more intimate stuff Spencer and Andrew were doing. My cheeks hurt from all the grinning I was doing because of how sweet these two were and how they were getting to really know one another. Andrew was effectively breaking through Spencer's long-established walls and knowing what led to Spencer to become estranged from his immediate family, though that's too mild a word to describe his relationship with them, had me angry on his behalf. Andrew's acceptance and understanding fortifies my image of him being the perfect partner for Spencer. We also meet Andrew's fabulous parents, who were the absolute antithesis of Spencer's very homophobic parents.

There were a lot of funny and lighthearted moments in this book, but it also tackles two serious issues: homophobia and abuse. The homophobia, as I mentioned, comes from Spencer's parents, but the abuse is something I won't get into too much, because it'll spoil the book for those of you who have yet to read it. I'll just say that there is a character who has suffered different forms of abuse at the hands of an individual he thought he could trust. The abuse is discussed but isn't acted out, yet I'm still putting it out there in case it may be a trigger for some. If you read the first book, you know you NEED to read this second book, and if you haven't, well, what the heck is wrong with you? Hop to it because The Spencer Cohen Series is already a 2016 favorite and there's still the last (NOOO!) book in the offing! Five-plus stars for book two. ♥

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