Coming in First Place (Between the Teeth, #1) has a questionable romance and unsubstantial plot, told in the POV of a sullen, strenuous character that entails a high-level annoyance reading experience, and written in a vapid voice and unusual style. Nevertheless, Taylor Fitzpatrick has a way of making me still enjoy reading it. Generally, I love this book, but indeed it has its flaws and shortcomings.

Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Romance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Final Rating: 4.5 stars

First, the writing style. It's unique to Fitzpatrick, similar to that in Thrown Off the Ice. It's conversational, has some unnecessary phrase repetitions, lots of run-on sentences, and a few odd sentence fragments. It's a little inconsistent and not that tight; I can't see the art or the mechanics behind it; I think Fitzpatrick wrote the book by ear and simply winged the style as she went. I can't say I like it, but I don't hate it either.

Next, the characters. David, David, David, you shit. I'm torn between whether I should strangle or hug him. He's difficult to deal with: petty, insecure, negative, self-absorbed, etc. It's tough to relate to him, and what little connection I have with him comes and goes throughout the book. Oh, Jakey, Jakey, Jakey, you keeper. I would definitely hug him and so much more. He's a dream, and I adore him (and his text messages). He's patient, understanding, thoughtful (that indoor picnic — sighs), etc. He's the glue that holds the book together (there wouldn't be one had he simply given up on David).

Now, the romance. I agree that David has no redeeming quality (except his looks, maybe?) that should warrant Jake's affection. That should make their romance seem superficial to me, but Fitzpatrick knows how to write romantic scenes in the best possible context and atmosphere that I never see it that way. I'm completely invested in their romance throughout the book. The dynamics of their relationship doesn't make much sense, but that's love and romance; they're sometimes nonsensical.

Lastly, the plot. The story doesn't reflect the title of the book. I thought it would be something like, "David might not come in first place in all other things, but he does in Jake's heart." (That's corny, I know.) But no, nothing like that manifests explicitly in this book. Another, the conflicts aren't addressed as if there isn't any. David and Jake never talk about David's issues or the possibility of their secret relationship being discovered. The plot lacks so much in terms of substance that the ending doesn't feel like an ending at all. The story doesn't wrap-up nicely, thus there is no satisfying resolution.


Nevertheless, Coming in First Place is an unforgettable read, and I can't wait for the sequel! [Insert squeal]


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