The Two of Us by Andy Jones

* * * 1/2

Falling in love is the easy part. What matters most is what happens next...

Fisher and Ivy have been an item for a whole nineteen days. And they just know they are meant to be together. The fact that they know little else about each other is a minor detail. Over the course of twelve months, in which their lives will change forever, Fisher and Ivy discover that falling in love is one thing, but staying there is an entirely different story.

The Two of Us is a charming, honest and heart-breaking novel about life, love, and the importance of taking neither one for granted.

Ever encounter a situation where it seems that things are happening backwards? That's the jist of The Two of Us with two adults meeting, having crazy, intense “magic time”, and then trying to figure out if there's a relationship to salvage there. And then something occurs that changes their dynamics.

Fisher and Ivy have enjoyed that sweet honeymoon period when a couple first meets and are so hopelessly attracted to each other that they simply can’t get enough. Then something shifts and Fisher can’t put his finger on it. He’s unsure if he’s done something wrong, or if Ivy’s having second thoughts or if he’s imagining things. Fisher’s worries are understandable being that their relationship started with physical intimacy first and not much else. They hardly know anything about each other making him unsure if Ivy wants a commitment as much as he does.

What’s most appealing about the story is that all the questions that come with the newness of a relationship are very much relatable. The fact that both Fisher and Ivy are in their forties though gives them the benefit of being more forthcoming in their approach to their unique situation. It’s their awkwardness with each other that makes them endearing. As they go about with the business of being a brand new couple – learning to read their personalities, getting used to the other’s habits – Fisher remarks on the things that matter to him and how he wants to share the important parts of him with Ivy. The story isn’t short of amusement thanks to the abundance of entertaining family and friends. They love ribbing on Fisher and it’s easy to see what a good and decent guy he is. There just aren’t enough of those around. 

The Two of Us is a delightful read all around. I feel that anyone can commiserate with the characters over the agony of building something new on slightly shaky ground. What’s refreshing to see is that this isn’t played out in a vacuum but rather in the presence of their friends and family, who bring perspective and depth to Fisher and Ivy’s personalities. There’s no unnecessary angst; just two people falling in love with a future ahead of them.

~ Bel