Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.

He never broke eye contact with Zach when he said confidently, “I know who I am, how to handle my problems, and who I want.” He didn’t know how many times he had to say it for Zach to believe him, but he’d keep trying… at least for now. There was only so much rejection a person could take.

I’ve been on a bit of a reread/relisten kick lately, and this might be the audiobook I’ve listened to the most times out of the ones I own. I don’t really know what it is about it that has got me hooked, but it really just hits every spot for me. There’s outside danger and suspense, there’s pining and a bit of angst between MCs (just enough to keep it interesting, not so much that it hurts your soul), it’s hot, aaand it’s ‘brother’s best friend’ with a 12 year age gap. What’s not to love?

I don’t remember if I figured out whodunnit early on or not the first time I read this, but one of the things I enjoy most is how I feel kinda paranoid alongside Drew when weird shit starts happening. He started to suspect everyone, even friends or acquaintances he’s known for ages, and every time he did, I felt just as sure that there was something weird about that character. It’s not a huuuge intricate mystery, but clever enough to be enjoyable, while the romance bit is entertaining as well.

Drew has been pining over ‘LumberZach’ for years, and that hurts to read sometimes. He hasn’t exactly saved himself, but he hasn’t wanted to be with anyone else either, in fear that Zach would think he had moved on and wasn’t available *wipes tear*. They’re both sweethearts, but Zach is a bit of a stubborn worrywart, and likes to take care of everyone else instead of figuring out his own shit. Luckily, Drew is no doormat, and puts him in his place when needed.

“Jesus, all these years of fucking throwing myself at you and for what? I’m wasting my time on someone who’s so damn scared to live his own fucking life, he has to dictate everyone else’s.”

Highly recommend if you like this kinda romantic suspense. It’s a quick and easy read, and narrated beautifully by Kirt Graves.

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Brother’s best friend
Boss/coworker
Age gap
Pining
Stalker (not the fun kind)
Suspense
Camboy
Push and pull

⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Online sex work
Explicit sexual content
Attempted murder
Injured MC
Stalking
Hit by car
Hospitalization
Death of a side character
Mentions of car accident (past, not detailed)
Mentions of death of parents (past, not detailed)

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles

“Ma, do you think I’m pigheaded?” When she didn’t answer, he looked back over at her—and the laugh she was trying to hold in was answer enough. “I say this with all the love in my heart, but… are you kidding?”

“Believe me, if I knew how, I’d write a damn self-help book. How to Get Your Man in 1000 Easy Steps.” “Nice,” Zach murmured. “I don’t think... How to Win Him Over in Seven Long Years… would be a best seller.”