booksafety's reviews
510 reviews

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

“Hello.” I should have grabbed a drink before I agreed to the call. I sound like I chew on sandpaper for fun.

This book was just a delightful, low angst, sweet and quick read. Both MCs were absolutely adorable in their own rights, and there were two prominent side characters that absolutely made the book even better. The Daddy MC is a large and burly man (6’8 and heavily tattooed), leading to people thinking he’s scary, which breaks his heart a little, considering the caretaking is so engrained in him that he Daddies just about everyone. He really is a gentle cuddly bear, in every sense of the word. Rory, the boy MC, gave me ‘middle’ vibes sometimes, and it seemed like he almost regressed a little once in a while, but there’s no actual age play in this. He’s just a needy and cuddly boy who also happens to love the hell outta his stuffies.

“Can I see more of you? Your tats? Your—how tall are you again?” I strain as if I can look around him. He’s a big man, with muscular arms and no doubt a nice, soft belly to cuddle with. Ideal man, to be honest.

I actually had to google what a ‘side’ was when starting this book. I know of the more typical top/bottom roles, but hadn’t heard the term ‘side’ for those who don’t want/need anal sex. I enjoyed this representation a lot, and thought it was handled well. I’m so glad it was a complete non issue between the MCs, even if the MC who identified as a side was insecure about it.

“I like the idea of comfort, cuddles, and coming. Sounds ideal to me.”

Definitely recommend if you want to read something adorable.

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Daddy kink
Auction
Dating app
Size difference
Age gap
Side
Tattoos
Praise kink
Long distance (in the beginning)

⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Mentions of car accident
Death of parents (past, off page)
Mentions of a past experience with dubious consent
Scarring
Mild bouts of anxiety

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: N/A. One of the MCs is a ‘side’, meaning they don’t have anal sex.

“I. Consented. Said yes.” And hated every second of it. “He knew you were a side and said he was fine with it, then you came back to the room crying. Babes, that’s not consent.” “I was crying because—” I hated myself for letting him talk me into anal.

[…] grab his hand and pull him towards the door. But he picks me up and throws me over his shoulder. I squeal and slap my hand over my mouth at the undignified sound.

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

People assumed I didn’t want touch, but that wasn’t true. If I didn’t want it, I wouldn’t have spent years in therapy trying to achieve it.

I might actually love this one just as much as Cravings of the Heart from the same series, which I didn’t expect to happen, because that book still hasn’t left my mind. I read a review of this book with a quote that made me tear up, and I was immediately sold. This story is heartwarming, heartbreaking, and just really beautiful. I really enjoyed the organic feeling of how their relationship evolved. The slow build of trust to become friends, and then Ireland slowly letting himself be vulnerable again and let Raven in even further. They didn’t have a smooth ride by any means, but they both fought tooth and nail to make it work, and Raven especially was so patient and kind, even when he was hurting.

His shoulders shook as he wept. My hand twitched, itching to reach out. It was physically painful watching his heart break and knowing I couldn’t comfort him.

Nicky James is so freaking talented. She makes me connect with the characters within the first pages, and have me crying just as fast. Very highly recommend.

Also, I can’t even imagine the pain of wanting to touch, to feel comfort, to be touched by the people you love, and not being able to. To have people walk away eventually, because you inevitably have setbacks. My heart broke for Ireland.

He said he could touch when things were going well. I’d live for those moments if he gave me a chance.


⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Haphephobia (fear of touch)
Diabetic MC
Nurse MC
Tattoos and piercings
Slow burn
Strangers to friends to lovers
Hurt/comfort
Age gap
Musician MC

⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Anxiety disorder
Past abuse (side character)
Brief mentions of rape (side character, not detailed)
Parent with Alzheimer’s
Death of a parent (present, not detailed)
Haphephobia (fear of touch)
Hyperglycemic episode

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: N/A

[…] he removed his hoodie and placed it on the foot of my bed. “I know I can’t hold you right now, but if you need comfort, maybe this can bridge our gap. If you want.” He backed toward the door again, paused, blew me a kiss, and left. My heart lurched, and the moment he was gone, as stupid and juvenile as it was, I caught the kiss and pressed it to my lips with a choked sob.

Unobtainable. A dream that could never be. This was my life. Constantly striving for the impossible.

Yes, I enjoyed sex—a lot—but what I’d learned in all the years I’d dated was that an emotional bond and friendship were far more important than bumping uglies.

It had become an ever-growing, impossible standard of living he could never achieve. He set the stakes higher and higher, so no matter how many positive steps forward he took, he only saw failure.

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

He was risking everything. His past, his future, and even his now, reaching for a kiss based on one week of stolen glances and sideways looks and a frisson underneath his skin he couldn’t scratch away.

I had some of this book spoiled before reading (on purpose), so from the first page I was anticipating heartbreak. That, coupled with the beautiful, somehow wistful writing, had me on the verge of tears right from the start. Tal Bauer’s writing is just on a different level altogether. I’ve read so many good books, had the pleasure of reading the work of brilliant authors, but coming back to Tal anything just makes me go ‘Ah okay, that’s what great writing looks like.’

Maybe, once all his friends were set in their star-studded futures, when they were living in the worlds they drew on their bedroom ceilings every night, he could raise his eyes and take a look at the things he’d stiff-armed away.

The way you end up connecting with his characters is unreal. My heart broke for the MC who messed up, just as it broke for the ‘wronged’ MC. There were no winners, just heartbroken boys, and I cried buckets pretty much up until 50%, and then again later on. It’s a really beautiful story, and one of very few books I would actually want to see made into a movie, if done right (very big ‘if’).

Glory had never been what he wanted. He wanted a future. He wanted to see his dad smile as Wes walked across that stage and accepted his college diploma. He wanted to love a man and be loved in return.

The book is very well balanced between sports and romance, and I felt like each part enhanced the other. It deals massively with the bond between teammates and how important trust is, which I loved, and at the same time is the source of the only criticism I have. I felt like the ‘big blow up’ was a bit out of proportion from what I expected, and especially Colton’s reaction. I am very glad they figured out they were being idiots and that they apologized. I’m just sad about what had to happen for them to realize.

I actually read The Quarterback months ago, and didn’t really get a good feel for/first impression of Justin in that. Thankfully he was nothing like I sort of expected or feared. He’s just a tiny bit of a drama queen, lol. Interestingly, when a friend was reading this book this summer and told me about Colton’s behavior, I was like ‘Huh? not my Colton. He is a sweetheart who can do no wrong.’ Turns out, if I had read The Jock first, I would have disliked Colton quite a lot, most likely. I guess it goes to show Tal can write multifaceted characters with actual growth.

It also turns out that my ‘I don’t like sports romance’ comments don’t really count when Tal Bauer is the one writing them. I would read them all. I also want everyone to know that I made myself cry all over again when reading and picking out highlights for this review, lol.

“Is there any epic love story that isn’t tragic?” “Ours.” Wes smiled. “It’s not gonna be tragic. It’s gonna be epic.”

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
College romance
Closeted MC
College football
Cowboy
Dancer
Virgin MC
First times
Sports romance
Size difference
Second chance

⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Brief mentions of religious bigotry
Outed without consent
Violent attack/hate crime
Hospitalization
Homophobia
Vomiting
Explicit sexual content

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: One MC goes on a date with someone else while they’re broken up. Only cheek kisses.
Breakup: Yes
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles

I could fall in love with you, if I let myself. It was Paris, and it was summertime, and it was the wrong place and the wrong time. He wasn’t ready for this yet, wasn’t ready for his heart to catapult out of his chest and chase this man, crave him. He wasn’t ready to fall in love. But there was this guy named Justin, and it seemed Wes didn’t have a choice in the matter, because he was already on the way.

[…] I don’t know how to live with loving you like this. It will fade eventually, right? Because right now it feels like I’ll love you for the rest of my life, and I’ll just have to learn to live with this hole in my chest forever.”

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

I had always taken for granted the lovely warmth of the sun. If I got out of here alive, I would relish it. I could see it now, a spot in the woods, away from these people where I could sit in patches of sun that shone through the leaves of the trees. I could have a cabin maybe, hidden where no one could ever reach me.

I don’t like judging a book by it’s cover, but I did with this one, which is why I didn’t see the emotional impact coming. This book is heartbreaking and wonderful. I was recommended the book when I asked for ‘shifters + fated mates’, which is exactly what I got. I was very pleasantly surprised by the depth it had, and I feel a little bad about not thinking it would be anything more than surface level entertainment, to be honest. That’s on me.

Both MCs have had rough lives, one more so than the other, and hearing about it broke my heart a little. Seeing Ember go from broken down and thinking his life was about to be over, to trusting Coal and realizing there are good and kind people in the world, was lovely. It’s a quick-ish read with lovely wolf shifters, fated mates, and a bit more tear-jerking power than most shifter books I’ve personally read, as well as a suspense element.

“My name is Coal and I told you I wouldn’t hurt you. I would never hurt you. I’ll kill anyone who touches you.” And there it was again, the almost sweet declaration that swiftly turned possessive and violent. The cliche alpha.

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Fated mates
Wolf shifter
Paranormal
Size difference
Hurt/comfort
a/b/o
Single dad (actually big brother)
Knotting
Scenting

⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Graphic violence
Explicit sexual content
Captive
Homelessness
Mentions of past trauma
Hints at child abuse
Mentions of past sex work
Child kidnapping (not detailed)
Malnourished MC

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: Briefly, but nothing happens
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Paranormal romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles

“Did they even feed you at all?” I asked quietly. Ember’s lip trembled until he bit down to stop it. “Sometimes,” he finally said.

Apparently, being locked in a cell with no autonomy whatsoever did something to a person’s confidence. Who would have thought.

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

That wasn't exactly what I'd wanted to say, but no wonder I already trust you and, for the first time in my life, I kind of wish I had ovaries so I could have your babies seemed like a little too much […]

Man, this book was some of the most fun I’ve had reading a new book in a long time. Not necessarily in a ‘ha ha’ way (although there were some funny moments as well), but just the story, the romance, and the vibes. Said vibes were immaculate, let me tell you. It’s so perfect for fall. Those small town witchy/magical vibes. It kinda gave me that joy-of-reading feeling I had when I was way younger.

Very *very* rarely do I read an entire series of books, but this book made me want to read every coming book in the series. All of the side characters were great, and gave just enough that I really want to read their book. Unfortunately, this is the only story out so far, but I will definitely be waiting for the next one. Did I mention there’s a talking cat? Because there is. We don’t know what’s going on with said cat yet, but I’m kinda crossing my fingers he’s actually a person somehow, lol.

[…] I found him on the side of the road and apparently some part of me decided he was mine.

Oops, I forgot to mention much about this book in particular. Dillon and Ash were both great and lovable characters, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of them as side characters in future books. They got a HEA in this one, but the series has an overarching plot. No awful cliffhanger though, thankfully!

When Dillon lifted me, putting those big strong hands under my ass and hoisting me up until our faces were level with one another, I squeaked in surprise. Fuck yeah. Being manhandled was hot.

Very highly recommend if you enjoy those paranormal small town vibes with a light sprinkling of spooky season ✨

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Fated mates
Hellhound shifter
Witch/mage
Small town
Past trauma
Lonely MC
Size difference
Insta-love
Paranormal

⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Scars
Murder
Hospitalization
Gunshot wound
Graphic violence
Attempted murder
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of past assault
Mentions of past emotional abuse

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Paranormal romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile

I suspected if more humans knew about us and how they weren’t the most powerful species on the planet, their sense of peace would be shattered. Realizations like that tended to make humans stabby.

“Mom, I’m an adult. I can make plans without needing to tell you about them. Do you ask Birch for details about his plans?” “Birch doesn’t make plans, honey, he hooks up with people. Is that what you’re talking about? Sex?” I swear I heard her clap her hands. “Are you having sex again? Oh, honey, I’m so proud of you.”

“Oh, you’re a big one, aren’t you?” She hummed appreciatively as soon as he swung the camera toward his face. “Mom!” “Well, he is, honey. Look at him. I mean, I knew you liked them big all over, but... He’s one big mountain of a man. And so good looking too.” Did my mom just call me a size queen? I wanted to crawl under the sofa.

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.”

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

"[...] You know I love it when you force a second orgasm out of me." He smiles against my ear. "I do. You know I respect you, right?" I laugh. Every time we get rough, and he gets nasty, he always checks in after.

Ugh. I just love this book so much, and I listen to the audiobook pretty regularly. Trip and Sam are seriously one of the most adorable pair of MCs there ever was. The whole thing is just so damn wholesome, but at the same time, it's not too fluffy, and it still has substance. This book also has one of my favorite 'first kiss' kisses ever.

Trip experiences what is possibly the cutest, least freakout-y sexual awakening in the world, and I want everyone to read it.

How had it not occured to me that being sexually aroused by a man... isn't straight?

Sam is definitely shameless (especially in his thoughts) when it comes to his crush on Trip, but he's always respectful, and he's patient and helpful when Trip starts to question things and feels insecure. They really are disgustingly cute together. A sexually free, proud femme gay man, paired with a man raised with country/cowboy manners, who's also secretly absolutely filthy (the good kind) in bed? You just know it's gonna be good. And Kelly Fox really does write some of the best spice out there these days.

His muscles look so functional - which is just dead sexy - and I shove my hands into my pockets to prevent myself from rubbing them all over the little bit of belly that he has. If he's hairy, then it's settled. We'll have a spring wedding.

The book is narrated by Blake Lockheart as well, and man, I love that narrator so much.

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Neighbors
Bi/demisexual awakening
Online sex work (onlyfans)
Cowboy
Found family
Size difference
Hurt/comfort
Femme MC (makeup, skirts)
Country living
Farmer
Past trauma
A touch of musk kink

⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Homophobia
Violence
Sex work
Religious bigotry
Death of a parent (cancer, past, off page)
Mentions of financial issues
Brief mentions of past assault
Attempted kidnapping
Shooting a wild animal
Gun violence

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile

"Won't she need the muck boots?" I ask, already not liking the name. What is muck? It can't be a good thing. No good thing ever comes from something that sounds like you just cleared your throat.

I'm starting to wonder if femme gay men just lose interest around the third button from the top.

"Son, you know that you and Sam are welcome to stay here. You don't have to stay over at the vinyard." I give my dad an aggressive side hug and kiss his temple. "Oh, I know. I'm doing that for you, not for us." Sam looks up at me, his mouth open. "Trip," he grits out. "Don't say that to your dad."

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

Sorry in advance for the insane amount of quotes. I couldn’t pick.

Miller Harrison ticked boxes Sandy didn’t even know he had. But handsome was zero excuse for arseholery.

This book deals with a fair few things that are serious and important that I don’t feel at all equipped to comment on, like identity and sexuality, and there’s a good bit of bigotry in the forms of homophobia and ableism as well. I will say though, that these things are handled really well, and I enjoyed it being discussed through an emotional lovestory, and through characters that felt real.

“You can’t park there. It’s a disabled space.” “Accessible, actually.” If he had a dollar for every fucking time someone decided to police his disability, he’d be rolling in it.

It deals with a semi-closeted MC with a disability, who inadvertently (and against his will), becomes a role model for gay and disabled people, when all his life, he’s tried to be invisible and fly under the radar. He also falls in love with a very proud, femme gay man, who enjoys wearing skirts, a little makeup, and in general sometimes presents more as non-binary to the outside world, while he personally doesn’t want to be labeled at all. He just wants to be whatever feels right. You might imagine that one MC who doesn’t want to make waves, paired with one who wants to fight loudly to have the same rights as everyone else, might create some issues, and you would be right. It’s not always smooth sailing, but their connection is really strong, and when they have issues, they talk it out (eventually).

But it taught me that if your own parents can’t be trusted to listen to your story and learn from it, then no one else deserves it from you just as a matter of curiosity. It hurts too much to have it argued or rejected time after time, so I only offer it when I really want to. There might be people who genuinely want to know to improve their understanding, but unless they’re going to be a part of my life, I don’t have to be their rainbow Wikipedia. And they aren’t entitled to that from me any more than they would be entitled to answers on personal questions from a cis, straight person.”

This book was like a complete 180 from the previous one in the series, Up Close and Personal. I believed in the MCs being together, and they had amazing chemistry. And although the themes are serious and it got really sad at times, it’s not horribly angsty or anything. I think what angst is there was needed. Very highly recommend.

“You’ll share your arse and ram your tongue up mine, but you won’t share your potato fritters?”

Ugh, I don’t like the cover though. That’s not a great representation of the Sandy I have in my mind after reading, lol.

She thinks I’m one of those cheerful, twinky, go-shopping-with-your-girlfriend kind of gays, and I am so not that person. I’m six foot three of insecure, gangly, potty-mouthed confusion who struggles to find a dress size to fit.

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Rugby player
Disability rep
Wheelchair user
Femme MC (skirts, makeup heels)
Para athlete
Assistant pathologist
Semi-closeted
Coming out
Facial (not a nice day at the spa)
Lingerie
‘Fostering’ a teenager

⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Homophobia
Mentions of drunk driving accident
Ableism
Domestic abuse (father/son, side character)
Attempted kidnapping
Car accident (on page)
Injury and hospitalization

⚠️⚠️⚠️ 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: Versatile

[…] I am so over babying guys through their puberty of emotional expression.”

“Yeah. Fucking men, right?” Sandy followed his gaze. “Who’d fucking love them?” “Us,” they both said and clinked their glasses.

His eyes rolled so far, the only thing stopping them falling down the back of his throat was the what-the-fuck coming up it.

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

I felt like I was smiling, even though I wasn’t. It was the most foreign feeling, like Milo had injected happiness inside me.

This is one of those books that I can never figure out if I actually *love* or just like it a lot. I guess it all comes down to the MC, Milo, who is both super charming and funny, and a bit too OTT as the ‘comedic relief’ sometimes.

I do like Milo, and I really love Gideon a lot. There’s also a good cast of side characters who add to the story. I’m not a fan of the friends-with-benefits trope, but in this it’s mostly because Milo can’t possibly imagine that Gideon would want to be his boyfriend, which is very sad, as well as leads to a couple of pretty funny moments. I feel like reading this book is like a rite of passage for new MM readers, and I totally understand why. It’s charming, funny, emotional at times, and sexy. Definitely recommend if you haven’t read it already.

“Gideon,” I whispered. When he didn’t budge, I cleared my throat. Nothing. How in the hell did he not wake up? I took a step back, planning on sneaking out of his room, but again, bored. So I resorted to a totally fake cough and squeezed his name in there. Cough, Gideon, cough. His eyes slowly fluttered open. “Oh, you’re awake.” “I wonder how that could have happened?” I shrugged. “Beats me,” […]

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Neurodivergent MC
Roommates with benefits to lovers
Small town
Tattoo artist
Sexual exploration
Best friends
Virgin MC

⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Grief
Mentions of ableism
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of abandonment
Brief mentions of cheating ex (no details)

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile

“I’m twenty-four years old. I’ll do what I want.” Wow. I was pretty sure I sounded more like a teenager right then than I ever had.

The whole time to his parents’ house, I stressed out about the sign. “Why is micromanaging such a bad thing?” “Do you like it when people do it to you?” Gideon asked. “We’re not talking about me.”

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

Okay, I’m rewriting most of this review because I had a lot of thoughts that took a while to put my finger on. I don’t want to be hateful, but this book wasn’t it for me. Spoiler alert probably.

There is no doubt that Cora Rose is a very talented writer. I’ve enjoyed every book of hers I’ve read so far, but this one was wild to me. I’ll leave my original review below. I’m sure some of my anger has festered and made it worse in my mind, so I figured it’s nice to have some of my initial thoughts posted still. Keep in mind I’m quite annoyed when writing these next bits.

I just really didn’t like Wesley at all. I found him to be quite childish, emotionally manipulative, and sometimes straight up cruel. Also crass. Wesley says he doesn’t enjoy sex as much anymore (he hasn’t had any for WEEKS you guys, how does he even still live? *insert eye roll), and he casually asks his friends if they know a girl he can fuck for a few minutes. Gag. I didn’t connect much with either character. It all felt a bit surface level. The things I would’ve thought were most important were glossed over, and whenever Wesley messed up (several times), there were no consequences. Simon’s ex wasn’t a very nice person, so I feel like Simon didn’t stand up for himself when he was treated unfairly. Like maybe Wesley would’ve gotten the boot ages ago if Simon thought he was allowed to speak his mind more. Maybe I’m projecting, but that’s a bit of the vibe I got, and it’s not a good one.

I do really love Cora’s writing, and I freaking adore some of the books I’ve read, but this one wasn’t the best for me.

Original review ⬇️
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How had I ever found anyone else attractive when Simon existed?

I really did like Simon (although I wish we got a bit more information about him in general), and he was very intriguing right from the start. I wanted to get to know him, but didn’t feel like I ever did. Most of my ‘dislike’ about this book comes from Wesley. I don’t think he’s a bad character, but he *is* awfully young, and certainly acts like it sometimes. There were a few moments that angered me quite a lot. It’s not Cora’s fault that he hit a couple of my pet peeves, though. That’s just how it goes sometimes. I also wanted a little bit of groveling, but didn’t get any.

He dresses like a forty-year-old accountant, and it gets me all hot and bothered. I swear to god. I have a new kink.

I can’t at all argue that this is a well written story. I just wasn’t as invested as I wanted to be. The ending definitely picked up in terms of my investment and entertainment, and I also cried quite a lot by the time it was all over. Would be strange to read a Cora Rose book without weeping just a little bit.

“So! So Lucas said I was maybe bi.” “Nah, man. Just because you kiss a dude doesn’t make you bi. I give dudes blow jobs all the time, and I’m straight as an arrow.” My mouth drops open, and I gape at my friend. “What the fuck, Jude!”

This made me laugh long and hard, lol.

Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Coworkers
Sexual awakening
Opposites attract
Obsessive
Push and pull

⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Unsafe sex
Death of a partner (off page, in the past)
Excessive drinking (side character)
Past cheating (not between MCs)
Unspecified STI (MC, past, treated)
Brief mentions of drunk driving accident

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: Mild drama with a woman. Nothing happens beyond texting and intent to date (before MCs are together)
Third-act breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile

[…] leaving me alone once again with my thoughts. Dreadful things.

It hurts to breathe, but my lungs keep doing it anyway. Fucking traitors.