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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
I’ve been looking forward to Xander's story since book one of this series. When I pictured that HEA, I was only imaginative enough to see him getting his man, but Saxon found a way to make it so much MORE. While Derek is a part of Xander’s happy ending, even more powerful is Xander's relationship with himself by the end of the book. Then throw in the relationships with Seven and Molly and, again - it’s just magic. This was such a satisfying finish to the series and I loved everything about it!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What a ride this series has been!
I'm glad this book turned out so good because it is the perfect ending to the series while also giving the perfect story to Xander.
I am probably not alone when I say I've been waiting for Xander's story from the very beginning. In a way, his story has been in the works since book 1, and now we finally get the conclusion.
I was a tad worried about the mental health aspect and feared that the author might not be able to portray it with the seriousness it deserves. But I am pleasantly surprised by how emotional and deep this book is.
Xander is the attention-seeking needy gremlin of the Bertha Boys. He has severe abandonment issues, medical anxiety, and panic attacks, and he has very little self-love. In the other books in the series, we've seen him struggle and self-destruct more. We've seen how the others suffer because he refuses to get help and get better. And it was not an easy journey. Even if he is a unique and lovely person, his mental illnesses damaged a lot about him and his relationships. This story is largely focused on his mental health journey with the help of his found family, therapy, and a Derek. A goal he needs to step on the right road.
Derek's been a safe place for Xander, and his medical anxiety induced panic attack for years. And in that time, lines have blurred a little between his profession as a nurse and a man who cares way too much. Derek's dilemma is another focal point of the book. Even though he and Xander both know that no lines were actually crossed and nothing untoward happened, it's not easy to be objective with so many feelings in the way. I appreciated the effort Derek put into seeing things from a distance and made sure his feelings were real and his ethics were not compromised.
Their relationship developed slowly, but not rushing into things was crucial for both of them. For Derek to make sure his feelings and Xander's feelings were both real. And for Xander, to develop a healthy relationship.
It wasn't an easy read. I cried several times when Xander's mental health struggles and his trauma were mentioned. I rooted for him when he acted badly, but it was not easy to see how destructive he could get. I shed happy tears when he finally took steps to get better with therapy and face his issues.
I loved that it was acknowledged that Seven, the brother he found along the way, is not a solution, and he also struggled with caring for Xander.
Overall, kudos for portraying mental illness, healing, and a support system so well.
As a series-ending book, we got glimpses of the other Bertha Boys too, how they fared, how they remained a family even after moving away. It was a bittersweet epilogue but a good one.
Can't wait for Perry's story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book to share my honest review.*
I'm glad this book turned out so good because it is the perfect ending to the series while also giving the perfect story to Xander.
I am probably not alone when I say I've been waiting for Xander's story from the very beginning. In a way, his story has been in the works since book 1, and now we finally get the conclusion.
I was a tad worried about the mental health aspect and feared that the author might not be able to portray it with the seriousness it deserves. But I am pleasantly surprised by how emotional and deep this book is.
Xander is the attention-seeking needy gremlin of the Bertha Boys. He has severe abandonment issues, medical anxiety, and panic attacks, and he has very little self-love. In the other books in the series, we've seen him struggle and self-destruct more. We've seen how the others suffer because he refuses to get help and get better. And it was not an easy journey. Even if he is a unique and lovely person, his mental illnesses damaged a lot about him and his relationships. This story is largely focused on his mental health journey with the help of his found family, therapy, and a Derek. A goal he needs to step on the right road.
Derek's been a safe place for Xander, and his medical anxiety induced panic attack for years. And in that time, lines have blurred a little between his profession as a nurse and a man who cares way too much. Derek's dilemma is another focal point of the book. Even though he and Xander both know that no lines were actually crossed and nothing untoward happened, it's not easy to be objective with so many feelings in the way. I appreciated the effort Derek put into seeing things from a distance and made sure his feelings were real and his ethics were not compromised.
Their relationship developed slowly, but not rushing into things was crucial for both of them. For Derek to make sure his feelings and Xander's feelings were both real. And for Xander, to develop a healthy relationship.
It wasn't an easy read. I cried several times when Xander's mental health struggles and his trauma were mentioned. I rooted for him when he acted badly, but it was not easy to see how destructive he could get. I shed happy tears when he finally took steps to get better with therapy and face his issues.
I loved that it was acknowledged that Seven, the brother he found along the way, is not a solution, and he also struggled with caring for Xander.
Overall, kudos for portraying mental illness, healing, and a support system so well.
As a series-ending book, we got glimpses of the other Bertha Boys too, how they fared, how they remained a family even after moving away. It was a bittersweet epilogue but a good one.
Can't wait for Perry's story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book to share my honest review.*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content
Minor: Addiction, Bullying, Confinement, Abandonment
This book has been one I looked forward to since meeting Xander in one of the first books. He is such an intriguing character and I really wanted him to get his happy ending. This whole series can be read as stand alone I do think you need to have read Seven's book to really get the full story of Xander and Derek.
Xander has known Derek for a while now as the one nurse that knows how to help him with his panic attacks. Derek knows there is too much going on between them for him to still be treating him. When they start to see each other outside of the pharmacy in the nursing home they both volunteer at, he knows something must change.
Seeing the two of them work through their feelings was something. Xander feels a lot and he doesn't have the best coping skills. I was glad to see that Xander didn't get better with Derek but got better without him as he shouldn't build a relationship on a bad coping mechanism. Derek and Xander needed the time away from each other to learn how to be with each other if that makes sense. I loved seeing them get together though and how Derek didn't want Xander's relationship with Seven and Molly to change. They needed each other so much.
Thanks to Foreword PR for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
This story was not easy at all and it actually gives us the real amount of Xander's anxiety and how hard it impacts his life.
We had hints from the previous book, but here we get to know his thoughts, his psiralling, his self hatred. It's a long journey toward happiness and I liked very much that the author divided the story in three parts.
The first one is the most angsty because Xander is reaching his breaking point and his frustration is almost out of control; he's feeling that things are changing and he desperately tries to hold on the few things that give him comfort.
I likked very much Derek's conficted thoughts (and feelings) about Xander, his need to protect himself, but also to be a safe person for him and the awareness that something had to change for him to get better.
The dynamic between Seven, Xander and Derek is so beautifully written and I literally adored how Seven and Derek got close.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate
The whole book revolves around Xander's mental health, obviously, and I get that his relationship with Derek is affected by that. I liked that Xander is not magically cured and that there are still struggles but I wold have loved to see more about them after they got together officially and during all the time that leads to the epilogue.
It seems to me that the romantic part of their relationship was lacking and the story was more focus on Xander's personal journey
Moreover, this is the last book of the series, so I was hoping to see more of the other Bertha boys but, besides Seven and Molly, we just have very very little of them.
Anyway I'm sad to let these characters go, I hope we'll have a glimpe of them in the future series that's about to start.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
This story was not easy at all and it actually gives us the real amount of Xander's anxiety and how hard it impacts his life.
We had hints from the previous book, but here we get to know his thoughts, his psiralling, his self hatred. It's a long journey toward happiness and I liked very much that the author divided the story in three parts.
The first one is the most angsty because Xander is reaching his breaking point and his frustration is almost out of control; he's feeling that things are changing and he desperately tries to hold on the few things that give him comfort.
I likked very much Derek's conficted thoughts (and feelings) about Xander, his need to protect himself, but also to be a safe person for him and the awareness that something had to change for him to get better.
The dynamic between Seven, Xander and Derek is so beautifully written and I literally adored how Seven and Derek got close.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate
The whole book revolves around Xander's mental health, obviously, and I get that his relationship with Derek is affected by that. I liked that Xander is not magically cured and that there are still struggles but I wold have loved to see more about them after they got together officially and during all the time that leads to the epilogue.
It seems to me that the romantic part of their relationship was lacking and the story was more focus on Xander's personal journey
Moreover, this is the last book of the series, so I was hoping to see more of the other Bertha boys but, besides Seven and Molly, we just have very very little of them.
Anyway I'm sad to let these characters go, I hope we'll have a glimpe of them in the future series that's about to start.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm so not okay🥹
This book was perfection and the perfect ending to one of my favourite book series on this planet. I can't believe it's over, but it really was the perfect ending, it couldn't have ended more beautifully.
Xander has been close to my heart throughout the whole series because I've got GAD myself and struggle with health anxiety (which got better over excessive therapy throughout the last two years, but I still could relate SO much). The first scene had me already crying because I knew this book would be close to my personal experiences, but I hadn't expected HOW close to home it'd hit. Derek is a gorgeous MC as well, but Xander stole my attention, and that's totally fine - we still know enough about Derek that he's not just a flat golden retriever boyfriend without his own baggage or backstory, or what one could expect from a MC besides such a complex character like Xander.
Their relationship definitely had a bumpy start and the HEA was hard-fought, but I actually loved that the focus definitely was on Xander's development and growth and the relationship wasn't as present (regarding "screentime") as in other romances. The found family was - as always, the Bertha Boys just have my heart - so so beautiful and the further insight into Seven's story also had me sobbing for who's my favourite character besides Xander from this series.
The writing style was fluent as always, Xander's snark and a lot of banter also had me laughing out loud - so it's not just hurt/comfort and has a lot of light moments inbetween. But it IS heavy on these topics (abandonment, anxiety, panic attacks,...), so please read the triggerwarnings.
Oh and this one is the best Saxon James book, hands down.
This book was perfection and the perfect ending to one of my favourite book series on this planet. I can't believe it's over, but it really was the perfect ending, it couldn't have ended more beautifully.
Xander has been close to my heart throughout the whole series because I've got GAD myself and struggle with health anxiety (which got better over excessive therapy throughout the last two years, but I still could relate SO much). The first scene had me already crying because I knew this book would be close to my personal experiences, but I hadn't expected HOW close to home it'd hit. Derek is a gorgeous MC as well, but Xander stole my attention, and that's totally fine - we still know enough about Derek that he's not just a flat golden retriever boyfriend without his own baggage or backstory, or what one could expect from a MC besides such a complex character like Xander.
Their relationship definitely had a bumpy start and the HEA was hard-fought, but I actually loved that the focus definitely was on Xander's development and growth and the relationship wasn't as present (regarding "screentime") as in other romances. The found family was - as always, the Bertha Boys just have my heart - so so beautiful and the further insight into Seven's story also had me sobbing for who's my favourite character besides Xander from this series.
The writing style was fluent as always, Xander's snark and a lot of banter also had me laughing out loud - so it's not just hurt/comfort and has a lot of light moments inbetween. But it IS heavy on these topics (abandonment, anxiety, panic attacks,...), so please read the triggerwarnings.
Oh and this one is the best Saxon James book, hands down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Medical content, Medical trauma, Abandonment
Minor: Child abuse
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“Has he ever done anything to make you feel that way?” My smile is tight when I look up at him. “Haven’t you got it yet? My brain doesn’t run on logic. It runs on catastrophizing, negativity, and throws in the sheer terror of mortality every now and then to keep things interesting.”
Not Catching Love by Saxon James | Book 5 of Accidental Love
I will be totally honest with you, I was a little nervous going into this book solely because I had such high expectations for it. We spend this entire series catching glimpses of Xander and everything he's going through and even though he is a secondary character until now, you spend the entire time rooting for him, too. When I tell you that this book exceeded my expectations, I mean it wholeheartedly. It was absolutely beautiful and had everything that I wanted and more. I loved watching the path that Xander took to better himself (maybe with a little push in that direction) and the way that Derek showed that he valued not only Xander but HIMSELF.
One of my absolute FAVORITE parts of this entire book was watching Xander and Seven's (and Molly's and Derek's) relationship come full circle. It was perfect. Their love for each other runs so deep and watching them grow and heal and have partners that love and accept them (and their relationship) was so incredibly heartwarming.
Lastly, the ending! Oh my forking god. Seeing all of the Bertha boys, seeing them HAPPY AND THRIVING and seeing Aggy actually put them all in her will was the perfect full circle, closing moment for this series. And. AND. THE SIDE BY SIDE HOUSES FOR XANDER AND DEREK / MOLLY AND SEVEN WAS PERFECT. THE TALKED ABOUT DOUBLE PROPOSAL. EVERYTHING. The ending wrapped the series up with such a beautiful little bow and I am just so happy.
It took me a few days to be able to wrap my head around this enough to write my review but what I will say is this: don't be afraid to go into this book. It is everything we wanted and more.
Thank you so much to ForewordPR and Saxon for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Not Catching Love by Saxon James | Book 5 of Accidental Love
I will be totally honest with you, I was a little nervous going into this book solely because I had such high expectations for it. We spend this entire series catching glimpses of Xander and everything he's going through and even though he is a secondary character until now, you spend the entire time rooting for him, too. When I tell you that this book exceeded my expectations, I mean it wholeheartedly. It was absolutely beautiful and had everything that I wanted and more. I loved watching the path that Xander took to better himself (maybe with a little push in that direction) and the way that Derek showed that he valued not only Xander but HIMSELF.
One of my absolute FAVORITE parts of this entire book was watching Xander and Seven's (and Molly's and Derek's) relationship come full circle. It was perfect. Their love for each other runs so deep and watching them grow and heal and have partners that love and accept them (and their relationship) was so incredibly heartwarming.
It took me a few days to be able to wrap my head around this enough to write my review but what I will say is this: don't be afraid to go into this book. It is everything we wanted and more.
Thank you so much to ForewordPR and Saxon for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My heart! Throughout the whole series I always had hope for Xander, and this book made everything come true. In the first part I did want to shake him at times to make him agree to find help, but I also know that’s not how it works. Anxiety and mental illness can be debilitating, and it rarely works if someone goes through the motions of getting help without wanting it themselves. His panic attacks felt so real, his struggle broke my heart, and I’m so happy that Derek was there. Their journey together was so hard, and I felt for both of them. It was so well portrayed, and I’m so damn proud of them both and how everything ended up! I’m going to miss all these boys so much!
I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book
I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have waited for Xanders book, since book one dropped! He’s absolutely everything. Being inside Zs mind, seeing what we’ve seen from the beginning but from his inner self was amazing. I can relate to Z in more ways than one and seeing him find that one that understands whole heartedly what he needs, what he deals with and what he can’t live without was absolutely incredible. Derek is gentle, patient and so incredibly loyal, he was absolutely made for Xander. I couldn’t be happier with Z and Derek’s story 🥰
The Bertha Boys time has come to an end and it’s bittersweet 🖤 I have fallen in love with each of these characters for many different reasons, and I will miss these boys so very much, and sassy Aggy of course. It’s sad to see them go but they all have ended up where they are supposed to be and after what they all have been through they deserve their happy endings! 🖤