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evethingiread's review against another edition
2.0
I should’ve loved this. Max and Felix belonged together. All that shit in between was infuriating. the story was way over the top and the banter was sickening. Such a disappointment
I struggled with Charlie sunshine, and for some reason, I can't get past the first few chapters of OZ. So I think this is my last book by this author. I might be over this style of writing and genre.
I struggled with Charlie sunshine, and for some reason, I can't get past the first few chapters of OZ. So I think this is my last book by this author. I might be over this style of writing and genre.
k_a_r_e_n_b's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
theoguinto's review against another edition
4.0
Had a very promising start with Felix leaving Max because he was in love with Ivo. That was very well done.
Did not realize this was in the same universe as Rule Breaker, and I thought it was funny imagining Gabe and Zeb being in the same room as they're essentially the same person lol. Both are bosses that:
- have feelings for an employee (Gabe with Dylan, Zeb with Jesse),
- have a toxic BF nobody likes (Fletcher, Patrick)
- have hangups that prevent them from going after their employee
Anyways, beside the realization, I thought Felix gave in too easily to Max (though I suppose that's because he never really wanted to let him go in the first place)
Max having solved his personal conflict of being in love with Ivo, but wanting Felix was nice but I wish we focused more on that personal journey. Because how it is in the story, it's Zeb telling Max that his feelings weren't romantic love and that feels like a cop out.
Also the scene where Ivo also says the same thing to Felix was similarly disappointing. Max should've been involved as opposed to leaving it to a side character.
Other than that, the book was fine. I really wish the grovel was more emotional as opposed to Max doing something that Felix appreciates immediately. Felix never really acted like he hated Max which I guess was my issue since I wanted retribution for how he treated Felix the night of Henry and Ivo's wedding.
Did not realize this was in the same universe as Rule Breaker, and I thought it was funny imagining Gabe and Zeb being in the same room as they're essentially the same person lol. Both are bosses that:
- have feelings for an employee (Gabe with Dylan, Zeb with Jesse),
- have a toxic BF nobody likes (Fletcher, Patrick)
- have hangups that prevent them from going after their employee
Anyways, beside the realization, I thought Felix gave in too easily to Max (though I suppose that's because he never really wanted to let him go in the first place)
Max having solved his personal conflict of being in love with Ivo, but wanting Felix was nice but I wish we focused more on that personal journey. Because how it is in the story, it's Zeb telling Max that his feelings weren't romantic love and that feels like a cop out.
Also the scene where Ivo also says the same thing to Felix was similarly disappointing. Max should've been involved as opposed to leaving it to a side character.
Other than that, the book was fine. I really wish the grovel was more emotional as opposed to Max doing something that Felix appreciates immediately. Felix never really acted like he hated Max which I guess was my issue since I wanted retribution for how he treated Felix the night of Henry and Ivo's wedding.
tesssiob's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
3.5
eliezrah's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! This book was amazing and totally unlike any of second chance book I've ever read. It's completely captivating and keeps you turning the pages. It's the 3rd book in the series, but can be read as a standalone even though characters from the previous books make appearances. This is the 2nd book I've read from this author, and I'm excited to read more.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
mila_readsmm's review against another edition
4.0
***4.0 rating***
“I will never ever let you feel anything but first place in my life again because that’s what you are. You’re fierce and sharp and funny, but underneath, there’s this wonderful softness and a deep loyalty. I know now how much of a privilege it is to have that directed at me, and I promise you I will always protect it. Because I know what it feels like to have been without you, and it was fucking horrible. I missed you every single fucking day.”
I did not read this series in order. I first read Charlie Sunshine because of the trope and after rereading it again recently I was curious about the other characters in the book like Zeb, Jesse, Felix, and Max. The first book of the series was centered around Zeb and Jesse, while it was a sweet read, it did not do much for me. I found the couple boring and well let's just say Patrick (Zeb's ex) was more exciting than the couple. However, while the Best Man was a 3-star read at best, the other two books in the series were thoroughly enjoyable. Whereas Misha and Charlie's story was about best friends falling in love with one another, Max and Felix's story was about a second-chance romance. Their initial attraction toward each other is purely physical and based on sex. You meet both characters in the first book (Zeb and Jesse's story). I had always been curious about Max and Felix because Felix is Misha's cousin and Max is Zeb's step-brother. Felix's reaction to seeing Max after a long time in the first two books leaves the reader wondering what happened between the two. They are clearly former lovers. Felix was not happy to see Max in the first two books and from his reaction toward him, it was obvious that Max had been the one who fucked up the relationship.
In this third book which is their story, we finally find out what happened between the two. The first half of the book takes place two years before the present timeline, Felix and Max meet at a bookstore and like LM mentioned in the blurb, it was lust at first sight. Felix is a sweetheart who is sassy and full of life, sarcasm is his middle name. He has been second-place his whole life and therefore has a tough exterior. He does not trust or let people in easily. Men come and go in his life, well that is until Max came along. You could say he was a game-changer for Felix. But are the feelings mutual? not at first. Their chemistry, in the beginning, was purely sexual but as they get to know each other, it becomes obvious to the reader that this is more than sex with a no-strings-attached situation. Isn't it always?
Max who is slightly older than Felix comes with a set of baggage. We first got to know him in Henry and Ivo's story and the eventful foursome Ivo and Max shared at some point. LM makes it clear to the reader that Max has strong feelings for Ivo and given that he is a journalist who covers conflicts and wars, he has some mental health issues and trauma. All of this makes it evident to the reader that Max is not looking for a relationship or to be tied down to anywhere or anyone. A bit cliched but it works in this story.
In the first half of the book (Before Felix), there is a lot of angst, and at times as a reader, you detest Max and how he treats Felix. You almost hate him. He treated Felix like a convenient hole, even his own step-brother, Zeb wanted to punch him at times. But don't fret dear reader Max does redeem himself and grovel, a lot. LM did a superb job at exploring the second chance romance trope here, even though in the beginning Max is your typical fuckboy you still end up rooting for him to win back Felix.
There is also lots of snark and sarcasm, Felix's sense of humor made this a fun read, despite it being at times angsty.
Overall, a fun series and a great read. Felix and Max are both romantic men who eventually found their way back to one another. A fab read for anyone who enjoys reading about second-chance romance.
“I will never ever let you feel anything but first place in my life again because that’s what you are. You’re fierce and sharp and funny, but underneath, there’s this wonderful softness and a deep loyalty. I know now how much of a privilege it is to have that directed at me, and I promise you I will always protect it. Because I know what it feels like to have been without you, and it was fucking horrible. I missed you every single fucking day.”
I did not read this series in order. I first read Charlie Sunshine because of the trope and after rereading it again recently I was curious about the other characters in the book like Zeb, Jesse, Felix, and Max. The first book of the series was centered around Zeb and Jesse, while it was a sweet read, it did not do much for me. I found the couple boring and well let's just say Patrick (Zeb's ex) was more exciting than the couple. However, while the Best Man was a 3-star read at best, the other two books in the series were thoroughly enjoyable. Whereas Misha and Charlie's story was about best friends falling in love with one another, Max and Felix's story was about a second-chance romance. Their initial attraction toward each other is purely physical and based on sex. You meet both characters in the first book (Zeb and Jesse's story). I had always been curious about Max and Felix because Felix is Misha's cousin and Max is Zeb's step-brother. Felix's reaction to seeing Max after a long time in the first two books leaves the reader wondering what happened between the two. They are clearly former lovers. Felix was not happy to see Max in the first two books and from his reaction toward him, it was obvious that Max had been the one who fucked up the relationship.
In this third book which is their story, we finally find out what happened between the two. The first half of the book takes place two years before the present timeline, Felix and Max meet at a bookstore and like LM mentioned in the blurb, it was lust at first sight. Felix is a sweetheart who is sassy and full of life, sarcasm is his middle name. He has been second-place his whole life and therefore has a tough exterior. He does not trust or let people in easily. Men come and go in his life, well that is until Max came along. You could say he was a game-changer for Felix. But are the feelings mutual? not at first. Their chemistry, in the beginning, was purely sexual but as they get to know each other, it becomes obvious to the reader that this is more than sex with a no-strings-attached situation. Isn't it always?
Max who is slightly older than Felix comes with a set of baggage. We first got to know him in Henry and Ivo's story and the eventful foursome Ivo and Max shared at some point. LM makes it clear to the reader that Max has strong feelings for Ivo and given that he is a journalist who covers conflicts and wars, he has some mental health issues and trauma. All of this makes it evident to the reader that Max is not looking for a relationship or to be tied down to anywhere or anyone. A bit cliched but it works in this story.
In the first half of the book (Before Felix), there is a lot of angst, and at times as a reader, you detest Max and how he treats Felix. You almost hate him. He treated Felix like a convenient hole, even his own step-brother, Zeb wanted to punch him at times. But don't fret dear reader Max does redeem himself and grovel, a lot. LM did a superb job at exploring the second chance romance trope here, even though in the beginning Max is your typical fuckboy you still end up rooting for him to win back Felix.
There is also lots of snark and sarcasm, Felix's sense of humor made this a fun read, despite it being at times angsty.
Overall, a fun series and a great read. Felix and Max are both romantic men who eventually found their way back to one another. A fab read for anyone who enjoys reading about second-chance romance.
tankytoon's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
What can I say about this book from one of my favorite authors? I would say probably that I expected more since I enjoyed the first two installments of this trilogy. Not to say, that this third book is bad. It's actually decent, but I wasn't as impressed, perhaps because of the way it started out weak.
Felix and Max casually meeting at a bookstore is less of a meet-cute, than a meet-shag, with both diving in to the bed with no strings attached. The banter is sassy but not as stinging, and probably due to the shadow named Ivo lurking in the background of Max's brain. When sober, Max is actually quite an interesting dude; while Felix is a unicorn in his own right. But both failed to keep emotions out of the equation that landed them both in situations that they didn't quite expect.
I have some misgivings though in how the misunderstanding between Felix and Max played out, mainly facilitated by the twat Patrick who nudged Felix towards the conversation that Max had with Zeb during Ivo's wedding to Henry. It is here where I have a bone to pick with Zeb, being both the catalyst for Max's realization of his true feelings for his best friend, and for Felix's interpretation of Max's heartfelt, albeit drunken, confession. Why would Zeb insist that Max should not string Felix along, when later Zeb would tell Max that it wasn't love but loyalty that he felt for Ivo? So which is it Zeb? Why didn't you ask Max about his feelings for Felix then? Maybe it would not have turned out the way it did, with Felix and Max being separated for almost three years? I know Zeb was probably trying to be the good friend here, which I'm not saying he isn't, but what fueled you to be so blatant with Max, when he didn't even budge in your business with Jesse?
Despite my reservation about Zeb's interference, the second half of the book was infinitely better than the first half. I enjoyed the trademark wit and humor by Lily Morton, infused in the pages. I loved how Max had to work hard for Felix's attention, despite some being dubious as it cannot be done without throwing some money about. It was funny how all these random people showed up, dropping hints about Max's true feelings to an oblivious Felix. If I were Felix, I would not know whether to be jealous or flattered.
I may be in the minority where I liked this last installment the least, but it doesn't deter my opinion that this series is such a delightful journey, where love is possible in unlikely places if you look hard enough.
Felix and Max casually meeting at a bookstore is less of a meet-cute, than a meet-shag, with both diving in to the bed with no strings attached. The banter is sassy but not as stinging, and probably due to the shadow named Ivo lurking in the background of Max's brain. When sober, Max is actually quite an interesting dude; while Felix is a unicorn in his own right. But both failed to keep emotions out of the equation that landed them both in situations that they didn't quite expect.
I have some misgivings though in how the misunderstanding between Felix and Max played out, mainly facilitated by the twat Patrick who nudged Felix towards the conversation that Max had with Zeb during Ivo's wedding to Henry. It is here where I have a bone to pick with Zeb, being both the catalyst for Max's realization of his true feelings for his best friend, and for Felix's interpretation of Max's heartfelt, albeit drunken, confession.
Despite my reservation about Zeb's interference, the second half of the book was infinitely better than the first half. I enjoyed the trademark wit and humor by Lily Morton, infused in the pages. I loved how Max had to work hard for Felix's attention, despite some being dubious as it cannot be done without throwing some money about. It was funny how all these random people showed up, dropping hints about Max's true feelings to an oblivious Felix. If I were Felix, I would not know whether to be jealous or flattered.
I may be in the minority where I liked this last installment the least, but it doesn't deter my opinion that this series is such a delightful journey, where love is possible in unlikely places if you look hard enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
explorebooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
meatloafqueen's review against another edition
5.0
I love pretty snarky boys and Felix does it best. He is hilarious and was a true champ when Max screwed up. I loved the angst and how hard Max had to work to win him over