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4.53 AVERAGE
4.53 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
tense
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
This book was so good! The growth Edin made in the three years since we last saw him in Dak’s story was incredible. He had built some emotional walls, only really letting in Dak and Sparrow, but as the book progresses, Eli breaks those walls wide open—first through intimacy that allows Edin’s emotions to flow freely for the first time in years, and then through a deepening friendship that grows into a beautiful romantic relationship.
Eli was patient, giving Edin the time and space he needed while offering a shoulder to cry on. I loved how this small found family came together, supported by a close-knit village that helped Edin care for Mo. The side characters who stepped in to help with Mo (Edin’s daughter) added so much warmth. Mo herself was such a bright, sunny character who brought the story to life and reminded us exactly what Edin was fighting and healing for.
The relationship between Eli and his twin brother Zeke was also a standout for me—it reminded me so much of my own relationship with my twin. Sweet, affectionate, and deeply connected.
This book handled heavy topics like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in such a thoughtful, healthy way. It’s guaranteed to pull at every heartstring, showcasing love, resilience, and the healing power of found family. I can’t wait to read more in this series!
Even better than book one. These two are so emotional, so much found family and love and UGH. My heart hurts.
I will admit two things. One, I have been meaning to read this author for a while now. I’ve gone so far as to buy some of their hockey books and audiobooks with the intention of reading them. Well, we know TBRs are built with books bought with good intentions… I’ve yet to read a single one.
Two, I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for this ARC. The blurb caught my attention and piqued my interest. I’m happy to report I was not disappointed.
While the start was a little slower than I normally prefer, I felt like it was kind of needed, given just how much pain Edin was hiding under the mask he wore. He was a complex character and the slower start fit the story, in my opinion. I also admit it might just be slow in MY opinion but not to someone else. It is hard to describe how you could both feel what he allowed himself to feel AND the nothing he kept himself anchored to. I credit that to the writing.
I liked the MCs together and how their relationship progressed. I feel like it was appropriate. This book will take you on a journey through emotions you may or may not be prepared for, but I promise it leaves you happy in the end. It is a romance, after all.
I do want to echo what everyone else is saying about the content warning. Everyone is different. Every story is not the same. Even if you share similarities (like I do) we each go through things in our own way. Take care. While this story is one I would recommend, you are more important than a story. I hope you know that.
***A copy of this book was provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review was not required.***
Two, I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for this ARC. The blurb caught my attention and piqued my interest. I’m happy to report I was not disappointed.
While the start was a little slower than I normally prefer, I felt like it was kind of needed, given just how much pain Edin was hiding under the mask he wore. He was a complex character and the slower start fit the story, in my opinion. I also admit it might just be slow in MY opinion but not to someone else. It is hard to describe how you could both feel what he allowed himself to feel AND the nothing he kept himself anchored to. I credit that to the writing.
I liked the MCs together and how their relationship progressed. I feel like it was appropriate. This book will take you on a journey through emotions you may or may not be prepared for, but I promise it leaves you happy in the end. It is a romance, after all.
I do want to echo what everyone else is saying about the content warning. Everyone is different. Every story is not the same. Even if you share similarities (like I do) we each go through things in our own way. Take care. While this story is one I would recommend, you are more important than a story. I hope you know that.
***A copy of this book was provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review was not required.***
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
How cute was this???? I love the fact that the cheerleader was the overall protective one and the hockey player (Edin) was able to be vulnerable around Eli!!!
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
5⭐
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: Longwood U #2
Prior reading is not required. However, to get more of Edin's back story, I recommend reading Dak & Sparrow's story, linked below. I have also linked the parent's books but by no means do you need to read them to enjoy Edin & Eli's story. Crea's For Puck's Sake series is really good, so I would suggest adding them to your TBR.
• Dak & Sparrow's book(MM) - [b:Rumor Has It|217829453|Rumor Has It (Longwood U)|Crea Reitan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1726889279l/217829453._SY75_.jpg|224345474] (Longwood U #1)
• Elijah & Zeke's Parent's book(MM) - [b:Wingman Score|205791343|Wingman Score (For Puck's Sake, #5)|Crea Reitan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1710009588l/205791343._SY75_.jpg|211831936] (For Puck's Sake #5 - Standalone)
• Dak's Parent's book (MMM) - [b:Starting Line|164607182|Starting Line (For Puck's Sake #2)|Crea Reitan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1701097346l/164607182._SY75_.jpg|175169117] (For Puck's Sake #2 - Standalone)
Check your triggers prior to reading. There are heavy topics discussed.
Character Development: 4/5 • I fell in love with Edin in [b:Rumor Has It|217829453|Rumor Has It (Longwood U)|Crea Reitan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1726889279l/217829453._SY75_.jpg|224345474]. I couldn't imagine what person would capture his heart and take care of him. Along comes Eli and he was better than I could have hoped for. They were both such dynamic characters.
Plot: 4/5• The plot was engaging and well written. There was some hockey moments, that included Mo that will melt your heart. The plot was mainly Edin, Eli and Mo becoming a family. Growing together and individually.
Writing Style: 4.5/5• The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Things were explained in a way that didn't feel like overkill. As always her writing made me feel like I was in the heads of the MCs.
Spice Level: 3/5 • I have said it so many times now but Crea does an amazing job making sure both MCs feel comfortable in the moment. She is the consent queen. Eli could read Edin better than Edin could. The aftercare Eli provided just melted my heart.
Overall Rating: 5/5• Edin's story did not disappoint. I was waiting patiently for his story ever since [b:Rumor Has It|217829453|Rumor Has It (Longwood U)|Crea Reitan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1726889279l/217829453._SY75_.jpg|224345474]. I loved him and Mo (Edin's daughter). I wanted to wrap them up and hide them away so no more bad could come to them. Then in walks Eli, who just wants to take care of Edin, who accepts his quirks, his daughter and falls in love with both of them. Mo and Eli's relationship melted me into a puddle of goop. The moments they shared were so dang heartwarming. I am a sucker for the single dad trope if done right, and Crea has done it. Also, the frat boys loving Mo as if they were her uncles, total swoon. She kept the side cast small again with this one, but I fell in love with Eli's brother Zeke. I feel like every time I read one of her stories I come out loving a side character almost as much as the main characters. I hope Zeke and Mario get a book with some more Mo content. All in all this was a such good book, with well rounded characters, a sassy 8 year old going on 30, and lots of snuggles. Edin finally got the happy ending he deserves. ♥
Side note: Do yourself a favor and read the tropes for Project FU, the next book in the Longwood series. They can be found at the end of Wicked Confessions. When I tell you I choked. It hints at the next pairing and if my thoughts are correct, it's gonna be a good one.
Tropes:
• Single Dad
• Cheerleader x Hockey Player
• Aftercare
• Frat Boys Raising Kid
• Super Sweet Boys
• Reluctant to Love
• Gay for Pay
• Bi-awakening
• HEA
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes (Coming February 13, 2025)
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: Longwood U #2
Prior reading is not required. However, to get more of Edin's back story, I recommend reading Dak & Sparrow's story, linked below. I have also linked the parent's books but by no means do you need to read them to enjoy Edin & Eli's story. Crea's For Puck's Sake series is really good, so I would suggest adding them to your TBR.
• Dak & Sparrow's book(MM) - [b:Rumor Has It|217829453|Rumor Has It (Longwood U)|Crea Reitan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1726889279l/217829453._SY75_.jpg|224345474] (Longwood U #1)
• Elijah & Zeke's Parent's book(MM) - [b:Wingman Score|205791343|Wingman Score (For Puck's Sake, #5)|Crea Reitan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1710009588l/205791343._SY75_.jpg|211831936] (For Puck's Sake #5 - Standalone)
• Dak's Parent's book (MMM) - [b:Starting Line|164607182|Starting Line (For Puck's Sake #2)|Crea Reitan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1701097346l/164607182._SY75_.jpg|175169117] (For Puck's Sake #2 - Standalone)
Check your triggers prior to reading. There are heavy topics discussed.
Character Development: 4/5 • I fell in love with Edin in [b:Rumor Has It|217829453|Rumor Has It (Longwood U)|Crea Reitan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1726889279l/217829453._SY75_.jpg|224345474]. I couldn't imagine what person would capture his heart and take care of him. Along comes Eli and he was better than I could have hoped for. They were both such dynamic characters.
Plot: 4/5• The plot was engaging and well written. There was some hockey moments, that included Mo that will melt your heart. The plot was mainly Edin, Eli and Mo becoming a family. Growing together and individually.
Writing Style: 4.5/5• The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Things were explained in a way that didn't feel like overkill. As always her writing made me feel like I was in the heads of the MCs.
Spice Level: 3/5 • I have said it so many times now but Crea does an amazing job making sure both MCs feel comfortable in the moment. She is the consent queen. Eli could read Edin better than Edin could. The aftercare Eli provided just melted my heart.
Overall Rating: 5/5• Edin's story did not disappoint. I was waiting patiently for his story ever since [b:Rumor Has It|217829453|Rumor Has It (Longwood U)|Crea Reitan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1726889279l/217829453._SY75_.jpg|224345474]. I loved him and Mo (Edin's daughter). I wanted to wrap them up and hide them away so no more bad could come to them. Then in walks Eli, who just wants to take care of Edin, who accepts his quirks, his daughter and falls in love with both of them. Mo and Eli's relationship melted me into a puddle of goop. The moments they shared were so dang heartwarming. I am a sucker for the single dad trope if done right, and Crea has done it. Also, the frat boys loving Mo as if they were her uncles, total swoon. She kept the side cast small again with this one, but I fell in love with Eli's brother Zeke. I feel like every time I read one of her stories I come out loving a side character almost as much as the main characters. I hope Zeke and Mario get a book with some more Mo content. All in all this was a such good book, with well rounded characters, a sassy 8 year old going on 30, and lots of snuggles. Edin finally got the happy ending he deserves. ♥
Side note: Do yourself a favor and read the tropes for Project FU, the next book in the Longwood series. They can be found at the end of Wicked Confessions. When I tell you I choked. It hints at the next pairing and if my thoughts are correct, it's gonna be a good one.
Tropes:
• Single Dad
• Cheerleader x Hockey Player
• Aftercare
• Frat Boys Raising Kid
• Super Sweet Boys
• Reluctant to Love
• Gay for Pay
• Bi-awakening
• HEA
Cheating:
Spoiler
NoThird-act breakup:
Spoiler
NoPOV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes (Coming February 13, 2025)
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
Edin and Elijah are guaranteed to pull on every heartstring. Edin has started college since we left him (post the previous Longwood U book), but his mental health is still a bit of a dumpster fire. He's participating in the DIK extracurriculars to make money and support himself and his daughter, but every time he does, he escapes somewhere in his head, withdrawing from the present moment. Elijah doesn't really participate anymore, editing the footage once it's captured instead, but he's become completely obsessed with Edin, enough so that he steps in front of the camera again just to have a chance with him. He's also the only one to force Edin to be present, and it starts to change Edin's whole world. This is a heartbreaking but beautiful story. There are moments of raw emotion, but there are others where the joy practically leaps from the page. Edin and his daughter live at the Omega house, and they are surrounded by pure goodness there. The support system they have, and the larger one that forms throughout the book, is unparalleled. This one definitely took a village, but luckily these two found themselves the perfect tribe.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes