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joey_reads00 's review for:
Alphas Like Us
by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
No
4.75 stars
We already know Farrow and Maximoff can bring the heat, tension, and banter but Alphas Like Us gave us depth. This book had some good plot lines, but the focus was the emotional depth of their relationship and how to navigate their life together now that they’re out in the public eye.
Maximoff is so much in his head in this one—he’s feeling the pressure of being in the public eye, being the “Hale heir,” being the good brother, the good boyfriend, the reliable one. And Farrow is there every step of the way, not as a savior, but as a partner. Their emotional connection really shines here. The way they talk, argue, make space for each other—it’s real. It’s healthy. It’s queer love without spectacle (well, maybe from the public), just love.
Krista and Becca have said before that they love to write characters after their HEA. This feels like what this book is doing - essentially saying, “What if we show the work of being together?” It showcases how real love shows up when life isn’t picture perfect. Most love stories stop after the HEA and leave us wanting more. KBR giving us readers that content we want is one of the many reasons why they’re one of my favorite authors.
Also, we get more of the Hale-Cobalt-Meadows and the SFO crew, and I still adore them. Jane is still the queen of my heart, and I love how the bodyguards continue to feel like their own family, and not just background muscle. It makes me excited for what’s next.
The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars? It slowed down a bit in the middle for me—less drama, more internal struggle—which I did appreciate, but I know some readers might crave more action or plot driven story. But honestly, I think that emotional intimacy was the action this time.
To try and sum it up, this book is about what queer love looks like when it’s safe, when it’s fought for, and when it’s real.
Would recommend if: you love reading about after the HEA, you love emotionally competent men in relationships (!!), or you want more LGBTQ+ romance representation
We already know Farrow and Maximoff can bring the heat, tension, and banter but Alphas Like Us gave us depth. This book had some good plot lines, but the focus was the emotional depth of their relationship and how to navigate their life together now that they’re out in the public eye.
Maximoff is so much in his head in this one—he’s feeling the pressure of being in the public eye, being the “Hale heir,” being the good brother, the good boyfriend, the reliable one. And Farrow is there every step of the way, not as a savior, but as a partner. Their emotional connection really shines here. The way they talk, argue, make space for each other—it’s real. It’s healthy. It’s queer love without spectacle (well, maybe from the public), just love.
Krista and Becca have said before that they love to write characters after their HEA. This feels like what this book is doing - essentially saying, “What if we show the work of being together?” It showcases how real love shows up when life isn’t picture perfect. Most love stories stop after the HEA and leave us wanting more. KBR giving us readers that content we want is one of the many reasons why they’re one of my favorite authors.
Also, we get more of the Hale-Cobalt-Meadows and the SFO crew, and I still adore them. Jane is still the queen of my heart, and I love how the bodyguards continue to feel like their own family, and not just background muscle. It makes me excited for what’s next.
The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars? It slowed down a bit in the middle for me—less drama, more internal struggle—which I did appreciate, but I know some readers might crave more action or plot driven story. But honestly, I think that emotional intimacy was the action this time.
To try and sum it up, this book is about what queer love looks like when it’s safe, when it’s fought for, and when it’s real.
Would recommend if: you love reading about after the HEA, you love emotionally competent men in relationships (!!), or you want more LGBTQ+ romance representation