echoesoutloud's reviews
2174 reviews

Just Bromantically Invested by Saxon James

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4.5

“I never thought… this, us, was a possibility, but now that I’m with you, it feels like the only possibility.”

Madden and Penn have been best friends forever. For almost that entire time Madden has been in love with Penn, but lately the pain of his unrequited love has him pulling away from him. When Penn's neighbor assumes they're a couple, it unlocks something in Penn and he starts to see Madden in a new light. But with changes in the professional life and their personal, they need to decide if it's worth taking that next step into more.
"There’s too much rocketing around in my skull to take hold of, but my body is coming through loud and clear. I want Madden. I just want him."

Penn and Madden are opposites in every way. Madden is out free-spirited nudist who leaps into things without a second thought. Penn on the other hand has a need for control and tends to overthink everything. But for all that, that two stand by each other through thick and thin, and always support each other with whatever life throws at them. There was a little learning curve when they became boyfriends and they made a misstep or two. But with their friendship as a foundation they were able to effectively communicate and work through the kinks as they went. 

"Penn and I have a lot of growing to do, but as long as we do it together, I know we have a chance at making it last. Forever."

One thing that really got to me was Penn's insecurities in his friendship. There was something so raw about it that made it so relatable. His loneliness and the way he felt like an afterthought at times felt so real and made me want to protect and cherish him. There's this moment where Madden realizes that while he thinks Penn is the best thing ever, he also stopped showing him that when his feelings evolved, and that moment felt like a major shift in their relationship. They started to talk through things that they'd been holding inside which made them stronger as a couple.

"I’m forever grateful that I moved in here because these guys, this house, it’s my safe place."

 I also loved seeing Madden's journey as a naturalist. It's not something I've thought much about, but learning about his experience and the way it's helped him connect to himself on a deeper level was really quite beautiful. And I loved how supportive and encouraging Penn and the Bertha Boys are. I know our time with these boys is coming to an end and in some ways it felt like they know that things are going to change too. It made their interactions more special and emotional, and I loved every second of it. 

"It’s me and Penn and all of my dreams coming true."

With every new book in this series I'm reminded of how much I love this family and I'm so not ready to say goodbye to them. I really enjoyed this best friends to lovers romance and I can't wait to (finally!) read Xander's book next!