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jamieb_19's Reviews (277)
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
“You made me feel… good, right? You made me feel like a man. I mean, I am a man. But sometimes my masculinity is still pretty fragile.”
Aww, Ben and Sid were so sweet together! From their flirting and getting to know each other through texts to Ben being brave enough to accept Sid's offer of a date. To the way Sid accepted and respected Ben once he learned Ben was trans. It was all so lovely.
This was the only book I've read in this series (so far), but once I got all the other characters straight in my head, I had no trouble jumping into the series at this point. I'm interested in going back to read about the other housemates, though, because I enjoyed all the characters I met.
I loved having both Ben's and Sid's points of view here because it was interesting to see how both sides dealt with starting a relationship in uncharted territory like this. For Ben, it was the first time he's putting himself out there after transitioning and naturally had a lot of nerves about it. For Sid, it was the first time he was involved with a trans man. They both had things to learn, but I loved the communication and how they learned together. Sid did his best to create a safe space for Ben to be himself and to explore being with a man as a trans man.
My heart hurt for Ben when his dysphoria and internalized transphobia surfaced. I thought the author did a great job of portraying those struggles, and it was eye-opening as a cis person reading it. And then, I loved seeing Ben take pride in the parts of himself he loved and accepted. It was a balance for him, and I loved that Sid left no room for doubt that he saw Ben as a man and that he was attracted to him exactly how he was.
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I can’t deny that having Connor Kikishkin’s career in my hands holds a certain appeal.
If you had told me while I was reading Forbidden Puckboy that I would end up completely in love with Connor Kikishkin, I wouldn’t have believed you. He was a hard character to like for much of that book, but there was a bit of a reckoning that made me sympathetic toward him by the end and gave me hope that he was redeemable. Well, now, having read his book, I can confidently say that he’s now one of my favorite Puckboys! His redemption arc in this book was executed so well, and he and Parker ended up being the cutest things together. I really loved this book.
Now that Connor is finally able to focus on himself, he realizes that he doesn’t really know himself at all. He’s having a bit of an existential crisis. A crisis that’s not helped by the fact that Parker Duchene, someone who Connor wasn’t exactly nice to in high school, just bought his team. These guys obviously had a rocky start, given their past, and Connor had to hit a pretty low point before he truly saw the damage his past actions caused. But once he finally owned it, I thought the evolution of his and Parker’s relationship felt so natural. Connor was so lost, and Parker was so lonely, but they started a really sweet friendship that blossomed into more as Connor made even more realizations about who he really was.
And when he turns to me with soft eyes that remind me of that boy back in the halls of high school, something in my gut flutters again. Only this time, I know for sure it isn’t hatred. Or being hungover.
I have no clue what it actually is, but I know that I like it.
They were so sweet together. I was giddy during most of the middle portion of the book. I loved the communication between them. They understood and accepted each other on a level that most people didn’t. I loved how open Connor was to exploring this new side of his sexuality. The journey was equal parts adorable and very steamy (Connor’s possessive side when it was focused on Parker? Yes, please!). They had great chemistry together.
I really cannot overstate how much I appreciated Connor’s redemption arc. He had to face some difficult truths, but he did, and he made some tough decisions to finally live his life on his own terms. I loved how Parker was there to support him but also didn’t let him off the hook too easily for what transpired between them back in high school. I just thought the whole thing was done well. I didn’t expect the direction things ended up taking, but I loved how it all turned out.
I also loved the Queer Collective cameos and meeting one of the new characters that’ll be in the next book! This series is one of my favorites, and Connor and Parker have earned a spot near the top of my all-time favorites in the series!
Connor Kikishkin finally sees me, and more importantly, I see him. The real him and not some fantasy dream man who I had built up in my head.
The reality is better anyway.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"You’re a good person, Andy Carter, and as far as I’m concerned, that makes you a hero in my book.”
Andy and Law are an unlikely pairing. Andy is used to being relegated to the sidekick, but he’s in search of some big hero energy to try and get his best friend to notice him. Law needs someone to tutor his hockey team, and Andy comes highly recommended but is hesitant to help. Until Law agrees to help him land his crush in exchange for helping his team pass the class. The only problem is that the more time Law spends around Andy, the more he sees the great guy that lies beneath the awkwardness. And he finds himself hoping that somehow Andy will pick him instead of the guy he’s had his sights on for years.
I thought this was a cute story. Andy and Law were really fun together. There was plenty of the signature Briar Prescott banter to enjoy throughout. Andy was adorably awkward, I loved his ramblings and some of the crazy things that came out of his mouth. And I loved how thoroughly charmed Law was by it all. The slow and easy way their friendship formed was so sweet. And it was clear that they were the ones meant to be together.
There were a few times I wanted to shake Andy as he continued to push the narrative that he wanted to date Falcon and didn’t realize that Law was completely smitten with him. But I enjoyed how it all shook out in the end, and the glimpse into the future we got in the last chapter was perfect!
He doesn’t make me feel like I’m a hero either, but the thing is, with Law, I don’t really care about being a hero at all. With Law, I’m just me. Just Andy. And with Law, it’s enough.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This might be the first time I've read a best-friends-to-lovers book that had no pining. Ethan and Knox were best friends, there was no denying that, but truly neither of them looked at the other as more than friends. Until Ethan, who heretofore has identified as straight, has a sex dream about Knox, and suddenly he's pushing for more. Even after Ethan tells Knox about his new feelings, Knox still says he sees him more like a brother. It kind of made their eventual leap into boyfriends seem a little forced. That being said, if I overlooked all that leadup, they were sweet together when they finally were together.
I'm glad Ethan finally worked through his trauma from the car wreck. It took him a while to get there (some bits got a little repetitive), but he came a long way by the end of the story.
And I thought they finally got the audiobook casting right with this one! In the previous two I thought they should have been swapped but in this one, I thought Stephen Dexter worked well for Ethan and Michael Dean was good as Knox. Hooray!
I'm glad Ethan finally worked through his trauma from the car wreck. It took him a while to get there (some bits got a little repetitive), but he came a long way by the end of the story.
And I thought they finally got the audiobook casting right with this one! In the previous two I thought they should have been swapped but in this one, I thought Stephen Dexter worked well for Ethan and Michael Dean was good as Knox. Hooray!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a very sweet novella. I loved seeing Kota's journey throughout the story. He was not in a good place when we first met him, but it was wonderful to see how far he'd come by the end - being happy with his body and his life. It was so sweet how Jamie was the first person to truly see him. It was the start of their bond that was only solidified a few years later when Jamie wound up being Kota's caregiver after his surgery.
Being a novella, a lot of Jamie and Kota's relationship development wasn't shown, but I still believed their connection and was happy they had their HEA. There's a bit of hurt/comfort on both sides, and I like how they each brought out the light in the other. And I was glad this edition included a bonus scene. It was nice seeing a glimpse further into their future!
Being a novella, a lot of Jamie and Kota's relationship development wasn't shown, but I still believed their connection and was happy they had their HEA. There's a bit of hurt/comfort on both sides, and I like how they each brought out the light in the other. And I was glad this edition included a bonus scene. It was nice seeing a glimpse further into their future!
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
I loved this book a lot! It’s a book I’ve had on my radar since its release last year but hadn’t gotten around to reading. I’d seen so many good things said about it on social media, and now I completely understand the hype. This book was delightful from start to finish. It’s chock full of trans/queer joy, loads of baseball, found family, and the sweetest slow burn romance. Even given the state of the country right now, it still made me believe that a future where someone like Gene could realize their dream is entirely possible. In a way, I’m glad I waited to read it because I need that kind of hope and joy right now.
Gene Ionescu is precious, and I will protect that man at all costs. Baseball was in his blood; his love for the game leapt from the pages. I loved his raw determination to make a space for himself in a space not typically welcoming for a trans person. He’s bounced around and worked his butt off to get where he was and he carved out a perfect little niche for himself. His optimism was unmatched, and it was easy to get swept up in it all as you’re reading.
When his ex-teammate and rival, Luis Estrada, is traded to Gene’s team, Gene’s whole equilibrium is thrown off. Partly because of how things ended between them the last time they were teammates, partly because of how standoffish Luis is now, and mostly because of how attractive Gene finds Luis now. I loved seeing them slowly rebuild that friendship as they figured out how to work together again. Gene tried to be mean at first, but it’s not his nature and as he caught glimpses of what Luis was battling, he couldn’t help but support him. The romance was such a slow burn, but it was the sweetest, softest thing, and the payoff was more than worth it. I loved these two together so much.
I also loved the baseball of it all. Even if you don’t love baseball, I think you might find yourself with a new appreciation for the game after following the Beavers for a season. I love a good underdog story, and between Gene and the Beavers as a team, this book delivered. I loved the side stories with Gene’s teammates. His friendship with Vince was excellent, and I loved the relationship Gene had with Baker, his coach. All of these different things wove together so seamlessly to create something really special. Gene and Luis will always have a special place in my heart.
Gene Ionescu is precious, and I will protect that man at all costs. Baseball was in his blood; his love for the game leapt from the pages. I loved his raw determination to make a space for himself in a space not typically welcoming for a trans person. He’s bounced around and worked his butt off to get where he was and he carved out a perfect little niche for himself. His optimism was unmatched, and it was easy to get swept up in it all as you’re reading.
When his ex-teammate and rival, Luis Estrada, is traded to Gene’s team, Gene’s whole equilibrium is thrown off. Partly because of how things ended between them the last time they were teammates, partly because of how standoffish Luis is now, and mostly because of how attractive Gene finds Luis now. I loved seeing them slowly rebuild that friendship as they figured out how to work together again. Gene tried to be mean at first, but it’s not his nature and as he caught glimpses of what Luis was battling, he couldn’t help but support him. The romance was such a slow burn, but it was the sweetest, softest thing, and the payoff was more than worth it. I loved these two together so much.
I also loved the baseball of it all. Even if you don’t love baseball, I think you might find yourself with a new appreciation for the game after following the Beavers for a season. I love a good underdog story, and between Gene and the Beavers as a team, this book delivered. I loved the side stories with Gene’s teammates. His friendship with Vince was excellent, and I loved the relationship Gene had with Baker, his coach. All of these different things wove together so seamlessly to create something really special. Gene and Luis will always have a special place in my heart.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"I want you to be happy. I don’t think you are.”
I looked into his eyes, admiring the familiar, gentle brown that did a terrifyingly good job of hiding the passionate, energetic, determined man he really was. “I’m happy right now.”
His full lips curled up in a sweet smile. “I’m going to keep making that happen for you.”
This was pure grumpy/sunshine gold! I love a grumpy character who is secretly a total softie for the people he cares about and Charlie fits that bill so well. And Kevin had total golden retriever/cinnamon roll energy and was just a delight. Together Charlie and Kevin were too darn cute. I had a dumb grin on my face for most of this book because they were so cute. I swooned and laughed and even had a few happy tears (the end of the bonus scene linked at the end of the book got me good). I thoroughly enjoyed all three books but I think this may be my favorite of the series.
I think it’s best to read these books in order. The first two books take place on the same timeline and it’s nice seeing the same events through different lenses. This book takes place four years later and features Charlie and Kevin who you meet in the first books. Plus there are plenty of cameos from Ray, Adam, Jasper, and Liam. Each book gives enough background information that you wouldn’t be lost if you haven’t read the others but I think reading in order will give you maximum enjoyment.
I rolled my head back and glared up at the ceiling. “Fine,” I said. “You can sledgehammer my bedroom wall.”
“And then you.”
“And then me.”
The book is told from Charlie’s POV and I loved it. He was grumpy and anti-social but he had secret soft spots for a select few. One of those people is Kevin, the local handyman, and general ray of sunshine. Charlie has loved Kevin from afar for years, assuming he was straight. But it turns out that Kevin has had eyes for Charlie too and I loved the way he bulldozed his way into Charlie’s life. He had the energy of a golden retriever puppy and his unbridled enthusiasm for seducing Charlie was challenged only by his unbridled enthusiasm at the prospect of fixing up Charlie’s house. He was such a lovable character and it was so fun seeing him bulldoze his way into Charlie’s life. These two were so darn sweet together.
We finally got answers on the overarching plot line of the dead bodies that kept popping up and I was glad we got some closure on that front. It was always just a secondary plot line but it was nice to have a bit of closure. And I loved seeing what the previous couples were up to 4 years down the line. I don’t know if there'll be more in this series, I’d happily read them if there ends up being more, but if not, I was happy with the closure we got.
"It’s you, Charlie. I look at you, and I want you. That’s it. It’s not that complicated.”
dark
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Even though this book is a standalone, it picks up right where the first book leaves off with Brooks turning up at Ben's gym after being sent there by Ben's ex-wife. Brooks is an influencer and cam boy who is being stalked by an overzealous/possessive follower and Summer thought Ben and crew might be able to help. Ben's tapping out, though, and in steps his brother Roman to take over protector duties.
Brooks and Roman had a tumultuous start. Roman was kind of a dick and could be a little overbearing and Brooks was not interested in being steamrolled. But they eventually reach an understanding and begin to actually like one another and work together to try to take down Brooks' stalker.
I think I liked the first book a little better but overall I enjoyed this one too. There was an element of suspense as they tried to figure out the stalker situation. Although, I thought there were a few missteps in that storyline. And once Brooks and Roman stopped butting heads, they had good chemistry and there were some good spicy scenes in this one.
I listened to the audiobook and much like the first one, I wish the narrators had been swapped. Stephen Dexter would have been so perfect for Roman, but alas...
Brooks and Roman had a tumultuous start. Roman was kind of a dick and could be a little overbearing and Brooks was not interested in being steamrolled. But they eventually reach an understanding and begin to actually like one another and work together to try to take down Brooks' stalker.
I think I liked the first book a little better but overall I enjoyed this one too. There was an element of suspense as they tried to figure out the stalker situation. Although, I thought there were a few missteps in that storyline. And once Brooks and Roman stopped butting heads, they had good chemistry and there were some good spicy scenes in this one.
I listened to the audiobook and much like the first one, I wish the narrators had been swapped. Stephen Dexter would have been so perfect for Roman, but alas...
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was amazing. I’d been trying to get his attention for years.
Who knew all I had to do was take my shirt off and insult him to his face?
I loved the first book in this series and this book was good too, but not quite on the same level as the first book for me. In fact, the things I enjoyed most about this one were the parts that directly related to the first book. Both books run on the same timeline and I loved seeing events from the first book from a different perspective. Particularly, seeing a lot of what Adam was doing when he wasn’t with Ray and how Adam always knew to show up to support Ray. I loved those bits and for that alone, I think this book is worth reading if you’ve read the first one.
I did love Jasper, though. He was adorable and made a good narrator. We only knew him as Adam’s gym buddy and the intrepid wannabe reporter in the first book but he was a super endearing character in his own right. And the poor guy had been pining away for Detective Chief Inspector Liam Nash ever since he was a teenager. Seeing Jasper deal with the unrequited love made me want to hug him.
The comedy delivered a lot of laugh-out-loud moments but the romance aspect of this book was a little sparse for me. There was a lot of tension and some moments between Jasper and Liam in the early parts of the book but then they barely interact for the middle 3rd of the book before Liam finally comes around in the last 20%. That said, when he finally did come around, these two were very sweet together. I just wish there had been a little more in the middle to get us from where they were at the start to how cute they were together by the end. But regardless, I am glad they found their way together! Jasper deserved that happiness.
“I would never shoot you out of an airlock. If it was necessary for the survival of humanity… somehow… that you were ejected into space, I’d go with you. Wow. I never thought that would be part of any big romantic declaration, but here we are.”
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“You’re very highly strung.”
“Thanks for the random criticism.”
“It’s not criticism. I like it. I like that you’re a ball of anxiety, because I know how to calm you down.”
This book was a delight! Luckily I wasn’t reading it while out in public because it had me laughing out loud a lot! If you like rom-coms that get the comedy parts right, I think you’ll really enjoy this one. It’s silly and absurd and was so much fun. It was also an adorable romance. It was cozy and romantic but also steamy and full of hilarious banter. I loved the quirky cast of characters and the insanity of the situation our hero, Ray, finds himself in. It was a good time from start to finish and I’m really glad it got on my radar!
"I don’t want you because you’re a challenge. God help me, I want you for your personality.”
“That last bit was mean.”
“I can be mean. Don’t pretend you don’t like it.”
The whole book is told from the POV of Ray Underwood, a 32-year-old graphic designer whose life is turned upside down after a pity party gone wrong winds up with him making an unexpected discovery under his bedroom floor. I usually prefer dual POV but he worked so well as the narrator here that I didn’t mind one bit. Ray is a little high-strung and can be a bit neurotic but he was such a lovable character. I absolutely loved seeing him continually flustered by the attention of Adam, the much younger, very attractive man, who Ray has a complicated history with. But he’s also the man who keeps showing up for Ray when he needs him most.
Adam knew that people wanted him.
Had he ever thought that people wanted to keep him?
Because I did.
I’d keep him forever, if I got the chance.
Adam may have been young (early 20s) but he was such a confident character. He could come off as bossy but he always knew what Ray needed, even if Ray didn’t, and he had a knack for soothing him. His maturity and self-assuredness were hot, not gonna lie. Ray was powerless against it. I loved Ray’s journey to recognizing the vulnerabilities within Adam too and figuring out how to be there for him the way that Adam was always there for Ray. At first glance, it may seem these two shouldn’t work, but they absolutely did. They were sweet and sexy and so funny with their banter. Even during the spicy scenes, the banter was so good.
I already miss these guys! But I suspect I’ll be seeing more of them in the second book given who the MCs of that book are. If you’re looking for a rom-com that’s got great romance and comedy, I would recommend this book. Be prepared to laugh and swoon!
"I don’t even care about my murder house anymore because it brought me to you."