4.5 Stars!!

Truly in the top favorites of the friends-to-lovers trope, this takes the #1 spot for me in this series so far!!

Robert has come to a place in his life where he’s finally ready to admit his attraction to men. Truthfully, it’s really all about one particular man and that’s Liam, his best friend since they were 6 years old. Robert’s all set to take the plunge but is scared that Liam’s personal hangups might prevent their ultimate happiness. However, he’s determined for Liam to be his first in all things M/M - being with him is simply natural, logical, inevitable.

Liam is quite stunned by Robert’s revelation. He’s always been attracted to Robert but knowing he was straight, he never entertained such thoughts. Liam doesn’t want to get too attached - he’ll gladly be Robert’s guide to the wonderful world of smex, but anything more is off the table due to his distrust of relationships and commitment in general. He wouldn’t dare think they could have something more, stubbornly believing the “friends with benefits” route is the way to go. However, it’s that very friendship that’s on the line, despite him not wanting to risk it. A relationship with Robert is his worst fear and greatest hope - will he make up his mind before it’s too late?

What made this so enjoyable was that both Robert and Liam were wholly likeable, with relatable fears and insecurities. It doesn’t hurt that this had great progression as they slowly learn each other in all the new wonderful ways. *waggles brows* What pushed this beyond most stories of this trope, was the evolution of these two. I’ve not subtly complained about the realistic need for a protracted introduction to sexy first times. For me, many have failed this miserably, but this right here, excelled - and it was hot, hot, hot, interspersed with some real tenderness, vulnerability, and intimacy. Oh yeah.

As my good friend Meags perfectly said, this series has it all. Topical angst, unbelievable sexy times, characters that are genuinely earnest, and feels that are so heartfelt. Definitely a standout series and one of my favorites! ( )

Loved this one so much. Neither lad is perfect, (Robert is close, though). Each faces his trials to reach the end, but ah! I'm still smiling. That last line is beautiful. ( )

3.5 stars ( )

I'm not really sure what to think of this book.

On one hand I hated the MCs, because one is a fool prone to bouts of self-pity and the other is an all-out selfish prick and a coward for most of the book. On the other hand I loved them, because they managed to overcome their flaws and let love win.

But mostly I felt like I was reading a high-school drama, and neither of the characters seemed to know what they want and at times the story itself felt aimless.

That being said, it still managed to reel me in and keep my attention throughout the day. ( )