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The Vers Podcast #3
The Realist
Marcus
To listeners of The Vers, a queer podcast I host with my three best friends, I’m known as The Realist—I accept life the way it is, believe in honesty over sugarcoating, and okay, I can maybe be a little bossy.
If you asked The Vers guys, they’d tell you I’m a caretaker who’s always thinking of others, but they also give over-the-top hugs and don’t believe me when I say feelings are the worst.
It’s why I have no business offering Kai Lewis a place to stay when he’s in need. He’s a flirt who makes no secret about wanting in my bed…somewhere I’d like to have him if he wasn’t the employee of one of my closest friends. But, he’s too trusting and leaps before he thinks, so at least he won’t get taken advantage of if he’s with me.
Now he’s always around, wearing shorts that leave nothing to the imagination and saying he wants to take care of me because I’m always doing it for others. It’s not long before I can’t resist him—a man who likes listening in the bedroom but is stubborn in other situations.
Kai is sweet and funny. He gets me to open up to him. Maybe this whole relationship thing wouldn’t be so bad…if he wasn’t nine years younger…and leaving Southern California soon…or if I had any idea what I was doing.
The Realist is an age-gap, forced proximity romance with a bossy realist and a sunshiny flirt who has Marcus wrapped around his finger.
To listeners of The Vers, a queer podcast I host with my three best friends, I’m known as The Realist—I accept life the way it is, believe in honesty over sugarcoating, and okay, I can maybe be a little bossy.
If you asked The Vers guys, they’d tell you I’m a caretaker who’s always thinking of others, but they also give over-the-top hugs and don’t believe me when I say feelings are the worst.
It’s why I have no business offering Kai Lewis a place to stay when he’s in need. He’s a flirt who makes no secret about wanting in my bed…somewhere I’d like to have him if he wasn’t the employee of one of my closest friends. But, he’s too trusting and leaps before he thinks, so at least he won’t get taken advantage of if he’s with me.
Now he’s always around, wearing shorts that leave nothing to the imagination and saying he wants to take care of me because I’m always doing it for others. It’s not long before I can’t resist him—a man who likes listening in the bedroom but is stubborn in other situations.
Kai is sweet and funny. He gets me to open up to him. Maybe this whole relationship thing wouldn’t be so bad…if he wasn’t nine years younger…and leaving Southern California soon…or if I had any idea what I was doing.
The Realist is an age-gap, forced proximity romance with a bossy realist and a sunshiny flirt who has Marcus wrapped around his finger.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2023
About the author
Riley Hart
118 books7,312 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
August 14, 2023
I really appreciate everyone who takes their time to write these beautiful, long, detailed reviews- but it's Monday morning so I'm just gonna let yall know that I enjoyed this book. 4 stars.
June 1, 2023
4 “Nothing but having you will ever be enough for me.” stars
“I’m in love with you…and I choose you… I don’t know if you wondered if I didn’t, if you thought I was here simply because everything else fell through, but I’m with you because I love you and I would always choose you.”
I read this book last week, while I was doing a 18 hours road trip to see two of my favourite bands of all time in concert, and I read this book for a big part of the trip, which just served as the perfect distraction for me. All I was looking for was a super cute book that would put the biggest smile on my face and make me forget how much I wasn’t enjoying what I was actually doing at that moment, and this book just did that for me. This book was just such a feel good book for me. As soon as I started reading this one, I had the biggest smile on my face and it stayed that way for the entire book.
I absolutely love Riley Hart and her books always put me in a good mood, so I knew that this one would do the job, but i’m so glad that it delivered everything that I wanted it to.
Brief summary
Kai needs a place to live and he isn’t very good at accepting help, so Marcus strong arms him into staying with him. They keep flirting with each other but they are trying to stay away from each other due to their life circonstences. But they end up falling in love with each other in the process.
There was just something special about this book that really got to me. I don’t really know how to explain it but reading this book just made me so happy. I was just so into the romance in this one and all of their actions just really got to me, in the best of ways. I was just so into these characters and I just wanted to see them succeed so much. I was just really rooting for them and their romance and every second of this book just kept proving me how right I was to think that way.
I wasn’t in the best mood of all time when I read this book as I was just over the traveling thing by then, so I was really in the mood for a light read that would put a smile on myself and distract me and I couldn’t have picked a better book for that. This book just had such a fun vibe and reading it put the biggest smile on my face, which is always a good thing to me.
I just adored Marcus and Kai’s interactions with each other so much. I loved their banter and how they fed off each other’s energy so well. They were just perfectly matched and it really showed in their interactions. Everything about the way that they interacted was just so perfect to me. I just found all of their interactions so fun to read because you could see their chemistry come through so well everytime that they talked to each other.
I really liked their couple dynamic. I really liked how the book showed how different they are and how they tried to support each other, while still reminding true to themselves. I found this super lovely to read about and I really loved how much the book explored the different characters and their persona and what makes them themselves. This book just fleshed out the characters so perfectly and they felt like real life humans that I was interacting with on a daily basis, which I found super lovely to read about.
I loved reading about Marcus and Kai who didn’t really use to do commitment before but who were super wiped for each other and kept imagining a future for each other. I just adore reading about this kind of dynamic in books and I just loved how it was done in this book.
I just thought that Kai and Marcus were the perfect couple for each other. They balanced each other super well and everything about their characters just seem to fit together and when it didn’t, they made space for each other to learn and grow together. I just loved how they were with each other. It was an absolutely joy to read about these two and all of the little moments that they spent together, they always seemed so happy to be together that it made it super fun to read these scenes. Everything about the relationship in this book was just so perfect to me. I found all of the little elements of it to be lovely, and together they made for such a wonderful reading experience.
The sex scenes in this one were quite inspired and I have to say that I really enjoyed reading them, they were super lovely too.
In conclusion, I have learnt that if you ever find yourself traveling a lot, this book is the perfect distraction to make the trip way less boring than it actually is.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
“I’m in love with you…and I choose you… I don’t know if you wondered if I didn’t, if you thought I was here simply because everything else fell through, but I’m with you because I love you and I would always choose you.”
I read this book last week, while I was doing a 18 hours road trip to see two of my favourite bands of all time in concert, and I read this book for a big part of the trip, which just served as the perfect distraction for me. All I was looking for was a super cute book that would put the biggest smile on my face and make me forget how much I wasn’t enjoying what I was actually doing at that moment, and this book just did that for me. This book was just such a feel good book for me. As soon as I started reading this one, I had the biggest smile on my face and it stayed that way for the entire book.
I absolutely love Riley Hart and her books always put me in a good mood, so I knew that this one would do the job, but i’m so glad that it delivered everything that I wanted it to.
Brief summary
Kai needs a place to live and he isn’t very good at accepting help, so Marcus strong arms him into staying with him. They keep flirting with each other but they are trying to stay away from each other due to their life circonstences. But they end up falling in love with each other in the process.
There was just something special about this book that really got to me. I don’t really know how to explain it but reading this book just made me so happy. I was just so into the romance in this one and all of their actions just really got to me, in the best of ways. I was just so into these characters and I just wanted to see them succeed so much. I was just really rooting for them and their romance and every second of this book just kept proving me how right I was to think that way.
I wasn’t in the best mood of all time when I read this book as I was just over the traveling thing by then, so I was really in the mood for a light read that would put a smile on myself and distract me and I couldn’t have picked a better book for that. This book just had such a fun vibe and reading it put the biggest smile on my face, which is always a good thing to me.
I just adored Marcus and Kai’s interactions with each other so much. I loved their banter and how they fed off each other’s energy so well. They were just perfectly matched and it really showed in their interactions. Everything about the way that they interacted was just so perfect to me. I just found all of their interactions so fun to read because you could see their chemistry come through so well everytime that they talked to each other.
I really liked their couple dynamic. I really liked how the book showed how different they are and how they tried to support each other, while still reminding true to themselves. I found this super lovely to read about and I really loved how much the book explored the different characters and their persona and what makes them themselves. This book just fleshed out the characters so perfectly and they felt like real life humans that I was interacting with on a daily basis, which I found super lovely to read about.
I loved reading about Marcus and Kai who didn’t really use to do commitment before but who were super wiped for each other and kept imagining a future for each other. I just adore reading about this kind of dynamic in books and I just loved how it was done in this book.
I just thought that Kai and Marcus were the perfect couple for each other. They balanced each other super well and everything about their characters just seem to fit together and when it didn’t, they made space for each other to learn and grow together. I just loved how they were with each other. It was an absolutely joy to read about these two and all of the little moments that they spent together, they always seemed so happy to be together that it made it super fun to read these scenes. Everything about the relationship in this book was just so perfect to me. I found all of the little elements of it to be lovely, and together they made for such a wonderful reading experience.
The sex scenes in this one were quite inspired and I have to say that I really enjoyed reading them, they were super lovely too.
In conclusion, I have learnt that if you ever find yourself traveling a lot, this book is the perfect distraction to make the trip way less boring than it actually is.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
January 16, 2024
4 Stars
Marcus and Kai might just walk away as the couple kings of The Vers Podcast series and I’m super fine with that.
I simply adored these two men together—from their sexual tension and banter, to their slight age-gap and opposites-attract dynamic, everything about Marcus and Kai as a couple just worked for me.
The character growth in both men was really spot-on here, and the way they supported and championed one another throughout the story, in all the hard and fun parts of life, was satisfying to see.
I always enjoy the group dynamics in this series—between four lifelong gay friends, who are making a podcast together and have recently each found the loves of their lives—and I especially liked seeing how Kai elevated Marcus’s already pretty impressive life with his larger-than-life presence, while also fitting seamlessly into Marcus’s world, bonding with his found family like he’d always meant to be a part of it.
The sex, too, was super-hot. The word luscious comes to mind. I found the sexy scenes, for whatever reason, to be a cut above the rest where this series has been concerned. Granted, I’ve never read a Riley Hart book I haven’t found satisfyingly steamy, but something about Daddy Marcus and bratty Kai just went that extra mile for me.
As most MM readers know, Hart is consistently great at delivering well-rounded, diverse, and authentic characters, while perfectly balancing the humour, heart, and steam all in one story, and I personally think The Realist is a prime example of why she’s still very much at the top of her game in the MM genre, which I don't see changing anytime soon.
******************************
The Vers Podcast Series
Book 1 - The Loner (4 Stars)
Book 2 - The Romantic (4 Stars)
Book 3 - The Realist (4 Stars)
Book 4 - The Charmer (4.5 Stars)
Marcus and Kai might just walk away as the couple kings of The Vers Podcast series and I’m super fine with that.
I simply adored these two men together—from their sexual tension and banter, to their slight age-gap and opposites-attract dynamic, everything about Marcus and Kai as a couple just worked for me.
The character growth in both men was really spot-on here, and the way they supported and championed one another throughout the story, in all the hard and fun parts of life, was satisfying to see.
I always enjoy the group dynamics in this series—between four lifelong gay friends, who are making a podcast together and have recently each found the loves of their lives—and I especially liked seeing how Kai elevated Marcus’s already pretty impressive life with his larger-than-life presence, while also fitting seamlessly into Marcus’s world, bonding with his found family like he’d always meant to be a part of it.
The sex, too, was super-hot. The word luscious comes to mind. I found the sexy scenes, for whatever reason, to be a cut above the rest where this series has been concerned. Granted, I’ve never read a Riley Hart book I haven’t found satisfyingly steamy, but something about Daddy Marcus and bratty Kai just went that extra mile for me.
As most MM readers know, Hart is consistently great at delivering well-rounded, diverse, and authentic characters, while perfectly balancing the humour, heart, and steam all in one story, and I personally think The Realist is a prime example of why she’s still very much at the top of her game in the MM genre, which I don't see changing anytime soon.
******************************
The Vers Podcast Series
Book 1 - The Loner (4 Stars)
Book 2 - The Romantic (4 Stars)
Book 3 - The Realist (4 Stars)
Book 4 - The Charmer (4.5 Stars)
May 19, 2023
i’m always scared when i start a riley’s book because i either love them or hate them.
i’m so happy that i liked this!
very very cute, definitely hot, surprisingly sweet and also quite fun.
i loved marcus and kai. i know, i know, i could say more but i honestly don’t have the energy right now and if i don’t post the review as soon as i finish a book, i simply don’t post the review.
so, read this and if you don’t like it you’re allowed to scream at me in the comments!!
i’m not sure about the next book tho. i guess we’ll see.
i’m so happy that i liked this!
very very cute, definitely hot, surprisingly sweet and also quite fun.
i loved marcus and kai. i know, i know, i could say more but i honestly don’t have the energy right now and if i don’t post the review as soon as i finish a book, i simply don’t post the review.
so, read this and if you don’t like it you’re allowed to scream at me in the comments!!
i’m not sure about the next book tho. i guess we’ll see.
June 1, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“You like to torture me, don’t you?”
Marcus looked at me, his intense gaze like a caress against my skin. “I can promise you, baby boy, you torture me even more.”
Simple and neat, surprisingly sweet, The Realist made for a perfect package for a fresh, light-hearted breeze to read on a weekend morning. Not that it was written poorly, but that it was nice just to spend some time with two characters who were mutually attracted to each other and did not shy away from casually flirting with each other. 💕 Despite their age difference, Marcus and Kai's vibe around each other was so very comfortable and easy that I couldn't help but just sit back and enjoy the show. 😊
Marcus has always held the title of the soft grumpy teddy bear, but he also is one who keeps it very real. 😍 And I liked that while he was obviously very much attracted to Kai, and vice versa, their playful flirty quips and amusing banter was also with a very respectable fashion - even when living together, they held it together for as long as they could - till their feelings took over, but it just felt so very natural.
There were no false pretenses about their feelings - they were very comfortable around each other, and just didn't act upon their desires because Marcus didn't deem it acceptable due to their work. So, it was nice to see that despite how stubborn and strong Marcus was to fight his attraction, he was the one who made the first move - how he could no longer resist Kai's advances, too smitten with him to deny it. Complete with endearing pet names and swoon-worthy sexy times, he definitely made the torturous wait so worth it for Kai! 🫠🫠
“Me. You know, since you want me so much.”
“I don’t want you that much.”
“Then why are you running from me?”
Amusement danced in Marcus’s brown eyes. Did anyone work to get under his skin the way I did?
For some reason, I didn’t think so.”
I liked Kai - he was young, vibrant, very open and honest about who he was and what he wanted. He wanted to be better - he wanted to have something that he could call his own - an achievement that could be he is. He was what I would call a bubbly spirit - just overflowing with love for life, but underneath there's a soft vulnerable side to him that he only allows to be shown the ones he's comfortable with. 🩷 I loved also that whoever becomes a part of The Vers' world - they know how special their friendship is and always want to be a part of it - to be worth being allowed to be a part of it. It's a pleasantly endearing message that Riley Hart continues to bring out in each story, which I always appreciate that it's included.
“Marcus has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known, but he keeps it behind the thickest wall he can build.
I think people sometimes forget or don’t realize how much Marcus loves. The ones who hide it the most are the ones who can get hurt more than most people see.”
And despite there being the obligatory conflict in the 3rd act, I appreciated that it wasn't too OTT - it happened, but then it was resolved easily without unnecessary drama or just the usual angst that would have seemed so out of character. Plus, having the whole gang of friends still being so supportive, so open and honest with each other is always a treat to see. ✨ Marcus and Corbin have such a strong, healthy, and positive frienship, and while I do find the potential love interest for Corbin slightly contrived towards the end, I'm still very much curious to see how his story will play out. ☺️
“You like to torture me, don’t you?”
Marcus looked at me, his intense gaze like a caress against my skin. “I can promise you, baby boy, you torture me even more.”
Simple and neat, surprisingly sweet, The Realist made for a perfect package for a fresh, light-hearted breeze to read on a weekend morning. Not that it was written poorly, but that it was nice just to spend some time with two characters who were mutually attracted to each other and did not shy away from casually flirting with each other. 💕 Despite their age difference, Marcus and Kai's vibe around each other was so very comfortable and easy that I couldn't help but just sit back and enjoy the show. 😊
Marcus has always held the title of the soft grumpy teddy bear, but he also is one who keeps it very real. 😍 And I liked that while he was obviously very much attracted to Kai, and vice versa, their playful flirty quips and amusing banter was also with a very respectable fashion - even when living together, they held it together for as long as they could - till their feelings took over, but it just felt so very natural.
There were no false pretenses about their feelings - they were very comfortable around each other, and just didn't act upon their desires because Marcus didn't deem it acceptable due to their work. So, it was nice to see that despite how stubborn and strong Marcus was to fight his attraction, he was the one who made the first move - how he could no longer resist Kai's advances, too smitten with him to deny it. Complete with endearing pet names and swoon-worthy sexy times, he definitely made the torturous wait so worth it for Kai! 🫠🫠
“Me. You know, since you want me so much.”
“I don’t want you that much.”
“Then why are you running from me?”
Amusement danced in Marcus’s brown eyes. Did anyone work to get under his skin the way I did?
For some reason, I didn’t think so.”
I liked Kai - he was young, vibrant, very open and honest about who he was and what he wanted. He wanted to be better - he wanted to have something that he could call his own - an achievement that could be he is. He was what I would call a bubbly spirit - just overflowing with love for life, but underneath there's a soft vulnerable side to him that he only allows to be shown the ones he's comfortable with. 🩷 I loved also that whoever becomes a part of The Vers' world - they know how special their friendship is and always want to be a part of it - to be worth being allowed to be a part of it. It's a pleasantly endearing message that Riley Hart continues to bring out in each story, which I always appreciate that it's included.
“Marcus has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known, but he keeps it behind the thickest wall he can build.
I think people sometimes forget or don’t realize how much Marcus loves. The ones who hide it the most are the ones who can get hurt more than most people see.”
And despite there being the obligatory conflict in the 3rd act, I appreciated that it wasn't too OTT - it happened, but then it was resolved easily without unnecessary drama or just the usual angst that would have seemed so out of character. Plus, having the whole gang of friends still being so supportive, so open and honest with each other is always a treat to see. ✨ Marcus and Corbin have such a strong, healthy, and positive frienship, and while I do find the potential love interest for Corbin slightly contrived towards the end, I'm still very much curious to see how his story will play out. ☺️
May 5, 2023
I received a copy of the book, and this is my honest review.
If I had to pick one word for this book, it would be “swoon.” Marcus and Kai made me melt like a popsicle on the fourth of July. Just a puddle of goop on the floor. I got extra melty every time Kai called Marcus “Baby.” That is probably my favorite term of endearment ever. UGH I loved them so much.
Side note before we start with the review: I wasn’t super excited for Marcus’ story. Shocking, I know. It’s not that I disliked Marcus. That’s not it at all. I loved him, and I loved his little daddy persona thing he got going on, it’s just that I loved other members of The Vers even more. But after reading this book, I think that this one might be my fav of the series so far. Or it’s a close second behind Declan and Sebastian, but it definitely passed Parker and Elliott. It was soooooooo good. And I will tell you why now.
Okay here’s the juice. Kai is a bartender at Declan’s bar, Driftwood. He is having financial troubles because his roommate is moving, and he can’t afford to live in Santa Monica by himself. He isn’t quite sure he can even afford to live with another roommate. And he does NOT want to move back home with his family and have them baby him. So he’s stuck, until Marcus and his big heart offer him a room at his house. Marcus swore that nothing would happen between them (even though they both wanted it) because Kai is Declan’s employee, Kai is 9 years younger than Marcus, Kai will probably move away, blah blah blah. Y’all saw the lie a mile away, too, right? Yeah there was no way those two were staying away from each other.
I really loved the dynamic between Marcus and Kai. Kai is just this happy ball of sunshine that can flirt like nobody’s business, and Marcus is Mr. Bossy Realist that likes to take care of the people he loves. Made for some fun sexy times. Super sexy times actually. I also loved seeing how Kai made Marcus feel things, and how he had Marcus wrapped around his little pinky finger. It was a good look.
If I had to pick one thing I wasn’t sure about with this book, it would be that Marcus calls Kai “baby boy.” I’m not sure if I like that or not. To be fair, I have never read a book before that said that, so I may just need to get used to it or something. It’s just different. But that’s not even a flaw really. It just made me think. So honestly, there’s nothing wrong with this book :D
I’m sooooooooo excited for Corbin’s book next. I’ve been waiting for his book since the beginning. I think I want to read it the most because it’ll hit home with me due to Corbin’s low self esteem stemming from being a little bigger when he was younger. Been there done that. Still there and still doing that honestly. I’ll probably cry. But, I want to see him fall in love, and more importantly, I want to see him fall in love with himself. Also, I think he’s a cuddle slut, and I love that trope. Hugs and kisses!!
If I had to pick one word for this book, it would be “swoon.” Marcus and Kai made me melt like a popsicle on the fourth of July. Just a puddle of goop on the floor. I got extra melty every time Kai called Marcus “Baby.” That is probably my favorite term of endearment ever. UGH I loved them so much.
Side note before we start with the review: I wasn’t super excited for Marcus’ story. Shocking, I know. It’s not that I disliked Marcus. That’s not it at all. I loved him, and I loved his little daddy persona thing he got going on, it’s just that I loved other members of The Vers even more. But after reading this book, I think that this one might be my fav of the series so far. Or it’s a close second behind Declan and Sebastian, but it definitely passed Parker and Elliott. It was soooooooo good. And I will tell you why now.
Okay here’s the juice. Kai is a bartender at Declan’s bar, Driftwood. He is having financial troubles because his roommate is moving, and he can’t afford to live in Santa Monica by himself. He isn’t quite sure he can even afford to live with another roommate. And he does NOT want to move back home with his family and have them baby him. So he’s stuck, until Marcus and his big heart offer him a room at his house. Marcus swore that nothing would happen between them (even though they both wanted it) because Kai is Declan’s employee, Kai is 9 years younger than Marcus, Kai will probably move away, blah blah blah. Y’all saw the lie a mile away, too, right? Yeah there was no way those two were staying away from each other.
I really loved the dynamic between Marcus and Kai. Kai is just this happy ball of sunshine that can flirt like nobody’s business, and Marcus is Mr. Bossy Realist that likes to take care of the people he loves. Made for some fun sexy times. Super sexy times actually. I also loved seeing how Kai made Marcus feel things, and how he had Marcus wrapped around his little pinky finger. It was a good look.
If I had to pick one thing I wasn’t sure about with this book, it would be that Marcus calls Kai “baby boy.” I’m not sure if I like that or not. To be fair, I have never read a book before that said that, so I may just need to get used to it or something. It’s just different. But that’s not even a flaw really. It just made me think. So honestly, there’s nothing wrong with this book :D
I’m sooooooooo excited for Corbin’s book next. I’ve been waiting for his book since the beginning. I think I want to read it the most because it’ll hit home with me due to Corbin’s low self esteem stemming from being a little bigger when he was younger. Been there done that. Still there and still doing that honestly. I’ll probably cry. But, I want to see him fall in love, and more importantly, I want to see him fall in love with himself. Also, I think he’s a cuddle slut, and I love that trope. Hugs and kisses!!
June 8, 2023
- age gap (35/26)
- roomies/forced proximity
- opposites attract
- grumpy x sunshine
- found family
Marcus moves in the impulsive and flirtatious Kai after learning the man needs a place to stay (and chasing off his other prospective roommate), not realizing this fast talking and over the top ray of sunshine is about to turn his whole world upside down.
Kai brings out a much more relaxed and loving side to Marcus, and I loved seeing the resident “realist” turn into a softie! Plus Marcus calms down Kai and centers him in a way that he was lacking on his own. & despite their differences, they really do balance each other out well!
- roomies/forced proximity
- opposites attract
- grumpy x sunshine
- found family
Marcus moves in the impulsive and flirtatious Kai after learning the man needs a place to stay (and chasing off his other prospective roommate), not realizing this fast talking and over the top ray of sunshine is about to turn his whole world upside down.
Kai brings out a much more relaxed and loving side to Marcus, and I loved seeing the resident “realist” turn into a softie! Plus Marcus calms down Kai and centers him in a way that he was lacking on his own. & despite their differences, they really do balance each other out well!
May 20, 2023
I loved Marcus and Kai together, and I was SO CLOSE to giving five stars, but I just didn't 'feel' any connection to the characters.
Both characters were interesting and felt like real well-rounded people, I love their relationships with the other Vers guys and their families. Oh and the fish - so cute!
I'm really not sure why I couldn't connect to the emotions of the story though. Maybe it's my sleep deprivation from having a kid who hates to sleep at the moment!
I am so excited for Corbin's story though, I have been patiently waiting for him to get his HEA and I'm intrigued by what I think his story will be focusing on.
Both characters were interesting and felt like real well-rounded people, I love their relationships with the other Vers guys and their families. Oh and the fish - so cute!
I'm really not sure why I couldn't connect to the emotions of the story though. Maybe it's my sleep deprivation from having a kid who hates to sleep at the moment!
I am so excited for Corbin's story though, I have been patiently waiting for him to get his HEA and I'm intrigued by what I think his story will be focusing on.
May 18, 2023
Loved:
◇ Two POC MCs, and how their ethnicity was woven into the story but never defined it
◇ Kai - sweet, funny, flirty, open about what he wants, Kai understanding Marcus and taking care of him - small things that make all the difference
◇ Bossy Marcus not able to resist Kai and falling for him despite his better judgment
◇ The dynamics between MCs in and out of bad
◇ Marcus and Corbin, true friendship and brotherly love between them
◇ Found family - the Vers guys are exactly that
◇ Kai's family
Niggles:
◇ Marcus's relationships with his parents were wrapped up too fast and too nicely.
◇ Marcus character and behavior were too similar to Miles from "Tied To You". Even "the baby boy" thing. It wasn't bad per se, Miles is one of my favorite characters written by Riley Hart. But I couldn't stop comparing them, and Marcus was less (backstory and personality wise). So, I liked him but couldn't love.
◇ Two POC MCs, and how their ethnicity was woven into the story but never defined it
◇ Kai - sweet, funny, flirty, open about what he wants, Kai understanding Marcus and taking care of him - small things that make all the difference
◇ Bossy Marcus not able to resist Kai and falling for him despite his better judgment
◇ The dynamics between MCs in and out of bad
◇ Marcus and Corbin, true friendship and brotherly love between them
◇ Found family - the Vers guys are exactly that
◇ Kai's family
Niggles:
◇ Marcus's relationships with his parents were wrapped up too fast and too nicely.
◇ Marcus character and behavior were too similar to Miles from "Tied To You". Even "the baby boy" thing. It wasn't bad per se, Miles is one of my favorite characters written by Riley Hart. But I couldn't stop comparing them, and Marcus was less (backstory and personality wise). So, I liked him but couldn't love.
May 1, 2023
4.5⭐️ - this was fantastic!! I loved the dynamic between Marcus and Kai! This was full of so much heart!!
Marcus was such a stoic, emotionally unavailable to everyone but the Vers guys. He grew up in a stable, well off family but it lacked affection and his parents prioritized work over pretty much everything. He just didn’t see much point in relationships. He would do absolutely anything for his Vers crew tho. He was so loving and caring to those he let in.
Kai had a huge personality. He was fun and impetuous. He liked to have a good time and didn’t focus too much on his future. He also didn’t actually have any close friends. He protected himself without even realizing it. It was kind of like his funny flirty personality were ways to distract from actually bonding with anyone.
The way these two were finally forced to confront their attraction was wonderful!! They were so sexy together!! I love that we not only got an age gap but a bit of a size difference two. The fact the Marcus immediately jumped in to help Kai had entanglement written all over it!
We got to see both men open their hearts and really love someone for the first time!!
Marcus was such a stoic, emotionally unavailable to everyone but the Vers guys. He grew up in a stable, well off family but it lacked affection and his parents prioritized work over pretty much everything. He just didn’t see much point in relationships. He would do absolutely anything for his Vers crew tho. He was so loving and caring to those he let in.
Kai had a huge personality. He was fun and impetuous. He liked to have a good time and didn’t focus too much on his future. He also didn’t actually have any close friends. He protected himself without even realizing it. It was kind of like his funny flirty personality were ways to distract from actually bonding with anyone.
The way these two were finally forced to confront their attraction was wonderful!! They were so sexy together!! I love that we not only got an age gap but a bit of a size difference two. The fact the Marcus immediately jumped in to help Kai had entanglement written all over it!
We got to see both men open their hearts and really love someone for the first time!!
June 7, 2023
3.5 Stars
Everything about this was good except I didn’t really feel the emotions being described.
The characters were great though and I read this really quickly and it was a lovely easy, angst-free read.
I really loved that it was about two black men, and the little scene of them driving and Marcus putting his wallet/ID on the dash hit me in the guts.
Everything about this was good except I didn’t really feel the emotions being described.
The characters were great though and I read this really quickly and it was a lovely easy, angst-free read.
I really loved that it was about two black men, and the little scene of them driving and Marcus putting his wallet/ID on the dash hit me in the guts.
May 22, 2023
"Marcus moved forward, backing me up until I hit the wall. He was breathing heavily, hot puffs against my face. He pressed his body against mine, hand moving up to my throat and holding it. Not tight, not restricting my airflow, but just there."
The Realist is the third book of four in The Vers Podcast series by Riley Hart, which focuses on four best friends who host a queer podcast. This is Marcus and Kai's story.
Marcus is known as the realist of the group because he accepts life as it is, no sugar-coating just tough love and honesty. And he's a bit of a bossy control freak too. Kai works for Declan (The Loner) at his Santa Monica bar and when he needs a place to stay, to his own surprise Marcus steps up.
Never one for relationships or settling down, when he offers to let Kai stay Marcus has no idea how the feisty and flirty bartender is going to up-turn his orderly, controlled life, in all the best, spicy ways possible and with no strings attached....apparently...
If you love a small age-gap, found family, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract and with all the steam in your MM romance, this is the one for you!
4 steamy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Realist is the third book of four in The Vers Podcast series by Riley Hart, which focuses on four best friends who host a queer podcast. This is Marcus and Kai's story.
Marcus is known as the realist of the group because he accepts life as it is, no sugar-coating just tough love and honesty. And he's a bit of a bossy control freak too. Kai works for Declan (The Loner) at his Santa Monica bar and when he needs a place to stay, to his own surprise Marcus steps up.
Never one for relationships or settling down, when he offers to let Kai stay Marcus has no idea how the feisty and flirty bartender is going to up-turn his orderly, controlled life, in all the best, spicy ways possible and with no strings attached....apparently...
If you love a small age-gap, found family, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract and with all the steam in your MM romance, this is the one for you!
4 steamy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 22, 2023
OMG I loved this Book! This for me is my favourite in the series so far!! I just love Marcus and Kai together! Complete opposites in pretty much every way!!
The way these two bounce off each other, the care taker in Marcus had me swooning, his love for the fish…😩 he’s such a natural lover, his love for Corbin, the sweet reassuring touches, but when he’s around Kai the Daddy in him is hot as fuck!!
Marcus is our realist, he looks at things, questions them, weights them up, then makes decisions, he thinks he’s not built for relationships, but then in comes sassy Kai who don’t take no crap from him and pushes his boundaries! At first Marcus is like, nope he’s off limits, it’s not happening, but there’s something about Kai that just turns him into a softie and we get to see the sweet caring but very bossy side of Marcus.
Kai is a sass queen, he loves to banter and flirt with everyone, he loves the attention, but there only one guy he really wants and he’s not interested, but that don’t stop him pushing Marcus’s buttons!! With no where to go he finds himself living with Marcus, but he determined to prove to himself and everyone around him that he can make good choices and take care of himself, and if he gets to share space with Marcus in the mean time, then he’s not going to turn that down!!!
I love this family so much! They really are the best bunch of guys who all bring something different to the table but also compliment each other. I’m really looking forward to Corbin’s book. I’m gonna be sad when this series ends!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜Grumpy/Sunshine
💜Age gap
💜All the banter
💜Forced proximity
💜Found family
💜Light Daddy kink
💜First love
💜Fish!
The way these two bounce off each other, the care taker in Marcus had me swooning, his love for the fish…😩 he’s such a natural lover, his love for Corbin, the sweet reassuring touches, but when he’s around Kai the Daddy in him is hot as fuck!!
Marcus is our realist, he looks at things, questions them, weights them up, then makes decisions, he thinks he’s not built for relationships, but then in comes sassy Kai who don’t take no crap from him and pushes his boundaries! At first Marcus is like, nope he’s off limits, it’s not happening, but there’s something about Kai that just turns him into a softie and we get to see the sweet caring but very bossy side of Marcus.
Kai is a sass queen, he loves to banter and flirt with everyone, he loves the attention, but there only one guy he really wants and he’s not interested, but that don’t stop him pushing Marcus’s buttons!! With no where to go he finds himself living with Marcus, but he determined to prove to himself and everyone around him that he can make good choices and take care of himself, and if he gets to share space with Marcus in the mean time, then he’s not going to turn that down!!!
I love this family so much! They really are the best bunch of guys who all bring something different to the table but also compliment each other. I’m really looking forward to Corbin’s book. I’m gonna be sad when this series ends!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜Grumpy/Sunshine
💜Age gap
💜All the banter
💜Forced proximity
💜Found family
💜Light Daddy kink
💜First love
💜Fish!
June 28, 2023
3.5 stars
August 10, 2023
3.5 ⭐
Un M/M sympa, qui m'aura fait passer un agréable moment, mais dont je ne garderai pas un souvenir très marquant pour autant (quoique, qui sait ?). Je l'ai surtout lu pour me "ressaisir" après une lecture éprouvante, du coup, il me fallait un truc facile, léger et rapide à lire, avec du fluff un poil pimenté, et ce 3ème tome a bien fait le job.
La romance est charmante, épicée comme il faut (quoique je me serais bien passée du mot doux "baby boy" que je trouve cringe à souhait ... ^^'). J'ai aimé la façon très naturelle dont la relation évolue entre Marcus et Kai, ainsi que le fait qu'ils se complètent vraiment bien.
Le point fort de cette série, c'est cette amitié entre les 4 Beach Bums, je prends toujours plaisir à lire toutes les scènes qui les rassemblent, c'est toujours plein de chaleur et d'amour, ça fait chaud au coeur de lire ça, on est vraiment dans le thème de la famille choisie. C'est juste un peu dommage que lors des scènes de podcasts, certaines interventions ne paraissent pas naturelles du tout, et qu'on sent la volonté de l'autrice de faire passer un message, pour moi ça manque de subtilité.
Évidemment je serai au rendez-vous pour le dernier tome, depuis le temps qu'on nous tease Corb !!
Edit : My bad, j'ai oublié de mentionner deux choses super importantes :
- Marcus et Kai COMMUNIQUENT !!! Au lieu de laisser s'installer des non-dits, ils se parlent, et b*rdel, ça, ça fait du bien !
- Comme pour 1er tome, l'autrice zappe le rebondissement pourri des 80%, en favorisant, devinez quoi, la communication !!! Comme quoi, quand elles le veulent, nos autrices sont tout à fait capables de nous épargner ce passage fatidique des f*cking 80% qu'on est nombreux.euses à détester cordialement !
Un M/M sympa, qui m'aura fait passer un agréable moment, mais dont je ne garderai pas un souvenir très marquant pour autant (quoique, qui sait ?). Je l'ai surtout lu pour me "ressaisir" après une lecture éprouvante, du coup, il me fallait un truc facile, léger et rapide à lire, avec du fluff un poil pimenté, et ce 3ème tome a bien fait le job.
La romance est charmante, épicée comme il faut (quoique je me serais bien passée du mot doux "baby boy" que je trouve cringe à souhait ... ^^'). J'ai aimé la façon très naturelle dont la relation évolue entre Marcus et Kai, ainsi que le fait qu'ils se complètent vraiment bien.
Le point fort de cette série, c'est cette amitié entre les 4 Beach Bums, je prends toujours plaisir à lire toutes les scènes qui les rassemblent, c'est toujours plein de chaleur et d'amour, ça fait chaud au coeur de lire ça, on est vraiment dans le thème de la famille choisie. C'est juste un peu dommage que lors des scènes de podcasts, certaines interventions ne paraissent pas naturelles du tout, et qu'on sent la volonté de l'autrice de faire passer un message, pour moi ça manque de subtilité.
Évidemment je serai au rendez-vous pour le dernier tome, depuis le temps qu'on nous tease Corb !!
Edit : My bad, j'ai oublié de mentionner deux choses super importantes :
- Marcus et Kai COMMUNIQUENT !!! Au lieu de laisser s'installer des non-dits, ils se parlent, et b*rdel, ça, ça fait du bien !
- Comme pour 1er tome, l'autrice zappe le rebondissement pourri des 80%, en favorisant, devinez quoi, la communication !!! Comme quoi, quand elles le veulent, nos autrices sont tout à fait capables de nous épargner ce passage fatidique des f*cking 80% qu'on est nombreux.euses à détester cordialement !
May 21, 2023
2.5 rounded up. This was ok, my favorite in the series so far but that's not saying much. It was cute overall but it lacked depth, for both characters. Their vast wealth difference was presented as a problem but not really. At the beginning of the book they already want each other sexually, in an OTT way that permeated all their conversations which is not my personal favorite. Then they move in together and they don't have sex right away because of reasons (I wasn't convinced by those) and they fall for each other. It was cute but also I didn't really feel them falling for each other. I still don't really feel the group of friends after 3 books. I'm told repeatedly that they are family and they see each other every Sunday to record the podcast but something feels off. I mean they reminisce about childhood stories but off page so that must contribute to me not feeling it. They really share a lot of intimate details that are a bit much for me. I really wasn't a fan of the last chapter, there was no 80% stupidity (thank goodness) but I didn't like it nonetheless, won't get into spoilers but that knocked half a star for me. The epilogue was mostly about setting up next book's couple and I must say I'm looking forward to that one.
May 24, 2023
*2.5 stars*
I wouldn't say I liked it, It was better than the first two, but still, I liked the plot, concept, and characters, what didn't work for me was the writing, It was too much telling and not showing.
It was way too predictable and too cliche for me.
I wouldn't say I liked it, It was better than the first two, but still, I liked the plot, concept, and characters, what didn't work for me was the writing, It was too much telling and not showing.
It was way too predictable and too cliche for me.
April 30, 2023
I loved a lot of this book. Both Kai and Marcus are wonderfully crafted characters with very distinct voices and I adored how their relationship developed.
One thing I wasn't as keen on, and it's definitely a me thing and not a fault with the storytelling, is the light kink type of dirty talk which Marcus uses with Kai. I'm not a big fan of the baby boy trope personally but it absolutely works for this couple.
Kai sees Marcus, he sees through his compulsion to take care of other people to the truth beneath - that Marcus needs to feel needed. He gets emotional satisfaction from other people being able to rely on him, as it's something he's never had himself.
Marcus is a Dad rather than a Daddy per se in that he is the serious one, he's the realist, the one who weighs up the odds and looks for the eventual outcomes in any situation. He's never been in love or had a relationship because he doesn't see the point. His parents' marriage is undemonstrative, workaholic, and they're constantly cancelling on him for family lunches.
He doesn't see himself as relationship material, although he's delighted that both Declan and Parker have found their other halves.
Kai challenges him on all fronts. He's not afraid of telling Marcus he wants him, Kai's also a nurturer but his love language takes the form of cooking for Marcus, helping him to unwind and destress simply by not allowing him to sit and dwell on things.
He believes he's too much, that his personality is too big to let someone fall for him but I have to say here is another part where I didn't really get that from the narrative. We don't ever really see Kai being extra, we're just told it. Personally I found him to be an absolute sweetheart with a soft heart and a delightfully flirty personality.
Overall though, Riley gives the reader a beautiful slow burn, in terms of the romantic love aspect, relationship which is flaming hot and busting with chemistry even while both men are claiming they're only hooking up.
It's clear to see that it's more than that right from the start, if only they'd admit it to themselves!
Also I love how Riley writes people of colour and centres them firmly in her worlds without making their ethnicity be the only plot point.
One of the parts where this book, and the series as a whole, really shines though is in the friendship between the four members of The Vers Podcast. Riley allows the reader to see the beautiful relationships they all have individually and as a group.
Marcus' and Corbin's relationship is really special, there's nothing sexual in it and I love that Riley's written about a bunch of friends who love each other platonically with no pining or misguided feelings etc. They would do anything for each other and it's rooted in their solid experiences growing up and in their knowledge that the others have their back always.
It's one of the story threads throughout each book which stands out and here is no exception. I love Corbin's troubled soul and I cannot wait for him to find the person who sees past his anxieties and insecurities to the beautiful man he is.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Foreward PR.
One thing I wasn't as keen on, and it's definitely a me thing and not a fault with the storytelling, is the light kink type of dirty talk which Marcus uses with Kai. I'm not a big fan of the baby boy trope personally but it absolutely works for this couple.
Kai sees Marcus, he sees through his compulsion to take care of other people to the truth beneath - that Marcus needs to feel needed. He gets emotional satisfaction from other people being able to rely on him, as it's something he's never had himself.
Marcus is a Dad rather than a Daddy per se in that he is the serious one, he's the realist, the one who weighs up the odds and looks for the eventual outcomes in any situation. He's never been in love or had a relationship because he doesn't see the point. His parents' marriage is undemonstrative, workaholic, and they're constantly cancelling on him for family lunches.
He doesn't see himself as relationship material, although he's delighted that both Declan and Parker have found their other halves.
Kai challenges him on all fronts. He's not afraid of telling Marcus he wants him, Kai's also a nurturer but his love language takes the form of cooking for Marcus, helping him to unwind and destress simply by not allowing him to sit and dwell on things.
He believes he's too much, that his personality is too big to let someone fall for him but I have to say here is another part where I didn't really get that from the narrative. We don't ever really see Kai being extra, we're just told it. Personally I found him to be an absolute sweetheart with a soft heart and a delightfully flirty personality.
Overall though, Riley gives the reader a beautiful slow burn, in terms of the romantic love aspect, relationship which is flaming hot and busting with chemistry even while both men are claiming they're only hooking up.
It's clear to see that it's more than that right from the start, if only they'd admit it to themselves!
Also I love how Riley writes people of colour and centres them firmly in her worlds without making their ethnicity be the only plot point.
One of the parts where this book, and the series as a whole, really shines though is in the friendship between the four members of The Vers Podcast. Riley allows the reader to see the beautiful relationships they all have individually and as a group.
Marcus' and Corbin's relationship is really special, there's nothing sexual in it and I love that Riley's written about a bunch of friends who love each other platonically with no pining or misguided feelings etc. They would do anything for each other and it's rooted in their solid experiences growing up and in their knowledge that the others have their back always.
It's one of the story threads throughout each book which stands out and here is no exception. I love Corbin's troubled soul and I cannot wait for him to find the person who sees past his anxieties and insecurities to the beautiful man he is.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Foreward PR.
May 2, 2023
Book 3 in the Vers Podcast series gives us Marcus' story aka the self proclaimed Realist of the group. I do have to say that the name his bestie Corbin has for him might fit him even better because Marcus is most definitely also The Daddy of the group (and I am not talking about in the bedroom). I'm talking about Marcus' bone deep need to be a caretaker. To feel needed in some way. It's something he lacked in his life growing up and since forming a bond with his 3 closest friends something he gets.
"They had never let me down. I never doubted what I meant to them. And on top of that, they made me feel needed. Like I was important to them, like their lives wouldn't be the same without me, and though I'd never told them, I needed that."
Their group friendship is certainly unique, but even more so between Marcus and Corbin. It delighted me to finally get a bit of insight into their close bond. And I adored how much Kai didn't bat an eye one bit. He respected it and even loved Marcus a little more for it. These two were such idiots. They fought it every step of the way, even while everyone around them who had a set of eyes could see they were perfect for each other.
"You know this is a fucking disaster waiting to happen, right?"
"So Romantic."
"That's why I'm The Realist."
Oh Marcus. I loved how big that mans heart was. It was a joy watching him slowly open it to Kai. Kai was just as scared, but for different reasons. He owned a heart of gold as well. Not to mention these two were hot AF together. 🔥🔥 But that's never an issue in a Riley Hart book. The woman can write some steam. I'm honestly loving this series and am sad the next book is the last, but I can't say I'm not stoked to finally have Corbin's HEA. And from the hints in this one, The Charmer is going to need all the charm he's got if he's gonna win this one over. 😉
"They had never let me down. I never doubted what I meant to them. And on top of that, they made me feel needed. Like I was important to them, like their lives wouldn't be the same without me, and though I'd never told them, I needed that."
Their group friendship is certainly unique, but even more so between Marcus and Corbin. It delighted me to finally get a bit of insight into their close bond. And I adored how much Kai didn't bat an eye one bit. He respected it and even loved Marcus a little more for it. These two were such idiots. They fought it every step of the way, even while everyone around them who had a set of eyes could see they were perfect for each other.
"You know this is a fucking disaster waiting to happen, right?"
"So Romantic."
"That's why I'm The Realist."
Oh Marcus. I loved how big that mans heart was. It was a joy watching him slowly open it to Kai. Kai was just as scared, but for different reasons. He owned a heart of gold as well. Not to mention these two were hot AF together. 🔥🔥 But that's never an issue in a Riley Hart book. The woman can write some steam. I'm honestly loving this series and am sad the next book is the last, but I can't say I'm not stoked to finally have Corbin's HEA. And from the hints in this one, The Charmer is going to need all the charm he's got if he's gonna win this one over. 😉
April 21, 2024
Book 3 of the Vers Podcast series is a nice, if not fairly formulaic, addition to the series. This one follows "daddy" Marcus (daddy in the overall "caretaker of the group" sense, not in the kink sense), who is the Realist of the friend group and bartender Kai, who works at Declan's (from book 1) bar.
It's an easy read. Marcus and Kai already have a flirtatious banter going on, so the step from acquaintances/friends to lovers to more happens quickly, but naturally. The fish tank story was a fun little addition too. I adored Marcus calling Kai "baby boy" and it the spice level was on point. I loved Kai's family too, and the counterpoint it presented to Marcus's parents.
I was a little let down with the resolution of the 3rd act. Still, a solid 4 star read.
The narration from Sean Crisden was good, though listening to the first 3 books back-to-back, it is starting to feel like he has the same two voice he cycles through for the MCs.
It's an easy read. Marcus and Kai already have a flirtatious banter going on, so the step from acquaintances/friends to lovers to more happens quickly, but naturally. The fish tank story was a fun little addition too. I adored Marcus calling Kai "baby boy" and it the spice level was on point. I loved Kai's family too, and the counterpoint it presented to Marcus's parents.
I was a little let down with the resolution of the 3rd act. Still, a solid 4 star read.
The narration from Sean Crisden was good, though listening to the first 3 books back-to-back, it is starting to feel like he has the same two voice he cycles through for the MCs.
June 2, 2023
"Has anyone ever told you you're a stubborn little thing?"
I wanted to love this book as much as I loved the first two in series, but something about the story just lacked a spark that was present in books 1 and 2. Maybe it was that those ones had a more definite spin/plot to them, and this one felt more like two friends casually coming together. That's a good word for this book: casual.
He made me feel out of control, which was not something I was used to experiencing. He'd been right when he said I was avoiding him, that I wanted him too much, and the little shit made it obvious when we did happen to be at home together. The way he smirked, walked, stretched, bent over, fucking breathed.
Marcus was an interesting MC. He was a lot different than Parker and Declan, and I struggled at first with his characterization. I never loved how he , it made it feel like there was a power imbalance that shouldn't exist in their otherwise perfect friendship. I do think flirty Kai was a good balancer to Marcus's need for control. I like how Kai integrated into the friend group as a significant other, rather then just an employee of Declan's. His were sweet and he definitely carried the book for me.
As if reading my mind, Corbin said, "So... I made a decision I should probably share." He paused for effect. "I'm gonna get myself one of these." He pointed to us.
"One of what? I'm confused," Marcus said.
"A boyfriend. I'm gonna find one."
"Did you try the Boyfriend Warehouse downtown?" Declan asked.
Great news, readers - according to the authors IG, The Charmer is set to be released in September! I'm a little nervous about the whole set up - we've obviously met the boyfriend potential and I desperately hope the book recaptures the magic of #1 and 2! My life will be complete when Corbin joins the others with a HEA.
May 29, 2023
Ngl, in book 1 and 2 I really thought Kai was an annoyance. All the fake flirting and just being ott obnoxious. Ugh AND when I read the blurb that he was going to be Marcus’s love interest I was like NOooooooo. BUT Kai grows on you eventually and yes he’s a tad manipulative but learning his backstory made him more than the obnoxious guy he portrays himself as.
Marcus is the solid rock. He needs love more than anything though. He’s used to taking care of everyone else but Kai sees that. Kai becomes Marcus’s rock. Too bad their sex scenes are out of a bad porn script. They made me cringe so hard. My hungry hole and more in that vein 🫣🫣😬* see my high(low) lights for the receipts 🧾
They get their HEA and thank god Marcus’s parents get told off by Kai. They really deserved that reality check!
Not as good as book 2 or 1 for that matter. I’m am hoping Corbin’s book is good but I’m not holding out hope. 😑😑
Marcus is the solid rock. He needs love more than anything though. He’s used to taking care of everyone else but Kai sees that. Kai becomes Marcus’s rock. Too bad their sex scenes are out of a bad porn script. They made me cringe so hard. My hungry hole and more in that vein 🫣🫣😬* see my high(low) lights for the receipts 🧾
They get their HEA and thank god Marcus’s parents get told off by Kai. They really deserved that reality check!
Not as good as book 2 or 1 for that matter. I’m am hoping Corbin’s book is good but I’m not holding out hope. 😑😑
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2023
This one didn’t click for me.
It was okay, fluffy and sweet but pretty predictable and honestly a little boring. It’s going to have to be the least favorite of mine of the series.
I didn’t really connect with the characters, didn’t believe in their story and couldn’t get lost in it, which is why I read in the first place.
The relationship with the parents was somehow magically fixed with an apology and then brushed under the carpet.
Also the ‘I love you’ moment was anticlimactic and, again, predictable. Didn’t really feel the love.
I was more invested in what was happening with Corbin than I was in the main characters.
3 out of 5 stars ⭐️
CW and tropes:
- age gap
- flirt mc
- caretaker mc
- POC MCs
- found family
- vers MCs
POV: dual, 1st person
It was okay, fluffy and sweet but pretty predictable and honestly a little boring. It’s going to have to be the least favorite of mine of the series.
I didn’t really connect with the characters, didn’t believe in their story and couldn’t get lost in it, which is why I read in the first place.
The relationship with the parents was somehow magically fixed with an apology and then brushed under the carpet.
Also the ‘I love you’ moment was anticlimactic and, again, predictable. Didn’t really feel the love.
I was more invested in what was happening with Corbin than I was in the main characters.
3 out of 5 stars ⭐️
CW and tropes:
- age gap
- flirt mc
- caretaker mc
- POC MCs
- found family
- vers MCs
POV: dual, 1st person
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2023
The Realist really surprised me - it was sweet and steamy and full of some domestic bliss that I didn’t expect from Marcus at all!
Marcus Alston is known as The Realist on The Vers Podcast that he does with his three best friends. His parents have been absent most of his life, placing more importance on their business over their son and passing down those priorities to Marcus. He says he’s not familiar with love but is one of the most loving and thoughtful characters I’ve read - he loves his friends without question and will go out of his way to make sure they’re taken care of. On the outside, Marcus is a bit of an intimidating grump, focused on being successful and getting the job done, but on the inside, he’s really a big softie.
Kai Lewis is a flirt to the highest degree. He’s a server at Declan’s bar and has a reputation for flirting with everyone he comes across but also for being a bit too trusting. He’s searching for a new apartment and an old friend’s offer to help run a new bar across the country seems like a great next step. Kai loves his family, cares for his fish like his children and isn’t afraid to speak his mind to Marcus even when no one else will. His sunshine-y, happy personality extends to every facet of his life and he loves making other people feel loved.
After Kai’s trusting nature is taken advantage of, Marcus demands that Kai be his new roommate but he has no clue what he’s in for when it comes to living with Kai. They challenge each other in so many ways but they’re unbelievably attracted to each other and their chemistry can’t be avoided for long. They make each other realize what they’ve been missing - someone to love him wholly and unconditionally for Marcus and someone to help him realize and pursue his dreams for Kai. I really liked how their relationship progressed and where we left these two - they’re super sweet with a lot of spice thrown in to keep things interesting.
Can’t wait for Corbin to finally fall in love next - I’ve been waiting for his story since the beginning!
Marcus Alston is known as The Realist on The Vers Podcast that he does with his three best friends. His parents have been absent most of his life, placing more importance on their business over their son and passing down those priorities to Marcus. He says he’s not familiar with love but is one of the most loving and thoughtful characters I’ve read - he loves his friends without question and will go out of his way to make sure they’re taken care of. On the outside, Marcus is a bit of an intimidating grump, focused on being successful and getting the job done, but on the inside, he’s really a big softie.
Kai Lewis is a flirt to the highest degree. He’s a server at Declan’s bar and has a reputation for flirting with everyone he comes across but also for being a bit too trusting. He’s searching for a new apartment and an old friend’s offer to help run a new bar across the country seems like a great next step. Kai loves his family, cares for his fish like his children and isn’t afraid to speak his mind to Marcus even when no one else will. His sunshine-y, happy personality extends to every facet of his life and he loves making other people feel loved.
After Kai’s trusting nature is taken advantage of, Marcus demands that Kai be his new roommate but he has no clue what he’s in for when it comes to living with Kai. They challenge each other in so many ways but they’re unbelievably attracted to each other and their chemistry can’t be avoided for long. They make each other realize what they’ve been missing - someone to love him wholly and unconditionally for Marcus and someone to help him realize and pursue his dreams for Kai. I really liked how their relationship progressed and where we left these two - they’re super sweet with a lot of spice thrown in to keep things interesting.
Can’t wait for Corbin to finally fall in love next - I’ve been waiting for his story since the beginning!
May 18, 2023
It’s a hot book and I like Riley Hart’s writing style🔥 I feel like I have read a lot of books with the same plot.. where they both like each other, but can’t do anything about it because they have mutual friends. Still hot book and sweet story about falling in love when you don’t expect it❤️
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May 18, 2024
3.5 stars
May 19, 2023
4/5 stars
I definitely loved this more than I thought I would. RH either writes books that are meh and bad or amazing. I definitely problems that were a me problem. Like for example I hated how the entire Marcus parents situation was solved. It was wrapped up a little too nicely in my opinion. The other thing is just a me problem. I hate love declarations in front of people with a passion. Again just a me thing. Other than that it was just so sweet and adorable. I loved it.
I definitely loved this more than I thought I would. RH either writes books that are meh and bad or amazing. I definitely problems that were a me problem. Like for example I hated how the entire Marcus parents situation was solved. It was wrapped up a little too nicely in my opinion. The other thing is just a me problem. I hate love declarations in front of people with a passion. Again just a me thing. Other than that it was just so sweet and adorable. I loved it.
May 22, 2023
Unfortunately this was very bland and a bit boring.
April 27, 2023
I don’t know how Riley Hart continues to write amazing books such as this one! This entire series has been great and I’m so lucky that I’ve been able to read ARC copies of each book. This is the third book in the series and we finally get Marcus’ story!! Nothing got more real for this Realist than Kai coming into his life and turning everything upside down!
Marcus was the serious one in the last two books and I really enjoyed getting this peek into who he really is. And why he’s the caregiver and realist of the group. I loved seeing him open up to Kai and learn to have some fun! They also had super amazing chemistry, they were 🔥🔥🔥🔥! Kai was such a fun, loving character. I loved that he wanted to make something of himself on his own! Even though the two of them were different they each ultimately found ways to be exactly what the other needed!
I will be honest that it was a bit of a slow start for me. I enjoyed all of it but I got more and more invested in their story as I read on and by the the epilogue I didn’t want their story to end!
If you’ve read any of the others in this series I absolutely recommend this one. I think they can be read as standalones but I highly recommend reading books 1 and 2 first for a couple reasons: they were awesome and also because all the interactions between this amazing friend group (the Beach Bums and poddies) will be more fun!!
Next up is the last single man in the group! I have a feeling Corbin’s book is going to be an interesting story and I absolutely cannot wait!
Marcus was the serious one in the last two books and I really enjoyed getting this peek into who he really is. And why he’s the caregiver and realist of the group. I loved seeing him open up to Kai and learn to have some fun! They also had super amazing chemistry, they were 🔥🔥🔥🔥! Kai was such a fun, loving character. I loved that he wanted to make something of himself on his own! Even though the two of them were different they each ultimately found ways to be exactly what the other needed!
I will be honest that it was a bit of a slow start for me. I enjoyed all of it but I got more and more invested in their story as I read on and by the the epilogue I didn’t want their story to end!
If you’ve read any of the others in this series I absolutely recommend this one. I think they can be read as standalones but I highly recommend reading books 1 and 2 first for a couple reasons: they were awesome and also because all the interactions between this amazing friend group (the Beach Bums and poddies) will be more fun!!
Next up is the last single man in the group! I have a feeling Corbin’s book is going to be an interesting story and I absolutely cannot wait!
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