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Onside Kiss
When my best friend gets a scholarship to play football across the country, following him seems like a great idea — until we move onto a cul-de-sac full of the nosiest assholes I’ve ever met, anyway. I love my friends, but they seem convinced Nate and I are too close.
So close that we have to be in love with each other.
In an attempt to prove them wrong, we agree to go on ten dates together before Christmas. Ten real dates including all of the things that real couples do. But what we’re not expecting is what happens when we break down the only walls we’ve ever had between us, or the ways it will change us.
We’re either going to come out of this in love and happier than we’ve ever been… or it’ll ruin the best friendship either of us have ever known.
No pressure, right?
So close that we have to be in love with each other.
In an attempt to prove them wrong, we agree to go on ten dates together before Christmas. Ten real dates including all of the things that real couples do. But what we’re not expecting is what happens when we break down the only walls we’ve ever had between us, or the ways it will change us.
We’re either going to come out of this in love and happier than we’ve ever been… or it’ll ruin the best friendship either of us have ever known.
No pressure, right?
348 pages, Paperback
Published April 8, 2023
77 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Octavia Jensen
37 books384 followersOctavia Jensen is a coffee addict, a tale-spinner and a hopeless romantic, usually in that order. She spends her free time chasing adrenaline rushes or writing steamy, romance novels, and sometimes, those feel like the same thing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 26, 2024
I really liked the idea for this but it felt like there was so much missing.
I couldn't figure out how old the MCs were because their behaviour and language was so erratic and childish at times.
They didn't have any real conversations about their relationship (safe sex, feelings etc.) and just made assumptions about each other continuously which got frustrating.
I did laugh at the proposal, possibly my favourite part, but again the whole conversation around it felt really immature!
The end was really abrupt and I was left confused. The whole premise of the book was that the friends had arranged for the MCs to date and they were supposed to be proven right or wrong about whether they actually were in love and just hadn't realised. But as soon as the MCs agreed to tell everyone that yes, they are actually in love not just friends, the book just ended?!
I at least expected to see the plot be resolved and the friends getting the answer! The whole plot of the story is to see if they get together after the ten dates or not 😂 it felt like the author just forgot! If the author didn't consider it important for the friends to see the outcome of the challenge, why was the challenge in the plot? Only the reader (and Van) knows about the relationship... It just felt like it was unfinished 🤷🏻♀️
I couldn't figure out how old the MCs were because their behaviour and language was so erratic and childish at times.
They didn't have any real conversations about their relationship (safe sex, feelings etc.) and just made assumptions about each other continuously which got frustrating.
I did laugh at the proposal, possibly my favourite part, but again the whole conversation around it felt really immature!
The end was really abrupt and I was left confused. The whole premise of the book was that the friends had arranged for the MCs to date and they were supposed to be proven right or wrong about whether they actually were in love and just hadn't realised. But as soon as the MCs agreed to tell everyone that yes, they are actually in love not just friends, the book just ended?!
I at least expected to see the plot be resolved and the friends getting the answer! The whole plot of the story is to see if they get together after the ten dates or not 😂 it felt like the author just forgot! If the author didn't consider it important for the friends to see the outcome of the challenge, why was the challenge in the plot? Only the reader (and Van) knows about the relationship... It just felt like it was unfinished 🤷🏻♀️
April 27, 2023
3 stars
A promising book with pacing and characters that drove me up the wall.
Nate and Isaac have been BFFs since kindergarten and their friends are convinced they should be dating. They challenge them to go on 10 real dates and then decide if they want to continue or not.
I don't always like obliviots but the premise here actually worked for me. It's clear from early on that they both do already have doubts about them being just-friends and are more worried about breaking the status quo than any internalised homophobia or external reaction.
They're fabulously (co-dependently) supportive of each other, are very tactile and open, cuddling in bed and going so far as to occasionally shower together. Mm-hmm. Yeah, sure, all friends do that.
Straight friends also get hard whenever they notice their male friend wearing sexy panties *looks incredulous* - bloody obliviots.
Up until around 35-40%, I was having a ball. It's ridiculous, it's OTT, that's totally cool.
And then it just went round in circles on the same plot point. Not like a nice push and pull, it was literally just one chapter hot, one chapter cold.
It should be a crime to This was drawn out for a quarter of the book, that's like 50 pages. Fucking hell. It doesn't help that this is a plot element that makes me really uncomfortable. Poor Isaac there thinking
I was about ready to DNF this and launch Nate into orbit.
I thought this was going to be pure fluff, but it was pretty angsty, and it honestly struggled to come back from that middle section above.
Overall, I didn't hate it, but I certainly didn't love it either.
Cute stuff I liked:
~ cuddles, touching, overall sweetness
~ panties and baby kinksters
~ cute dates
~ the last scene
Not so hot:
~ unprotected sex with no discussions
~ Nathan-sexual/Isaac-sexual business
~
~ in the novel their friends never actually found out the outcome of their dating. Sure, it's not about them, but it just seemed like the ending was very abrupt.
~ I'm surprised their families were never mentioned
Sexual content: Explicit, once they get going there's a fair bit.
Kink: Baby kinksters.
A promising book with pacing and characters that drove me up the wall.
Nate and Isaac have been BFFs since kindergarten and their friends are convinced they should be dating. They challenge them to go on 10 real dates and then decide if they want to continue or not.
I don't always like obliviots but the premise here actually worked for me. It's clear from early on that they both do already have doubts about them being just-friends and are more worried about breaking the status quo than any internalised homophobia or external reaction.
They're fabulously (co-dependently) supportive of each other, are very tactile and open, cuddling in bed and going so far as to occasionally shower together. Mm-hmm. Yeah, sure, all friends do that.
Straight friends also get hard whenever they notice their male friend wearing sexy panties *looks incredulous* - bloody obliviots.
Up until around 35-40%, I was having a ball. It's ridiculous, it's OTT, that's totally cool.
And then it just went round in circles on the same plot point. Not like a nice push and pull, it was literally just one chapter hot, one chapter cold.
It should be a crime to This was drawn out for a quarter of the book, that's like 50 pages. Fucking hell. It doesn't help that this is a plot element that makes me really uncomfortable. Poor Isaac there thinking
I was about ready to DNF this and launch Nate into orbit.
I thought this was going to be pure fluff, but it was pretty angsty, and it honestly struggled to come back from that middle section above.
Overall, I didn't hate it, but I certainly didn't love it either.
Cute stuff I liked:
~ cuddles, touching, overall sweetness
~ panties and baby kinksters
~ cute dates
~ the last scene
Not so hot:
~ unprotected sex with no discussions
~ Nathan-sexual/Isaac-sexual business
~
~ in the novel their friends never actually found out the outcome of their dating. Sure, it's not about them, but it just seemed like the ending was very abrupt.
~ I'm surprised their families were never mentioned
Sexual content: Explicit, once they get going there's a fair bit.
Kink: Baby kinksters.
May 3, 2023
I was thinking of DNFing this book many times but I was curious to see if it got any better - unfortunately, it didn’t and the ending felt too abrupt.
The beginning and set up of the story was fun and engaging, but it just dragged after the 30% mark; I liked the angst but there was too much back and forth - Nathan and Isaac would take 2 steps forward and then 5 steps backwards between chapters and it was just tiring.
Also after a while, Nathan started to get really irritating - it felt like he was just stringing Isaac along and the relationship felt very one-sided.
I’m giving it 3 stars (as opposed to 2) because the sex scenes were hot and fun!
The beginning and set up of the story was fun and engaging, but it just dragged after the 30% mark; I liked the angst but there was too much back and forth - Nathan and Isaac would take 2 steps forward and then 5 steps backwards between chapters and it was just tiring.
Also after a while, Nathan started to get really irritating - it felt like he was just stringing Isaac along and the relationship felt very one-sided.
I’m giving it 3 stars (as opposed to 2) because the sex scenes were hot and fun!
April 1, 2023
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
CW: feminisation (including a panty kink and feminine petnames), public sex
Tropes - MM, childhood best friends to lovers, roommates, sports, possessive
Everyone needs to read this. Whether it’s because you need a fluffy palette cleaner or you’re a fan of the tropes, it doesn’t matter, just read this.
I was sold on the first page where we meet Nathan (MMC) and Isaac (MMC) sharing a platonic shower. At that point I was like okay this is going to be great and it was because Octavia Jensen does 👏🏾 not 👏🏾 miss 👏🏾.
Nate and Isaac’s friends think that they’re more than just best friend so they challenge them to go on 10 dates before Christmas to see if there’s anything more there.
Both MMCs were amazing, really sweet and I just loved them. I enjoyed reading their journeys in discovering themselves, realising labels aren’t important, sorting through their minds in terms of what they want and what they’re feeling and acknowledging that they don’t need to put themselves in a box in terms of their sexuality.
I feel like I highlights half this book 😅 but it truly is an amazing, quick, fluffy read.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
CW: feminisation (including a panty kink and feminine petnames), public sex
Tropes - MM, childhood best friends to lovers, roommates, sports, possessive
Everyone needs to read this. Whether it’s because you need a fluffy palette cleaner or you’re a fan of the tropes, it doesn’t matter, just read this.
I was sold on the first page where we meet Nathan (MMC) and Isaac (MMC) sharing a platonic shower. At that point I was like okay this is going to be great and it was because Octavia Jensen does 👏🏾 not 👏🏾 miss 👏🏾.
Nate and Isaac’s friends think that they’re more than just best friend so they challenge them to go on 10 dates before Christmas to see if there’s anything more there.
Both MMCs were amazing, really sweet and I just loved them. I enjoyed reading their journeys in discovering themselves, realising labels aren’t important, sorting through their minds in terms of what they want and what they’re feeling and acknowledging that they don’t need to put themselves in a box in terms of their sexuality.
I feel like I highlights half this book 😅 but it truly is an amazing, quick, fluffy read.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek
July 29, 2024
Have you ever read a book where everything about it just annoys you?
These two aren't even oblivious. They're both actively into each other but they just don't act on it because ~reasons🥰~
I mean, there's pretense around it. But they sleep together, cuddle, shower together, one calls the other 'wife' and means that shit. These two are tighter than butt cheeks and not platonically. Like...is the bi awakening in the room with us? Y'all been awake for a timeeeeee, what you are is cowardly.
And that's fine. Genuine reasons not to want to mess up a totally platonic friendship with your 'wife' whom you shower with(and 'meat graze' during said showers- their words, not mine) and cuddle all day everyday but let's call it what it is, yeah?
Also. Multiple blow jobs before a kiss? Between lifelong best friends? What in the thirsty whore is going on here, man?
How are you comfortable sucking off someone that you've been cuddling since you were kids but a kiss is where you draw the line? Like.... Y'all have already been emotionally intimate!!!!
Just like their annoyed friends say, these two have been boyfriends forever, they just don't realize it.
In addition to that, while they're BOTH uniquely stupid, one is more uncaring about it and tends to repeatedly say and do insensitive stuff that really hurts the other.
And they're supposed to have this awe inspiring bond where they can read each other so well but he never sees what he's doing to his 'wife'.
So here we are, with Dumbo 1 hurting Dumbo 2, who btw takes it silently (usually on his knees) and continues to make all the first moves, until a third party points out how insensitive and hurtful Dumbo 1 is being.
At which point Dumbo 1 overcorrects, decides to go all out with a grand gesture and ensure he's the first to say the magical romance words and he still can't even manage that.
Yes, guys. In the continuing tradition of laying himself bare first every damn time, Dumbo 2 STILL manages to do it again. At which point we get a very enthusiastic romantic response from Dumbo 1 which is,
“Isaac,” he growls out. “I was going to say it first. What do you think all this is?” The circle he walks in would be comical if I wasn’t so fucking confused. “I fucked everything up. I kept waiting for some magical moment to do things, our first kiss, blowing you — everything. You got there before me in all those moments but I was determined to tell you I love you first, you brave little asshole. No. I’m in love with you first, I’ve known for a while and that was your surprise after dinner.”
"I don’t want you to doubt it, to think I kissed you back because you kissed me, I said ‘I love you too’ because you said it. I want you to know I want those things with all of my heart. You know what, you’re not taking this one.” Nate drops to one knee and takes my hand. “Marry me."
Which, ngl, is kinda cute, but by then I was so thoroughly annoyed that I just continued being annoyed.
These two aren't even oblivious. They're both actively into each other but they just don't act on it because ~reasons🥰~
I mean, there's pretense around it. But they sleep together, cuddle, shower together, one calls the other 'wife' and means that shit. These two are tighter than butt cheeks and not platonically. Like...is the bi awakening in the room with us? Y'all been awake for a timeeeeee, what you are is cowardly.
And that's fine. Genuine reasons not to want to mess up a totally platonic friendship with your 'wife' whom you shower with(and 'meat graze' during said showers- their words, not mine) and cuddle all day everyday but let's call it what it is, yeah?
Also. Multiple blow jobs before a kiss? Between lifelong best friends? What in the thirsty whore is going on here, man?
How are you comfortable sucking off someone that you've been cuddling since you were kids but a kiss is where you draw the line? Like.... Y'all have already been emotionally intimate!!!!
Just like their annoyed friends say, these two have been boyfriends forever, they just don't realize it.
In addition to that, while they're BOTH uniquely stupid, one is more uncaring about it and tends to repeatedly say and do insensitive stuff that really hurts the other.
And they're supposed to have this awe inspiring bond where they can read each other so well but he never sees what he's doing to his 'wife'.
So here we are, with Dumbo 1 hurting Dumbo 2, who btw takes it silently (usually on his knees) and continues to make all the first moves, until a third party points out how insensitive and hurtful Dumbo 1 is being.
At which point Dumbo 1 overcorrects, decides to go all out with a grand gesture and ensure he's the first to say the magical romance words and he still can't even manage that.
Yes, guys. In the continuing tradition of laying himself bare first every damn time, Dumbo 2 STILL manages to do it again. At which point we get a very enthusiastic romantic response from Dumbo 1 which is,
“Isaac,” he growls out. “I was going to say it first. What do you think all this is?” The circle he walks in would be comical if I wasn’t so fucking confused. “I fucked everything up. I kept waiting for some magical moment to do things, our first kiss, blowing you — everything. You got there before me in all those moments but I was determined to tell you I love you first, you brave little asshole. No. I’m in love with you first, I’ve known for a while and that was your surprise after dinner.”
"I don’t want you to doubt it, to think I kissed you back because you kissed me, I said ‘I love you too’ because you said it. I want you to know I want those things with all of my heart. You know what, you’re not taking this one.” Nate drops to one knee and takes my hand. “Marry me."
Which, ngl, is kinda cute, but by then I was so thoroughly annoyed that I just continued being annoyed.
March 19, 2025
That was soo unbelievably adorable I couldn’t put it down! Best friends and roomates turned the cutest lovers!
June 2, 2025
3.5⭐️ (rounded up to 4)
3🌶️
It was a cute friends to lovers with Him/Us vibes, it just didn’t excite me and I felt it ended quite abruptly.
3🌶️
It was a cute friends to lovers with Him/Us vibes, it just didn’t excite me and I felt it ended quite abruptly.
April 10, 2023
I want to give this book a million stars!!!! I loved it so freaking much, I was lucky enough to receive an arc and I am so grateful I did! I loved Isaac and Nate’s story! It was wonderful! A huge smile didn’t leave my face the entire time! It was so fluffy, smutty, and funny! I literally had to restrain myself from laughing too loudly! Just fantastic! The dynamic was so great, and I love the friends to lovers trope in this book. It felt so natural! Definitely recommend, prefect light read!!!!
May 20, 2023
DNF @53% (I actually wanted to DNF way earlier, but thought I'd give it a chance) - there's a difference between slow burn and boringly repetitive. Spoilers below.
.
.
.
How are we on date 5 and there's STILL been no kiss, but there have been 5 unreciprocated other encounters?? These two went from 'we're just two straight best friends' to 'I burn for you' faster than a bullet train - not believable at all!
.
.
.
How are we on date 5 and there's STILL been no kiss, but there have been 5 unreciprocated other encounters?? These two went from 'we're just two straight best friends' to 'I burn for you' faster than a bullet train - not believable at all!
April 12, 2023
Nathan and Isaac have been best friend for how long as they can remember. When Nate got a football scholarship, Isaac automatically followed. They live together and are very close. One day, their friends stage an "intervention" to make them realize they're closer than just friends. They order them to go on 10 real dates before Christmas. Will Nate and Isaac open their eyes and their hearts, or will this scheme drive a wedge between them?
I absolutely love this book! ❤️ Isaac and Nate are just so sweet! I love their personalities, and the way their relationship evolved was just so beautiful! They were already very close, but when they finally let themselves love each other, they realize they were always meant to be. I really liked their meddling friends: they were overzealous, but well-intentioned! Overall, I recommend this book to everyone! Even if you've never tried MM, this might be the one for you!
I absolutely love this book! ❤️ Isaac and Nate are just so sweet! I love their personalities, and the way their relationship evolved was just so beautiful! They were already very close, but when they finally let themselves love each other, they realize they were always meant to be. I really liked their meddling friends: they were overzealous, but well-intentioned! Overall, I recommend this book to everyone! Even if you've never tried MM, this might be the one for you!
May 13, 2023
It was a cute low-angst best friends to lovers. Issac & Nathan are meant to be even their friends decide that lol, they just didn’t see it for themselves yet.
I’m ngl the friends kinda annoyed me at times with their antics sometimes, they just overwhelmed both issac and Nathan a lot. Also both issac & Nate would jump to conclusions before discussing things out, they all got resolved pretty quickly but still
Steam-3.5/5 it’s hot y’all, I wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it was & the quantity. However I’m not mad at it at all. Strict top/bottom, plus them pantiesssssss
I’m curious if Jay Cohen will get his own book.. maybe with Jonah who knows
I’m ngl the friends kinda annoyed me at times with their antics sometimes, they just overwhelmed both issac and Nathan a lot. Also both issac & Nate would jump to conclusions before discussing things out, they all got resolved pretty quickly but still
Steam-3.5/5 it’s hot y’all, I wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it was & the quantity. However I’m not mad at it at all. Strict top/bottom, plus them pantiesssssss
I’m curious if Jay Cohen will get his own book.. maybe with Jonah who knows
September 23, 2023
I wanted to love this one. Solid first half. I’m particular with best friends to lovers and it just felt like something was missing. I wasn’t a huge fan of one of the MCs and his treatment of the other and their friends. I did really enjoy the plot and how their friends set them up with an intervention- that was really fun and unique. And I loved the flirting in the first half! The rest just fell flat for me.
April 10, 2023
“This is what I’ve always been missing with every girl I’ve ever been with, every fantasy I’ve ever had. Him, his praise, his mouth, his hands.”
It’s no surprise I’m in love with ANOTHER Octavia Jensen book. I am not usually a friends to lovers kinda girl but this was everything and more. Isaac and Nathan have been best friends forever and their friends convince them to date each other and see the potential to be more and they do.
I loved Isaac and Nathan’s friendship and then when they started going on their dates, I fell even more in love with them. I was obsessed with their dates and their dynamic. They already had so much love for one another and history so seeing that transform into a romantic love was perfection.
I also adore their friendship group and the little Stag cameo had my whole entire heart bursting with joy. I could’ve read about this friendship group playing monopoly and had a blast. Octavia knocked this book out of the park. It was the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. My heart was gushing for Nathan and Isaac discovering their love going beyond friendship. I cannot say enough good things about this book and Octavia’s writing in general.
It’s no surprise I’m in love with ANOTHER Octavia Jensen book. I am not usually a friends to lovers kinda girl but this was everything and more. Isaac and Nathan have been best friends forever and their friends convince them to date each other and see the potential to be more and they do.
I loved Isaac and Nathan’s friendship and then when they started going on their dates, I fell even more in love with them. I was obsessed with their dates and their dynamic. They already had so much love for one another and history so seeing that transform into a romantic love was perfection.
I also adore their friendship group and the little Stag cameo had my whole entire heart bursting with joy. I could’ve read about this friendship group playing monopoly and had a blast. Octavia knocked this book out of the park. It was the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. My heart was gushing for Nathan and Isaac discovering their love going beyond friendship. I cannot say enough good things about this book and Octavia’s writing in general.
April 7, 2023
Oh my gosh, I can’t even begin to express how much I loved this book!!! Reading “Onside Kiss” was an amazing experience due to the laugh out loud banter between characters and Isaac and Nathan’s journey from best friends to lovers. I loved this book because it was lighthearted and funny, while also being sweet and spicy. This book made me really happy, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves college romance and/or the best friends to lovers trope!!!
March 28, 2023
I didn’t think it was possible to write the words “screaming” so many times while annotating a book. This book had me absolutely head over heels for our two MMCs.
Friends to lovers isn’t usually my jam but boy oh boy did Octavia deliver with this feel good, spicy, MM book. It had sweet moments, spicy moments, funny moments and moments where, as a pansexual, I felt like a kindred spirit with some of these characters.
Sometimes the feeling of loving someone, not for their gender identity or what they have in their pants, but for them as a person, their vibe and their energy that they give off into the universe, is a sensation that’s hard to put into words. Sometimes it’s hard to explain it to people who don’t understand how you love and what you find attractive but I felt like this book showed me how I love.
These two MMCs made me feel like their friendship & love for one another, no matter if they felt like they were unsure of what their sexuality identified as, was stronger than anything.
This book was heart achingly beautiful, relatable & easy to read in every aspect. And did I mention that it was hot as hell? Be still my beating vagina.
Friends to lovers isn’t usually my jam but boy oh boy did Octavia deliver with this feel good, spicy, MM book. It had sweet moments, spicy moments, funny moments and moments where, as a pansexual, I felt like a kindred spirit with some of these characters.
Sometimes the feeling of loving someone, not for their gender identity or what they have in their pants, but for them as a person, their vibe and their energy that they give off into the universe, is a sensation that’s hard to put into words. Sometimes it’s hard to explain it to people who don’t understand how you love and what you find attractive but I felt like this book showed me how I love.
These two MMCs made me feel like their friendship & love for one another, no matter if they felt like they were unsure of what their sexuality identified as, was stronger than anything.
This book was heart achingly beautiful, relatable & easy to read in every aspect. And did I mention that it was hot as hell? Be still my beating vagina.
March 31, 2023
Isaac and Nate are ADORABLE. I’m not a huge fan of friends to lovers as a trope typically, but I found I didn’t mind it here at all. They just worked, and I loved their dynamic. The tension was there, and the pining was top tier. And have I mentioned the steam this book had?? 🥵🥵🥵 So cute and sweet, can’t wait for the next Domingo book.
June 14, 2023
i’m sorry, but the dirty talking was just a bit cringey 😬 i didn’t care for the excessive use of pet names such as ‘wifey’ that nate used for isaac, and the sex scenes were just awkward and ngl kinda disturbing seeing as they went bareback with no talking about it beforehand.
the premise was good, but the execution of it could have been better. i ended up skimming through the book just to see how it ended.
the premise was good, but the execution of it could have been better. i ended up skimming through the book just to see how it ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2023
Cute as sh!t
Alright, this was adorable.
It starts with two dudes who are best friends with zero boundaries and who like to cuddle. They see nothing wrong with this arrangement, but they have mosey friends who intervene.
What follows is cute as hell, and sugary sweet. Watching these two stumble around trying to figure things out is the stuff rom-coms are made of.
I have two complaints that kept it from being a 5-star for me.
Nate repeatedly left Issac feeling kinda crappy I’m about their situation, and I don’t feel like he tried hard enough in the beginning to be a fair partner. It was never intentional, but he did hurt Issac’s feeling repeatedly and he never really addresses it or apologizes for his part in hurting him. And, **SPOILER** Nate’s proposal at the end even left something to be desired…..it was rushed, unplanned, ego based proposal. After being the brave one, repeatedly, Issac deserves a real proposal.
The ending felt rushed somewhat. A little abrupt, almost. It seems like this is going to be an ongoing series that moves into a different couple next, so maaaaaybe we will get a bit more on future stories. But with them not as the focus it won’t feel like a real ending. We never see them come clean with their friends, they don’t tell their families, it just ends.
Those complaints aside, I devoured this book. It was a quick read, the characters are all great. The guys are adorable together. Overall a fantastic read.
Alright, this was adorable.
It starts with two dudes who are best friends with zero boundaries and who like to cuddle. They see nothing wrong with this arrangement, but they have mosey friends who intervene.
What follows is cute as hell, and sugary sweet. Watching these two stumble around trying to figure things out is the stuff rom-coms are made of.
I have two complaints that kept it from being a 5-star for me.
Nate repeatedly left Issac feeling kinda crappy I’m about their situation, and I don’t feel like he tried hard enough in the beginning to be a fair partner. It was never intentional, but he did hurt Issac’s feeling repeatedly and he never really addresses it or apologizes for his part in hurting him. And, **SPOILER** Nate’s proposal at the end even left something to be desired…..it was rushed, unplanned, ego based proposal. After being the brave one, repeatedly, Issac deserves a real proposal.
The ending felt rushed somewhat. A little abrupt, almost. It seems like this is going to be an ongoing series that moves into a different couple next, so maaaaaybe we will get a bit more on future stories. But with them not as the focus it won’t feel like a real ending. We never see them come clean with their friends, they don’t tell their families, it just ends.
Those complaints aside, I devoured this book. It was a quick read, the characters are all great. The guys are adorable together. Overall a fantastic read.
March 22, 2023
Onside Kiss is an M/M, friends-to-lovers romance book by Octavia Jensen. I was privileged to receive an ARC of this book. It's a college romance that follows childhood friends turned roommates. They already have a more-than-platonic relationship, but they're the only ones who can't see it. Eventually their friends intervene and challenge them to date and see what happens. As expected, over time (and working through various sexual identity issues, moments of miscommunication, etc.) they end up in a real relationship. The story is well-written, and the author is honest about trigger warnings.
With that said, I was a little bored throughout the story. Having just read the Eleven series by the same author, I think I went into this read with an expectation of something similar in terms of tone, spice level, etc. And this book isn't that; it's more of a sweet contemporary romance. My experience in reading this was definitely colored by my own expectations and is no fault of the author at all. Had I read this without those thoughts, I likely would have been more engaged/liked it more.
With that said, I was a little bored throughout the story. Having just read the Eleven series by the same author, I think I went into this read with an expectation of something similar in terms of tone, spice level, etc. And this book isn't that; it's more of a sweet contemporary romance. My experience in reading this was definitely colored by my own expectations and is no fault of the author at all. Had I read this without those thoughts, I likely would have been more engaged/liked it more.
April 10, 2023
💜 𝕆𝕟𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕂𝕚𝕤𝕤 💜
“I want him to make me take it... then praise me for being so good for him.”
Happy release day!! Octavia has delivered yet another amazing book and another added to my favorites!
Nate and Isaac are two best friends who have feelings for each other but aren’t aware of the feelings between them until their group of friends tell them to go on ten dates and by the end see if anything is there. Let me tell you, there was something there alright 😮💨.
I am obsessed with Nate and Isaac 👏🏽.The way care for and are so in tune with each other is truly something. They didn’t hesitate to go on those dates with each other and give into those feelings which I absolutely loved.
The chemistry between Nate and Isaac was off the charts 😮💨. Octavia never fails to deliver on the spice and trust me it’s HOT 🥵. Isaac and Nate are *chefs kiss* 🤌🏽. The panties, the face painting 👀, the reenactment scene 🫠 *chefs kiss.*
If you haven’t checked out any of Octavia’s books yet you’re definitely missing out!! You can pickup Onside Kiss in KU and as always check your triggers.
“I want him to make me take it... then praise me for being so good for him.”
Happy release day!! Octavia has delivered yet another amazing book and another added to my favorites!
Nate and Isaac are two best friends who have feelings for each other but aren’t aware of the feelings between them until their group of friends tell them to go on ten dates and by the end see if anything is there. Let me tell you, there was something there alright 😮💨.
I am obsessed with Nate and Isaac 👏🏽.The way care for and are so in tune with each other is truly something. They didn’t hesitate to go on those dates with each other and give into those feelings which I absolutely loved.
The chemistry between Nate and Isaac was off the charts 😮💨. Octavia never fails to deliver on the spice and trust me it’s HOT 🥵. Isaac and Nate are *chefs kiss* 🤌🏽. The panties, the face painting 👀, the reenactment scene 🫠 *chefs kiss.*
If you haven’t checked out any of Octavia’s books yet you’re definitely missing out!! You can pickup Onside Kiss in KU and as always check your triggers.
April 12, 2023
Nate and Isaac are adorably hilarious. I loved this book so much. It was so sweet, spicy, and funny!
Nate and Isaac have always been best friends and straight. They are so incredibly close that everyone thinks there is something more. Their friends sit them down and convince them to try to see their connection in a new more romantic way. They are both open to giving it a shot and agree to go on 10 dates together.
Nate and Isaac were the last ones to realize how in love with each other they were. Their chemistry was off the charts and it was so obvious how deeply they truly loved each other. I loved their connection.
Each had their own journey with their sexuality and identity. I loved the emphasis on their relationship and feelings as opposed to labeling themselves gay, straight, bi, or anything else. Although I snorted when one of their friends made a joke early on in the book about the straights definitely not claiming either one of them.
I think I had a smile plastered on my face the entire time I read this book. It was the perfect light read.
Nate and Isaac have always been best friends and straight. They are so incredibly close that everyone thinks there is something more. Their friends sit them down and convince them to try to see their connection in a new more romantic way. They are both open to giving it a shot and agree to go on 10 dates together.
Nate and Isaac were the last ones to realize how in love with each other they were. Their chemistry was off the charts and it was so obvious how deeply they truly loved each other. I loved their connection.
Each had their own journey with their sexuality and identity. I loved the emphasis on their relationship and feelings as opposed to labeling themselves gay, straight, bi, or anything else. Although I snorted when one of their friends made a joke early on in the book about the straights definitely not claiming either one of them.
I think I had a smile plastered on my face the entire time I read this book. It was the perfect light read.
May 2, 2023
The best friend trope is done well in this book, especially in the beginning to let you know the past history of the characters. Isaac and Nate have been friends forever, since they were in diapers. They don’t think it’s weird to shower together or to spend so much time together platonically, and they have hooked up with other girls before. However, their friends think they have something going on, so they dare Nate and Isaac to date each other for a little bit to see if there are sparks. I felt like maybe Isaac liked Nate a little more in the beginning, willing to give in to him more, although Nate begins to express his own feelings for Issac too. I liked the shyness between them in the beginning as they both explore the feelings for each other. The beginning was much better for me as the end seemed a bit rushed.
April 12, 2023
3.5 stars
At first I wasn't sure how I felt about the writing style but after a few chapters I got used to it.
They're cute together. Maybe a little too much sex and the ending was a little rushed with the Also I found it funny that in the end the one who respected their boundaries the most was the so called "token straight guy".
At first I wasn't sure how I felt about the writing style but after a few chapters I got used to it.
They're cute together. Maybe a little too much sex and the ending was a little rushed with the Also I found it funny that in the end the one who respected their boundaries the most was the so called "token straight guy".
May 15, 2023
So few reviews! I hope this author gets a bit more exposure because this book was a very easy light read as a sweet friends to lovers read with a dash of football. Not really a sports romance, just a bit of football mentioned.
I enjoyed learning the history of Nate and Isaacs friendship and how they both come to the realization that it's been more for a while. I also like that the characters are way more fluid with their sexuality in this book and there isn't a big freak out over labels and if someone is gay or bi or etc., I love that. Read this book in half a day and would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice MM that has some sexy times but not a tonne of kink or smut.
I enjoyed learning the history of Nate and Isaacs friendship and how they both come to the realization that it's been more for a while. I also like that the characters are way more fluid with their sexuality in this book and there isn't a big freak out over labels and if someone is gay or bi or etc., I love that. Read this book in half a day and would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice MM that has some sexy times but not a tonne of kink or smut.
September 9, 2025
Communication Trope Perfection
Dee’s Grade: A+
This book is a perfect case study of how to write a clueless codependent BFFs2Lovers book.
The assumption and miscommunication trope was perfectly utilized. The friends to offer useful outside perspectives were there.
I wondered at the beginning how this book was going to last 350 pages and by the time we got there I could have read 200 pages more of the cooky kids.
Dee’s Grade: A+
This book is a perfect case study of how to write a clueless codependent BFFs2Lovers book.
The assumption and miscommunication trope was perfectly utilized. The friends to offer useful outside perspectives were there.
I wondered at the beginning how this book was going to last 350 pages and by the time we got there I could have read 200 pages more of the cooky kids.
April 5, 2023
Nate and Isaac make the cutest friends to lovers romance! Their chemistry is off the charts, and they are adorable together. Nate is most definitely the dominant one, and Isaac makes me smile with his colorful panties. More sweet steam than spice, and wonderfully written. Their dynamic is definitely a dream come true, and they constantly made me smile and laugh. Amazing read!
May 24, 2023
The perfect palate cleanser!
I really flipping enjoyed this book- thank you for the dedication.
This book has;
- 2 leads with a size difference
- praise kink
- double awakening
- no labels decided
- queer community
This book made me want to look into this authors back catalogue. It is easy to read, low level angst with loving but meddling friends.
I really flipping enjoyed this book- thank you for the dedication.
This book has;
- 2 leads with a size difference
- praise kink
- double awakening
- no labels decided
- queer community
This book made me want to look into this authors back catalogue. It is easy to read, low level angst with loving but meddling friends.
January 23, 2024
This was a cute and steamy MM read. I loved the concept and that it didn’t drag on too long. I didn’t like the push and pull with Nate but otherwise it was a pretty good read.
I also didn’t like how nosy his friends were but if it weren’t for them the relationship wouldn’t exist. I do agree with them lying to their friends so they could have some time to themselves without interference.
I also didn’t like how nosy his friends were but if it weren’t for them the relationship wouldn’t exist. I do agree with them lying to their friends so they could have some time to themselves without interference.
March 20, 2025
THIS WAS SO CUTE!!!! I absolutely devoured this in one sitting and I swooning the whole time.
Best friends to lovers is a trope that gets me every time but adding in the fake(real) dates, that one of them wears panties and the on them loves seeing him in them and that creates the perfect mm romance for me!
Best friends to lovers is a trope that gets me every time but adding in the fake(real) dates, that one of them wears panties and the on them loves seeing him in them and that creates the perfect mm romance for me!
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