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The Loyal Boys #3
Lost Boy
Fallon
Being alone is nothing new. I’ve been abandoned by everyone. Now, I have absolutely no one. I might even prefer it that way. All I really need is a guitar and my thoughts.
Just shy of my eighteenth birthday, I’m forced to move across the country to live with my uncle in California. He’s the head basketball coach at Acadia Lake Prep, the new private academy I’m attending. Ryder Cruz is his star player.
He makes me question things about myself and what I want. Things I’ve never once considered. The oversized and enthusiastic jock is always around, insisting I smile and laugh with him. But it won’t work. It can’t. The painful memories and regret I carry are too strong. I’m not sure I’ll ever feel again.
Ryder
Basketball is great. So are my friends. Dad. My little sister Sofie. I’m team captain, and I’m taking us to State.
It’s easy to forget that nothing is ever as it seems. I fight my demons with smiles and awkward jokes, but things are starting to pile up. Pranks between my guys and the rival public school, issues with my mother, and a secret I can’t tell anyone. A truth that holds me in its grasp. I can’t risk the team or my college acceptance—my future . Can’t risk my dream.
I’m gay. And no one can know.
It wasn’t as hard to keep this close to my chest until Fallon Rivers showed up with his big, sad eyes and bright blue hair. I’m not sure I can continue hiding who I am. I need this boy to smile. To talk to me. I need to spark some life back into his soul.
He doesn’t realize my dad and his uncle are partners, but he’ll find out soon enough. Sleepovers happen almost every weekend. And now that he’s here and staying for good, I guess he’ll just have to get used to my presence. Because I’m determined to make him feel again and maybe even free myself along the way.
Lost Boy is a 90,000-word friends-to-lovers gay romance. It is book three in The Loyal Boys Series, a collection of standalone contemporary M/M romances. You can expect opposites attract, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, steamy first times, and a supportive found family. This novel is intended for 18+ readers and contains explicit scenes, mild violence, language, and bullying from outside sources. See Author’s Note for a full list of Content Warnings.
Being alone is nothing new. I’ve been abandoned by everyone. Now, I have absolutely no one. I might even prefer it that way. All I really need is a guitar and my thoughts.
Just shy of my eighteenth birthday, I’m forced to move across the country to live with my uncle in California. He’s the head basketball coach at Acadia Lake Prep, the new private academy I’m attending. Ryder Cruz is his star player.
He makes me question things about myself and what I want. Things I’ve never once considered. The oversized and enthusiastic jock is always around, insisting I smile and laugh with him. But it won’t work. It can’t. The painful memories and regret I carry are too strong. I’m not sure I’ll ever feel again.
Ryder
Basketball is great. So are my friends. Dad. My little sister Sofie. I’m team captain, and I’m taking us to State.
It’s easy to forget that nothing is ever as it seems. I fight my demons with smiles and awkward jokes, but things are starting to pile up. Pranks between my guys and the rival public school, issues with my mother, and a secret I can’t tell anyone. A truth that holds me in its grasp. I can’t risk the team or my college acceptance—my future . Can’t risk my dream.
I’m gay. And no one can know.
It wasn’t as hard to keep this close to my chest until Fallon Rivers showed up with his big, sad eyes and bright blue hair. I’m not sure I can continue hiding who I am. I need this boy to smile. To talk to me. I need to spark some life back into his soul.
He doesn’t realize my dad and his uncle are partners, but he’ll find out soon enough. Sleepovers happen almost every weekend. And now that he’s here and staying for good, I guess he’ll just have to get used to my presence. Because I’m determined to make him feel again and maybe even free myself along the way.
Lost Boy is a 90,000-word friends-to-lovers gay romance. It is book three in The Loyal Boys Series, a collection of standalone contemporary M/M romances. You can expect opposites attract, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, steamy first times, and a supportive found family. This novel is intended for 18+ readers and contains explicit scenes, mild violence, language, and bullying from outside sources. See Author’s Note for a full list of Content Warnings.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2023
150 people are currently reading
1033 people want to read
About the author
Charli Meadows
7 books395 followersCharli Meadows is an obsessive reader, avid bookstagrammer turned PA, and now an author herself. Lover of all romance, she plans to write a little bit of everything, but make it sweet and spicy.
Living in North Carolina with her husband and young daughter, you can usually find Charli working her boring corporate job or at home playing video games, if she’s not reading, writing or daydreaming about books.
Living in North Carolina with her husband and young daughter, you can usually find Charli working her boring corporate job or at home playing video games, if she’s not reading, writing or daydreaming about books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
June 25, 2023
4.5 stars
The way I felt so much for Fallon. I related to him A LOT. Our family situations are not identical, but the feelings of worthlessness - I felt that. Fallon’s dad passed away when he was 12 and it basically destroyed his family. His mom lost herself to bad choices and Fallon went by the wayside.
Lost and broken. I’m just not interested in this world. Nothing and no one appeals to me.
His Uncle Joel comes to get him from social services right before his 18th birthday. Joel didn’t know all of the things that had been going on with Fallon. His uncle is the basketball coach for the local private school, he coaches Ryder on the basketball team and is dating Ry’s father.
Ryder takes an immediate interest in Fallon and wants to help and protect him. He’s also smitten with him. Ryder is captain of the basketball team and basically a ray of sunshine. He makes it his mission to get Ryder/Blue to find some happiness, to smile.
His looks captured me, his aura ensnared me, and now his soul calls to mine. He barely speaks, yet I’m fascinated by every word.
Fallon has forgotten what it’s like to be cared for and to feel even remotely happy. So having Ry’s attention is new and intriguing to him. He likes being around him and starts to feel all sorts of new things, including attraction.
I’ve never been interested in anyone. Ever. Guy or girl. But. . . Ryder’s touch. His care. . . Fuck! My belly does this weird somersault all over again just thinking about it.
Both Fall and Ry are virgins and they are so hot exploring this new found attraction to one another.
We fit perfectly like this, and I want to rub myself all over him like a possessive cat. I run my hands across his pecs and over to his nipples, grabbing on and squeezing gently. Ryder moans into my mouth, “Mmmm. Fuck, Blue. You’re getting me so hard. Lemme suck you first.”
Ultimately, Fallon’s new family starts to help him open up and see that he is deserving of happiness and love. He rediscovers his love of playing guitar and making music and learns to give himself a break.
I catch my reflection in the mirror, cheeks flushed with a hint of a smile on my lips. Ryder did that. He always does that. He threatens to make me feel and lose control of the tight grip I’ve had on my emotions for the past five years. He makes me want to talk, to tell him things. Everything. It’s dangerous.
This was another excellent entry into this series and a great story of learning to love yourself. If you haven't read the prior books, I highly recommend them!
Check out my reviews for Cali Boy and Bad Boy .
*** I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion. ***
The way I felt so much for Fallon. I related to him A LOT. Our family situations are not identical, but the feelings of worthlessness - I felt that. Fallon’s dad passed away when he was 12 and it basically destroyed his family. His mom lost herself to bad choices and Fallon went by the wayside.
Lost and broken. I’m just not interested in this world. Nothing and no one appeals to me.
His Uncle Joel comes to get him from social services right before his 18th birthday. Joel didn’t know all of the things that had been going on with Fallon. His uncle is the basketball coach for the local private school, he coaches Ryder on the basketball team and is dating Ry’s father.
Ryder takes an immediate interest in Fallon and wants to help and protect him. He’s also smitten with him. Ryder is captain of the basketball team and basically a ray of sunshine. He makes it his mission to get Ryder/Blue to find some happiness, to smile.
His looks captured me, his aura ensnared me, and now his soul calls to mine. He barely speaks, yet I’m fascinated by every word.
Fallon has forgotten what it’s like to be cared for and to feel even remotely happy. So having Ry’s attention is new and intriguing to him. He likes being around him and starts to feel all sorts of new things, including attraction.
I’ve never been interested in anyone. Ever. Guy or girl. But. . . Ryder’s touch. His care. . . Fuck! My belly does this weird somersault all over again just thinking about it.
Both Fall and Ry are virgins and they are so hot exploring this new found attraction to one another.
We fit perfectly like this, and I want to rub myself all over him like a possessive cat. I run my hands across his pecs and over to his nipples, grabbing on and squeezing gently. Ryder moans into my mouth, “Mmmm. Fuck, Blue. You’re getting me so hard. Lemme suck you first.”
Ultimately, Fallon’s new family starts to help him open up and see that he is deserving of happiness and love. He rediscovers his love of playing guitar and making music and learns to give himself a break.
I catch my reflection in the mirror, cheeks flushed with a hint of a smile on my lips. Ryder did that. He always does that. He threatens to make me feel and lose control of the tight grip I’ve had on my emotions for the past five years. He makes me want to talk, to tell him things. Everything. It’s dangerous.
This was another excellent entry into this series and a great story of learning to love yourself. If you haven't read the prior books, I highly recommend them!
Check out my reviews for Cali Boy and Bad Boy .
*** I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion. ***
June 28, 2023
Lost Boy is a fantastic medium angst, grumpy/sunshine, jock/musician romance between Fallon and Ryder. These two guys have so much heart and emotion, making for a beautiful story. Both Fallon and Ryder have complicated relationships with their family and after discovering their similar experiences they become so loyal and protective of one another.
Fallon's journey is one that is complex and emotional due to his mother's incarceration and abuse and the lingering heartache of his father's death from years prior. Fallon is a resilient character whose main goal is survival, so when his uncle gets custody Fallon finally begins to let his guard down and in that process meets the love of his life.
Ryder is in many ways the polar opposite of Fallon's quiet, reserved, and artistic personality. Ryder is friendly, outspoken, and unapologetically kind. I love Ryder and Fallon's dynamic together. They are so protective and devoted to one another.
Another great character trait is Ryder's patience and willingness to help Fallon overcome and process his residual grief and trauma. I also loved the added bit of Ryder's dad dating Fallon's uncle, making for a fun and unexpected complication to their dynamic.
Overall Lost Boy is a fantastic read that is fully immersive and emotionally moving. Ryder and Fallon really tugged at my heartstrings and I loved seeing their relationship deepen and grow in such an amazing way.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Fallon's journey is one that is complex and emotional due to his mother's incarceration and abuse and the lingering heartache of his father's death from years prior. Fallon is a resilient character whose main goal is survival, so when his uncle gets custody Fallon finally begins to let his guard down and in that process meets the love of his life.
Ryder is in many ways the polar opposite of Fallon's quiet, reserved, and artistic personality. Ryder is friendly, outspoken, and unapologetically kind. I love Ryder and Fallon's dynamic together. They are so protective and devoted to one another.
Another great character trait is Ryder's patience and willingness to help Fallon overcome and process his residual grief and trauma. I also loved the added bit of Ryder's dad dating Fallon's uncle, making for a fun and unexpected complication to their dynamic.
Overall Lost Boy is a fantastic read that is fully immersive and emotionally moving. Ryder and Fallon really tugged at my heartstrings and I loved seeing their relationship deepen and grow in such an amazing way.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
June 30, 2023
like 3.8 stars
i said i wasn’t going to read anymore of this author’s books. not because they’re bad necessarily but because i’m not the biggest fan of dramatic high school romances. but a good blurb will get me everytime and she got me. also good character art and cool pinterest inspiration pictures will get me and she did that too. so here i am reviewing a book i said i wouldn’t read.
this was my favorite of the series so far. it was still very dramatic and over the top but not as crazy as the other books so it was a little more enjoyable for me. i wish they would’ve put fallon in therapy though. dude needed it
i said i wasn’t going to read anymore of this author’s books. not because they’re bad necessarily but because i’m not the biggest fan of dramatic high school romances. but a good blurb will get me everytime and she got me. also good character art and cool pinterest inspiration pictures will get me and she did that too. so here i am reviewing a book i said i wouldn’t read.
this was my favorite of the series so far. it was still very dramatic and over the top but not as crazy as the other books so it was a little more enjoyable for me. i wish they would’ve put fallon in therapy though. dude needed it
June 24, 2023
too much drama, sex in the weirdest moments, freaky happy family that apparently doesn’t believe in therapy and surprisingly boring.
i appreciated the taylor swift mentions (as everyone should) but damn, if you’re going to add her songs to your book playlist at least choose the ones that actually represent your book.
i keep seeing potential in this author but for now it’s still a no.
i appreciated the taylor swift mentions (as everyone should) but damn, if you’re going to add her songs to your book playlist at least choose the ones that actually represent your book.
i keep seeing potential in this author but for now it’s still a no.
June 27, 2023
⭐︎
4.5 Stars Rounded Up!
⭐︎
I absolutely adored this third installment in the series. This one focuses on Fallon and Ryder, two 18 year olds who are on the surface completely different people, but in some ways are similar, and have such a strong connection from the moment they meet.
Fallon is in a bad place at the start of this. He's just come from a week in a group home - as he's a week away from turning 18 at the start of this - and for the past 5 years, has lived in a trailer park with his mom who lost herself in her grief over losing Fallon's father to cancer, turning to drugs and bad, shitty boyfriends, and completely ignoring her son instead of continuing on for Fallon.
When she gets sent to jail, he's in the group home, and there he gets into some fight, and so his uncle Joel is called, who lives out in California and who Fallon hasn't seen for 3 years.
Joel didn't know how bad things were because Fallon didn't tell him. But now he does, and he takes him to live with him in California, where he's a basketball coach at a private high school where Fallon will now be going to finish out his senior year.
He also happens to be dating the dad of two of the students there. Ryder and his younger sister Sofie, who is 14 and in her freshman year.
Because of that, Ryder and Fallon are around each other a lot, and where Fallon is sullen and brooding and barley talks, Ryder is all smiles and light and happiness.
The only dark spot, for him, is his mother. Because 5 years earlier, his father came out as gay and his mother didn't handle it well at all. She said horrible things, things that stayed with Ryder, who is also gay, and after she and his dad divorced, she is rarely ever around, only popping up every year or so before leaving for a long time again.
Ryder isn't out to anyone but his best friend Jamie, mainly because of basketball and his dreams of one day being in the NBA. Of course he eventually does come out and gets into the NBA in the epilogue as an out and proud gay man. It's not entirely out of the realm of possibility, as we finally have an out gay man in the NFL and all, but for the NBA, the only ones who have come out have still only happened after their careers are over. But it's nice to think that one day there will be an out queer man in the NBA (I think there is the WNBA, right? Correct me if I'm wrong). It just goes to show that we still have a long way to go on acceptance for queer players in major league sports, though.
The chemistry between Ryder and Fallon is so good and I loved how sweet and gentle Ryder was with Fallon from the start. He wanted Fallon to come out of his shell and smile and laugh, and he was determined to make it happen. Being so determined for a person to be happy is just so adorable and pure and just made me love Ryder so much.
And Fallon couldn't help but fall for him too. He is persistently kind, gentle and sweet with Fallon - exactly what a battered, weary Fallon needs - and a bit overprotective as well which I am always here for in my romances. Ryder was rightfully stopped from going too far in defending Fallon, but the intent, the desire was there and I was here for it. He was ready to fuck anyone up who messed with his Blue.
The sex actually takes awhile to come, but oh was it worth it when it did. I felt the chemistry sizzling between them during the sex scenes and they were written well.
My only, tiny little niggle is that there was a loose end left with Dustin, a public school dude who was horrible and nasty and was a major creep (and definitely had some repressed lust for Fallon which was creepy as well). The last time we see him, there are barbs thrown, but then he gets kicked out of the record store they're at and he's never heard from again. It was just left hanging there and I felt that should have been tied up. Have the guy go after Fallon - as he obviously wanted to - and have Ryder finally get to beat the fucker up or something. Or have him eventually thrown in jail, idk. Just something, instead of him just being out there, a potential to cause harm in the future.
Also interesting that the private school guys were the good guys in this one - although I'm not penalizing this story for it, it really didn't have any affect on my enjoyment of this story - as the private school guys are usually the assholes in stories because they're so rich and entitled. Not that people from public schools are saints or anything, of course. But still, the dynamic is usually switched because yeah, in reality, it's normally the rich people, especially spoiled rich kids, who are far worse.
But anyway, the thing with Dustin was just a small niggle - and I guess, I'm kinda adding a little bit onto the .5 off for Joel and Alejandro not being moved in together by the time they're engaged. I didn't really get why they hadn't taken that step before getting engaged. It just seemed they skipped right over that, as they weren't officially living together throughout this whole novel, even if they all stayed over together a lot as a family - so I'm not giving too much off, as the rest of the book was just so so good. I'd definitely say this is about on par with the first book in the series for me - maybe a tad better even...
This is definitely worth a read, I HIGHLY recommend. I can't wait for more from this lovely author, to see what couple we're getting next and what their story will be.
Onto the next! 🥰
My Ratings for The Loyal Boys Series:
☀️ Cali Boy: 4.5 stars (my review)
☀️ Bad Boy: 4.25 stars (my review)
☀️ Lost Boy: 4.5 stars
I absolutely adored this third installment in the series. This one focuses on Fallon and Ryder, two 18 year olds who are on the surface completely different people, but in some ways are similar, and have such a strong connection from the moment they meet.
Fallon is in a bad place at the start of this. He's just come from a week in a group home - as he's a week away from turning 18 at the start of this - and for the past 5 years, has lived in a trailer park with his mom who lost herself in her grief over losing Fallon's father to cancer, turning to drugs and bad, shitty boyfriends, and completely ignoring her son instead of continuing on for Fallon.
When she gets sent to jail, he's in the group home, and there he gets into some fight, and so his uncle Joel is called, who lives out in California and who Fallon hasn't seen for 3 years.
Joel didn't know how bad things were because Fallon didn't tell him. But now he does, and he takes him to live with him in California, where he's a basketball coach at a private high school where Fallon will now be going to finish out his senior year.
He also happens to be dating the dad of two of the students there. Ryder and his younger sister Sofie, who is 14 and in her freshman year.
Because of that, Ryder and Fallon are around each other a lot, and where Fallon is sullen and brooding and barley talks, Ryder is all smiles and light and happiness.
The only dark spot, for him, is his mother. Because 5 years earlier, his father came out as gay and his mother didn't handle it well at all. She said horrible things, things that stayed with Ryder, who is also gay, and after she and his dad divorced, she is rarely ever around, only popping up every year or so before leaving for a long time again.
Ryder isn't out to anyone but his best friend Jamie, mainly because of basketball and his dreams of one day being in the NBA. Of course he eventually does come out and gets into the NBA in the epilogue as an out and proud gay man. It's not entirely out of the realm of possibility, as we finally have an out gay man in the NFL and all, but for the NBA, the only ones who have come out have still only happened after their careers are over. But it's nice to think that one day there will be an out queer man in the NBA (I think there is the WNBA, right? Correct me if I'm wrong). It just goes to show that we still have a long way to go on acceptance for queer players in major league sports, though.
The chemistry between Ryder and Fallon is so good and I loved how sweet and gentle Ryder was with Fallon from the start. He wanted Fallon to come out of his shell and smile and laugh, and he was determined to make it happen. Being so determined for a person to be happy is just so adorable and pure and just made me love Ryder so much.
And Fallon couldn't help but fall for him too. He is persistently kind, gentle and sweet with Fallon - exactly what a battered, weary Fallon needs - and a bit overprotective as well which I am always here for in my romances. Ryder was rightfully stopped from going too far in defending Fallon, but the intent, the desire was there and I was here for it. He was ready to fuck anyone up who messed with his Blue.
The sex actually takes awhile to come, but oh was it worth it when it did. I felt the chemistry sizzling between them during the sex scenes and they were written well.
My only, tiny little niggle is that there was a loose end left with Dustin, a public school dude who was horrible and nasty and was a major creep (and definitely had some repressed lust for Fallon which was creepy as well). The last time we see him, there are barbs thrown, but then he gets kicked out of the record store they're at and he's never heard from again. It was just left hanging there and I felt that should have been tied up. Have the guy go after Fallon - as he obviously wanted to - and have Ryder finally get to beat the fucker up or something. Or have him eventually thrown in jail, idk. Just something, instead of him just being out there, a potential to cause harm in the future.
Also interesting that the private school guys were the good guys in this one - although I'm not penalizing this story for it, it really didn't have any affect on my enjoyment of this story - as the private school guys are usually the assholes in stories because they're so rich and entitled. Not that people from public schools are saints or anything, of course. But still, the dynamic is usually switched because yeah, in reality, it's normally the rich people, especially spoiled rich kids, who are far worse.
But anyway, the thing with Dustin was just a small niggle - and I guess, I'm kinda adding a little bit onto the .5 off for Joel and Alejandro not being moved in together by the time they're engaged. I didn't really get why they hadn't taken that step before getting engaged. It just seemed they skipped right over that, as they weren't officially living together throughout this whole novel, even if they all stayed over together a lot as a family - so I'm not giving too much off, as the rest of the book was just so so good. I'd definitely say this is about on par with the first book in the series for me - maybe a tad better even...
This is definitely worth a read, I HIGHLY recommend. I can't wait for more from this lovely author, to see what couple we're getting next and what their story will be.
Onto the next! 🥰
My Ratings for The Loyal Boys Series:
☀️ Cali Boy: 4.5 stars (my review)
☀️ Bad Boy: 4.25 stars (my review)
☀️ Lost Boy: 4.5 stars
December 5, 2023
✰ 2 stars ✰
“I want to pick him up, throw him over my shoulder, and toss him onto the bed. Experience new things together.
I’ve never hooked up with anyone. Guys or girls. I’m fucking horny.”
With Lost Boy I think it's time for Charli Meadows and I to part ways. I tried to give this series the benefit of the doubt, but if each book is operating under the same formula, then, there's really only so much I can read before I have to take my leave. There are plenty of other series by authors where the writing did not connect with me and I politely declined to give the rest a chance. So, the fact that I stayed till the third book, despite my reservations since the first book, deserves some round of applause. 😔
“But I won’t give up on him. Like I said, I’ve made it my duty to get him to smile. I may be a jokester and a jock, but I take my responsibilities very seriously.”
A little too seriously, if you ask me. 🙄🙄
Coming from a traumatic and painful past, broken tortured soul, Fallon, moves in with Uncle Jess, his father's brother, who's dating a guy, who has a fourteen-year-old daughter, Sofie, and an eighteen-year-old boy, Ryder Cruz - handsome, kind and perfect - and fully keen on making Fallon his own. Like, literally, off the bat.
With one two chapters devoted to seeing how broken Fallon really is, and Ryder making it his life's mission to make him open up and be the happiest he can be, we still get to see with each attempt of kindness is the instant urge to be incredibly horny and physical with him. Like, why? 😭😭 The insta-lust is so insta-strong in this one, it's not even funny. 😐
“I can’t get enough of him. The tension between us ebbs and flows. His aura is intoxicating, and I want so badly to push through the fog surrounding him and find him. Pull him out and to the other side with me. Bring him home.
Shit.
Got deep. Too fucking deep.”
The short story of Ryder and Fallon's romance: He saw him. He met him. He wanted him. He helped him. He claimed him. 🤦
The long story is pretty much the same formula from the past books. Broken boy moves close to happy boy, who while lusting for new friend, still wants to help him - in more ways than one. Cue, falling in love within the first few chapters, throw in a lethal punch of homophobic jabs, a healthy helping of supportive friends, a few examples of horrible parenting skills, plenty of sexy times and a picture perfect happily ever after, because let's face it - these boys have been through enough. 😉 Oh, and let's not forget, a cute nickname to round it all off nicely, too! But I think, that's a trend that kinda grew on me - a little - so, I'll let it go this time around. It would have been fine the first time around, but to have the same process in the next few books, and simply only change the characters' setups. I'm not happy with that setup! 😒
“Fuck. It feels good. And that’s part of the problem.
Ryder tries to make me feel.
I don’t want to feel.
The past. It haunts me.
But I push it away and let the pleasure take over instead.”
What pains me is that it still did try to tackle some sensitive issues. Fallon's surprise at his attraction to Ryder was brief, but it was a nice touch to see that he didn't realize he could even be attracted to boys till he met him. Ryder being afraid to come out as gay due to his sports scholarship also paved the way for some heated tension, but not enough to deter me - or him - for the constant need for sex. The bullying was a little bit more intense this time around, but how Fallon overcame it, showed just how much he was growing with his emotions, as well. 😔
But still - it's not enough for me to appreciate it enough. And the fact that the writing style is not something that I'm enjoying - I mean, there's only so many times I can be reminded about Fallon's 'pale creamy soft skin' before I want to shout, 'okay, we get it!' I kept going, hoping that something would be different - something would ignite a spark of feeling in me, but alas, nothing. It's not bad - it just isn't what I look for in a book. 😮💨😮💨 I think it was only the fact that I actually started this series from the start - that out of some sense of loyalty, I stuck with it. I saw a glimmer of promise in the last book, but this pretty much proved that I'm not going to get anything worthwhile from this series. 😞😞
I'm confident Charli Meadows has a loyal fan-base - I just don't think I'm going to be a part of it. 🤷
“I want to pick him up, throw him over my shoulder, and toss him onto the bed. Experience new things together.
I’ve never hooked up with anyone. Guys or girls. I’m fucking horny.”
With Lost Boy I think it's time for Charli Meadows and I to part ways. I tried to give this series the benefit of the doubt, but if each book is operating under the same formula, then, there's really only so much I can read before I have to take my leave. There are plenty of other series by authors where the writing did not connect with me and I politely declined to give the rest a chance. So, the fact that I stayed till the third book, despite my reservations since the first book, deserves some round of applause. 😔
“But I won’t give up on him. Like I said, I’ve made it my duty to get him to smile. I may be a jokester and a jock, but I take my responsibilities very seriously.”
A little too seriously, if you ask me. 🙄🙄
Coming from a traumatic and painful past, broken tortured soul, Fallon, moves in with Uncle Jess, his father's brother, who's dating a guy, who has a fourteen-year-old daughter, Sofie, and an eighteen-year-old boy, Ryder Cruz - handsome, kind and perfect - and fully keen on making Fallon his own. Like, literally, off the bat.
With one two chapters devoted to seeing how broken Fallon really is, and Ryder making it his life's mission to make him open up and be the happiest he can be, we still get to see with each attempt of kindness is the instant urge to be incredibly horny and physical with him. Like, why? 😭😭 The insta-lust is so insta-strong in this one, it's not even funny. 😐
“I can’t get enough of him. The tension between us ebbs and flows. His aura is intoxicating, and I want so badly to push through the fog surrounding him and find him. Pull him out and to the other side with me. Bring him home.
Shit.
Got deep. Too fucking deep.”
The short story of Ryder and Fallon's romance: He saw him. He met him. He wanted him. He helped him. He claimed him. 🤦
The long story is pretty much the same formula from the past books. Broken boy moves close to happy boy, who while lusting for new friend, still wants to help him - in more ways than one. Cue, falling in love within the first few chapters, throw in a lethal punch of homophobic jabs, a healthy helping of supportive friends, a few examples of horrible parenting skills, plenty of sexy times and a picture perfect happily ever after, because let's face it - these boys have been through enough. 😉 Oh, and let's not forget, a cute nickname to round it all off nicely, too! But I think, that's a trend that kinda grew on me - a little - so, I'll let it go this time around. It would have been fine the first time around, but to have the same process in the next few books, and simply only change the characters' setups. I'm not happy with that setup! 😒
“Fuck. It feels good. And that’s part of the problem.
Ryder tries to make me feel.
I don’t want to feel.
The past. It haunts me.
But I push it away and let the pleasure take over instead.”
What pains me is that it still did try to tackle some sensitive issues. Fallon's surprise at his attraction to Ryder was brief, but it was a nice touch to see that he didn't realize he could even be attracted to boys till he met him. Ryder being afraid to come out as gay due to his sports scholarship also paved the way for some heated tension, but not enough to deter me - or him - for the constant need for sex. The bullying was a little bit more intense this time around, but how Fallon overcame it, showed just how much he was growing with his emotions, as well. 😔
But still - it's not enough for me to appreciate it enough. And the fact that the writing style is not something that I'm enjoying - I mean, there's only so many times I can be reminded about Fallon's 'pale creamy soft skin' before I want to shout, 'okay, we get it!' I kept going, hoping that something would be different - something would ignite a spark of feeling in me, but alas, nothing. It's not bad - it just isn't what I look for in a book. 😮💨😮💨 I think it was only the fact that I actually started this series from the start - that out of some sense of loyalty, I stuck with it. I saw a glimmer of promise in the last book, but this pretty much proved that I'm not going to get anything worthwhile from this series. 😞😞
I'm confident Charli Meadows has a loyal fan-base - I just don't think I'm going to be a part of it. 🤷
![Profile Image for Lilly [Hiatus due to School] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1663899589i%2F10381707._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 28, 2023
I really enjoyed the 3rd book in the Loyal Boys series. Full review to come!
June 23, 2023
"Ryder gives me his easy-going smile, always cool, calm, and collected. Full of happiness and joy. He’s sunshine and light, but I’m just darkness. The miserable, trap-you-in-it’s-clutches type of dark that people avoid. He doesn’t need me. None of them do."
Lost Boy is the third book in The Loyal Boys series by Charli Meadows, a collection of standalone contemporary M/M romances. This is Fallon and Ryder's story.
Tropes include:
🌶️opposites attract
🌶️forced proximity
🌶️hurt/comfort
🌶️size difference
🌶️steamy first times
🌶️a supportive found family
Fallon is shut off, broody, so lonely and basically numb to the world after trauma in his younger years. Ryder is just a lovable, sporty, big old ray of sunshine who basically falls for Fallon the moment he sets eyes on him.
"His looks captured me, his aura ensnared me, and now his soul calls to mine."
Their journey together towards their HEA isn't without its bumps along the way, but it's all worth it in the end.
"My love and desire for him are never-ending, all-consuming, and inescapable. Burning bright and never fading. He’s opened my eyes to colors I’ve never seen before and introduced happiness to my life that I’ve never felt. Never even dreamed."
Another Charli Meadows classic. ❣️
4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lost Boy is the third book in The Loyal Boys series by Charli Meadows, a collection of standalone contemporary M/M romances. This is Fallon and Ryder's story.
Tropes include:
🌶️opposites attract
🌶️forced proximity
🌶️hurt/comfort
🌶️size difference
🌶️steamy first times
🌶️a supportive found family
Fallon is shut off, broody, so lonely and basically numb to the world after trauma in his younger years. Ryder is just a lovable, sporty, big old ray of sunshine who basically falls for Fallon the moment he sets eyes on him.
"His looks captured me, his aura ensnared me, and now his soul calls to mine."
Their journey together towards their HEA isn't without its bumps along the way, but it's all worth it in the end.
"My love and desire for him are never-ending, all-consuming, and inescapable. Burning bright and never fading. He’s opened my eyes to colors I’ve never seen before and introduced happiness to my life that I’ve never felt. Never even dreamed."
Another Charli Meadows classic. ❣️
4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 24, 2023
There’s a certain level of implausibility within contemporary romance that I can handle and even forgive but sometimes it’s just so odd that I am unable to focus on the story. I start to think of all the other ways it could’ve been written and while I think it’s normal to feel like you, as the reader, would’ve made different choices than the author, it shouldn’t necessarily distract from the book.
The whole idea of the trust camp for the rivals teams is bizarre, as is Fallon being there. It definitely fell apart for me at this point. Which is unfortunate because I did enjoy seeing many other aspects. Why the hell do they need to learn to trust each other??? Huh? Also, the sheer incompetence of the counselors…especially with the extreme life threatening bullying…what kind of camp was this??
It also was an indication of how Fallon’s uncle, Joel, had no control of his team. And actually, other than giving Fallon a safe home, where the hell was his uncle most of the time. Where were any adults?? This was a high school romance so there should’ve been some kind of adult somewhere at some point.
The absolute lack of emotional help and support provided to Fallon in the form of actual therapy was strange. Being thrown into the happy sunshine family with no transitional period after being trapped in an abusive, neglectful, dangerous and impoverished home for 5 years was abrupt to say the least. And this is one of those elements that needed to be more realistic for a contemporary book. Love doesn’t cure all and more care needed to be given to a horrifically depressed young man. The mental health rep wasn’t addressed in any way.
I’d also say that considering how vile Sofie and Ryder’s mom was and the less than amicable divorce, they should’ve been in some form of therapy as well. Additionally, Sofie felt like she was written closer to an 8yo than 15. I just don’t understand why the mental and emotional abuse these 3 kids were forced to endure was never adequately addressed.
The dialogue felt very off for teens at times. There several other things that were just odd and inconsistent and I don’t want to ruin anything by giving it all away. (Maybe that’s ironic given the nature of my review.)
I truly adored the connection between Fallon and Ryder though. They were so sweet together and Ryder really did want to give Fallon a sense of security and happiness. But too much was messy, not adequately explored, underwhelming and even dangerous (Dustin was a predator and no follow up or repercussions happened.)
The whole idea of the trust camp for the rivals teams is bizarre, as is Fallon being there. It definitely fell apart for me at this point. Which is unfortunate because I did enjoy seeing many other aspects. Why the hell do they need to learn to trust each other??? Huh? Also, the sheer incompetence of the counselors…especially with the extreme life threatening bullying…what kind of camp was this??
It also was an indication of how Fallon’s uncle, Joel, had no control of his team. And actually, other than giving Fallon a safe home, where the hell was his uncle most of the time. Where were any adults?? This was a high school romance so there should’ve been some kind of adult somewhere at some point.
The absolute lack of emotional help and support provided to Fallon in the form of actual therapy was strange. Being thrown into the happy sunshine family with no transitional period after being trapped in an abusive, neglectful, dangerous and impoverished home for 5 years was abrupt to say the least. And this is one of those elements that needed to be more realistic for a contemporary book. Love doesn’t cure all and more care needed to be given to a horrifically depressed young man. The mental health rep wasn’t addressed in any way.
I’d also say that considering how vile Sofie and Ryder’s mom was and the less than amicable divorce, they should’ve been in some form of therapy as well. Additionally, Sofie felt like she was written closer to an 8yo than 15. I just don’t understand why the mental and emotional abuse these 3 kids were forced to endure was never adequately addressed.
The dialogue felt very off for teens at times. There several other things that were just odd and inconsistent and I don’t want to ruin anything by giving it all away. (Maybe that’s ironic given the nature of my review.)
I truly adored the connection between Fallon and Ryder though. They were so sweet together and Ryder really did want to give Fallon a sense of security and happiness. But too much was messy, not adequately explored, underwhelming and even dangerous (Dustin was a predator and no follow up or repercussions happened.)
July 24, 2023
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
“If I wasn’t numb to everything. If it was before. If it was five years ago. I might have smiled. I might have laughed. But it’s not. And I feel like a pillow is pressing down on my face, suffocating me with regret and painful memories.”
My first Charli Meadows book, and certainly won’t be my last. Fallon is definitely affected by trauma, and feelings of guilt and abandonment, but he’s also just a reserved and quiet person. I liked that he didn’t get a personality transplant just by working through some of that. Ryder is such an endearing mix of dude-bro and golden retriever, as well as being a super-dirty-in-the-bedroom sweetheart. Like, if I ever had a kid, I’d want my kid to be like Ryder. Well, without the dirty bedroom stuff, maybe. I wouldn’t wanna know, atleast, lol.
“Do your lips hurt?” I ask. “No,” he responds, breath hot against my touch. “Damn,” I tease. “I was gonna kiss them better.”
I normally don’t read romance with MCs this young, but I really loved it. This was a very low angst sexual awakening/coming of age type book. I still want to read Al and Joel’s story tho, lol. Single dad, age gap, son’s basketball coach? Sign me up. But yeah, even tho the parent figures stole the show for me a little (I wished we got more scenes between Fallon and his uncle), I loved this book. A little heartbreaking, a little sweet, and a little fun. Just solid overall. Adored the writing.
I think this was my favorite quote:
“I don’t deserve him. But I think I’m going to let myself have him.”
OH, and plus points for a ‘little sister’ character/prominent female character that didn’t get on my nerves within the first three pages. Sofie was awesome. Highly recommend. I’m gonna go back and start with Cali Boy. Soon. Ish. Hopefully sometime this year.
Extra btw, fucking kudos to these guys for banging on a bean bag. I can’t even sit down and get up from one of those without resembling an overturned turtle.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Friends to lovers, forced proximity, virgin x2, opposites attract, pseudo-stepbrothers? (dad and uncle of MCs are dating), high school romance, basketball, coming of age, sexual awakening, past trauma, found family, musician, piercings and funky hair, nipples ftw, size difference
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Violence
Underage drinking and drugs
Bullying (outside of the MCs)
Homophobia
Parental loss (off page in the past)
Parental neglect (off page)
Grief
Anxiety
Depression
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
“If I wasn’t numb to everything. If it was before. If it was five years ago. I might have smiled. I might have laughed. But it’s not. And I feel like a pillow is pressing down on my face, suffocating me with regret and painful memories.”
My first Charli Meadows book, and certainly won’t be my last. Fallon is definitely affected by trauma, and feelings of guilt and abandonment, but he’s also just a reserved and quiet person. I liked that he didn’t get a personality transplant just by working through some of that. Ryder is such an endearing mix of dude-bro and golden retriever, as well as being a super-dirty-in-the-bedroom sweetheart. Like, if I ever had a kid, I’d want my kid to be like Ryder. Well, without the dirty bedroom stuff, maybe. I wouldn’t wanna know, atleast, lol.
“Do your lips hurt?” I ask. “No,” he responds, breath hot against my touch. “Damn,” I tease. “I was gonna kiss them better.”
I normally don’t read romance with MCs this young, but I really loved it. This was a very low angst sexual awakening/coming of age type book. I still want to read Al and Joel’s story tho, lol. Single dad, age gap, son’s basketball coach? Sign me up. But yeah, even tho the parent figures stole the show for me a little (I wished we got more scenes between Fallon and his uncle), I loved this book. A little heartbreaking, a little sweet, and a little fun. Just solid overall. Adored the writing.
I think this was my favorite quote:
“I don’t deserve him. But I think I’m going to let myself have him.”
OH, and plus points for a ‘little sister’ character/prominent female character that didn’t get on my nerves within the first three pages. Sofie was awesome. Highly recommend. I’m gonna go back and start with Cali Boy. Soon. Ish. Hopefully sometime this year.
Extra btw, fucking kudos to these guys for banging on a bean bag. I can’t even sit down and get up from one of those without resembling an overturned turtle.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Friends to lovers, forced proximity, virgin x2, opposites attract, pseudo-stepbrothers? (dad and uncle of MCs are dating), high school romance, basketball, coming of age, sexual awakening, past trauma, found family, musician, piercings and funky hair, nipples ftw, size difference
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Violence
Underage drinking and drugs
Bullying (outside of the MCs)
Homophobia
Parental loss (off page in the past)
Parental neglect (off page)
Grief
Anxiety
Depression
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2023
Yikes
I liked both of this authors previous works on this series, so when this one came out I was so excited and zoomed right over here to read it.
Annnnnnnd I wanted to dnf almost half way through. This kid needed some damn therapy. He was shoved into an emotionally well rounded household where he was so used to hiding his emotions and schooling his features due to trauma with his mom and losing his dad, but was somehow expected to adjust with them without professional help? I’m all for “love cures all,” kind of thing, but absolutely not. He was traumatized as heck and this family kept up with the constant touching and hugging, even when you see him physically react in a negative way. But it's okay, because it's a 14 year old girl and "no," is apparently not a full sentence in this book.
This kid was insanely bullied through the whole book for absolutely no reason, like I literally couldn't figure out why. His hair and makeup? Also, how was this kid even ALLOWED to wear makeup and have his hair like this at a private school? As well as not having his uniform? Suspicious, but sure.
Ryder somehow gets a hold of footage of kids DESTROYING his fathers car and fucking the house up (because egging CAN destroy a fucking paint job), but deletes the evidence off the camera (????) and keeps it himself because.... He knows it'll come in handy whenever these dudes pick on his boyfriend? I really didn't see the point in having the father straight up go to the police. This shit would have been resolved WAY ahead of Fallon arriving. But sure, plot. Angst. Okay.
So, how did some random guy at a public high school somehow figure out his entire past (he was underage at the time and his file would have been SEALED)? Like, are these "poor" kids are not actually poor and can somehow hire PI? BUT THEN. He goes and blurts it out in front of an entire camp? Ok, sure. Also, I'm sorry but there’s no way two very different schools (Public/private) would work together to go to a camp to learn how to depend and trust each other because the schools teams go back and forth on pranks. No. I’ve gone to a public school and the lack of funding is REAL. They literally shaved off weeks of school because they couldn't afford to keep it open, but sure. Lets all go to a trust building camp. Also, how do any of these kids still ATTEND school? This crap would have lead to suspension if not immediate expulsion. Physical assault and attempted murder would definitely lead to not attending school anymore, especially if it is during school events. Because, you know, shoving someone into a raging river of death (rapids) regardless of knowing if they can swim are not, usually would lead to them DROWNING. But it's okay, because apparently there are no adults in this entire fucking book. There's literally one camp counselor for two ENTIRE basketball teams at this team bonding trip. One. Not even parent volunteers, the coach, or anything. Just one person. Who then allows the teams to go off and pick their own camping spots and can't monitor them at all, because.... ONE PERSON. Same for the country club they ABSOLUTELY NEEDED TO ATTEND. How are teenagers in charge of parking expensive vehicles and allowing members in without adult supervision? The kid in charge of allowing PAYING MEMBERS into this club was giving Fallon shit for his appearance and suffered zero consequences. Because again, there are apparently no adults in this entire town.
BUT SPEAKING OF COUNTRY CLUBS. The force of wealth onto Fallon was disgusting. Like, he's barely been here for a week and this family is shoving expensive gifts onto him (brand new iPhone, a few hundred dollars on gift cards, and his fathers acoustic guitar that's been completely cleaned and fixed up). They all know this kid apparently came from a trailer park, doesn't have access to food, clothing, and your every day items, but sure. Lets forth some casual wealth on him because that won't make him insanely comfortable.
But the thing that made me so angry? The fact that they dragged this kid, this TRAUMATIZED kid to his fathers grave and had him read a letter his dead father wrote for him, and he “sucks” it up and reads it because Ryders strength as a basketball player in high school and MVP is what he needs to get through it. I’m sorry but no. I’ve lost a parent at a young age and this was just… absolutely not it. I get that people grieve in different ways but just… no. No, no, no. You do not get to determine when someone gets to grieve or deal with the death of a close family member. You do not have that right, regardless of your role in their life. Also, let’s also add the fact that the mom wants to speak to him all of a sudden from prison, because sure, going to the grave wasn't enough.
Like enough already. You see him resorting to drinking and getting high in every chapter because he isn't equipped to handle all the shit that he's had to deal with, but lets tack on some more trauma because why not. And Ryder needs to learn some god damn boundaries for one. I get that Ryder doesn't want someone drinking and getting high in front of his sister, I do. But how does he fucking get off, telling Fallon what he CAN and CANNOT do in Fallon's own fucking home?! You don't want to see it? Take you and your sister to your OWN HOUSE. Also, what the fuck does Ryder care anyways? HIS FOURTEEN YEAR OLD SISTER IS SNEAKING OUT TO PARTIES ANYWAYS. Point is a bit fucking lost there my dude. Also, she suffers zero consequences for this because, like I said earlier, there are no adults in this book. Even her own trauma at being nearly assaulted is brushed off and she's sent to a friends house where the older sister of said friend can deal with it.
Also, what the FUCK is this line about Joel being an athletic man and a basketball coach but still sometimes comes off "as a stereotypical gay?" Yeah, can we fucking not. Gross.
Again, Fallon needed therapy, this family needs to understand what boundaries mean, this town needs some more fucking adults, and this entire school district needs to go straight into the trash.
I liked both of this authors previous works on this series, so when this one came out I was so excited and zoomed right over here to read it.
Annnnnnnd I wanted to dnf almost half way through. This kid needed some damn therapy. He was shoved into an emotionally well rounded household where he was so used to hiding his emotions and schooling his features due to trauma with his mom and losing his dad, but was somehow expected to adjust with them without professional help? I’m all for “love cures all,” kind of thing, but absolutely not. He was traumatized as heck and this family kept up with the constant touching and hugging, even when you see him physically react in a negative way. But it's okay, because it's a 14 year old girl and "no," is apparently not a full sentence in this book.
This kid was insanely bullied through the whole book for absolutely no reason, like I literally couldn't figure out why. His hair and makeup? Also, how was this kid even ALLOWED to wear makeup and have his hair like this at a private school? As well as not having his uniform? Suspicious, but sure.
Ryder somehow gets a hold of footage of kids DESTROYING his fathers car and fucking the house up (because egging CAN destroy a fucking paint job), but deletes the evidence off the camera (????) and keeps it himself because.... He knows it'll come in handy whenever these dudes pick on his boyfriend? I really didn't see the point in having the father straight up go to the police. This shit would have been resolved WAY ahead of Fallon arriving. But sure, plot. Angst. Okay.
So, how did some random guy at a public high school somehow figure out his entire past (he was underage at the time and his file would have been SEALED)? Like, are these "poor" kids are not actually poor and can somehow hire PI? BUT THEN. He goes and blurts it out in front of an entire camp? Ok, sure. Also, I'm sorry but there’s no way two very different schools (Public/private) would work together to go to a camp to learn how to depend and trust each other because the schools teams go back and forth on pranks. No. I’ve gone to a public school and the lack of funding is REAL. They literally shaved off weeks of school because they couldn't afford to keep it open, but sure. Lets all go to a trust building camp. Also, how do any of these kids still ATTEND school? This crap would have lead to suspension if not immediate expulsion. Physical assault and attempted murder would definitely lead to not attending school anymore, especially if it is during school events. Because, you know, shoving someone into a raging river of death (rapids) regardless of knowing if they can swim are not, usually would lead to them DROWNING. But it's okay, because apparently there are no adults in this entire fucking book. There's literally one camp counselor for two ENTIRE basketball teams at this team bonding trip. One. Not even parent volunteers, the coach, or anything. Just one person. Who then allows the teams to go off and pick their own camping spots and can't monitor them at all, because.... ONE PERSON. Same for the country club they ABSOLUTELY NEEDED TO ATTEND. How are teenagers in charge of parking expensive vehicles and allowing members in without adult supervision? The kid in charge of allowing PAYING MEMBERS into this club was giving Fallon shit for his appearance and suffered zero consequences. Because again, there are apparently no adults in this entire town.
BUT SPEAKING OF COUNTRY CLUBS. The force of wealth onto Fallon was disgusting. Like, he's barely been here for a week and this family is shoving expensive gifts onto him (brand new iPhone, a few hundred dollars on gift cards, and his fathers acoustic guitar that's been completely cleaned and fixed up). They all know this kid apparently came from a trailer park, doesn't have access to food, clothing, and your every day items, but sure. Lets forth some casual wealth on him because that won't make him insanely comfortable.
But the thing that made me so angry? The fact that they dragged this kid, this TRAUMATIZED kid to his fathers grave and had him read a letter his dead father wrote for him, and he “sucks” it up and reads it because Ryders strength as a basketball player in high school and MVP is what he needs to get through it. I’m sorry but no. I’ve lost a parent at a young age and this was just… absolutely not it. I get that people grieve in different ways but just… no. No, no, no. You do not get to determine when someone gets to grieve or deal with the death of a close family member. You do not have that right, regardless of your role in their life. Also, let’s also add the fact that the mom wants to speak to him all of a sudden from prison, because sure, going to the grave wasn't enough.
Like enough already. You see him resorting to drinking and getting high in every chapter because he isn't equipped to handle all the shit that he's had to deal with, but lets tack on some more trauma because why not. And Ryder needs to learn some god damn boundaries for one. I get that Ryder doesn't want someone drinking and getting high in front of his sister, I do. But how does he fucking get off, telling Fallon what he CAN and CANNOT do in Fallon's own fucking home?! You don't want to see it? Take you and your sister to your OWN HOUSE. Also, what the fuck does Ryder care anyways? HIS FOURTEEN YEAR OLD SISTER IS SNEAKING OUT TO PARTIES ANYWAYS. Point is a bit fucking lost there my dude. Also, she suffers zero consequences for this because, like I said earlier, there are no adults in this book. Even her own trauma at being nearly assaulted is brushed off and she's sent to a friends house where the older sister of said friend can deal with it.
Also, what the FUCK is this line about Joel being an athletic man and a basketball coach but still sometimes comes off "as a stereotypical gay?" Yeah, can we fucking not. Gross.
Again, Fallon needed therapy, this family needs to understand what boundaries mean, this town needs some more fucking adults, and this entire school district needs to go straight into the trash.
June 15, 2023
- hurt x comfort
- forced proximity
- grumpy x sunshine
- size difference
- first times
A week before his eighteenth birthday, Fallon is forced to move across country to California and is forced to live with his uncle, who he hasn’t seen in three years, after his mom ends up in jail.
His uncle, Joel, is the head basketball coach at the local private school, Acadia Lake Prep, the same school he’ll soon be attending, and Ryder Cruz, his star player and boyfriend’s son, only has eyes for Fallon.
Ryder is happiness personified, and everything that Fallon is not, but the more time spent around him the more the icy exterior Fallon has built around himself starts to melt. While they may have feelings for each other grow, Ryder isn’t out and terrified at putting his future at risk.
I love The Loyal Boys series so much and I fall in love with each new couple that gets introduced, but there’s just something about Ryder and Fallon that have completely stolen the show. I loved everything minute of this grumpy sunshine goodness, and their relationship is so sweet despite all the obstacles in their way.
- forced proximity
- grumpy x sunshine
- size difference
- first times
A week before his eighteenth birthday, Fallon is forced to move across country to California and is forced to live with his uncle, who he hasn’t seen in three years, after his mom ends up in jail.
His uncle, Joel, is the head basketball coach at the local private school, Acadia Lake Prep, the same school he’ll soon be attending, and Ryder Cruz, his star player and boyfriend’s son, only has eyes for Fallon.
Ryder is happiness personified, and everything that Fallon is not, but the more time spent around him the more the icy exterior Fallon has built around himself starts to melt. While they may have feelings for each other grow, Ryder isn’t out and terrified at putting his future at risk.
I love The Loyal Boys series so much and I fall in love with each new couple that gets introduced, but there’s just something about Ryder and Fallon that have completely stolen the show. I loved everything minute of this grumpy sunshine goodness, and their relationship is so sweet despite all the obstacles in their way.
June 28, 2023
I loved this story, it packed a whole ot of everything into one book! We got heartache, sadness, grief, we got smirks and blushing, we got pick ups and first times, we got a fabulous found family with healing and a crazy chief who loves to make ice cream cookie cakes!!
Fallen really is a Lost Boy, going from a loving family to a broken abusive one due to his fathers passing. He’s never been able to grieve properly, always blaming himself for his fathers death and his mothers downfall. When his uncle comes to collect him and take him home with him, he’s thinking he will be there a week then once he’s 18 he will back on his own, but that’s not the case, he’s thrown into family life with his uncle and his partners family, and there’s no way they will allow him to be alone anymore.
Ryder is a basketball jock, he loving and kind and he’s an amazing big brother to his sister. Their mother left when their dad decided to live his truth and she’s toxic, so he becomes his sisters everything. When his dads partner bring home his nephew, he decides he’s going to do everything to help the broody boy with the bright hair smile.
These boys both gave me Demi vibes, neither having any previous partners but something clicks for them both in each other, they get the emotional connection and everything just awakens in them. Ryder is a total golden retriever when it comes to Fallen, but he’s also knows when he can push him to help him move forward in his grief. He gives fallen a safe place to land, someone to trust and someone to show him he can be loved.
Fallen needs all the love, it was great seeing him slowly open up like a flower till he bloomed and that was due to the amazing people around him letting him deal with his past in a safe way. I loved that there was no miss communication and no 3rd act break up, just a low angst read full of love and emotions and lots of spicy times.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Content warnings read if you’re sensitive.
💙Jock/musician
💙Friends to Lovers
💙Hurt/Comfort
💙Opposites
💙Size Difference
💙Grumpy/Sunshine
💙Feels
💙First times
💙SPICYYYY!
Fallen really is a Lost Boy, going from a loving family to a broken abusive one due to his fathers passing. He’s never been able to grieve properly, always blaming himself for his fathers death and his mothers downfall. When his uncle comes to collect him and take him home with him, he’s thinking he will be there a week then once he’s 18 he will back on his own, but that’s not the case, he’s thrown into family life with his uncle and his partners family, and there’s no way they will allow him to be alone anymore.
Ryder is a basketball jock, he loving and kind and he’s an amazing big brother to his sister. Their mother left when their dad decided to live his truth and she’s toxic, so he becomes his sisters everything. When his dads partner bring home his nephew, he decides he’s going to do everything to help the broody boy with the bright hair smile.
These boys both gave me Demi vibes, neither having any previous partners but something clicks for them both in each other, they get the emotional connection and everything just awakens in them. Ryder is a total golden retriever when it comes to Fallen, but he’s also knows when he can push him to help him move forward in his grief. He gives fallen a safe place to land, someone to trust and someone to show him he can be loved.
Fallen needs all the love, it was great seeing him slowly open up like a flower till he bloomed and that was due to the amazing people around him letting him deal with his past in a safe way. I loved that there was no miss communication and no 3rd act break up, just a low angst read full of love and emotions and lots of spicy times.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Content warnings read if you’re sensitive.
💙Jock/musician
💙Friends to Lovers
💙Hurt/Comfort
💙Opposites
💙Size Difference
💙Grumpy/Sunshine
💙Feels
💙First times
💙SPICYYYY!
June 22, 2023
Ryder was an absolute golden retriever and I loved that! He wasn’t your overused, stereotypical jock character that all the books keep churning out. He stood up for what was right, supported his dads, loved his younger sister, defended Fallon since he didn’t mold to the status quo. He just really surprised me.
Fallon had a lot of depth to his character which I enjoyed. However I preferred the last half of his POV in the book over the first half as it felt very “woe is me” and how he is numb and never feels anything, which is understandable, it just got repetitive.
Overall, this book felt wholesome which is kinda wild because there are heavy themes like bullying and homophobia. However, that is all coming from outside the house, not inside which is something you rarely see in a queer book. There is something to be said about the safety and warmth you get when you are loved and supported from the people who are supposed to love you and you have a safe home to return to. Sigh. Twas very enjoyable.
Fallon had a lot of depth to his character which I enjoyed. However I preferred the last half of his POV in the book over the first half as it felt very “woe is me” and how he is numb and never feels anything, which is understandable, it just got repetitive.
Overall, this book felt wholesome which is kinda wild because there are heavy themes like bullying and homophobia. However, that is all coming from outside the house, not inside which is something you rarely see in a queer book. There is something to be said about the safety and warmth you get when you are loved and supported from the people who are supposed to love you and you have a safe home to return to. Sigh. Twas very enjoyable.
June 16, 2023
ARC REVIEW:
It was an amazing love story, but also a beautiful lesson on how to let yourself be loved and also how to love yourself…
He's here now, and so am I. I'll make him smile. No doubt. It's my new mission in life.
I feel sorry for Fallon with his difficult past and can easily understand why it led him to distrust everyone and never let anyone get too close…
Fallon is a fortress with steel shutters, reinforced doors, and a panic room in the basement.
Fortunately for him, however, he didn't know Ryder and his tenacity and perseverance in making him smile, laugh and ultimately just feel better and happy! 🥰
Fallon laughs again, and a shiver races down my spine. The rough sound is toe-curling. It's like being in the presence of a rare, beautiful flower that only blooms once every century.
Ryder's way of calling Fallon his little broody boyfriend and naming him Blue was just too cute! 😍 Definitely an admirable lover, he was always there for Fallon and I have no doubt that he will remain as wonderful and loyal to him forever.
They were so sweet, tender and affectionate with each other...
Ryder helps, even unknowingly. From the very beginning, light and safety radiated from his every pore. I can't help but let my guard down around him. It's powerful and heady, giving into my desires and giving into Ryder. I want to give him everything if he'll take it.
I also really liked Ryder's loving family, who immediately adopted Fallon as one of their own. They're so remarkable… And I particularly adored Sofie, what an incredible little sister to have! 💜
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one! 😊
🎸Jock/Artist
🏀 Opposites attract
🎸 Forced proximity
🏀 First times
🎸 Found family
🏀 Hurt/comfort
It was an amazing love story, but also a beautiful lesson on how to let yourself be loved and also how to love yourself…
He's here now, and so am I. I'll make him smile. No doubt. It's my new mission in life.
I feel sorry for Fallon with his difficult past and can easily understand why it led him to distrust everyone and never let anyone get too close…
Fallon is a fortress with steel shutters, reinforced doors, and a panic room in the basement.
Fortunately for him, however, he didn't know Ryder and his tenacity and perseverance in making him smile, laugh and ultimately just feel better and happy! 🥰
Fallon laughs again, and a shiver races down my spine. The rough sound is toe-curling. It's like being in the presence of a rare, beautiful flower that only blooms once every century.
Ryder's way of calling Fallon his little broody boyfriend and naming him Blue was just too cute! 😍 Definitely an admirable lover, he was always there for Fallon and I have no doubt that he will remain as wonderful and loyal to him forever.
They were so sweet, tender and affectionate with each other...
Ryder helps, even unknowingly. From the very beginning, light and safety radiated from his every pore. I can't help but let my guard down around him. It's powerful and heady, giving into my desires and giving into Ryder. I want to give him everything if he'll take it.
I also really liked Ryder's loving family, who immediately adopted Fallon as one of their own. They're so remarkable… And I particularly adored Sofie, what an incredible little sister to have! 💜
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one! 😊
🎸Jock/Artist
🏀 Opposites attract
🎸 Forced proximity
🏀 First times
🎸 Found family
🏀 Hurt/comfort
June 28, 2023
"He's sunshine and light, but I'm just darkness."
Oh Fallon. My heart went out to him. He hasn't had an easy life after the passing of his father. The one person who was supposed to support him unconditionally, his own mother, turned out to be the person most responsible for him losing all he had left. It kills me when parents do this to their children. It's incredibly selfish and makes me wish I could open my own home to all those kids who live in neglect. Seeing what those 5 years living with his mother did to Fallon was horrific. The best thing that ever happened to him was his Uncle Joel taking him in, even if he didn't realize it at the time. It's hard to feel anything if you're dead inside already.
It doesn't take long for Fallon to meet Ryder. He's his opposite in every way, even size. Fallon is petite with black and blue hair and piercings. Ryder is a muscular over 6 foot basketball player who is rarely seen without a smile. Fallon doesn't even remember how to smile, but that doesn't stop Ryder from trying to get him to crack one.
"I'm a mess. I'm a wreck. He'll just leave. Everyone does one way or another."
Fallon has a lot of trauma in his past to work through, abandonment issues being a major one. He also has major self esteem issues courtesy of his mother's many loser boyfriends constantly degrading him while she did nothing about it. Ryder's mission to make that sad, lost little boy smile isn't an easy one, but I loved seeing him try. Little by little we get to see Fallon come out of his shell, to blossom into the boy he should have been all along. It warmed my heart and totally stole Ryders from his chest every time he'd see one of Fallon's almost smiles. And when he finally hears him laugh? Hook, line, and sinker. Boy is a goner over Fallon and thank goodness Fallon feels the same.
"His looks captured me, his aura ensnared me, and now his soul calls to mine."
I really loved how everything turned out in the end. Despite the dark cloud that arrived hanging over Fallon, I felt the story was one of lightness. Working on your mental health takes time. So does healing. And grieving. Fallon was never really able to grieve the loss of his father and I think that contributed to his trauma. Seeing him grow surrounded by Ryder and their entire loving family was lovely. There is one side character that has stuck in my head though. And that's Jackson. Though it's clear Ryder didn't trust him seeing as he's from a rival school, Jackson never did anything untoward. In fact, he was nothing but friendly to Fallon. I'm wondering, more like hoping, we'll get to see more of him in the future.
Oh Fallon. My heart went out to him. He hasn't had an easy life after the passing of his father. The one person who was supposed to support him unconditionally, his own mother, turned out to be the person most responsible for him losing all he had left. It kills me when parents do this to their children. It's incredibly selfish and makes me wish I could open my own home to all those kids who live in neglect. Seeing what those 5 years living with his mother did to Fallon was horrific. The best thing that ever happened to him was his Uncle Joel taking him in, even if he didn't realize it at the time. It's hard to feel anything if you're dead inside already.
It doesn't take long for Fallon to meet Ryder. He's his opposite in every way, even size. Fallon is petite with black and blue hair and piercings. Ryder is a muscular over 6 foot basketball player who is rarely seen without a smile. Fallon doesn't even remember how to smile, but that doesn't stop Ryder from trying to get him to crack one.
"I'm a mess. I'm a wreck. He'll just leave. Everyone does one way or another."
Fallon has a lot of trauma in his past to work through, abandonment issues being a major one. He also has major self esteem issues courtesy of his mother's many loser boyfriends constantly degrading him while she did nothing about it. Ryder's mission to make that sad, lost little boy smile isn't an easy one, but I loved seeing him try. Little by little we get to see Fallon come out of his shell, to blossom into the boy he should have been all along. It warmed my heart and totally stole Ryders from his chest every time he'd see one of Fallon's almost smiles. And when he finally hears him laugh? Hook, line, and sinker. Boy is a goner over Fallon and thank goodness Fallon feels the same.
"His looks captured me, his aura ensnared me, and now his soul calls to mine."
I really loved how everything turned out in the end. Despite the dark cloud that arrived hanging over Fallon, I felt the story was one of lightness. Working on your mental health takes time. So does healing. And grieving. Fallon was never really able to grieve the loss of his father and I think that contributed to his trauma. Seeing him grow surrounded by Ryder and their entire loving family was lovely. There is one side character that has stuck in my head though. And that's Jackson. Though it's clear Ryder didn't trust him seeing as he's from a rival school, Jackson never did anything untoward. In fact, he was nothing but friendly to Fallon. I'm wondering, more like hoping, we'll get to see more of him in the future.
June 17, 2023
Charli Meadows just writes books that I absolutely love, and she's totally on my auto-buy list.
This is the third book the Loyal Boys series, but all three are total standalones, so you can definitely start with this.
If you love:
A jock who has total golden retriever energy
A blue-haired, glitter-chapstick-wearing song-writer
Steamy first times
An epic and romantic coming out
Great family dynamics and friend circle
Then you should give this one a try! You will fall in love with Fallon, although your heart might break a bit for what he's gone through. But Ryder's infectious energy and desire to make Fallon happy is just so sweet to read about.
There is a bit of angst, mostly in the form of bullying and Fallon's past, which I thought was super emotional and so real. I absolutely love the new family that Fallon finds himself becoming a part of, and how supportive they are of him and how they all help him heal and find a stable home.
Also! It's never flat out stated, but I feel like Fallon is demi. Just his reaction to his feelings for Ryder had me thinking that.
Another winner from this author for me, I really enjoyed this one.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book the Loyal Boys series, but all three are total standalones, so you can definitely start with this.
If you love:
A jock who has total golden retriever energy
A blue-haired, glitter-chapstick-wearing song-writer
Steamy first times
An epic and romantic coming out
Great family dynamics and friend circle
Then you should give this one a try! You will fall in love with Fallon, although your heart might break a bit for what he's gone through. But Ryder's infectious energy and desire to make Fallon happy is just so sweet to read about.
There is a bit of angst, mostly in the form of bullying and Fallon's past, which I thought was super emotional and so real. I absolutely love the new family that Fallon finds himself becoming a part of, and how supportive they are of him and how they all help him heal and find a stable home.
Also! It's never flat out stated, but I feel like Fallon is demi. Just his reaction to his feelings for Ryder had me thinking that.
Another winner from this author for me, I really enjoyed this one.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2023
THIS STORY. Fallon is going through it. THROUGH IT, y'all! He gets [redacted] by [redacted] and moves to California. It's an entirely new situation for him. People who care. Enough food to eat. And they seem to want to include him and care. He meets Ryder, the curly haired basketball MVP golden retrieveresque guy who seems to want to know him too.
Oh my god, FALLON, stop breaking my heart. I love a broody sad boy and Fallon is just that, all the way to his eyeliner and box dyed hair.
I love a grumpy/sunshine. I love a rich guy/poor guy that's not too Pretty Woman-ish. I love a sad broody boy who plays music. So this book was ticking off all the boxes. It was insta-obsess and found family and teen angst. It was bullies and the big game! and prom. Check check check. Just keep on checking the boxes.
The interpersonal dynamics were well written, too. Joel and Alejandro were ridiculously wealthy and cool (are parental figures actually like this?!) The kids from Jefferson were just awesome bad guys (although I would have loved a little more closure on that plot point, but I'm not complaining!) And the scene in Philadelphia in the hotel room with [redacted] had me crying along with Fallon. Honestly. It was great!
So do I recommend it? OBVIOUSLY. Read all Charli's books, cause they are great. I loved Fallon and Ryder, and I hope you do too!
Oh my god, FALLON, stop breaking my heart. I love a broody sad boy and Fallon is just that, all the way to his eyeliner and box dyed hair.
I love a grumpy/sunshine. I love a rich guy/poor guy that's not too Pretty Woman-ish. I love a sad broody boy who plays music. So this book was ticking off all the boxes. It was insta-obsess and found family and teen angst. It was bullies and the big game! and prom. Check check check. Just keep on checking the boxes.
The interpersonal dynamics were well written, too. Joel and Alejandro were ridiculously wealthy and cool (are parental figures actually like this?!) The kids from Jefferson were just awesome bad guys (although I would have loved a little more closure on that plot point, but I'm not complaining!) And the scene in Philadelphia in the hotel room with [redacted] had me crying along with Fallon. Honestly. It was great!
So do I recommend it? OBVIOUSLY. Read all Charli's books, cause they are great. I loved Fallon and Ryder, and I hope you do too!
June 27, 2023
I've loved the authors previous books in the series but this wasn't it
The whole thing read like a super cliche YA high school drama from the 90s (I'm looking at you One Tree Hill) but with a weirdly detailed and constant amount of smut that made zero sense with the rest of the book
The whole bullying storyline was ridiculous. These guys are attempting murder and sexual assault but we can't tell any adults because we have a basketball game to win? And then that's it? These guys never face any consequences for their actions, they simply lost a game and the end. I spent the last 50 pages waiting for the other shoe to drop since it's foreshadowed they are planning something and then .. Nada
Also why is Dustin creepy for wanting to date a 14 year old who acts like a 6 year old, but when Jamie wants to, it's fine cause he's a good guy. No, that folks is what we call illegal. He's 18 and she's 14. Doesn't matter if they're friends
Why is their no resolution with Ryder's mom? I didn't understand her inclusion in the story at all. Why is this crazy lady able to just waltz into their house whenever she pleases? Doors have locks people!
Then there's how Fallon is somehow cured by dick. Enough said. Anyone can overcome years of deep emotional trauma if they're given a nine inch peen 🙄
Forcing Fallon to visit his dad's grave was when I pretty much skimmed until the end (I really should have given up sooner but was waiting for the big climax with the bullies that never happened) You can't force someone to grieve the way you would
The ending was so rushed. Like things that should have been major plot points were a few sentences
Yet, we spent ages on the trust camp, which was one of the most nonsensical things I've ever read. I'm supposed to believe that you can force two dozen teenagers to go to a camp for the entire weekend with like an hours notice, no parent permission, no supervision from the school because for some weird reason the team needs to build trust but the coach isn't there and you're sending them with the other team who has been vandilising your school. Then they have to pass a trust exercise to play, which everyone does easily, making the whole thing pointless. There's also kidnapping and assault/attempted murder and no one notices?
Seriously, they don't tell anyone these guys almost killed Fallon because they can't let them get to them before they win the game? Ah, guess what dumbasses? These guys would be fucking expelled if you told someone what they'd done and you wouldn't have to worry
Also, them winning the game is a piece of cake? Like, there isn't an ounce of tension and it's built to be this big moment that ends as nothing. Which turns out to be the state championship which incidentally they happen to be playing against the other school in their town who completely sucks?
Oh and it all ends with them being famous and NBA players. Every single person at that school makes it to the NBA because it's that easy apparently, even though they never seem to practise and just fuck around a lot
The whole thing read like a super cliche YA high school drama from the 90s (I'm looking at you One Tree Hill) but with a weirdly detailed and constant amount of smut that made zero sense with the rest of the book
The whole bullying storyline was ridiculous. These guys are attempting murder and sexual assault but we can't tell any adults because we have a basketball game to win? And then that's it? These guys never face any consequences for their actions, they simply lost a game and the end. I spent the last 50 pages waiting for the other shoe to drop since it's foreshadowed they are planning something and then .. Nada
Also why is Dustin creepy for wanting to date a 14 year old who acts like a 6 year old, but when Jamie wants to, it's fine cause he's a good guy. No, that folks is what we call illegal. He's 18 and she's 14. Doesn't matter if they're friends
Why is their no resolution with Ryder's mom? I didn't understand her inclusion in the story at all. Why is this crazy lady able to just waltz into their house whenever she pleases? Doors have locks people!
Then there's how Fallon is somehow cured by dick. Enough said. Anyone can overcome years of deep emotional trauma if they're given a nine inch peen 🙄
Forcing Fallon to visit his dad's grave was when I pretty much skimmed until the end (I really should have given up sooner but was waiting for the big climax with the bullies that never happened) You can't force someone to grieve the way you would
The ending was so rushed. Like things that should have been major plot points were a few sentences
Yet, we spent ages on the trust camp, which was one of the most nonsensical things I've ever read. I'm supposed to believe that you can force two dozen teenagers to go to a camp for the entire weekend with like an hours notice, no parent permission, no supervision from the school because for some weird reason the team needs to build trust but the coach isn't there and you're sending them with the other team who has been vandilising your school. Then they have to pass a trust exercise to play, which everyone does easily, making the whole thing pointless. There's also kidnapping and assault/attempted murder and no one notices?
Seriously, they don't tell anyone these guys almost killed Fallon because they can't let them get to them before they win the game? Ah, guess what dumbasses? These guys would be fucking expelled if you told someone what they'd done and you wouldn't have to worry
Also, them winning the game is a piece of cake? Like, there isn't an ounce of tension and it's built to be this big moment that ends as nothing. Which turns out to be the state championship which incidentally they happen to be playing against the other school in their town who completely sucks?
Oh and it all ends with them being famous and NBA players. Every single person at that school makes it to the NBA because it's that easy apparently, even though they never seem to practise and just fuck around a lot
June 13, 2023
This book was amazing! Definitely my new favourite in this series. Every book in this series is 100% a standalone. They don’t take place in the same places or have the same characters at all so you won’t feel lost no matter which ones you read but definitely recommend them all.
Fallon. My amazing Fallon (can he be mine) he needs and deserves all the hugs!!!! Seeing the progression in him from the start of the book to the end was incredible. This author did such a great job of showing him start to heal and learn to feel and love life with the help of Ryder and his family. I loved how quiet Fallon was but how we saw him open up to the people that started to matter to him. Bea Miller’s song “feel something” really reminds me of Fallon.
Just like in the other books in this series we got a protective but non-toxic love interest in Ryder. Ryder was a lot different character than I thought he would be for some reason. For the better! I loved how in tune he was with Fallon and what he needed. How excited he got every time he got Fallon to smile and finally to laugh!!!
I loved that all main characters in Fallon’s life (Ryder and his dad and sister, Uncle Joel and all of Ryder’s friends) were good people. He had support from all of them and the main angst in the story was from outside sources. This was such a beautiful story with amazing chemistry between the MCs. I absolutely recommend it!
Fallon. My amazing Fallon (can he be mine) he needs and deserves all the hugs!!!! Seeing the progression in him from the start of the book to the end was incredible. This author did such a great job of showing him start to heal and learn to feel and love life with the help of Ryder and his family. I loved how quiet Fallon was but how we saw him open up to the people that started to matter to him. Bea Miller’s song “feel something” really reminds me of Fallon.
Just like in the other books in this series we got a protective but non-toxic love interest in Ryder. Ryder was a lot different character than I thought he would be for some reason. For the better! I loved how in tune he was with Fallon and what he needed. How excited he got every time he got Fallon to smile and finally to laugh!!!
I loved that all main characters in Fallon’s life (Ryder and his dad and sister, Uncle Joel and all of Ryder’s friends) were good people. He had support from all of them and the main angst in the story was from outside sources. This was such a beautiful story with amazing chemistry between the MCs. I absolutely recommend it!
June 23, 2023
This book was such a beautiful, emotional and touching love story between two teenagers that find in each other their other half.
Fallon's uncle picks him up at social services after his mom is taken to prison. He's had a very tough life since his father died five years ago and has put his feelings in a box that has then been sealed and forgotten. His uncle is the high school's basketball coach and Ryder is part of the team, actually the captain. Ryder's father is dating Fallon's uncle so the latter finds himself immersed in a family that accepts and welcomes him straight away.
I really got hooked from the first chapter because Fallon is one of those characters that get under your skin. My heart broke every time he said he wanted to feel nothing at all, because feelings were hard to deal with and so far in life, he hadn't had anyone caring for him. Ryder is pure sunshine and makes his mission to make Fallon smile. The attraction between them is there from the beginning, but this is not an insta-love story, because Fallon is closed-up and doesn't leave anyone in. Until Ryder, he is just so difficult to resist with his happiness and goofy smile.
I loved this book so much. It really was so easy to relate to the MCs and fall in love with them, even though it was hard at times reading how much Fallon was hurting. Ryder's family is amazing and Fallon's uncle is the best support he could've ever gotten. There is so much love in this book that I could feel it while reading in each moment or situation where Fallon and Ryder were together.
This story is beautiful, moving and shows that caring for other people can make a world of a difference when they are suffering so much. It has mental health representation, which I'm always thankful for and an understanding found family that made me cry. Fallon and Ryder's love story, even though they are eighteen, is one of those that will stay in my heart for a long time.
Fallon's uncle picks him up at social services after his mom is taken to prison. He's had a very tough life since his father died five years ago and has put his feelings in a box that has then been sealed and forgotten. His uncle is the high school's basketball coach and Ryder is part of the team, actually the captain. Ryder's father is dating Fallon's uncle so the latter finds himself immersed in a family that accepts and welcomes him straight away.
I really got hooked from the first chapter because Fallon is one of those characters that get under your skin. My heart broke every time he said he wanted to feel nothing at all, because feelings were hard to deal with and so far in life, he hadn't had anyone caring for him. Ryder is pure sunshine and makes his mission to make Fallon smile. The attraction between them is there from the beginning, but this is not an insta-love story, because Fallon is closed-up and doesn't leave anyone in. Until Ryder, he is just so difficult to resist with his happiness and goofy smile.
I loved this book so much. It really was so easy to relate to the MCs and fall in love with them, even though it was hard at times reading how much Fallon was hurting. Ryder's family is amazing and Fallon's uncle is the best support he could've ever gotten. There is so much love in this book that I could feel it while reading in each moment or situation where Fallon and Ryder were together.
This story is beautiful, moving and shows that caring for other people can make a world of a difference when they are suffering so much. It has mental health representation, which I'm always thankful for and an understanding found family that made me cry. Fallon and Ryder's love story, even though they are eighteen, is one of those that will stay in my heart for a long time.
June 25, 2023
2,5 zaokrąglone do 3.
Leniwa jestem, więc będzie po polsku.
Wydaje mi się, że chyba robię się powoli za stara na książki, których akcja dzieje się w szkole średniej. To ciągłe picie, narkotyki i kliki szkolne nudzą mnie nieziemsko. Albo to przez to, że sama nigdy nie czułam kompletnie pociągu do wspomnianych rzeczy.
Fabuła była, ale jakby jej nie było. W sensie prawie nic nie zostało rozwiązane, a jeśli już coś miało swój koniec, to był on specyficzny.
Bohaterowie też głębią charakteru nie grzeszyli, ale nawet ich polubiłam (mimo że starali się być za bardzo: za bardzo marudny, za bardzo radosny).
Ogólnie nie żałuję lektury, ale mam wrażenie, że poprzednie tomy bardziej mi się podobały.
Leniwa jestem, więc będzie po polsku.
Wydaje mi się, że chyba robię się powoli za stara na książki, których akcja dzieje się w szkole średniej. To ciągłe picie, narkotyki i kliki szkolne nudzą mnie nieziemsko. Albo to przez to, że sama nigdy nie czułam kompletnie pociągu do wspomnianych rzeczy.
Fabuła była, ale jakby jej nie było. W sensie prawie nic nie zostało rozwiązane, a jeśli już coś miało swój koniec, to był on specyficzny.
Bohaterowie też głębią charakteru nie grzeszyli, ale nawet ich polubiłam (mimo że starali się być za bardzo: za bardzo marudny, za bardzo radosny).
Ogólnie nie żałuję lektury, ale mam wrażenie, że poprzednie tomy bardziej mi się podobały.
August 11, 2023
Charli Meadows has done it again!! I love her books SO FREAKING MUCH!!! This woman can do no wrong. And then, this book?!?! I LOVED that it was different from the first two. The mental health representation in this book was amazing. To see the transition in Fallon go from a poor soul who has endured so much trauma that he’s become numb to a light happy soul who found the love of his life and a new family, UGH. It was so good. Ryder was the perfect person for Fallon. He always supported him, he was always there for him, he became his friend first, and helped him through all the obstacles in his life. The trauma and healing was *chef’s kiss*. And OH MY GOODNESS, the size difference?!?! It had me drooling. I can’t wait to read more of Charli Meadows’ books!!!
After living in a toxic household for years in a numb state, Fallon’s (MMC) uncle, Joel has gotten custody of him, and is ready to give him a happy home. And little does Fallon know EVERYTHING is going to change. There he meets Ryder, Joel’s boyfriend's son. And Ryder is a 6’4 golden boy, captain of the basketball team, and is ready to change Fallon’s life. Ryder makes it his mission to surround Fallon with happiness and support, but he never expected to fall for Fallon along the way.
Favorite quotes/scenes:
“He’s here now, and so am I. I’ll make him smile. No doubt. It’s my new mission in life.” (Ryder)
“His aura is intoxicating, and I want so badly to push through the fog surrounding him and find him. Pull him out and to the other side with me. Bring him home.”
“Do your lips hurt?”(Ryder)
“No.” (Fallon)
“Damn. I was gonna kiss them better.” (Ryder)
“His looks captured me, his aura ensnared me, and now his soul calls to mine.” (Ryder)
“He’ll be loved, cared for, protected, and fucking nurtured. Everything he’s lacked for the past five years. But that changes now.” (Ryder)
“You’re allowed to be happy, Fallon. It’s beautiful when you are, and I don’t just mean the physical. Although trust me, baby. You’ve got that in the bag too. Your joy is infectious, and your soul is unique. You’re worthy of happiness. Worthy of love. And worthy of attention. Fuck, Fallon. I need to hear you laugh and see you smile every fucking day. Please.”
“His smiles are something special and rare. Just like he is.” (Ryder)
“I want you to hear it again. So you can start to believe it. ’Cause it’s not changing anytime soon. I love you. I love you so fucking much, Fallon Rivers. And I’m ready for the whole world to know it. I can’t hide it. It’s who I am. You’re built into my soul.” (Ryder)
“His smile. His laugh. His jokes. His kindness. And those curls. Fuck, his curls. All of it. It makes me want to be happy. To tease him and be teased back. To love and laugh. And I’m starting to feel like it’s more possible all the time.” (Fallon)
“Ryder makes me want things I’ve never dreamed of. Love. Success. Music. Happiness. And even basketball. I see all of these things in my future with Ryder, and more importantly, I actually see a future.”
“Holy fuck do I want front-row seats to everything Fallon Rivers. I want to kneel before him and worship at his altar. He is a God. A future legend.”
“I. . . I love you too, Ryder. So fucking much. You’re the one person on this planet that holds my happiness in his hand. And that scares me, Ry. It scares me so much.”
“I’m not going anywhere. Ever. So be prepared to be happy for the rest of your life, Blue.”
“My love and desire for him are never-ending, all-consuming, and inescapable. Burning bright and never fading. He’s opened my eyes to colors I’ve never seen before and introduced happiness to my life that I’ve never felt. Never even dreamed.”
“I’d follow you anywhere, Ry. You brought me back from a void of nothingness and no feelings. Now, I’m so full of love. And not just yours. Everyone’s. Friends. Family. Our family.”
“We can follow our dreams and find happiness together, baby.”
“Together. I love you.”
“Forever, Blue.”
After living in a toxic household for years in a numb state, Fallon’s (MMC) uncle, Joel has gotten custody of him, and is ready to give him a happy home. And little does Fallon know EVERYTHING is going to change. There he meets Ryder, Joel’s boyfriend's son. And Ryder is a 6’4 golden boy, captain of the basketball team, and is ready to change Fallon’s life. Ryder makes it his mission to surround Fallon with happiness and support, but he never expected to fall for Fallon along the way.
Favorite quotes/scenes:
“He’s here now, and so am I. I’ll make him smile. No doubt. It’s my new mission in life.” (Ryder)
“His aura is intoxicating, and I want so badly to push through the fog surrounding him and find him. Pull him out and to the other side with me. Bring him home.”
“Do your lips hurt?”(Ryder)
“No.” (Fallon)
“Damn. I was gonna kiss them better.” (Ryder)
“His looks captured me, his aura ensnared me, and now his soul calls to mine.” (Ryder)
“He’ll be loved, cared for, protected, and fucking nurtured. Everything he’s lacked for the past five years. But that changes now.” (Ryder)
“You’re allowed to be happy, Fallon. It’s beautiful when you are, and I don’t just mean the physical. Although trust me, baby. You’ve got that in the bag too. Your joy is infectious, and your soul is unique. You’re worthy of happiness. Worthy of love. And worthy of attention. Fuck, Fallon. I need to hear you laugh and see you smile every fucking day. Please.”
“His smiles are something special and rare. Just like he is.” (Ryder)
“I want you to hear it again. So you can start to believe it. ’Cause it’s not changing anytime soon. I love you. I love you so fucking much, Fallon Rivers. And I’m ready for the whole world to know it. I can’t hide it. It’s who I am. You’re built into my soul.” (Ryder)
“His smile. His laugh. His jokes. His kindness. And those curls. Fuck, his curls. All of it. It makes me want to be happy. To tease him and be teased back. To love and laugh. And I’m starting to feel like it’s more possible all the time.” (Fallon)
“Ryder makes me want things I’ve never dreamed of. Love. Success. Music. Happiness. And even basketball. I see all of these things in my future with Ryder, and more importantly, I actually see a future.”
“Holy fuck do I want front-row seats to everything Fallon Rivers. I want to kneel before him and worship at his altar. He is a God. A future legend.”
“I. . . I love you too, Ryder. So fucking much. You’re the one person on this planet that holds my happiness in his hand. And that scares me, Ry. It scares me so much.”
“I’m not going anywhere. Ever. So be prepared to be happy for the rest of your life, Blue.”
“My love and desire for him are never-ending, all-consuming, and inescapable. Burning bright and never fading. He’s opened my eyes to colors I’ve never seen before and introduced happiness to my life that I’ve never felt. Never even dreamed.”
“I’d follow you anywhere, Ry. You brought me back from a void of nothingness and no feelings. Now, I’m so full of love. And not just yours. Everyone’s. Friends. Family. Our family.”
“We can follow our dreams and find happiness together, baby.”
“Together. I love you.”
“Forever, Blue.”
June 27, 2023
I think this was
my least liked installment so far
. I'm rating it with 3.7-3.8⭐, but I'm rounding it down to 3⭐ overall.
The story is about Fallon, a 17-year old kid who's drug-addict mom got arrested, so he lands in the system.
He's taken in by his estranged uncle Joel , who's a basketball coach in a prestige private high school in California.
When Fallon moves there, he meets Joel's partner Alejandro and his kids Sofie and Ryder.
Ryder is a popular basketball player and goes to that same high school.
His family is very rich, so Fallon is thrown into a lavish, elite lifestyle where all of a sudden he lives in a nice house (going from uncle Joel to Ryder, who lives in a mansion), great food and is in a loving and supporting environment .
All of these people are really welcoming and positive, so they all try hard to show Fallon he has an amazing support system and he's there to stay, which was refreshing and pretty awesome to read.
But.
🔵 What didn't really hold my attention in full was the developing love story between Ryder and Fallon.
They were both virgins, both gay, both horny as hell for each other, so it really surprised me how Ryder shut down many things when they were being intimate . It wasn't like reading about a sexually starved 18-year old, but he was talking like he's twice his age, at least. Like he's his own dad or something.
It just killed the vibe.
"But he's not ready yet."
I don't know how many times I've read him say that about Fallon.
Alright, dad.
🟢 The build-up was pretty good, but then the pacing or the whole development of them evolving this potential relationship between them was a bit odd . They were almost living together, their families really connected, yet weeks went by with nothing happening.
It was boring where there should've been pining and fireworks.
It's a strange situation where I was more interested in Joel and Alejandro than Fallon and Ryder.
🟡 Fallon's late dad's letter and the visiting of the grave was soooo drawn out , the book should've ended about 50 pages ago, seriously.
🟣 Ryder and Sofie's mom being in the book was completely pointless. It made no sense.
🟠 The whole thing was just too perfect.
It all worked out, Ryder was out and got accepted to his dream college, Fallon got his music career, all of their friends were paired up, Joel and Alejandro got married, not a single thing went wrong or sideways and those public school players didn't do anything else to the story but just made themselves more interesting than all the major characters presented in Ryder and Fallon's story .
The book itself didn't hold my attention at all and even though I really liked the first two installments in the series, I feel like this one doesn't really reach that magic or imagination that was there before.
I'd really like to read a 3.5 novella about Joel and Alejandro and maybe even a 3.6 novella about Dustin.
The story is about Fallon, a 17-year old kid who's drug-addict mom got arrested, so he lands in the system.
He's taken in by his estranged uncle Joel , who's a basketball coach in a prestige private high school in California.
When Fallon moves there, he meets Joel's partner Alejandro and his kids Sofie and Ryder.
Ryder is a popular basketball player and goes to that same high school.
His family is very rich, so Fallon is thrown into a lavish, elite lifestyle where all of a sudden he lives in a nice house (going from uncle Joel to Ryder, who lives in a mansion), great food and is in a loving and supporting environment .
All of these people are really welcoming and positive, so they all try hard to show Fallon he has an amazing support system and he's there to stay, which was refreshing and pretty awesome to read.
But.
🔵 What didn't really hold my attention in full was the developing love story between Ryder and Fallon.
They were both virgins, both gay, both horny as hell for each other, so it really surprised me how Ryder shut down many things when they were being intimate . It wasn't like reading about a sexually starved 18-year old, but he was talking like he's twice his age, at least. Like he's his own dad or something.
It just killed the vibe.
"But he's not ready yet."
I don't know how many times I've read him say that about Fallon.
Alright, dad.
🟢 The build-up was pretty good, but then the pacing or the whole development of them evolving this potential relationship between them was a bit odd . They were almost living together, their families really connected, yet weeks went by with nothing happening.
It was boring where there should've been pining and fireworks.
It's a strange situation where I was more interested in Joel and Alejandro than Fallon and Ryder.
🟡 Fallon's late dad's letter and the visiting of the grave was soooo drawn out , the book should've ended about 50 pages ago, seriously.
🟣 Ryder and Sofie's mom being in the book was completely pointless. It made no sense.
🟠 The whole thing was just too perfect.
It all worked out, Ryder was out and got accepted to his dream college, Fallon got his music career, all of their friends were paired up, Joel and Alejandro got married, not a single thing went wrong or sideways and those public school players didn't do anything else to the story but just made themselves more interesting than all the major characters presented in Ryder and Fallon's story .
The book itself didn't hold my attention at all and even though I really liked the first two installments in the series, I feel like this one doesn't really reach that magic or imagination that was there before.
I'd really like to read a 3.5 novella about Joel and Alejandro and maybe even a 3.6 novella about Dustin.
April 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️
The way my heart hurt for Fallon. The trauma he’s been through and how he’s made himself numb to the world and feelings honestly breaks my heart. And sunshine Ryder just mended him and I both 🥹
There were a lot of sad parts to this book, but also so much cute and sweet, even funny! So happy I was able to read an arc!
This is my first book by Charli, but definitely won’t be my last! Omw to read the other books in this series!
🌶️🌶️
The way my heart hurt for Fallon. The trauma he’s been through and how he’s made himself numb to the world and feelings honestly breaks my heart. And sunshine Ryder just mended him and I both 🥹
There were a lot of sad parts to this book, but also so much cute and sweet, even funny! So happy I was able to read an arc!
This is my first book by Charli, but definitely won’t be my last! Omw to read the other books in this series!
Read
February 17, 2025
DNF (going to try to read this again later)
June 14, 2023
Lost Boy is the third book in Charli’s Loyal Boys Series and it’s just as amazing as the others. I’m so obsessed! Fallon…my dear sweet broody boy (as Charli called him but I now claim) and Ryder…my big sweet golden retriever. BOTH of these characters were too much and not enough. My heart was aching by chapter two and then here comes Ryder with his bright smile and protectiveness. Gah!!!! This had the saddest but the BEST hurt/comfort vibes, y’all!
ʜɪꜱ ʟᴏᴏᴋꜱ ᴄᴀᴘᴛᴜʀᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ, ʜɪꜱ ᴀᴜʀᴀ ᴇɴꜱɴᴀʀᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴏᴡ ʜɪꜱ ꜱᴏᴜʟ ᴄᴀʟʟꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴍɪɴᴇ.
I don’t even know where to begin. Usually books this ooey gooey are OTT or boring but not this one. I teared up, cackled, threatened to throat punch Charli, swooned, fanned myself, teared up some more, and by the end I was smitten with not just these boys but their friends and family too. Sophie and Joel and Alejandro and Cole and Jamie and Gracie and Taylor. Gah! Can you tell I’m obsessed? SO OBSESSED!
There is quite a bit of bullying, a bit of violence, and some homophobic slur attempts, but it’s all handled with care and trust. The balance between heartache and happiness was superb and by the end I was squirming with overwhelming contentment.
ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴅᴇꜱᴇʀᴠᴇ ʜɪᴍ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ɪ’ᴍ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʟᴇᴛ ᴍʏꜱᴇʟꜰ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ʜɪᴍ.
I LOVE this series so much. Each standalone is wonderful and while I can’t choose a favorite couple, Fallon and Ryder will hold a special place because their differences and connection and passion is unforgettable.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
ANGST:💧💧💧
POV: 1st, Dual
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙈𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮.
ʜɪꜱ ʟᴏᴏᴋꜱ ᴄᴀᴘᴛᴜʀᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ, ʜɪꜱ ᴀᴜʀᴀ ᴇɴꜱɴᴀʀᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴏᴡ ʜɪꜱ ꜱᴏᴜʟ ᴄᴀʟʟꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴍɪɴᴇ.
I don’t even know where to begin. Usually books this ooey gooey are OTT or boring but not this one. I teared up, cackled, threatened to throat punch Charli, swooned, fanned myself, teared up some more, and by the end I was smitten with not just these boys but their friends and family too. Sophie and Joel and Alejandro and Cole and Jamie and Gracie and Taylor. Gah! Can you tell I’m obsessed? SO OBSESSED!
There is quite a bit of bullying, a bit of violence, and some homophobic slur attempts, but it’s all handled with care and trust. The balance between heartache and happiness was superb and by the end I was squirming with overwhelming contentment.
ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴅᴇꜱᴇʀᴠᴇ ʜɪᴍ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ɪ’ᴍ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʟᴇᴛ ᴍʏꜱᴇʟꜰ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ʜɪᴍ.
I LOVE this series so much. Each standalone is wonderful and while I can’t choose a favorite couple, Fallon and Ryder will hold a special place because their differences and connection and passion is unforgettable.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
ANGST:💧💧💧
POV: 1st, Dual
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙈𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮.
July 15, 2023
*Hurt/comfort
*Opposites attract
*Instalove
*Found family
I really enjoyed the previous two books in this series so I was really excited to dive back in to another hurt/comfort story from this author. Unfortunately, this book did not hit the mark for me.
Fallon is a child that, after having his father die and his mother turn to drugs and inappropriate coping mechanisms, suffers from severe neglect and develops serious depression. He comes to live with his uncle who works at a private school and there he meets Ryder.
Ryder is the all American basketball star who shows love and caring to his friends and family. He instantly gravitates to Fallon and falls for him immediately.
There were so many issues with this book but for me the hardest one was the depiction and handling of Fallon’s depression. The only descriptive reference we were given that he was depressed was that he was “numb.” Furthermore, Fallon needed counseling and possibly medication but neither was ever brought up as an option for him. Ultimately, it felt very little or no research went into ensuring this mental health representation was handled with care and consideration.
The only coping you see for his mental health is drinking and/or drugs. Ryder sees this coping mechanism several times and instead of talking to Fallon or an adult, he not only lets it happen, but takes further advantage of Fallon by instigating sexual situations while Fallon is in an altered state. I am not sure one sexual scenario happened that wasn’t when Fallon was drinking, on drugs, or had just been beaten or badly injured. It was very hard to read when I felt Fallon was crying for help and no one was doing anything healthy to protect and care for him.
The next major issue was the character of Dustin. His role in this story was committing multiple violent and illegal acts with zero consequences. Every time he committed a new crime the children decided it was best to “settle it on the court.” The basketball court, people. Not a court of law. To make matters worse, there was zero resolution for this character. He eventually just went away. Which makes no sense when he was constantly there throughout the story as the “bully.” He was a criminal though, and I guess beating him in a high school basketball game was a solid punishment.
The parents in this story were meant to be these loving, caring, amazing people that would swoop in and show Fallon the love he deserved. Yea, I can say I saw the exact opposite. They were just as neglectful as his mother was, but with the difference that they were rich, so I guess that was okay then. They were constantly absent and allowing their children to go to parties where drinking and drugs were happening…and also attempted rape and assault. When Ryder has his big coming out moment, they decided it wasn’t necessary to be home with him to talk his emotions through, they went on a trip and would “chat about it later.” Makes total sense. With Fallon, again they offered no medical support to Fallon’s depression, but he was further scarred with letters from his deceased father and visits to his father’s grave to ensure any progress he made ends up stunted. The only acknowledgment the parents made that Fallon did have depression was when he was gifted a car for “overcoming his trauma.” That is not healthy.
The side characters in this book were random and most of their stories were unresolved or not pivotal to the plot. Sophie was a very rough character. She was 14/15 but acted more like an 8 year old. She overwhelmed and overpowered the two MCs when she was involved and I don’t feel she added anything to the story. If anything, it was very awkward when 80% through the book, the nice friend, Jamie, all of sudden had a crush on her and everyone was totally cool with the 18 year old dating the 15 year old. It was so strange and inappropriate. It came out of nowhere and again, was so unnecessary to the plot.
Pretty much every side character was confusing to the story. There was a few mentions of an Alexis in the book, including the epilogue, and I have truly no idea where she came from. There was Jackson. Yea, I don’t have much on him either. And there was the very offensively written cook/nanny for the children that was older but made awkward innuendos several times.
So back to Ryder and Fallon. They were 18 but they came off the page as much younger. This made the sexual encounters between them slightly awkward and lacking intimacy. They were also both virgins and inexperienced but doing some pretty intense things. I think if they acted more maturely, it probably would not have felt that way. Also, even though Ryder was meant to be the comfort in this hurt/comfort sandwich, the relationship felt truly one sided. Fallon never seemed to be a partner with Ryder. It felt as though Ryder was just a caregiver, but for sex too. Again, I think this touches back on Fallon’s need for medical attention involving his depression.
There are so many other parts of this book that were confusing. The record executives that showed up to an open mic night. Fallon forming a band with someone from school without any words about it before it happened. All of these kids being basketball prodigies. Ultimately, there were too many ideas that took away from the overall goal of a romance which is the relationship between the two MCs.
I wanted badly to like this story. As I said, I really enjoyed her previous books and would have loved to add this to my collection at home. Unfortunately, the events in this story were very troubling to me. As someone who suffers with their mental health, I do not want to see it so casually passed aside and dealt with by taking drugs or having sex to cope with the feelings. Especially when he is supposed to be placed in a better position to get the help he needs. This one, was a hard read for me.
I am rooting for this author though, and look forward to the next book she releases.
*Opposites attract
*Instalove
*Found family
I really enjoyed the previous two books in this series so I was really excited to dive back in to another hurt/comfort story from this author. Unfortunately, this book did not hit the mark for me.
Fallon is a child that, after having his father die and his mother turn to drugs and inappropriate coping mechanisms, suffers from severe neglect and develops serious depression. He comes to live with his uncle who works at a private school and there he meets Ryder.
Ryder is the all American basketball star who shows love and caring to his friends and family. He instantly gravitates to Fallon and falls for him immediately.
There were so many issues with this book but for me the hardest one was the depiction and handling of Fallon’s depression. The only descriptive reference we were given that he was depressed was that he was “numb.” Furthermore, Fallon needed counseling and possibly medication but neither was ever brought up as an option for him. Ultimately, it felt very little or no research went into ensuring this mental health representation was handled with care and consideration.
The only coping you see for his mental health is drinking and/or drugs. Ryder sees this coping mechanism several times and instead of talking to Fallon or an adult, he not only lets it happen, but takes further advantage of Fallon by instigating sexual situations while Fallon is in an altered state. I am not sure one sexual scenario happened that wasn’t when Fallon was drinking, on drugs, or had just been beaten or badly injured. It was very hard to read when I felt Fallon was crying for help and no one was doing anything healthy to protect and care for him.
The next major issue was the character of Dustin. His role in this story was committing multiple violent and illegal acts with zero consequences. Every time he committed a new crime the children decided it was best to “settle it on the court.” The basketball court, people. Not a court of law. To make matters worse, there was zero resolution for this character. He eventually just went away. Which makes no sense when he was constantly there throughout the story as the “bully.” He was a criminal though, and I guess beating him in a high school basketball game was a solid punishment.
The parents in this story were meant to be these loving, caring, amazing people that would swoop in and show Fallon the love he deserved. Yea, I can say I saw the exact opposite. They were just as neglectful as his mother was, but with the difference that they were rich, so I guess that was okay then. They were constantly absent and allowing their children to go to parties where drinking and drugs were happening…and also attempted rape and assault. When Ryder has his big coming out moment, they decided it wasn’t necessary to be home with him to talk his emotions through, they went on a trip and would “chat about it later.” Makes total sense. With Fallon, again they offered no medical support to Fallon’s depression, but he was further scarred with letters from his deceased father and visits to his father’s grave to ensure any progress he made ends up stunted. The only acknowledgment the parents made that Fallon did have depression was when he was gifted a car for “overcoming his trauma.” That is not healthy.
The side characters in this book were random and most of their stories were unresolved or not pivotal to the plot. Sophie was a very rough character. She was 14/15 but acted more like an 8 year old. She overwhelmed and overpowered the two MCs when she was involved and I don’t feel she added anything to the story. If anything, it was very awkward when 80% through the book, the nice friend, Jamie, all of sudden had a crush on her and everyone was totally cool with the 18 year old dating the 15 year old. It was so strange and inappropriate. It came out of nowhere and again, was so unnecessary to the plot.
Pretty much every side character was confusing to the story. There was a few mentions of an Alexis in the book, including the epilogue, and I have truly no idea where she came from. There was Jackson. Yea, I don’t have much on him either. And there was the very offensively written cook/nanny for the children that was older but made awkward innuendos several times.
So back to Ryder and Fallon. They were 18 but they came off the page as much younger. This made the sexual encounters between them slightly awkward and lacking intimacy. They were also both virgins and inexperienced but doing some pretty intense things. I think if they acted more maturely, it probably would not have felt that way. Also, even though Ryder was meant to be the comfort in this hurt/comfort sandwich, the relationship felt truly one sided. Fallon never seemed to be a partner with Ryder. It felt as though Ryder was just a caregiver, but for sex too. Again, I think this touches back on Fallon’s need for medical attention involving his depression.
There are so many other parts of this book that were confusing. The record executives that showed up to an open mic night. Fallon forming a band with someone from school without any words about it before it happened. All of these kids being basketball prodigies. Ultimately, there were too many ideas that took away from the overall goal of a romance which is the relationship between the two MCs.
I wanted badly to like this story. As I said, I really enjoyed her previous books and would have loved to add this to my collection at home. Unfortunately, the events in this story were very troubling to me. As someone who suffers with their mental health, I do not want to see it so casually passed aside and dealt with by taking drugs or having sex to cope with the feelings. Especially when he is supposed to be placed in a better position to get the help he needs. This one, was a hard read for me.
I am rooting for this author though, and look forward to the next book she releases.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2023
Lost Boy by Charli Meadows
💙 Jock/Musician
💙 Opposites Attract
💙 Forced Proximity
💙 Size Difference
💙 Hurt/Comfort
💙 First Times
💙 Found Family
For me personally this book was a bit of a miss. The story didn't really hold up to the standard of the previous two books which I absolutely adored. I love Charlie's writing and characters and saw so much potential in this book but found that it didn't quite get there.
Overall: ⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺.5
First person dual pov 👀
CW (from the author): Language, explicit sexual scenes (both MCs are eighteen), mild violence , underage drinking and drugs, bullying (outside of the MCs), homophobia, parental loss (off page in the past), parental neglect (off page), grief, anxiety, and depression.
CW (from me): panic attacks, attempted sexual assault (on a secondary character)
💙 Jock/Musician
💙 Opposites Attract
💙 Forced Proximity
💙 Size Difference
💙 Hurt/Comfort
💙 First Times
💙 Found Family
For me personally this book was a bit of a miss. The story didn't really hold up to the standard of the previous two books which I absolutely adored. I love Charlie's writing and characters and saw so much potential in this book but found that it didn't quite get there.
Overall: ⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺.5
First person dual pov 👀
CW (from the author): Language, explicit sexual scenes (both MCs are eighteen), mild violence , underage drinking and drugs, bullying (outside of the MCs), homophobia, parental loss (off page in the past), parental neglect (off page), grief, anxiety, and depression.
CW (from me): panic attacks, attempted sexual assault (on a secondary character)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2023
Fallon and Ryder.
Oh my heart.
Hurt/comfort
Trauma
Sad boy
MM
Found family
This book was so beautiful. Heartfelt, accepting, and just well written. Take this journey with Fallon and Ryder as they struggle to adjust to their new reality. One has lost his father and orphaned, forced to move in with his uncle and his uncle’s partner and family. He grows and learns that he is loved despite all the bad things and insecurities. Golden retriever possessive and supportive MMC and sad boy, emo, artist combo I didn’t know I needed until now!
Oh my heart.
Hurt/comfort
Trauma
Sad boy
MM
Found family
This book was so beautiful. Heartfelt, accepting, and just well written. Take this journey with Fallon and Ryder as they struggle to adjust to their new reality. One has lost his father and orphaned, forced to move in with his uncle and his uncle’s partner and family. He grows and learns that he is loved despite all the bad things and insecurities. Golden retriever possessive and supportive MMC and sad boy, emo, artist combo I didn’t know I needed until now!
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