All's Fair in Love & Dare

All's Fair #1

by Rikki Leighton

If all's fair in love and dare, someone's heart will have to give, but how can we survive the fallout?

Being a virgin is my well kept secret.

Being straight is the lie I've hid behind for the last twenty-one years. The truth is, I don't know what I am. But when my best friend dares me to sleep with a guy, the floodgates of foreign desire open and threaten to bury me under their current.

Messages sent in secret to a stranger wake up my heart and libido in newfound ways, and while we trade scorchingly dirty texts, the person I pretend is on the other side of the screen has my conscience in a tailspin: my best friend's brother.

Blair Novak has been our protector for years, taking his father’s harsh words and harsher hands in stride as long as it meant me and his brother were safe. He’s always given us his everything and somehow, I never realized it.

I see it now. In the shake of his hands as he pulls me close with a white-knuckled grip. In the ink that he wears on his skin like armor, like patches to the wounds he’s spent his whole life healing.

Blair has given up so much of himself for his brother. I want to be his balm, not the final shard that rips him apart. Our connection has bloomed from words on a screen to a galaxy of emotions I can never rein in, and I'm not sure I want to.

Even at the expense of my best friend's heart.

Genres: M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, College, Romance, Queer, Mental Health, LGBT

453 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2023

Reviews

[Brooke]

DNF 83%

It’s getting a little too heavy and complex - so many issues and complicated relationships between the characters. Feeling a little uncomfortable and not into it.

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included)]

DNF at 55%. No rating.

I don't DNF. I am OCDish about books and can't bring myself to DNF, but I had to DNF this one. I couldn't take it. It was making me feel like, mentally unsafe. I needed to be able to trust that the book was going to take us to a happy end where it would be worth the journey there. And that the book isn't going to keep me for a long time in a bad headspace. When I got to 55% and there was still so much that hadn't been dealt with, I figured I wasn't going to get out of negative headspace. It would mess with me more to read it till the end.

I'm demi. I don't really like reading about messy ace relationships that don't follow a path I expect in advance and am mentally prepared for. It's triggering for me. Also the other man drama isn't intended to be as bad as it is, but it did hit me. This is Atlas and Blair's story. I didn't like the fact that roommates Blair and Noah are both on the ace spectrum and are somewhat messing around, even as/after Atlas and Blair are starting their thing. Atlas and Shiloh are friends and supposed to have nothing between them, but Shiloh has feelings. Atlas is on the asexual spectrum and has a really complicated headspace around getting off. I'm also in a nervous headspace with all the mental health stuff going on in this book. Atlas has panic attacks. Shiloh is very vulnerable given he is trans, bipolar, has issues with alcohol, and has sensitivities and is codependent with Atlas. Blair self harms and is abused by his dad. I also didn't like that Atlas and Blair started sexting over the queer support helpline that they were anonymously meeting on. That was a big ethics violation in my mind, you don't sext someone vulnerable calling a hotline. Also, apparently there is an incest relationship coming later in the book, not keen on dealing with that.

[book_reader_addict]

DNF at 48%. There’s a lot of heavy subjects in this book, depression, self harm and more. For me it was just too much. The book is well written

[Michelle Elman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me in all of my feels. Rikki Leighton covered so many topics/tropes in this book I felt completely overwhelmed at times. All the characters were so raw and heartfelt and I felt like each character could have had their own standalone just to cover all the trauma they went through.

All's Fair in Love and Dare isn't what I anticipated at all. I finished the book last night and had to sit on it for awhile before writing this review. I was expecting a really cute college romance, but what I got was so much more. You have a love story between brothers (Shiloh and Blair and Rue and Ryder), best friends (Shiloh and Atlas and Blair and Noah), and then the developing relationship between Blair and Atlas. This book is about finding yourself and knowing your worth and putting yourself first for once. You have Shiloh and Atlas who have been best friends since around the age of 13. Shiloh's big brother Blair has been their savior and protector from their abusive father. Fast forward 7/8 years and you a story where feelings between Blair and Atlas have evolved and they are discovering what they mean to each other. They have to navigate their relationship without upsetting Shiloh. You really need to read it to understand and I don't want to give anything away.

I definitely want to reread this book because I know I'll absorb so much more a second time around.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

You said you never wanted to regret me. Well, Blair Novak, I couldn't possibly regret you.

🌟 Star Rating - 4/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 2/5

What To Expect:
🖤 MM Romance
❤️ Best Friend's Brother
🖤 Double Ace Rep
❤️ Hurt/Comfort
🖤 Unknown Identity
❤️ HEA

I fucking love Atlas, Dad. I love him more than I've ever loved another person and I'm goddamn terrified of what that means for me, for him, for Shiloh.

𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘

This was my first by this author and I don't think it'll be my last! Completely not what I expected to read from the blurb, I went in expecting a surface level bro style book, but my gosh it was a deep read! The characters were well fleshed out and went through a lot of situations to get them where they are in the book, and it was a mixture of romance and found family that had me swooning throughout! It was an overall great read!

[Jeanette Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was a toxic and complicated book but so well written considering this is still a new author. Some of the issues include toxic parents, bipolar depression, asexuality and codependency. I would recommend reading the trigger warnings before reading if you have any.
This is a college story and best friend's brother story. Atlas and Shiloh have been best friends for years. Shiloh is trans and bipolar and has a lot of issues and Atlas is very protective of him. So is Shiloh's brother Blair. Blair takes so much on his shoulders, studying, looking after Shiloh and his very toxic dad and working.
Atlas always thought he was straight but actually not interested in girls or sex. But he suddenly feels attracted to Blair. They start talking on this anonymous LGBTQ messaging service without realising at first but they feel a connection as Atlas struggles with his sexuality. . At the same time they grow closer in real life but they are worried about Shiloh's reaction and rightly so. He doesn't react well but everything comes to head and something has to give. Shiloh needs help and he needs to rely on Blair and Atlas and Blair needs to not take everything upon his shoulders. I did think Atlas and Blair were a cute couple who were perfect for each other.

[K.R. Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

Romantic and heartfelt.
Emotional and heartbreaking.
Poignant and touching.

I loved Atlas and Blair and to find a story with two very different but equally ace characters was incredible. They each have pasts and pain and I loved how each character developed over the story and strengthened each other.
I'm not sure about Shiloh. I felt he was a bit manipulative and even cruel at parts but at the same time his issues, pain and darkness are intertwined into the story and you can understand why he might be that way.
I didn't expect this story to be as romantic and touching as it was while still being just the right amount of steaming a f still respecting Atlas and his ace identity.
Very poetic writing style but I thoroughly enjoyed this and even tho I'm not sold on Shiloh, I need to see him redeem himself.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 43%. there was too much and also not enough happening in this book. Shiloh was insufferable from page 1, you can’t “dare” people to have sex and then threaten to drink a whole bottle of hard liquor if they don’t comply. The only people I cared about were Atlas and Blair but so much focus was put on other characters (felt like a set up so the author can write their books. The icky way marvel makes me feel these days). But yeah I really had an issue with Shiloh’s behaviour in this 43%. Just so self absorbed it’s not even funny, needing other people to pay for his meds/therapy/ even refusing to not drink even though it fucks with his meds. Idk. Made me mad.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I read by this author and it wasn't what I thought it'd be. There was more angst than I expected but it was a beautiful story.
Atlas and Blair stole my heart from the beginning, but they also broke it. Their lives were so complicated and they both had difficult pasts, but throwing in on it all Shiloh, Blair's brother and Atlas's best friend, and it turned their relationship into something almost impossible to happen.
Blair worked so much that he was always exhausted. He kept helping his abusive father and looking after Shiloh. It was very touching to see how he was willing to sacrifice his own life to help those he cared about. Atlas was also a caretaker, but it made me mad to see how he always did what Shiloh asked. Blair and Atlas were destined to be together because they were what the other needed all along, they just had to work out how to make it happen.
This book is about sexual discovery, strong connections and friendships that feel like brotherhoods. There is so much love in it that I could feel it through every chapter. I enjoyed seeing how Atlas and Blair learnt to become a couple and tried to not hurt Shiloh. There were so many emotions, so many feelings in this story that it was hard not to cry at times.
There is a friendship in this novel that could be considered toxic and both friends could be seen as codependent, but there is also a closeness between the MCs that could only come from years of spending time together.
I recommend readers to read the TWs for this book because the story mentions situations and issues that some could find difficult to read.

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 4 out of 5]

story of Atlas and Blair

This is a best friend’s brother to more college romance, featuring Atlas and Blair, and is book one in the All’s Fair series.

Atlas and Blair have known each other for a long time, ever since Altas became best friends either Blair’s trans brother. But it’s not until Atlas starts talking to someone on an anonymous chat for LGBTQIA+ that he starts to see Blair in a new light.

Atlas and Blair fall into the Ace spectrum and this story is about Atlas exploring with someone he trusts and along the way, both of them fall into love. Atlas’s relationship with Loh is super codependent and Loh doesn’t like the thought of sharing Atlas with his brother.

There is a whole lot of info I’m not saying because I don’t want to spoil it but I need to debrief with someone on this one, who else has read this?

PS: Atlas family secret is a doozy.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM college romance
Check CW
Angsty
Best friend’s brother
Hurt / Comfort
Tutor x Football player
Virgin MC
Trans M BFF & Codependent
Ace rep
Anonymous chat
Mental health themes
Pierced c*ck
Calls him Bumble B
MC I. Lingerie
Bit of spice
Lots of exploration, first times
Family secret & horrible dad
HEA

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little reticent to dive into this book because I didn't love the previous book I had read by this author, but I was intrigued by the premise. Mistaken/hidden/secret identity is my kryptonite, my absolute favourite trope so I really wanted to like it. I haven't read many books featuring ace characters and I love broadening my reading horizons, for better or worse, so I decided to give it a shot, promising myself I could DNF it if I wasn't feeling it.

I worried for nothing because I loved the story. I'm waffling between 4 or 5 stars but am going with 5 because the author weaved a fairly complex story really well, making all the characters come alive and dealing out some pretty heavy trauma without making me disengage as a reader since I don't typically gravitate to darker themes and reads.

I'm having a difficult time articulating my thoughts and feelings about this book. There was a lot going on so it was easy more than just a romance, which was a surprise.

Atlas is best friends with Shiloh, Blair's younger brother. They've all been through a lot together including Shiloh's transition and hurt caused by his bigoted and abusive father. Atlas has basically been Shiloh's protector and they are incredibly close. Blair has also played a large protector role as his brother and as a result Atlas and Blair are also close.

As Atlas begins questioning his sexuality he reaches out to an anonymous help line type resource who encourages him to explore his thoughts and feelings, and he discovers that Blair makes him feel unlike anyone else before him they become closer and closer and begin falling for each other, but things are complicated.

I loved all the interrelationships, Blair and his roommate Noah especially. It was an unconventional relationship, but as stated earlier, I love reading about new/fresh relationships/stories, I'm quite looking forward to reading a romance with an aro/ace lead. Of course all the character development of secondary characters leads to something I'm not the biggest fan of - books that partially tell another character's story meaning they won't truly be able to standalone. but have to admit that I hate being teased with plot points that aren't developed within this constraints of the story I'm currently reading.

I was puzzled with the amount of sex in the book, if I'm honest. It felt like a lot, given both characters are ace. I know sexuality, even asexuality, is a spectrum, but I guess I was expecting something a little different. I didn't dislike it, bring on the smut, I just wasn't expecting it.

I'm looking forward to reading their next book.

I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

[Mandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a complex story, but so beautifully written. I am so grateful to have received an ARC from GRR. There were multiple relationships being written about, but they were all interwoven. First, was between Atlas and Shiloh, best friends for years. Then, between Shiloh and his brother Blair, and between Blair and Atlas. There were several other key characters, including Noah, Corvin, and Blair and Shiloh’s father.

Again, I will say, this is a very heavy and complex story. This story takes place in the Deep South, and its laden with homophobia and transphobia. Shiloh is the character that Blair and Atlas orbit, but it is their relationship that is the focus throughout the book. Atlas is uncertain about his sexual orientation, whether or not he is “normal,” whether or not his sex drive is “normal,” and he finds support and solace in Blair.

Blair has spent his whole life caring for everyone else. He works himself to the bone. He is exhausted, his schooling is suffering, his finances are suffering, and he never makes himself a priority.

Such an amazing book, and I wish we could continue to follow Blair and Atlas. I want more of Shiloh’s story too. I also hope to learn more about Rue and Ryder!

[Dinoh (Akari) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, let's see what comes out with this review, because to tell the truth, it left my head as mixed up as the story itself. I would love to give this book 4 stars, but, nop, too many layers, too many of everything.

I think it could have been a GREAT story, if the author hadn't put so much stuff into it. All the relationships were toxic, all codependent, all with some kind of mental problem, all the characters trying to discover or explore their sexual orientation. I mean, yes, in real life we all have our baggage, but in this case, it was a lot all together to break down, and that took away a lot of the attention around the MCs' story. And I guess the author did it like that to make the burden on the shoulders of the MCs heavier, but... it was too much.

Let's see if I can break down a bit so that you can understand what I'm trying to say:
(AND BEWARE; SPOILERT ALERT!!!
.
.
.

-We have Blair, one of the MCs, who is cis, bi although he leans more towards men, and he is within the spectrum of asexuality. He has a father who is physically abusive towards him, and emotionally towards his brother, Shiloh. He also has a non-sexual relationship with his roommate, Noah, who is also ace and aromantic, with whom he kisses and cuddles and caresses, again, in a non-sexual way (something they repeat several times, lest we get confused), but the relationship exists. Ah, he also cuts himself when he feels overwhelmed.
-Then we have Atlas, who also has family problems, discovers during the story that he is ace, and possibly also bi or pan and although he feels attracted to Blair, he has a hard time being physically intimate since although he manages to get turned on, he does not feel inclined to the climax, etc. He is Shiloh's best friend since they were kids, a totally codependent and toxic relationship, with whom he also snuggles and they touch each other a little more intimately than what society sees as normal between two friends. He always ends up doing what Shiloh wants because...
-Shiloh is trans, although at first she was a teenager attracted to women, he decided that he is actually a man and began his transition. But not only that, he is also bipolar and struggles with his medication, which he leaves every once in a while, going to parties and getting drunk and dragging Atlas to take care of him. He too is possessive of Atlas and when he discovers his relationship with Blair, he tells Blair that he can't have a relationship with Atlas and... well, we can go on like that.

The only relationship that is reasonably healthy is Blair's with Atlas because they try to communicate honestly, talk about their problems and support each other. Key word: TRY. They respect each other, and they respect their indentities and sexualities, and the way they feel about it.

Another thing I don't like is that Blair continues his relationship with Noah once he starts his relationship with Atlas. It was understandable before, but the way it's approached seems more like a poly relationship, where two men share one in common, although the relationship between Blair and Atlas is more sensual and has a sexual connotation that doesn't exist with Noah, but it's a relationship with kisses, caresses, sharing a bed etc...

Also, there is a mention of a taboo relationship between brothers (sideline characters) so...

Like I said IT'S TOO MUCH. Too much of everything. I think some things should have been left out. While it's GREAT, really, really great for a story to deal with issues like different types of genders and sexual identities, as well as different types of trauma and mental or health issues... Putting it all within the same story , leaves no room for the main theme to develop. And while in this case, the relationship between Blair and Atlas runs its course, and it is a beautiful relationship, it remains entangled in all the other
situations.

I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Asa Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to start my saying Blair Novak is now one of my favorite characters. Ever. Just, period. Like all the characters in this book, he's complex and interesting, but his personality is just so sweet and my heart broke for him more than once. He's devastatingly relatable, and incredibly sexy. I could spend this entire review talking about Blair but I digress.

I went into this fairly blind, just knowing it was a "best friend's brother" and "virgin MC" situation, but it came on high recommendation so I just jumped right in. The depth of this book took me completely by surprise. The exploration of Atlas' sexuality, the varying struggles and traumas of the characters, the soul-wrenching trial that is Atlas and Blair's relationship, I wasn't expecting any of it so I felt like I was getting caught off guard right along with the characters. This was an emotional rollercoaster. I especially loved the way it examined two people on different parts of the ace spectrum and their unique needs and how they fulfilled them for each other. This was not a "man doesn't like sex until he meets man with a magic dick and is suddenly horny all the time" cop-out. There are ups and downs as these two men discover how they fit together and it makes the payoff so incredibly rewarding.

I love everything about Atlas and Blair's relationship. It's sweet but it still feels real. They continue to have their own individual struggles, some of which create obstacles for their relationship (fucking SHILOH) and this stands as the only book I've ever read where I teared up during a sex scene.

I went through so many feelings about Shiloh. Loved him in the beginning. Was absolutely done with him after the phone call with Blair (iykyk) and by the end I was just like...okay. Cool. I know he is a flawed, struggling character just like Blair and Atlas, I just found it harder to sympathize with him at certain points. I can appreciate that he makes an effort to get better, and I do think he's a very well written character, I just landed somewhere kind of neutral with my feelings about him by the time it was all said and done.

However, I DO need a book about Ryder finding Rue again. Give me all the taboo angst. GIMME.

Absolutely beautiful story. Rikki Leighton writes with a level of depth and emotion that really sets this book apart from the rest. I came for the dare and stayed for the love.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book dealt with deep and sometimes dark themes, mental health, sexuality, abuse from parents, codependent relationships, but it is written so well that Rikki Leighton made me care so much about these characters I felt like my heart was breaking half the time and I was hoping for things to work out for all of them, especially Blair and Atlas.

I loved the exploration between Blair and Atlas of their sexualities and what they could give each other. Theirs was a complicated situation not in a small part due to Shiloh, Atlas' best friend and Blair's brother who is in a constant battle with the state of his mental health, self destructive behaviour and copendency on Atlas that isn't all that healthy for either of them.

All three men have messed up families which play a big part in who they are now. Blair and Shiloh's father is an angry and abusive man who takes from Blair but never gives anything back. Atlas' family never seemed to remember he was even there when he was growing up and seem to have forgotten him now he's left home. Growing up together, their friendship is closer than many understand and while it wasn't completely healthy, it was still beautiful in the strength it gave each of them.

Atlas' brother Ryder and his estranged brother Rue have a secret that comes out and I liked how the author dealt with it and though taboo in nature and might not appeal to everyone, I would definitely like to read their story in the future.

The epilogue gives us a glimpse into the future and I am looking forward to Shiloh's story and seeing how Blair and Atlas are going. I didn't want this story to end and am really glad there will be more.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book drew me in, grabbed me, and didn’t let me go until the end. I found it interesting that the blurb identifies Shiloh as a side character, while I see Shiloh, Atlas and Blair as inextricably linked from childhood, essentially all a part of the same whole in so many ways. Without Shiloh, the bond between Atlas and Blair would never have developed, in my mind. Blair and Atlas both had that protective and nurturing gene, for want of a better word, that was at the core of their beings, both originally centered on Shiloh, but then spreading to encompass the feelings for each other, to share the burdens, the desire to be what the other needed to be to fill the void and make them whole. The way their sexuality presented (not sure how to put words to that—not sure what ace means exactly) was different than any other MM book I have come across, different yet beautiful in so many ways. This is a book that I will want to read again, that I think I will get so much more from a second or third time through. I found it very thought-provoking, wanting to delve deeper to increase my understanding of the many facets of each of the three characters and how they were interwoven over the years. I also look forward to the second book about Shiloh, and would also like a third book about Noah. Fascinating, complex characters, so worth the read.

I received an ARC for this book and am sharing my review.

[Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intense story. In the beginning none of the mc’s have anything resembling a good life. Atlas comes from a home where it appears the kids are the last concern. So much so that when Atlas’s friend Shiloh starts almost living there, he is hardly noticed.
The two mc’s at college are facing a number of issues, quite a few brought on by themselves. Atlas has gone from being a partner in crime with his bff Shiloh to being a caretaker. He is so busy trying to keep Shiloh healthy that he has almost lost sight of his own life.
Blair is Shiloh’s brother. This guy is beyond being a martyr. He is trying o care for an abusive dad, watch over and pay for meds for Shiloh and so much more. He also gives time to a hotline. It’s when Atlas contacts the hotline that Blair and Atlas end up noticing each other on another level. There are a lot of complications and life situations that enter into this story. I enjoyed the story. There is little time during it I would have skipped and the flow seemed right to me. The characters are so real and made my heart ache for them. The author did a great job of bringing things together in the end. I’m anxious to see the next story and hopefully one about Rue and Ryder.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling and heartbreaking and uplifting

This was not an easy book to read. All the characters have heavy loads to bear, with many secrets being kept for years, identity crises, money worries, no one gets off scot-free in this heartfelt story.
There are a lot of relationships in this book, each one making the reading experience richer. Romantic, familial, friends, adversaries, forbidden, so many connections but they never got overwhelming.
Atlas and Blair take centre stage and my heart hurt for Blair, everyone's caregiver but never receiving attention from anyone in return. Being seen and loved by Atlas was truly his reward for all he's suffered, and he deserved every kiss and touch.
It's not easy to understand someone else's sexuality, especially as everyone feels differently about themselves. Rikki Leighton has created two main characters who are compelling to read about and gave me an insight into being ace.
Read the trigger warnings carefully but if you can, please read this because it's ultimately rewarding and uplifting.
The next book is Shiloh's and I hope there's more Atlas and Blair in that. I'd also love a book about Ryder, whose story broke my heart.

[Joelle Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟ARC Review🌟

All's Fair In Love And Dare

By @rikkileighton

Uhmmm....

Wow...

So I'm going to start this one on a personal note. The way being Ace is represented in this book felt so... validating. I've read books with Ace characters before, and I feel like I always get the same cookie-cutter dictionary definition of being Ace. At the end of the day... and as someone who has recently learned to recognize themselves as gray... everything is spectrum, and we all experience things very differently, and I saw parts of myself in Atlas and Blair. I felt seen. So thank you, Rikki.

Atlas is dared by his best friend Shiloh to hook up with a guy. And Atlas messages an LGBT hotl8ne type thing and randomly is paired with "B."

B helps "A" explore what it means to be Ace. And that's it's okay to not be interested in sex. He also helps him discover how to be okay with some things and discover his limits. And that a good partner knows how to recognize those limits.

There's the usual drama with sneaking around behind the best friends back, and there are some REALLY HEAVY moments in this book, but I absolutely loved it!

Amazing story, Rikki!

[read_romance.withgloria Gloria Worlikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪

This was another beautiful story from the author, though it was a bit heavy at times but I liked all the characters. Atlas is Shiloh's best friend and Blair is Shiloh's older brother, Atlas is trying to come to terms with his sexuality and is exploring, he finds an anonymous texting app where you can text an anonymous person and ask questions and stuff related to your sexuality. Atlas doesn't know the person he is talking to is Blair and they share some moments.

Atlas & Blair were amazing characters, I liked how Atlas wanted to share the burdens Blair was carrying by himself. Their chemistry and how they understood each other was really beautiful to witness. Things got a bit heavy at times but I liked how the author covered different topics/tropes and I loved most of it.

I loved Noah's character and I am looking forward if we could get his story. Shiloh was the other favourite character though at times it was a bit annoying how he interfered in their relationship but I got where he was coming from and I am looking forward to his and Corvin's story.
Overall, this was a beautiful book and I recommend checking it out.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely not what I was expecting but definitely a very well done story. While this is your typical story of guy falling for his best friend's older brother and best friend not liking it at first, this story differs in that the two MCs are Ace. I really loved how Blair and Atlas handled the way they touched each other and how Atlas loved certain things but it didn't always lead to an orgasm or even getting hard. It was powerful to me to see that. I adored though how Blair was the only one who got Atlas even horny enough to try. The two of them fit so well together.

There was a lot going on in this story overall and at times it did get to be too much but it all played out well. I don't think I ever truly liked Shiloh and hopefully when he gets his story I'll change my mind. I was glad Atlas spoke up about Blair and his involvement with his dad...that was a toxic relationship and I'm glad Blair made the right decision. Noah and his cuddles and kisses and the mysterious older gentleman...I hope they get a story too.

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rikki is a new to me author. I won this book from a giveaway and very glad to have read it.

I really enjoyed Blair and Atlas. We also get to hang out with Blair’s brother Shiloh and Blair’s roommate Noah.

I felt for Blair. When you think of a caretaker his name should be in the definition. He cared for his very disgusting father that doesn’t deserve his care. He cares for his brother and will do anything for him. And he cares for Shiloh best friend Atlas. All Blair needs to be called upon for help and he will be there. Always.

Atlas has known Blair most his life and is going through life questioning how he feels toward sex. Blair and Atlas embark on a journey of trying to help Atlas figure out who he is but need to be careful of Shiloh feelings.

This book hit upon some very heavy topics so beware. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to Shilohs book and hope to see Atlas brothers in the future as well

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Atlas is best friends with Blair's brother, Shiloh. Shiloh has many issues and is too dependent on Atlas. Blair is bi and ace and Atlas appears asexual or pan but still wants Blair. Blair and Atlas are confused and afraid to be with each other, not wanting to hurt Shiloh and Blair has a touching and kissing relationship with his roommate they claim is not sexual. I think Rikki wrote a sensitive and encompassing book but it's too co-dependent and issue jam packed for my taste. Blair exhausts himself and Shiloh seems to self absorbed to notice, taking everyone's attention as his due. I personally could not accept Blair's relationship with his roommate as it was too personal, no matter their claims. For me, the book includes too many sexual and mental health issues in one small group of people to be an enjoyable book. I feel their pain but did not feel any romance or eroticism. I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Tammy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book left me emotionally raw. There were so many complex relationships that crossed over into each other. Shiloh and Blair are brothers that have not had the best upbringing. Atlas was in a similar situation and basically trauma bonded with them growing up. There is alot of co-dependency going on in this book and that's what makes the relationship dynamic between these characters so difficult. I loved the way Blair helped Atlas discover what sexuality was to him and I loved the way that Atlas and Blair did everything in their power to help Shiloh live the life he was meant to. I adored Noah, a side character that is a cuddle bug and LOVES kisses! I'm hoping to get more insight into Atlas's family in future books. I would love to get a full book on Rue and Ryder who are Atlas's older brothers. I'm looking forward to the next book to see how Shiloh's life changed after Blair and Atlas got together.

[Erin Schwichtenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author to me. And I’m glad I found them! Let’s start with why I only gave it 4 ⭐️ instead of 5. My only complaint is it felt a little dragged out at times and didn’t hold my interest like I would have liked it to! I think it had the potential, just my personal opinion it didn’t 100% but more like 85-90%.
But with that being said, the storyline was good and not the typical usual one. The characters, ugh, I loved them, yelled at them, hurt for them, felt for them and want more of them! I definitely want a Noah story! And can’t wait for the Shiloh/Corvin story!
This story does deal with some stuff that could be heavy for some people! But it was such a good, deep, raw story that it was done well!!

A and B. Trans. Bipolar. Bumble B. Tipsy Blair is also Frisky Blair. Best friends brother. Alphabet Mafia Alliance. Galaxies. And so much more is involved in this story!

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this book. I want to start off by saying it felt so real? I understand it was a book but it felt as if I was reading someone's diary and having a glimpse into someone's true story.

I personally truly loved the interactions between each character and the way the plot moved was so beautifully written. We have Blair and Atlas who are the two main characters of the story. Then we have Shiloh and Corvin who hopefully we will be seeing more of in the second book. As well as Noah! Whom I entirely love and wish to see more of 🫶🏼.

Then there is the sort of atlas brothers, Ryder and Rue. Which had me gasping. I would kill for a story there as well, if the author finds the time.

But this book was so good! I thought it was the right speed and the way the characters handle situations, felt very human.

4 stars for me :) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Jo Jo O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great second book for Rikki! I'd read their love abroad book and really wanted to read this one, and it didn't disappoint.

Atlas has a secret. He's a virgin. And when his best friend finds out that he might have an interest in guys... he dares him to sleep with one. But not only Atlas hiding that he's a virgin, but he might not be interested I'm sex at all.

Blair could go with or without, but sometimes feels the need to have his sexual needs met, but it's not needed. He's content to cuddle... to share kisses. To embrace intimacy. He's also Atlas' best friends older brother.

When Atlas starts anonymously texting a stranger about his sexuality, he doesn't realize it's Blair. And Blair helps him explore what it means to be Ace and possibly even bisexual.

I loved everything about how absolutely different this book was.

[RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good story, but I was a bit overwhelmed as almost everyone in the story has multiple problems or issues that they struggle with, and more than one person is in a dark place. The author does a wonderful job of showing us the complexity of the issues the main characters are dealing with as well as the enabling contributing to them (as an observer, the enabling frustrated me!). Blair was so lost, that he couldn’t find his own way out of his mess, unable to prioritize himself. I thought Atlas showed real backbone and it was a relief that he did. There’s a very satisfying HEA for this couple, and I’m hoping there will be future books to cover the other characters as well. There are a lot of people in this book that need their stories told!
4.5*

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for free, and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the characters in this, Blair and Atlas have been through a lot and are easy to root for. They are well written, complicated characters, both kind and supportive. Atlas, Blair, and Shiloh have a messy and sometimes toxic history going back to childhood, but they are very dedicated to each other. I especially loved seeing Atlas and Blair simultaneously growing closer both in person and over the anonymous help chat. I liked Blair and Atlas together and it very sweet how hard they try to be what the other needs. I will say the couple does get lost a bit under so much plot drama and too many complicated relationships. Rounding to four stars on the strength of the writing and the lovely connection between Atlas and Blair.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fucking book ❤️
This may be the best Ace rep I’ve ever read. I’m part of the Ace spectrum and it was really nice to see a book in which the thought processes were highlighted and discussed. I also enjoyed the emphasis on pleasure based sex rather than goal oriented/ performative sex (only focused on orgasm). This was a great book to show that an Ace book can be spicy rather than an extreme slow burn.

I adored Atlas and Blair. I liked how they had an established relationship/ friendship since childhood. I enjoyed as they slowly started to feel the attraction. I also loved how it incorporated an alternative relationship dynamic towards the end.

I will say the twist with the brother was a weird choice that I don’t understand. It kind of took me out of the book because it felt so out of left field. It was included in the TW. I’m not complaining it was just a part I didn’t understand.