Starved

F.I.L.T.H.

by Hannah Murray

Colin and Evan have been best friends for fifteen years, since they met the first day of freshman orientation. And they’ve been in love with each other for almost as long. But they’ve gotten so used to hiding their feelings, it’s going to take something extraordinary to break the ice. Helping a friend fulfill a fantasy? That just might do it.

With their feelings finally out in the open, Colin and Evan have the chance to explore their desire for each other. And it’s better than they could’ve dreamed. But going from friends to lovers after fifteen years comes with complications, and they’ll have to decide—is it worth the work?

Starved begins on the morning after Thanksgiving, right after Stuffed ends.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, M M Romance, BDSM, Contemporary, Queer, Novella

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2023

About the author

Hannah has been reading romance novels since she was young enough to have to hide them from her mother, and decided to try her hand at writing one when she realized the book she really wanted to read lived in her head. That was a dozen years and as many manuscripts ago, and there are still more stories to be told.

She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband—former Special Forces and an OR nurse who writes fantasy fiction, and acts as In House Expert for his wife on matters pertaining to weapons, tactics, the military, medical conditions and How Dudes Think—and their daughter, who takes after her father.

Hannah loves to hear from readers, and will answer questions here on Goodreads.

Reviews

[Hannah B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was most excited for this book from the characters in book one and it did NOT DISAPPOINT.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute, low angst, friends to lovers with an added dose of secret mutual pining. It took 15 years of being best friends for these two goofballs to admit their true feelings for each other!

ARC from publisher, review all mine.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colin has loved his best friend, Evan forever. After an orgy, Evan kisses him and Colin returns it. Now they are ghosting each other but it turns out Evan loves him too. Both are too chicken to ruin their relationship by confessing their feelings. I loved Evan and his fears that Colin shares. These two are perfect for each other as everyone else already knows. A short novella that gives you the warm fuzzies. I read a copy of this book through Booksprout and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Larry91 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book not having read the first in the series and it has left me craving a read of the first book.

It is the story of Colin & Evan and it has the perfect balance of emotion and smut as they both come to terms with their true feelings. Personally I find it rare to come across a decent MM erotic book as writers either go all in straight away or seem scared to go into too much detail, but Hannah has done an amazing job with this, and she has left me wanting to read more of her books.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friends Colin and Evan have secretly loved each other for years, but nothing has been said for fear of losing what they have, trying to become more. After a post-Thanksgiving orgy, there is a kiss, which changes everything. Unsure how the other is feeling, both draw back, afraid of the reaction. In time, they tentatively reach out and talk enough to move forward to see where this may go, dealing with all the hopes and fears, doubts and insecurities that go along with the transition from longtime friends to lovers.
Two well developed lovable characters, what seems to me like a realistic awareness and development from friends to lovers, understandable questioning about “is it going too fast, will it last, will I lose my friend over this?”, dating rather than hanging out, and trying to communicate enough to set the doubts aside and build a lasting relationship. An easy afternoon or evening read. 4.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was super excited to receive an arc of Starved, book 2 in th F.I.L.T.H. series. I just finished reading a heavy duty emotional book and this was the perfect palate cleanser! We met Colin and Evan in Stuffed and were teased a bit with the connection neither of them would acknowledge. Starved picked up the day after Stuffed, which I loved, and we got to experience their first kiss, their transition from friends to that awkward stage where you're not sure WHAT you are to one another, to their HEA.

Hannah writes excellent smut, but what I love the most is how she seamlessly weaves in all of the emotions between her characters. We know what Colin and Evan are feeling every step of the way and it makes the sexy stuff even sexier.

[Deb Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having not read Stuffed, the previous book in the series, I had no idea what to expect from Starved. We're immediately dropped into the morning after Starved ends and things are bit awkward after the Friends I'd Like to Hump night of revelry. Based on the beginning of this story, I expected this novella to be run-of-the-mill erotica, instead it swerves into a sweet and tender love story. Colin and Evan are two best friends who have silently pined for one another for years. Once they admit their feelings to each other, they must figure out how to best navigate going from friends to lovers.

This is a quick, fun and fast read full of romance and spice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starved is the novella-length 2nd book in the F.I.L.T.H. series, continuing where Stuffed left off, with Colin and Evan's journey from best friends to lovers. Full of tender emotions, anticipation, angst, nervousness and finally, relief, joy and openly admitted love, we are with the two heroes every step of the way, the POV changing between them. There are steamy hot scenes, but I would still call Starved a sweet read because the romance and all the feelings definitely take priority, the sexy times being the icing on the cake.
I was lucky to have received a free copy by the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the series and it is the morning after Thanksgiving dinner at Esme and Tucker's place. This is a great group of friends who thoroughly enjoy their Thanksgiving holiday dinner and after dinner restivities. But with a little morning awkwardness, Evan takes a risk that could cost him dearly. I absolutely loved reading this story, the laughs and heated moments were top notch as Evan and Colin take a chance on one another and their long lasting friendship. Fantastic read, looking forward to more from this author. Enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I have not read Book 1 titled "Stuffed", it was easy for me to follow Evan and Colin's story of pining for years for your best friend and not knowing if the other felt the same way.

Book 2 picks up the morning after the infamous orgy and Colin isn't sure how to handle himself until Evan makes it clear by a seriously-panting kiss in the kitchen while breakfast is being made. They both decide to tell each other how they've felt for 15 years and start to slowly date...among other deliciously dirty things *wink wink*.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Polli.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely love Evan and Oliver's never too late romance. What a lovely couple they make! This is a delightfully cute and sexy romance between two adorable characters.

I admit I haven't read book 1 but certainly got the jist of what had happened previously from this story line. That said, this was so good I am now going to have to read it! And book 3 and 4 and 5 if they exist!

Enough said, this is a wonderful, well written, contemporary story full of spice and beautifully crafted characters. Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marlena Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting spin on the best friends being in love thrope, a new one for me. I wasn't sure what to expect, since an orgy is not my cup of tea, but it was tastefully written and not overdone. The characters managed to have depth and the story was interesting - what a close group of friends, eh?

It was also refreshing to read about the two of them figuring out if being together is when thry actually want and how that would impact their friendship - not everything being rosy after they declared their feelings.

An enjoyable read for those more into the sex-y!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starved picks up right after the events of Stuffed. While you don’t have to read Stuffed, it definitely adds insight and understanding to the pining the two main characters have for each other.

I loved how these two were marshmallows for each other. The story is a romantic little gem of the long time friends becoming lovers trope.

And all the side characters are just so enchanting. They really make me wish I could step inside this world.

A great choice if you are looking for low angst, friends-to-lovers, quick read.

[Leigh Gaskill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good novella and the friends to lovers was done pretty well. It actually included some anxiety over the whole situation which normally others don’t (usually it’s anxiety over coming out, not over the relationship changing). I did think it got a bit tedious with Colin being hesitant over telling anyone about their change in status, and his and Evan’s fears could have been mentioned sooner to alleviate this, but this could be a personal preference too. All in all, a solid read.

[Mary Mutisya-Astin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! You will need a glass of water for this one!

Warning! This is an MM story.

After the events in Stuffed we on we again meet the gang but from the POV of Colin and Evan who have had feelings for the last 15 years but never done anything about it.

This story is about how they come to finally accept who they want and how to ask for it.

Great addition to this series of steamy short stories to keep you occupied.

I read this book voluntarily for an honest review.

[Bekkah Frisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

*spoilers*

I really loved how this didn't stop at "happily ever after," but the author took the time to portray the challenges of dating someone who you already know so well, someone you can already read. The push and pull of the new flirtation and ultimately new relationship was much more nuanced and interesting.

Spice level: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ ���️

A great weekend read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin and Evan’s Story

Colin and Evan have been friends for over a decade, since first year university. They’ve both had feelings for each other, but either other relationships or their friendship has stood in the way - until one eventful Thanksgiving. I loved the vibrancy of emotions these two shared - their relationship was so tender and respectful. Don’t get me wrong, the bedroom action is red hot (PHEW!) and I loved that too. Another great book by Hannah Murray.

[Emille Amaral · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read in recent months. The story is very realistic, and I identified with the characters. The author writes in a simple and easy to understand way, allowing me to enjoy the story in a fun and light way. I highly recommend the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Colin and Evan after the group orgy in book 1. There is a lot of angst, one of the characters has lifelong anxiety, which is manages well, but is still omnipresent. For a couple who confessed they’d been in love with each other for 15 years near the beginning of the book, there sure was a lot of uncertainty about if their relationship would work out.

KU

[Jenny Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Sweet

Tropes:
Friends to lovers
MM

Rating: 5/5
Spice Rating: 5/5


Following the Friendsgiving from “Stuffed”, Colin & Evan navigate the complicated feelings they’ve held for each other for fifteen years.

I loved this story. So sweet and vulnerable and I loved how it touched on Colin’s anxiety.

[The.SmuttyBookClub · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Please note that this review is mainly for my benefit as it is more of a summary of the book and may contain spoilers.***

🌶🌶
• Friends to lovers
• Apadravya piercing
• MM
• M to M oral
• M to M anal play
• M to M anal
• Restraints (rope)

9 MM sex scenes

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf @ 43%

[Salpy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5? This was cute. I like this writer

[Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love them so much. After reading Stuffed I immediately wanted to know when we were getting their story and I wasn't disappointed.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less Filth and more feels. This picks up the morning after Stuffed.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is sweet and sexy without a lot of angst.

[Elina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this but it was so awkward. The constant apologizing put me off.

[Read, Run and Rescue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Who knew romance could blossom in a gangbang

[Carlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book I just wish it was longer!

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picking up immediately after the events of Stuffed, this book finds Colin and Evan finally making the first tentative steps to transform their long friendship into something more.

You don't need to read Stuffed to understand this book, but it does help lay the groundwork for this book and (I suspect) the others in the series.

It was joyous seeing Colin and Evan finally connect romantically. They were both a little tentative and concerned about sacrificing their friendship of 15 years, but willing to take the plunge. The spice level, as you might expect from Hannah Murray, was very high.

I did find Colin's hesitation to be open about their status change to be a little repetitive. But it's a quick read and a good one.

3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.