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Up in Flames
SANDEN When it's your job as groomsman to tell the groom his wedding isn't happening, the smartest thing to do is get it over and done with and then tell the guests to leave. Yeah, well, I never said I was smart. I might ... accidentally, maybe on purpose, suggest to Remy that the best form of revenge is to have a party anyway. I mean, he's already got catering, a DJ, and guests, so what better time to throw a petty party? My loser high school friend never deserved him anyway. If I'd had the chance, I would have locked Remy down years ago. Only, when the party leads to a drunken kiss, going on their honeymoon, and sharing their marital bed, I have to say, I'm not entirely sad that their wedding went up in flames.
382 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2023
1360 people are currently reading
3157 people want to read
About the author
Eden Finley
69 books7,934 followersEden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are mostly full of snark and light-hearted fluff.
She lives to create an escape from real life for herself and her readers.
She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.
She lives to create an escape from real life for herself and her readers.
She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 916 reviews
August 20, 2023
Such a good premise, a very promising first chapter and a trope I adore. And yet this ended up being a huge disappointment for me.
I didn't even dislike Remy and Sanden, but everything about this story felt so messy and disjointed. To explain why I felt about this the way I did, I'd have to go scene by scene and, frankly, I just don't want to think about it anymore.
I didn't even dislike Remy and Sanden, but everything about this story felt so messy and disjointed. To explain why I felt about this the way I did, I'd have to go scene by scene and, frankly, I just don't want to think about it anymore.
July 13, 2023
***4.0 rating***
CW: The book deals with some sensitive topics and issues that may be triggering to some, please check the TW before reading
Up in Flames picks up slightly after Foolish Puckboy . It's where we first meet Remy and Sanden. Sanden is Gabe's work bestie or as they call it "work husband". It's an inside joke for them, even Aleks loves it. Remy is in a relationship with the dreadful Eman, whom we also met in the Foolish Puckboy . If you read Aleks's book, you know what I am talking about. We do not get a good impression of Eman who is Sanden's high school friend. It is hinted by the authors that Sanden feels something for Remy in Aleks and Gabe's book. Up in Flames follows up on that.
Sanden is a firefighter with a good heart. He loves his job and the risks that come with being a firefighter. He is there for his friends, even the ones named Eman. In fact, he is a groomsman at his and Remy's wedding. Since Eman is a walking red flag, it is no surprise to the reader that he leaves his husband-to-be, Remy the EMT, at the altar. Remy is heartbroken, devastated, and embarrassed when Sanden breaks the news to him.
Feeling defeated and humiliated by his supposed-to-be husband, Remy decides he might as well go on the honeymoon since the expenses are all paid for anyways. But what he did not expect was Sanden coming along with him. Sanden surprises Remy. He steps up and is there for him when Eman left him behind like he was nothing. However, Sanden may have his own reasons for being there for Remy, but he has a good heart.
I did think that they were gonna start out as an insta love couple, but to my surprise that is not the case for this couple. Sure, it's no surprise to the reader that there is some tension and unsaid feelings between these two but the authors make this couple work for their HEA. They have their flaws, issues, and traumas but their HEA is earned. They work on themselves before they can be a couple in a healthy loving relationship. Yes, Eman plays a big part in how they get there but the way the authors portray everything, even the chaotic man named Eman, is realistic.
The story starts lighthearted but it was more emotional than I had anticipated which I must say I enjoyed a lot. I liked that Remy and Sanden didn't just jump into a relationship with one another, sure it can be a bit frustrating as a reader because you are rooting for this couple but it makes their relationship much more believable and worth rooting for. Sanden is everything I thought he would be and the authors did not disappoint. I also enjoyed his and Gabe's friendship and the cameo we get from him and Aleks. It was nice to see them settled as a couple. This story is different than what I am used to by these authors, but it was such a welcoming surprise. I like the direction the series is taking, the angst was unexpected but enjoyable. I can't wait to see what the authors come up with next for this series. It certainly started well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
CW: The book deals with some sensitive topics and issues that may be triggering to some, please check the TW before reading
Up in Flames picks up slightly after Foolish Puckboy . It's where we first meet Remy and Sanden. Sanden is Gabe's work bestie or as they call it "work husband". It's an inside joke for them, even Aleks loves it. Remy is in a relationship with the dreadful Eman, whom we also met in the Foolish Puckboy . If you read Aleks's book, you know what I am talking about. We do not get a good impression of Eman who is Sanden's high school friend. It is hinted by the authors that Sanden feels something for Remy in Aleks and Gabe's book. Up in Flames follows up on that.
Sanden is a firefighter with a good heart. He loves his job and the risks that come with being a firefighter. He is there for his friends, even the ones named Eman. In fact, he is a groomsman at his and Remy's wedding. Since Eman is a walking red flag, it is no surprise to the reader that he leaves his husband-to-be, Remy the EMT, at the altar. Remy is heartbroken, devastated, and embarrassed when Sanden breaks the news to him.
Feeling defeated and humiliated by his supposed-to-be husband, Remy decides he might as well go on the honeymoon since the expenses are all paid for anyways. But what he did not expect was Sanden coming along with him. Sanden surprises Remy. He steps up and is there for him when Eman left him behind like he was nothing. However, Sanden may have his own reasons for being there for Remy, but he has a good heart.
I did think that they were gonna start out as an insta love couple, but to my surprise that is not the case for this couple. Sure, it's no surprise to the reader that there is some tension and unsaid feelings between these two but the authors make this couple work for their HEA. They have their flaws, issues, and traumas but their HEA is earned. They work on themselves before they can be a couple in a healthy loving relationship. Yes, Eman plays a big part in how they get there but the way the authors portray everything, even the chaotic man named Eman, is realistic.
The story starts lighthearted but it was more emotional than I had anticipated which I must say I enjoyed a lot. I liked that Remy and Sanden didn't just jump into a relationship with one another, sure it can be a bit frustrating as a reader because you are rooting for this couple but it makes their relationship much more believable and worth rooting for. Sanden is everything I thought he would be and the authors did not disappoint. I also enjoyed his and Gabe's friendship and the cameo we get from him and Aleks. It was nice to see them settled as a couple. This story is different than what I am used to by these authors, but it was such a welcoming surprise. I like the direction the series is taking, the angst was unexpected but enjoyable. I can't wait to see what the authors come up with next for this series. It certainly started well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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April 17, 2024
Up in Flames is a stand alone, MM romance by Eden Finley and Saxon James. I just finished this last night and I loved it. Also, if you have read Foolish Puckboy, we get lots of Aleks and Gabe which I also adored but if you haven’t read it, it’s fine.
Remy Porter is a paramedic for Station 21. He has been with his boyfriend, now fiance for three years, and it’s his wedding day. Only the day didn’t end up the way he imagined. His fiance left him at the alter.
Sanden Masters is a firefighter. He was also a groomsman for the wedding and was the one left with the responsibility of telling Remy there would be no wedding. Maybe it was a bad idea but he threw it out there that they should enjoy all the alcohol and food and have a party anyway. So they did. Sanden has had a crush on Remy for years. But he has kept his distance all these years to respect Remy’s relationship. Now it’s killing him to see Remy hurting. So he had the bright idea to go with him on his honeymoon too, just to make sure he was okay. A honeymoon in Hawaii, in a gorgeous setting, with only one bed.
I adored these two together. Remy was so strong through it all and I loved the way Sanden took care of him. Feelings long kept under wraps are now out in the open. The timing couldn’t be worse. Remy just got out of a long term relationship, just had his heart broken. After they get home, back to the real world, slowly Remy starts to see his relationship in a different light, and it’s not a pretty sight. At the same time, it becomes obvious that Sanden has some things in his past he hasn’t dealt with as well.
Is it possible to find the true love you’re supposed to have but to have the timing all wrong? Three years ago, there might have been the beginnings of a crush between Sanden and Remy. But the timing was wrong. Can now be the right time, or are there too many unresolved issues to deal with? Will it ever be the right time for these two to find love? I don’t want to make this sound too angsty because it wasn’t. It was cute and sexy and so swoony. But also, they had real things to deal with. I also want to mention again how much I loved spending time with Gabe and Aleks. This was a wonderful book that I couldn’t put down. The epilogue was adorable. I hope you love it as much as I did.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Remy Porter is a paramedic for Station 21. He has been with his boyfriend, now fiance for three years, and it’s his wedding day. Only the day didn’t end up the way he imagined. His fiance left him at the alter.
Sanden Masters is a firefighter. He was also a groomsman for the wedding and was the one left with the responsibility of telling Remy there would be no wedding. Maybe it was a bad idea but he threw it out there that they should enjoy all the alcohol and food and have a party anyway. So they did. Sanden has had a crush on Remy for years. But he has kept his distance all these years to respect Remy’s relationship. Now it’s killing him to see Remy hurting. So he had the bright idea to go with him on his honeymoon too, just to make sure he was okay. A honeymoon in Hawaii, in a gorgeous setting, with only one bed.
I adored these two together. Remy was so strong through it all and I loved the way Sanden took care of him. Feelings long kept under wraps are now out in the open. The timing couldn’t be worse. Remy just got out of a long term relationship, just had his heart broken. After they get home, back to the real world, slowly Remy starts to see his relationship in a different light, and it’s not a pretty sight. At the same time, it becomes obvious that Sanden has some things in his past he hasn’t dealt with as well.
Is it possible to find the true love you’re supposed to have but to have the timing all wrong? Three years ago, there might have been the beginnings of a crush between Sanden and Remy. But the timing was wrong. Can now be the right time, or are there too many unresolved issues to deal with? Will it ever be the right time for these two to find love? I don’t want to make this sound too angsty because it wasn’t. It was cute and sexy and so swoony. But also, they had real things to deal with. I also want to mention again how much I loved spending time with Gabe and Aleks. This was a wonderful book that I couldn’t put down. The epilogue was adorable. I hope you love it as much as I did.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
July 13, 2023
a manipulative asshole, a spineless firefighter and an indecisive emt attend a wedding.
the punchline is that i read every single page of this mess.
boring. ridiculous. they tried to write a more serious relationship and completely failed when they had sex every single time they talked about a serious topic.
the punchline is that i read every single page of this mess.
boring. ridiculous. they tried to write a more serious relationship and completely failed when they had sex every single time they talked about a serious topic.
July 12, 2023
Difficult subjects get handled with grace in this gorgeous romance
This is very different in tone to the other books in the Sadenverse and it contains a character I’d happily see yeeted off the face of the planet.
I won’t be giving any spoilers away, but there’s some serious subjects tackled in Up In Flames so heed the content warnings.
Remy and Sanden have to fight hard for their happy ending, this isn’t a romcom by any stretch of the imagination.
But it’s not all doom and gloom and depression either, there’s laughs and quiet moments to break up the tension and the chemistry between them is off the page hot.
I loved both men so much and I admired and cheered them on as they both went through a pretty challenging journey to sort out the traumas they’d been living with.
There’s guest appearances from Aleks and Gabe from the Puckboys series, and a fleeting ‘on the ice’ spot from Montreal’s Foster Grant which had me chuckling as he becomes the target for Remy’s “hockey supporter rage” 😁 but this is much more of a standalone story.
It captured my attention from the start and the pacing keeps up beautifully through the opening, more relaxed chapters as the two men go through a mini fake marriage situation, and then into the far more serious parts of the book.
If this is a new direction for this writing duo, I’m all for it. I felt they handled two very sensitive issues with kindness and respect.
This is very different in tone to the other books in the Sadenverse and it contains a character I’d happily see yeeted off the face of the planet.
I won’t be giving any spoilers away, but there’s some serious subjects tackled in Up In Flames so heed the content warnings.
Remy and Sanden have to fight hard for their happy ending, this isn’t a romcom by any stretch of the imagination.
But it’s not all doom and gloom and depression either, there’s laughs and quiet moments to break up the tension and the chemistry between them is off the page hot.
I loved both men so much and I admired and cheered them on as they both went through a pretty challenging journey to sort out the traumas they’d been living with.
There’s guest appearances from Aleks and Gabe from the Puckboys series, and a fleeting ‘on the ice’ spot from Montreal’s Foster Grant which had me chuckling as he becomes the target for Remy’s “hockey supporter rage” 😁 but this is much more of a standalone story.
It captured my attention from the start and the pacing keeps up beautifully through the opening, more relaxed chapters as the two men go through a mini fake marriage situation, and then into the far more serious parts of the book.
If this is a new direction for this writing duo, I’m all for it. I felt they handled two very sensitive issues with kindness and respect.
July 12, 2023
Up in Flames is an emotional romance between Firefighter Sanden and EMT Remi. I really enjoyed the unique premise of this story with Remi being left at the alter and Sanden offering his support and condolences tags along on what would have been Remi's honeymoon. Sanden is a kind, thoughtful and supportive friend who gives Remi the space and time to process this traumatic experience.
Another great aspect of this story is Sanden's hidden crush on Remi. Sanden kept his feelings hidden for three years, so Remi's discovery ranges from genuine shock, surprise, and glee, which was fun to see play out. Their relationship is a great blend of comfort, endless support, and kindness. They are really a great pair.
Along with the great premise and relationship between Sanden and Remi, this story also tackles some challenging subjects including unresolved trauma and domestic abuse. I was surprised at the emotional depth this story took. These topics are difficult to tackle and seeing Remi and Sanden confront their demons and find appropriate help and healing was well done.
Overall this is a wonderful story that has so much heart while focusing greatly on mental health and support. Remi and Sanden are so perfect together, making their HEA so beautiful to finally see.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Another great aspect of this story is Sanden's hidden crush on Remi. Sanden kept his feelings hidden for three years, so Remi's discovery ranges from genuine shock, surprise, and glee, which was fun to see play out. Their relationship is a great blend of comfort, endless support, and kindness. They are really a great pair.
Along with the great premise and relationship between Sanden and Remi, this story also tackles some challenging subjects including unresolved trauma and domestic abuse. I was surprised at the emotional depth this story took. These topics are difficult to tackle and seeing Remi and Sanden confront their demons and find appropriate help and healing was well done.
Overall this is a wonderful story that has so much heart while focusing greatly on mental health and support. Remi and Sanden are so perfect together, making their HEA so beautiful to finally see.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
April 12, 2024
- firefighter/EMT
- hurt x comfort
- only one bed
- ex's friend
- pining
To quickly summarize Up in Flames: Remy gets jilted at the alter, spends what would have been his honeymoon with his ex-fiancé's childhood friend and groomsman, Sanden (who is also kind of his coworker & may or may not been in love with him for the last three year), all while dealing with the gaslighting and emotional/verbal abuse from his shitbag ex-fiancé, and figuring out how to move forward.
I loved that while the timing had never been right for Remy and Sanden, they realized early on that they both needed to work on themselves so they would not repeat the cycle and would have lasting and honest relationship. It broke my heart with everything these two went through and that they had to be apart before they could truly be together, but I'm so glad they got their HEA in the end!
- hurt x comfort
- only one bed
- ex's friend
- pining
To quickly summarize Up in Flames: Remy gets jilted at the alter, spends what would have been his honeymoon with his ex-fiancé's childhood friend and groomsman, Sanden (who is also kind of his coworker & may or may not been in love with him for the last three year), all while dealing with the gaslighting and emotional/verbal abuse from his shitbag ex-fiancé, and figuring out how to move forward.
I loved that while the timing had never been right for Remy and Sanden, they realized early on that they both needed to work on themselves so they would not repeat the cycle and would have lasting and honest relationship. It broke my heart with everything these two went through and that they had to be apart before they could truly be together, but I'm so glad they got their HEA in the end!
July 20, 2023
I was so excited for this book: I love firefighters and I was curious about Sanden since his introduction with Gabe in the last Puckboys book. Which is why I am so sad that this book fell so flat. Saxon and Eden are two authors I adore but this just did not work for me.
For the first 20-30% of the book I was just confused about the timeline and how quickly everything was happening. Sanden and Remy know each other because they work at neighboring fire stations. When they first met, there was a lot of flirting but nothing really ever came from it because before Sanden could ask out Remy, Sanden had invited his long time friend Eman to be his plus one to a firefighter banquet/party type thing. There, Eman and Remy hit it off and then start dating. Sanden is super sad about this so he distances himself from Remy because it hurts too much.
Fast foreword 3 years later to where Up in Flames begins. Remy and Eman were supposed to get married but instead Remy is left at the alter, Eman no where to be found. Remy is heartbroken and left to deal with the aftermath. In a fit of pettiness he decides to continue on with the party to “stick it to Eman”. Remy even decides he’s still going to go on planned honeymoon. Sanden basically invites himself along under the pretense of not wanting Remy to have to go through this whole thing by himself.
This is about where my first confusion begins. Sanden expresses how he was in the process of ending his friendship with Eman because of how he’s changed. Which is fine, but, Sanden was a groomsman for Eman…I feel like if you’re trying to end a friendship you don’t agree to be someone’s groomsman especially when said someone is marrying someone you have feelings for? Also, Sanden talks a lot about his feelings for Remy but with him distancing himself from Remy once he and Eman got together, he and Remy don’t actually know each other. They aren’t even friends prior to this book. Remy says how Sanden was also cold and standoffish but Sanden explains that as him just trying to be professional and not let his true feelings show.
While on the honeymoon, petty takes control and Remy decides to post a photo of himself and Sanden together on the honeymoon. Eman is an influencer and very into social media. He quickly turns the narrative to making it seem like Remy was cheating on Eman with Sanden the whole time. The honeymoon was a lot shorter than I thought it was going to be, but this is where Remy and Sanden come to terms with their physical attraction to one another. Throughout the book the physical attraction was the one thing I could agree with. The smut worked for me here, but the actual feelings? I just didn’t buy it. Sanden claims to basically be in love with Remy by the time the wedding is happening but they also don’t know anything about each other and once Eman was in the picture stopped all flirty banter. They were basically strangers going on a honeymoon together.
Once the honeymoon is over Eman tries to contact Remy. Remy agrees to meet and at their meeting Eman spews a bunch of BS about how he never left the wedding, he just went out for some air and basically gaslights Remy into thinking that Remy is the asshole who called off the wedding and it was all a mastermind plan by Sanden who Eman claims has feelings for him. Remy goes back and forth in his monologuing about how the Sanden Eman is describing is not the Sanden who was so wonderful and caring on the honeymoon. Remy has a few pages of conflict with this where he tries to decide whether he believes Eman or not.
Remy eventually decides he doesn’t’ believe Eman and starts to unofficially date Sanden. I say unofficially because they’re exclusive but they don’t call each other boyfriends yet. While they are dating , Remy comes to terms with the fact that Eman was emotionally abusive during their relationship - he realizes all his friends got pushed away until it was just him and Eman. Remy worries about quickly getting into another serious relationship with Sanden because he doesn’t trust himself. This part here was actually very valid. I feel like this part of Remy coming to terms with the emotional abuse and figuring out how to process that could have been expanded on and made for a more interesting story.
Meanwhile Sanden in dealing with his own baggage and his hero complex though the book really doesn’t give it that much page time which I thought was a shame because it made Sanden’s character feel less developed. Both Remy and Sanden decide that it is not their time yet and they need to sort their own minds out before pursuing a relationship together. This involves a lot of therapy on both ends.
The peak of the drama is when Eman comes to the place he used to share with Remy and throws a fit when he sees him there with Sanden. Eman verbally threatens Remy, the police are called, and it all results in a court date being set for Remy to get a restraining order against Eman. Eman goes on social media and flips the script. He claims that he was left at the alter and verbally abused by Remy. Eman paints himself out to be the victim but eventually gets caught out as lying. Remy and Sanden are surprisingly not very concerned with Eman when he does this. They sort of adapt a “we know the truth and that’s all that matters” vibe about it, which is fine, but it seems odd that so much emphasis would be put on Eman being this big influencer if his reach wasn’t something to be concerned about imo.
Sanden and Remy realize that they still have stuff to work on but that they would rather do it together and then live happily ever after.
Listen - I know I’m going to be in the minority with this one but it is what it is. I love Eden and Saxon, I think this story will work for a lot of people. I am just not one of them, and I needed to get all this out. I felt like there was too much going on, the pacing of the book was too quick to make Sanden and Remy’s feelings for each other to make sense, and the summary of the book made me think I was getting a different story than I got.
Despite literally all of this, I am absolutely going to continue reading all things from the Sadenverse.
For the first 20-30% of the book I was just confused about the timeline and how quickly everything was happening. Sanden and Remy know each other because they work at neighboring fire stations. When they first met, there was a lot of flirting but nothing really ever came from it because before Sanden could ask out Remy, Sanden had invited his long time friend Eman to be his plus one to a firefighter banquet/party type thing. There, Eman and Remy hit it off and then start dating. Sanden is super sad about this so he distances himself from Remy because it hurts too much.
Fast foreword 3 years later to where Up in Flames begins. Remy and Eman were supposed to get married but instead Remy is left at the alter, Eman no where to be found. Remy is heartbroken and left to deal with the aftermath. In a fit of pettiness he decides to continue on with the party to “stick it to Eman”. Remy even decides he’s still going to go on planned honeymoon. Sanden basically invites himself along under the pretense of not wanting Remy to have to go through this whole thing by himself.
This is about where my first confusion begins. Sanden expresses how he was in the process of ending his friendship with Eman because of how he’s changed. Which is fine, but, Sanden was a groomsman for Eman…I feel like if you’re trying to end a friendship you don’t agree to be someone’s groomsman especially when said someone is marrying someone you have feelings for? Also, Sanden talks a lot about his feelings for Remy but with him distancing himself from Remy once he and Eman got together, he and Remy don’t actually know each other. They aren’t even friends prior to this book. Remy says how Sanden was also cold and standoffish but Sanden explains that as him just trying to be professional and not let his true feelings show.
While on the honeymoon, petty takes control and Remy decides to post a photo of himself and Sanden together on the honeymoon. Eman is an influencer and very into social media. He quickly turns the narrative to making it seem like Remy was cheating on Eman with Sanden the whole time. The honeymoon was a lot shorter than I thought it was going to be, but this is where Remy and Sanden come to terms with their physical attraction to one another. Throughout the book the physical attraction was the one thing I could agree with. The smut worked for me here, but the actual feelings? I just didn’t buy it. Sanden claims to basically be in love with Remy by the time the wedding is happening but they also don’t know anything about each other and once Eman was in the picture stopped all flirty banter. They were basically strangers going on a honeymoon together.
Once the honeymoon is over Eman tries to contact Remy. Remy agrees to meet and at their meeting Eman spews a bunch of BS about how he never left the wedding, he just went out for some air and basically gaslights Remy into thinking that Remy is the asshole who called off the wedding and it was all a mastermind plan by Sanden who Eman claims has feelings for him. Remy goes back and forth in his monologuing about how the Sanden Eman is describing is not the Sanden who was so wonderful and caring on the honeymoon. Remy has a few pages of conflict with this where he tries to decide whether he believes Eman or not.
Remy eventually decides he doesn’t’ believe Eman and starts to unofficially date Sanden. I say unofficially because they’re exclusive but they don’t call each other boyfriends yet. While they are dating , Remy comes to terms with the fact that Eman was emotionally abusive during their relationship - he realizes all his friends got pushed away until it was just him and Eman. Remy worries about quickly getting into another serious relationship with Sanden because he doesn’t trust himself. This part here was actually very valid. I feel like this part of Remy coming to terms with the emotional abuse and figuring out how to process that could have been expanded on and made for a more interesting story.
Meanwhile Sanden in dealing with his own baggage and his hero complex though the book really doesn’t give it that much page time which I thought was a shame because it made Sanden’s character feel less developed. Both Remy and Sanden decide that it is not their time yet and they need to sort their own minds out before pursuing a relationship together. This involves a lot of therapy on both ends.
The peak of the drama is when Eman comes to the place he used to share with Remy and throws a fit when he sees him there with Sanden. Eman verbally threatens Remy, the police are called, and it all results in a court date being set for Remy to get a restraining order against Eman. Eman goes on social media and flips the script. He claims that he was left at the alter and verbally abused by Remy. Eman paints himself out to be the victim but eventually gets caught out as lying. Remy and Sanden are surprisingly not very concerned with Eman when he does this. They sort of adapt a “we know the truth and that’s all that matters” vibe about it, which is fine, but it seems odd that so much emphasis would be put on Eman being this big influencer if his reach wasn’t something to be concerned about imo.
Sanden and Remy realize that they still have stuff to work on but that they would rather do it together and then live happily ever after.
Listen - I know I’m going to be in the minority with this one but it is what it is. I love Eden and Saxon, I think this story will work for a lot of people. I am just not one of them, and I needed to get all this out. I felt like there was too much going on, the pacing of the book was too quick to make Sanden and Remy’s feelings for each other to make sense, and the summary of the book made me think I was getting a different story than I got.
Despite literally all of this, I am absolutely going to continue reading all things from the Sadenverse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 27, 2023DNF @20%...
i came in with no expectations, and that didn't help like it normally does.
the first chapter was good, i was getting in the groove but as the book progressed it just got more and more outlandish and i just couldn't connect with either character. I vaguely remembered both characters from previous books, but not sure if rereading the books they were in before reading this one would have helped... probably not.
Also, the way that the events were taking place didn't flow well, everything was moving at warp speed, like Sanden who Remy thought hated him was pretty much gluing himself to Remy's side, became his petty party bff and brought himself on his honeymoon without asking. Remy just went along with it and didn't really question it.. that didn't make sense to me. Eman was a manipulative asshole, but we all knew that from previous books.
i am bummed, Eden and Saxon used to be go to authors for me, but unfortunately something hasn't clicked with me the last few books of theirs i have read.
Also if you want to give this a shot on audio its on Scribd.
i came in with no expectations, and that didn't help like it normally does.
the first chapter was good, i was getting in the groove but as the book progressed it just got more and more outlandish and i just couldn't connect with either character. I vaguely remembered both characters from previous books, but not sure if rereading the books they were in before reading this one would have helped... probably not.
Also, the way that the events were taking place didn't flow well, everything was moving at warp speed, like Sanden who Remy thought hated him was pretty much gluing himself to Remy's side, became his petty party bff and brought himself on his honeymoon without asking. Remy just went along with it and didn't really question it.. that didn't make sense to me. Eman was a manipulative asshole, but we all knew that from previous books.
i am bummed, Eden and Saxon used to be go to authors for me, but unfortunately something hasn't clicked with me the last few books of theirs i have read.
Also if you want to give this a shot on audio its on Scribd.
Read
July 15, 2023DNF @ 45%
I just don't care. I don't care about these two nearly as much as I should.
I had high hopes for this one based on the tropes but man it was just lacking depth. Everything is just too convenient. Remy is left at the alter but guess what? He was having doubts and second thoughts anyways! I don't think he sheds a single tear on page after being jilted. Sanden, who is supposedly one of Eman's best friends and groomsmen? Well he barely even likes Eman and was trying to cut ties years ago! There is hardly anything keeping these two apart really. They were mutually crushing on each other years ago before Eman came along and seem to very quickly slip back into a flirty friendship. The entire honeymoon (with one bed) was so promising but their banter was just... Slightly cringe.
And don't even get me started on Eman. Homeboy comes back to cause shit in all his glory. It may be personal timing but it is too much to stomach this extremely manipulative abuse at the moment. The gaslighting 🤢🤢
If I had to guess what I would rate this after reading it fully it would likely fall between 2-3 stars so I'm out ✌️
I just don't care. I don't care about these two nearly as much as I should.
I had high hopes for this one based on the tropes but man it was just lacking depth. Everything is just too convenient. Remy is left at the alter but guess what? He was having doubts and second thoughts anyways! I don't think he sheds a single tear on page after being jilted. Sanden, who is supposedly one of Eman's best friends and groomsmen? Well he barely even likes Eman and was trying to cut ties years ago! There is hardly anything keeping these two apart really. They were mutually crushing on each other years ago before Eman came along and seem to very quickly slip back into a flirty friendship. The entire honeymoon (with one bed) was so promising but their banter was just... Slightly cringe.
And don't even get me started on Eman. Homeboy comes back to cause shit in all his glory. It may be personal timing but it is too much to stomach this extremely manipulative abuse at the moment. The gaslighting 🤢🤢
If I had to guess what I would rate this after reading it fully it would likely fall between 2-3 stars so I'm out ✌️
July 16, 2023
What I thought would be a fun tale of being one guy being left at the alter by a crappy ex and falling for someone else turned to be so much more.
These ladies have never quite delved into something as serious as this before, and I'd say they pulled it off and handled it with great care, especially Remy and Sanden's relationship.
I need to catch up on the Puckboys series, so these characters were all new to me. I learned that Remy and Eman were together 3 years, and at the very start of this they're about to get married. Remy, though, feels deep in his gut that he doesn't want this, that this with Eman have only gotten worse since they got engaged.
But he moved past his misgivings, his gut, and intends to marry Eman anyway.
Only, Eman is the one who leaves him at the alter.
Embarrassed, humiliated - but not at heartbroken as he would have thought - Remy runs from the ceremony to the room he got ready in, and Sanden, who was one of Eman's groomsmen, was the one to tell Remy, and he's the one to go after him.
He tells him to have the reception anyway, have a "petty party" instead, and Sanden ends up going on Remy's honeymoon with him as well.
But Eman isn't gone from their lives yet, as it becomes clearer and clearer that Eman wasn't just run of the mill shitty boyfriend. He was an emotional abuser. The way he manipulated and gaslights Remy is fucking wild.
He left Remy at the alter and yet still comes back to act the victim. He messes with Remy's head and makes him not know what is real anymore.
Because Sanden, it is clear, has had feelings for Remy for those 3 years. They were actually flirty with each other before Eman was introduced to Remy, and Sanden distanced himself, because he couldn't handle being close to them when he felt so strongly for Remy. Also, he wanted Remy to be happy and he knew if he was around too much and if he felt any more for Remy, he might not be able to keep his distance.
But Eman also lied about Sanden to Remy, making Remy think Sanden hated him and actually secretly wanted Eman. It didn't help that Sanden kept things so cool and professional between them whenever they'd run into each other at work - as Sanden is a firefighter and Remy an EMT in two stations close together.
But as Sanden is the one to turn to after the wedding that never was, their attraction comes roaring back, and things start to progress between them.
But any kind of abuse isn't easily forgotten. And Sanden has his own shit he's been avoiding for years, childhood trauma where he lost his younger sister in a house fire and still blames himself for not saving her, even though there logically wasn't anything he could have done.
These two aren't in a great place, mentally, to be together, and while they're falling for each other, they're also starting to fall into an unhealthy dynamic with each other, where they're becoming too codependent with each other.
They're trying to take it slow, but they start up dating only about a month or so after the wedding that never was, and as much as they're falling for each other, they both have things they're going through that make it hard to be with each other in a healthy way.
Especially with Eman escalating things. He doesn't go away, and he tries to, again, manipulate and gaslight Remy into believing the worst of Sanden, that he's the true bad guy whose manipulating everything. He even goes so far as to fake texts from Sanden.
But when that still doesn't work and he doesn't get Remy back, it gets worse and he shows the capacity for physical violence as well as the emotional violence. He doesn't get to lay a hand on Remy, thankfully, but it's still a pretty violent, scary scene.
It shows that Eman would have been entirely capable of moving to physical violence as well, and if they'd gotten married, who knows how long before that would have happened?
But the emotional abuse was damaging enough, as even though Sanden and Remy are coming to love each other so much, they both aren't in a good mental place to be together. Remy needs Sanden just to feel normal, and when they're apart he feels adrift, so he's almost using Sanden as a crutch to get by.
As for Sanden, he suppresses his trauma from his childhood and never faces his own feelings about it, but the suppression manifests in him barely able to get through house fires, especially if they lose someone and he isn't able to save them.
And instead of dealing with it properly, he goes to Remy and they use sex to feel better in the moment, but to shove aside their real pain. After a talk with Remy's cousin, Sanden realizes they can't continue as they are, or they're going to crash and burn and they don't want that. The separation is definitely painful, but definitely needed for them to get their heads on straight and be together in a healthy way.
Their chemistry was so good, I loved it. The way Sanden was everything Remy needed in a good partner. Everything Eman wasn't, thankfully.
Sanden thinks several times about how he wished he had the courage to ask Remy out before Eman got to him, and I wish that too, because these two could have been together sooner and Remy would have never had to go through the pain he does with Eman.
But that's how life is sometimes. Wasted opportunities that you later regret. But it's never too late, and these two finally get their HEA, which is so hard fought for.
I like how these ladies ventured into something new, something more serious than we've ever seen from them before. I like how they didn't just ignore the mental toll Eman's emotional abuse did to Remy, and Sanden's own trauma. These two eventually get the help they need and are better for it.
I also like how, as painful as it was, they had Remy and Sanden separate to work on their own mental health. Go through really hard, tough times to get to the other side. The wait is so worth it once these two can be happy together.
Also Eman's comeuppance was so good, I almost wish we had gotten more of his downfall. But what we got was good enough and in the end he isn't worth it. He slinked off, never to be heard from again and that's good. Fuck him, he was the absolute worst.
It really goes to show how emotional abusers work, or any abuse for that matter. Eman could be 'so charming' as was said several times. But he'd give these subtle comments here and there that would eat away at Remy's self confidence, would eat away at his self worth. He made him fold into himself with just his words, which he did over time, one phrase at a time. One manipulation tactic at a time. On gaslighting moment at a time. It's truly sinister, people like that.
Even Sanden, who had distanced himself from Eman for years, still felt somewhat obligated to him before everything goes down in in the present time, as Eman was there for such a horrible time in his life and was the only one who knew about it. Eman, in some ways, did that shit to Sanden as well and it took him years to break free of him and realize his bullshit. But even then, he didn't realize the extent of how bad Eman was either.
I definitely recommend this. These ladies branched out with something new and did so well with it. Just a TW for emotional abuse including manipulation and gaslighting, and eventual threat of physical violence as well, as well as mental health issues that both our MC's have to deal with
This was not what I was expecting in all the best ways. And I loved Remy and Sanden a lot, they were so sweet together, and the chemistry shined through between them. I'm so happy they eventually got their hard earned HEA.
Will have to catch up with the Puckboys series soon. I also can't wait for whatever these ladies come up with next! 🥰
These ladies have never quite delved into something as serious as this before, and I'd say they pulled it off and handled it with great care, especially Remy and Sanden's relationship.
I need to catch up on the Puckboys series, so these characters were all new to me. I learned that Remy and Eman were together 3 years, and at the very start of this they're about to get married. Remy, though, feels deep in his gut that he doesn't want this, that this with Eman have only gotten worse since they got engaged.
But he moved past his misgivings, his gut, and intends to marry Eman anyway.
Only, Eman is the one who leaves him at the alter.
Embarrassed, humiliated - but not at heartbroken as he would have thought - Remy runs from the ceremony to the room he got ready in, and Sanden, who was one of Eman's groomsmen, was the one to tell Remy, and he's the one to go after him.
He tells him to have the reception anyway, have a "petty party" instead, and Sanden ends up going on Remy's honeymoon with him as well.
But Eman isn't gone from their lives yet, as it becomes clearer and clearer that Eman wasn't just run of the mill shitty boyfriend. He was an emotional abuser. The way he manipulated and gaslights Remy is fucking wild.
He left Remy at the alter and yet still comes back to act the victim. He messes with Remy's head and makes him not know what is real anymore.
Because Sanden, it is clear, has had feelings for Remy for those 3 years. They were actually flirty with each other before Eman was introduced to Remy, and Sanden distanced himself, because he couldn't handle being close to them when he felt so strongly for Remy. Also, he wanted Remy to be happy and he knew if he was around too much and if he felt any more for Remy, he might not be able to keep his distance.
But Eman also lied about Sanden to Remy, making Remy think Sanden hated him and actually secretly wanted Eman. It didn't help that Sanden kept things so cool and professional between them whenever they'd run into each other at work - as Sanden is a firefighter and Remy an EMT in two stations close together.
But as Sanden is the one to turn to after the wedding that never was, their attraction comes roaring back, and things start to progress between them.
But any kind of abuse isn't easily forgotten. And Sanden has his own shit he's been avoiding for years, childhood trauma where he lost his younger sister in a house fire and still blames himself for not saving her, even though there logically wasn't anything he could have done.
These two aren't in a great place, mentally, to be together, and while they're falling for each other, they're also starting to fall into an unhealthy dynamic with each other, where they're becoming too codependent with each other.
They're trying to take it slow, but they start up dating only about a month or so after the wedding that never was, and as much as they're falling for each other, they both have things they're going through that make it hard to be with each other in a healthy way.
Especially with Eman escalating things. He doesn't go away, and he tries to, again, manipulate and gaslight Remy into believing the worst of Sanden, that he's the true bad guy whose manipulating everything. He even goes so far as to fake texts from Sanden.
But when that still doesn't work and he doesn't get Remy back, it gets worse and he shows the capacity for physical violence as well as the emotional violence. He doesn't get to lay a hand on Remy, thankfully, but it's still a pretty violent, scary scene.
It shows that Eman would have been entirely capable of moving to physical violence as well, and if they'd gotten married, who knows how long before that would have happened?
But the emotional abuse was damaging enough, as even though Sanden and Remy are coming to love each other so much, they both aren't in a good mental place to be together. Remy needs Sanden just to feel normal, and when they're apart he feels adrift, so he's almost using Sanden as a crutch to get by.
As for Sanden, he suppresses his trauma from his childhood and never faces his own feelings about it, but the suppression manifests in him barely able to get through house fires, especially if they lose someone and he isn't able to save them.
And instead of dealing with it properly, he goes to Remy and they use sex to feel better in the moment, but to shove aside their real pain. After a talk with Remy's cousin, Sanden realizes they can't continue as they are, or they're going to crash and burn and they don't want that. The separation is definitely painful, but definitely needed for them to get their heads on straight and be together in a healthy way.
Their chemistry was so good, I loved it. The way Sanden was everything Remy needed in a good partner. Everything Eman wasn't, thankfully.
Sanden thinks several times about how he wished he had the courage to ask Remy out before Eman got to him, and I wish that too, because these two could have been together sooner and Remy would have never had to go through the pain he does with Eman.
But that's how life is sometimes. Wasted opportunities that you later regret. But it's never too late, and these two finally get their HEA, which is so hard fought for.
I like how these ladies ventured into something new, something more serious than we've ever seen from them before. I like how they didn't just ignore the mental toll Eman's emotional abuse did to Remy, and Sanden's own trauma. These two eventually get the help they need and are better for it.
I also like how, as painful as it was, they had Remy and Sanden separate to work on their own mental health. Go through really hard, tough times to get to the other side. The wait is so worth it once these two can be happy together.
Also Eman's comeuppance was so good, I almost wish we had gotten more of his downfall. But what we got was good enough and in the end he isn't worth it. He slinked off, never to be heard from again and that's good. Fuck him, he was the absolute worst.
It really goes to show how emotional abusers work, or any abuse for that matter. Eman could be 'so charming' as was said several times. But he'd give these subtle comments here and there that would eat away at Remy's self confidence, would eat away at his self worth. He made him fold into himself with just his words, which he did over time, one phrase at a time. One manipulation tactic at a time. On gaslighting moment at a time. It's truly sinister, people like that.
Even Sanden, who had distanced himself from Eman for years, still felt somewhat obligated to him before everything goes down in in the present time, as Eman was there for such a horrible time in his life and was the only one who knew about it. Eman, in some ways, did that shit to Sanden as well and it took him years to break free of him and realize his bullshit. But even then, he didn't realize the extent of how bad Eman was either.
I definitely recommend this. These ladies branched out with something new and did so well with it. Just a TW for emotional abuse including manipulation and gaslighting, and eventual threat of physical violence as well, as well as mental health issues that both our MC's have to deal with
This was not what I was expecting in all the best ways. And I loved Remy and Sanden a lot, they were so sweet together, and the chemistry shined through between them. I'm so happy they eventually got their hard earned HEA.
Will have to catch up with the Puckboys series soon. I also can't wait for whatever these ladies come up with next! 🥰
July 18, 2023
✰3 stars✰
Most of my friends who have read this already really liked it and I'm starting to think I might be in a bad reading slump where nothing is working for me. This very well could be a "It's me, hi, I'm the problem it's me" kind of situation.
I was so excited to finally read about Sanden and Remy. I loved all of Eden Finley's books in the Puckboy Series so I'm surprised that this one was a miss for me. I’m actually super bummed that I couldn't get into it the way I was hoping.
The story was a whole lot of
I'm not saying don't read this, because I love Eden Finley and Saxon James and their other books, but if you're expecting to get as good of a story as you do in some of the others, this might not be for you.
Also check trigger warnings before you read this, as there are topics that might be sensitive to some readers
Most of my friends who have read this already really liked it and I'm starting to think I might be in a bad reading slump where nothing is working for me. This very well could be a "It's me, hi, I'm the problem it's me" kind of situation.
I was so excited to finally read about Sanden and Remy. I loved all of Eden Finley's books in the Puckboy Series so I'm surprised that this one was a miss for me. I’m actually super bummed that I couldn't get into it the way I was hoping.
The story was a whole lot of
I'm not saying don't read this, because I love Eden Finley and Saxon James and their other books, but if you're expecting to get as good of a story as you do in some of the others, this might not be for you.
Also check trigger warnings before you read this, as there are topics that might be sensitive to some readers
August 29, 2023
to up in flames, you´re safe. you may join the other girls. the story wasn´t bad for my taste but more like passable. the first few chapters were horrible. it was this tragic-comedic narration of how a guy was left on the altar and told by one his groomsmen that the other guy left. it was very very fast-paced. one chapter they are having this petty party and then the next chapter is about one of the groomsmen going with the supposed-to-be groom to spend the honeymoon together and then the next chapter it was both them of making out. the pacing was too swift for me. i was ready to give this book the two stars treament aka the big chop. turns out i like the second half of the story more. i highly appreciate the mental health rep and how both mcs realized that they´re potential love story is up in flames because of their fast connection with one another. so yeah this book might be far from a great storyline as whole but it kinda served. nothing too memorable but i don´t regret reading it so yeah a win.
July 14, 2023
Really liked this, completely different tone to what these two usually put out!
Definitely check the trigger warnings before reading - from personal experience I can say it definitely stirred up unpleasant memories regarding both fire and emotional trauma.
I liked Remy and Sanden together, and it was refreshing to have focus on the characters as individuals rather than just as a couple - being in love didn't magically fix their problems either, which felt much more realistic and healthy. I hope they pop up again in future books!
Also loved the Gabe and Aleks content too and I'm looking forward to the next Puckboys installment.
Definitely check the trigger warnings before reading - from personal experience I can say it definitely stirred up unpleasant memories regarding both fire and emotional trauma.
I liked Remy and Sanden together, and it was refreshing to have focus on the characters as individuals rather than just as a couple - being in love didn't magically fix their problems either, which felt much more realistic and healthy. I hope they pop up again in future books!
Also loved the Gabe and Aleks content too and I'm looking forward to the next Puckboys installment.
October 10, 2023
Audio - 4 Stars
Story 3.5 Stars
Story 3.5 Stars
March 19, 2024
If only the Sadenverse books were as good as their covers.
Except, which character is on the cover? I really have no idea. If you know, drop it below.
Ooookay after being away from this book for a few days I've knocked it down to one star. Mostly because of how they used emotional abuse in the story. I know this is a sensitive topic. I bet there are people out there who *loved* that these author's tackled this topic. I'm not one of them. It is OK if you are.
But to meeeee.... it felt like they used it as a crowbar to break open the storyline. It felt like a tool, not real from the heart writing. It felt like they looked up a list of "what (emotional) domestic abuse looks like" and made an outline around it for Remy. It felt like someone was holding Barbie's and pretending with them and I was reading that story instead of the real story. The sad thing is that I really would love to read an accurate description of mental abuse in a romance. Either from the family of origin or from their SO. I think it's a tough topic to tackle but I'd love to read about that gritty, painful, angsty, sometimes terrifying part of life that so many of us have lived through.
There was sooo much potential here. I HATED. AbsolutelyFUCKINGhated the "we have to be apart for our own good/codependence" storyline. Hated it. It felt unnecessary, like shoving raisins into an already perfectly acceptable dessert. And I'm not talking carrot cake or oatmeal cookies. I'm talking key lime pie on the opposite end of the dessert spectrum type offense. Keep your raisins out of my gd key lime pie. So yeah. I wish that whole stupid part of the story didn't exist. They were cute together. They leaned on each other. They loved each other. Then you rip them apart for what?
So I know you're like "But Gina.. why read them if you're giving them low reviews..." Well...I've said it before and I'll say it again. Two things:
1. I'm committed to the Sadenverse. I've put in too many hours of my life to quit now.
2. I feel like the sparkle and shine of Saxon and Eden's first series have been lost. I think this is because they are pushing quantity over quality. I wish they'd take a sabbatical and really think about what they want to do with their lives then come back in a year with a new book. So with each new book I hold my breath that it's going feel like going home.
Except, which character is on the cover? I really have no idea. If you know, drop it below.
Ooookay after being away from this book for a few days I've knocked it down to one star. Mostly because of how they used emotional abuse in the story. I know this is a sensitive topic. I bet there are people out there who *loved* that these author's tackled this topic. I'm not one of them. It is OK if you are.
But to meeeee.... it felt like they used it as a crowbar to break open the storyline. It felt like a tool, not real from the heart writing. It felt like they looked up a list of "what (emotional) domestic abuse looks like" and made an outline around it for Remy. It felt like someone was holding Barbie's and pretending with them and I was reading that story instead of the real story. The sad thing is that I really would love to read an accurate description of mental abuse in a romance. Either from the family of origin or from their SO. I think it's a tough topic to tackle but I'd love to read about that gritty, painful, angsty, sometimes terrifying part of life that so many of us have lived through.
There was sooo much potential here. I HATED. AbsolutelyFUCKINGhated the "we have to be apart for our own good/codependence" storyline. Hated it. It felt unnecessary, like shoving raisins into an already perfectly acceptable dessert. And I'm not talking carrot cake or oatmeal cookies. I'm talking key lime pie on the opposite end of the dessert spectrum type offense. Keep your raisins out of my gd key lime pie. So yeah. I wish that whole stupid part of the story didn't exist. They were cute together. They leaned on each other. They loved each other. Then you rip them apart for what?
So I know you're like "But Gina.. why read them if you're giving them low reviews..." Well...I've said it before and I'll say it again. Two things:
1. I'm committed to the Sadenverse. I've put in too many hours of my life to quit now.
2. I feel like the sparkle and shine of Saxon and Eden's first series have been lost. I think this is because they are pushing quantity over quality. I wish they'd take a sabbatical and really think about what they want to do with their lives then come back in a year with a new book. So with each new book I hold my breath that it's going feel like going home.
Read
July 15, 2023DNF 60%
This carry’s on from Foolish Puckboy where we first meet Remy, Sanden and Eman and get a hint of some trouble in paradise between Eman and Remy. I really liked that this follows the story of a firefighter and a paramedic which is a nice change for these two authors from writing about the sporting world. I’m not sure how I feel about how they write them doing their jobs though, they are still pretty lighthearted considering they deal with a horrific car accident that might be triggering or feel insensitive to some readers. This book had different content to their usual fare but it still felt the same. I really liked the start of this and the jilted groom story line was good. Guess I just got bored. I put this down and forgot I was reading it, started something else and halfway through that realised I never finished this. I pushed through for another 10% but not feeling it so have moved on.
TW - awful car accident on page, discussion about a child dying in a fire, emotional abuse/gaslighting.
This carry’s on from Foolish Puckboy where we first meet Remy, Sanden and Eman and get a hint of some trouble in paradise between Eman and Remy. I really liked that this follows the story of a firefighter and a paramedic which is a nice change for these two authors from writing about the sporting world. I’m not sure how I feel about how they write them doing their jobs though, they are still pretty lighthearted considering they deal with a horrific car accident that might be triggering or feel insensitive to some readers. This book had different content to their usual fare but it still felt the same. I really liked the start of this and the jilted groom story line was good. Guess I just got bored. I put this down and forgot I was reading it, started something else and halfway through that realised I never finished this. I pushed through for another 10% but not feeling it so have moved on.
TW - awful car accident on page, discussion about a child dying in a fire, emotional abuse/gaslighting.
February 13, 2025
1.5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: audiobook
Narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤/5
I truly need to learn to DNF, because I shelved this months ago and I have no idea why I picked it back up.
This was just so OTT that the characters read more like caricatures than people. Remy is the victimest victim. Sanden is the heroest hero. Their background stories and everything else about them were so dramatic and ridiculous. And despite all the therapy and time apart and everything else, they literally learned nothing. No character development in sight.
I don’t want to say I hated this because I don’t really care enough about any of it for that, but if I never think about this book again it’ll be too soon.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: audiobook
Narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤/5
I truly need to learn to DNF, because I shelved this months ago and I have no idea why I picked it back up.
This was just so OTT that the characters read more like caricatures than people. Remy is the victimest victim. Sanden is the heroest hero. Their background stories and everything else about them were so dramatic and ridiculous. And despite all the therapy and time apart and everything else, they literally learned nothing. No character development in sight.
I don’t want to say I hated this because I don’t really care enough about any of it for that, but if I never think about this book again it’ll be too soon.
August 3, 2023
Disclosure:
I skimmed a lot of this and I didn’t read the epilogue.
I was annoyed and this just left me in a bad mood.
This had all or nothing type vibes and heavy topics.
Both MCs have trauma they need to work through and they’re using sex and each other to cope and ignore their issues so they decide they can’t be together until they are “better”
I’m supposed to feel like these two MCs care about each other when they decided it was best to go basically no contact during their “ break” to work on themselves instead of just trying to slow down their relationship ? They were written in a way that made it seem like they were miserable without each other so what was the point when they decided to unpause their relationship the first thing they did was have a quickie?
I’m just personally bothered that heavy topics were addressed and it was made to seem like you had to pick yourself or a relationship when you’re not with an abusive partner. There’s nothing wrong with allowing yourself comfort from a loved one while going through therapy. They could’ve taken the relationship slow with going on dates but not having sex, learning to communicate in healthy ways, just offering support after a rough session. Anything to keep their connection going without cutting each other off.
I’m just grumpy. I didn’t like this. No thank you. It’s my own fault, I shouldn’t have read it but it was recommended on Reddit and naturally I’m curious. 😒
My ratings always reflect my enjoyment of the story. ❀
I skimmed a lot of this and I didn’t read the epilogue.
I was annoyed and this just left me in a bad mood.
This had all or nothing type vibes and heavy topics.
Both MCs have trauma they need to work through and they’re using sex and each other to cope and ignore their issues so they decide they can’t be together until they are “better”
I’m supposed to feel like these two MCs care about each other when they decided it was best to go basically no contact during their “ break” to work on themselves instead of just trying to slow down their relationship ? They were written in a way that made it seem like they were miserable without each other so what was the point when they decided to unpause their relationship the first thing they did was have a quickie?
I’m just personally bothered that heavy topics were addressed and it was made to seem like you had to pick yourself or a relationship when you’re not with an abusive partner. There’s nothing wrong with allowing yourself comfort from a loved one while going through therapy. They could’ve taken the relationship slow with going on dates but not having sex, learning to communicate in healthy ways, just offering support after a rough session. Anything to keep their connection going without cutting each other off.
I’m just grumpy. I didn’t like this. No thank you. It’s my own fault, I shouldn’t have read it but it was recommended on Reddit and naturally I’m curious. 😒
My ratings always reflect my enjoyment of the story. ❀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2023
The story is a cute fake honeymoon romance between two first responders. It is a standalone spinoff of Foolish Puckboy where Remy has been stood up at the altar by his fiancé, Eman, who was really a sorry excuse for a human being, and I thought that Remy was actually lucky...but that wouldn't have been much of a story:) Eman’s childhood friend and groomsman, Sanden, has to break the news to Remy and then encourages him to hold the reception party anyway and still go on his honeymoon. Somehow, Sanden ends up on the Hawaiian vacation, too. I was in hopes that Sanden would have his own story ever since we met him as a Gabe’s friend and fellow firefighter in Foolish Puckboy....and it really isn't necessary to have read that book to really enjoy this one. Sanden is a sweet, goofy, lovable man and a selfless hero. He used to be closer friends with Remy until Eman came between them. Remy is uneasy about being married. He finally realizes that it’s the wrong move and when he’s left standing at the front of the church alone, he realizes he dodged a bullet. No need to waste a great honeymoon in a gorgeous place so Remy and Sanden enjoy the luxurious vacation...living in a state of suspended reality... where of course they are mistaken for newlyweds. Once they return home to Seattle, however, their actual reality becomes more of a reality. They can't seem to return to b normal…who are they now? Are they lovers, colleagues, friends with benefits? All of these things? There’s a strong attraction between them but Sanden knows Remy is not in the right headspace for a rebound fling or a more serious relationship. He badly wants more so he’ll wait until Remy has time to heal, trust him, and is ready for more. But Eman left Remy with deep emotional scars he won’t overcome easily. I really hated Eman. He was a truly vile character. He’s a conniving, manipulative, emotionally abusive psycho who I would have received a great deal of pleasure from simply strangling him and hiding the body. Sanden wasn't without his own trauma from his childhood so they both needed time and each other to heal. In spite of the dark tone that the story sometimes took, it was still full of enjoyable banter and sexy fun.
July 20, 2023
* 4 stars *
I was excited for Sanden and Remy's story ever since I read Foolish Puckboy were Sanden is a secondary character and Remy has some brief appearances.
The story starts just before Remy is supposed to get married, but things don't go as planned so he ends up having a solo party and getting very drunk. Sanden is there for him, both supporting him and following along with anything he puts his mind on.
What follows is Remy's effort to get over his breakup so he can move on while Sanden keeps being supportive and trying to overcome some trauma from his past. Their connection from when they first met and before Remy met his ex is back just as powerful as it was and this time they decide to explore it.
I liked how mature they were both with their relationship and with the issues they each had to deal with. They put in the work in an effort to have a better future and a stronger foundation for their relationship.
The guest appearances of past characters were as welcome as always but at the same time I don't think you have to read any other book to enjoy this one.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
I was excited for Sanden and Remy's story ever since I read Foolish Puckboy were Sanden is a secondary character and Remy has some brief appearances.
The story starts just before Remy is supposed to get married, but things don't go as planned so he ends up having a solo party and getting very drunk. Sanden is there for him, both supporting him and following along with anything he puts his mind on.
What follows is Remy's effort to get over his breakup so he can move on while Sanden keeps being supportive and trying to overcome some trauma from his past. Their connection from when they first met and before Remy met his ex is back just as powerful as it was and this time they decide to explore it.
I liked how mature they were both with their relationship and with the issues they each had to deal with. They put in the work in an effort to have a better future and a stronger foundation for their relationship.
The guest appearances of past characters were as welcome as always but at the same time I don't think you have to read any other book to enjoy this one.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
July 17, 2023
time of death: 50%
I got so fucking bored. I'm not joking when I say I went to the Puckboys series because Gabe/Aleks kept getting mentioned. Also Remy and Sanden were annoying as fuck. I hated them. I thought I would like them when there was a little glimpse in Foolish Puckboy, but fuck no. They suck.
I got so fucking bored. I'm not joking when I say I went to the Puckboys series because Gabe/Aleks kept getting mentioned. Also Remy and Sanden were annoying as fuck. I hated them. I thought I would like them when there was a little glimpse in Foolish Puckboy, but fuck no. They suck.
July 29, 2023
"Sanden’s mouth meets mine in a bruising kiss, sending my entire body to jelly. He tastes like want and relief, and the sheer contentment that flows through me at being here with him almost makes my head spin."
Up in Flames by Eden Finley and Saxon James was different read to the usual books put out by these fabulous authors, in that it wasn't hockey based for starters! There is a connection to Foolish Puckboy and some cameo appearances but this one is a firefighter/EMT responder MM romance. This is Sanden and Remy's story.
There are definitely some darker themes than you may be used to with a Finley/James co-write, so do check out the author notes if you have any concerns.
Tropes:
❣️MM romance
❣️Forced proximity
❣️Friends to lovers
❣️Hurt comfort
❣️All the steam
❣️HEA
3.5-4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Up in Flames by Eden Finley and Saxon James was different read to the usual books put out by these fabulous authors, in that it wasn't hockey based for starters! There is a connection to Foolish Puckboy and some cameo appearances but this one is a firefighter/EMT responder MM romance. This is Sanden and Remy's story.
There are definitely some darker themes than you may be used to with a Finley/James co-write, so do check out the author notes if you have any concerns.
Tropes:
❣️MM romance
❣️Forced proximity
❣️Friends to lovers
❣️Hurt comfort
❣️All the steam
❣️HEA
3.5-4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 30, 2023
Another beautiful story by these two authors that I've enjoyed very much.
Sanden is a firefighter and Remy is a paramedic, they work at different stations but they know each other because Remy's fiancé is Sanden's best friend. It was actually Sanden who introduced them both, something he's been regretting ever since because he is very much in love with Remy. Remy got in a relationship that eventually made him stop being himself and then the day of the wedding, his fiancé leaves him at the altar, which wasn't that bad since Remy was having multiple doubts about the marriage.
That's when this novel became such a beautiful and romantic story. Sanden and Remy start spending time together and they end up hooking up, which leads to something else. It was great seeing them going out on dates and getting to know each other. I loved how their relationship evolved and grew stronger, but what I've enjoyed the most of this book is how the authors show the reality of mental health problems. It was raw and tough, but also realistic. Both the MCs have mental issues that they need to work on before they can be together and that was the best of this book. Because sometimes love is not enough to help someone heal, and if both partners are not alright, they both need to get help.
This book has been amazing, very emotional but beautifully written. I guess it could be considered to be medium angst, but I don't agree with that. This novel just portrayed life as it is, and what most romantic relationships have to go through, but at the same time it has funny moments and shows what true friendship is. It is a great book and I've loved every bit of it.
Sanden is a firefighter and Remy is a paramedic, they work at different stations but they know each other because Remy's fiancé is Sanden's best friend. It was actually Sanden who introduced them both, something he's been regretting ever since because he is very much in love with Remy. Remy got in a relationship that eventually made him stop being himself and then the day of the wedding, his fiancé leaves him at the altar, which wasn't that bad since Remy was having multiple doubts about the marriage.
That's when this novel became such a beautiful and romantic story. Sanden and Remy start spending time together and they end up hooking up, which leads to something else. It was great seeing them going out on dates and getting to know each other. I loved how their relationship evolved and grew stronger, but what I've enjoyed the most of this book is how the authors show the reality of mental health problems. It was raw and tough, but also realistic. Both the MCs have mental issues that they need to work on before they can be together and that was the best of this book. Because sometimes love is not enough to help someone heal, and if both partners are not alright, they both need to get help.
This book has been amazing, very emotional but beautifully written. I guess it could be considered to be medium angst, but I don't agree with that. This novel just portrayed life as it is, and what most romantic relationships have to go through, but at the same time it has funny moments and shows what true friendship is. It is a great book and I've loved every bit of it.
July 20, 2023
Started out cute and fun, but got a little too heavy while still trying to maintain the fun. It ended up feeling disingenuous.
August 13, 2024
Whelp, this was definitely underwhelming!
Like tbh, the only reason I didn’t DNF it’s because I’m very committed to the Sadenverse, but I could have gone my whole life without reading this book easily.
I don’t understand what the plot was, it started promising I mean a groom left at the altar and going with a groomsman to the honeymoon? That’s hot! But then it felt that it was just drama for the sake of drama and a 3rd act breakup that made absolutely no sense whatsoever.
Maybe it’s me, but couldn’t they just go to therapy and do their healing etc while still together? Maybe yes? Maybe no? Who knows? The point is that the breakup made no sense and it was weird.
Like tbh, the only reason I didn’t DNF it’s because I’m very committed to the Sadenverse, but I could have gone my whole life without reading this book easily.
I don’t understand what the plot was, it started promising I mean a groom left at the altar and going with a groomsman to the honeymoon? That’s hot! But then it felt that it was just drama for the sake of drama and a 3rd act breakup that made absolutely no sense whatsoever.
Maybe it’s me, but couldn’t they just go to therapy and do their healing etc while still together? Maybe yes? Maybe no? Who knows? The point is that the breakup made no sense and it was weird.
July 19, 2023
=4
strasznie dużo rzeczy mnie irytowało w tej książce 🤪
strasznie dużo rzeczy mnie irytowało w tej książce 🤪
July 31, 2023
When his groom leaves him at the altar, Remy with encouragement from Sanden, the missing groom's high school friend/best man, decides to have a party anyway. One drunken kiss later, they're on the way to the prepaid honeymoon. As friends, of course. Or maybe more.
The story unfolds as Remy tries to make sense of the breakup and his feelings. Sanden is supportive while also trying to figure out some things from his past that have held him back.
These two are really mature about their relationship, even as it goes from friendship to companionship to love connection. There was some self-doubt on both sides, which seeing how Remy's ex was basically gas-lighting him for a long time, and trauma Sanden had in his past, and some one step forward, two steps back for a little while, but they overcome these roadblocks to build a strong foundation for a lasting love.
Also, fuck you, Eman, you cheating, gas-lighting bastard.
The story unfolds as Remy tries to make sense of the breakup and his feelings. Sanden is supportive while also trying to figure out some things from his past that have held him back.
These two are really mature about their relationship, even as it goes from friendship to companionship to love connection. There was some self-doubt on both sides, which seeing how Remy's ex was basically gas-lighting him for a long time, and trauma Sanden had in his past, and some one step forward, two steps back for a little while, but they overcome these roadblocks to build a strong foundation for a lasting love.
Also, fuck you, Eman, you cheating, gas-lighting bastard.
August 8, 2023
Honestly I liked the characters but I am just so tired of books where the relationships are a fucking mess because the main characters aren’t mentally healthy enough to be in a healthy relationship.
We watch their whole sloppy, way too soon after a breakup relationship while cringing, and that’s literally 75% of the book. It’s a mess. They’re a mess. Then we get 20% of them taking a break and being sad and going to therapy. Then they’re finally back together. I can’t call this a romance because we never got any. Most of the book was just …sad. I did get some laughs and enjoyed Gabe’s relationship with our mains, though.
I really did like the mental health rep, but this was overall not for me and I’m no longer willing to read this storyline where the couple isn’t healthy enough to be in a relationship, so they go to therapy for too much of the book.
We watch their whole sloppy, way too soon after a breakup relationship while cringing, and that’s literally 75% of the book. It’s a mess. They’re a mess. Then we get 20% of them taking a break and being sad and going to therapy. Then they’re finally back together. I can’t call this a romance because we never got any. Most of the book was just …sad. I did get some laughs and enjoyed Gabe’s relationship with our mains, though.
I really did like the mental health rep, but this was overall not for me and I’m no longer willing to read this storyline where the couple isn’t healthy enough to be in a relationship, so they go to therapy for too much of the book.
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