What happens when the selfishness of someone else's actions turns your world upside down? You go after the ones they love. When seducing his girlfriend doesn’t work, I change the plan and go after the bastard’s best friend, the one covered in glitter. He was a means to an end, a bet if you will. I reeled him in and made him think this was all real and he fell hard. And it seems like I will get the last laugh because Zach loves being under me. Everything was fine and going according to plan until Zach got under my skin, and the bet didn’t seem relevant anymore. I wanted him to love me like he meant it, until I caught him in bed with someone else. My anger got the better of me and I hurt him. Thanks to my lapse in judgment, I agreed to a fight, legally this time. This was what I always wanted, to make it into the MMA. So why aren’t I happy about it? I haven’t smiled since the night I walked out on Zach. Maybe winning this fight isn’t worth it after all. I sacrificed everything for this chance at redemption, but now, it seems like all I did was sacrifice my heart for nothing.
For those who have read HULYMI, Zach is the sparkling best friend, every girl needs, and I'm so glad the amazing ladies who wrote the books have given the Glampire himself his own story.
I never have the right words to explain how well written and addictive these books are. Sam always knows how to exactly leave me at a loss for all words.
This is the second book I have read by Jaye, and I'm definitely interested in more.
This is one of my first spicy MM books, and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. I absolutely loved the small connection made between other characters as well.
I fell in love with the range and diversity of characters in this book. There is definitely someone for everyone.
There are not enough words to explain just how good this book is and why you should read it.
This has been the best MM book I have read in a long time! I was so happy to get Zach's story after reading, Hate Us Like You Mean It, but this story was so much more than I expected. I absolutely loved the plot and couldn't put it down.
I loved Depp! He didn't have an easy childhood and just wants to make sure that he can take care of and protect his younger sister. A lot of those plans are ruined and he blames Zach's best friend, Talon for it all. Zach is absolutely lovable and unapologetically who he is. He hasn't had the easiest life either, but he has created his own family with Lacey and her guys. Although he has his found family, he wants someone that will put him first and love him above all else. This started as a plan for revenge but turns into so much more. I absolutely couldn't get enough of Depp and Zach and am so sad that their story is over!
If you enjoy MM with a revenge plot and damaged boys then you need to read this book right away. Zach and Depp are definitely characters that will stick with you and leave you wanting more. I have loved this world that Jaye Pratt and Samantha Barrett have created so I would certainly love more in the future!
This book was so cute and had lots of funny moments, great one-liners, plenty of spice, some angst, and lots of love! We got to see characters we loved from Hate Us Like You Mean It, along with some great new characters.
If you read Hate Us Like You Mean It, then you’ll already know Zach and you’ll be happy to know that he is the same glitter-covered, fabulous, outgoing, and flamboyant guy we all love! He is so unapologetically himself and knows that not everyone will love him for it but he’s not going to stop being who he is to please others.
Depp is an MMA fighter trying to have a career after getting arrested for underground fighting. He just wants to get custody of his little sister and get revenge on Talon for the role he played in ruining his life. He’s muscled, he doesn’t spread his business around, he doesn’t care at all about what people think or say about him, and he is incredibly loyal and loving to his sister and Gabby.
Depp is the complete opposite of Zach, and you would think they would be terrible for each other, but this is just one of those cases of opposites attract and they just work together so well. The ending was really beautiful for all the characters, and I’m so glad that Jaye and Samantha wrote this story because Zach and Depp deserved to find true love in each other!
🛑 Check trigger warnings if needed 🛑 Ease of Reading ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unpredictability ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Storyline ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice ⭐️⭐️ Over All Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Perfection! Losing her sister, drove her to the point of plotting revenge against the one man she blamed for all of it. But when he blames himself just as much as she does, is it really revenge or is he getting what he deserves? Are there plans going to change as time goes and they get to really know the other person or is getting to know that other person just going to make the event that much sweeter… this book, gave me a love, hate tug-of-war game, like you would never believe. In the end, I didn’t want it to be done. I still don’t want it to be done I just want more. These two authors code writing is dangerous. It’s like a drug. It’s addicting their styles go together very well the character building the world building the plot, twists and turns everything just goes together. You would never know that it was two people writing these stories. Highly recommend!!
I genuinely loved Zach from Hate us like you mean it (lacey, Talon, Teague & Tanner's book). How could you not loved his sparkly personality and cutting wit? His relationship with his chosen family (Lacey & the guys) was not only caring but also a laugh a minute with all of the banter that they had together. Still underneath all of that glitter Zach had was a guy that held a lot of hurt that he carried from events that have happened in his life. That also made him care and love deeply for the people in his life now. Like attracts like in his case when her gets tangled up with Depp. More so with Depp's revenge plot.
As such as wanted to smack Depp silly for some of his actions (which he thought were justified) in this book his dynamic with Zach was endearing at times. I really wanted them to get their HEA ending together so much. Loved It!!!
OMG this book had every emotion going, I don’t even know where to begin. I love Depp, the big,strong good looking guy who doesn’t care what people think and then there’s Zach who just loves glitter, pink and is very sensitive. Two very different people who are a match made in heaven.
Carrying on from HULYMI the tension continues between Depp and the brothers and hits an all time high when Depp finds Zach in a compromising position. Without knowing what has really happened, Depp hits the roof and all hell breaks loose. It all comes to a blow in a cage and from there on things just become perfect. History is explained and new “friendships” are made and Depp gets the HEA he fully deserves.
Honestly, you really need to read this duet, I cannot explain how amazing it really is. You will not be disappointed I promise.
Omfg I loved Zach n Depp’s story. If you read Hate Us Like You Mean It , then you know about Zach. Lacey’s glitter loving gay best friend. In the last story the Madden brothers had their dad’s underground fighting raided and Depp was one of the fighters that got caught in the crossfire. He went to jail and lost his little sister. He blames Talon. So now he wants revenge. So what better way to do it you ask? He goes after Zach knowing that him and Talon are best friends. So he gets close to Zach and tries to get him to fall in love with him. So will he be able to do it or will it backfire? Hmmmm you’ll have to read this crazy amazing story to find out. Two truly amazing authors. Kudos ladies on yet another epic collaboration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ok so my best kept secret is that I don’t read much MM romance stories but since this a Jaye Pratt and Samantha Barrett book and since it’s a book about Zach from Hate Us Like You Mean It I gave it a chance and I’m so glad it did!!!
MM is not my usually go to, However when it’s done right I can be a huge fan and this story was done right. I’ll read anything that Jaye Pratt and Samantha have published. They are great and amazing on their own but when they come together they create something special and this story is special. Zach is a character you can’t help but love and your heart will break for him and what he has gone through in life. Depp is honestly the best match for him.
I was in awe of this story. The story itself was plotted so good that you will be attached from the start.
Love me like you mean it. This is a wonderful Love story about somewhat broken young people who feel like they are unlovable because of their past.
Strong characters who are deep down insecure about how to show their love and be accepted while remaing themselves.
Depp wanted revenge on the Madden brothers for the hurt they caused in his life. Wanting to find a way to cause koas and pain. When he found his way in, what he wasn't expecting was to find himself developing feelings for the person he only wanted to hurt to get back the Madden brothers.
Zach is furious and hurt when he discovers Depp's plans and is heartbroken to realise that Depp never cared. A beautiful emotional charged storyline filled with such sweetness, humour and plenty of sexual chemistry.
Love love love this book. I’m so happy that Sam and Jaye wrote a book about Zach. I was really hoping they would and look dreams can come true lol. This is an MM romance Zack is just awesome. My beautiful glitter man. Love his style, clothing, personality, just love everything about him. Zepp was upset and took his anger out on Zach. My poor baby Zach. I’m so glad that Zepp came to his senses to win Zach back and so proud of Zach for not giving in so easily. Zach deserves so much love as he is truly a wonderful special man. My glitter man.
Zach and Depp....swoon! M/M romance full of glitter, sass, muscles and testosterone.
This can be read as a standalone however having read hate me like you mean it gave a deeper understanding of the characters and events leading to Depp's revenge.
A really enjoyable book which I devoured in a day. Packed with some great funny quotes which out of context are anything but. I particularly liked "smells like fish, tastes like chicken" I actually spat my tea at that one.
I hope one day Gabby may get her book as she intrigued me too.
Ever since I first came across Zach I've wanted to read his story , he's such a wonderfully different character to read and a hilarious one too. I love the way he lives his life not caring what people think of him and all his glitter , he is unapologetic about who he is Depp is the opposite, withdrawn and angry and out for revenge and very dark to Zachs light but I think that's why they work so well together . I loved their love story, I cried a few times but more than anything I found myself smiling so much when reading , this book is a must read , 5 well deserved stars from me .
I really did not like this author's writing style. Awkward sentences followed by really long expo paragraphs were not fun to read.
"That is Zach. He is Lacey and Talon's best friend. He lives in New York with his boyfriend. I already told you about him, he is Talon's best friend." (Yeah, you literally just said it in the first sentence.)
"She [Gabby] fucking hates men who tear down women for the way they look."(Yet she willingly hangs out with a guy who is characterized as misogynistic)
"Only because I hacked the university admissions and got you..." (as if we didn't already get this exposition earlier in a dump)
"Depp, you need to stop being a weird stalker and go" coming from the girl who supposedly has a conscience and feels like Depp's revenge is a bad idea, yet not only did she get him in to the university, she actively encourages him execute on the revenge plan.
I didn't get what Depp's angle was? He was angry that Talon narc'd on his illegal fighting and got his sister, Izzy, taken from him, so he vowed to take revenge because she got sent away to an aunt she didn't know but Depp then immediately says that the aunt wasn't actually a bad person and that Izzy needed more stability than he could give and they provided for her a life he never could so like... he's mad that the arrest improved his sister's life? If he cared for her that much, why didn't he try finding the aunt sooner? She was apparently close enough for him to visit weekly?
And why did Depp have no choice in joining a frat? Did someone have a gun to his head or something? Afaik frats/sororities are very optional so idk what the setup for that was other than giving the misogynistic frat bro, Devin, a seat at Depp's table.
Also, Depp apparently already knew Talon's girlfriend, Lacey, prior to this scene, so why the hell was he describing her as "Talon's girlfriend" earlier when they appeared? He knew her name and they'd interacted enough for him to call her "Lace" so that intro didn't make sense (nobody describes other people solely unnamed positions when they're already acquaintances)
What the fuck was that in Zach's intro chapter? Teague, Talon, and Tanner came and "caused my girl [Lacey] so much shit, bullied her, and all hell broke loose." Alright, but the next sentence makes absolutely no sense. "Somehow the asshole grew on me, Talon becoming one of my best friends, and I know Teague tolerates me for Lacey..."
HUH? They bullied the shit out of her then "somehow" they end up in a weird poly relationship and they're all best buds now? That "somehow" is fucking load bearing with all the shit it implies (which must be from another story but that doesn't excuse it)
I gave up after we got a barrage of names and more unnecessary expo. On top of Axle, Devin, Gabby, Teague, Talon, Tanner, Lacey, Depp, Zach, we get Silva, Katie, Alexa and Nathan. All in the first 10 pages, and all people who could've been introduced later when they actually mattered.
I absolutely fell in love with Zach. He is everything you expect and more in a gay man. Glitter, outgoing, and 100% real . I just loved watching him come to life. Depp is still holding on to past grudges. Being a total A-hole. Makes a bet to make Zach fall in love with him, but Karma works in mysterious ways! His Karma comes in the shape of a very openly flamboyant man.
Normally, I'm not a big MM book reader, but I am soooo glad i decided to give this one a chance. The new characters are terrific, and we had returning ones from Hate Us Like You Mean It. Am sooo glad that Zack got his own story and HEA. Depp back story isn't an easy one, and all he sees and thinks about it is revenge. But of course, does revenge plans ever go as planned. Opposites really do attract. It's a must-read book if you like MM story lines, revenge plots , quirky one-liners.
Absolutely loved this book- the ladies did it again. Zach has is own story and you won’t be disappointed. While reading this book I laughed, cried, grew angry, frustrated and fell in love! Zach has had some trauma in his life and he has created his own family with Lacey and her guys. Zach sparkles and has a heart so big and cares so much. Bring in Depp an MMA fighter, scorned, sent to jail and lost his sister. How do you get revenge, go after an easy target? However that easy target was more than Depp bargained for. You loved to hate Depp as he was all wrong for Zach but was he truly?!?
Zach and Depp are total opposites, but I completely love this story. They're perfect for each other, and regardless of why Depp chose Zach, they both made it work in the end. This book is well written, the characters had me in stitches, and I seriously want some of the outfits mentioned in the book.
Please note that I did receive an ARC of this book, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Damn!!! My god so good ! I’m obsessed with this book, I truly love how the relationships grew through out the whole book. Between Zach and Depp and then the one between Depp and the 3 guys. I love how it all worked out. Spice was soooo nice ! Obsessed how things changed for them, Depp and Izzy had a shitty up bringing tooo:-( Don’t want to give to much away! But I was obsessed! A must read
Oh my gosh, I absolutely loved this book. There were quite a few laugh out loud moments that had me absolutely cracking up for a few solid minutes after reading through each of them. I wanted to highlight them but felt like it could be "spoilery*." (*not a word but whatever, lol). Definitely recommend reading this and book one.
This is the second time I have read this & it was just as good as the first time! Loved this book so much, Depp & Zack were the sweetest. Depp thinking he could get Zack to fall in love with him & then leave him but in reality he fell in love with Zack aswell. Depp accepted Zack & all his glitter!
Loved this book. Zach is an amazing guy. Depp is an ass hole but it all works out. Zach has his family to support him and he gets to be himself around them. It plays with your head but in a good way. You go Gabby.
This is the best MM book I've ever read. Zach is unapologetically him and nobody can bully him into being anything else. He can be a bit soft in this book during the small bullying scenes but he's actually really strong for never bowing down to the haters. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I dont normaly read mm books but this was brillant I loved it honestly I wished it was longer the chemistry between these to was just fire 🔥 this is such a hot book u can't not love these two can't wait to see what write next
This book was awesome!! As good as HMLUMI was, I think this was better! Zach's a sweetheart who deserves someone's love(besides his besties) and Depp is perfect for him!! Everyone deserves a family and they made their own!!!
I am so in love with these two! The sparkle is real!!!! Depp is such a dummy throughout the whole thing and I’m glad he pulled his head out of his a$$!