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His Secret Obsession
Childhood friend.
My flatmate, Lucas, is gorgeous, aloof, and barely tolerates me. We used to be childhood friends but everything changed in high school. Now our relationship is…complicated, to say the least.
High school enemy.
Now that I’m in university, I decide to put myself out there romantically. But when I get into my first relationship, there’s just one Lucas hates my new girlfriend with a fiery passion.
University flatmate.
Whenever I mention her name or invite her to our apartment, he gets more pissed off. Whenever he sees us touch or kiss, he looks murderous. And soon I have to wonder…is Lucas jealous?
Future lover?
When secrets start to unravel and betrayals come to light, I learn there’s more to Lucas than I ever realised. And perhaps the romance I’ve been seeking has been right in front of me this entire time.
‘His Secret Obsession’ is a friends-to-enemies-to lovers New Adult MM romance with sexy scenes, a lot of jealousy and a guaranteed HEA.
My flatmate, Lucas, is gorgeous, aloof, and barely tolerates me. We used to be childhood friends but everything changed in high school. Now our relationship is…complicated, to say the least.
High school enemy.
Now that I’m in university, I decide to put myself out there romantically. But when I get into my first relationship, there’s just one Lucas hates my new girlfriend with a fiery passion.
University flatmate.
Whenever I mention her name or invite her to our apartment, he gets more pissed off. Whenever he sees us touch or kiss, he looks murderous. And soon I have to wonder…is Lucas jealous?
Future lover?
When secrets start to unravel and betrayals come to light, I learn there’s more to Lucas than I ever realised. And perhaps the romance I’ve been seeking has been right in front of me this entire time.
‘His Secret Obsession’ is a friends-to-enemies-to lovers New Adult MM romance with sexy scenes, a lot of jealousy and a guaranteed HEA.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2023
250 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
About the author
Milana Spencer
13 books168 followersMilana Spencer writes steamy slow burn MM romance.
She's in her early twenties and has an existential crisis every other week. She lives in Australia and loves matcha lattes, cats and to-do lists.
Her favourite tropes include oblivious characters, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers and forced proximity.
Sign up to her email list via her website for latest updates about new books and giveaways!
Contact her via her website!
She's in her early twenties and has an existential crisis every other week. She lives in Australia and loves matcha lattes, cats and to-do lists.
Her favourite tropes include oblivious characters, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers and forced proximity.
Sign up to her email list via her website for latest updates about new books and giveaways!
Contact her via her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
January 16, 2024
Wow. That was an experience alright. Not sure if I’ve ever read a book where I’m the one who goes through a character arc. Let me just say that I’m as surprised as anybody at this rating. Normally, I don’t really like going in-depth in how I rate books (it’s almost always vibes based anyway), but I will say that there were parts of this that were “one star” for sure. Ever lose sleep over how angry a book made you? So, as for my current rating… um, let's just chalk it up to my inability to stop reading. Despite any complaint of mine, I can't lie that it's an addictive story! And then there's the fact that the ending kind of (sort of?) made up for a lot my anger. Though, who knows? By the end of this review, I might have changed my mind again. Your guess is as good as mine. Because... phew, I can’t tell you how many times I'd go from “this is literally the worst thing I’ve ever read” to “Damn, I really should have picked that Riley Hart book instead,” back around to, “Okay, this isn’t so bad after all,” sometimes within the span of a single chapter! It's been turbulent. And because I have no object permanence, I think my rating will reflect my more charitable feelings towards this book rather than how pissed off I was while reading it. I’m so mature, I’m so mature. The title is seriously doing a lot of heavy lifting here too. No joke, I’d probably hate this a lot more if it didn’t have the words “secret” and “obsession” together, prepping me for the more toxic parts of the book. Otherwise, there's a pretty good chance that I would have instantly rage-quit this right away. I mean, there was one specific moment in the mid-part that made me more angry than I've been in a while. After I finished the chapter I seriously considered chucking this across the room at full force… but I read this on my laptop, so I figured that’d probably be a bad idea. I’m so mature, I’m so mature.
Anyway, let’s talk a little bit about the characters, because while I thought they were great (in that they were realistic), I pretty much couldn’t stand any of them except for Hugo. Charlie, our main guy… is pathetic. Sorry if that sounds too blunt, but there’s really no other way to describe him. The guy was like if Scott Pilgrim and George Costanza had a baby. What would that even look like? Well, read this book and you’d find out. I couldn’t count the times where I wanted to reach into the book world and scream, “WHERE’S YOUR SELF-RESPECT!?" He does get some shots back at Lucas (we’ll get to him), and didn’t immediately forgive him, which was basically his only saving grace. As for Lucas… he’s that one guy that thinks that being a self-aware piece of shit makes you less of a piece of shit. It doesn’t, it just makes you a self-aware piece of shit. I know it’s only January, but he’s already the top contender for my “top ten worst people of 2024” list. I still don’t completely buy into Charlie forgiving him at the end because it never really felt like he did enough. But I guess you could argue that I'm the one who should move on! Though in my defense, it also didn’t seem like they’d be the kind of couple who'd stand the test of time. Maybe I’m telling on myself, but the thing about forgiveness is that it isn’t always everlasting. Sometimes it comes and goes and what you say you’re okay with right now might still cause stabs of hurt at random for years down the road. I’m not being fair, my rational brain knows that realistically, forgiveness isn't always given to those who suffer the “right” amount. It can’t, and shouldn't, work like that. Did Lucas deserve to be forgiven? Probably not, but he was anyway. Love is more important than pride, or whatever Sade said. See? I got around to it in the end. I’m so mature, I’m so mature.
I can’t focus on what needs to get done / I’m on notice hoping that you don’t run, ah / You think I’m tepid but I’m misdiagnosed / ‘Cause I’m a stalker, I seen all of your posts, ah-ah (Crush – Tessa Violet)
Anyway, let’s talk a little bit about the characters, because while I thought they were great (in that they were realistic), I pretty much couldn’t stand any of them except for Hugo. Charlie, our main guy… is pathetic. Sorry if that sounds too blunt, but there’s really no other way to describe him. The guy was like if Scott Pilgrim and George Costanza had a baby. What would that even look like? Well, read this book and you’d find out. I couldn’t count the times where I wanted to reach into the book world and scream, “WHERE’S YOUR SELF-RESPECT!?" He does get some shots back at Lucas (we’ll get to him), and didn’t immediately forgive him, which was basically his only saving grace. As for Lucas… he’s that one guy that thinks that being a self-aware piece of shit makes you less of a piece of shit. It doesn’t, it just makes you a self-aware piece of shit. I know it’s only January, but he’s already the top contender for my “top ten worst people of 2024” list. I still don’t completely buy into Charlie forgiving him at the end because it never really felt like he did enough. But I guess you could argue that I'm the one who should move on! Though in my defense, it also didn’t seem like they’d be the kind of couple who'd stand the test of time. Maybe I’m telling on myself, but the thing about forgiveness is that it isn’t always everlasting. Sometimes it comes and goes and what you say you’re okay with right now might still cause stabs of hurt at random for years down the road. I’m not being fair, my rational brain knows that realistically, forgiveness isn't always given to those who suffer the “right” amount. It can’t, and shouldn't, work like that. Did Lucas deserve to be forgiven? Probably not, but he was anyway. Love is more important than pride, or whatever Sade said. See? I got around to it in the end. I’m so mature, I’m so mature.
I can’t focus on what needs to get done / I’m on notice hoping that you don’t run, ah / You think I’m tepid but I’m misdiagnosed / ‘Cause I’m a stalker, I seen all of your posts, ah-ah (Crush – Tessa Violet)
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March 8, 2024
3.5 stars ☆
damn. i was kinda conflicted on how to rate this bc while i didn't LOVE it, there were some moments in the book that genuinely had me in my feels and obviously, i love reading bc of the emotions it makes me go through. 😭 it's a lil above mediocre, but just below the this is a solid four stars line so i feel like 3.5 is where it fits best to me, personally.
while Charlie felt relatable, i think Lucas is my "favorite" (i say that lightly bc i wouldn't say he's a favorite, more like his character intrigued me at times lol) simply bc of how layered he felt. he was an asshole and i hate the shit he did, but i thought it was interesting to see his thoughts expressed through his diary and everything he felt for Charlie. one thing i will never understand is the "i bullied you bc i liked you" excuse bc it makes no sense to me tbh and it doesn't justify the shitty things Lucas did or had made Charlie feel (it doesn't help there was no grovel. THE POTENTIAL 😭), but the second half had the most enjoyable moments imo.
damn. i was kinda conflicted on how to rate this bc while i didn't LOVE it, there were some moments in the book that genuinely had me in my feels and obviously, i love reading bc of the emotions it makes me go through. 😭 it's a lil above mediocre, but just below the this is a solid four stars line so i feel like 3.5 is where it fits best to me, personally.
while Charlie felt relatable, i think Lucas is my "favorite" (i say that lightly bc i wouldn't say he's a favorite, more like his character intrigued me at times lol) simply bc of how layered he felt. he was an asshole and i hate the shit he did, but i thought it was interesting to see his thoughts expressed through his diary and everything he felt for Charlie. one thing i will never understand is the "i bullied you bc i liked you" excuse bc it makes no sense to me tbh and it doesn't justify the shitty things Lucas did or had made Charlie feel (it doesn't help there was no grovel. THE POTENTIAL 😭), but the second half had the most enjoyable moments imo.
January 13, 2024
OKAYYY YEARNING!!!! OKAYYY CHILDHOOD BEST FRIENDS TO ENEMIES TO ROOMMATES TO LOVERS!!! Wow this was so excellent. My reading journey with this book goes a little something like this: staring at my kindle saying ughhhhh I don’t want to pick this up these people are ANNOYING!!!! To me never wanting to put it down and then getting to the last page and saying NOOOOO SO SOON????!!?? I just got here!!!! Once I got to know these two characters better and understood where they were coming from I was no longer annoyed but quite endeared. They grew on me! I just had to make it past the treacherous 20% ish percent where Lucas was pissing me off bad. Charlie reminded me too much of me (perpetual doormat) and Lucas was too mean but then it all clicked into place and I was hooked on witnessing their journey unravel. We have an oblivious MC + a hopelessly devoted / I’ll never get over you so I’m not going to even try / I’m sorry I was mean to you it’s because it made me feel better since I liked you so much and I didn’t know how to get over my feelings love interest. The jealousy is perfect but even better done than that was the yearning and the pining. I already want to reread this just to track all of the Lucas moments where his yearning for Charlie is so intense he feels like he’s going to implode at any second. Lucas is my best boy like I adore him. We had our very own enemies to lovers arc but he’s redeemed in my eyes.😌 Steam is fantastic too!!🔥 This was just so fun I had a great time! Now I reallyyyyy want to read more books where the yearning level is also 1000. But I fear nobody will ever out-yearn Lucas. They shouldn’t even try like he’s won.🏅
January 26, 2024
Yasss of course it’s a gay book with most of it being highlighted on a straight romance because it’s so goofy go you!! 🤪😝🤨😀💅
I hate this book. Congrats on being my first 2024 worst book ever.
I am not a fan of Lucas. He’s riddled with toxicity, manipulation, and bullying tendencies. He’s childish and he gets off on bullying. When I say bully, it’s not even morally ambigous. It’s toxic and damaging. I don’t care if the MCs aren’t together, you can never interest me with such a repulsive personality. Bullshit is bullshit, NEVER mistaken it with a “morally gray character”.
Meanwhile Charlie was….just meh.
The storyline and plot both were awful. It felt like being trapped in a decades old merry go round spinning in circles. There are no compelling characters and the narrative left zero impact to me as a reader. I couldn’t connect with the story. I feel like I read the words, but then I forgot it right after. In short, the first half was ridiculous, middle part was tediously annoying and the ending was like a joke so unfunny you can’t help but laugh.
And why the hell did it became a love triangle ?!?!!! 💀💀💀
There are absolute no warnings on the content of the book which is just another thing I’d like to point out here. This has 1) descriptions on an MF scene and 2) the presence of love triangle. SMH.
They claim they were childhood friends, but no in depth story to that and all the flashbacks were lacking of emotions. They said they were enemies in highschool and again, not even enough exploration on that. The sudden change from enemies to roommates were left unexplained and of course, the cliche, so called “enemies” with zero evidence of them being actual enemies. Yay.
Also the plot twist felt like a joke. Ridiculous, frustrating, and makes the book much worse. Best joke of the year.
Sorry that was harsh, I mean it.
I hate this book. Congrats on being my first 2024 worst book ever.
I am not a fan of Lucas. He’s riddled with toxicity, manipulation, and bullying tendencies. He’s childish and he gets off on bullying. When I say bully, it’s not even morally ambigous. It’s toxic and damaging. I don’t care if the MCs aren’t together, you can never interest me with such a repulsive personality. Bullshit is bullshit, NEVER mistaken it with a “morally gray character”.
Meanwhile Charlie was….just meh.
The storyline and plot both were awful. It felt like being trapped in a decades old merry go round spinning in circles. There are no compelling characters and the narrative left zero impact to me as a reader. I couldn’t connect with the story. I feel like I read the words, but then I forgot it right after. In short, the first half was ridiculous, middle part was tediously annoying and the ending was like a joke so unfunny you can’t help but laugh.
And why the hell did it became a love triangle ?!?!!! 💀💀💀
There are absolute no warnings on the content of the book which is just another thing I’d like to point out here. This has 1) descriptions on an MF scene and 2) the presence of love triangle. SMH.
They claim they were childhood friends, but no in depth story to that and all the flashbacks were lacking of emotions. They said they were enemies in highschool and again, not even enough exploration on that. The sudden change from enemies to roommates were left unexplained and of course, the cliche, so called “enemies” with zero evidence of them being actual enemies. Yay.
Also the plot twist felt like a joke. Ridiculous, frustrating, and makes the book much worse. Best joke of the year.
Sorry that was harsh, I mean it.
January 15, 2024
3,25 stars.
I'll try to keep this short.
Loved parts of it, hated parts of it.
I'm glad I didn't set the book aside during the first 20-30% (thanks Marci!) because I really needed to know the extent of history between Lucas and Charlie.
BUT.
There was too little groveling and explaining on Lucas's side for the years of bullying and meanness for my liking, as well as for his behaviour "now".
I got why Lucas had acted the way he did (and it hurt my heart so, so much), but how Charlie could fall in love with Lucas was not plausible to me.
If Lucas hadn't still behaved so mean when they were living together (I'm referring to him once falling back into the old behavioral patterns he had actually overcome, the scene on the couch), and if he had explained himself and done more groveling "now", I could have believed Charlie falling in love with him. I believed that he forgave him but I didn't feel the falling in love part on Charlie's side. He was attracted, yes, and he saw a kinder side of Lucas (mostly with others) but I really didn't see him falling in love because Lucas's behaviour was so hot and cold.
It's extremely hard to write a story where a former bully redeems themselves and the victim falls believably in love with them. Here it didn't work for me (mostly because of the one instant when the bully resumed his bulllying in the "now" - timeline instead of talking) .
One of the few books where the bully-turning-into-love-interest worked for me in a believable way is Here's Looking At You by Mhairi McFarlane.
I'll try to keep this short.
Loved parts of it, hated parts of it.
I'm glad I didn't set the book aside during the first 20-30% (thanks Marci!) because I really needed to know the extent of history between Lucas and Charlie.
BUT.
There was too little groveling and explaining on Lucas's side for the years of bullying and meanness for my liking, as well as for his behaviour "now".
I got why Lucas had acted the way he did (and it hurt my heart so, so much), but how Charlie could fall in love with Lucas was not plausible to me.
If Lucas hadn't still behaved so mean when they were living together (I'm referring to him once falling back into the old behavioral patterns he had actually overcome, the scene on the couch), and if he had explained himself and done more groveling "now", I could have believed Charlie falling in love with him. I believed that he forgave him but I didn't feel the falling in love part on Charlie's side. He was attracted, yes, and he saw a kinder side of Lucas (mostly with others) but I really didn't see him falling in love because Lucas's behaviour was so hot and cold.
It's extremely hard to write a story where a former bully redeems themselves and the victim falls believably in love with them. Here it didn't work for me (mostly because of the one instant when the bully resumed his bulllying in the "now" - timeline instead of talking) .
One of the few books where the bully-turning-into-love-interest worked for me in a believable way is Here's Looking At You by Mhairi McFarlane.
November 10, 2023
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
Friends to enemies (?) to lovers, slow burn new adult romance.
I’ve been thinking about this one for a while now, and I’m still very confused. Both about the story and how to rate it.
I don’t get nor like the ‘I like you so I treat you like shit’ trope so maybe this is a me problem, but I don’t understand why Lucas bullied Charlie for years instead of, oh I don’t know, asking him out? Telling him he liked him? Doing literally anything besides bullying? Make it make sense.
I literally wrote in my notes ‘How is Lucas the sweetest but in the most horrible way?’
There wasn’t even any epic groveling to make up for all the bullshit.
Confusion aside, I still weirdly enjoyed reading it. I liked the writing style and how Lucas’ POV was written more like a diary entry and that most of the storytelling was in Charlie’s POV.
When they weren’t being dumb, they were very cute together and I kind of wanted more of that instead of the whole girlfriend drama we got for the majority of the book.
I just think there is room for improvement, plot-wise and character development wise.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Roommates
- Australian setting
- Cheating (not between MCs)
- Insecure MC
- Pining
- Queer awakening
- Virgin MC
- Strict top/bottom
- Intercrural
Friends to enemies (?) to lovers, slow burn new adult romance.
I’ve been thinking about this one for a while now, and I’m still very confused. Both about the story and how to rate it.
I don’t get nor like the ‘I like you so I treat you like shit’ trope so maybe this is a me problem, but I don’t understand why Lucas bullied Charlie for years instead of, oh I don’t know, asking him out? Telling him he liked him? Doing literally anything besides bullying? Make it make sense.
I literally wrote in my notes ‘How is Lucas the sweetest but in the most horrible way?’
There wasn’t even any epic groveling to make up for all the bullshit.
Confusion aside, I still weirdly enjoyed reading it. I liked the writing style and how Lucas’ POV was written more like a diary entry and that most of the storytelling was in Charlie’s POV.
When they weren’t being dumb, they were very cute together and I kind of wanted more of that instead of the whole girlfriend drama we got for the majority of the book.
I just think there is room for improvement, plot-wise and character development wise.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Roommates
- Australian setting
- Cheating (not between MCs)
- Insecure MC
- Pining
- Queer awakening
- Virgin MC
- Strict top/bottom
- Intercrural
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2023
His Secret Obsession is an excellent slow burn. I loved how utterly clueless and blind Charlie is to Lucas's obvious devotion and love for him. Lucas is so obvious with his feelings that watching Charlie's slow realization of his friend's true feelings is one of the best aspects of this story. This story takes its time, which is something I appreciate given Charlie's slow discovery of his best friend's undeniable feelings.
Another favorite aspect is the chemistry between Lucas and Charlie. They have great steamy moments that sizzle off the page, which adds a lot to the complex dynamic between these two characters. Overall such a fun read that I couldn't get enough of it.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Another favorite aspect is the chemistry between Lucas and Charlie. They have great steamy moments that sizzle off the page, which adds a lot to the complex dynamic between these two characters. Overall such a fun read that I couldn't get enough of it.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
November 26, 2023
barely thru the first chapter, i was already kicking my feet in the air bc you can immediately tell lucas has an intense fixation on charlie the second you open up the book. like hello i’m in love!! you could see he was jealous af but trying to hide it and be chill while charlie was none the wiser…..i though lucas’s commitment to getting cleo’s name wrong was hilariously petty like he’s so salty, it’s obvious��� this ends the list of things i enjoyed.
here’s the list that pissed me off.
1. lucas is a dick, like actually mean, it almost annoys me when he apologizes like it’s not enough
2. charlie is stupid af, you laughed in lucas’s face during 7 minutes in heaven after he suggested you kiss (that hurt my heart, poor lucas)……ik it was unintentional, but it was still insensitive. then all of the sudden, lucas is rude and distant and you aren’t friends anymore…..what happened to putting 2 & 2 together????? and even worse bc u apparently can’t string together a few fucking brain cells to even have ONE guess as to what went wrong
3. charlie has horrific self esteem bc of this incident which causes lucas to “abandon” him…..and of course lucas has to treat him like absolute dirt as well, making fun of him with his friends, saying hurtful things about his body, dating a girl he knows that charlie really likes just to twist the knife, etc etc…..it literally hurt to read……charlie used to have confidence and shine brightly, but now he’s insecure, lonely, unpopular, and makes himself smaller. so sad😢
it kinda sucks bc i also feel for lucas, who, at the same time, is hurting so bad too bc his best friend, who he’s been in love with since he was a kid, rejected him and laughed in his face, and now he “knows” charlie will never love him the same way. but still oscillates back and forth for YEARS between being cruel and ignoring charlie to trying to be nice to him. like you can be heartbroken and upset without being a class A cunt, u know😐
5. the girlfriend……WAY too much page time, WAY too much time spent on her. just a huge portion of this book we’re seeing charlie match with her, go on their first date, have their first kiss, lose his V to her (not on page thank god), but just an excessive amount of time spent on an MF relationship in an MM book. not my cuppa. anyway, she cheated on him with one of his friends, gilly, and then ghosted him. charlie found out she cheated on him bc lucas told charlie that HE fucked her, specifically to prove to charlie that she wasn’t loyal, and we were made to believe this for a huge chunk of the book. btw this insane lie lucas told GUTTED charlie even more than if he’d told the truth……you could tell bc, after the initial blowout argument, he immediately bent over and let lucas fuck him😭 lmao yes that really happened🤦♀️….but in all seriousness, charlie was hella upset tho as he should be bc DAMN WTF!!!!…..this was the point that i mentally checked out, i knew it was over for me, nothing could fix it past this
5. once charlie finds out lucas didn’t actually fuck his girlfriend, charlie is so upset he lied bc WHY would lucas do that (hello😒)……but ultimately forgives lucas very easily…..he was just like i don’t wanna argue anymore so let’s just not talk it out and move on, and that’s it……ur choice bro✋😐
seeing them happy towards the end almost gave me hives…..i don’t like them together…they just constantly hurt each other, with lucas’s mean ass specifically having a special talent for it. and their chemistry is low, i wasn’t feeling it. like you can’t convince me they belong together at all. plus combine all that with the fact everything that happens in this book comes off as middle school drama bullshit. ugh i’m irritated.
here’s the list that pissed me off.
1. lucas is a dick, like actually mean, it almost annoys me when he apologizes like it’s not enough
2. charlie is stupid af, you laughed in lucas’s face during 7 minutes in heaven after he suggested you kiss (that hurt my heart, poor lucas)……ik it was unintentional, but it was still insensitive. then all of the sudden, lucas is rude and distant and you aren’t friends anymore…..what happened to putting 2 & 2 together????? and even worse bc u apparently can’t string together a few fucking brain cells to even have ONE guess as to what went wrong
3. charlie has horrific self esteem bc of this incident which causes lucas to “abandon” him…..and of course lucas has to treat him like absolute dirt as well, making fun of him with his friends, saying hurtful things about his body, dating a girl he knows that charlie really likes just to twist the knife, etc etc…..it literally hurt to read……charlie used to have confidence and shine brightly, but now he’s insecure, lonely, unpopular, and makes himself smaller. so sad😢
it kinda sucks bc i also feel for lucas, who, at the same time, is hurting so bad too bc his best friend, who he’s been in love with since he was a kid, rejected him and laughed in his face, and now he “knows” charlie will never love him the same way. but still oscillates back and forth for YEARS between being cruel and ignoring charlie to trying to be nice to him. like you can be heartbroken and upset without being a class A cunt, u know😐
5. the girlfriend……WAY too much page time, WAY too much time spent on her. just a huge portion of this book we’re seeing charlie match with her, go on their first date, have their first kiss, lose his V to her (not on page thank god), but just an excessive amount of time spent on an MF relationship in an MM book. not my cuppa. anyway, she cheated on him with one of his friends, gilly, and then ghosted him. charlie found out she cheated on him bc lucas told charlie that HE fucked her, specifically to prove to charlie that she wasn’t loyal, and we were made to believe this for a huge chunk of the book. btw this insane lie lucas told GUTTED charlie even more than if he’d told the truth……you could tell bc, after the initial blowout argument, he immediately bent over and let lucas fuck him😭 lmao yes that really happened🤦♀️….but in all seriousness, charlie was hella upset tho as he should be bc DAMN WTF!!!!…..this was the point that i mentally checked out, i knew it was over for me, nothing could fix it past this
5. once charlie finds out lucas didn’t actually fuck his girlfriend, charlie is so upset he lied bc WHY would lucas do that (hello😒)……but ultimately forgives lucas very easily…..he was just like i don’t wanna argue anymore so let’s just not talk it out and move on, and that’s it……ur choice bro✋😐
seeing them happy towards the end almost gave me hives…..i don’t like them together…they just constantly hurt each other, with lucas’s mean ass specifically having a special talent for it. and their chemistry is low, i wasn’t feeling it. like you can’t convince me they belong together at all. plus combine all that with the fact everything that happens in this book comes off as middle school drama bullshit. ugh i’m irritated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2024
I actually enjoyed this even though it was messy teenage drama. It felt realistic and I could definitely see this relationship and the struggles really happening.
Both characters were guilty of miscommunication and obliviousness, and both were hurting because of it.
Even though the majority of the story is told from Charlie's POV, Lucas's feelings came across very clearly in his brief chapters. It really endeared me to Lucas when the depth of his feelings was revealed and the way he'd struggled to accept how he felt for Charlie - he was definitely a dickhead when they were young teenagers, and hes still surly and aggravating but he was really trying to redeem himself and put Charlie first.
When they finally figured out how to communicate the relationship moved quickly and was very cute. I'd love to know more about Hugo - I don't recall him being in any other Milana Spencer book that I've read...
Both characters were guilty of miscommunication and obliviousness, and both were hurting because of it.
Even though the majority of the story is told from Charlie's POV, Lucas's feelings came across very clearly in his brief chapters. It really endeared me to Lucas when the depth of his feelings was revealed and the way he'd struggled to accept how he felt for Charlie - he was definitely a dickhead when they were young teenagers, and hes still surly and aggravating but he was really trying to redeem himself and put Charlie first.
When they finally figured out how to communicate the relationship moved quickly and was very cute. I'd love to know more about Hugo - I don't recall him being in any other Milana Spencer book that I've read...
November 26, 2023
3 stars, maybe 3.5
i honestly really liked this book even if i'm not giving it a glowing five star review. it was quick and easy to get through and i believed their chemistry every step of the way. i think the writing style threw me off a little... i'm not one for doing the flashbacks every other chapter and every flashback made feelings glaringly obvious so by the end of each one, all i could think was how dumb Charlie must've been to not see all the signs and alarms of Lucas' behavior. all that being said, i really liked being able to feeeeel Lucas' desperation for Charlie. their first kiss was seriously so hot all bcs Lucas was BEGGING for it and whew it did it for me. even tho this isn't getting a 5 or even a 4 star from me, i think this is a worthwhile read if you like the friends to enemies to lovers trope. i wish the antagonists had more of a comeuppance and i would've liked to see more of their relationship once it's established but for a light sexy read, this is a winner for sure. i am looking forward to reading more from this author cos this was great as a palate refresh.
i received an ARC from GRR but all thoughts shared here are my own x
i honestly really liked this book even if i'm not giving it a glowing five star review. it was quick and easy to get through and i believed their chemistry every step of the way. i think the writing style threw me off a little... i'm not one for doing the flashbacks every other chapter and every flashback made feelings glaringly obvious so by the end of each one, all i could think was how dumb Charlie must've been to not see all the signs and alarms of Lucas' behavior. all that being said, i really liked being able to feeeeel Lucas' desperation for Charlie. their first kiss was seriously so hot all bcs Lucas was BEGGING for it and whew it did it for me. even tho this isn't getting a 5 or even a 4 star from me, i think this is a worthwhile read if you like the friends to enemies to lovers trope. i wish the antagonists had more of a comeuppance and i would've liked to see more of their relationship once it's established but for a light sexy read, this is a winner for sure. i am looking forward to reading more from this author cos this was great as a palate refresh.
i received an ARC from GRR but all thoughts shared here are my own x
November 14, 2023
This book put my heart through a wood chipper and I'm just now recovering. His Secret Obsession is a great frenemies to lovers story about finding hope when it seems like there's none.
Charlie and Lucas were best friends when they were children, absolutely inseparable... until they weren't. The majority of the book is told from Charlie's POV, and he has no idea why they aren't friends anymore. He's endured years of Lucas bullying him throughout school. Fast forward to their first year of university, and the two are roommates and share a friend group. Charlie is still harbouring hope that they can be friends again, but Lucas is alternately kind and cruel. When Charlie gets a girlfriend, Lucas can't stand her, and doesn't hide his feelings.
I love the trope and Milana Spencer does it justice. It's so hard to get E2L right, and not have the reader dislike one of the characters or question the reasons for their dislike. I really felt for Charlie and Lucas throughout the book; they each struggled and had legitimate and reasonable perspectives. I think it's important to keep in mind that these characters are 19. Some of their behaviour is immature and thoughtless, but I think their actions are in keeping with their age. I was in a major slump prior to reading this book, and now I think I'm cured!
Rating: 4
Angst: 4/5
Steam: 3.5/5
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
Charlie and Lucas were best friends when they were children, absolutely inseparable... until they weren't. The majority of the book is told from Charlie's POV, and he has no idea why they aren't friends anymore. He's endured years of Lucas bullying him throughout school. Fast forward to their first year of university, and the two are roommates and share a friend group. Charlie is still harbouring hope that they can be friends again, but Lucas is alternately kind and cruel. When Charlie gets a girlfriend, Lucas can't stand her, and doesn't hide his feelings.
I love the trope and Milana Spencer does it justice. It's so hard to get E2L right, and not have the reader dislike one of the characters or question the reasons for their dislike. I really felt for Charlie and Lucas throughout the book; they each struggled and had legitimate and reasonable perspectives. I think it's important to keep in mind that these characters are 19. Some of their behaviour is immature and thoughtless, but I think their actions are in keeping with their age. I was in a major slump prior to reading this book, and now I think I'm cured!
Rating: 4
Angst: 4/5
Steam: 3.5/5
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
December 30, 2024
This was much angstier than I expected, but the yearning and longing were top-tier. That said, I wish there had been a bit more grovelling on Lucas’s side, or more talk about his feelings and how much he caused them both to suffer stupidly; although I know that he knows how seriously he fucked-up in the past and that he is actively trying to be a man that can deserve to be loved by Charlie.
February 4, 2024
Ironic that I've added this to both my 'MCs I'd never forgive' and 'Surprisingly good' shelves.
The writing is good. Hence the stars. Lucas is........a discovery. I know he's young, and that he made a lot of mistakes when he was even younger but honestly? Charlie deserves better.
“You used to be so confident when we were kids.”
No, shit, Sherlock. I wonder why that changed???
THE CALL IS COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE!!!
"All I can say is that you’re extremely lucky to have someone who loves you the way he does.”
🤦🤦🤦
It took superhuman effort to give grace to these characters because they're 19 and it's easy to see why they think the things they do. But if this is luck, I'd pay to be unlucky.
May no one have the misfortune of being loved the way Lucas loves Charlie.
And to top it off, no grovel? Surely you jest!!!!!!
Just "What do you want me to do? Say I'm sorry?"
Excuse me, how about YES?!
LET'S START WITH THAT, LUCAS.
Anyway. This book is just 'I do heinous things to you and cause lasting trauma but it's okay because I love you and that is why I am unable to control myself.'
Also, Charlie, is absolutely as weak as he tells himself in his mind. To sleep with this man a few minutes after confronting him for fucking your girlfriend???
Stand the fuck up, man. I was rooting for you. WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU!!!
The writing is good. Hence the stars. Lucas is........a discovery. I know he's young, and that he made a lot of mistakes when he was even younger but honestly? Charlie deserves better.
“You used to be so confident when we were kids.”
No, shit, Sherlock. I wonder why that changed???
THE CALL IS COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE!!!
"All I can say is that you’re extremely lucky to have someone who loves you the way he does.”
🤦🤦🤦
It took superhuman effort to give grace to these characters because they're 19 and it's easy to see why they think the things they do. But if this is luck, I'd pay to be unlucky.
May no one have the misfortune of being loved the way Lucas loves Charlie.
And to top it off, no grovel? Surely you jest!!!!!!
Just "What do you want me to do? Say I'm sorry?"
Excuse me, how about YES?!
LET'S START WITH THAT, LUCAS.
Anyway. This book is just 'I do heinous things to you and cause lasting trauma but it's okay because I love you and that is why I am unable to control myself.'
Also, Charlie, is absolutely as weak as he tells himself in his mind. To sleep with this man a few minutes after confronting him for fucking your girlfriend???
Stand the fuck up, man. I was rooting for you. WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU!!!
December 29, 2023
4.5. Stars I enjoyed the book the more I read.
Lucas and Charlie go through a hard patch throughout the years, but it’s so comforting to see how they come together in the end and work from friendship to enemies to lovers
Lucas and Charlie go through a hard patch throughout the years, but it’s so comforting to see how they come together in the end and work from friendship to enemies to lovers
December 29, 2023
(2.5) I didn't realize this was a slow burn until I finished the book and read the reviews and then REALIZED why I wasn't satisfied with this book.
November 1, 2024
If you like those books with one MC is completely oblivious that the other MC is completely and totally in love and yearning and hopelessly devoted, check this out. Kind of my kryptonite, so basically loved it, even if there is a lot of unlikeliness around the edges. Warning the yearning MC was a bully to the oblivious MC while they were teens (see an unlikely bit, why would he agree to be roommates now?). Also sex with a woman is an important plot point. But the yearning was glorious...
December 2, 2023
2.75⭐️
March 10, 2025
I have a bone to pick.
The book was fine.
The ENDING? A crime, honestly.
3.5
The book was fine.
The ENDING? A crime, honestly.
3.5
March 19, 2024
OKAY this is my fave book of the year so far!!!! I loved everything about it. I loved Charlie and Lucas and their whole relationship from childhood besties to high school enemies to frenemies to lovers. SIGH I didnt want this to end!!!!!!!
Milana is defs an auto buy for me!!! 🥰🤗 i’ve loved every single one of her books and i’m so keen for more!!
Milana is defs an auto buy for me!!! 🥰🤗 i’ve loved every single one of her books and i’m so keen for more!!
March 30, 2024
Another dud read. Unlikable characters and way too much M/F relationship on page for an M/M book.
December 22, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.75 stars
Personally, so much of this story just didn’t click. I felt no sympathy for Charlie, because he didn’t need it. He was doing just fine for himself, minus the blank confusion at Cleo for blocking him after cheating on him. I didn’t feel any chemistry between Charlie and Lucas, and Lucas’ journal entries didn’t read like they were written by a 13, 15, and 19-year-old boy struggling to find himself, but instead by someone trying to set a foundation for a relationship already established in the first few chapters of the book.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
2.75 stars
Personally, so much of this story just didn’t click. I felt no sympathy for Charlie, because he didn’t need it. He was doing just fine for himself, minus the blank confusion at Cleo for blocking him after cheating on him. I didn’t feel any chemistry between Charlie and Lucas, and Lucas’ journal entries didn’t read like they were written by a 13, 15, and 19-year-old boy struggling to find himself, but instead by someone trying to set a foundation for a relationship already established in the first few chapters of the book.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
November 28, 2023
I was probably not the best person to review this book. I admit that I’m a bit of a frustrated, wannabe MM author myself. While I’ve never published anything, my experience makes me more acutely aware of another writer’s style and story-telling choices than the casual reader. This story pushed my authorial buttons more than most. It had me continually examining just what was going on. It also had me judging and second-guessing how I’d tell this tale. I was constantly going back and forth on whether this might have worked better with the standard alternating “he said/he said style” or if the single (but flawed) perspective added an extra element to the story.
Finally, I decided that the relationship being portrayed here has the potential to be almost too sweet. Charlie is so clueless about Lucas’s feelings for him and has such self-esteem issues, that it continually had me asking… “Can even straight boys be this blind?” Of course, that had me considering whether the choice of a single narrator perspective was a mistake or a masterstroke by the author. The single POV kept me engaged. I might have been put off by a two-person POV of the relationship. It might have seemed just too cloying.
That said, this story initially felt like the worst form of teasing. It’s only late in the tale we learn that Lucas has literally come right out and declared his love for Charlie (but NEVER directly to him). There’s an added perspective that’s rare to find in these types of books. Since Charlie is the sole narrator for the early parts of the book, I was left trying and evaluate whether this is just bad storytelling or whether the author is showing us a character that’s more damaged than he realizes. Either way, my frustration level was just off the charts.
If one sticks it out, this is actually a great story and covers things not covered in the run-of-the-mill MM romance. Along the way, I had to remind myself to let go of some of my frustrations with how the story unfolded. When we finally DO get more of Lucas’s perspective it’s incredibly poignant to see how he unwittingly created his own torment by trying to conceal his feelings toward Charlie.
Now that I’ve finished this, I’m glad that I read it and it left me plenty of points to ponder. First, there are questions I have about how this relationship would have played out if their communication had been better from the outset. Second, there are questions about just how much drama I was reading into this story and how much the author intended. But then, that’s the hallmark of all great tales… Great tales succeed on the initial storytelling level, and also leave you with several more complex levels to consider thereafter. Many MM romances are a bit like eating just the dessert. This one was as sweet as a dessert, but gave the reader the sense that was some healthy, “good for you” content as well.
On a side note: This story is primarily about the development of the relationship. What sex occurs, occurs late in the tale, and is generally not very graphic. These are two young frustrated guys so by the promised “happy ending” it’s all there, it’s just that the preamble is not terribly prurient. Yet as Hamlet might have put it… “ Tis a consummation / Devoutly to be wished”
Finally, I decided that the relationship being portrayed here has the potential to be almost too sweet. Charlie is so clueless about Lucas’s feelings for him and has such self-esteem issues, that it continually had me asking… “Can even straight boys be this blind?” Of course, that had me considering whether the choice of a single narrator perspective was a mistake or a masterstroke by the author. The single POV kept me engaged. I might have been put off by a two-person POV of the relationship. It might have seemed just too cloying.
That said, this story initially felt like the worst form of teasing. It’s only late in the tale we learn that Lucas has literally come right out and declared his love for Charlie (but NEVER directly to him). There’s an added perspective that’s rare to find in these types of books. Since Charlie is the sole narrator for the early parts of the book, I was left trying and evaluate whether this is just bad storytelling or whether the author is showing us a character that’s more damaged than he realizes. Either way, my frustration level was just off the charts.
If one sticks it out, this is actually a great story and covers things not covered in the run-of-the-mill MM romance. Along the way, I had to remind myself to let go of some of my frustrations with how the story unfolded. When we finally DO get more of Lucas’s perspective it’s incredibly poignant to see how he unwittingly created his own torment by trying to conceal his feelings toward Charlie.
Now that I’ve finished this, I’m glad that I read it and it left me plenty of points to ponder. First, there are questions I have about how this relationship would have played out if their communication had been better from the outset. Second, there are questions about just how much drama I was reading into this story and how much the author intended. But then, that’s the hallmark of all great tales… Great tales succeed on the initial storytelling level, and also leave you with several more complex levels to consider thereafter. Many MM romances are a bit like eating just the dessert. This one was as sweet as a dessert, but gave the reader the sense that was some healthy, “good for you” content as well.
On a side note: This story is primarily about the development of the relationship. What sex occurs, occurs late in the tale, and is generally not very graphic. These are two young frustrated guys so by the promised “happy ending” it’s all there, it’s just that the preamble is not terribly prurient. Yet as Hamlet might have put it… “ Tis a consummation / Devoutly to be wished”
Read
November 18, 2023This book can be summed up as a a childhood best friends to enemies (?) to lovers book. We have Charlie, who is not very popular and isn’t the type that fits society’s beauty standards and we have Lucas who is quite the opposite. They become fast best friends as kids and they lose their friendships in high school. Lucas kind of becomes a bully and Charlie can not understand what caused their relationship to turn into that.
I think the plot, as an idea, is great. You know, who doesn’t like childhood friends becoming frenemies than discovering that they are actually in love? Yet for some reason this book didn’t give me what I expected. Firstly, I didn’t actually like characters. Like I know Lucas is regretful for everything he has done yet I feel like the groveling part could’ve been better.
I liked that later on the book we got Lucas’ POV throughout his diary entries and truly glad that it was that way instead of having him have an actual POV.
*spoilers*
I don’t know if the cheating plot was necessary. I know Lucas lying to protect Charlie’s feelings kind of makes sense in his head but the miscommunication, the jealousy killed me. At one point I just wanted to scream TALK TO HIM. Talking about his feelings after becoming roommates could’ve solved almost all of Lucas’s problems.
*end of the spoilers*
I don’t know how to rate this book, it might seem too harsh or misleading either way so I’m choosing not to. I didn’t dislike the book but I think this just wasn’t it for me. If you like childhood best friends to enemies to frenemies to lovers with some pinning, jealousy, a lot of miscommunication that ends with a happy ending you can give it a try!
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for an early copy of this book.
I think the plot, as an idea, is great. You know, who doesn’t like childhood friends becoming frenemies than discovering that they are actually in love? Yet for some reason this book didn’t give me what I expected. Firstly, I didn’t actually like characters. Like I know Lucas is regretful for everything he has done yet I feel like the groveling part could’ve been better.
I liked that later on the book we got Lucas’ POV throughout his diary entries and truly glad that it was that way instead of having him have an actual POV.
*spoilers*
I don’t know if the cheating plot was necessary. I know Lucas lying to protect Charlie’s feelings kind of makes sense in his head but the miscommunication, the jealousy killed me. At one point I just wanted to scream TALK TO HIM. Talking about his feelings after becoming roommates could’ve solved almost all of Lucas’s problems.
*end of the spoilers*
I don’t know how to rate this book, it might seem too harsh or misleading either way so I’m choosing not to. I didn’t dislike the book but I think this just wasn’t it for me. If you like childhood best friends to enemies to frenemies to lovers with some pinning, jealousy, a lot of miscommunication that ends with a happy ending you can give it a try!
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for an early copy of this book.
February 8, 2024
Lucas couldn't process his big boy feelings for Charlie in high school, so he bullys him. he bullys this kid so bad he thinks he's ugly & unworthy of love....
EVEN THO THIS BITCH IS BEHIND HIS BREATH SAYING HES SO BEAUTIFUL
First half is singal POV which I Hate. I NEED to know what everyone is thinking the whole book.
Charlie is a doormat
Hugo & Cleo is a hoe
This one definitely wasn't my favorite
EVEN THO THIS BITCH IS BEHIND HIS BREATH SAYING HES SO BEAUTIFUL
First half is singal POV which I Hate. I NEED to know what everyone is thinking the whole book.
Charlie is a doormat
Hugo & Cleo is a hoe
This one definitely wasn't my favorite
January 19, 2024
Couldve been sm better if the story didn’t end when they finally got together + alot more tension than unnecessary dates w cleo..?😭
September 4, 2024
Not my vibe. I was not in the least convinced that Lucas loved him, felt rather boring.
January 20, 2025
Rough start to the book and the lies!! Ugh, but what do you expect?? They’re teeny boppers. Endearing nonetheless.
October 9, 2025
La idea es buena, pero mucho preámbulo para tan poco romance.
January 31, 2024
I’m have serious love/hate emotions with this one right now lol. This is the first book by this author for me and I’m happy I came across it. Charlie and Lucas were inseparable growing up until they were 13, then everything changed. Charlie’s high school years were the worst so he is hesitant when his mom suggests rooming with his former best friend at uni.
Can Lucas repair all the damage he has caused and finally come clean or is it too late for these two?? 🖤🔥🏐🔥🖤
My favorite quotes:
• Lucas: It’s always easier to lean into what people think of you. Even now. He detests me, so I’ll be detestable. Except this time, I actually think I have a good reason.
Yes, I lied. But I did it for him.
• He runs his fingers through my hair, and I smile at the sensation. “Playing with my hair?”
“I’ve always wanted to. It’s so soft.”
I close my eyes and lose myself in the sensation of being touched.
“Do you like it when I touch you like this?” he asks.
“Of course. You know I do. I could have you play with my hair all day, every day.”
• “Do you want proof that I’ve been in love with you since we were kids? I wasn’t exaggerating when I said that, by the way. Oh. You might think it’s creepy, though.”
I stare at him, needing time to process everything he’s saying. “Lucas,” I eventually say, “I’ve already seen all sides of you. I promise I won’t think you’re creepy.”
“Right. Yeah. You already know how obsessed and psycho I am.” He says it self-deprecatingly, and I lean forward to kiss it away.
“I love you the way you are,” I murmur against his lips.
He leans back, eyes big, mouth parted. How can he be surprised? It’s true. I love him.
Can Lucas repair all the damage he has caused and finally come clean or is it too late for these two?? 🖤🔥🏐🔥🖤
My favorite quotes:
• Lucas: It’s always easier to lean into what people think of you. Even now. He detests me, so I’ll be detestable. Except this time, I actually think I have a good reason.
Yes, I lied. But I did it for him.
• He runs his fingers through my hair, and I smile at the sensation. “Playing with my hair?”
“I’ve always wanted to. It’s so soft.”
I close my eyes and lose myself in the sensation of being touched.
“Do you like it when I touch you like this?” he asks.
“Of course. You know I do. I could have you play with my hair all day, every day.”
• “Do you want proof that I’ve been in love with you since we were kids? I wasn’t exaggerating when I said that, by the way. Oh. You might think it’s creepy, though.”
I stare at him, needing time to process everything he’s saying. “Lucas,” I eventually say, “I’ve already seen all sides of you. I promise I won’t think you’re creepy.”
“Right. Yeah. You already know how obsessed and psycho I am.” He says it self-deprecatingly, and I lean forward to kiss it away.
“I love you the way you are,” I murmur against his lips.
He leans back, eyes big, mouth parted. How can he be surprised? It’s true. I love him.
December 14, 2023
"He hurt you. A best friend doesn’t do that.
And he f*cked you. A best friend doesn’t do that, either."
🌟 3.5
i literally read most of this in one sitting. the angst was on POINT. i still felt like the plot with cleo dragged out for sooo long - the angst because of it was good, but at some point i was just over it.
some of lucas reasonings about their relationship made no sense to me. he was just very toxic (at least he was self aware about it). he literally bullied charlie for years because of how much he liked him (and also because he felt like charlie blew him off). i like that sort of plot if the writing interests me, but i can see a lot of people just getting annoyed (meanwhile i was INVESTED).
i kinda wish this book was longer too, because i really liked them as a couple. they're both needy in their own way and every scene was so emotional and raw. like i was almost screaming with all the tension between them.
i liked both of the characters even if they annoyed me sometimes. they were so stupid about the fact they were both attracted to each other ("My girlfriend’s in Lucas’s bedroom. If I was in Lucas’s bedroom…well, all he’d have to do is look at me and my knees would go weak." like??) but that was part of the angst.
And he f*cked you. A best friend doesn’t do that, either."
🌟 3.5
i literally read most of this in one sitting. the angst was on POINT. i still felt like the plot with cleo dragged out for sooo long - the angst because of it was good, but at some point i was just over it.
some of lucas reasonings about their relationship made no sense to me. he was just very toxic (at least he was self aware about it). he literally bullied charlie for years because of how much he liked him (and also because he felt like charlie blew him off). i like that sort of plot if the writing interests me, but i can see a lot of people just getting annoyed (meanwhile i was INVESTED).
i kinda wish this book was longer too, because i really liked them as a couple. they're both needy in their own way and every scene was so emotional and raw. like i was almost screaming with all the tension between them.
i liked both of the characters even if they annoyed me sometimes. they were so stupid about the fact they were both attracted to each other ("My girlfriend’s in Lucas’s bedroom. If I was in Lucas’s bedroom…well, all he’d have to do is look at me and my knees would go weak." like??) but that was part of the angst.
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