Unwrapped

LSU #2.5

by Becca Steele

From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Becca Steele comes a new festive standalone M/M college romance.

Ryan Jackson. My best friend. We were inseparable until the day everything changed, when we were just eight years old.
Ten years later, I tried to make things right between us before we went our separate ways.
I tried…but I made things worse.

I thought I’d never see him again, until I walked into his gym.
Four months have passed, but based on the looks he’s giving me, time isn’t a healer.
Too bad for him, I’m here to stay. I want him back in my life.
And more than that, I want him to be mine.

It’s Christmas. The one time of year when miracles can happen. Or so they say…

An early version of Unwrapped was previously published as a limited-time bonus newsletter short, titled Second Chance. This edition has been extensively revised and expanded. It is a festive spin-off from the LSU series, and can be read as a complete standalone.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Novella, Friends To Lovers, College, Christmas, Queer

80 pages, ebook

Published November 30, 2023

About the author

Becca Steele is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of new adult romance from contemporary to dark. Her books have been translated into multiple languages.

Becca resides in the south of England with her family. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, gaming, or curating yet another Spotify playlist.

Stalker links
http://linktr.ee/authorbeccasteele

Reviews

[Megan [At The Cottage] · Rating 2 out of 5]

MM Romance
Second Chance Childhood Friends
2 Stars ⭐️


I hope in 2024 I’m smart enough to stop picking up this author’s books. Savage Rivals appears to be a fluke and since then I just have been so damn bored with her books. They allllll feel the same and by tomorrow I’ll forget this book exists because I just finished it 5 minutes ago and can’t remember the main characters names. 🤦🏻‍♀️

The short version of this is these were childhood best friends until an unfortunate accident killed their friendship. They try to make up during their high school graduation but it goes wrong yet meet back up in a gym a few months later just like fate. I was so bored. 🥱 but I didn’t hate it hence the 2 stars. I’m actually more mad at myself for continually picking up this author’s books and expecting something different. You know what they say about insanity right…

This was free through the author’s newsletter on bookfunnel.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute but so rushed! I found it hard to believe they were only 18 at times too.

When they finally got together they were a very cute couple, but I would have preferred a slightly longer book with more relationship building and a few less sex scenes.

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super cute short story set in the LSU series world. We got a couple quick glimpses of past characters but nothing that would stop you from reading this as a standalone. With Ignited coming out soon I wanted to make sure I was all caught up on this series!

Sam and Ryan were two characters who made silly mistakes in the past and took years to talk it out but once they did they definitely made it for lost time! There really was no apologies required for me, this was just a falling out and it was super cute to see them fall in love and realize how right they are together!

If you’re looking for a short, steamy read that’s low-angst, I definitely recommend! You can grab this short for free from the author’s Facebook group!

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story. There's not too much to it, as it's a quickly formed romantic pairing between two young men who were best friends as children but drifted away over some misunderstandings. Although it takes place mostly around Christmas, the holiday isn't a huge factor in the story. There are some cameos by other characters from this series. The sex scenes were ok, kinda hot but then kinda not. It's a case where it's nothing new and my eyes glazed over a bit. Still, it was a nice read and the MCs were lovely.

[kaye taz · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.7 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook

wow, this was really bad. it doesn’t even read like it’s from the same author.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cute & Sexy MM former-besties-turned-enemies-to-casual-acquaintance, plus crushes now to more 😉, Christmas romance 🤭.
This was short FREE story that Becca gifted us readers for holidays! Loved Sam & Ryan. Easily read in around 1hr!

Sam & Ryan were childhood besties before a playground accident tore their friendship apart. Now before going to college in London, Sam wants to mend bridges, apologize...which was going good until that kiss 🙈. Oh Sam! Ryan got panic 😭🤣.

Now 4 months later, in December, say it's fate or coincidence, the 2 end up in the same place again. (Axel's!) Gym, where gazes clash, sparks, feelings 🥺. They have another chance. Will they be friends, or can they be more?

You see, our dear hottie Sam is gay & had a crush on Ryan since forever. What he didn't know was the gorgeous Ryan is Bi...& Also into him! Just how to say it? Until they finally do, apologies & truths ❤️.

Their relationship is sweet, sexy, low angst (after 1st few chaps lol) & fast-paced but not rushed. Love me the vers action! We get fun cameos of LSU boys, S+R's families are lovely. The epilogue's short & cute 😍🥰.

Story ratings: Enjoyed—> 5/5
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) The Characters & relationship: 4.8/5 (good for feel good short!)
2) The feels: 😳😟😆🤔🙈😅🤨😍🤣🥰🔥🤗
3) Sexy/Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
4) Levels: lowish Angst, very Cute, not Dark
5) Build up & Style: 4.5/5

FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

My god, this was terrible. The only reason I'm giving this one 2⭐ is because the sex was good.

I've apparently already read the first two installments and wasn't that impressed, but this one was just awful.

🟢 Two former childhood best friends
🟣 Reunited in college
🔵 Bisexual/gay
🟡 The dialogues were terrible
🟠 Storytelling failed to paint the chemistry and their connection
🌶️ Some spice, good, I'll give it that; both vers

Ryan and Sam were best friends that had "a falling out" when they were 8 years old. 8 years old.
It could be just me, but I can't imagine how two kids at 8 years old can feel a falling out that lasts for years and they try to remedy that - it's ridiculous, in real life they'd probably long forgotten about each other already.
And even so, if they were that important to each other, it was badly told in this story.

Ryan and Sam stopped talking and were avoiding each other until they finished high school a decade later and were off to college. They had an awkward kiss that wasn't reciprocated by Ryan and then Ryan and Sam met again 4 months later, both completely physically changed for the better - in 4 months! - and then realised they did have some chemistry and finally got together.

"Ryan:

I need to see you. Do you think you’ll be able to get away?

Me:

YES

Ryan:

*laughing emoji* Did you miss me or are you just fed up with your relatives?

Me:

The first one

Ryan:

Me too. Fuck. Why is it like this already? We only just found each other again."

Completely unromantic for a supposedly romantic story, not sexy, their express love story picked up where it supposedly left off when they were in high school. But did it, though? Can't tell.

One night together and they're already talking to each other like they've been together for years. It's one night. And then one month. Sex aside, these two had absolutely nothing more going on. I couldn't feel the emotions behind it. Or the fantastic feeling of finally finding each other.


I did like them as characters, but I didn't like the storytelling, at all.

[Becca Steele]

An M/M festive novella, Unwrapped is available as a free download from my website:
https://authorbeccasteele.com/books/u...

[Josie Bookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It was a dream that I never wanted to wake from. A Christmas miracle, as cliché as that sounded." 🥊

Unwrapped was such a fun, festive and speedy novella, the perfect little treat when I needed a break from heavier reads.  I’m really enjoying the LSU series and Sam & Ryan’s instalment was a sweet, emotional ride.  Their “lost-friend to lovers” dynamic gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings and the holiday setting just made it even more magical.

Picking up where their past mistakes left off, Sam and Ryan’s second chance romance felt hopeful, honest, and deeply emotional.  The tension and longing between them simmered in the best way and watching them try to fix what went wrong was genuinely touching.  It’s not a long read but it doesn’t need to be.  It’s short, sharp and full of heart.  A lovely novella to make you smile and believe in second chances.

✨ Tropes & Themes:
💙 MM Romance
🔁 Second Chance Romance
🎄 Holiday / Christmas Romance
🏫 College / University Setting
💕 Friends to Lovers / Former Best Friends
🧡 Emotional Healing & Redemption

[queen_of_the_books_18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute, Christmas, MM, second chance, childhood friends to lovers novella.

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 / 5 Stars
2.5 / 5 Steam

Ryan and Sam were childhood best friends, but an accident ended that friendship. They drift apart and turn into barely acquaintances. One night, before they both leave for college, Sam tries to patch things up but only ends up making things worse.
A few months later they run into each other at the same gym. Ryan works there and Sam is signing up to use it for exercise. They avoid each other as much as possible until Sam can't take it anymore. He talks Ryan into meeting him from a drink so they can clear the air. From there it's fast paced, and they both realize that a lot of their issues were misunderstandings that were mostly caused from fear.
I enjoyed this. It was quick, steamy, and both of the characters are very likable. I do with it was a bit longer. It was hard to really feel the emotions between them with it being so short. Everything felt quick and more told than shown. Definitely a good, quick, holiday read though!

[Maggie May · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hot and sweet holiday short.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catching up on a series you started a while ago counts as Beat the Backlog and TBRs (it does). Here's Becca Steele's "Unwrapped." It's a part of her LSU series.

["Ryan Jackson. My best friend. We were inseparable until the day everything changed, when we were just eight years old.
Ten years later, I tried to make things right between us before we went our separate ways.
I tried…but I made things worse.

I thought I’d never see him again, until I walked into his gym.
Four months have passed, but based on the looks he’s giving me, time isn’t a healer.
Too bad for him, I’m here to stay. I want him back in my life.
And more than that, I want him to be mine.

It’s Christmas. The one time of year when miracles can happen. Or so they say…"]

These two were dramatic as hell, but they were little boys (who are horrible at talking about feelings) and then teenage men (who are even worse with Feelings). But anger and guilt and fear will do that.

When they finally got over the past, they were able to move on. Together. Christmas and mistletoe helped a bit, too (okay, a lot).

#collided #blindsided #sidelined #unwrapped #ignited #tempted #dared #matched #lsu #lsuseries #beccasteele #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Elizabeth Swartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

🥊 🍻 🎄
🌟 NOVELLA REVIEW 🌟
Unwrapped by Becca Steele
🎶 When We Were Kids - Walking On Cars

Want a quick and spicy MM holiday novella? Look no further. Adding to her LSU world, Becca wrote another fun couple in. Sam and Ryan were best friends when they were younger. When an accident happens, their friendship is broken and never the same again.

Fast forward to graduation, Sam wants only one thing. To repair the damage done with him and Ryan. Problem is he messes it up more. Thankfully, we have a random run-in at a gym in London, and they finally get their chance at a fresh start.

I loved Sam throughout this novella. He has such a big heart! Ryan does as well, just maybe more reserved at showing it. You can tell these two have a connection, and they are perfect once they are able to fix all their issues. Which never should have been issues to begin with, but kids.

Definitely recommend. I got my copy through Becca’s newsletter. It’s not available on KU at this time.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

[els✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

- an MM Christmas novella! former friends to lovers, college romance, second chance romance!
- oof that was a messy prologue
- Levi was briefly mention and i squealed 😂 will never get over savage rivals
- super fast paced!! but didn’t feel rushed
- i’m glad they could have a mature conversation about them together
- great sex scenes!!
- nah it was too cute when Sam’s family was watching them through the window😂
- they’re just so sweet together i love them
- i will say v unrealistic that they were still at uni accommodation 23 Dec, you break up like 14 Dec and LEAVE straight away 😂😂
- very sweet love confessions!
- more sex scenes than i thought there would be for a 80 page novella!
- and a great epilogue!!
- aw this was such a fun and super sweet Xmas novella!! two great MMC’s with a lovely connection

[Nova Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There has yet to be a book by Becca that I've read and didn't like. Just like any other, I loved this one. I immediately downloaded when she posted about it for the holidays and I am glad I did.

Here we have an ex bestfriends to lovers romance that is set around Christmas. Sam and Ryan had a falling out when they were eight years old. Things were made worse when Sam initially tries to make things right. Now, he's convinced Ryan wants nothing to do with him. Except that's not the case at all... Ryan just didn't handle the situation right. A technical misunderstanding. And not the kind that will drive you crazy like some books do it.

This one was short and sweet. The perfect little novella to add to my December reads. Let's not forget the (very) brief mentions of Levi, who most of us know and (hopefully) love.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the LSU world with a sweet and short novella. Ryan and Sam were best friends as kids, but an accident drove them apart and they were too young to really know better and salvage their friendship. Years later, right before they go to uni, Sam tries to make amends… and may have made it worse. Now it’s four months later and it’s December. And fate has intervened when Sam ends up at the same gym Ryan is working at. He has another chance to make things right and is surprised when things turn out better than he could have ever imagined. Ryan and Sam get their second chance and it’s such a sweet holiday story as these two best friends reunite and end up with something so much sweeter. It was nice to have an LSU story to hold me over until the third one finally comes out. Hopefully these two will make some cameos the same way others from the series popped up into this one!

[Moni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t realize when I started to read Unwrapped that it is a super sweet, cute Christmas short (just over 120 pages). I love second-chance romances, especially friends to enemies to lovers … combined that with some holiday magic and some mistletoe and I’m a happy camper. This book is available from Becca’s website as a free download.
Sam and Ryan had an adorable friendship growing up until a freak summer incident ripped them apart. Just before graduating from high school and leaving for university, Sam attempts to make amends … only to mess up everything even more by trying to kiss his Ryan. There are so many unsaid feelings between these two that just kept pilling up … until Sam walks into the gym Ryan works while in uni. This is their chance to act like adults and talk things out. But as they reconnected again, they realized their friendship meant a lot more to both of them than they led on. I had so much fun seeing them getting close again, to open up and realize how comfortable (and so darn hot!!!) they are with each other, how much better their life is when they have each other. Favorite characters from London Southwark University show up in this short and I loved those cameos, it is always a great world to return to.
Friends to Enemies to Lovers
Low Angst
Steamy

[LGO · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 estrellas

⚪ M/M Romance
⚪ College Romance
⚪ Second Chance Romance
⚪ Christmas Romance

Es una historia corta navideña de un romance de segunda oportunidad entre dos mejores amigos de la infancia, Sam y Ryan, que se distancian cuando tienen 8 años por un desafortunado accidente. Intentan arreglar su amistad en su último día en el pueblo antes de irse a la universidad sin éxito, tras un beso de Sam que Ryan rechaza. Unos meses más tarde, se reencuentran cuando se dan cuenta de que Sam acude al gimnasio en el que trabaja Ryan y van a la misma universidad.

No soy mucho de historias cortas, pero esta autora y esta saga me gustan así que quise leerla. Me ha gustado pero hubiese agradecido un poco más de profundidad en la trama porque al final casi todo el libro son escenas calientes. Además, es un poco inconsistente cómo se enamoran tras tantos años sin hablarse.

[Becca Sabala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love the LSU series.

Sam and Ryan’s story was so cute. Fast paced, Low angst, and has some spice.
Inseparable best friends as kids, who fall out over a mistake. They spend the rest of their school years avoiding each other. Until the very end of school before they head to Uni and one conversation and a rash decision changes everything and they get their second chance.

I loved that once they finally admitted their feelings for each other they just picked up like they didn’t miss so many years together. Their chemistry was great, their love for each other so strong from the very start. From beginning to end their story was so sweet.

I wish this was a longer book because I really loved their story.

[FeFe · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st person/dual pov
Spice: 3.5/5

I swear I am obsessed with anything that has to do with the LSU series! This was such a cute story that Becca gave out as a freebie to readers and it gave me more of this world to hold me over until the next full-length novel comes out. I loved how awkward these characters were around each other at the beginning of it. They are quite adorable. But I also love how even though there is some conflict and obvious confusion between the two of them it never had that "bully" feel to it. When it all finally gets cleared up however it is the sweetest moment of realization between the two of them. They will just make your heart melt!

[s.shadereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

* Short and Sweet
* Fast Paced
* Super Cheesy
* Cute as hell

Unwrapped was a fun little holiday read.

Ryan and Sam were best friends as kids until they weren't. Then, before leaving for college, Sam decides he wants to make things right before leaving. Only to make things worse between the two.

When they run into each other in college, after a few awkward meetings, all the insta-love insta-lust ensues. It was all really sweet and cheesy, giving you all the gooey feelings you love around the holidays.

[Christy Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is incredibly short BUT I STILL THINK IT WAS SOOO CUTE. It honestly had a lot more potential for a longer book because the way they were mean to each other in the beginning was so well written that I would’ve loved if they had more banter and more situations where they fought. The tension was also high as a kite even in the few pages. I love her writing and even though it was short, I really liked both of the MCs and their cute little relationship of how they rekindled after a falling out when they were younger.

[Luna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

This was a quick easy to read novella, following 2 childhood friends turned acquaintances and their relationship after they by chance reconnect.

This was fun, but I would've liked it more if it was more developed. I didn't really feel their connection past face value - and their need to become friends again after so long didn't feel as convincing as I would've liked.

Other than that it's a sweet quick read set around the winter holidays.

[Ode to my book boyfriends · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love a well-done novella and Sam and Ryan's story was absolutely perfect! These guys had a great back story, they've known each other since pre-school and had a falling out in elementary school, but they were still in each other's thoughts, circling each other.

I loved when they reconnected, the chemistry, the sincerity...swoon!! Loved this LSU novella!

[Giulia’s bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please… these two were so cute!🥹
After a falling out as kids and definitely trying but not making it any better as they ended high school, these two find each other again in a gym in London and can’t keep their eyes off each other😇
Mistletoe does its job and one kiss leads to another🫠
Little cuties having the steamiest Christmas break of their lives🥵

[Ellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean it was a little story that was too rushed for me to enjoy anything much. It was ok but I am sure it would be much better if it was 200 page long. The couple was very cute but the whole plot was not making them look good. If you want to complete your goal I would put this book on hold for that time because this book was easy to read.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great, quick Christmasy read. It’s based in the LSU series that Becca wrote and it’s so good. We meet up with some old friends while meeting some new ones. Ryan and Sam were fire! I loved their history and they reuniting again. I loved re-visiting the LSU series and loved Ryan and Sam. If you loved the LSU series, read this. It’s amazing!

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was super cute! Ryan and Sam reuniting and rebuilding their relationship was so adorable and it was a great, quick holiday read. I’m so excited for the author to continue this world with Ignited.

[audiobook_chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great MM romance from Becca in this we follow Sam & Ryan who were best friends until they were 8 . Now both are at LSU and meet up again and realise they have had feelings for each other for years .