Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Suits & Sevens #4

Mr. Blue Sky

Rate this book
Jackson



Skyler Mason has had me wrapped around his little finger since we were seven years old. It doesn’t matter how ridiculous the situation, how inconvenient it might be for me, or that ninety-nine percent of the time the mess is one of Skyler’s own making, one flash of those puppy dog eyes and it’s Jackson to the rescue.

Bringing him a fresh pair of underwear at work? Check.

Scaring off clingy hook-ups? Check.

Taking a week off so I can look after him when he’s sick? Check.

But now something’s happened, and for the first time in our friendship, I don’t know how to fix it.

There’s no WikiHow on what to do if your best friend suddenly realizes he has feelings for you. And even if there were, I doubt it would help; because no one else is like Skyler and me.

“Best friends” isn’t even the right word for it. We’re just us.

Or, at least, we were…

All I want is for everything to be how it used to. I don’t want Skyler to tense up when I go to touch him. I don’t want him sitting halfway across the room when we should be cuddling on the couch. And I sure as hell don’t want him staying out the whole night and not even texting to check in.

If I could snap my fingers and suddenly be attracted to him, I’d do it without question. But I know that’s not a realistic option. I’ve never been attracted to men. Truthfully, I’ve never been attracted to anyone… Not in that way, at least.

Love, on the other hand? That’s something I know a hell of a lot about.

Mr Blue Sky is a co-dependent best friends to more romantic comedy with an adorably clueless playboy, and an equally adorable and equally clueless acey. Best friends, roommates, asexual-awakening, reformed player.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2023

118 people are currently reading
281 people want to read

About the author

Isla Olsen

30 books851 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
178 (33%)
4 stars
178 (33%)
3 stars
124 (23%)
2 stars
35 (6%)
1 star
11 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
Profile Image for Vanna.
812 reviews96 followers
January 31, 2024
2.5 stars!! Not so sure about this one.. it's me and not the book maybe🤷‍♀️I did like the unique plot; the ace representation and the emphasis on love and romance as opposed to sex & lust. But somehow I felt that the story was left incomplete;
Anyway, I guess for continuity I would recommend this book to all fans of Isla Olsen and this series; 👍 but beware; this is a low-steam book (unlike her other books).
Profile Image for Iman (hiatus).
726 reviews260 followers
January 22, 2024
2.5 ⭐️

I’d say this is a typical friends to lovers. I don’t know how this trope can be written in a different formula anymore. I liked it, it’s one of my favourite tropes, but what ever that happens between them, the denial, the obliviousness, the chemistry, it is ALL predictable. I think I have read this in Thick as Thieves and Irresponsible Puckboy though I enjoyed those better.

This gets lower star because it bores the hell outta me after the 50% mark.

Their dynamic changed, making them both feel like entirely different personalities. It lacked the anticipated elements in romance books. Simply ✨ nothingness ✨

I also feel like there are a LOT of repetitions in terms of the characters’ bond. Other than that, their relationship was more forced because of how close they were. Not only it was repetitive (the way how close they were described) but also they started to have feelings because of the friends (side characters). While I know attraction works mysterious ways, the need for side characters to coerce the relationship on them diminished their relationship’s authenticity. That is simply not it.

The sexual discovery is a bit underwhelming. Too surface level for me.

This book is a part of a series and even though it can be read as a standalone, I found the lack of my familiarity with the other books make it difficult to connect with the side characters. They sound amazing, but felt very bland.

And please please forbid authors from publishing books without editing.
Profile Image for Maha AJ.
66 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2024
After being sick, it shows what an excellent start to the new year😭. Now that I'm better, I'm able to finish this book.

Even after finishing it, it felt like nothing happened in this book; there was no storyline or plot, just vibes?

Our main couples are Skyler( the playboy) and Jackson (the asexual rep). Both have been best friends since they were four years old.

There is a lot of codependency described... I'll be honest: I felt their relationship as best friends was odd cuz I thought there were little boundaries between them (Sky admits that too)...the readers were told that both consent to them. Even their friends find it weird, so I'll leave it at that.

Moving on, it took a while for any action to happen. I think around chapter 11, things took a turn, and the story moved. There was unexpected angst, which didn't last for long, and both of the couples were very tender and sweet with each other even before they were a couple.

Even tho it was low in steam, I honestly would have been content with none since one of the MCs is asexual....how the author describes their relationship, intimacy, and the serious conversation about asexuality was enough for me.

Also, there are cameos from the previous couple with details, so if you love any of them, you'll get updates, but since I always read out of order from the series 😅 this was my first book in this series so I don't know any of them.

Overall, it wasn't a bad book; we get HEA for our couples. I just couldn't connect with them and felt underwhelmed by their story, which sucks cuz best friends to Lovers is one of my favorite tropes.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book through GRR.
Profile Image for Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) .
879 reviews192 followers
September 14, 2024
Very conflicted about the rating for this one. My feelings about the things I liked were almost as intense as those for the things I hated, even though the ones I hated were more.

Things I liked.
*The asexual MC wasn't 'cured' by love. Idea never even came up. Which.....10/10. No notes.

**The handling (and subsequent bungling) of the asexual realization by MC1, and his explanation of it to MC2 felt really authentic.

The time Skyler was on a high from their first kiss, dick harder than titanium, only to touch Jackson's and find it softer than whipped cream? The confusion, the anger, the embarrassment? Oof.

Things I hated.
*Way too many cameos from the MCs of previous books. They're too many and they're too involved in these people's business. Back up a bit, TF.

Idc that Pax is having custody issues. Idc that Drew has been engaged 'in theory' for 6 months (I mean, I was intrigued the first time it came up. The 4th time? Over it.)

**The MCs had to be 'told' that they were in love. Always hated this plot device. Still hate it. Will continue to hate it till my dying day. Figure it out, people. It's only been 20 years.

FYI, they cuddle, keep each other company in the shower, jerk off together and at no point does it occur to either that it maybe isn't entirely platonic. Hmm.

***After being 'told', everything is full speed ahead. This book unfortunately reminded me of what I hate about friends to lovers. Sometimes there's just no visible change in status. One day they're friends who have mutually never experienced a moment of attraction to each other (sexual or otherwise) and the next they're saying 'I'm in love with you'. Sigh

****This one may not be okay to say, I'm not sure, but I really REALLY hated that the ace MC kept reiterating his lack of sexual interest in the other. I get needing to for the sake of clarity. But every time? EVERY. TIME???? My heart ached for Skyler, I won't lie.

Jackson initiated every time. And still had the bucket of ice cold water ready. Mmm. Did not love that.

“You already knew I wasn’t attracted to you, Sky. I don’t get why you’re so shocked and…angry right now.”

YIKES.

“But, Jax—you don’t have to keep reminding me you don’t find my touch arousing.”

*****The epilogue that occurs ONE DAY LATER. I don't know if the ridiculousness of this requires any additional information.

Wanted to do 2.5 but GR doesn't cater for that so I'm painfully rounding up to 3.
Profile Image for Paulina | bitofabookcase.
329 reviews103 followers
December 30, 2023
This book surprised me in a good way!

Skyler and Jax were so precious, I fall in love immediately 😅 I'm beginning to think that I'm not so opposed to healthy codependency (is that a thing?) in books, because it was portrayed beautifully - the support they have for each other is amazing.
I had a really great time inhaling this book! It was funny, super cute and cuddly. I just loved loved loved some expressions Isla used: "lip cuddles", "tasting a heartbeat"?? I swooned everytime.
Also, we absolutely cannot forget ace representation. I picked up this book because I wanted to know more about it and I was not disappointed. It feels like I actually learned something while reading - how cool is that?

I can totally see how these two clingy teddy bears could become comfort characters. The book oozes comfort and love, and I'm here for that.
Profile Image for Lindsey.
501 reviews31 followers
November 4, 2024
Honestly I saw codependency friends to lovers and ran.
Sadly, this just felt like friends who like to pet each other and it felt really weird to read. The angst was pointless really and even though they both realize and accept Jackson is asexual, they keep referring to him as “straight.”
Honestly I don’t know why I read this author as I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned their books would be so much better with an editor. There were tons of misspelled words, sentences that didn’t make sense and it kept pulling me out of the story I already just started to skim.
I finished it but barely.
Profile Image for Bethany (Bee_TheBibliophile).
714 reviews44 followers
December 20, 2023
The Suits & Sevens series has been a lot of ups and downs for me and Mr. Blue Sky was no exception. It was okay, but even now, a few days after finishing it, I’m having trouble remembering much about it.

Skylar Mason is a playboy almost lawyer in NYC, taking his job and future seriously but not looking to get serious with anyone outside of that. He’s confident and a little cocky but he does everything he can to distance himself from his difficult upbringing and terrible parents, to make himself into a success on his own terms. Jackson (Jax) Downey is Skylar’s best friend and roommate who owns a luxury car shop with Drew and loves what he does. Jax is uncomfortable with relationships and sexual encounters, preferring casual hookups over anything long-term. He goes on a journey here to understand his sexuality and what being asexual means for him.

These two have known each other since Jax and his mom moved in next door to Skylar’s family and they essentially adopted Skylar. They’re codependent and each other’s person in ways that no one else ever has or will be for them. This story is full of cuddling and sweet moments between them, even when they’re not officially together. But, things kind of go off the rails for them when one of their friends mentions being in love with each other, which created a lot of unexpected angst. I think they are a really good fit in the end since they’re so close and need so much from each other, but it almost felt like nothing really happened between them? In the end it was pretty anticlimactic even though they end up happy together.
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,904 reviews99 followers
February 18, 2024
2 and 1/2 stars raised to three. I’m a big fan of Isla Olsen. I’ve read nearly every book she’s written. This was definitely my least favorite. I just couldn’t seem to connect with Skyler or Jackson.
Profile Image for DeniReadsMostlyMM.
395 reviews45 followers
December 31, 2023
***ARC Review***

This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.

This is the fourth book in the Suits & Sevens series by Isla Olsen. I loved the progression of Jackson and Skyler’s super close friendship into something more. I also really appreciated the asexual-awakening and ace representation in this book. Olsen does a good job of highlighting the slight nuances to Skyler and Jackson’s relationship. What I loved the most though was how their bond, connection, and love grew even more.

Jackson and Skyler are both 28 years old. They have been friends since they were seven years old. Skyler is a playboy. Jackson rarely hooks up. Deacon points something out one night and it leaves Skyler on the verge of a meltdown. There is a little bit of angst and conflict before best friends Jackson and Skyler resolve the tension and resume their tight friendship and embark on a new relationship. Can I just say that “lip cuddles” is the cutest phrase ever!

It was cool seeing characters from other books in this series in Mr. Blue Sky. I loved Steph, Jackson’s mom, as well. There’s great conversations in this book, some full of humor and some vulnerability. I appreciated how obvious the love between Skyler and Jackson is, to everyone but them, until it isn’t anymore. Once things are out in the open, the affection and adorableness is off the charts! Chapter 27 and the Epilogue are some of my favorite parts of this book. There’s so much happiness and love present, I was about ready to burst. This book is a sweet and comfortable read. It feels like being wrapped up in a warm blanket. You should definitely check it out.

Side note: there are a couple of issues that might be sensitive to readers, so be sure to check out the author’s Trigger Warnings for this book.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,462 reviews104 followers
December 28, 2023
[I received a digital Arc for an honest review]

Mr. Blue Sky by Isla Olsen is an MM romance between codependent best friends, Jackson and Skylar. When a friend suggests to Skylar that maybe the reason he just sleeps around is because he's in love with his straight bestie Jackson, Skylar's world is turned upside down. Now he has to learn how to navigate his new feelings without losing his best friend in the world.

What I loved :

- Jackson! I seriously loved that softie tattooed hulk of a man. When Skylar says he's sexually attracted to him on top of their emotional connection, he doesn't mind even if he can't relate. He discovers that he's asexual. While he doesn't feel sexual attraction, he does very much enjoy other acts of touch like kisses ( “tongue cuddles”) to snuggles, and he loves making Skylar feel good. Overall I loved the ace representation in the book and the discussion of different types of attraction: sexual , sensual and romantic.

- I really loved Jackson and Skylar's relationship dynamic itself, give me all the codependency

What fell flat for me :

-Skylar's character. I really wanted to love him, but wasn't a fan of his kind of full of himself personality.

- The plot. Which is pretty much just Jackson and Skylar's relationship going from best friends to commitment. There was very little drama or excitement, that I found myself bored and losing interest often.
Profile Image for ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ .
1,537 reviews102 followers
December 23, 2023
***spoilers little here and there***

https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2023...

I’m a be honest I thought that this book was an alright read. I’ll give it a reasonable 4- star ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating!

It’s different from the other ones before this one I’ve read.! I liked those more. Even though this one was still interesting.

I just couldn’t understand how both Jackson and Skylar couldn’t tell that the things that they were doing was sooo couply. lol like everything they did is what a person in a relationship would do with their significant other.

It took Deacon to actually point it out to Skylar at Drew and Sullivan engagement party. For him to actually see it!!

I was glad that it was pointed out to him. Because it’s no telling how long they would’ve let that go on and not realizing they had deep feelings for each other.
Profile Image for Bkwrm24.
1,891 reviews14 followers
December 26, 2023
Jackson and Skyler ❤️

3 Stars ⭐️

Is it possible to love the characters, their story but not the story? Ok so, I'm going to be completely honest here: I was extremely confused by this story, it's not that I didn't adore the characters especially Jackson but this was just strange in terms of the sexuality standpoint. Although they shared intimacy and it was adorable the fact that they were sexual with others without issue previously to getting together bothered me a lot especially since the lack of was focused on between our MC'S. I felt it did a terrible injustice to a really epic couple. I still love me some Isla Olsen and this series though.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Profile Image for Janette.
879 reviews22 followers
December 22, 2023
I went into this one without having read any of the previous books or the interconnected series, and I was a bit overwhelmed at first. There are a lot of people and connections thrown at you all at once, and it’s a lot to keep track of. That being said, it’s worth it to keep going. The less important characters fade into the background, and those essential to the story become more apparent.

Skylar & Jackson are inseparable - they’re roommates with loose boundaries (read nonexistent) who’ve been best friends since childhood. Their relationship is probably best described as committed codependence; they’re never happier than when they’re together and their companionship grounds them. Isla Olsen does a tremendous job illustrating the idiosyncrasies and depth of their relationship, making it obvious there’s a special intimacy between them. Well, obvious to everyone but them.

This was an enjoyable read, and I liked the connection Sky & Jax share. The realization that there’s more than platonic friendship between them is a main source of conflict, one that’s complicated by Jax’s revelation about his sexuality. Beyond these key points, however, the story didn’t really capture my attention or pull me in like I’d hoped.

An in-depth examination of asexuality is probably my main takeaway. It’s nice to see an author take the time to explore the nuances of that identity and how it realistically manifests in a relationship. Jax and Sky have some tricky conversations and encounter things that are potential deal breakers, but in the end, their commitment and love for one another drives their motivation to work through each aspect of their physical and emotional intimacy.

*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
Profile Image for Sharing The Book Love.
919 reviews16 followers
April 2, 2024
2 1/2 stars

Ive read them all and this was my least favourite. It felt slow and boring.

The asexuality explanation was good but I guess I also maybe expected a bit more conversation about sexual release etc for Sklyer considering he was a 'man s***' even though its was obvs they were in an emotional relationship the whole time.

Edits definitely needed :)
Profile Image for Ashley.
440 reviews15 followers
December 21, 2023
This book was extremely sweet. Skylar and Jackson are best friends that definitely define codependency, but it works for them. I liked the asexual rep in the story as well!!

Overall, liked it but didn’t love it. 3.5 stars for me!
Profile Image for Lisa Klein.
1,045 reviews9 followers
December 22, 2023
This was a really good book in the Suits and Sevens series. Sky & Jax were so perfect together. I loved their devotion to each other and how they easily accepted everything about each other.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
Profile Image for Edga.
2,247 reviews23 followers
January 4, 2024
This is a sweet friends/ to lovers story, I'm a great fan of the trope, However, this one didn't really do it for me, the writing seemed a little off, it didn't seem to flow as much as usual, I'm not exactly sure how to explain it. I wanted to like the story more than I did, but I feel like the writer could've done so much more with it, personally I felt that it fell a little short. It must be the worst kind of heartache, being loved by someone so completely in the wrong way, but I wholly didn't get that emotion. It was sweet, I liked both Skylar and Jax, and I liked the whole asexual vibe, but thought the book lacked that certain 'va va voom'. I've read a fair few books by this lady, and enjoyed the majority of them, this one just wasn't for me. I felt quite a disconnect with both characters, and I think it spoiled my enjoyment of the book. It won't stop me reading future books though.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,945 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2023
Mixed

I did not really enjoy this story like the others. It was ok . nice to read previous characters. It was ok
Profile Image for NTDan.
525 reviews
January 9, 2024
kinda mid ngl
also jackson being ace and not being turned on at all... idk if thats accurate?
Profile Image for aellis.
13 reviews
July 30, 2025
Mild spoilers:

Most unrealistic part of this is finding out Skyler
has a top 1% bar exam score in the country. I’m sorry. Have you met a SINGLE LAWYER??? The conniving, snaky, clever overachievers they are??? THIS GUY. The same guy who deadass can’t figure out he’s in love with his best friend after … all that, scored TOP 1%. genuinely ridiculous.

I’m saying this as a person whose mom is a lawyer, who’s been surrounded by lawyers, who consumes law media and my biggest hyperfixation is on something law-y. This bitch? I don’t buy it for a second!!!! I understand he can be an extremely smart person, but honey there is no way you’re getting tickets to that show. Lawyers are evil. Far too clever. overachieving and honestly a little unhinged. This guy isn’t getting top 1%.


Okay spoilers for most of the book! Not huge plot points or anything, just some moments.




Moving on. It’s kinda ridiculous how book characters never know what asexuality is/barely knows it exists. You guys are all gay. Why don’t you know anything about your damn community?? 😭 as an ace person it’s nice to have representation but also like… is the representation good if everyone doesn’t even know what the fuck it is INCLUDING THE MAIN CHARACTERS FOR LIKE majority of the book.

Also the fact Skyler says “since you turned ace” or something along those lines, is like?? Brother. YOURE A GAY MAN. Obviously he’s been ace all along… same way you’ve been gay your whole life… and Jackson just smiled at this and is like “no I’ve been ace all along” ok. Whatever. SMH authors love to write queer stories without having queer characters, if that makes sense. Sure they’re attracted to men but are they *culturally* queer? Do they ever interact with the queer community? Do they know what pansexuality is?? Do they know trans people exist? Cause I sure as hell don’t see them anywhere …

Or do we all just like to read about hot men without actually wanting to give them anything past their hotness. Right, moving on..!

The amount of cameos in this book are astounding. No longer are they cameos they are SPOTLIGHTS. It doesn’t help that none of them have discernible personalities either. I kid you not, this one guy talks about his custody battle for 8 pages. (Skipped through all that) the five billionaire brothers or whatever, I genuinely could not tell a single one of them apart. Doesn’t help that they all have the most generic, white ass names ever. Pls don’t ask me to name a single side relationship/side character in this book. I *will* fail.

Also. I thought the lip cuddles were nice the first time. Not the second. NOT THE THIRD. I was cringing so hard at the fourth.


I don’t hate this book. I enjoyed their friendship, their cat, the writing wasn’t atrocious. The main characters didn’t piss me off (too much), it was just generic, you know? I liked their chemistry in the beginning. Loved the lack of boundaries. I loved the scene where—
Spoilers for a scene below:




Skyler was sobbing on their doorstep, asking what his friend (do not ask me the name.) did to him after they pointed out he was in love with his best friend. That was neat! Depth! Yay!

2.5 stars
Profile Image for Fanni's So Many Books.
508 reviews27 followers
February 7, 2024
This book is definitely more vibes than angst or detailed plot. I only picked it up because of the ace representation, and I think in that part, it was great.

Mr Blue Sky is a co-dependent best friends to lovers story between a player and an ace character.
It's clear from the start that Skyler and Jackson's relationship is unhealthily co-dependent. This is, of course, explained away by their repressed love for each other, but still.

The plot is... well, I wouldn't say it's non-existent, but it's clear it was not the author's when writing this book to make it angsty or thrilling. The plot is basically Skyler and Jax figuring out their feelings for each other and learning how they can be in a relationship. The feelings and intimacy were in focus without much angst. And I actually liked it. For a quick, light read, this is a nice choice.

As I mentioned before, I mainly chose this book because of the ace rep. It's so rare in romance books that I am always curious to see how it actually goes.
In my opinion, Jackson's ace identity was described in a detailed and informative way. It put more focus on the importance of intimacy and care in long lasting relationship.
The actual relationship development and the guys figuring out their dynamics could've been done better. Communication was a pretty big problem (even after 20 years of friendship). It was maybe a little bit too easy. I mean, it would be nice if every allo person would process their partner's ace identity this easily, but this was a special case. Jax and Skyler had a whole lifetime of friendship to build on, so the trust way there. This is not really the case most of the time.
I've seen a lot of reviewers worry about Skyler and if he would be able to live in a "sexless" relationship. To you, I only say... did we read the same book? Sex in not only penetrative... sigh... I don't want to go into this debate here.

All in all, the book was sweet, if a bit boring, and maybe incomplete in a way. The scenes really just came one after the other without any actual overarching plot or much connection between them.
Yet, if you like very low angst books and you are here for the vibes, go for it.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book to share my honest review about it.*
Profile Image for Dee.
736 reviews22 followers
December 23, 2023
Dee's Grade: A+

Kink:🚦/5
Spice: 🥵🥵/5
Angst: 🥹🥹🥹🥹/5
Humor: 🤣🤣🤣🤣/5
Toxicity: ☣️/5
Bullying: 💔/5
Intimacy: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥/5
Chemistry: 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋/5
Dirty Talking: 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬/5
Hurt/Comfort: ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹/5
Codependency: 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂/5
Protectiveness: 🪦🪦🪦/5
Possessiveness: ⚔️⚔️⚔️/5
Communication: 🗣🗣🗣🗣🗣/5
The Dark Matter: 🌒/5
The Swoon Factor: 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
Growth and Healing: 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳/5
Comfort Readability: 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗/5


** If the score is ONE EMOJI that means little to none of whatever category/trope was present in the book.

💘This book was nothing I expected and EVERYTHING I NEEDED.💘

We've been seeing Skyler and Jackson throughout the series. We've got glimpses into their codependent relationship. We had no idea the true depths of it. I for one was here for every second of it.

CLUELESS CODEPENDENT BFFs to LOVERS IS MY JAM!

Jax and Sky leap frogged their way into my top couples list. The intimacy, genuine care and love they share is heartwarming. The way they communicate their thoughts and emotions even when its difficult is so sexy.

This book light on smut and loaded with love. While we don't get a ton of spicy scenes we get so many sensual scenes where you are mesmerized by the Intimacy between these two.

This book contains an ACE awakening and explores the different types of love we experience. This book has a different tone than a lot of the authors work. I love that because it was what this book needed to not turn into a demisexual gay for you romance which I enjoy but this wasn't that.

I know some people bristle at the openness of their communication and feels that some of it was hurtful. I didn't interpret it that way at all. Actually the characters themselves discuss that everything was still so new. They don't want any miscommunications so they over communicate. They recognize that over time they will feel the need to do that less and less but for now they're doing it.

Read this book now...you will love it!

💕TROPES💕
- Co-dependent best friends
- Roommates
- Ace awakening
- Reformed player
- Cuddle bunnies
Profile Image for Natalie.
575 reviews145 followers
December 19, 2023
Jackson & Skyler
Rating: 3.7 ⭐

- Roommates
- Best Friends to Lovers
- First Times
- Asexual Awakening
- Hurt/Comfort

All the different versions of cuddles in this book made me want to smile each time, love it! I liked all of the characters in this book and how they all played off each other. This has two adorable MC's that are so clueless to their dynamic it will make you laugh.

You have to playboy, Skyler, who had a rough early childhood and found solace and support in his best friend, Jackson. I was happy to see Jackson's mother also step in and be there for Skyler from the beginning, treating him like one of her own. These two have basically been in a relationship with each other since they were 7 and had no freaking clue. Throw into the mix that Jackson had no idea he was ace, until one of their friends threw it out to him as a theory since he's never had sexual attraction to anyone. Since Jackson still gets laid when he needs to, which isn't often, he never really thought about it. When their friend tells Skyler that he's in love with Jackson and it starts to sink in, all hell breaks loose and he doesn't know how to handle it. Jackson is so chill about everything and knows that no matter what happens, all he wants and ever wanted is Skyler to be with him. As they try to find their new normal as a couple, they learn to give each other a version of pleasure that's not normally thought about in a relationship. This is where all the extra version of cuddles from and I'm here for it! They find their HEA with all their friends and family there to support them through it all.

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

Verse: No
HEA: Yes
Profile Image for Kate.
2,602 reviews6 followers
December 14, 2023
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I enjoyed this book. I thought this was another good addition to the Suits & Sevens Series. Wow, Skyler & Jackson have so much history and have always been extremely close, and basically have no boundaries which their friends didn’t really understand but we finally got insight into their relationship during this book. Wow, Sky completely freaked out when Deacon points out that he’s in love with Jax, as he had absolutely no idea that he felt that way until Deacon put the thought in his head. My heart went out to both of them while they were trying to wade through everything to find their new normal, after Sky admitted his feelings.

I loved seeing Sky and Jax express the love they have for each other in a way that works for them, that not everyone could/would understand but I felt that their relationship was believable and absolutely beautiful. Skye and Jax have been everything to each other since they met when they were 7 years old. I love Jax’s mum Steph she’s an amazing human being. I did notice a couple of errors but that could be because it’s an advanced copy of the book but it wasn’t anything major and it was easy to pick up what the word was meant to be. I’m looking forward to reading more books as the series continues, as well as other books by Isla in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.

******I received an early copy of this book because I’m a member of Isla’s Patreon. I happily reviewed this book and I would do so even if I purchased it. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
Profile Image for Bol.D..
128 reviews
December 25, 2023
This is a worth reading, charming, captivating, and excellently written combination of easy-to-read, entertaining, yet profoundly emotional and touching read.
This story will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers: the ones looking for relaxing, entertaining, easy-to-read books and those seeking emotional depth and deep relations with the characters. Masterfully written, captivating, charming, fun, and simultaneously touching and moving story with a unique angle to what form love, friendship, and intimacy can take and represent to different people.
The author masterfully guides a reader with humor, witty dialog, and insight into most intimate emotions, to the realization that love can manifest in diverse and sometimes most unexpected forms.
This is emotional, entertaining, and, at the same time, profoundly touching and resonant read.
The characters are excellently defined and rounded, loveable, yet charming in their flaws and insecurities.
Through excellent writing, the author is using words to paint an outstanding, dynamic, sometimes funny, yet deeply touching story of discovering love in the most obvious and, at the same time, unexpected shape and form. Thus, the reader can stay intrigued and engaged in the story from the first to the last page.
Following the characters through a maze of conflicting, seemingly impossible, and unexpected emotions and, consequently, misunderstandings will keep you on your toes, emotionally and rationally engaged, and rooting for HEA.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC. Regardless, this review reflects my genuine thoughts and opinion.
Profile Image for Monica.
555 reviews31 followers
January 2, 2024
I've been loving this series so far but this book has been special. It made me understand asexuality while telling a beautiful love story at the same time and I just fell in love with the MCs.
Jackson and Skyler had been friends forever, since they were both seven. They've always had such a special friendship that none of them realised it wasn't what friends acted like towards the other. Their friends grew accustomed to them being like that, but then one of them makes Skyler reevaluate what it is that Jackson and he truly have and share.
I don't even know where to start. This novel has touched my heart immensely and it made me feel so much. Reading how Jackson and Skyler went from best friends to something else but in such a special way, it just was moving. The emotions between them surfaced and I could feel them while reading, their love was amazing, they shared such a deep connection that it was impossible for me to stay unaffected.
I truly appreciate the time the author took to describe and talk about asexuality. I also liked how Skyler's inner conflict was depicted, because he wanted to have so much more and have a proper romantic relationship with Jackson so it took him a while to fully come to terms. As for Jackson, he was so in love with Skyler that he just wanted to make him happy, any way the other man needed.
Like I said, I found this book to be exceptional. Both MCs stole my heart, it was a bit antsy in certain parts, but totally understandable taking into account what Jackson and Skyler were going through. It was an extraordinary story that I loved so much. It's probably my favourite in the series so far and I truly recommend it.
Profile Image for KohoutReadsRomance.
250 reviews5 followers
December 21, 2023
Such a sweet one! Jackson and Skyler have been best friends since they were seven years old. Skyler's parents were neglectful so he would sneak off to see Jackson and his mom every chance he got. They've always been closer than most friends, being inseparable, cuddling together, and being completely codependent on each other. Skyler typically sleeps around, desperate for validation he never got growing up, while Jackson doesn't really have priority for seggs or romance at all.

After a friend points out that Skyler is obviously in love with Jackson, Skyler can't unsee it and it shakes up their whole dynamic. After some introspection, Jackson realizes he's ace, which complicates things between the two of them. If you're not too familiar with asexuality, you'll certainly learn a lot from this one.

Since Jackson is on the asexual spectrum, their love scenes are not like your typical romance novel. They're still steamy and detailed, but this pair doesn't need to go as far to be satisfied. It's all about the romance for them!

You'll definitely have some laughs as you read, especially when it comes to these two hitting the "idiots to lovers" trope a lot of people enjoy! There is also some heartache as these two try to figure out their new dynamic and understand asexuality.

Such a cute read! These two are each other's biggest supporters and their love is so strong. I love seeing asexual representation and the character being comfortable enough being themselves for their HEA!

CW: discussion of child neglect and poverty
Profile Image for Emily Hernandez.
1,405 reviews19 followers
December 25, 2023
Jackson and Skyler's story showcased love in a way I've never read about before, and I absolutely adored it. I'll admit I went into this with all my usual expectations of a best-friends-to-lovers book, but what I got was so much more than that. Jackson and Skyler were about as close as two people can be without throwing sexual attraction into the mix, and there was never a question of whether they loved each other deeply. Instead their journey focused on their evolving self-identities and re-definition of their friendship as they realized they wanted to be life partners in every sense of the word. There was plenty of confusion, angst, and miscommunication to go around, but the love in this story was so special, so solidly untouchable that I knew Jackson and Skyler would be okay no matter what happened. That's not to say that their relationship came easily--both Jackson and Skyler struggled to understand the changes in their feelings and communicate what they wanted out of their evolving partnership, but with time and patience they were able to get back on the same wavelength and then they were really untouchable. My heart has never felt more full seeing how blissfully happy and in love the two of them were at the end, and even though their love took a different shape from a traditional MM romance, it was no less beautiful and satisfying and swoony.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Traci S.
2,045 reviews12 followers
December 27, 2023
I enjoyed this newest book in the Suits & Sevens series, this author is so good at creating wonderful characters and writes with such a fun sense of humor. My favorite part of this was Skylar and Jackson’s friendship, which is quite special and lovely in its own codependent way. I liked the characters in this series, but there was a lot of them to keep track of in Sky and Jax’s story. The story starts to get interesting when Sky makes a flippant remark that he already met the love of his life when he was seven years old, referring to Jackson. I enjoyed how this conversation with Deacon forced Sky to examine his relationship with best friend Jax. It’s an interesting premise and one that is complicated by Sky’s challenging childhood, Jax’s asexuality, and the fact that they have never been attracted to each other. These two are so thoroughly entwined though, figuring out how to be together feels like the only way forward. As their relationship honestly doesn’t leave room for other potential partners. I loved the two main characters, what worked most for me was their lifelong friendship, which truly beautiful. The relationship side, personally didn’t quite come together for me, but however you want to classify it, Sky and Jax belong together.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.