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Lost and Found #1
The Night I Lost Him
Caden Conner had never planned on coming out of the box he’d placed himself in long ago, the one he’d carefully crafted to look like everyone around him wanted it to. He had determined to be what they all expected. He’d decorated it with hockey and parties and girlfriends. No one was ever supposed to find him there, but then Jamie came along and ripped him right out of it.
Jamie Bryant was an enigma. He did what he wanted, wore what he wanted, and never apologized for who he was. He had plenty of whispers swirling around him, side-eyes and some outright hatred, but he seemed to simply ignore most of it. Caden had been watching, though, and he’d always hated it when people picked on Jamie. One moment would change everything between them, but Caden still had one foot in that box, torn between being who he truly was and holding onto the reputation he’d worked for.
Caden wasn’t the only person who could see that Jamie was beautiful. Jamie had plenty of his own admirers, and one of them was more dangerous than anyone realized until it was too late. No one thought that he would take it as far as he did, but by the time they understood, Jamie was already missing.
Caden realized he’d lost everything that truly mattered in his life when he’d lost Jamie. The regret and guilt swirled with fear and pain. And he would do whatever it took to get him back.
***The Night I Lost Him is a M/M romance intended for readers 18+. There are plenty of steamy scenes, language, and other mature themes in this book. Please check CW inside. ***
Jamie Bryant was an enigma. He did what he wanted, wore what he wanted, and never apologized for who he was. He had plenty of whispers swirling around him, side-eyes and some outright hatred, but he seemed to simply ignore most of it. Caden had been watching, though, and he’d always hated it when people picked on Jamie. One moment would change everything between them, but Caden still had one foot in that box, torn between being who he truly was and holding onto the reputation he’d worked for.
Caden wasn’t the only person who could see that Jamie was beautiful. Jamie had plenty of his own admirers, and one of them was more dangerous than anyone realized until it was too late. No one thought that he would take it as far as he did, but by the time they understood, Jamie was already missing.
Caden realized he’d lost everything that truly mattered in his life when he’d lost Jamie. The regret and guilt swirled with fear and pain. And he would do whatever it took to get him back.
***The Night I Lost Him is a M/M romance intended for readers 18+. There are plenty of steamy scenes, language, and other mature themes in this book. Please check CW inside. ***
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2024
About the author
Calliope Rhys
4 books66 followersObsessed with coffee, cats, books, and broken boys getting their HEAs.
My boys might go through trouble, but I promise lots of sweet and spicy moments in between, and even if it's a tough road getting there, HEA guaranteed.
My boys might go through trouble, but I promise lots of sweet and spicy moments in between, and even if it's a tough road getting there, HEA guaranteed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
May 26, 2025
4.6 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook
“I thought my life was over the night I lost him, and I kept it all in the back of my mind as a reminder to never take anything for granted. A reminder to live life to the fullest like he always had, to love hard, and never assume tomorrow was promised.”
This is a heavy, high-angst story, with a lot of triggering content. And so, so beautiful.
I’m going to be blunt right up front: this could have been a five star book, but the writing needs to be cleaned up. A lot. The story, the romance, the drama, the spice… it’s all so wonderful and evoke such high emotions, but I can see where readers could’ve been put off by the repetitiveness and drawn-out dialogue. And this is just a story I think is too good to lose an audience to, for something as simple as editing.
Jamie and Caden, what can I say? They broke my fucking heart. I adored everything about Jamie. He’s just a character that lives to the beat of his own drum and is unapologetic about it, and I loved everything about him. Caden was the stereotypical popular jock who was simply a sweet, sensitive guy, intrigued by Jamie who was so authentically himself. They were just so…cute. I don’t know another word to describe them, the way Caden loved Jamie was too sweet for words.
This story hurt my heart though, and I actually had to look up to see if there was a HEA around the 60% mark before I could continue because I knew if there wasn’t one, this book would actually ruin me. I had to double check around 90% because I was worried I got it wrong when everything was still a mess. It is a rough road, but there is an EVENTUAL happy ending and is definitely worth it. But the book still ruined me anyway.
There was a lot of cheesiness, and some parts that really didn’t make a lot of sense, again that maybe could have been patched up better in the editing process. The drama with Brad and Renee, the stuff surrounding Wally and the crime, even things like Caden playing hockey but literally never having practice or games or even working out. This was definitely written by someone who doesn’t know a lot about college campuses or the criminal justice system or hockey, but I still found the story overall enjoyable when I ignored that stuff.
I think this author has a talent for writing captivating stories with a whirlwind romance and dynamic characters, and I think she’ll continue to write some really great books, hopefully with a touch more editing. I can’t wait to read anything else we get.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook
“I thought my life was over the night I lost him, and I kept it all in the back of my mind as a reminder to never take anything for granted. A reminder to live life to the fullest like he always had, to love hard, and never assume tomorrow was promised.”
This is a heavy, high-angst story, with a lot of triggering content. And so, so beautiful.
I’m going to be blunt right up front: this could have been a five star book, but the writing needs to be cleaned up. A lot. The story, the romance, the drama, the spice… it’s all so wonderful and evoke such high emotions, but I can see where readers could’ve been put off by the repetitiveness and drawn-out dialogue. And this is just a story I think is too good to lose an audience to, for something as simple as editing.
Jamie and Caden, what can I say? They broke my fucking heart. I adored everything about Jamie. He’s just a character that lives to the beat of his own drum and is unapologetic about it, and I loved everything about him. Caden was the stereotypical popular jock who was simply a sweet, sensitive guy, intrigued by Jamie who was so authentically himself. They were just so…cute. I don’t know another word to describe them, the way Caden loved Jamie was too sweet for words.
This story hurt my heart though, and I actually had to look up to see if there was a HEA around the 60% mark before I could continue because I knew if there wasn’t one, this book would actually ruin me. I had to double check around 90% because I was worried I got it wrong when everything was still a mess. It is a rough road, but there is an EVENTUAL happy ending and is definitely worth it. But the book still ruined me anyway.
There was a lot of cheesiness, and some parts that really didn’t make a lot of sense, again that maybe could have been patched up better in the editing process. The drama with Brad and Renee, the stuff surrounding Wally and the crime, even things like Caden playing hockey but literally never having practice or games or even working out. This was definitely written by someone who doesn’t know a lot about college campuses or the criminal justice system or hockey, but I still found the story overall enjoyable when I ignored that stuff.
I think this author has a talent for writing captivating stories with a whirlwind romance and dynamic characters, and I think she’ll continue to write some really great books, hopefully with a touch more editing. I can’t wait to read anything else we get.
July 8, 2024
The Night I Lost Him is a high-angst opposites attract romance between hockey player Caden and quiet artistic Jamie. Their love story is epic and over six months they become everything for one another. They are soul mates who end up facing one of the darkest experiences a couple can and due to Caden's determination and loyalty saves Jamie from something he can never recover from.
Overall this is a fantastic story that kept me glued to the pages as I anxiously waited to see some resolution to Caden and Jamie's predicament that was nothing short of intense. I loved their story and seeing their natural progression from friends with shared a mutual spark grow into a beautiful love that was able to overcome anything. This is a beautiful story that I cannot recommend highly enough.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall this is a fantastic story that kept me glued to the pages as I anxiously waited to see some resolution to Caden and Jamie's predicament that was nothing short of intense. I loved their story and seeing their natural progression from friends with shared a mutual spark grow into a beautiful love that was able to overcome anything. This is a beautiful story that I cannot recommend highly enough.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Did Not Finish
June 26, 2024Dnf @ 8%. I am BEGGING indie authors to get quality editors. PLEASE. Repetitive sentences/info, info dumping, lack of sentence length and structure, proper punctuation. Please for the love of everything.
This book had so much potential and I was really excited to read it. But the amount of repetitive sentences was obnoxious. The same thought/idea would be repeated at least three times in most paragraphs.
This really needed better editing.
This book had so much potential and I was really excited to read it. But the amount of repetitive sentences was obnoxious. The same thought/idea would be repeated at least three times in most paragraphs.
This really needed better editing.
March 24, 2025
Wstępnie wiedziałam, co w tej książce może się dziać, ale i tak mnie zaskoczyła - zdecydowanie pozytywnie 😊 Pomysł fajny, wykonanie dobre - nawet nie przeszkadzały mi retrospekcje, które naprzemiennie pojawiają się z rozdziałami dziejącymi się tu i teraz, a to dużo mówi, bo przecież nie cierpię retrospekcji 😜 (choć przyznaję, że najdalsza sięgała 8 miesięcy wstecz, zatem tragedii nie było). Największe zastrzeżenia, jakie mam, to że w retrospekcjach było za dużo seksu (wolałabym jednak więcej interakcji między MCs - innych niż seks oczywiście😉), zaś pod koniec tempo trochę spadło i nieco mi się dłużyło, co jest dziwne w sumie, bo jakby nie było, zbliżaliśmy się do rozwiązania całej zagadki z porwaniem jednego z MC.
Ale generalnie wykonanie pomysłu na 80%, zatem mocne 4 gwiazdki z mojej strony 😁
Ale generalnie wykonanie pomysłu na 80%, zatem mocne 4 gwiazdki z mojej strony 😁
July 18, 2024
Really enjoyed the concept but there was a lot of repetitive writing. The end was a bit dissatisfying after all the build up. Loved the friend group and their support throughout but a lot of the other side characters felt like caricatures and a bit ridiculous (Brad, Renee..). A fun read but not really what I was hoping it would be.
April 2, 2024
This is the debut novel of Calliope Rhys and it was such a wonderful read. I was surprised this was her first book as it was such an emotional and beautiful story.
Caden is the star of the ice hockey team at his university. He is closeted and isn't planning on coming out, but then he meets Jamie and the attraction between them is immediate. Caden finds himself not being able to stay away from Jamie, they start a relationship and then Jamie disappears leaving Caden heartbroken and determined to find out what happened to his boyfriend.
Like I said, this was such an emotional read. The book alternates chapters in the present and in the past. That way the author manages to tell the reader how Caden and Jamie met and how their beautiful and touching love story developed, and showing at the same time how things progresses in the present about the disappearance of Jamie.
Caden and Jamie were adorable together. They belonged to each other, two halves of a whole. I loved how they got to know each other and their love grew to become something amazing and heartwarming. Jamie was very understanding about Caden taking his time to come out, but it was obvious that his love for Jamie made Caden question his choices and how he wanted to live his life.
This book was beautiful to read, but it was also hard not knowing what had happened to Jamie. I could feel Caden's suffering and it made my heart hurt. But I enjoyed it so much, it was very well written and the emotions and feelings so brilliantly depicted. It is an amazing novel and I can't wait to read whatever this author brings next.
Caden is the star of the ice hockey team at his university. He is closeted and isn't planning on coming out, but then he meets Jamie and the attraction between them is immediate. Caden finds himself not being able to stay away from Jamie, they start a relationship and then Jamie disappears leaving Caden heartbroken and determined to find out what happened to his boyfriend.
Like I said, this was such an emotional read. The book alternates chapters in the present and in the past. That way the author manages to tell the reader how Caden and Jamie met and how their beautiful and touching love story developed, and showing at the same time how things progresses in the present about the disappearance of Jamie.
Caden and Jamie were adorable together. They belonged to each other, two halves of a whole. I loved how they got to know each other and their love grew to become something amazing and heartwarming. Jamie was very understanding about Caden taking his time to come out, but it was obvious that his love for Jamie made Caden question his choices and how he wanted to live his life.
This book was beautiful to read, but it was also hard not knowing what had happened to Jamie. I could feel Caden's suffering and it made my heart hurt. But I enjoyed it so much, it was very well written and the emotions and feelings so brilliantly depicted. It is an amazing novel and I can't wait to read whatever this author brings next.
January 14, 2025
3.5 stars.
First the positives: I enjoyed the story, both the MCs (although it took a while for me to warm up to Caden) and their friend group. I thought Caden & Jamie's love story was very sweet and I loved the way it developed. The past scenes were more enjoyable for me to read. Until the gang started looking for Jamie the present chapters were lacking for me. A few moments that I really loved were their first time at the planetarium, the kayak date, the oil spill, and the epilogue. The spice was pretty decent as well.
The twist towards the end was so so for me. I understood what the author was trying to do but I had to suspend belief quite a bit to get there. I will say there was another way I saw it going and I was relieved it did not go the way I thought. I would have been very annoyed.
Now the negatives: This book suffered from the author not editing herself enough. The beginning was quite tough to get through because of the repetitiveness and all the telling rather than showing. I am glad I stuck it out through the first few chapters because those issues did get better to a certain extent. I still feel that throughout the entire book a lot should have been left out. I don't mind suspending belief when I read but it got to a point where I was having to do that too much.
Overall this book kept my attention well enough. I wanted to see Jamie & Caden's relationship develop and I wanted to know what happened to Jamie. If I were rating just on story it would have been higher. I had to deduct some for the writing and overtelling of things.
First the positives: I enjoyed the story, both the MCs (although it took a while for me to warm up to Caden) and their friend group. I thought Caden & Jamie's love story was very sweet and I loved the way it developed. The past scenes were more enjoyable for me to read. Until the gang started looking for Jamie the present chapters were lacking for me. A few moments that I really loved were their first time at the planetarium, the kayak date, the oil spill, and the epilogue. The spice was pretty decent as well.
The twist towards the end was so so for me. I understood what the author was trying to do but I had to suspend belief quite a bit to get there. I will say there was another way I saw it going and I was relieved it did not go the way I thought. I would have been very annoyed.
Now the negatives: This book suffered from the author not editing herself enough. The beginning was quite tough to get through because of the repetitiveness and all the telling rather than showing. I am glad I stuck it out through the first few chapters because those issues did get better to a certain extent. I still feel that throughout the entire book a lot should have been left out. I don't mind suspending belief when I read but it got to a point where I was having to do that too much.
Overall this book kept my attention well enough. I wanted to see Jamie & Caden's relationship develop and I wanted to know what happened to Jamie. If I were rating just on story it would have been higher. I had to deduct some for the writing and overtelling of things.
April 16, 2024
4.5⭐️
I was blown away by The Night I Lost Him by Calliope Rhys and it is the book so far in 2024 that has stood out for me the most for the originality of its plot. I'd never read this story before, at least not in the MM romance genre. I won’t cover anything about the plot in my review, so make sure to read the blurb if you want to know more.
The story is told in its entirety in Caden's POV. My preference is usually dual POVs, but here, for the sake of the story, it was the best choice to go with single POV. It made the most sense. One thing that worried me was that the story was told on two different timelines. One in the past and one in the present, alternating for each chapter. What were the chances that both timelines would be equally interesting? Well, Rhys has risen to the challenge brilliantly. I was riveted to my kindle from beginning to end, obsessing over every aspect of this fascinating and highly emotional tale. Caden and Jamie's love story is one filled with passion, love but also pain and angst. So much angst! And also some great steam!
It was a journey like no other and that's what I thoroughly enjoyed about this novel. The tension and the crescendo until we reached the climax was nerve-wracking and at the same time it was so well executed. I had to take away half a star as some details of the conclusion weren't quite as satisfying for me. That said, it had no impact on my enjoyment of the book.
It's not a dark read, but it definitely has dark elements. If you have triggers, you might want to take a look at the trigger warnings. Otherwise, my recommendation is to go in completely blind.
I'm really impressed with Calliope Rhys. And did I mention that this is her debut? 🤯 I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for what she writes next!
I was blown away by The Night I Lost Him by Calliope Rhys and it is the book so far in 2024 that has stood out for me the most for the originality of its plot. I'd never read this story before, at least not in the MM romance genre. I won’t cover anything about the plot in my review, so make sure to read the blurb if you want to know more.
The story is told in its entirety in Caden's POV. My preference is usually dual POVs, but here, for the sake of the story, it was the best choice to go with single POV. It made the most sense. One thing that worried me was that the story was told on two different timelines. One in the past and one in the present, alternating for each chapter. What were the chances that both timelines would be equally interesting? Well, Rhys has risen to the challenge brilliantly. I was riveted to my kindle from beginning to end, obsessing over every aspect of this fascinating and highly emotional tale. Caden and Jamie's love story is one filled with passion, love but also pain and angst. So much angst! And also some great steam!
It was a journey like no other and that's what I thoroughly enjoyed about this novel. The tension and the crescendo until we reached the climax was nerve-wracking and at the same time it was so well executed. I had to take away half a star as some details of the conclusion weren't quite as satisfying for me. That said, it had no impact on my enjoyment of the book.
It's not a dark read, but it definitely has dark elements. If you have triggers, you might want to take a look at the trigger warnings. Otherwise, my recommendation is to go in completely blind.
I'm really impressed with Calliope Rhys. And did I mention that this is her debut? 🤯 I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for what she writes next!
August 5, 2026
X favor me encantó, podía dejar de leer
February 24, 2025
• Emotional
• Missing MMC
• Dual Timeline
• Hockey Romance
• MM romance
• Man obsessed
• Single POV
• Debut Novel
Days later and I still can't stop thinking about this book! It was everything.
I was given the opportunity to read Calliope's second book early. But something told me that I needed to start from her first book and meet Jamie and Caden! And I'm SOOOOO glad I did.
This book was incredible. And far more than I was expecting. Not only is it full of the most adorable characters, but the emotional plot will make you unable to put this book down! The two of these characters went through unbearable trauma, but the sweet tender love between these two never went unnoticed and only added to the sweet factor of this book mixed in with much heavier topics. It also helps that this book is told in a dual timeline which follows the beginning of their relationship and then the heartache Caden goes through when Jamie goes missing. It was wonderfully written this way. It was also told in a single POV and quickly into the book you realize why!! It couldn't have been any other way! And being inside Caden's head the whole book was amazing! This man LOVED hard!!!! And his feelings for Jamie were so beautiful.
I couldn't get over the fact that Caden never gave up on Jamie. And I couldn't have been more happy with the way this book ended. I can't wait to read the next book! 😍
This book was beautiful!
• Missing MMC
• Dual Timeline
• Hockey Romance
• MM romance
• Man obsessed
• Single POV
• Debut Novel
Days later and I still can't stop thinking about this book! It was everything.
I was given the opportunity to read Calliope's second book early. But something told me that I needed to start from her first book and meet Jamie and Caden! And I'm SOOOOO glad I did.
This book was incredible. And far more than I was expecting. Not only is it full of the most adorable characters, but the emotional plot will make you unable to put this book down! The two of these characters went through unbearable trauma, but the sweet tender love between these two never went unnoticed and only added to the sweet factor of this book mixed in with much heavier topics. It also helps that this book is told in a dual timeline which follows the beginning of their relationship and then the heartache Caden goes through when Jamie goes missing. It was wonderfully written this way. It was also told in a single POV and quickly into the book you realize why!! It couldn't have been any other way! And being inside Caden's head the whole book was amazing! This man LOVED hard!!!! And his feelings for Jamie were so beautiful.
I couldn't get over the fact that Caden never gave up on Jamie. And I couldn't have been more happy with the way this book ended. I can't wait to read the next book! 😍
This book was beautiful!
July 2, 2024
book could’ve ended in the first few chapters
I will say this is better written than many mm books out there but it was such a frustrating read.
This writer has a BAD case of tell not show. Some books can get away with it if they weave something interesting in whether it be a character’s personality or unique storytelling to stand out from the masses of books on everyone’s bookshelves. Not in this case. In the first few chapters we’re told everything we need to know about the main characters, their relationship, it’s tragic ending and pretty much guess the subsequent hopeful turn around. You’ll know everything you need to know by about page 35. Even with all that the frustrations I had, I do think this author has potential. I’ll look out in the future for their next works.
I do implore the author, however, to read well written (or popularly received) books in the next genre they write and find something to take from them.
Other authors have written good suspenseful romances and this one has the bare bones of one who can do the same.
I will say this is better written than many mm books out there but it was such a frustrating read.
This writer has a BAD case of tell not show. Some books can get away with it if they weave something interesting in whether it be a character’s personality or unique storytelling to stand out from the masses of books on everyone’s bookshelves. Not in this case. In the first few chapters we’re told everything we need to know about the main characters, their relationship, it’s tragic ending and pretty much guess the subsequent hopeful turn around. You’ll know everything you need to know by about page 35. Even with all that the frustrations I had, I do think this author has potential. I’ll look out in the future for their next works.
I do implore the author, however, to read well written (or popularly received) books in the next genre they write and find something to take from them.
Other authors have written good suspenseful romances and this one has the bare bones of one who can do the same.
Did Not Finish
August 14, 202425% - putting it on-hold
This is so sad and depressing 😭😭😭 But I just can’t right now. (good storytelling, tho the book needs editing)
Hope I can return to it soon, ‘cause I want to see it all being good in the end. (at least I hope for a good ending)
This is so sad and depressing 😭😭😭 But I just can’t right now. (good storytelling, tho the book needs editing)
Hope I can return to it soon, ‘cause I want to see it all being good in the end. (at least I hope for a good ending)
February 9, 2026
I feel conflicted because I thought I’m gonna be destroyed, but this turned out to be a different type of a story that I’m used to 🙃
The storytelling is unconventional: single POV, dual timeline. It gave me an Elite / HTGAWM vibe when you’re dropped into the aftermath, shown the trauma and then dragged toward how it all happened.
At times, it was powerful. The plot twisted my gut hard enough that I couldn’t stop reading, during the first half for sure, though the emotional switching between timelines was hard at times, like one moment you’re in total despair, the next in softness and love.
And I guess it did feel longer than needed for me.
Not bad or boring, just too much of the same emotional pressure, too many repetitions of the same beats. The angst here leaned more into suspense and mystery than into the aching, yearning, we-can’t-be-together emotional pain I usually crave in romance. That’s not a flaw of the book like at all, it’s just not my emotional language of angst I guess.
That said, the worldbuilding is beautiful and the characters feel real. The families and friendships are written with so much warmth and care. And for readers who love deep dives and layered structure, this will totally work.
AND the connection between the MCs is genuinely soooo good. Their chemistry is real, sweet, intimate, and emotionally grounded. Their love story feels natural, tender, and safe, no doubts there at all.
So I think this is one of those reads where my brain respected it, but I didn’t fully melt.
A solid, emotional, well-written story, just not the kind of pain my heart personally aches for, so 4⭐ feels honest.
The storytelling is unconventional: single POV, dual timeline. It gave me an Elite / HTGAWM vibe when you’re dropped into the aftermath, shown the trauma and then dragged toward how it all happened.
At times, it was powerful. The plot twisted my gut hard enough that I couldn’t stop reading, during the first half for sure, though the emotional switching between timelines was hard at times, like one moment you’re in total despair, the next in softness and love.
And I guess it did feel longer than needed for me.
Not bad or boring, just too much of the same emotional pressure, too many repetitions of the same beats. The angst here leaned more into suspense and mystery than into the aching, yearning, we-can’t-be-together emotional pain I usually crave in romance. That’s not a flaw of the book like at all, it’s just not my emotional language of angst I guess.
That said, the worldbuilding is beautiful and the characters feel real. The families and friendships are written with so much warmth and care. And for readers who love deep dives and layered structure, this will totally work.
AND the connection between the MCs is genuinely soooo good. Their chemistry is real, sweet, intimate, and emotionally grounded. Their love story feels natural, tender, and safe, no doubts there at all.
So I think this is one of those reads where my brain respected it, but I didn’t fully melt.
A solid, emotional, well-written story, just not the kind of pain my heart personally aches for, so 4⭐ feels honest.
February 25, 2024
I have not read this type of story before and it is told is such a unique way that I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! I didn’t want to put it down and I read well into the night! When I forced myself to go to sleep I woke up early and immediately thought of this book and debated if I should sleep longer or just get up and read (sleep won out lol but it was close!)
Throughout the book we feel Caden’s urgency and heartbreak to find Jamie and get him back and his desperation for his friends to believe him when the police had given up hope, then in the next chapter we see Caden and Jamie as they are learning to trust one another and falling in love. Meanwhile the two timelines continue to merge and the reader already knows what’s ultimately going to happen but is resigned to watching Jamie’s fate and Caden’s anguish play out on page.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts! Holy smokes! I appreciated that Calliope included little details that most other authors would overlook during their intimate scenes which made it less fantastical and more believable.
This is such a phenomenal read and I am so glad I was given the opportunity to ARC read this!
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Throughout the book we feel Caden’s urgency and heartbreak to find Jamie and get him back and his desperation for his friends to believe him when the police had given up hope, then in the next chapter we see Caden and Jamie as they are learning to trust one another and falling in love. Meanwhile the two timelines continue to merge and the reader already knows what’s ultimately going to happen but is resigned to watching Jamie’s fate and Caden’s anguish play out on page.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts! Holy smokes! I appreciated that Calliope included little details that most other authors would overlook during their intimate scenes which made it less fantastical and more believable.
This is such a phenomenal read and I am so glad I was given the opportunity to ARC read this!
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 15, 2024
Amazing Debut!
I love when I read a book by a new me to author and end up loving the story. Caden & Jamie’s story kept me on the edge of my seat! So many ups and downs. Enjoyed the spicy highs and the suspense aspects to the book. Will definitely be reading more from Calliope in the future!
I love when I read a book by a new me to author and end up loving the story. Caden & Jamie’s story kept me on the edge of my seat! So many ups and downs. Enjoyed the spicy highs and the suspense aspects to the book. Will definitely be reading more from Calliope in the future!
October 31, 2024
Oh boy, was I invested! Loved the story 👌🏻👌🏻
-1 star for a bit repetitive writing, though, and mayyybe I'd like more showing than telling.
Anyway, I enjoyed Caden and Jamie's story nevertheless!
-1 star for a bit repetitive writing, though, and mayyybe I'd like more showing than telling.
Anyway, I enjoyed Caden and Jamie's story nevertheless!
April 9, 2024
Excellent Debut Novel
Would you be strong enough to join a search party for the body of your murdered boyfriend? Would you give up all hope when the perpetrator is arrested, confesses but refuses to admit what he did with the body?
Well, meet Caden, Star Player on his Florida College Hockey Team, liked by everyone but is deeply closeted due to a very traumatic, life threatening experience as a young teenager, an incident that his parents and friends knew nothing about.
Caden first saw Jamie crossing the campus, one couldn’t help but notice him, he was very good looking for starters, and when he often turns up wearing a skirt, Pearl chokers and make up, he just couldn’t take his eyes off him. So brave and unapologetic about who he is. Later when a hockey team member confronts Jamie and is bullying him, ripping his Pearl choker from his neck, Caden sees what is happening and steps up to the bully who scuttles off with his sidekick.
That’s how Caden became friends with Jamie, a Marine Biology student who works as a Pole Dancer/Lap Dancer in Club Adonis, a local gay club, to help pay his way through college. He’s had a horrific childhood, constantly switched between foster homes all his life until his mid teens when he is adopted by a loving family, a mother and daughter.
Jamie’s early life struggles has made him strong enough to live as his true self, while Caden is still hiding behind girlfriends and tough guy hockey player, still they become good friends and not much later, lovers, secret closeted lovers, until Caden is ready. He eventually comes out to his parents and is overwhelmed with their immediate acceptance.
When Jamie is being constantly stalked by a man who frequents Club Adonis, Caden and his friends try to protect him, but one night after working at the Club while Caden was playing in a Hockey Match, Jamie disappears. Sometime later, Wally Givens, the stalker, owns up to his mother what he has done to Jamie, but won’t say where he left the body. Memorial services have been held by Jamie’s family and by the College.
At this stage Caden is still trying to remain closeted apart from his closest three friends and his parents. But suspicions are aroused amongst the team and other students. After a month without closure, Caden is falling apart. He and three of his friends, plus a friend of Jamie’s decide to look for answers themselves as the police seem to have stopped investigating. They become detectives searching for truth during their Spring Break from College.
***************
The story is told from Caden’s POV over a period of 6 months, with an Epilogue at the end. It is I believe a debut novel by author Calliope Rhys, and what a brilliant first book it is. Well written with enough character development to make you feel that you really knew these guys. Plus plenty of details about the research and investigative efforts of these young inexperienced college students.
A very different and unexpected storyline from any MM romance I’ve read so far. It drew me in to such a degree that I couldn’t put it down, even though it was tortuous at times, reading of Jamie’s early life and what happened to Caden when he was twelve years old. I loved it even though my emotions were up and down like a fiddlers elbow.
Grab yourself a copy and enjoy this very engaging story.
Would you be strong enough to join a search party for the body of your murdered boyfriend? Would you give up all hope when the perpetrator is arrested, confesses but refuses to admit what he did with the body?
Well, meet Caden, Star Player on his Florida College Hockey Team, liked by everyone but is deeply closeted due to a very traumatic, life threatening experience as a young teenager, an incident that his parents and friends knew nothing about.
Caden first saw Jamie crossing the campus, one couldn’t help but notice him, he was very good looking for starters, and when he often turns up wearing a skirt, Pearl chokers and make up, he just couldn’t take his eyes off him. So brave and unapologetic about who he is. Later when a hockey team member confronts Jamie and is bullying him, ripping his Pearl choker from his neck, Caden sees what is happening and steps up to the bully who scuttles off with his sidekick.
That’s how Caden became friends with Jamie, a Marine Biology student who works as a Pole Dancer/Lap Dancer in Club Adonis, a local gay club, to help pay his way through college. He’s had a horrific childhood, constantly switched between foster homes all his life until his mid teens when he is adopted by a loving family, a mother and daughter.
Jamie’s early life struggles has made him strong enough to live as his true self, while Caden is still hiding behind girlfriends and tough guy hockey player, still they become good friends and not much later, lovers, secret closeted lovers, until Caden is ready. He eventually comes out to his parents and is overwhelmed with their immediate acceptance.
When Jamie is being constantly stalked by a man who frequents Club Adonis, Caden and his friends try to protect him, but one night after working at the Club while Caden was playing in a Hockey Match, Jamie disappears. Sometime later, Wally Givens, the stalker, owns up to his mother what he has done to Jamie, but won’t say where he left the body. Memorial services have been held by Jamie’s family and by the College.
At this stage Caden is still trying to remain closeted apart from his closest three friends and his parents. But suspicions are aroused amongst the team and other students. After a month without closure, Caden is falling apart. He and three of his friends, plus a friend of Jamie’s decide to look for answers themselves as the police seem to have stopped investigating. They become detectives searching for truth during their Spring Break from College.
***************
The story is told from Caden’s POV over a period of 6 months, with an Epilogue at the end. It is I believe a debut novel by author Calliope Rhys, and what a brilliant first book it is. Well written with enough character development to make you feel that you really knew these guys. Plus plenty of details about the research and investigative efforts of these young inexperienced college students.
A very different and unexpected storyline from any MM romance I’ve read so far. It drew me in to such a degree that I couldn’t put it down, even though it was tortuous at times, reading of Jamie’s early life and what happened to Caden when he was twelve years old. I loved it even though my emotions were up and down like a fiddlers elbow.
Grab yourself a copy and enjoy this very engaging story.
March 12, 2024
The Night I Lost Him by Calliope Rhys
Caden has always tried to be what he thought people wanted him to be. He had it in his mind that he needed to hide his feelings on the inside and be what others wanted him to be on the outside. So he would continue to hide behind hockey, frat parties, and several girlfriends. That is until Jamie, Caden had seen Jamie around campus they even had a couple of classes together. Caden was in total awe of Jamie, the way he carried himself, the way he didn’t let the way people looked at him, or talked about him bother him. Caden has nothing but admiration and respect for Jamie. He also thought he was the most beautiful person he’d ever seen and it stirred up feelings inside Cadent that he long tried to bury.
One day though Caden and a couple of his teammates were walking to practice, Jamie just so happened to be in that same hallway, when one of Caden’s team mates decided to take it upon himself to be downright rude to Jamie ending in a broken necklace. Caden couldn’t stand the look on Jamie’s face. So to make up for not sticking up for Jamie against his teammate, Caden grabs one of his friends and goes out in search for a replacement. The next day he tracks Jamie down on the quad and asks him to coffee to give him the replacement. Their love story just goes on a crazy twisty windy ride from there.
Without giving too much away there is a strip club, motorcycle, funeral, court case, kidnapping, a stalker [not Caden].
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is my first read from this author, and I am so very grateful and honored to have been able to read it. This story is one pov, but in first person. There are time jumps, back and forth, but hear me out and stick around, trust the process I promise you that it’s worth it. I adored getting to experience this love story grow and change.
Caden has always tried to be what he thought people wanted him to be. He had it in his mind that he needed to hide his feelings on the inside and be what others wanted him to be on the outside. So he would continue to hide behind hockey, frat parties, and several girlfriends. That is until Jamie, Caden had seen Jamie around campus they even had a couple of classes together. Caden was in total awe of Jamie, the way he carried himself, the way he didn’t let the way people looked at him, or talked about him bother him. Caden has nothing but admiration and respect for Jamie. He also thought he was the most beautiful person he’d ever seen and it stirred up feelings inside Cadent that he long tried to bury.
One day though Caden and a couple of his teammates were walking to practice, Jamie just so happened to be in that same hallway, when one of Caden’s team mates decided to take it upon himself to be downright rude to Jamie ending in a broken necklace. Caden couldn’t stand the look on Jamie’s face. So to make up for not sticking up for Jamie against his teammate, Caden grabs one of his friends and goes out in search for a replacement. The next day he tracks Jamie down on the quad and asks him to coffee to give him the replacement. Their love story just goes on a crazy twisty windy ride from there.
Without giving too much away there is a strip club, motorcycle, funeral, court case, kidnapping, a stalker [not Caden].
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is my first read from this author, and I am so very grateful and honored to have been able to read it. This story is one pov, but in first person. There are time jumps, back and forth, but hear me out and stick around, trust the process I promise you that it’s worth it. I adored getting to experience this love story grow and change.
June 9, 2024
“It’s ok. I have a new one now that lets me know that maybe other people can give a shit about me, too.”
Caden has jammed his true self into a box, and closed it up, finished it off with a pretty bow on the outside. But on the inside he’s terrified of that bow coming loose and letting everyone see who he really is, That is until Jamie comes along.
This book pleasantly surprised me! It’s a single first person POV through Cadens character, and chapters alternate between before Jamie’s disappearance and after.
the character growth of Caden throughout this story was perfect, going from hiding from himself to being able to find and accept himself.
I found myself not wanting to put the book down, needing to know the answers to my questions!
Jamie is so unapologetically himself that it’s hard to not admire him and want to protect him. Both boys having been through trauma that has shaped them into who they are, they are just literally perfect for each other.
This book has everything, spice, cute moments, mystery, and some of the best characters. I throughly enjoyed it!
Caden has jammed his true self into a box, and closed it up, finished it off with a pretty bow on the outside. But on the inside he’s terrified of that bow coming loose and letting everyone see who he really is, That is until Jamie comes along.
This book pleasantly surprised me! It’s a single first person POV through Cadens character, and chapters alternate between before Jamie’s disappearance and after.
the character growth of Caden throughout this story was perfect, going from hiding from himself to being able to find and accept himself.
I found myself not wanting to put the book down, needing to know the answers to my questions!
Jamie is so unapologetically himself that it’s hard to not admire him and want to protect him. Both boys having been through trauma that has shaped them into who they are, they are just literally perfect for each other.
This book has everything, spice, cute moments, mystery, and some of the best characters. I throughly enjoyed it!
July 16, 2024
This book. I don't know how I will get over this book.
I have a love/hate relationship with books that skip around in time. Each chapter would bring up either up or down. It kept me on the edge of my seat, that's for sure.
I have a love/hate relationship with books that skip around in time. Each chapter would bring up either up or down. It kept me on the edge of my seat, that's for sure.
April 3, 2025
Wowzers bowzers
September 29, 2024
Holy fricken smokes what a good read
This damn book guys!! Holy smokes!! I could not put it down!!! Calliope Rhys Bravo 👏
10 out of 10 ya’ll - 10 out of 10…
This book keeps you in the edge of your seat the whole damn time!! The love these two have for each other is palpable…swoon worthy and just plain hot *fans self*.
Calliope alternates between before and after - there is no confusion in the chapters switching at all - I did feel a sense of dread reading the before chapters because I was falling in love with these two boys falling in love. But I also knew what was happening in the after . Before is Caden and Jamie falling in love, their se*y (hot AF) times and the lead up to Jamie’s disappearance.
After is after Jamie goes missing…
I don’t want to give much away but everyone needs someone in their life that will not give up even if it seems like there is no hope. And everyone needs friends like these two boys friends. These two boys are beautiful and help each other is so many ways.
This is a must read and one I will not forget for a long time. I smiled, I swooned and I cried. But it was alll very much worth the adventure.
You have
🐻found family
🏑hockey romance
🐻sexual awakening
🏑new love
🐻(hot) first times
🏑mystery
Please check trigger warnings ❤️
This damn book guys!! Holy smokes!! I could not put it down!!! Calliope Rhys Bravo 👏
10 out of 10 ya’ll - 10 out of 10…
This book keeps you in the edge of your seat the whole damn time!! The love these two have for each other is palpable…swoon worthy and just plain hot *fans self*.
Calliope alternates between before and after - there is no confusion in the chapters switching at all - I did feel a sense of dread reading the before chapters because I was falling in love with these two boys falling in love. But I also knew what was happening in the after . Before is Caden and Jamie falling in love, their se*y (hot AF) times and the lead up to Jamie’s disappearance.
After is after Jamie goes missing…
I don’t want to give much away but everyone needs someone in their life that will not give up even if it seems like there is no hope. And everyone needs friends like these two boys friends. These two boys are beautiful and help each other is so many ways.
This is a must read and one I will not forget for a long time. I smiled, I swooned and I cried. But it was alll very much worth the adventure.
You have
🐻found family
🏑hockey romance
🐻sexual awakening
🏑new love
🐻(hot) first times
🏑mystery
Please check trigger warnings ❤️
June 11, 2025
"I thought my life was over the night I lost him, and I kept it all in the back of my mind as a reminder to never take anything for granted. A reminder to live life to the fullest like he always had, to love hard, and never assume tomorrow was promised. It reminded me to never give up, just like neither of us had given up back then, determined to get back to each other. Everything had brought us to where we were. I would never give up on him because I loved him. And I always would."
I loved this book, I couldn't put it down.
It was heartbreaking but also Beautiful to see how deep the releationship between Jamie and Caden got.
I loved this book, I couldn't put it down.
It was heartbreaking but also Beautiful to see how deep the releationship between Jamie and Caden got.
Read
August 19, 2024DNF. Super repetitive. Scanned through the chapters to see when things would change/pick up and it wasn’t until basically the end. This could very much be a me problem and an issue with my expectations lol. A bunch of friends loved this book, so I’d still suggest giving it a try!
Read
November 18, 2024Bit heavy for me so I decided not to finish 😔
July 31, 2026
Jamie and Caden 😍
I loved this book! The past and the present chapters were awesome! Just a mix of romance, crime investigation and mystery! Love!
I loved this book! The past and the present chapters were awesome! Just a mix of romance, crime investigation and mystery! Love!
August 2, 2026
My gawd damn heart. This was an emotional rollercoaster.
June 12, 2025
I was hooked from the beginning
I adore Caden and Jamie so much 🫠
I adore Caden and Jamie so much 🫠
August 16, 2024
DNF
I can’t. I believe the reviews that say this story is good. Kind of. It could be. But the writing. The repetitiveness of it, the awkward wording. I just don’t want to to this to myself.
I can’t. I believe the reviews that say this story is good. Kind of. It could be. But the writing. The repetitiveness of it, the awkward wording. I just don’t want to to this to myself.
July 7, 2024
3.75⭐️
2.5🌶️
Okay. I have some thoughts. **potential spoiling**
Was this the most well written book? No.
Could this book use some (a lot) of editing? Yes.
Could Caden be a little less “me me me”? Absolutely.
BUT I stuck with it. Caden and Jamie’s story was intriguing, and even with the issues I stated above, it wasn’t ever boring and I had to know how it ended. And while the ending wasn’t shocking, and was what I thought it would be, the author did keep me guessing at times. This story had a lot of potential, but at times it did feel like to much was going on, when some aspects would have benefited more from a bit more fleshing out. Example: more relationship building and less interactions with homophobic assholes. Also…I’m still trying to figure out why Renee was even a thing. But I digress.
One thing I do have to praise is how well the alternating timeline was, at least to me. We got to experience the building of a relationship (see above) and these two boys fall for each other, all while simultaneously trying to figure out what the hell was happening in present day.
Overall, I loved the friend group. I loved Jamie and Caden together. It was a hard fought for HEA, emotional and angsty, and as far as suspense goes, it didn’t disappoint. Though I do wish we got MORE in those last few chapters. The potential you guys, the potential.
Anyways, I’m definitely going to keep my eye out for future books by this author. ♥️
2.5🌶️
Okay. I have some thoughts. **potential spoiling**
Was this the most well written book? No.
Could this book use some (a lot) of editing? Yes.
Could Caden be a little less “me me me”? Absolutely.
BUT I stuck with it. Caden and Jamie’s story was intriguing, and even with the issues I stated above, it wasn’t ever boring and I had to know how it ended. And while the ending wasn’t shocking, and was what I thought it would be, the author did keep me guessing at times. This story had a lot of potential, but at times it did feel like to much was going on, when some aspects would have benefited more from a bit more fleshing out. Example: more relationship building and less interactions with homophobic assholes. Also…I’m still trying to figure out why Renee was even a thing. But I digress.
One thing I do have to praise is how well the alternating timeline was, at least to me. We got to experience the building of a relationship (see above) and these two boys fall for each other, all while simultaneously trying to figure out what the hell was happening in present day.
Overall, I loved the friend group. I loved Jamie and Caden together. It was a hard fought for HEA, emotional and angsty, and as far as suspense goes, it didn’t disappoint. Though I do wish we got MORE in those last few chapters. The potential you guys, the potential.
Anyways, I’m definitely going to keep my eye out for future books by this author. ♥️
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