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Brighton U #1
Just a Taste
Lake:
So... I’m getting married.
Just three minor details: my husband-to-be is technically also my step-brother, he’s straight, and we’re absolutely nowhere in the vicinity of being in love.
Ryker:
Only then comes the you-may-kiss-your-husband part. Turns out kissing your husband is a terrible idea because it makes you have strange thoughts you’ve never had before.
Turns out kissing my husband makes me question everything I know about myself.
Lake:
It's fine. It doesn't have to mean anything. Just a blip on the radar. I'll leave it be.
But then I find out I’m not the only one who’s having ideas because of that kiss.
And we do something incredibly stupid and give in to temptation.
Ryker:
Again.
And again.
And again.
Lake:
Until something casual and temporary turns into something very different.
Something unexpected.
Something serious.
Something terrifyingly real.
Ryker:
Now I'm determined to show Lake how good the two of us could be together.
Because with him? Just a taste will never be enough.
So... I’m getting married.
Just three minor details: my husband-to-be is technically also my step-brother, he’s straight, and we’re absolutely nowhere in the vicinity of being in love.
Ryker:
Only then comes the you-may-kiss-your-husband part. Turns out kissing your husband is a terrible idea because it makes you have strange thoughts you’ve never had before.
Turns out kissing my husband makes me question everything I know about myself.
Lake:
It's fine. It doesn't have to mean anything. Just a blip on the radar. I'll leave it be.
But then I find out I’m not the only one who’s having ideas because of that kiss.
And we do something incredibly stupid and give in to temptation.
Ryker:
Again.
And again.
And again.
Lake:
Until something casual and temporary turns into something very different.
Something unexpected.
Something serious.
Something terrifyingly real.
Ryker:
Now I'm determined to show Lake how good the two of us could be together.
Because with him? Just a taste will never be enough.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2024
373 people are currently reading
1995 people want to read
About the author
Briar Prescott
17 books1,326 followersBriar Prescott is a work in progress. She swears too much, doesn’t eat enough leafy greens and binge watches too much television. It’s okay, though. One of these days she'll get a hang of that adulting thing.
Probably.
Maybe.
She hopes.
Want to check in occasionally to hear what's up? You can stalk her here:
Newsletter: https://www.briarprescott.com/contact
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/briar...
Email: prescottbriar@gmail.com.
Webpage: www.briarprescott.com.
Probably.
Maybe.
She hopes.
Want to check in occasionally to hear what's up? You can stalk her here:
Newsletter: https://www.briarprescott.com/contact
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/briar...
Email: prescottbriar@gmail.com.
Webpage: www.briarprescott.com.
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April 7, 2024
While filling out the form to sign up for this ARC, I actually asked Briar if she had any requirements for ARC readers, such as keeping the review unposted if it was 3-stars or less because I know many publishers do. And also because, well, as some of you know, I don’t hold back on reviews and ratings even if it’s an ARC. Thankfully, and blessedly, Briar got back to me and told me she doesn’t police reviews, and for this I am extremely thankful and grateful. So that being said, yes, this is an ARC review, but it is my fully honest review and all thoughts and opinions are my own. Even if I hadn’t read an ARC, believe me, my thoughts would’ve been the same.
Anyway.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so conflicted.
Whether we think about it or not, the way we are, what we believe, and how we feel on an interconnected and personal level influences how we interpret a book. Some can easily ignore the unrealistic parts of books, being able to wind down and enjoy the book for what it’s supposed to be. Others, like me, are unfortunately not able to do that and feel like a lot of books were just not made for the audience like me. I think that’s what happened with Just a Taste. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed it, but I had a couple other issues that piled up and made the story less exciting, enjoyable, and really, all the more annoying. It’s a case of conflict, where I’m quite damn unsure how I actually feel because I didn’t hate it but I also didn’t love it, and there were a lot of enjoyable parts but also a lot of parts that frustrated me to no end. I don’t think I have ever dragged my hands through my face so much until now. I’m hoping my sensitive skin doesn’t break out one of these days because of that.
Let’s start with the negatives because they’re always easier to talk about.
The marriage of convenience is extremely irrelevant to the story. There was even a point where I had forgotten the two were actually married to each other because of how useless it felt. Then I stopped and said to myself, “Wait, aren’t they married?” I think the issue isn’t so much that it’s useless and information that feels irrelevant to the story but the fact that the book was actually marketed as such. I mean, even the blurb has it, so I was out here thinking the marriage these two get involved in would’ve been more apparent to the characters. I have a big issue and it’s a pet peeve of mine when books are marketed as having a certain trope or deal with a specific theme yet that theme/trope isn’t even part of the story (or it happens later on). And Just a Taste was like that. I was expecting a marriage of convenience between two stepbrothers, two tropes I never really saw coming together but was expecting a lot for, yet you could’ve fooled me. The marriage happens early on, and suddenly we’re thrown into six months later since it happened and go from there. All you should know about the marriage of convenience is that it really is just that: a marriage of convenience. Ryker inherits the trust fund of Lake’s father and when he sees that Lake is financially struggling, he proposes they get married so Lake has money for his college tuition and Ryker doesn’t feel as bad and guilty that he has the money, even though he isn’t the biological son. This is, of course, something Ryker hides from Lake and doesn’t tell him till closer to the end, causing some conflict, but isn’t the main act of conflict.
Speaking of step brothers, this was another element of the story that was actually pretty important yet felt unrelated. Similarly to the marriage, the only times I remembered these two were step brothers was when we were, in fact, reminded that they are step brothers. Besides those moments, there was hardly any tension through that aspect. I think the author really had potential to make the story angsty in that aspect, but I also think it would’ve been difficult considering the parent who made them step brothers to begin with is, well, dead. So therefore there really wouldn’t be much…forbiddenness to it. Regardless, having read most of this author’s books before, I do think the author could’ve nailed it. Briar excels in presenting such themes in a natural and organic way, if you ask me, so I think if there was anyone who would’ve successfully written the story I was expecting (with its certain tropes), it was this author. Sadly, I am reporting disappointment, as both the marriage of convenience and the fact that Lake and Ryker are stepbrothers are mild in the story. Both factors feel irrelevant, useless, and besides the point.
On to the romance itself, which was…confusing. While some moments worked for me, others didn’t. This is actually a perfect example of why the friends with benefits/hooking up trope is super difficult for me to enjoy. And I know that part of it is because of how I am and how I am wired, but even given that, I try approaching these books with the most open mind because it’s not me, it’s the characters I’m reading about. Still, it’s just so difficult for me to root for a relationship that is usually, mostly, and only stemmed from lust and physical attraction. It’s not that it isn’t possible, it’s just difficult for me to buy into it (when I’m reading about it) if there isn’t enough proper development outside of sex. And while Ryker and Lake don’t only have physical attraction, it felt like they did for at least the first half. I mean, I was actually 34% in and I remember making note that the two didn’t have emotional chemistry. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not gonna sit here, write down some apology, and say that it’s not the book, because, well, it was the book, at least for me, but others may interpret it differently. Now, don’t get me wrong, the sexual tension was there, but of course it was, because in my opinion, sexual tension is actually easier to write than emotional chemistry, as far as I’ve seen in a lot of romance books. The two are realistically, understandably attracted to each other, and the author doesn’t hold off on showing us how the two are feeling, the attraction oozing from the pages (literally). They’re in their 20s, and Ryker is actually experiencing these new feelings for the first time. However, their emotional intimacy, overall, was lacking. And while the two are actually not the same, they do interconnect, so you can have the sexual tension, but if that chemistry that makes me root for the two, feel a bond growing between them, and a connection being built feels off, then I will be struggling.
With this having two characters hooking up, it’s bound that there will be a lot of sex. And that’s fine, but personally I got tired of it. Lots of moments to help with emotional intimacy but they were used on sex. It’s not of bad quality, if I’m being honest, but the quantity gets tiring. One after another after another, especially after a moment of potential vulnerability, makes it a little aggravating for me. I can’t really say I was a fan of the amount of action there is, not because they were bad but because some of them could’ve been replaced with more intimacy outside the bedroom.
Lastly, I had a really big issue with chapter 44. I won’t go too into detail for now because this is an ARC, but I hated Lake so much. I loved his character but I hated him completely in this scene. He was a piece of shit and absolutely disgusting. The audacity for him to act the way he did and do what he did. No forgiveness for him. And the fact that Ryker just took it, didn’t bring it up, and didn’t have Lake ask for forgiveness? It was such spineless, doormat behavior.
And now the good, cause I promise, this had some.
That said, the romance did work for me in other areas. Just like the friends with benefits trope doesn’t exactly work for me, parts of it are what make me come back to it and not avoid it entirely. I am a big fan of the two characters starting to see each other differently, more romantically, than just people they use for pleasure and benefit. There are a lot of moments between the two that make the relationship stand out, as well as an addition of a few domestic moments, which makes me root for the relationship to an extent. There is a lot of action and variety, but also intimacy that shows the relationship growing. I think what makes this trope work for me in areas is when the two characters are practically together but don’t really see it that way. They’re unconsciously a couple. Lake and Ryker have a lot of those moments, and it fits their personalities so well. One of my favorite scenes is where Lake is studying and when Ryker comes in (to his home), he sees him wearing [his] sweatshirt, completely in the zone, and Ryker just admires him. It’s moments like these that do show me why and how the trope has so much potential to be good, because there are so many unconscious moments where the characters admire each other in a certain way that is more than just “hooking up,” but they don’t want to acknowledge it. It shows the growing fondness, the emotional connection slowly being built. There are moments—the ice rink, the impulsive trip to New York, cuddling, the hockey games, ordering food, dinner, riding together, Ryker not giving up on Lake, Lake opening up to Ryker, Lake lowering down his walls for Ryker. It’s all through friendship but it grows to be much more, too.
Briar Prescott is awesome at writing banter. I don’t think I haven’t found myself at least chuckling to what her characters say, and the banter between the two is always so natural. There are never occasions where it feels forced or where the characters come off as younger than they are. Personally, for two young men in their 20s, the dialogue felt spot on. There’s some push and pull, which I think is actually quite necessary in these types of stories, as it does provide angst and not on a forced way, in my opinion. It shows rejection but also that need and want from them. Their inner monologues are balanced well, never steering over venturing into too much, but also providing enough thought process as well as dialogue that makes the characters stand out. If there’s ever anything I can count on the author to give, it’s excellent banter. It’s fun, entertaining, and awesome to follow. There aren’t scenes where I find myself bored out of it, wishing for something to happen because of meaningless dialogue or monologue.
The characters are great. Realistically flawed, accurately portrayed, and entirely fun to follow, both men have their own pros and cons. Lake, unsurprisingly, is my favorite. Untrustworthy of anyone, suffering from daddy issues, closes off, grumpy, scared, and feeling like he isn’t worth anyone’s love and time, Lake’s projection turns into his own feelings. He reacts and acts without thinking first, causing him to make damage and stupid decisions, facing the consequences after. Moments of that did annoy me, and other times the author made me sympathize with him. He’s at fault for a lot of things but also loyal and kind hearted. I gotta say, while I loved Ryker as well, I found him to be a little more boring. He seemed less complex, more in tune with his emotions and feelings, that reading his perspective had less of a grip on me. Not that it’s really his fault, and it’s not that it was unrealistic, I just couldn’t find myself interested in him as much as Lake. Yet, I loved his sunshine attitude, his willingness to help, his passion for hockey but also math, his strive for doing something big, his care for Lake.
I was a big fan of the bi-awakening, if I do say so myself. The confusion, anger, curiosity, interest, rejection, and need to have an answer is realistically portrayed. The questioning is valid, heartedly formed, and realistically developed. Ryker isn’t repulsed, but he’s also confused. His need to figure himself out, questioning how he feels and why, trying to understand where it all came from makes his characterization much stronger. It’s easily imaginable, too, with enough detail provided to get an understanding of how Ryker is feeling. Everything felt adept. The awakening itself did happen somewhat fast, considering it was because of the kiss they shared when they got married, but everything after that felt heartfelt.
I think with the more right audience, this story would be more appreciated. Unfortunately, me being me, I’m unable to form an attachment to the characters like I was hoping I would. I think this story will be loved by many, but I wasn’t able to get behind every ingredient used to get the story going. There’s the fact that the relationship development felt more prominent in the second part and so therefore unbalanced; the two tropes that were used to market this had no relevance; Lake’s ‘I act before thinking’ attitude got annoying; all the sexsexsex in the beginning that made the rest a struggle. Once again, though, I am excited to see what else this author writes in the future! Considering the (for now) at ‘The End,’ I’m assuming Kelly will get a book, maybe? Or there will be a continuation for these two.
Thank you to Briar Prescott for providing me with an ARC.
Anyway.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so conflicted.
Whether we think about it or not, the way we are, what we believe, and how we feel on an interconnected and personal level influences how we interpret a book. Some can easily ignore the unrealistic parts of books, being able to wind down and enjoy the book for what it’s supposed to be. Others, like me, are unfortunately not able to do that and feel like a lot of books were just not made for the audience like me. I think that’s what happened with Just a Taste. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed it, but I had a couple other issues that piled up and made the story less exciting, enjoyable, and really, all the more annoying. It’s a case of conflict, where I’m quite damn unsure how I actually feel because I didn’t hate it but I also didn’t love it, and there were a lot of enjoyable parts but also a lot of parts that frustrated me to no end. I don’t think I have ever dragged my hands through my face so much until now. I’m hoping my sensitive skin doesn’t break out one of these days because of that.
Let’s start with the negatives because they’re always easier to talk about.
The marriage of convenience is extremely irrelevant to the story. There was even a point where I had forgotten the two were actually married to each other because of how useless it felt. Then I stopped and said to myself, “Wait, aren’t they married?” I think the issue isn’t so much that it’s useless and information that feels irrelevant to the story but the fact that the book was actually marketed as such. I mean, even the blurb has it, so I was out here thinking the marriage these two get involved in would’ve been more apparent to the characters. I have a big issue and it’s a pet peeve of mine when books are marketed as having a certain trope or deal with a specific theme yet that theme/trope isn’t even part of the story (or it happens later on). And Just a Taste was like that. I was expecting a marriage of convenience between two stepbrothers, two tropes I never really saw coming together but was expecting a lot for, yet you could’ve fooled me. The marriage happens early on, and suddenly we’re thrown into six months later since it happened and go from there. All you should know about the marriage of convenience is that it really is just that: a marriage of convenience. Ryker inherits the trust fund of Lake’s father and when he sees that Lake is financially struggling, he proposes they get married so Lake has money for his college tuition and Ryker doesn’t feel as bad and guilty that he has the money, even though he isn’t the biological son. This is, of course, something Ryker hides from Lake and doesn’t tell him till closer to the end, causing some conflict, but isn’t the main act of conflict.
Speaking of step brothers, this was another element of the story that was actually pretty important yet felt unrelated. Similarly to the marriage, the only times I remembered these two were step brothers was when we were, in fact, reminded that they are step brothers. Besides those moments, there was hardly any tension through that aspect. I think the author really had potential to make the story angsty in that aspect, but I also think it would’ve been difficult considering the parent who made them step brothers to begin with is, well, dead. So therefore there really wouldn’t be much…forbiddenness to it. Regardless, having read most of this author’s books before, I do think the author could’ve nailed it. Briar excels in presenting such themes in a natural and organic way, if you ask me, so I think if there was anyone who would’ve successfully written the story I was expecting (with its certain tropes), it was this author. Sadly, I am reporting disappointment, as both the marriage of convenience and the fact that Lake and Ryker are stepbrothers are mild in the story. Both factors feel irrelevant, useless, and besides the point.
On to the romance itself, which was…confusing. While some moments worked for me, others didn’t. This is actually a perfect example of why the friends with benefits/hooking up trope is super difficult for me to enjoy. And I know that part of it is because of how I am and how I am wired, but even given that, I try approaching these books with the most open mind because it’s not me, it’s the characters I’m reading about. Still, it’s just so difficult for me to root for a relationship that is usually, mostly, and only stemmed from lust and physical attraction. It’s not that it isn’t possible, it’s just difficult for me to buy into it (when I’m reading about it) if there isn’t enough proper development outside of sex. And while Ryker and Lake don’t only have physical attraction, it felt like they did for at least the first half. I mean, I was actually 34% in and I remember making note that the two didn’t have emotional chemistry. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not gonna sit here, write down some apology, and say that it’s not the book, because, well, it was the book, at least for me, but others may interpret it differently. Now, don’t get me wrong, the sexual tension was there, but of course it was, because in my opinion, sexual tension is actually easier to write than emotional chemistry, as far as I’ve seen in a lot of romance books. The two are realistically, understandably attracted to each other, and the author doesn’t hold off on showing us how the two are feeling, the attraction oozing from the pages (literally). They’re in their 20s, and Ryker is actually experiencing these new feelings for the first time. However, their emotional intimacy, overall, was lacking. And while the two are actually not the same, they do interconnect, so you can have the sexual tension, but if that chemistry that makes me root for the two, feel a bond growing between them, and a connection being built feels off, then I will be struggling.
With this having two characters hooking up, it’s bound that there will be a lot of sex. And that’s fine, but personally I got tired of it. Lots of moments to help with emotional intimacy but they were used on sex. It’s not of bad quality, if I’m being honest, but the quantity gets tiring. One after another after another, especially after a moment of potential vulnerability, makes it a little aggravating for me. I can’t really say I was a fan of the amount of action there is, not because they were bad but because some of them could’ve been replaced with more intimacy outside the bedroom.
Lastly, I had a really big issue with chapter 44. I won’t go too into detail for now because this is an ARC, but I hated Lake so much. I loved his character but I hated him completely in this scene. He was a piece of shit and absolutely disgusting. The audacity for him to act the way he did and do what he did. No forgiveness for him. And the fact that Ryker just took it, didn’t bring it up, and didn’t have Lake ask for forgiveness? It was such spineless, doormat behavior.
And now the good, cause I promise, this had some.
That said, the romance did work for me in other areas. Just like the friends with benefits trope doesn’t exactly work for me, parts of it are what make me come back to it and not avoid it entirely. I am a big fan of the two characters starting to see each other differently, more romantically, than just people they use for pleasure and benefit. There are a lot of moments between the two that make the relationship stand out, as well as an addition of a few domestic moments, which makes me root for the relationship to an extent. There is a lot of action and variety, but also intimacy that shows the relationship growing. I think what makes this trope work for me in areas is when the two characters are practically together but don’t really see it that way. They’re unconsciously a couple. Lake and Ryker have a lot of those moments, and it fits their personalities so well. One of my favorite scenes is where Lake is studying and when Ryker comes in (to his home), he sees him wearing [his] sweatshirt, completely in the zone, and Ryker just admires him. It’s moments like these that do show me why and how the trope has so much potential to be good, because there are so many unconscious moments where the characters admire each other in a certain way that is more than just “hooking up,” but they don’t want to acknowledge it. It shows the growing fondness, the emotional connection slowly being built. There are moments—the ice rink, the impulsive trip to New York, cuddling, the hockey games, ordering food, dinner, riding together, Ryker not giving up on Lake, Lake opening up to Ryker, Lake lowering down his walls for Ryker. It’s all through friendship but it grows to be much more, too.
Briar Prescott is awesome at writing banter. I don’t think I haven’t found myself at least chuckling to what her characters say, and the banter between the two is always so natural. There are never occasions where it feels forced or where the characters come off as younger than they are. Personally, for two young men in their 20s, the dialogue felt spot on. There’s some push and pull, which I think is actually quite necessary in these types of stories, as it does provide angst and not on a forced way, in my opinion. It shows rejection but also that need and want from them. Their inner monologues are balanced well, never steering over venturing into too much, but also providing enough thought process as well as dialogue that makes the characters stand out. If there’s ever anything I can count on the author to give, it’s excellent banter. It’s fun, entertaining, and awesome to follow. There aren’t scenes where I find myself bored out of it, wishing for something to happen because of meaningless dialogue or monologue.
The characters are great. Realistically flawed, accurately portrayed, and entirely fun to follow, both men have their own pros and cons. Lake, unsurprisingly, is my favorite. Untrustworthy of anyone, suffering from daddy issues, closes off, grumpy, scared, and feeling like he isn’t worth anyone’s love and time, Lake’s projection turns into his own feelings. He reacts and acts without thinking first, causing him to make damage and stupid decisions, facing the consequences after. Moments of that did annoy me, and other times the author made me sympathize with him. He’s at fault for a lot of things but also loyal and kind hearted. I gotta say, while I loved Ryker as well, I found him to be a little more boring. He seemed less complex, more in tune with his emotions and feelings, that reading his perspective had less of a grip on me. Not that it’s really his fault, and it’s not that it was unrealistic, I just couldn’t find myself interested in him as much as Lake. Yet, I loved his sunshine attitude, his willingness to help, his passion for hockey but also math, his strive for doing something big, his care for Lake.
I was a big fan of the bi-awakening, if I do say so myself. The confusion, anger, curiosity, interest, rejection, and need to have an answer is realistically portrayed. The questioning is valid, heartedly formed, and realistically developed. Ryker isn’t repulsed, but he’s also confused. His need to figure himself out, questioning how he feels and why, trying to understand where it all came from makes his characterization much stronger. It’s easily imaginable, too, with enough detail provided to get an understanding of how Ryker is feeling. Everything felt adept. The awakening itself did happen somewhat fast, considering it was because of the kiss they shared when they got married, but everything after that felt heartfelt.
I think with the more right audience, this story would be more appreciated. Unfortunately, me being me, I’m unable to form an attachment to the characters like I was hoping I would. I think this story will be loved by many, but I wasn’t able to get behind every ingredient used to get the story going. There’s the fact that the relationship development felt more prominent in the second part and so therefore unbalanced; the two tropes that were used to market this had no relevance; Lake’s ‘I act before thinking’ attitude got annoying; all the sexsexsex in the beginning that made the rest a struggle. Once again, though, I am excited to see what else this author writes in the future! Considering the (for now) at ‘The End,’ I’m assuming Kelly will get a book, maybe? Or there will be a continuation for these two.
Thank you to Briar Prescott for providing me with an ARC.
February 17, 2025
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this so much more than I initially expected. I'm not a fan of the marriage of convenience trope, because I rarely find the reasons behind it convincing. I felt the same way about it here but, luckily, it didn't play much of the part in the story at all. The author let the relationship between Lake and Ryker develop in a natural way and, more often than not, I would forget that they're actually married.
I loved Lake and Ryker. Their personalities couldn't have been more different, but they fit so well together. I loved their dynamics, the conversations and the banter, and I loved how things evolved between them. I also really liked their groups of friends.
The only thing that felt off
The ending was satisfying, for now, but I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. It would also be lovely if some side character got their own books, like Kelly or Hailey. 😊
******
Re-read 2/2025 - I think I enjoyed it even more the second time around.
I enjoyed this so much more than I initially expected. I'm not a fan of the marriage of convenience trope, because I rarely find the reasons behind it convincing. I felt the same way about it here but, luckily, it didn't play much of the part in the story at all. The author let the relationship between Lake and Ryker develop in a natural way and, more often than not, I would forget that they're actually married.
I loved Lake and Ryker. Their personalities couldn't have been more different, but they fit so well together. I loved their dynamics, the conversations and the banter, and I loved how things evolved between them. I also really liked their groups of friends.
The only thing that felt off
The ending was satisfying, for now, but I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. It would also be lovely if some side character got their own books, like Kelly or Hailey. 😊
******
Re-read 2/2025 - I think I enjoyed it even more the second time around.
April 10, 2024
***4.0 rating***
I am gonna keep this review short and sweet. There hasn't been a book of Briar's that I have not loved and while this might not be my favorite of hers, it was still something different and sweet. I think Briar was going for something unique with this book and it certainly was more lighthearted. The book started rough, but then it kind of picked up.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, I wasn't a fan of how they got together but the characters were loveable, so for that 4 stars.
Are we getting a second book, Briar? Pretty please 😭🙏🏻
I received a complimentary copy of this arc for free from the author and this is my honest opinion/review
I am gonna keep this review short and sweet. There hasn't been a book of Briar's that I have not loved and while this might not be my favorite of hers, it was still something different and sweet. I think Briar was going for something unique with this book and it certainly was more lighthearted. The book started rough, but then it kind of picked up.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, I wasn't a fan of how they got together but the characters were loveable, so for that 4 stars.
Are we getting a second book, Briar? Pretty please 😭🙏🏻
I received a complimentary copy of this arc for free from the author and this is my honest opinion/review
November 8, 2024
I can’t explain it, but Briar Prescott and I just vibe.
This had a bit of everything that I enjoy reading about:
✨ College setting and hockey world
✨ Grumpy/sunshine
✨ Nerd/Jock dynamic
✨ Bi-awakening
✨ Obsession/ ‘mine’
✨ Stepbrothers/enemies to lovers
✨ A sprinkle of fake dating/ marriage of convenience (but in secret so it doesn’t play a big role at all)
✨ Complicated/complex MCs
✨ Hurt/comfort
✨ Actual fighting for the relationship and wooing
✨ Amazing banter and scorching hot chemistry
The pacing was well done, the character/relationship development convincing, the writing addictive. I was completely invested and rooting HARD for those two beautiful boys.
So yeah, Briar and I just vibe for real. This was so good! It ends with a HFN but with a promise that their story will continue in the next book of the series! I CAN’T WAIT! 4,5⭐️
”Because it’s you,” he says.
“What does that even mean?”
“Means I’m in your corner. I know you think you’re the badass loner with nobody on your side, but ever since we met, I’ve always been there. On your side. In your corner. On your team. You’ve always had me.”
This had a bit of everything that I enjoy reading about:
✨ College setting and hockey world
✨ Grumpy/sunshine
✨ Nerd/Jock dynamic
✨ Bi-awakening
✨ Obsession/ ‘mine’
✨ Stepbrothers/enemies to lovers
✨ A sprinkle of fake dating/ marriage of convenience (but in secret so it doesn’t play a big role at all)
✨ Complicated/complex MCs
✨ Hurt/comfort
✨ Actual fighting for the relationship and wooing
✨ Amazing banter and scorching hot chemistry
The pacing was well done, the character/relationship development convincing, the writing addictive. I was completely invested and rooting HARD for those two beautiful boys.
So yeah, Briar and I just vibe for real. This was so good! It ends with a HFN but with a promise that their story will continue in the next book of the series! I CAN’T WAIT! 4,5⭐️
”Because it’s you,” he says.
“What does that even mean?”
“Means I’m in your corner. I know you think you’re the badass loner with nobody on your side, but ever since we met, I’ve always been there. On your side. In your corner. On your team. You’ve always had me.”
April 24, 2024
I’m torn. I wanted to love it, but it’s been just… ok.
There are some books by Briar Prescott that I absolutely LOVED. Sadly, this one didn’t blow me away.
There were too many things that made it less than perfect. Firstly, the tendency to write a sequence of short sentences while “thinking”.
The train is airborne.
Fuck it.
Too late.
I kiss him.
I don’t want long winded, flowery prose. But the writing was a bit… too basic 😕
Another thing that could have been better: the entire stepbrother/being married trope. There’s so much potential there, but we’re only occasionally reminded that they’re, in fact, married. And (step) brothers. Other than that, for almost the entire first half of the book, they behave… idk. Like fleeting acquaintances maybe? And then friends with benefits?
Also, there are a lot of inconsistencies in the story. Like… Rykers friends are at his place one time when he comes home, playing, so obviously they’ve let themselves in. And after that, every Ryker starts hooking up with Lake, they’re never there? Not even for brief visits?
Or that friend of Ryker who met Lake when he had an appointment with his (lawyer) father about the divorce. How did he know about the marriage/divorce? Isn’t there some confidentiality clause between a lawyer and his client? I doubt that Lake was open about it. And why isn’t it a big deal when he addresses the divorce in front of the other college students? It’s not like it’s something common for guys at that age to get a divorce?!?
Or the time they quarrelled- one moment Late is all pissed and wants nothing to do with Ryker, and the next men he’s calm, caring and controlled while “punishing” him? Seriously?
And don’t get me started about Lake‘s parents 🙄 Jesus. Talk about family drama. No idea what purpose it served.
But there were many things I loved, too. And the thing I loved most was the relationship between Lake and Ryker, the way they cared, and how good they were together. The grumpy/sunshine. Nerd/jock. Enemies to lovers (although Ryker never saw Lake as an enemy).
And I loved Ryker’s bi-awakening, which felt pretty realistic with all the freaking out at the beginning, and I loved that once he made up his mind, he was relentless in convincing Lake that not everyone Lake cares about will abandon him, and to give their relationship a real chance.
For that alone I’ll rate the book with 3 stars - and forget about all the things I complained about before. It’s… nice, but could have been SO much better.
It ends with a HFN, so I guess the injury at the end it serving as a setup for the plot in some sequel, this book ends in a good spot, but their story isn’t fully told yet.
There are some books by Briar Prescott that I absolutely LOVED. Sadly, this one didn’t blow me away.
There were too many things that made it less than perfect. Firstly, the tendency to write a sequence of short sentences while “thinking”.
The train is airborne.
Fuck it.
Too late.
I kiss him.
I don’t want long winded, flowery prose. But the writing was a bit… too basic 😕
Another thing that could have been better: the entire stepbrother/being married trope. There’s so much potential there, but we’re only occasionally reminded that they’re, in fact, married. And (step) brothers. Other than that, for almost the entire first half of the book, they behave… idk. Like fleeting acquaintances maybe? And then friends with benefits?
Also, there are a lot of inconsistencies in the story. Like… Rykers friends are at his place one time when he comes home, playing, so obviously they’ve let themselves in. And after that, every Ryker starts hooking up with Lake, they’re never there? Not even for brief visits?
Or that friend of Ryker who met Lake when he had an appointment with his (lawyer) father about the divorce. How did he know about the marriage/divorce? Isn’t there some confidentiality clause between a lawyer and his client? I doubt that Lake was open about it. And why isn’t it a big deal when he addresses the divorce in front of the other college students? It’s not like it’s something common for guys at that age to get a divorce?!?
Or the time they quarrelled- one moment Late is all pissed and wants nothing to do with Ryker, and the next men he’s calm, caring and controlled while “punishing” him? Seriously?
And don’t get me started about Lake‘s parents 🙄 Jesus. Talk about family drama. No idea what purpose it served.
But there were many things I loved, too. And the thing I loved most was the relationship between Lake and Ryker, the way they cared, and how good they were together. The grumpy/sunshine. Nerd/jock. Enemies to lovers (although Ryker never saw Lake as an enemy).
And I loved Ryker’s bi-awakening, which felt pretty realistic with all the freaking out at the beginning, and I loved that once he made up his mind, he was relentless in convincing Lake that not everyone Lake cares about will abandon him, and to give their relationship a real chance.
For that alone I’ll rate the book with 3 stars - and forget about all the things I complained about before. It’s… nice, but could have been SO much better.
It ends with a HFN, so I guess the injury at the end it serving as a setup for the plot in some sequel, this book ends in a good spot, but their story isn’t fully told yet.
December 15, 2024
4.5
Really enjoyed this and I'm so happy their story isn't done yet. I want to see their future because although this book ended at a good point, it does feel like an unfinished story.
Also loved the cameo by Wells from The Underdog 😍
Really enjoyed this and I'm so happy their story isn't done yet. I want to see their future because although this book ended at a good point, it does feel like an unfinished story.
Also loved the cameo by Wells from The Underdog 😍
December 18, 2024
5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook
“‘I want you. All of you. Every annoying, irritating, lovely, perfect inch of you.’”
18 December 2024: Updating rating to 5 ⭐️ after reread because I just love them so much.
Original review 21 August 2024:
4.6 ⭐️
I need the next book because this, just a taste, is not fucking enough. I need more Lake and Ryker now. I need it yesterday.
Combining the stepbrothers and marriage of convenience tropes is like an Olympic sport and Briar Prescott scored gold. I loved that Ryker was so willing to help Lake, and has been doing it since the day they met. All the flashbacks of him doing things for Lake and chasing after him were so sweet. And Ryker is a guy who would give the shirt off his back to literally anyone but it’s always been different with Lake, and he’s always had an extra special soft spot for him.
“‘I’m in your corner. I know you think you’re this badass loner with nobody on your side, but ever since we met, I’ve always been there. On your side. In your corner. On your team. You’ve always had me.’”
The chemistry and banter were phenomenal, obviously, because it’s Briar Prescott. The scenes of Ryker thoroughly exploring Lake’s body while he navigated his sexuality were e v e r y t h i n g. Literally so hot. But then all the intimate moments that didn’t include sex. Like Lake slowly realizing he had accumulated a wardrobe at Ryker’s place and Ryker picking him up after all of his shifts and them studying together instead of Lake holing up in the library. Also just Ryker remembering things about Lake like his favorite Greek dish and that he always wanted to go to the science museum in New York.
“I know every inch of his body intimately by now. I’ve left behind beard burns and scratches and hickeys and bruises. I’ve had him do the same to me. I’ve watched him come on me and in me. I’ve tasted him, smelled him, and heard him come so many times, and I want to keep doing it. All of it. For years and years and years to come.”
Poor Lake has been let down by so many people that his walls are miles high and he’s constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop when it comes to Ryker. It’s actually disgusting how both his parents treated him, I was absolutely heartbroken.
“Want plants a tiny seed of hope in your chest. And it doesn’t matter how impossible it seems that it will ever grow and blossom because the ground is hostile, and you refuse to water it, and you refuse to nurse it—it’ll still be there, even if it’s wilting and pathetic and pitiful. That’s what makes Ryker so dangerous. Whenever he’s near me… I want.”
I love that the roles were reversed towards the end of the book and we have Lake taking care of Ryker and needing to get him out of his own head.
Also I really enjoyed the side characters in this book as well. Hayes was such a good friend to Ryker, and I was kind of obsessed with how Ryker wound up coming out to him so he didn’t have to give him Lake’s number. Rachel and Kelly added a lot of comic relief. But I loved when Sawyer stepped up and called Lake on his bullshit.
“‘It’s falling apart because you’re breaking it,’ he says gently. ‘You can’t just kick the shit out of something and then when it’s in pieces in front of you say, ‘See? I told you it was going to happen.’’”
The book ends very abruptly, which is the only thing that makes it less than five stars for me. It does end with a HFN, but I needed more of them actually, finally being together. I need this second book so bad, it’s not even funny.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook
“‘I want you. All of you. Every annoying, irritating, lovely, perfect inch of you.’”
18 December 2024: Updating rating to 5 ⭐️ after reread because I just love them so much.
Original review 21 August 2024:
4.6 ⭐️
I need the next book because this, just a taste, is not fucking enough. I need more Lake and Ryker now. I need it yesterday.
Combining the stepbrothers and marriage of convenience tropes is like an Olympic sport and Briar Prescott scored gold. I loved that Ryker was so willing to help Lake, and has been doing it since the day they met. All the flashbacks of him doing things for Lake and chasing after him were so sweet. And Ryker is a guy who would give the shirt off his back to literally anyone but it’s always been different with Lake, and he’s always had an extra special soft spot for him.
“‘I’m in your corner. I know you think you’re this badass loner with nobody on your side, but ever since we met, I’ve always been there. On your side. In your corner. On your team. You’ve always had me.’”
The chemistry and banter were phenomenal, obviously, because it’s Briar Prescott. The scenes of Ryker thoroughly exploring Lake’s body while he navigated his sexuality were e v e r y t h i n g. Literally so hot. But then all the intimate moments that didn’t include sex. Like Lake slowly realizing he had accumulated a wardrobe at Ryker’s place and Ryker picking him up after all of his shifts and them studying together instead of Lake holing up in the library. Also just Ryker remembering things about Lake like his favorite Greek dish and that he always wanted to go to the science museum in New York.
“I know every inch of his body intimately by now. I’ve left behind beard burns and scratches and hickeys and bruises. I’ve had him do the same to me. I’ve watched him come on me and in me. I’ve tasted him, smelled him, and heard him come so many times, and I want to keep doing it. All of it. For years and years and years to come.”
Poor Lake has been let down by so many people that his walls are miles high and he’s constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop when it comes to Ryker. It’s actually disgusting how both his parents treated him, I was absolutely heartbroken.
“Want plants a tiny seed of hope in your chest. And it doesn’t matter how impossible it seems that it will ever grow and blossom because the ground is hostile, and you refuse to water it, and you refuse to nurse it—it’ll still be there, even if it’s wilting and pathetic and pitiful. That’s what makes Ryker so dangerous. Whenever he’s near me… I want.”
I love that the roles were reversed towards the end of the book and we have Lake taking care of Ryker and needing to get him out of his own head.
Also I really enjoyed the side characters in this book as well. Hayes was such a good friend to Ryker, and I was kind of obsessed with how Ryker wound up coming out to him so he didn’t have to give him Lake’s number. Rachel and Kelly added a lot of comic relief. But I loved when Sawyer stepped up and called Lake on his bullshit.
“‘It’s falling apart because you’re breaking it,’ he says gently. ‘You can’t just kick the shit out of something and then when it’s in pieces in front of you say, ‘See? I told you it was going to happen.’’”
The book ends very abruptly, which is the only thing that makes it less than five stars for me. It does end with a HFN, but I needed more of them actually, finally being together. I need this second book so bad, it’s not even funny.
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 19, 2025
it’s only been TEN days since i first read this book and consumed it and i can’t stop thinking about them so all time favorites it is. 😩😩
***
“Cold?” he asks.
I shake my head. “Not yet.”
But it’d probably be reasonable to take some preventive measures just in case. So I inch closer to his big, warm body a bit at a time. There’s a small curl at the corner of his lips, and then he pulls me flush against him in one quick swoop.
And we just lie still for a little while.
I’M IN LOVE. briar prescott always delivers when it comes to witty banters and dialogue between the mcs and i eat it up. every. time. this had me emotional during some moments and i was laughing at other times or i just found myself smiling bc of Lake and Ryker and JUST THEM TOGETHER (i still can’t stop thinking about 😭). i adored them so so much. might be a tie with Wren/Sutton as my fav BP couple by far?? maybe? 😭 i loved the side characters too and how they were such a fun addition to the story with their interactions to the mcs. 🥹
some other fav quotes/scenes:
***
“Cold?” he asks.
I shake my head. “Not yet.”
But it’d probably be reasonable to take some preventive measures just in case. So I inch closer to his big, warm body a bit at a time. There’s a small curl at the corner of his lips, and then he pulls me flush against him in one quick swoop.
And we just lie still for a little while.
I’M IN LOVE. briar prescott always delivers when it comes to witty banters and dialogue between the mcs and i eat it up. every. time. this had me emotional during some moments and i was laughing at other times or i just found myself smiling bc of Lake and Ryker and JUST THEM TOGETHER (i still can’t stop thinking about 😭). i adored them so so much. might be a tie with Wren/Sutton as my fav BP couple by far?? maybe? 😭 i loved the side characters too and how they were such a fun addition to the story with their interactions to the mcs. 🥹
some other fav quotes/scenes:
April 24, 2024
this could’ve been so much better for me. I didn’t feel the spark or chemistry between the main characters, there was no connection for me. I think the only portion of the books that I enjoyed was when Ryk accepted his feelings and went for what he wanted. I like that he stood by Lake.
I’m also disappointed that I didn’t get a proper ‘marriage-tension-will they- won’t they’ situationship. The marriage was put aside very early on in this book😭
I’m also disappointed that I didn’t get a proper ‘marriage-tension-will they- won’t they’ situationship. The marriage was put aside very early on in this book😭
March 30, 2025
There is a note from the author at the end of the book that says this book is the result of her ‘writing some porn with plot to get over a writer’s block’. I finished the book actually wondering why there was so much smut-until I read the author’s note and everything made sense 😂😂
Lake’s father left them to marry Ryker’s mother when he was a child. Now his mother is marrying a rich man who doesn’t care about Lake, so he’s not eligible for a scholarship any more but his stepfather is not giving him any money either. Lake is about to drop college to save money for a few years, when his stepbrother makes him an indecent proposal.
Ryker has always cared too much for people, but Lake is his soft spot. After dying, Lake’s father left Ryker a trust fund, instead of giving the money to his actual son. When Ryker realizes that Lake needs money to pursue his degree, he knows he needs to interfere before it’s too late. But Lake is too stubborn to accept money from Ryker, especially if he discovers it’s from the father who ignored him for most of his life. So Ryker decides to lie instead: he’ll tell Lake he needs to access a trust fund, and for that he needs to get married. If Lake marries him, Ryker’ll give him part of the money. Easy, right?
Only that a marriage comes with a kiss that shakes Ryker’s world: he likes it. He likes Lake. Now he needs to figure out how to make his husband like him back.
I love Briar Prescott’s writing style, she’s my favorite. This had the dialogues, banter and humor I adore, but also a lot more smut. I skimmed most of the spicy scenes because too much sex bores me. If you appreciate romances with more erotica, you’ll probably enjoy this one more than I did.
The romance was great. Despite this being ‘porn with plot’, it started quite slow and went from there. The first kiss between them was fire and letting Ryker spend six months wondering about his sexuality after that kiss was the right move. Once Ryker knew what he wanted, he’s confident about his decision and doesn’t play around with Lake.
Overall, I liked this because it’s Briar Prescott and she’s an amazing writer. I would have preferred a book with less porn, but I can see other readers enjoying that part. I was very curious about the second book, because it seemed like a relationship crisis story and I LOVE those but, after reading the reviews, I think I’m going to stop here. From what I gathered, it’s more porn with plot, but the plot has a lot of family drama and I’m not interested in that.
Lake’s father left them to marry Ryker’s mother when he was a child. Now his mother is marrying a rich man who doesn’t care about Lake, so he’s not eligible for a scholarship any more but his stepfather is not giving him any money either. Lake is about to drop college to save money for a few years, when his stepbrother makes him an indecent proposal.
Ryker has always cared too much for people, but Lake is his soft spot. After dying, Lake’s father left Ryker a trust fund, instead of giving the money to his actual son. When Ryker realizes that Lake needs money to pursue his degree, he knows he needs to interfere before it’s too late. But Lake is too stubborn to accept money from Ryker, especially if he discovers it’s from the father who ignored him for most of his life. So Ryker decides to lie instead: he’ll tell Lake he needs to access a trust fund, and for that he needs to get married. If Lake marries him, Ryker’ll give him part of the money. Easy, right?
Only that a marriage comes with a kiss that shakes Ryker’s world: he likes it. He likes Lake. Now he needs to figure out how to make his husband like him back.
I love Briar Prescott’s writing style, she’s my favorite. This had the dialogues, banter and humor I adore, but also a lot more smut. I skimmed most of the spicy scenes because too much sex bores me. If you appreciate romances with more erotica, you’ll probably enjoy this one more than I did.
The romance was great. Despite this being ‘porn with plot’, it started quite slow and went from there. The first kiss between them was fire and letting Ryker spend six months wondering about his sexuality after that kiss was the right move. Once Ryker knew what he wanted, he’s confident about his decision and doesn’t play around with Lake.
Overall, I liked this because it’s Briar Prescott and she’s an amazing writer. I would have preferred a book with less porn, but I can see other readers enjoying that part. I was very curious about the second book, because it seemed like a relationship crisis story and I LOVE those but, after reading the reviews, I think I’m going to stop here. From what I gathered, it’s more porn with plot, but the plot has a lot of family drama and I’m not interested in that.
November 12, 2024
Disappointing 2,5 stars.
I love the "Until" series (a lot! reread it several times, even) and had hoped for a similar, gripping writing and beautiful slow-burn.
Sadly we weren't shown any emotional development between the Mcs in the first half of the book, and zero character development on Lake's side until a sudden 180 late in the book.
Once they had sex they suddenly felt closer, but we didn't see how they got there, other than because of sex.
I did like them being closer emotionally, though, the few times we got glimpses of their connection, even if it wasn't very plausible how they got there.
Sadly this didn't feel lika slow burn at all, because there was no slowly falling in love.
Ryker was easier to read than Lake.
At one time Lake thinks "So far I haven't given him any proof that I'm in any way worth the hassle". That's at 87% and he's right.. until almost the end he never tells or shows Ryker what he feels or even what he's conflicted about. The reader obviously knows to some extent (mostly it's denial and confusion) but Ryker doesn't know anything. Lovely Ryker, who has shown AND told Lake how he felt about him, about them.
Even in the end Lake never explains his prior hesitations and fears to Ryker, they just move on?
I loved the vibes on the last two pages.. more of that genuine emotional intimacy is what I would have needed throughout the book.
Some minor issues, just to mention them, they didn't even influence my rating. The inspirational thoughts and talks (never between the MCs, though) didn't feel genuine in the context. The step-brother issue was handled in a random way, as well as the marriage of convenience, both themes seemed to be mentioned when it felt convenient for the story but otherwise the author (and me) forgot about them.
I love the "Until" series (a lot! reread it several times, even) and had hoped for a similar, gripping writing and beautiful slow-burn.
Sadly we weren't shown any emotional development between the Mcs in the first half of the book, and zero character development on Lake's side until a sudden 180 late in the book.
Once they had sex they suddenly felt closer, but we didn't see how they got there, other than because of sex.
I did like them being closer emotionally, though, the few times we got glimpses of their connection, even if it wasn't very plausible how they got there.
Sadly this didn't feel lika slow burn at all, because there was no slowly falling in love.
Ryker was easier to read than Lake.
At one time Lake thinks "So far I haven't given him any proof that I'm in any way worth the hassle". That's at 87% and he's right.. until almost the end he never tells or shows Ryker what he feels or even what he's conflicted about. The reader obviously knows to some extent (mostly it's denial and confusion) but Ryker doesn't know anything. Lovely Ryker, who has shown AND told Lake how he felt about him, about them.
Even in the end Lake never explains his prior hesitations and fears to Ryker, they just move on?
I loved the vibes on the last two pages.. more of that genuine emotional intimacy is what I would have needed throughout the book.
Some minor issues, just to mention them, they didn't even influence my rating. The inspirational thoughts and talks (never between the MCs, though) didn't feel genuine in the context. The step-brother issue was handled in a random way, as well as the marriage of convenience, both themes seemed to be mentioned when it felt convenient for the story but otherwise the author (and me) forgot about them.
April 16, 2024
This is so hard to rate.
The first 40% had me bored out of my mind. The MCs felt like brothers, and not in a hot incesty way. Zero chemistry. I almost gave up. And then sparks happened, and I started liking these guys. By the end I loved them.
The plot. I was expecting a fake marriage. But other than actually getting married in the beginning, that was immediately brushed aside. Really? They don’t even need to fake it? Then what’s the point? I was expecting taboo feelings, coming from being stepbrothers. Instead it was your typical college sexual discovery. They could have grown up as neighbours and it would make no difference in the plot.
It was generic and nothing new. Completely predictable.
The good? The sex. Their friends. Their deep connection once it got there. The casual intimacy. The feelings.
In hindsight, it’s the little things. Those fucking terrible little things. Stuff that accumulates over time. Little gestures here and there, so you don’t suspect anything, because does it matter that he always seems to have the kind of bread you like in his cabinets and your favorite brand of orange juice in the fridge?
Soooooo, 3 stars I guess.
The first 40% had me bored out of my mind. The MCs felt like brothers, and not in a hot incesty way. Zero chemistry. I almost gave up. And then sparks happened, and I started liking these guys. By the end I loved them.
The plot. I was expecting a fake marriage. But other than actually getting married in the beginning, that was immediately brushed aside. Really? They don’t even need to fake it? Then what’s the point? I was expecting taboo feelings, coming from being stepbrothers. Instead it was your typical college sexual discovery. They could have grown up as neighbours and it would make no difference in the plot.
It was generic and nothing new. Completely predictable.
The good? The sex. Their friends. Their deep connection once it got there. The casual intimacy. The feelings.
In hindsight, it’s the little things. Those fucking terrible little things. Stuff that accumulates over time. Little gestures here and there, so you don’t suspect anything, because does it matter that he always seems to have the kind of bread you like in his cabinets and your favorite brand of orange juice in the fridge?
Soooooo, 3 stars I guess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
March 5, 2024i’m tempering expectations with all my strength, but there’s simply no way a stepbrother & fake marriage(? marriage of convenience?) story from Briar Prescott won’t get me tap dancing on a Monday evening 💃
March 27, 2024
Thank you to the author for the free ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
So I’m not gonna lie, a light breeze could have knocked the plot of this story over so it’s best not to look too closely.
The marriage of convenience/ step brothers trope wasn’t really a trope because both of these facts ended up being not super relevant IMO.
The book was more smut than plot for my usual tastes but I knew that going in and it was a fun smutty read for sure.
As always, Briar Prescott writes banter like no other. This book was hilarious and I laughed all the way through. The humour she injects into her books is unmatched.
Also the last 40% of this book especially was just so fucking cute I was really quite happy to overlook some things 😂
360 pages was at least 60 pages longer than it needed to be for a story that was light on story. I did however really enjoy the character arcs for both MMC’s, especially Lake.
Not my favourite book by the author but still a very cute, entertaining, funny read.
So I’m not gonna lie, a light breeze could have knocked the plot of this story over so it’s best not to look too closely.
The marriage of convenience/ step brothers trope wasn’t really a trope because both of these facts ended up being not super relevant IMO.
The book was more smut than plot for my usual tastes but I knew that going in and it was a fun smutty read for sure.
As always, Briar Prescott writes banter like no other. This book was hilarious and I laughed all the way through. The humour she injects into her books is unmatched.
Also the last 40% of this book especially was just so fucking cute I was really quite happy to overlook some things 😂
360 pages was at least 60 pages longer than it needed to be for a story that was light on story. I did however really enjoy the character arcs for both MMC’s, especially Lake.
Not my favourite book by the author but still a very cute, entertaining, funny read.
February 17, 2025
Tropes: marriage of convenience, step Brothers, hurt/comfort, college and sports romance
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: no, happy for now (apparently their story will continue in another book)
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: money struggles, shitty parents, wee bit of OM drama
4.5 Stars - I kind of want to round up because I enjoyed the story, but I also want to round down because I feel like the author tricked us into thinking this was a standalone book.
Ryker and Lake were stepbrothers when they were approximately 12, it's hard to narrow down the age. All of their parents have really messy lives and have been married multiple times. Lake was raised thinking John was his father, but when he was 10 or so it came out that John's brother actually fathered Lake. Things blew up. John wanted nothing to do with Lake after that. Lake felt very abandoned. His mother was never attentive to him. John married Ryker's mother but died. Years later, Ryker and Lake end up at the same college and are aged 21 and 22. Ryker is playing college hockey and wants to make it to the NHL. Lake is going to school for medicine and wants to become a doctor.
When Lake's mother gets remarried, his new stepfather's income means he's not eligible for financial aid anymore. But the stepfather isn't financially supporting him, he's in an on-off relationship with Lake's mother and doesn't give two s**** about him. Lake is at risk of having to drop out of college. Ryker hears about this because he's a little obsessed with Lake, he's always had a soft spot for him and watched out for him. He has a trust of money that he inherited from John that he can't access until he gets married. He gets the bright idea that he should marry Lake and "loan" (give!) Lake the money for college. Lake is gay and out. Ryker is about to have a bi-awakening. They agree on the marriage of convenience and get married but don't let it impact their lives.
Then like 6 months into their marriage they start running into each other and hanging out and it turns into making out. They agree to a casual relationship, to let Ryker experiment and to just have some fun. Ryker quickly falls deep for Lake but Lake is damaged and trying to protect himself and keeping up walls between them. So Ryker has a hard time winning him over.
I quite liked this book. I was a little disappointed though when I got to the end of the book and realized this is not a standalone story. It ends with a happy for now ending and there is reference to more of their story to come. I wish that had been clear before I read, because I usually don't like to read part one of a book until the second book comes out. I would have waited and I probably would have enjoyed it more reading it back to back. Authors should be up front when a book is not a standalone read.
I liked the way that the characters clearly had a special emotional connection as well as the physical connection that they had. Even though Lake protested, it never was just sex. I have a weakness for platonic touching and snuggling. And these two always found excuses to secretly touch each other in public and of course in private they were all over each other and not just sexually. And they kept having accidental and intentional sleepovers snuggling. Lake was prickly and didn't relax into it as much as Ryker did, but it was obvious he was feeling it too. I liked that Ryker was up front with Lake about the fact that he wanted a real relationship early in the book, at around 60%. I like when a character makes themself vulnerable, wears their heart on their sleeve, and the conflict isn't about whether the person has feelings for their love interest. It just makes the conflict so much more mature and makes me enjoy the love story more because they are open about their feelings.
I was disappointed that we never really got any payoff about the fact that they were married. They never told anyone, though Hayes might have put two and two together because they did tell Hayes they were in a relationship and Hayes did know that Lake was married. I really wanted them to claim each other and have that public coming out moment. But I guess the author is saving something for the next book!
I'm looking forward to the next book, but I wish I didn't have to wait.
Just to explain more about what I meant about there being a wee bit of other man drama. During the 6 months where they're married but not yet interacting, they are going about their lives. And they're 21 and 22. There is one on page hookup that
Lake has with a FWB of his, it happens at a party and Ryker sees and is jealous and attracted to Lake. Presumably they are both hooking up with others occasionally during this time. I don't love that they did that while married, it just didn't sit right with me. But neither of them had a problem with it, because they weren't together at all at the time.
Some notable moments:
"Lake has gone very still next to me. He’s staring straight ahead, lips pressed into a tight line, a scowl on his face that does very little to say ‘devoted groom’ and leans more toward ‘hostage trying to come up with an escape plan.’"
"Ah. Nap was a euphemism. I get it now. Only then he pulls me down on the bed, and instead of, oh, I don’t know, ravishing me within an inch of my life, he arranges us so that I’m on my side, wraps himself around me from behind, and motherfucking tucks us in. Very platonically, I might add. Minus the hard dick that’s currently poking me in the ass, but he’s not doing anything with it. Just sort of resting it between my ass cheeks. He lets out a satisfied sigh and buries his nose in the hair at the back of my head. It takes me way too long to catch on to the fact that we’re… “Are we cuddling?” I sound downright scandalized."
"“Don’t be a sarcastic asshole.” He lifts both his hands in front of himself and pastes a grin on his face that goes nowhere near his eyes. “Bad news. That’s, like, two-thirds of my personality.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: no, happy for now (apparently their story will continue in another book)
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: money struggles, shitty parents, wee bit of OM drama
4.5 Stars - I kind of want to round up because I enjoyed the story, but I also want to round down because I feel like the author tricked us into thinking this was a standalone book.
Ryker and Lake were stepbrothers when they were approximately 12, it's hard to narrow down the age. All of their parents have really messy lives and have been married multiple times. Lake was raised thinking John was his father, but when he was 10 or so it came out that John's brother actually fathered Lake. Things blew up. John wanted nothing to do with Lake after that. Lake felt very abandoned. His mother was never attentive to him. John married Ryker's mother but died. Years later, Ryker and Lake end up at the same college and are aged 21 and 22. Ryker is playing college hockey and wants to make it to the NHL. Lake is going to school for medicine and wants to become a doctor.
When Lake's mother gets remarried, his new stepfather's income means he's not eligible for financial aid anymore. But the stepfather isn't financially supporting him, he's in an on-off relationship with Lake's mother and doesn't give two s**** about him. Lake is at risk of having to drop out of college. Ryker hears about this because he's a little obsessed with Lake, he's always had a soft spot for him and watched out for him. He has a trust of money that he inherited from John that he can't access until he gets married. He gets the bright idea that he should marry Lake and "loan" (give!) Lake the money for college. Lake is gay and out. Ryker is about to have a bi-awakening. They agree on the marriage of convenience and get married but don't let it impact their lives.
Then like 6 months into their marriage they start running into each other and hanging out and it turns into making out. They agree to a casual relationship, to let Ryker experiment and to just have some fun. Ryker quickly falls deep for Lake but Lake is damaged and trying to protect himself and keeping up walls between them. So Ryker has a hard time winning him over.
I quite liked this book. I was a little disappointed though when I got to the end of the book and realized this is not a standalone story. It ends with a happy for now ending and there is reference to more of their story to come. I wish that had been clear before I read, because I usually don't like to read part one of a book until the second book comes out. I would have waited and I probably would have enjoyed it more reading it back to back. Authors should be up front when a book is not a standalone read.
I liked the way that the characters clearly had a special emotional connection as well as the physical connection that they had. Even though Lake protested, it never was just sex. I have a weakness for platonic touching and snuggling. And these two always found excuses to secretly touch each other in public and of course in private they were all over each other and not just sexually. And they kept having accidental and intentional sleepovers snuggling. Lake was prickly and didn't relax into it as much as Ryker did, but it was obvious he was feeling it too. I liked that Ryker was up front with Lake about the fact that he wanted a real relationship early in the book, at around 60%. I like when a character makes themself vulnerable, wears their heart on their sleeve, and the conflict isn't about whether the person has feelings for their love interest. It just makes the conflict so much more mature and makes me enjoy the love story more because they are open about their feelings.
I was disappointed that we never really got any payoff about the fact that they were married. They never told anyone, though Hayes might have put two and two together because they did tell Hayes they were in a relationship and Hayes did know that Lake was married. I really wanted them to claim each other and have that public coming out moment. But I guess the author is saving something for the next book!
I'm looking forward to the next book, but I wish I didn't have to wait.
Just to explain more about what I meant about there being a wee bit of other man drama. During the 6 months where they're married but not yet interacting, they are going about their lives. And they're 21 and 22. There is one on page hookup that
Lake has with a FWB of his, it happens at a party and Ryker sees and is jealous and attracted to Lake. Presumably they are both hooking up with others occasionally during this time. I don't love that they did that while married, it just didn't sit right with me. But neither of them had a problem with it, because they weren't together at all at the time.
Some notable moments:
"Lake has gone very still next to me. He’s staring straight ahead, lips pressed into a tight line, a scowl on his face that does very little to say ‘devoted groom’ and leans more toward ‘hostage trying to come up with an escape plan.’"
"Ah. Nap was a euphemism. I get it now. Only then he pulls me down on the bed, and instead of, oh, I don’t know, ravishing me within an inch of my life, he arranges us so that I’m on my side, wraps himself around me from behind, and motherfucking tucks us in. Very platonically, I might add. Minus the hard dick that’s currently poking me in the ass, but he’s not doing anything with it. Just sort of resting it between my ass cheeks. He lets out a satisfied sigh and buries his nose in the hair at the back of my head. It takes me way too long to catch on to the fact that we’re… “Are we cuddling?” I sound downright scandalized."
"“Don’t be a sarcastic asshole.” He lifts both his hands in front of himself and pastes a grin on his face that goes nowhere near his eyes. “Bad news. That’s, like, two-thirds of my personality.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
☆ Stepbrothers
☆ Marriage of convenience
☆ College romance
☆ Hurt/Comfort
☆ Bi-awakening
Give me grumpy x sunshine and broken boys anytime, I love it!
Ryker and Lake's story was beautifully written, with a perfect blend of family drama and unexpected twists. Ryker's determination to break through Lake's tough exterior and help him heal from his past traumas was very touching.
Lake’s evolution was beautiful to witness because he’s been hurt in the past, he has traumas because of what happened with his father and all the drama associated with it. His heart is well-guarded and seeing him slowly open up and let Ryker in was incredibly moving because it wasn’t easy.
The story gets more emotional and intense toward the end and I loved that part. The emotions, the passion, the love, it was so good! Lake and Ryker’s support for each other is amazing, I really love their relationship even if it took time to become one.
If you're a fan of college romance, jocks and nerds, and grumpy x sunshine dynamics, then Just a Taste is definitely a book you need to add to your TBR. Briar Prescott has quickly become an auto-buy author for me and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
[ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴀʀᴄ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴍʏ ʜᴏɴᴇꜱᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ]
☆ Marriage of convenience
☆ College romance
☆ Hurt/Comfort
☆ Bi-awakening
Give me grumpy x sunshine and broken boys anytime, I love it!
Ryker and Lake's story was beautifully written, with a perfect blend of family drama and unexpected twists. Ryker's determination to break through Lake's tough exterior and help him heal from his past traumas was very touching.
Lake’s evolution was beautiful to witness because he’s been hurt in the past, he has traumas because of what happened with his father and all the drama associated with it. His heart is well-guarded and seeing him slowly open up and let Ryker in was incredibly moving because it wasn’t easy.
The story gets more emotional and intense toward the end and I loved that part. The emotions, the passion, the love, it was so good! Lake and Ryker’s support for each other is amazing, I really love their relationship even if it took time to become one.
If you're a fan of college romance, jocks and nerds, and grumpy x sunshine dynamics, then Just a Taste is definitely a book you need to add to your TBR. Briar Prescott has quickly become an auto-buy author for me and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
[ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴀʀᴄ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴍʏ ʜᴏɴᴇꜱᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ]
February 2, 2025
When Ryker discovers that his stepbrother Lake will have to drop out of school, he proposes a marriage of convenience. The convenience is all on Lake's side- he gets the money he needs to stay in school. And Ryker? He gets to take care of Lake, just as he's been doing since their parents got married when they were young. He has a soft spot for prickly, surly Lake. No matter how much Lake tries to push him away, he's always been there in his corner.
I fell in love with both characters in the first chapter. Lake has had to work harder than average for everything he has. He has bone-deep abandonment issues and is like a stray cat who would rather scratch and hiss at would-be rescuers than accept help it doesn't trust. Ryker is the opposite- he works hard too, but everything comes a little easier for him. He's the guy you would hate for being so attractive, talented and smart, but you can't because he's also incredibly nice. (Yup, this is a black cat meets golden retriever romance and you know how much I love those 🥰) Ryker’s confident, willing to wade through Lake's bullshit to be with him, and hasn’t met a challenge that he couldn’t conquer. Ryker knows easy. His whole life has been relatively easy. What he craves is a challenge. And Lake is going to give it to him.
Just A Taste has it all- a gorgeous, well-written love story, laugh-out-loud humour and 2 men finding their home in each other. I would love to read a sequel and I hope Kelly and Hayes get to tell their story/ies too! To anyone who's like me and a tiny bit over the stepbro trope that seems to be everywhere right now- it works in this book because it’s a plot point rather than a gimmick. The plot is pretty straightforward but the writing sets it apart. I want to crawl inside the pages of a Briar Prescott book and live there (I’ll audition for the part of Lake. I’m not a 6 foot 2 man but I have the snarky personality down pat 😂).
Rating: 5
Angst: 3/5
Steam: 4/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I fell in love with both characters in the first chapter. Lake has had to work harder than average for everything he has. He has bone-deep abandonment issues and is like a stray cat who would rather scratch and hiss at would-be rescuers than accept help it doesn't trust. Ryker is the opposite- he works hard too, but everything comes a little easier for him. He's the guy you would hate for being so attractive, talented and smart, but you can't because he's also incredibly nice. (Yup, this is a black cat meets golden retriever romance and you know how much I love those 🥰) Ryker’s confident, willing to wade through Lake's bullshit to be with him, and hasn’t met a challenge that he couldn’t conquer. Ryker knows easy. His whole life has been relatively easy. What he craves is a challenge. And Lake is going to give it to him.
Just A Taste has it all- a gorgeous, well-written love story, laugh-out-loud humour and 2 men finding their home in each other. I would love to read a sequel and I hope Kelly and Hayes get to tell their story/ies too! To anyone who's like me and a tiny bit over the stepbro trope that seems to be everywhere right now- it works in this book because it’s a plot point rather than a gimmick. The plot is pretty straightforward but the writing sets it apart. I want to crawl inside the pages of a Briar Prescott book and live there (I’ll audition for the part of Lake. I’m not a 6 foot 2 man but I have the snarky personality down pat 😂).
Rating: 5
Angst: 3/5
Steam: 4/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
April 24, 2024
4.5 stars - Lake is witty and Ryker is sweet. The banter was entertaining, this has a good amount of humor and teasing.
I honestly had no idea where the whole story was going. Second half of the book is when I finally started to get too invested, cute moments and lots of LOLs. It totally left me wanting more which makes sense because there will be a second book.
I love Briar’s writing, her previous two books are some of my top favorites this year (Until series) so I trust that this series will get better and I’ll look forward to all of her books
I honestly had no idea where the whole story was going. Second half of the book is when I finally started to get too invested, cute moments and lots of LOLs. It totally left me wanting more which makes sense because there will be a second book.
I love Briar’s writing, her previous two books are some of my top favorites this year (Until series) so I trust that this series will get better and I’ll look forward to all of her books
March 30, 2024
I’m a huge fan of this author. Was very excited to see another book releasing. Jumped at the chance to read and I’m glad I did. This was a hilarious story and started out very low-angst but did get more angsty which I was expecting for this author.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. It had me laughing almost throughout the whole thing. Their banter and the funny things they said were one of my favourite things in this story! Another was the spice! It was fantastic. There were a lot of scenes but I enjoyed every single one.
I loved the grumpy/sunshine aspect to the story. Ryker was almost always the most positive and optimistic person and it was so nice to see that. Lake was super grumpy but it really worked for them. I liked how they handled certain situations despite their age.
There are a few things that I felt could have been expanded on to make this an exceptional story. I am one of those readers that either need an epilogue or to know ahead of time that the story is not over for these characters. This book ends with part of the storyline not complete, no epilogue and “For Now” after the “The End”. I really would have preferred to know that going into the story.
If you enjoy this author and love stories with lots of banter and spice then I definitely recommend this story. I look forward to hopefully reading more with these two and more books by this author in the future!
Overall I really enjoyed this story. It had me laughing almost throughout the whole thing. Their banter and the funny things they said were one of my favourite things in this story! Another was the spice! It was fantastic. There were a lot of scenes but I enjoyed every single one.
I loved the grumpy/sunshine aspect to the story. Ryker was almost always the most positive and optimistic person and it was so nice to see that. Lake was super grumpy but it really worked for them. I liked how they handled certain situations despite their age.
There are a few things that I felt could have been expanded on to make this an exceptional story. I am one of those readers that either need an epilogue or to know ahead of time that the story is not over for these characters. This book ends with part of the storyline not complete, no epilogue and “For Now” after the “The End”. I really would have preferred to know that going into the story.
If you enjoy this author and love stories with lots of banter and spice then I definitely recommend this story. I look forward to hopefully reading more with these two and more books by this author in the future!
April 19, 2024
After the last few wins by this author, I was excited to dive into this one.
While I still enjoyed it overall and enjoyed the relationship between Lake and Ryker, something was missing that the last few by this author wasn't.
I don't know what it was...the lack of real plot, maybe? Aside from them getting married so Lake can get the money Ryker got from his stepfather when he died - and Lake's father - for college, there isn't actually a whole lot of plot, aside from their relationship. And given that their "marriage" is kinda dropped after they do it - since they're married in name only - it didn't come into play very much.
I think that just made this a slow read for me. I'd read a few pages, then pause to do something else. Read a few pages, pause, read a few pages, pause and on and on. I don't know why, I just wasn't glued to this like I was hoping to be.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy this, because I did. I liked the connection between Lake and Ryker, the chemistry was overall fairly good.
It also got more interesting as a I went on, and the last 25% or so I read in one sitting last night, so it gets props for the times it wasn't slow and for the last fourth for bring in it home.
I was also surprised to learn at the end of this that this isn't a standalone with them, that we're getting more of them.
This ends on a pretty solid HFN, but I do have to say I do like that we're getting another book centered on these two. Things didn't feel quite complete by the end, so knowing we're getting more helps. I might have given this a bit of a lower rating otherwise, since the ending felt fairly solid, but not complete.
I'd like to know what their future looks like. Will Ryker get in the the NHL? Will he ever come out if he does? Will Lake become a doctor like he wants? It would be wonderful to get a real solid HEA ending, so I'm definitely not mad that this isn't the end of their story.
Hopefully the second installment, whenever we get that, can pick up in some ares as well. This just took me way too long to finish, especially for this author who I've grown to love as she's truly improved her writing with each book she's released.
This one felt a bit short of that mark she's achieved with the last few, so I hope to see this author up to par with this couple's next book, whenever that will be.
Until then! 🥰
While I still enjoyed it overall and enjoyed the relationship between Lake and Ryker, something was missing that the last few by this author wasn't.
I don't know what it was...the lack of real plot, maybe? Aside from them getting married so Lake can get the money Ryker got from his stepfather when he died - and Lake's father - for college, there isn't actually a whole lot of plot, aside from their relationship. And given that their "marriage" is kinda dropped after they do it - since they're married in name only - it didn't come into play very much.
I think that just made this a slow read for me. I'd read a few pages, then pause to do something else. Read a few pages, pause, read a few pages, pause and on and on. I don't know why, I just wasn't glued to this like I was hoping to be.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy this, because I did. I liked the connection between Lake and Ryker, the chemistry was overall fairly good.
It also got more interesting as a I went on, and the last 25% or so I read in one sitting last night, so it gets props for the times it wasn't slow and for the last fourth for bring in it home.
I was also surprised to learn at the end of this that this isn't a standalone with them, that we're getting more of them.
This ends on a pretty solid HFN, but I do have to say I do like that we're getting another book centered on these two. Things didn't feel quite complete by the end, so knowing we're getting more helps. I might have given this a bit of a lower rating otherwise, since the ending felt fairly solid, but not complete.
I'd like to know what their future looks like. Will Ryker get in the the NHL? Will he ever come out if he does? Will Lake become a doctor like he wants? It would be wonderful to get a real solid HEA ending, so I'm definitely not mad that this isn't the end of their story.
Hopefully the second installment, whenever we get that, can pick up in some ares as well. This just took me way too long to finish, especially for this author who I've grown to love as she's truly improved her writing with each book she's released.
This one felt a bit short of that mark she's achieved with the last few, so I hope to see this author up to par with this couple's next book, whenever that will be.
Until then! 🥰
April 15, 2024
i was promised a wedding of convenience between stepbrothers and i got a (bland) hockey romance.
definitely not happy about that.
but also, these two took 5 minutes to decide to get married and 356 pages to sort of agree to a relationship?
that “the end for now” really was the final nail in the coffin
definitely not happy about that.
but also, these two took 5 minutes to decide to get married and 356 pages to sort of agree to a relationship?
that “the end for now” really was the final nail in the coffin
April 1, 2024
I love Lake and Ryker so much. This step brother, marriage of convenience romance was so good. Although the marriage of convenience didn’t play a huge roll in the book I still loved it. These two were complete opposites, but had such great chemistry. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what’s next for these characters.
🩵Step brothers
🩵Marriage of convenience
🩵Opposites attract
🩵Grumpy/sunshine
🩵Hockey
🩵Spicy
🩵Step brothers
🩵Marriage of convenience
🩵Opposites attract
🩵Grumpy/sunshine
🩵Hockey
🩵Spicy
January 28, 2025
Reread January '25 in anticipation of the sequel next month.
Still obsessed with this book, and with Lake and Ryker!
---------
This book was SO GOOD!
Just a Taste was my first Briar Prescott book and I'm already foaming at the mouth to read more.
Stepbrothers, marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, "enemies" to lovers (but only one of them thinks they're enemies), hurt/comfort, college, bi awakening, all that good stuff!
I loved both Lake and Ryker so much! They were so good together, their chemistry was fire, their banter was so much fun, and they also had such sweet moments I wanted to scream because they were so CUTE! And the smut was super hot hehe.
It was also really well-written, and I was impressed by both how funny this book was and how well-developed the characters and their journey felt, Lake especially. Poor guy has so many abandonment and self-worth issues, and he's determined to never let anyone in because then he can't get hurt. Too bad his "golden boy" stepbrother thinks that's dumb and manages to worm his way into Lake's life. First, by helping Lake but making it look like that's not what he's doing because he knows Lake would never accept his help. And then when what was supposed to be an innocent kiss makes Ryker question whether he's as straight as he thought, and he gets Lake to help him figure things out.
Ryker sneakily dating Lake without Lake realizing that's what they're doing until everyone tells him he has a boyfriend was too funny, and the actual best way to get him to realize relationships aren't so scary if they're with the right person.
They truly are so good for each other, and I really REALLY hope the author's note at the end means we'll be getting a sequel because I would so love one!
Still obsessed with this book, and with Lake and Ryker!
---------
"You do realize we’re playing with fire?” he murmurs the words, and all the while he’s speaking, his lips graze mine over and over again, making small shivers of pleasure and excitement move over my skin.
“Will it stop you?” I ask.
“No, I’m stupid like that,” he says and kisses me."
This book was SO GOOD!
Just a Taste was my first Briar Prescott book and I'm already foaming at the mouth to read more.
Stepbrothers, marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, "enemies" to lovers (but only one of them thinks they're enemies), hurt/comfort, college, bi awakening, all that good stuff!
"The kiss becomes hot and wet, all teeth and tongues and spit-slick lips, and I lose myself a bit. Forget what I want. What I’ll allow myself to have"
I loved both Lake and Ryker so much! They were so good together, their chemistry was fire, their banter was so much fun, and they also had such sweet moments I wanted to scream because they were so CUTE! And the smut was super hot hehe.
It was also really well-written, and I was impressed by both how funny this book was and how well-developed the characters and their journey felt, Lake especially. Poor guy has so many abandonment and self-worth issues, and he's determined to never let anyone in because then he can't get hurt. Too bad his "golden boy" stepbrother thinks that's dumb and manages to worm his way into Lake's life. First, by helping Lake but making it look like that's not what he's doing because he knows Lake would never accept his help. And then when what was supposed to be an innocent kiss makes Ryker question whether he's as straight as he thought, and he gets Lake to help him figure things out.
"Wanting things is dangerous. It’s why I rarely let myself do it. Want plants a tiny seed of hope in your chest. And it doesn’t matter how impossible it seems that it will ever grow and blossom because the ground is hostile, and you refuse to water it, and you refuse to nurse it—it’ll still be there, even if it’s wilting and pathetic and pitiful."
Ryker sneakily dating Lake without Lake realizing that's what they're doing until everyone tells him he has a boyfriend was too funny, and the actual best way to get him to realize relationships aren't so scary if they're with the right person.
"He lets out a satisfied sigh and buries his nose in the hair at the back of my head. It takes me way too long to catch on to the fact that we’re…
“Are we cuddling?” I sound downright scandalized."
They truly are so good for each other, and I really REALLY hope the author's note at the end means we'll be getting a sequel because I would so love one!
November 30, 2024
3.5⭐️ rounded up. This wasn’t my fave Briar Prescott, but it was what I needed after another book caused me grievous bodily harm this week.
THE PREMISE: two stepbrothers get married so one can access a trust fund and continue pre-med. There’s also a biawakening and ice hockey.
TROPES & VIBES:
- MM marriage of convenience
- Stepbrothers
- Briar banter
- *I’ll fight for you*
3.5⭐️ 3🌶️
THE PREMISE: two stepbrothers get married so one can access a trust fund and continue pre-med. There’s also a biawakening and ice hockey.
TROPES & VIBES:
- MM marriage of convenience
- Stepbrothers
- Briar banter
- *I’ll fight for you*
3.5⭐️ 3🌶️
May 8, 2024
4 Stars!! Loved it ❤️❤️ But had a few issues; the marriage plot line felt unnecessary since it remained a secret till the very end.. it did not make any sense to me.. 🤔 The plot twist at the end was also not necessary.. there was no need for the added drama. Also the HFN ending was a little disappointing.. I don’t like waiting 😠.
However the MCs were really likable, especially Ryker.. even his GFY trope did not seem cliché.. it felt natural. Their relationship was passionate and sweet.. I liked how Lake started to open up to Ryker. Overall it was enjoyable and entertaining. Would have liked to read stories of the supporting characters too.. but I hope part 2 comes out real soon. 👍🏻👍🏻
However the MCs were really likable, especially Ryker.. even his GFY trope did not seem cliché.. it felt natural. Their relationship was passionate and sweet.. I liked how Lake started to open up to Ryker. Overall it was enjoyable and entertaining. Would have liked to read stories of the supporting characters too.. but I hope part 2 comes out real soon. 👍🏻👍🏻
April 22, 2024
Stronger finish than the start. I wasn’t expecting college-age MCs, but it was better than I thought.
April 10, 2024
- stepbrothers (sorta)
- grumpy x sunshine
- marriage of convenience
- queer awakening
- hockey
- hurt x comfort
I honestly don't know... This started out so good and then kinda flopped after like 70%
- grumpy x sunshine
- marriage of convenience
- queer awakening
- hockey
- hurt x comfort
I honestly don't know... This started out so good and then kinda flopped after like 70%
June 11, 2024
2.00 ⭐️⭐️
Regrettably, I did not enjoy like 80% of this book. I had strong hesitations about picking this up because while it advertised one trope I absolutely love (marriage of convenience), it had another trope I very much did not (stepbrothers). After reading a few reviews that said neither seemed to be used in the story my curiosity peaked and, since it’s Prescott who I very much enjoy, I figured why not. I should’ve gone with my initial instincts 😬
I’ll start off with the tropes. First the marriage of convenience is completely meaningless in this story. The only thing of actual consequence was the reason why they did it, which was to give Lake access to his dead father’s (sort of father?) money that was put in a trust to Ryker, Lake’s stepbrother(sort of stepbrother). Honestly there could have been other ways used to accomplish this, especially because 6 months pass after the marriage where they don’t even see each other! Any way I was not a fan of the false advertising tbh. The second trope, stepbrothers, is so very much not for me and my biggest hesitation in reading this. Well I won’t say it’s meaningless in the story, but categorizing them as stepbrothers is honestly a stretch. They don’t grow up in the same house, Ryker’s mom was married to Lake’s dad who is later revealed to not be his biological father, and was someone completely absent from his life anyway. But they keep introducing themselves to everyone as brothers/stepbrothers. It felt again like false advertising tbh. So if you like, or dislike, either of those tropes you’ll probably still walk away disappointed no matter what.
As for Lake and Ryker, I enjoyed them as people but the majority of this book I found very dull. Lake’s daddy issues and Ryker’s need to explore his sexual feelings is the real plot of this book for a good half of it. I did enjoy their relationship more once the feelings and angstier moments came in, but it was truly in the last 20-25% so by that point I was pretty checked out. The conclusion of this book is sort of sad? It feels very HFN and uncertain quite frankly and then it’s just over (“for now”, as the book states).
I still love Prescott’s books, but I should’ve skipped this one. My 2 ⭐️’s are for the characters, the 20% I liked, and the structurally well writing.
Regrettably, I did not enjoy like 80% of this book. I had strong hesitations about picking this up because while it advertised one trope I absolutely love (marriage of convenience), it had another trope I very much did not (stepbrothers). After reading a few reviews that said neither seemed to be used in the story my curiosity peaked and, since it’s Prescott who I very much enjoy, I figured why not. I should’ve gone with my initial instincts 😬
I’ll start off with the tropes. First the marriage of convenience is completely meaningless in this story. The only thing of actual consequence was the reason why they did it, which was to give Lake access to his dead father’s (sort of father?) money that was put in a trust to Ryker, Lake’s stepbrother(sort of stepbrother). Honestly there could have been other ways used to accomplish this, especially because 6 months pass after the marriage where they don’t even see each other! Any way I was not a fan of the false advertising tbh. The second trope, stepbrothers, is so very much not for me and my biggest hesitation in reading this. Well I won’t say it’s meaningless in the story, but categorizing them as stepbrothers is honestly a stretch. They don’t grow up in the same house, Ryker’s mom was married to Lake’s dad who is later revealed to not be his biological father, and was someone completely absent from his life anyway. But they keep introducing themselves to everyone as brothers/stepbrothers. It felt again like false advertising tbh. So if you like, or dislike, either of those tropes you’ll probably still walk away disappointed no matter what.
As for Lake and Ryker, I enjoyed them as people but the majority of this book I found very dull. Lake’s daddy issues and Ryker’s need to explore his sexual feelings is the real plot of this book for a good half of it. I did enjoy their relationship more once the feelings and angstier moments came in, but it was truly in the last 20-25% so by that point I was pretty checked out. The conclusion of this book is sort of sad? It feels very HFN and uncertain quite frankly and then it’s just over (“for now”, as the book states).
I still love Prescott’s books, but I should’ve skipped this one. My 2 ⭐️’s are for the characters, the 20% I liked, and the structurally well writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
Ahhhhh this was AMAZING. I was already sold on this book when I heard it was stepbrothers in a marriage of convenience but then add in that it’s a hockey romance and it’s actually laugh out loud funny?! I’m dead. Best Briar Prescott book to date.
I adored these two together. Lake was so sarcastic and bitchy and Ryker was so sweet. Their chemistry and banter was just top tier. And I don’t want to sound like a broken record but this book was so funny, I genuinely was smiling all the way through. I need more immediately, PLEASE give me a sequel 😭😭😭
Thank you Briar Prescott for this arc and getting me out of the biggest book slump of my life 💖💖💖
I adored these two together. Lake was so sarcastic and bitchy and Ryker was so sweet. Their chemistry and banter was just top tier. And I don’t want to sound like a broken record but this book was so funny, I genuinely was smiling all the way through. I need more immediately, PLEASE give me a sequel 😭😭😭
Thank you Briar Prescott for this arc and getting me out of the biggest book slump of my life 💖💖💖
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April 20, 2024DNF at 34 % (page 129) and no rating because I don’t think it would be fair.
Yes, I am well aware that I probably just got to the good stuff. But how am I supposed to connect to anyone if the chapters are so incredibly short? I can’t enjoy anything if the pov’s of the main characters change every five seconds.
I haven’t been able to get into the story whatsoever and I don’t think I will anytime soon. I’m throwing in the towel.
Yes, I am well aware that I probably just got to the good stuff. But how am I supposed to connect to anyone if the chapters are so incredibly short? I can’t enjoy anything if the pov’s of the main characters change every five seconds.
I haven’t been able to get into the story whatsoever and I don’t think I will anytime soon. I’m throwing in the towel.
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