They say there’s no place like home, but what do you do when the person you've been trying so hard not to fall for becomes your roommate?Cannon James believes in keeping everyone at a distance, especially in matters of the heart. His commitment to the bachelor lifestyle has served him well, until his best friend's little sister, Demi Vanderhall, unexpectedly appears on his doorstep in need of a place to stay.
Despite knowing each other for a decade, Cannon has never confessed to anyone that Demi is the one girl he struggles to keep at arm's length. With her brother's disapproval looming and Cannon's own tumultuous past lurking in the shadows, he's determined to resist any romantic relationship.
Yet, as late nights spent together deepen their connection and test their self-restraint, Demi begins to question why they shouldn't explore the possibility of more than just friendship. But every time they edge closer to crossing that line, Cannon slams on the brakes, haunted by his past and unable to fully embrace the future.
Can Demi break through Cannon's walls and convince him to take a chance on them? Or will the ghosts of his past forever hold him back from finding true happiness?
🎮 The vibes: - book 2 in standalone series - Brother’s best friend - roommates - Mixed signals - bad past - Flirty banter
✂️ My thoughts: What do you do when the one person you’ve been trying not to fall for becomes your roommate? Cannon is against commitments. With his past, he’s convinced he has nothing to offer anybody but a good time. It’s all gone well until his best friend’s little sister needs a place to stay. Demi has always been the one girl he’s tried to keep at arms length. But as they start to hang out after work everyday- staying up late to play video games- they develop a friendship. With sparks flying, how far will Cannon go to push Demi away before they cross all the lines they can’t uncross?
🎮 I loved this book! I loved the playfulness of Cannon and Demi. Their flirty banter was top notch for me. They just had this fun energy that I really enjoyed. But beyond their fun personalities- I liked their backstories and their individual growth arcs.
🎮 I loved the setting of them being roommates; of Demi working at the bar while in hair school; and I looooved the little winter getaway setting in the middle of the book. (Side note- the scene where she’s ranting about not liking some other guy and the other guy overhears her. Oh my god. I died from second hand embarrassment.)
🎮 The Kate night Mario Kart scenes were some of my favorites. I just thought they were adorable together.
🎮 I read this book in 24 hours, and was so absorbed in it. I smiled like a fool the entire time. There were some elements that felt a little repetitive- as far as the conflict, but overall- this was such an enjoyable book for me and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Cannon might have come off a little overprotective at times, and he was definitely torn with what he wanted and what he thought he deserved. Once you got more of his backstory, you can see why he feels like he doesn't deserve Demi. That was very sad to read throughout so much of the book. But he has so many people who are rooting for him and who love him and know he's worthy for love and to give it.
I love that Demi went for what she wanted and was willing to work hard! It took a lot of courage to go against the plan for her life but her parents.
Favorite moments: Video games and getting Mario kart Demi cheating Lake Tahoe
Tropes: Brother's Best friend Roommates Forced proximity Found family Slow burn
I have been looking forward to Demi’s and Cannon’s story since I glimpsed them in book 1 of this series and it did not disappoint! Brother’s best friend is my favorite trope and add it with forced proximity as roommates and it’s a recipe for success in my book.
I absolutely adored Cannon and Demi. I loved watching them get to know each other through their late night video gaming and conversations. And I loved the chemistry and banter between them. These two were soooo flirty and I loved it. Honestly it was nice that they didn’t dance around the attraction and acknowledged it pretty early on. Even though there were some hang ups as to why they couldn’t be together, I felt like the fact that they were open about their mutual attraction led that flirtiness to come out and let them both be a bit more carefree with each other and the tension was so fun.
And my sweet little Cannon oh I just want to put him in my pocket. Cannon had went through things no one should have to go through and it left him feeling so unworthy of love and caused him not to let anyone in. I thought Demi was so good for him because she didn’t press; she just showed up. It reminded me of Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez and the quote “Because that’s what love does - it shows up.” That was Demi.
This story was so wonderful. These two and their relationship just felt so real and I really appreciated how they acknowledged when maybe they were overreacting or in the wrong. Cannon sent Demi a lot of mixed signals but it didn’t feel misleading or unfair and I think they were quick to have conversations when needed.
I absolutely loved this story and I can’t wait for Jax and Kate’s. Jax has already completely won me over and I’m ready to see Kate fall for him. Also if you aren’t reading Larissa’s books what are you waiting for??
This is a closed door romance with mild language and innuendo.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 2 in the Love At Night Series and can be read as a standalone. The book's blurb lets you know what to expect, though be aware there's brief mentions of abuse and drug use. Late Nights is told through Cannon and Demi's pov and is a great story about two individuals who completed each other.
As a Vanderhall, Demi has lived her life living up to her parent's expectations. When she finally decides to follow her own path, she questions if she will be able to achieve the dreams that she has. Though she wants her focus to be on school and her work, she can't deny that being roommates with Cannon makes her wonder if a friendship, or more, is possible between them. I loved how Demi was determined to make her dreams a reality and, though not sure how things would work out, she didn't let fear stop her from trying new things. When it came to Cannon, I loved how she wanted to be his friend but didn't push him.
Due to his upbringing, Cannon likes to keep others at a safe distance and having a serious relationship isn't something on his mind. Even with his best friend, West, he finds it difficult to completely open up - especially where his feelings for Demi, West's sister, are concerned. When him and Demi become unexpected roommates, Cannon struggles to keep his feelings to himself and not let her get any closer to him. Though Cannon was a cocky flirt who seemed so sure of himself, he was vulnerable and had his fears too. He didn't admit it out loud but all he wanted was for someone to stay by his side and I loved that he slowly began to see that Demi would be the one to do so.
Because of his feelings about relationships and the fact that she was West's sister, their romance was a very slow burn. Although they had known each other for years and spent time together, their interactions were surface level so I liked how being roommates forced them to get to know each other even more. I liked how Cannon gave Demi support and confidence and she made him more attentive and enjoy her company. The tension between them was sizzling and worth the build up. The romance was a closed door one consisting of suggestive thoughts, steamy kissing, and fade to black. No severe curse words are used but two biblical words are used once each. Aside from their romance, Cannon had healing to do so I enjoyed reading how little by little he began to do so. Overall, this was a great addition to the series and I can't wait for the next book.
🌼🪴Late Nights by Larissa Hommes🪴🌼 📚Pub Day ARC Review 📚 🧁🍨"Unexpected didn’t begin to describe how blindsided I felt. Never in a million years did I think I would be living in the same apartment as West’s little sister."🍨🧁 🌷Qotd: What book's title suits your mood today? Or what's your favourite mood uplifter? 🥞 Genre: Contemporary Romance 🧇 Page Count: 322 🍩 Pub Day: 22/04/2024 🍿Ratings: 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷 🍧 Synopsis:Cannon James believes in keeping everyone at a distance, especially in matters of the heart. His commitment to the bachelor lifestyle has served him well, until his best friend's little sister, Demi Vanderhall, unexpectedly appears on his doorstep in need of a place to stay.
Despite knowing each other for a decade, Cannon has never confessed to anyone that Demi is the one girl he struggles to keep at arm's length. With her brother's disapproval looming and Cannon's own tumultuous past lurking in the shadows, he's determined to resist any romantic relationship.
Yet, as late nights spent together deepen their connection and test their self-restraint, Demi begins to question why they shouldn't explore the possibility of more than just friendship. But every time they edge closer to crossing that line, Cannon slams on the brakes, haunted by his past and unable to fully embrace the future.
Can Demi break through Cannon's walls and convince him to take a chance on them? Or will the ghosts of his past forever hold him back from finding true happiness? 🎂 Notes: 🌷Congratulations on the release of this gorgeous book @larissa_hommes 📖 and thank you so much for the ARC 🩷 🩷 I loved Demi and Cannon! They're so adorable 😍 Their bond is so beautifully progressed that I kept rooting for them to end up together ✨ 🩷"Now I just needed to figure out how to act brotherly toward a girl I didn’t think of at all in a sisterly way." This stuff! Aaahh! The tension and the strings attached ❄️ Seriously, this book is an absolutely delightful rom-com I've been waiting for✨ #bookashbutterfly #latenights #larissahommes #pubday #arc #arcreviewer #5starreads #contemporaryromance #bookreview #happypubday
Late Nights is a swoon-worthy, dual pov, endearing, charming, slow-burn, romantic, witty, deep, heartwarming, and delightful read! This is the second book in the wonderful Love At Night Series which can all be read as standalones. This book captivated me. It is a sizzling hot slow burn that kills you in the most amazing way. It is closed door, making it appropriate for older teenage readers too. However, there are a considerable amount of references, jokes, and intense moments of longing. Despite being a slow burn this book was hot! It had me anticipating the moment these two got together the entire book and loving every moment in-between!
Cannon James is a lovable main character. He is a stand up guy with a great sense of humor, a successful career, and a gorgeous face......the only thing holding Cannon back from having everything is his past. His heartbreaking childhood has his self worth in the gutter. He keeps everyone at a distance in fear of getting hurt or hurting them. If he can ever see himself like those who love him see him it will be a miracle.
When his best friend's little sister shows up at their shared apartment looking for a place to stay, Cannon and West immediately welcome her in. Cannon knows living in the same apartment as the one person he slips up and let's his guard down around is a bad idea, but he can't say no. Between the undeniable mutual attraction, mutual trust, and late nights spent spent together on the couch Cannon is in trouble.
Demi is a lighthearted, fun-loving, and slightly sassy character. I instantly adored her! She has her own struggles to overcome and works hard to pave her own path. I wish I had more room write about how amazing she really is, but I guess you'll have to read to find out in this dual pov, slow-burn and brother's best friend sizzling hot sweet romantic comedy!
Have you ever seen a teaser for a book when you are struggling to pick something out of your TBR and decide you should read that instead, yeah this is that book!
This book starts off with a rather abrupt knock as Demi has been kicked out of her parents’ home because she has decided to take charge of her own destiny! With only one place to turn, she shows up at her brother’s apartment door, which he shares with his old college roommate Cannon! Demi had a crush on Cannon at one point and wasn’t prepared for him to be thrust into her life head-on. Now she must find her own way and deal with guy, who has always been around, and she has never been able to quite figure out!
Cannon has kept most all women at arm’s length as he isn’t completely sure of how to give them the attention, they deserve without comparing them to one woman, Demi. His longtime roommate’s kid sister, Demi, the girl who no other has ever stood a chance next to and yet has never made a move on because of the unofficial ‘bro code.’ Once figuring out the housing arrangements, these two fall into a bit of a groove, but also tiptoe into some rather comfortable teasing they are truly tested.
The two non-familial roommates also vocalize often of how they only see each other as “family,” having known each other off/on for 10 years. I love the push/pull of their dynamic! I think my favorite moments of them becoming actual friends is when they play video games together, it brings out both their competitive natures but also unleashes an ease and organic groove to their bonding. Sure, there are highs and lows with family dynamics, but this story at its core is finding self-acceptance and realizing that you aren’t meant to be alone. This is book 2 in Larissa’s “Love at Night” series and I can tell you that I’m planning on reading the other two books!
I really loveddd the premise this book, it had me really hooked from the get go!. Larissa really writes good plots in my opinion, I loved the mutual pining between Cannon and Demi, the back and forth and teasing, the will-they or will they-not?, just really really good moments between them. Sadly, I think the pay-off for the crazy tension she builds doesn’t really draw me in. It’s like the scenes/ways she picks to execute their confessions/first kiss (had the same issue with the first book in the series to)really makes it underwhelming for me for all that crazy tension she built with the characters. I want heart pounding, sizzling moments, toe-curling moments and I think Cannon and Demi had it in the bag with the tension,banter and slight angst she built with them (without the spice of course). Also, I DID NOT like the pulling away Cannon did every time and Demi just masking it and moving on. I HATED IT! She basically talked him into a relationship with her! After trying to move on after that kiss, Demi should have gone full on being only cordial with him, heck I wanted her to move out and ignore his existence, make him grovel 😒😒😒. I even thought after his grandfather talked to him, Cannon would get some sense and do the right thing, but I guess not… I just really didn’t enjoy it at all. CANNON DO BETTER, you are not book boyfriend material… 🙄🙄. Away with him… Meanwhile, I cannot wait for Jax and Kate.. 🥲🥲
Late Nights is book 2 of the Love At Night series and it’s Cannon’s story. We meet Cannon in Up All Night (book 1) and I liked him more than I did the MMC. When Larissa announced that Cannon’s story was book 2 I already couldn’t wait. West & Cannon are roommates and West is dating Halle. West’s sister Demi shows up needing a place to stay and West of course offers up his room since he stays with his girlfriend most of the time anyways. It’s the typical cute, forbidden story of the best friend falling for the little sister but done in Larissa’s fun style. The banter is always so good in her books. I’m always worried that when I love a character in one book and they get their own book that I won’t love them as much anymore. Larissa took the same Cannon from book one and just elaborated more on his story and background and I appreciated that so much. Not only did she do it well but she made me love him even more. Cannon thinks he’s broken and seeing everyone convince him otherwise really warmed my heart. Demi & Cannon have so much sexual tension between them and although this is a clean romance I could definitely feel their chemistry and how much they wanted each other. My face hurt so much from smiling! The flirting 10/10, the sexual tension 10/10, their friendship 10/10!!!! I can’t wait for Kate & Jax story.
This was such a cute book! This was my first read by Hommes, and I sped through it. I loved how Cannon and Demi fit together. Cannon was such a sweetheart! The more I learned about his character the more I fell in love with him. He had such a rough childhood, and it made him doubt his worth. It was sweet to watch him work through his trauma, and the timing of everything felt very realistic. He did do some back and forth with Demi, but it made sense to me because he felt so unworthy. Demi was a fun character! It was interesting to see her come to life the longer she was out of her family’s thumb. It made me want to read the other books, so I could see more of her transformation. But I still felt like I related to her character and understood the story even though I hadn’t read the other books. This was a sweet story that I sped through! It’s a closed door romcom perfect for fans of brother’s best friend trope. This one hints at some other HEAs to come which I’m excited for! I would totally recommend this adorable romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
So I’m a couple of days late on my review, it’s been crazy here!
I absolutely loved this, I love Larissa’s writing style, she brings the most angst and tension between a couple while still giving you butterflies!! Cannon is so admirable, he’s cute, successful- despite his past and a genuinely good person, the perfect match for Demi. I loved watching Demi take her own path in life despite her families strong wishes for her. Her bravery to step outside of her comfort zone had me cheering for her.
“What if you were always meant to find us? To find me?” 🥹🤭🩵
The two of them having so much worry over Demi’s family finding out really kept you on your toes and it gave the book a bit of a fobidden love trope- I loved it🤭
Larissa sure knows how to write a swoony, cute romance and this one was no different. Brothers best friend, friends to lovers- some of my favorite tropes 🩵🥹 Thank you so much, this was such an amazing book! I can’t wait to read more from you! 🩵🫶🏻
Ok, Larissa is for sure a favorite author of mine and I always look forward to reading her books. This one was no different! After meeting Cannon and Demi in book 1 of this series (Up All Night), I couldn’t wait to get their story! This book was so much fun, and at the same time emotional 🩵 The banter, the emotional connection, the chemistry made this such an amazing read. Demi was so supportive and uplifting to Cannon, and making sure he knew that she didn’t see him how he saw himself. Those parts and conversations between the two of them were so emotional and freaking sweet. That’s something I’ve come to LOVE about Larissa’s books. There were also lots of laugh out loud parts, and we get to see more of West and Halley from book one! I cannot recommend Larissa’s books enough! Her writing is fantastic and it sucks you right in from the beginning. I can’t put her books down when I’m reading them.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 ♡ •video games •so much flirty banter •tickle fights •the ski trip •Jax’s moves •movie night •snowball fights •he looks like Henry Cavill •brother’s best friend
Friends to lovers can be tricky for me since it usually involves a lot of miscommunication, but Larissa Hommes delivered the swooniest friends to lovers I’ve read lately! I loved the forced proximity and how their feelings for each other made Demi and Cannon communicate instead of tiptoeing around each other. There was so much delicious tension in this story and I just ate it up. This was a highly anticipated read and it didn’t disappoint! How can you go wrong when the hero looks like Henry Cavill?!
Content: kisses
Thank you to the author for a gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.
You know what? I’m just gonna go ahead and give this five stars. I don’t hand out five star much but I feel like Larissa Hommes just reached into my brain and knew what I needed to read at this moment and then delivered this adorable little RomCom. As an older woman (I mean, I’m not too old, just too old for most YA - but that doesn’t mean I don’t read them!) I enjoy books that have characters that are older than high school age. I also like when a book can be a little steamy without giving me all the explicit details. And this was such a great combination of steamy but clean - can that be a thing? Anyway, I really enjoyed this book and hope more people would pick it up and give it a try too.
This was a cute, swoony book that touches on some sensitive topics. Cannon didn't have a great childhood, and because of that, he doesn't think he's capable of love. He's always been attracted to his best friends sister, but he doesn't want to risk the only family he has by making a move. When she becomes his new roommate, he has a hard time keeping his flirting to himself, and their late night conversations start to tare his walls down.
🌙 Brother's Best Friend 🌙 Forced Proximity 🌙 Roommates 🌙 Found Family 🌙 Slow Burn 🌙 Dual POV 🌙 Closed Door
I admit that I didn't know this book was part of a series so, it can be read as a standalone. This story is so endearing and heartwarming! Cannon had a horrible childhood but with help from his grandfather, he has achieved so much but struggles with opening up to others. Demi is his best friend's younger sister that he has known for ten years. They have both been crushing on each other and it becomes more challenging to avoid the attraction when Demi moves into her brother's room in the apartment he shares with Cannon. The characters are well thought out and relatable. I enjoyed this sweet book!
Cannon and Demi are both attracted to each other and both doing their best to pretend they’re not. They enjoy their friendship with each other too much to risk it, but also Cannon is Demi’s older brother’s best friend. And Cannon has found a family through West. Can he risk losing that if he takes a chance with Demi?
Lots of fun banter, and really some sweet and swooney moments as well as some that were rather frustrating. You just want them to finally admit their feelings.
Possible issue for some readers: This is absolutely a clean book. Closed door. But there is implied premarital sex.
Demi had just upended her entire life and was about to upend Cannon's. This was such a sweet story of how someone's horrendous past could be overcome and how love does indeed make the difference. I loved the banter and the honesty and how parents' love and approval can grow with their adult children's growth. It's a heartwarming story with a beautiful ending.
This book was so sweet, Cannon and Demi were so lovable! They had amazing chemistry, the best banter and they had the sweetest connection. They went so well together and balanced each other out. I love how supportive and uplifting they were for one another. Demi was constantly reassuring Cannon and they had some deep conversations about what he went through and she was so caring and supportive. These two had me laughing and tearing up through out the whole book🩷
🩵 Brother's Best Friend 🩵 Forced Proximity 🩵 Found Family 🩵 Slow Burn 🩵 Closed Door
I had the best time reading this and I cant wait to go back and read book 1. Thank you so much for the arc and I cant wait for more! 🫶🏼
Brother’s best friend is one of my favorite tropes and after meeting Cannon and Demi in Up All Night, I knew I wanted to read their story. This one has all the forbidden pining that we love in this trope. I couldn’t help but smile during their flirty texting and video games. It was also great to see West and Halle again. This was an enjoyable, quick and sweet read.
A sweet clean romance. Gives you an insight into the trauma of what some children endure, that can result in adulthood difficulties. Beautiful love story that over comes the struggles related to childhood psychological issues. Keeps you rooting for a happily ever after. Love the characters chemistry.
I’m always a sucker for brothers best friend stories, especially when they include a longtime secret crush. I loved how flirty these two were and how much fun banter they had. Lots of tension without too much angst. All. the. sizzles. without spice. The writing in the first half of the book made me lean toward a 3.5 star rating, but it improved a lot and bumped the book up to a four.
You know when you read a cute book and wanna happy kick at some parts? It's just so good you smile? All that and more with this one. Witty Banter, Brothers Best Friend, etc. So much goodness. Read it one day.
I love that Cannon found his HEA with Demi. There was a great friendship between them, so much chemistry, fun banter and swoony kisses. The characters are all so well developed it was a book I didn't want to put down.