What do you think?
Rate this book
The Swift Brothers #1
Morgan: Alternate Cover
Morgan
When I left Birchbark angry and broken-hearted, I vowed never to return.
Fate had other plans.
The father I hate had a stroke. Now, at thirty-five-years-old, I’m back in the upper peninsula to take care of him. Being a Swift has never been easy. The locals treat Dad like royalty, while Dad vacillates between open anger and flat-out ignoring me. Add on that my relationship with my brothers is a mess… Being back here is unbearable.
The only saving grace is Dusty, my childhood best friend. He’s always had my back, save for one night ten years ago that changed everything. We’re trying to put that behind us. Despite my endless family drama, Dusty becomes my solace, and it’s not long before our emotional connection becomes physical. Dusty worships my body in ways no man has before, but more importantly, has stolen my heart. Except Dusty’s home is here, and mine is in Santa Monica, as far from Birchbark as I can get.
While I’m battling it out with Dad and my brothers and trying to hold the family together, my every impulse is to leave the first chance I get. But I can’t leave Dusty behind. Not again. If I want any chance at real happiness, I’ve got to work through this anger and grief…even as the hits keep coming.
Morgan is a small town, friends to lovers romance with all the feels, heat and character development you expect from a Riley Hart novel. It deals with themes of grief, loss of a parent/sibling (off page), and toxic family relationships.
When I left Birchbark angry and broken-hearted, I vowed never to return.
Fate had other plans.
The father I hate had a stroke. Now, at thirty-five-years-old, I’m back in the upper peninsula to take care of him. Being a Swift has never been easy. The locals treat Dad like royalty, while Dad vacillates between open anger and flat-out ignoring me. Add on that my relationship with my brothers is a mess… Being back here is unbearable.
The only saving grace is Dusty, my childhood best friend. He’s always had my back, save for one night ten years ago that changed everything. We’re trying to put that behind us. Despite my endless family drama, Dusty becomes my solace, and it’s not long before our emotional connection becomes physical. Dusty worships my body in ways no man has before, but more importantly, has stolen my heart. Except Dusty’s home is here, and mine is in Santa Monica, as far from Birchbark as I can get.
While I’m battling it out with Dad and my brothers and trying to hold the family together, my every impulse is to leave the first chance I get. But I can’t leave Dusty behind. Not again. If I want any chance at real happiness, I’ve got to work through this anger and grief…even as the hits keep coming.
Morgan is a small town, friends to lovers romance with all the feels, heat and character development you expect from a Riley Hart novel. It deals with themes of grief, loss of a parent/sibling (off page), and toxic family relationships.
284 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2024
753 people are currently reading
1520 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
116 books7,107 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
October 12, 2024
~2.5~
The premise of this book is that Morgan and Dusty are best friends until Morgan stumbles upon Dusty and Rhett (Morgan's older brother) kissing. Morgan and Dusty are 24 at the time and have always been just friends, so Dusty can kiss anyone he wants.
Morgan carries animosity toward Rhett, so I can understand that he was upset and maybe a little jealous. I can understand that he'd need a few days, maybe even weeks, to cool down.
What I can't understand is Morgan leaving and going no contact with his brothers and best friend for TEN FUCKING YEARS.
That is not normal. Grown men in their 20s don't act like that, and if they do, they are immature asshats, not troubled heroes. Nothing justifies that. NOTHING. Morgan doesn't even let Dusty explain.
Yet when Morgan waltzes back into town because his father had a stroke, Dusty immediately forgives him, and declarations of love are exchanged in the blink of an eye.
On top of this, Morgan has a boyfriend for half of the story. They're in an open relationship, and the boyfriend isn't a great dude, but still. This added nothing to the story, and I questioned why it was even included. It felt like the author was preaching about open relationships, because everyone in the story kept clarifying, "not that there's anything wrong with that." Okay. We get it. Move on.
There was drama on top of drama on top of more drama. Drama llama central.
The entire story was a giant soap opera, with the characters meeting in various places to have deep conversations that go round and round in circles: Rhett and Morgan; Dusty and Rhett; Morgan and his father; Dusty and Easton (Morgan and Rhett's younger brother); Easton and Morgan. And so on ad nauseam. It all felt so staged and fake.
The father was so terrible and selfish and callous, he was a caricature of the Bad Parent. He didn't have one redeeming quality, and it made no sense that after a decade-long absence, Morgan finally returns to his home town not for his brothers or the best friend he dumped but for his cruel, abusive father whom he hates.
The book focuses on how fucked up the Swift (is this really the best choice for a last name at the moment?) brothers are. Dysfunctional family dynamics, particularly when grief and abuse are involved, are a thing for sure, but Morgan and Rhett are in their 30s and can't be in the same room for five minutes without yelling, trading insults, and nearly coming to blows. It was exhausting.
Honestly, I didn't like Morgan much. He takes Dusty for granted until the very end. Dusty and Rhett are supposedly friends, but I didn't see that. In fact, the second Morgan arrives in town, Dusty dumps Rhett to shack up with Morgan.
Morgan and Dusty get their tentative HEA, and I will admit the steamy scenes were damn hot, but overall this book was a miss for me.
Rounding up because I like small town settings and have no complaints about the writing. Riley Hart rarely writes gay MCs (they're always bi/pan), and both Morgan and Dusty are gay, so that's a bonus.
The premise of this book is that Morgan and Dusty are best friends until Morgan stumbles upon Dusty and Rhett (Morgan's older brother) kissing. Morgan and Dusty are 24 at the time and have always been just friends, so Dusty can kiss anyone he wants.
Morgan carries animosity toward Rhett, so I can understand that he was upset and maybe a little jealous. I can understand that he'd need a few days, maybe even weeks, to cool down.
What I can't understand is Morgan leaving and going no contact with his brothers and best friend for TEN FUCKING YEARS.
That is not normal. Grown men in their 20s don't act like that, and if they do, they are immature asshats, not troubled heroes. Nothing justifies that. NOTHING. Morgan doesn't even let Dusty explain.
Yet when Morgan waltzes back into town because his father had a stroke, Dusty immediately forgives him, and declarations of love are exchanged in the blink of an eye.
On top of this, Morgan has a boyfriend for half of the story. They're in an open relationship, and the boyfriend isn't a great dude, but still. This added nothing to the story, and I questioned why it was even included. It felt like the author was preaching about open relationships, because everyone in the story kept clarifying, "not that there's anything wrong with that." Okay. We get it. Move on.
There was drama on top of drama on top of more drama. Drama llama central.
The entire story was a giant soap opera, with the characters meeting in various places to have deep conversations that go round and round in circles: Rhett and Morgan; Dusty and Rhett; Morgan and his father; Dusty and Easton (Morgan and Rhett's younger brother); Easton and Morgan. And so on ad nauseam. It all felt so staged and fake.
The father was so terrible and selfish and callous, he was a caricature of the Bad Parent. He didn't have one redeeming quality, and it made no sense that after a decade-long absence, Morgan finally returns to his home town not for his brothers or the best friend he dumped but for his cruel, abusive father whom he hates.
The book focuses on how fucked up the Swift (is this really the best choice for a last name at the moment?) brothers are. Dysfunctional family dynamics, particularly when grief and abuse are involved, are a thing for sure, but Morgan and Rhett are in their 30s and can't be in the same room for five minutes without yelling, trading insults, and nearly coming to blows. It was exhausting.
Honestly, I didn't like Morgan much. He takes Dusty for granted until the very end. Dusty and Rhett are supposedly friends, but I didn't see that. In fact, the second Morgan arrives in town, Dusty dumps Rhett to shack up with Morgan.
Morgan and Dusty get their tentative HEA, and I will admit the steamy scenes were damn hot, but overall this book was a miss for me.
Rounding up because I like small town settings and have no complaints about the writing. Riley Hart rarely writes gay MCs (they're always bi/pan), and both Morgan and Dusty are gay, so that's a bonus.
![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)
October 14, 2024
the romance between Morgan and Dusty (childhood best friends to lovers, second chance, lil bit of angst bc of one night that had everything went to shit between them) and the complex familial dynamics between the three brothers got me GOOD in this. i loved it so much. i was invested and attached to the characters in this universe already.
oh i'm so excited for 👀😭 brb i'm off to read Easton's book. 🥹
oh i'm so excited for 👀😭 brb i'm off to read Easton's book. 🥹
dropped
October 15, 2024***no rating***
dropped @60%
There’s probably nothing wrong with this book, but I’m not invested and booooored! And angry. Angry that I used one of my precious audible credits for this.
*************
The Swift Brothers Series
Book 1 - Morgan - dropped
Book 2 - Easton
Book 3 - Rhett - release 06/25
dropped @60%
There’s probably nothing wrong with this book, but I’m not invested and booooored! And angry. Angry that I used one of my precious audible credits for this.
*************
The Swift Brothers Series
Book 1 - Morgan - dropped
Book 2 - Easton
Book 3 - Rhett - release 06/25
March 19, 2024
Morgan, the first entry in The Swift Brothers series is an angsty and emotional read. The miscommunication and decades long grudges within this family hurt while reading this story. The Swift Brothers consists of Rhett, the oldest, Morgan the middle child and Easton, the youngest who frequently gets into trouble with the law.
All three of these brothers have experienced, loss, trauma and severe family toxicity and dysfunction at the hands of their father. I so desperately wanted this family to see a therapist together and work through their issues. The brothers are stubborn and reluctant to face their many issues with one another and I am glad that not all of their issues with one another were settled at the end of this story, so their will be a natural progression for these brothers.
As for the love story, it is a great second chance romance. This entry focuses on Morgan, his return to his hometown after leaving for ten years and his reunion with his ex best friend Dusty. The reason for their separation is frustrating due to the major miscommunication between the two, but I enjoyed watching them both reconnect and find their way back to one another.
Overall this was a great start to this series. The strong emotional moments really hit hard and I enjoyed seeing a family try to find their way back to one another.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
All three of these brothers have experienced, loss, trauma and severe family toxicity and dysfunction at the hands of their father. I so desperately wanted this family to see a therapist together and work through their issues. The brothers are stubborn and reluctant to face their many issues with one another and I am glad that not all of their issues with one another were settled at the end of this story, so their will be a natural progression for these brothers.
As for the love story, it is a great second chance romance. This entry focuses on Morgan, his return to his hometown after leaving for ten years and his reunion with his ex best friend Dusty. The reason for their separation is frustrating due to the major miscommunication between the two, but I enjoyed watching them both reconnect and find their way back to one another.
Overall this was a great start to this series. The strong emotional moments really hit hard and I enjoyed seeing a family try to find their way back to one another.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
January 23, 2025
The kind of books that will change your life or who you are as a person? Maybe not.But are they WORTH every second you spend on them? ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY.
April 5, 2024
Nobody can write the "Friends to Lovers" trope like Riley Hart does. Same is the case for "Morgan", the first entry to The Swift Brothers series. It is a romance book full of angst and emotions. Morgan and Dust are main characters. Miss Hart has fleshed out these guys beautifully. You'll feel the lifelong bond between them, strong and unbreakable, despite the years of hurt, confusion, and misunderstandings.
"Morgan" is, no doubt, a great book. But I personally didn't have the best experience with it. Mostly, it's my fault. I picked this book up at the wrong time. I was felling sad and depressed that day. So I thought of reading a book to feel...And "Morgan" did make me feel. But all I felt was frustration and annoyance. Morgan had so much anger bubbled up inside him. He was constantly lashing out. Rhett was an asshole. I loved Easton as character but no one in his family was fair to him. Even after the ending of this book, I don't think what they did for East was near enough. All in, there was way too much negative feelings in this book. None of these made me feel any better. So, I'm gonna rate this book 3 stars, purely based on my personal reading experience. Don't get offended or discouraged by my review. It's a good book. You should definitely read it if you're interested.
"Morgan" is, no doubt, a great book. But I personally didn't have the best experience with it. Mostly, it's my fault. I picked this book up at the wrong time. I was felling sad and depressed that day. So I thought of reading a book to feel...And "Morgan" did make me feel. But all I felt was frustration and annoyance. Morgan had so much anger bubbled up inside him. He was constantly lashing out. Rhett was an asshole. I loved Easton as character but no one in his family was fair to him. Even after the ending of this book, I don't think what they did for East was near enough. All in, there was way too much negative feelings in this book. None of these made me feel any better. So, I'm gonna rate this book 3 stars, purely based on my personal reading experience. Don't get offended or discouraged by my review. It's a good book. You should definitely read it if you're interested.
April 8, 2024
I skimmed a lot as some parts were quite boring. Skimmed the sex scenes as well because it was the same old, same old. But what annoyed me was how unlikable pretty much everyone was. They all acted like 18 years old and not their age. Perhaps Dusty not so much even though he forgave Morgan too easily. Overall, not a great book IMO.
April 19, 2025
I'm sorry but why is every single adult pouting, sulking and basically behaving 24/7 as an 8 year old kid? Like, dudes, talk and sort the fucking shit out LIKE THE ADULTS THAT YOU ARE! God, so infuriating
March 19, 2024
5 stars
Riley Hart delivered another book that left me speechless.
I read Morgan in one sitting 2 days ago and I needed a minute to sort out all my feelings.
I thought it would have been a lovely story of a second chance at love in a cute small town, best friends riunited and siblings who miss each others.
I did not expect all the confusing emotions and conflicted feelings: this is a story about different men who shared a past but now they're barely speaking to each others, men who are all at fault and don't know how to let go and move on, men who hurt one another (and still do).
There are so many broken relationships involved (between father/children, between siblings, between best friends) that it's difficult to start mending them. And even people who aren't among them anymore have their own fault.
I thought I didn't like this book, then I thought about these people constantly for 2 days and later I realised that this is life: it's messy and ungly sometimes, people are not perfect and get hurt, but love will always find its way.
The sex scenes are beautifully written and, above all, I loved Dusty and Morgan's ability to be fully honest with each other and to not waste another second by keeping secrets or leaving things unsaid.
Two last things: I can’t wait for one of the Swift brother's book, because I need to know that he will find his happiness, even if I'm currently not liking him very much.
Second, geez, Dusty can talk dirty!!!
Absolutely recommended.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
Riley Hart delivered another book that left me speechless.
I read Morgan in one sitting 2 days ago and I needed a minute to sort out all my feelings.
I thought it would have been a lovely story of a second chance at love in a cute small town, best friends riunited and siblings who miss each others.
I did not expect all the confusing emotions and conflicted feelings: this is a story about different men who shared a past but now they're barely speaking to each others, men who are all at fault and don't know how to let go and move on, men who hurt one another (and still do).
There are so many broken relationships involved (between father/children, between siblings, between best friends) that it's difficult to start mending them. And even people who aren't among them anymore have their own fault.
I thought I didn't like this book, then I thought about these people constantly for 2 days and later I realised that this is life: it's messy and ungly sometimes, people are not perfect and get hurt, but love will always find its way.
The sex scenes are beautifully written and, above all, I loved Dusty and Morgan's ability to be fully honest with each other and to not waste another second by keeping secrets or leaving things unsaid.
Two last things: I can’t wait for one of the Swift brother's book, because I need to know that he will find his happiness, even if I'm currently not liking him very much.
Second, geez, Dusty can talk dirty!!!
Absolutely recommended.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
April 11, 2024
I saw the blurb for this and I was very interested in the story and the story was so interesting. The background story is more than the couple I will say, the story revolves around the family, the town, and how broken these brothers are. I had some trouble connecting Morgan and Dusty as a couple, I think they had more conversations about the issues but I did like them as characters. I found myself getting frustrated with Morgan at times because he, in his mind, knows how he needs to handle things but then it took forever for him to get there. But that is what trauma does to the brain.
I am so intrigued with Rhett and Easton and I am excited for their books. I did like this book but not for the couple. They were cute but I honestly couldn't get super into them as a couple.
Side note: this book reminds me of "Ordinary People" the movie and the elements of how a family deals with grief and how it can either take time to put a family back together slowly or some pieces may never be placed back together.
I am so intrigued with Rhett and Easton and I am excited for their books. I did like this book but not for the couple. They were cute but I honestly couldn't get super into them as a couple.
Side note: this book reminds me of "Ordinary People" the movie and the elements of how a family deals with grief and how it can either take time to put a family back together slowly or some pieces may never be placed back together.
July 29, 2025
Morgan: "When I left Birchbark, Michigan angry and heartbroken, I vowed never to return. Thankfully, fate had other plans."
Dusty: "My best friend is gone. He's taken my heart with him, and I didn't even get a chance to explain."
Morgan is the middle Swift Brother and has had a very troubled life. His childhood was filled with tragedy and sadness. He and his older brother, Rhett, and his younger brother, Easton, are as far apart...and not just in age but in life, as any brothers could be. Morgan and Rhett are closer in age, and they have always been in competition for their father’s approval. It didn't matter what they did, it was never "enough", and everyday Morgan and Rhett grew to resent each other more. The one bright spot in Morgan’s life is his best friend, Dusty. Morgan and Dusty have both been in love with each other for years, but they are afraid to speak of it or show it. Then Morgan witnesses something that devastates him so much that he leaves his hometown for the other side of the country and doesn’t return or speak to Dusty for a long 10 years. When Morgan’s father has a stroke, Morgan returns to the town that had brought him nothing but sadness.
When Dusty and Morgan meet again, the impulse to pick up right where they left off is strong.... but a lot has happened in those 10 years, and they need to repair what had been broken between them before. Morgan also needs to try and repair what had been broken and lost between himself and his brothers. With their father still in the middle of their family, that is going to be a monumental task. Every day, Morgan wants to leave again, but he knows he can’t leave Dusty behind the second time, and he needs to find a way to mend all of his relationships, but the chaos never seems to end.
I have read and own, a lot of books by Riley Hart and this one, Morgan, just felt like it was going to be a favorite. Morgan’s life is filled with tension. His home life had fallen apart when he was just a boy, and he was left in the position of helping with his younger siblings. He resented his father and older brother for reasons that we quickly learn and completely understand. Morgan has never recovered from any of this. Several storylines are tied together with Morgan’s early life, with his family when he returns home, and also his best and present relationship with Dusty. I absolutely loved Dusty!
Morgan and Dusty were close friends from childhood...long before they were lovers. Neither can believe they had not tried to contact each other all these 10 years, and they both want and need to repair that damage. All these characters are well developed, and their feelings and emotions come out bleeding and raw all over the printed page. Some of it will be emotionally heartbreaking.
There is a "light at the end of the tunnel" and a "happy ever after" for Morgan and Dusty that will have you cheering. However, there is also still a lot to discover here, and two more Swift Brothers. Their stories are closely interwoven with Morgan's, and I'm looking forward to leaning more about these other two brothers and how their stories connect. See you in Birchbark!
Dusty: "My best friend is gone. He's taken my heart with him, and I didn't even get a chance to explain."
Morgan is the middle Swift Brother and has had a very troubled life. His childhood was filled with tragedy and sadness. He and his older brother, Rhett, and his younger brother, Easton, are as far apart...and not just in age but in life, as any brothers could be. Morgan and Rhett are closer in age, and they have always been in competition for their father’s approval. It didn't matter what they did, it was never "enough", and everyday Morgan and Rhett grew to resent each other more. The one bright spot in Morgan’s life is his best friend, Dusty. Morgan and Dusty have both been in love with each other for years, but they are afraid to speak of it or show it. Then Morgan witnesses something that devastates him so much that he leaves his hometown for the other side of the country and doesn’t return or speak to Dusty for a long 10 years. When Morgan’s father has a stroke, Morgan returns to the town that had brought him nothing but sadness.
When Dusty and Morgan meet again, the impulse to pick up right where they left off is strong.... but a lot has happened in those 10 years, and they need to repair what had been broken between them before. Morgan also needs to try and repair what had been broken and lost between himself and his brothers. With their father still in the middle of their family, that is going to be a monumental task. Every day, Morgan wants to leave again, but he knows he can’t leave Dusty behind the second time, and he needs to find a way to mend all of his relationships, but the chaos never seems to end.
I have read and own, a lot of books by Riley Hart and this one, Morgan, just felt like it was going to be a favorite. Morgan’s life is filled with tension. His home life had fallen apart when he was just a boy, and he was left in the position of helping with his younger siblings. He resented his father and older brother for reasons that we quickly learn and completely understand. Morgan has never recovered from any of this. Several storylines are tied together with Morgan’s early life, with his family when he returns home, and also his best and present relationship with Dusty. I absolutely loved Dusty!
Morgan and Dusty were close friends from childhood...long before they were lovers. Neither can believe they had not tried to contact each other all these 10 years, and they both want and need to repair that damage. All these characters are well developed, and their feelings and emotions come out bleeding and raw all over the printed page. Some of it will be emotionally heartbreaking.
There is a "light at the end of the tunnel" and a "happy ever after" for Morgan and Dusty that will have you cheering. However, there is also still a lot to discover here, and two more Swift Brothers. Their stories are closely interwoven with Morgan's, and I'm looking forward to leaning more about these other two brothers and how their stories connect. See you in Birchbark!
May 6, 2025
This book was okay, but nothing remarkable. Dusty forgave Morgan way too quickly for my taste. If someone did to me what Morgan did to him, they'd be groveling for weeks. You don't just abandon your best friend for ten years over something so trivial. Also, the chemistry between these two felt kinda forced. For a childhood friends to lovers story, there was very little insight into their shared past. They might as well have been strangers. Overall, the book was mildly entertaining and low on drama between the MCs, but I won't be continuing this series.
March 27, 2025
I thought I was good at holding a grudge but Morgan definitely wins!
I was curious about Morgan as soon as he appeared in Spencer's book, and I enjoyed getting to know more about him and why he was so closed off.
The Swifts are just a disaster zone and I totally empathised with Morgan's frustration. It was nice to see him starting to rebuild relationships with his brothers, even though Rhett can't get out of his own way, but I actually enjoyed how easily Morgan and Dusty became a couple. It was like the calm amongst the storm of the rest of Morgan's life, and it was so nice that there wasn't any extra drama within their relationship.
I did find myself laughing though whenever Morgan talked about California because it was so bloody obvious that his heart wasn't really in it!
Easton is my favourite brother though, although there's potential for Rhett to steal his crown because I suspect his story is going to be more soul searching than either Morgan or Easton's
I was curious about Morgan as soon as he appeared in Spencer's book, and I enjoyed getting to know more about him and why he was so closed off.
The Swifts are just a disaster zone and I totally empathised with Morgan's frustration. It was nice to see him starting to rebuild relationships with his brothers, even though Rhett can't get out of his own way, but I actually enjoyed how easily Morgan and Dusty became a couple. It was like the calm amongst the storm of the rest of Morgan's life, and it was so nice that there wasn't any extra drama within their relationship.
I did find myself laughing though whenever Morgan talked about California because it was so bloody obvious that his heart wasn't really in it!
Easton is my favourite brother though, although there's potential for Rhett to steal his crown because I suspect his story is going to be more soul searching than either Morgan or Easton's
October 13, 2024
3.5⭐️ I really enjoyed the first half of this story and then it sort of got to be too much and too repetitive. The Swift family is absurdly melodramatic and toxic and dysfunctional, and that honestly was the best part of this story. I felt so bad for all three brothers and their tragic history and terrible father. I found myself rooting more for the reparation of their relationships than I did for the MCs.
The romance itself fell together too easily and too quickly for me. I liked the angst of the miscommunication and separation at the beginning but I really wanted to see more of it between Dusty and Morgan upon them reuniting. But they almost immediately jump into a relationship and everything seems pretty wrapped up before 50% even hits. So the last 100+ pages is just more drawn-out, repetitive conversations and them trying to figure out where they’re going to live together. Even the sex was a little awkward, lots of armpit and knee licking?? And the dirty talk was pretty unrealistic and cliche, only a romance author could come up with the things Dusty said in bed.
All the stars for the family drama. Morgan and Dusty’s story is not my favorite though.
The romance itself fell together too easily and too quickly for me. I liked the angst of the miscommunication and separation at the beginning but I really wanted to see more of it between Dusty and Morgan upon them reuniting. But they almost immediately jump into a relationship and everything seems pretty wrapped up before 50% even hits. So the last 100+ pages is just more drawn-out, repetitive conversations and them trying to figure out where they’re going to live together. Even the sex was a little awkward, lots of armpit and knee licking?? And the dirty talk was pretty unrealistic and cliche, only a romance author could come up with the things Dusty said in bed.
All the stars for the family drama. Morgan and Dusty’s story is not my favorite though.
December 24, 2024
Contemporary MM
Small Town
Second Chance-ish
Friends To Lovers
Toxic Family Drama
Lots of Pining
Med Burn Spice
This was equal parts emotional and so sweet. Loved the relationship between Dusty and Morgan, mostly because I really liked Dusty’s character. He was just a little Mr Fixit when it came to Morgan’s family. Well, at least a wannabe Mr Fixit, because that family is so f’ed up. Whew boy.
Morgan and Dusty were childhood BFFs that wound up loving each other and pining for each other, but never let the other know for fear of ruining their relationship. Morgan knew he was always going to leave, but a string of tragic events spurred that on and also severed a lot of relationships. When Morgan is 35, his (horrible) dad has a stroke and Morgan heads home to people he hasn’t seen is over a decade. Including his ex best friend Dusty.
This book is about Morgan and Dusty, but so much of it is also about Morgan’s two other brothers and their volatile relationships. It is so bad, and so frustrating but I cannot get enough! I must love family drama more than I realized because I enjoyed the hell outta this storyline. It’s toxic, angsty and at times childish, and I am here for it. Looking forward to the next books with Morgan’s brothers Easton and Rhett.
Small Town
Second Chance-ish
Friends To Lovers
Toxic Family Drama
Lots of Pining
Med Burn Spice
This was equal parts emotional and so sweet. Loved the relationship between Dusty and Morgan, mostly because I really liked Dusty’s character. He was just a little Mr Fixit when it came to Morgan’s family. Well, at least a wannabe Mr Fixit, because that family is so f’ed up. Whew boy.
Morgan and Dusty were childhood BFFs that wound up loving each other and pining for each other, but never let the other know for fear of ruining their relationship. Morgan knew he was always going to leave, but a string of tragic events spurred that on and also severed a lot of relationships. When Morgan is 35, his (horrible) dad has a stroke and Morgan heads home to people he hasn’t seen is over a decade. Including his ex best friend Dusty.
This book is about Morgan and Dusty, but so much of it is also about Morgan’s two other brothers and their volatile relationships. It is so bad, and so frustrating but I cannot get enough! I must love family drama more than I realized because I enjoyed the hell outta this storyline. It’s toxic, angsty and at times childish, and I am here for it. Looking forward to the next books with Morgan’s brothers Easton and Rhett.
April 11, 2024
* 4 stars *
Morgan and Dusty were childhood friends who had a falling out when they were twenty-five and ten years later they reconnect.
The ten year separation was because of Morgan being stubborn and jealous and because of Dusty being sad and desperate. There wasn't a good reason for it but it happened so that's that.
Morgan had been through a lot before he even became an adult. His family was far from perfect and his father was the one mainly to blame. Then he experienced some huge losses and his remaining family became even more dysfunctional.
The story basically takes place over a summer with a few flashbacks to past events. Morgan returns home after ten years and from the moment he steps foot in his hometown he has a lot of relationships to repair.
I think his reconciliation with Dusty happened really fast and too easily but other than the pace, I liked seeing them finding each other again. This time they both decided to be honest and share how they really felt so a relationship didn't take long to begin.
The other two Swift brothers are Rhett and Easton. They both have a lot of issues to work through and a heavy past to overcome. I'm fairly confident I know who Easton's other half will be and I think they'll be good together. It's not clear yet about Rhett but there's still one other side character that has me wondering whether it'll be him.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
Morgan and Dusty were childhood friends who had a falling out when they were twenty-five and ten years later they reconnect.
The ten year separation was because of Morgan being stubborn and jealous and because of Dusty being sad and desperate. There wasn't a good reason for it but it happened so that's that.
Morgan had been through a lot before he even became an adult. His family was far from perfect and his father was the one mainly to blame. Then he experienced some huge losses and his remaining family became even more dysfunctional.
The story basically takes place over a summer with a few flashbacks to past events. Morgan returns home after ten years and from the moment he steps foot in his hometown he has a lot of relationships to repair.
I think his reconciliation with Dusty happened really fast and too easily but other than the pace, I liked seeing them finding each other again. This time they both decided to be honest and share how they really felt so a relationship didn't take long to begin.
The other two Swift brothers are Rhett and Easton. They both have a lot of issues to work through and a heavy past to overcome. I'm fairly confident I know who Easton's other half will be and I think they'll be good together. It's not clear yet about Rhett but there's still one other side character that has me wondering whether it'll be him.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
March 25, 2024
Riley Hart always knows how to bring the heart and emotions to all of their stories and their main characters. Morgan and Dusty’s love story was no exception.
💛MM romance
💛Small town romance
💛Best friends to strangers to lovers
💛Second chance romance
💛Body worship
💛All the family drama
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔💔
A decade ago, choices were made by Morgan and Dusty individually that totally changed the projection of their friendship. Now here we are, and Morgan is back in his hometown taking care of his estranged father.
Immediately Dusty and Morgan’s chemistry is still just as evident as it was all those years ago. But will they be able to move on from the hurt that they both caused each other? Or will their mistakes continue to haunt them?
These characters are absolute soulmates who have finally found their way back to each other. Both of their characters have done so much growing since they were in their mid 20’s and they learn that they both never really fell out of love with each other.
Aside from the romance, the family – drama we can call it – in Morgan’s family was the star of this book. There is SO much hurt there, like SO much. Which makes me so excited to get Rhett and Easton’s books next. I genuinely don’t know whose book I am more excited for – all I know is that these books are going to be ANGSTY!!!
💛MM romance
💛Small town romance
💛Best friends to strangers to lovers
💛Second chance romance
💛Body worship
💛All the family drama
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔💔
A decade ago, choices were made by Morgan and Dusty individually that totally changed the projection of their friendship. Now here we are, and Morgan is back in his hometown taking care of his estranged father.
Immediately Dusty and Morgan’s chemistry is still just as evident as it was all those years ago. But will they be able to move on from the hurt that they both caused each other? Or will their mistakes continue to haunt them?
These characters are absolute soulmates who have finally found their way back to each other. Both of their characters have done so much growing since they were in their mid 20’s and they learn that they both never really fell out of love with each other.
Aside from the romance, the family – drama we can call it – in Morgan’s family was the star of this book. There is SO much hurt there, like SO much. Which makes me so excited to get Rhett and Easton’s books next. I genuinely don’t know whose book I am more excited for – all I know is that these books are going to be ANGSTY!!!
April 5, 2024
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
I love a good childhood best friends to lovers story. Hart packs a lot of intense and/or vulnerable conversations, emotional turbulence, and passion in this story.
Morgan and Dusty are childhood best friends who have a misunderstanding and end up not speaking for ten years after Morgan leaves the UP for Southern California. Morgan returns years later after his dad suffers a stroke. The family patriarch Gregory Swift is a hard man to be around for all of the Swift kids (and Dusty, by association). It’s clear that Gregory brings out the worst in his kids, in terms of emotions and how to deal with them. Morgan and his father have a tempestuous relationship, as do Morgan and his brother, Rhett. All of the Swift brothers have emotional strife that they have trouble dealing with, most likely a direct result of their childhoods and a couple of tragic events that took place then. The youngest Swift brother, Easton, might be taking it the hardest.
Morgan and Dusty pick up where they left off a decade ago. Things are still a little tense because of a past incident, but they fall back into their old level of comfortability and closeness pretty quickly. Making up for lost time, things heat up pretty quickly between Dusty and Morgan. Their declarations of love are heartfelt, (if not seriously delayed), but the passion and dedication to one another is visceral. It’s crystal clear how much Morgan and Dusty care for one another and how they want the best for each other. I was happy that they worked everything out between them. Dusty and Morgan’s HEA is both sweet and swoon worthy!
I was also happy that Spencer (from the Vers podcast crew) got to see a different side to Morgan as well when they catch up in this book. I’m intrigued by Archer (Officer Thorn) and I can’t wait to see if he ends up as the romantic interest in Easton’s story, up next in the series.
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
I love a good childhood best friends to lovers story. Hart packs a lot of intense and/or vulnerable conversations, emotional turbulence, and passion in this story.
Morgan and Dusty are childhood best friends who have a misunderstanding and end up not speaking for ten years after Morgan leaves the UP for Southern California. Morgan returns years later after his dad suffers a stroke. The family patriarch Gregory Swift is a hard man to be around for all of the Swift kids (and Dusty, by association). It’s clear that Gregory brings out the worst in his kids, in terms of emotions and how to deal with them. Morgan and his father have a tempestuous relationship, as do Morgan and his brother, Rhett. All of the Swift brothers have emotional strife that they have trouble dealing with, most likely a direct result of their childhoods and a couple of tragic events that took place then. The youngest Swift brother, Easton, might be taking it the hardest.
Morgan and Dusty pick up where they left off a decade ago. Things are still a little tense because of a past incident, but they fall back into their old level of comfortability and closeness pretty quickly. Making up for lost time, things heat up pretty quickly between Dusty and Morgan. Their declarations of love are heartfelt, (if not seriously delayed), but the passion and dedication to one another is visceral. It’s crystal clear how much Morgan and Dusty care for one another and how they want the best for each other. I was happy that they worked everything out between them. Dusty and Morgan’s HEA is both sweet and swoon worthy!
I was also happy that Spencer (from the Vers podcast crew) got to see a different side to Morgan as well when they catch up in this book. I’m intrigued by Archer (Officer Thorn) and I can’t wait to see if he ends up as the romantic interest in Easton’s story, up next in the series.
April 4, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I have read a lot of books by Riley Hart and Morgan hit just the right way right from the start. I liked that there was angst right from the beginning. There is a lot going on with Morgan’s family and, while this information is disclosed early on in the book, it’s best to learn it as it unravels.
Morgan’s life is seriously tension filled. His home life fell apart when he was a young boy and he was left in the position of helping with his younger siblings. He resented his father and older brother for reasons that are laid out and Morgan never recovered from all of the trauma in his young life. There are several storylines all tied together with Morgan’s life with his family as he returns home, and then his relationship with Dusty.
It’s a rewarding story to see Morgan and Dusty get their long-awaited life together. There is also still a lot of story here, as Morgan’s brothers will both have books and their stories are closely interwoven with Morgan and I will be looking forward to reconnecting with the Swift brothers.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I have read a lot of books by Riley Hart and Morgan hit just the right way right from the start. I liked that there was angst right from the beginning. There is a lot going on with Morgan’s family and, while this information is disclosed early on in the book, it’s best to learn it as it unravels.
Morgan’s life is seriously tension filled. His home life fell apart when he was a young boy and he was left in the position of helping with his younger siblings. He resented his father and older brother for reasons that are laid out and Morgan never recovered from all of the trauma in his young life. There are several storylines all tied together with Morgan’s life with his family as he returns home, and then his relationship with Dusty.
It’s a rewarding story to see Morgan and Dusty get their long-awaited life together. There is also still a lot of story here, as Morgan’s brothers will both have books and their stories are closely interwoven with Morgan and I will be looking forward to reconnecting with the Swift brothers.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
Read
May 27, 2024DNF 20% the premise is stupid. 2 bros hate each other, one kissed the other’s best friend, who also happened to be in love with the other bro. The other bro doesn’t realize he’s in love with him, and clearly is also in love with the friend but doesn’t want to admit it and has a massive meltdown at the kiss, leaves town for 10 years and reignites the friendship second day upon returning to town to take care of his father who suffered a stroke. Whom he also hates, along with his bro…
Yeah… grow up, ppl.
Yeah… grow up, ppl.
June 27, 2025
everybody needs therapy & please put the daddy in a home lmao omg
![Profile Image for Lb [worlds longest slump] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1757735729i%2F106122777._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 10, 2024
This was a bit hit and miss for me
It has all the good ingredients to make it a solid romance:
✨ Second chance friends to lovers
✨ A bit of childhood trauma (sorry bout it)
✨ Small town
✨ Dysfunctional family
✨ A smidge of found family
But it felt like half a story. Overall, everything was very rushed and that led me to not believing any of the relationship building or chemistry. My biggest gripe is that Morgan is a huge dumbass and cold turkey quits his friendship with Dusty and his relationship with both his brothers and father for TEN YEARS as a result of what is, largely, just a miscommunication trope (the dad because of neglect and trauma which is fair, but not anyone else).
Like fr that is just dumb.
To add insult to injury Dusty then just forgives him IMMEDIATELY and you’d think that since they had such poor communication that fractured their relationship so badly before that maybe they’d struggle with it now? But OHHHHH NO they do the complete opposite and confess their undying love for one another 4 seconds later(?) make it make sense.
Due to allllll of that I just didn’t think any of the steam was that good. I got all these thinly-veiled daddy/dom vibes from Dusty but he never pulls through on anything like that. Morgan was… fine I guess? The emotional connection between these two just didn’t do it for me.
Almost all of the characters suck, tbh. I don’t feel like anything was explored enough to have anyone have any redeeming or good qualities (other than Dusty honestly who was a saint, which was also kind of annoying).
The only character I really cared about was Easton (Morgan’s younger brother). He’s a mess and has been badly neglected and I just wanted to put him in my pocket and hug him. The relationship building between Morgan and East was more profound than any other plot through the entire book.
Unfortunately that does make me want to read his book since it’s next. However I just don’t know if I care to read all this fluff again? Idk
It has all the good ingredients to make it a solid romance:
✨ Second chance friends to lovers
✨ A bit of childhood trauma (sorry bout it)
✨ Small town
✨ Dysfunctional family
✨ A smidge of found family
But it felt like half a story. Overall, everything was very rushed and that led me to not believing any of the relationship building or chemistry. My biggest gripe is that Morgan is a huge dumbass and cold turkey quits his friendship with Dusty and his relationship with both his brothers and father for TEN YEARS as a result of what is, largely, just a miscommunication trope (the dad because of neglect and trauma which is fair, but not anyone else).
Like fr that is just dumb.
To add insult to injury Dusty then just forgives him IMMEDIATELY and you’d think that since they had such poor communication that fractured their relationship so badly before that maybe they’d struggle with it now? But OHHHHH NO they do the complete opposite and confess their undying love for one another 4 seconds later(?) make it make sense.
Due to allllll of that I just didn’t think any of the steam was that good. I got all these thinly-veiled daddy/dom vibes from Dusty but he never pulls through on anything like that. Morgan was… fine I guess? The emotional connection between these two just didn’t do it for me.
Almost all of the characters suck, tbh. I don’t feel like anything was explored enough to have anyone have any redeeming or good qualities (other than Dusty honestly who was a saint, which was also kind of annoying).
The only character I really cared about was Easton (Morgan’s younger brother). He’s a mess and has been badly neglected and I just wanted to put him in my pocket and hug him. The relationship building between Morgan and East was more profound than any other plot through the entire book.
Unfortunately that does make me want to read his book since it’s next. However I just don’t know if I care to read all this fluff again? Idk
April 1, 2024
4.5 stars
I am a sucker for a second-chance romance and Riley Hart has a way to tug all the emotions from me by the way she writes, this book was another incredible read for me. The emotions of the characters and the angst in the relationships were written so freaking beautifully, my heart aches for all the Swift brothers.
We met Morgan in The Charmer as Spencer's friend and it was mentioned that he is moving back home to help his family. Morgan has always wanted to leave his hometown but after his father has a stroke he moves back to help his brothers take care of his dad even though he doesn't like his dad and after being away for ten years, he doesn't know how to forget the past and move on from it. Then there is Dusty, Morgan's ex-best friend. They both parted ways after Morgan had witnessed him kissing his older brother who he kinda hates and felt betrayed about it.
Morgan and his brother's relationship is broken but he wants to repair that at least with Easton.
Morgan and Dusty talked about what had happened ten years ago and became friends again, they both had always loved each other but Morgan didn't think he was capable of being in a relationship with Dusty and Dusty never got a chance because he had made a mistake of kissing Rhett ( older brother ) and Morgan had left after that.
Morgan and Dusty were amazing together, you could tell that they had been through a lot together when they were young mostly because Dusty was always there with Morgan helping him at his home so now after all these years the feelings were still the same. Dusty was Morgan's comfort zone and I liked how they couldn't keep their hands off each other. I liked how they communicated with each other and they cared for each other so much.
I loved how Dusty was there for all the Swift brothers, he was a sweetheart and I liked his character a lot. I am looking forward to Easton's story as he is going to be next, my heart hurts for his character but I am hoping the person he is paired with shows him what he deserves. Lastly, even though I am not liking Rhett very much, I want him to find his HEA because I know I will love him in his book.
* I received an ARC copy from Literally Yours PR and this is my honest review *
I am a sucker for a second-chance romance and Riley Hart has a way to tug all the emotions from me by the way she writes, this book was another incredible read for me. The emotions of the characters and the angst in the relationships were written so freaking beautifully, my heart aches for all the Swift brothers.
We met Morgan in The Charmer as Spencer's friend and it was mentioned that he is moving back home to help his family. Morgan has always wanted to leave his hometown but after his father has a stroke he moves back to help his brothers take care of his dad even though he doesn't like his dad and after being away for ten years, he doesn't know how to forget the past and move on from it. Then there is Dusty, Morgan's ex-best friend. They both parted ways after Morgan had witnessed him kissing his older brother who he kinda hates and felt betrayed about it.
Morgan and his brother's relationship is broken but he wants to repair that at least with Easton.
Morgan and Dusty talked about what had happened ten years ago and became friends again, they both had always loved each other but Morgan didn't think he was capable of being in a relationship with Dusty and Dusty never got a chance because he had made a mistake of kissing Rhett ( older brother ) and Morgan had left after that.
Morgan and Dusty were amazing together, you could tell that they had been through a lot together when they were young mostly because Dusty was always there with Morgan helping him at his home so now after all these years the feelings were still the same. Dusty was Morgan's comfort zone and I liked how they couldn't keep their hands off each other. I liked how they communicated with each other and they cared for each other so much.
I loved how Dusty was there for all the Swift brothers, he was a sweetheart and I liked his character a lot. I am looking forward to Easton's story as he is going to be next, my heart hurts for his character but I am hoping the person he is paired with shows him what he deserves. Lastly, even though I am not liking Rhett very much, I want him to find his HEA because I know I will love him in his book.
* I received an ARC copy from Literally Yours PR and this is my honest review *
April 3, 2024
Another amazing read from the beautiful mind of Riley Hart. When we met Morgan in The Charmer, you knew he was someone special with a broken past that war too hard to let go.
Morgan is asked to return home after ten years away. In ten years, he deeply regrets not talking to the one person who always had his back. Dusty is the true backbone of the Swift Brothers, and with him, these boys have a shot to find closure. One past mistake changed the course of so many lives, and when Morgan returns home at last, the truth is frankly set free. With open communication, these two, along with the Easton & Rhett, are able to see they are worthy of love.
All three brothers have broken pasts that will tear you apart on how much they don't think they deserve to be loved. This is book one, and it looks like Easton is up next, and my heart is already bleeding for this broken boy who has gone through so much in not enough time. Cannot wait to see all the Swift Brothers get their well deserved heas.
Morgan is asked to return home after ten years away. In ten years, he deeply regrets not talking to the one person who always had his back. Dusty is the true backbone of the Swift Brothers, and with him, these boys have a shot to find closure. One past mistake changed the course of so many lives, and when Morgan returns home at last, the truth is frankly set free. With open communication, these two, along with the Easton & Rhett, are able to see they are worthy of love.
All three brothers have broken pasts that will tear you apart on how much they don't think they deserve to be loved. This is book one, and it looks like Easton is up next, and my heart is already bleeding for this broken boy who has gone through so much in not enough time. Cannot wait to see all the Swift Brothers get their well deserved heas.
April 3, 2024
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: hurt / comfort, friends to lovers, small town
Riley Hart is back with a beautiful and emotional friends to lovers, second chance romance!
Past loss, anger, hurt and a lot of other things resurfaced when Morgan returned to his childhood town. To call the Swift family dynamic dysfunctional would be an understatement, there were so much trauma and unsolved issues between these brothers and their father. These broken boys should definitely be in therapy, and while it was frustrating to see how bad they were at communicating, the portrayal of their relationships and feelings was fantastic. The hurt and anger was so intense all throughout the story, but there was also glimpses of what might be underneath the facades they all wore around each other.
I loved how fast Dusty and Morgan reconnected - even spending ten years apart, their connection was very much still there and their chemistry was great. Dusty was so supportive, they had a lot of shared history and I felt like Morgan really needed someone who knew and understood where he came from. They were amazing together and it was a real treat seeing them finding their way back to each other. And the body worship? Wow, talk about smoking hot!
Morgan was an excellent beginning of the Swift Brother's series, I loved getting to know these brothers, and all of their complicated relationships and feelings. Riley Hart did a great job at setting things up for the coming books and I'm itching to get Easton and Rhett's stories and perspectives!
-
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: hurt / comfort, friends to lovers, small town
Riley Hart is back with a beautiful and emotional friends to lovers, second chance romance!
Past loss, anger, hurt and a lot of other things resurfaced when Morgan returned to his childhood town. To call the Swift family dynamic dysfunctional would be an understatement, there were so much trauma and unsolved issues between these brothers and their father. These broken boys should definitely be in therapy, and while it was frustrating to see how bad they were at communicating, the portrayal of their relationships and feelings was fantastic. The hurt and anger was so intense all throughout the story, but there was also glimpses of what might be underneath the facades they all wore around each other.
I loved how fast Dusty and Morgan reconnected - even spending ten years apart, their connection was very much still there and their chemistry was great. Dusty was so supportive, they had a lot of shared history and I felt like Morgan really needed someone who knew and understood where he came from. They were amazing together and it was a real treat seeing them finding their way back to each other. And the body worship? Wow, talk about smoking hot!
Morgan was an excellent beginning of the Swift Brother's series, I loved getting to know these brothers, and all of their complicated relationships and feelings. Riley Hart did a great job at setting things up for the coming books and I'm itching to get Easton and Rhett's stories and perspectives!
-
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 4, 2024
3.5*
Morgan’s life is in shambles after his mom’s passing but he always has his best friend, Dusty. They’re both inseparable.
After another tragedy strikes the Swift family, it leaves them even more broken than before. Three brothers with a father who doesn’t care about them. Morgan has to take care of his siblings and the only thing holding him together is Dusty.
Dusty has always been in love with Morgan but doesn’t want to leave their small town. Before Morgan can make a decision whether to stay or not, he witnesses something that breaks his heart, so he leaves without looking back.
10 years later his dad has a stroke so he’s forced to go back home.
What I liked about this book is that both of them talked about the past straight away and resolved their issues immediately upon seeing each other. Their communication was perfect so the unrealistic bit for me was how they didn’t talk once in 10 years, over grudges.
It’s safe to say all three brothers have a lot of trauma but wow was Dusty being their therapist. Not one of them listened to the other and it got annoying after a bit.
The book does pick up after that and some relationships are mended. They still have a lot of work to put in but I can’t wait to see all three brothers happy together.
Morgan’s life is in shambles after his mom’s passing but he always has his best friend, Dusty. They’re both inseparable.
After another tragedy strikes the Swift family, it leaves them even more broken than before. Three brothers with a father who doesn’t care about them. Morgan has to take care of his siblings and the only thing holding him together is Dusty.
Dusty has always been in love with Morgan but doesn’t want to leave their small town. Before Morgan can make a decision whether to stay or not, he witnesses something that breaks his heart, so he leaves without looking back.
10 years later his dad has a stroke so he’s forced to go back home.
What I liked about this book is that both of them talked about the past straight away and resolved their issues immediately upon seeing each other. Their communication was perfect so the unrealistic bit for me was how they didn’t talk once in 10 years, over grudges.
It’s safe to say all three brothers have a lot of trauma but wow was Dusty being their therapist. Not one of them listened to the other and it got annoying after a bit.
The book does pick up after that and some relationships are mended. They still have a lot of work to put in but I can’t wait to see all three brothers happy together.
January 1, 2025
3.5⭐️ 3🌶️ 4.5🎧
He loved me.
I was in love with him.
That in might only be two letters, but it’s packed full of a whole lot of meaning.
This book does a better job setting up the backstory of the Swift brothers than it does showcasing the second chance romance between estranged childhood best friends Morgan and Dusty. So if that’s ok then I’d recommend because I’m definitely interested in Easton and reluctantly, Rhett’s story. He’s not the bad guy that I started out believing he was.
As for Morgan and Dusty, it all felt too easy after 10 years apart. I do love the “it’s always been you” trope but Morgan abandoning Dusty over a misunderstanding for so long and then not having to grovel? I know that wouldn’t necessarily fit the story because to me with was more about family dynamics than the MCs, but because of that while I like this couple, I wasn’t invested in them. I was happy at the turn of events towards the end because I felt Dusty was doing more than his fair share of compromising. I was glad to see Morgan wisen up on his own.
He loved me.
I was in love with him.
That in might only be two letters, but it’s packed full of a whole lot of meaning.
This book does a better job setting up the backstory of the Swift brothers than it does showcasing the second chance romance between estranged childhood best friends Morgan and Dusty. So if that’s ok then I’d recommend because I’m definitely interested in Easton and reluctantly, Rhett’s story. He’s not the bad guy that I started out believing he was.
As for Morgan and Dusty, it all felt too easy after 10 years apart. I do love the “it’s always been you” trope but Morgan abandoning Dusty over a misunderstanding for so long and then not having to grovel? I know that wouldn’t necessarily fit the story because to me with was more about family dynamics than the MCs, but because of that while I like this couple, I wasn’t invested in them. I was happy at the turn of events towards the end because I felt Dusty was doing more than his fair share of compromising. I was glad to see Morgan wisen up on his own.
April 6, 2024
This is what I call a fine read. Not much angst and I eat angst for breakfast 🍳
“You deserve me. You’ve never seen yourself as clearly as I see you.
You deserve the whole damn world if you want it.”
Morgan doesn’t reply, but he drops his head against my shoulder and doesn’t lift it for a long damn time.”
“You deserve me. You’ve never seen yourself as clearly as I see you.
You deserve the whole damn world if you want it.”
Morgan doesn’t reply, but he drops his head against my shoulder and doesn’t lift it for a long damn time.”
March 23, 2024
“I lost you once, Morgan. I can’t live through it a second time”
What to expect:
❥ Dual POV ❥ MM Romance ❥ Small Town
❥ Ex-best Friends to Friends to Lovers ❥ Second Chance
❥ Body Worshipping ❥ Toxic Family Relations ❥ Hurt / Comfort
This book will take you on an emotional ride, that's for sure. Morgan is returning home to Birchbark after 10 years where he comes face to face with his past demons. His family of course being a big part of those demons, but also his ex best friend, who he left behind without a goodbye. Stubbornness runs in the Swift family, but at least Morgan manage to mend the bridge between Dusty and him, and they pick up their friendship like the last 10 years never happened. But they've both grown up, they both have unresolved feelings towards each other, and it seems to be harder to ignore those feelings this time around. Dusty becomes Morgan's safe place while Morgan is dealing with his family, like he used to be when they were kids. Dusty is finally getting everything he ever wanted, but Morgan's love may come with a price, but it's a price Dusty is willing to pay as long as he gets to be with him, even if he has to say goodbye to everything else he loves.
“Show me your dream, Dust.”
I’m assuming he doesn’t mean for me to hold up a mirror so he can see himself.
So, I'll just quickly get my negative opinion out of the way, and let you know that it's a purely personal opinion. The spice wasn't for me. But I love the fact that I know I'll get introduced to something new every time I read a Riley Hart book, so it's not like I was unprepared. I know it would be something else than the ordinary. But this kind of body worshipping is not for me 😂 I'm a bit squeamish in that area, BUT, knowing that Morgan hadn't let that side of him, that need of his, show with anyone else, made his and Dusty's relationship that more beautiful ♥
I love how he seems to always want to be touching me, how sometimes it’s like Morgan needs to be as entwined with me as he can get, as if he would live in my skin if it was possible.
Okay, that sounds a bit creepy out of context, but it’s really not.
Anyhow, like mentioned before, Morgan’s relationship with his family is really strained, they’ve been through some traumatizing things and the three brothers are punishing themselves and each other for everything that happened in their childhood, what is still happening because of their father. Morgan manage to form a relationship with his younger brother Easton, but Easton got his own struggles, and he’s not an easy guy to get close to, and let me just say… I’m very much looking forward to Easton’s book!
Morgan and Rhett, his older brother, their relationship seems to be beyond repair, and I’m really looking forward to see how these brothers are going to work it out in the books to come, and I know, even though I don’t like Rhett in this book at all, I’ll love him when we get to read his book. He seems to be very tormented, and the ending especially makes me very curious about how he’ll be moving on from everything that happened.
Dusty is a great friend to all of the brothers, but that makes sense since they all grew up together, and Dusty stayed behind when Morgan left those 10 years ago, and Dusty carried on trying to be there for the Swift brothers. He’s a major support to Easton, and Rhett as well even though their friendship takes a toll when Morgan comes back to Birchbark.
It’s all very dramatic, and just to repeat myself, I’m really looking forward to the next books. I want to know where these brothers end up, if they manage to work out their problems, what will happen with their dad, what is Rhett going to do now, and will Morgan succeed with his new adventure? …. and what’s going on with Easton and the police officer?
I was so lucky to receive this ARC to review with my honest opinion.
Read the full review on my blog here.
![Profile Image for ❀ Alex ❀ [Hiatus] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1724819109i%2F127505214._UX200_CR0%2C35%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 21, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 4.5/5
Riley Hart does friends to lovers like no other. I really loved Dusty and Morgan's bond, they fit together perfectly. Also the sex was super intense and I loved every second of it.
But what I enjoyed even more was the dynamic among the brothers. With their mom gone and their dad mostly absent, the three of them had to grow up fast and take on a lot of responsibilities while they were still figuring things out. And it affected each of them in different ways. Honestly, if the whole book had just focused on the brothers and all drama, I would’ve still loved it. The character writing was that good. Can’t wait for Easton’s book next.
Spice: 4.5/5
Riley Hart does friends to lovers like no other. I really loved Dusty and Morgan's bond, they fit together perfectly. Also the sex was super intense and I loved every second of it.
But what I enjoyed even more was the dynamic among the brothers. With their mom gone and their dad mostly absent, the three of them had to grow up fast and take on a lot of responsibilities while they were still figuring things out. And it affected each of them in different ways. Honestly, if the whole book had just focused on the brothers and all drama, I would’ve still loved it. The character writing was that good. Can’t wait for Easton’s book next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews