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Fixer Upper
Quinn Griffin’s life is in shambles. He’s freshly divorced, he’s fighting with his best friend, and he just punched his brother in the face. He wants to escape. Instead, he loses himself in one video game stream after the next.
His favorite streamer, MidWeston, is a hopeless little flirt, and cute as a fucking button. He gives Quinn butterflies, while every other part of his life is rotting him to the core. As their online friendship grows, Quinn lets himself disappear into it.
Weston knows that Quinn, who makes him feel warm and wanted through his constant flirty comments, is not a viable romantic option. But when they find out they live close enough to see each other in person, it’s a no-brainer. He was expecting to gain a friend. Weston was not expecting to meet someone who sees him down to his very core. Their promise to keep things casual is going to be very difficult.
Fixer Upper is a 57k MM romance.
His favorite streamer, MidWeston, is a hopeless little flirt, and cute as a fucking button. He gives Quinn butterflies, while every other part of his life is rotting him to the core. As their online friendship grows, Quinn lets himself disappear into it.
Weston knows that Quinn, who makes him feel warm and wanted through his constant flirty comments, is not a viable romantic option. But when they find out they live close enough to see each other in person, it’s a no-brainer. He was expecting to gain a friend. Weston was not expecting to meet someone who sees him down to his very core. Their promise to keep things casual is going to be very difficult.
Fixer Upper is a 57k MM romance.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
18 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 12, 2024
Enjoyed this so much!
I really loved that Weston was a gaming streamer who played house / DIY games!! That is my comfort zone and I watch lilsimsie religiously, so this immediately made me feel at home with the character.
Quinn definitely improved my opinion of him from book one. It was good to see his character's journey and to see his emotional growth too.
I did like how health, both physical and mental, played such a big role in this book, although I did feel like Quinn could have done with his family at least suggesting he tried therapy for his struggles too. He kind of felt forgotten by them or like the other characters just expected him to bounce back quickly just with medication, and I actually felt bad that I didn't like him in book one!
Definitely intrigued to see what comes next from this author though.
I really loved that Weston was a gaming streamer who played house / DIY games!! That is my comfort zone and I watch lilsimsie religiously, so this immediately made me feel at home with the character.
Quinn definitely improved my opinion of him from book one. It was good to see his character's journey and to see his emotional growth too.
I did like how health, both physical and mental, played such a big role in this book, although I did feel like Quinn could have done with his family at least suggesting he tried therapy for his struggles too. He kind of felt forgotten by them or like the other characters just expected him to bounce back quickly just with medication, and I actually felt bad that I didn't like him in book one!
Definitely intrigued to see what comes next from this author though.
July 12, 2024
Loved this! This author just know how to right the best fluffy sweet comfort books.
dnf
August 4, 2024And the slump continues. 🙃
June 24, 2024
HANNAH HENRY PLS SPARE ME.
Easy 5 stars. GOD. If you want a coherent review you're not going to find it here sorry! I binge read this in less than 24 hours. Devoured it whole, and ready to read it again because this was brilliant.
Quinn and Weston were perfect. In book 1 we see Quinn struggling with his depression through the eyes of his best friend and brother, but getting to be inside of Quinn's head and reading his own point of view was so heartbreaking. It was truly such a moment to be able to see Quinn find his light again, mend his relationships, and find something new with someone who made him feel like himself again. I adored Weston. To steal Quinn's words: "he's so fucking cute".
Something I really loved about this book was its take on physical intimacy. I feel like with a lot of books that are mm, the couples are always down for anything in the bedroom (which is perfectly fine don't get me wrong) but not always 100% realistic of couples. So I appreciated in this book how Weston was open with the fact that there were things he didn't want to do in the bedroom and Quinn was okay with that. It didn't take away from the moments they had together, and they were still able to connect in that way.
Quinn and Weston's relationship progression was so sweet. They were both adamant on casual but their feelings couldn't be helped! They both had their own insecurities and were afraid to confess their feelings to each other but still wanted to have the other in their lives anyway.
Every time Quinn called Weston "baby" I squealed. They were truly so cute together, and had each others backs. I loved how Weston was treated so well not only by Quinn but Quinn's family too. They never made Weston feel like he was a burden or the fact that they had to have gluten-free meals an inconvenience. Unconditional love for the win!! As per usual the entire Griffin family was a delight.
Hunter/Quinn making up also made me super emotional. I love how easily it's accepted that they are platonic soulmates, and I loved how they slowly fell back into one another. Jonathan and Quinn's make up was also very nice.
This review is basically just a lot of random things I loved about this book, but this was a highly anticipated read for me and I am so happy I was able to receive an arc of it! Maybe after I reread I will add something with more substance but this was great, Hannah is great, and I never want to stop reading about the Griffin family.
Easy 5 stars. GOD. If you want a coherent review you're not going to find it here sorry! I binge read this in less than 24 hours. Devoured it whole, and ready to read it again because this was brilliant.
Quinn and Weston were perfect. In book 1 we see Quinn struggling with his depression through the eyes of his best friend and brother, but getting to be inside of Quinn's head and reading his own point of view was so heartbreaking. It was truly such a moment to be able to see Quinn find his light again, mend his relationships, and find something new with someone who made him feel like himself again. I adored Weston. To steal Quinn's words: "he's so fucking cute".
Something I really loved about this book was its take on physical intimacy. I feel like with a lot of books that are mm, the couples are always down for anything in the bedroom (which is perfectly fine don't get me wrong) but not always 100% realistic of couples. So I appreciated in this book how Weston was open with the fact that there were things he didn't want to do in the bedroom and Quinn was okay with that. It didn't take away from the moments they had together, and they were still able to connect in that way.
Quinn and Weston's relationship progression was so sweet. They were both adamant on casual but their feelings couldn't be helped! They both had their own insecurities and were afraid to confess their feelings to each other but still wanted to have the other in their lives anyway.
Every time Quinn called Weston "baby" I squealed. They were truly so cute together, and had each others backs. I loved how Weston was treated so well not only by Quinn but Quinn's family too. They never made Weston feel like he was a burden or the fact that they had to have gluten-free meals an inconvenience. Unconditional love for the win!! As per usual the entire Griffin family was a delight.
Hunter/Quinn making up also made me super emotional. I love how easily it's accepted that they are platonic soulmates, and I loved how they slowly fell back into one another. Jonathan and Quinn's make up was also very nice.
This review is basically just a lot of random things I loved about this book, but this was a highly anticipated read for me and I am so happy I was able to receive an arc of it! Maybe after I reread I will add something with more substance but this was great, Hannah is great, and I never want to stop reading about the Griffin family.
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January 27, 2025This one has celiac rep!! I just had to read it :)
July 13, 2024
Weston hadn’t fixed him. He wasn’t magically better because he met someone wonderful and beautiful. He was better because of time, and meds, and his support system, and a smaller workload.
Hannah puts pure crack into her books. Low/no angst, swoony, comforting - I know exactly what I’m getting into with one of her books and they never fail to put a smile on my face.
This was no different. Quinn is deep in depression. We saw a bit of how bad it was in Starter Home but now we get his perspective on everything. It’s no wonder he clings on to anything that brings him joy and in this case that’s streamer MidWeston.
When he was chatting in a video game stream, he didn’t have any other problems. He could be silly, and Weston would flirt back, and life would hurt a little less for a few hours.
When they realise how close they live together they decide to meet up. Neither one is really in a position for anything more than casual which they both admit and the development of their friendship is so wonderful to read. I love how addicted they became to each other and how good they were together. 🥰🥰🥰
When they started this, Weston’s kisses were an escape. Now he knew they were a destination.
Hannah puts pure crack into her books. Low/no angst, swoony, comforting - I know exactly what I’m getting into with one of her books and they never fail to put a smile on my face.
This was no different. Quinn is deep in depression. We saw a bit of how bad it was in Starter Home but now we get his perspective on everything. It’s no wonder he clings on to anything that brings him joy and in this case that’s streamer MidWeston.
When he was chatting in a video game stream, he didn’t have any other problems. He could be silly, and Weston would flirt back, and life would hurt a little less for a few hours.
When they realise how close they live together they decide to meet up. Neither one is really in a position for anything more than casual which they both admit and the development of their friendship is so wonderful to read. I love how addicted they became to each other and how good they were together. 🥰🥰🥰
When they started this, Weston’s kisses were an escape. Now he knew they were a destination.
June 22, 2024
Omg that was the cutest story ever 🥹
I was waiting for Quinn’s book ever since Starter Home, and I couldn’t wait to see him get his HEA. And it was PERFECT! Quinn is such a sweetheart, trying desperately to fix his mistake and get out of his own head. He loves deeply and when his crush on Weston turns out to be more than just that, it was beautiful to witness his feelings grow and grow.
And my precious Weston 🤍 He’s the definition of a gentle soul, trying his best to live his life despite his health issues, making a living of his stream (I’ve learned so much about streamers from this book!), and of course falling for Quinn!
If you want a cute, angst free, and damn hot too, this book is for you. Actually, the whole series of for you. Go read book one and 1.5 now, and do now miss on this one when it gets out!
Main tropes :
🤍 Online friends to lovers
🤍 Depression and health issues
🤍 Side MC
Micro tropes :
🤍 Supportive Family
🤍 hookup that definitely isn’t just that from the start
🤍 so much kissiiiiing
I was waiting for Quinn’s book ever since Starter Home, and I couldn’t wait to see him get his HEA. And it was PERFECT! Quinn is such a sweetheart, trying desperately to fix his mistake and get out of his own head. He loves deeply and when his crush on Weston turns out to be more than just that, it was beautiful to witness his feelings grow and grow.
And my precious Weston 🤍 He’s the definition of a gentle soul, trying his best to live his life despite his health issues, making a living of his stream (I’ve learned so much about streamers from this book!), and of course falling for Quinn!
If you want a cute, angst free, and damn hot too, this book is for you. Actually, the whole series of for you. Go read book one and 1.5 now, and do now miss on this one when it gets out!
Main tropes :
🤍 Online friends to lovers
🤍 Depression and health issues
🤍 Side MC
Micro tropes :
🤍 Supportive Family
🤍 hookup that definitely isn’t just that from the start
🤍 so much kissiiiiing
July 8, 2024
This was a nice easy read! I really enjoyed the way that the author approached Quinn's mental health issues, and I also appreciated seeing the other MC (Weston)'s illness portrayed in a way that felt compassionate and real. It's refreshing to see a new author writing characters who aren't just all perfect ripped people who never make any mistakes. I can already see progress in the author's writing since the first book in the series, so I'm very excited to see what she writes next. You do definitely need to read the other book in the series to have the full context of who everyone is (which the author mentions). Love the chemistry between the two, how sweet the book was despite some of the possibly-heavy subject matter, and looking forward to reading more from the author!
July 4, 2024
5 stars
I loved all the book of this series, but this one was truly amazing.
Quinn has been through a lot: after his devastating and unexpected divorce, he bought a duplex with his best friend Hunter wih the purpose of remodeling it together. But pain and depression prevented him to do that and he neglected himself, his family and Hunter.
And even worse, he had a fight with him and his older brother Jonathan when he discovered they fell in love with each other.
Quinn's only moments of joy are the hours he spends online gaming and talking with his favourite streamer, MidWeston. They have flirted for months and after an out of the blue invitation, he decides to go and meet him.
Weston is wonderful: beautiful, precious, independent, together they are the cutest couple ever.
The level of physical intimacy of this book is over the top: sweet kisses soft touches, sitting on each other's laps and sleeping wrapped up in one another, it was all so romantic.
I adored how Quinn was understanding and respectful about West's sexual preferences and how he took care of him when his health issues arose.
I also loved how he tried to get close to Hunter again: Quinn was very hurtful towards him in the first book and Hunter did not deserve that treatment. I liked very much that their reconnection was slow (no sudden make up and forget what happened) and I adored how Hunter welcomed Weston in their lives.
I'm so sad this series ended.
Quinn and Weston's was a very emotional and beautiful story and I strongly recommend it!
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
I loved all the book of this series, but this one was truly amazing.
Quinn has been through a lot: after his devastating and unexpected divorce, he bought a duplex with his best friend Hunter wih the purpose of remodeling it together. But pain and depression prevented him to do that and he neglected himself, his family and Hunter.
And even worse, he had a fight with him and his older brother Jonathan when he discovered they fell in love with each other.
Quinn's only moments of joy are the hours he spends online gaming and talking with his favourite streamer, MidWeston. They have flirted for months and after an out of the blue invitation, he decides to go and meet him.
Weston is wonderful: beautiful, precious, independent, together they are the cutest couple ever.
The level of physical intimacy of this book is over the top: sweet kisses soft touches, sitting on each other's laps and sleeping wrapped up in one another, it was all so romantic.
I adored how Quinn was understanding and respectful about West's sexual preferences and how he took care of him when his health issues arose.
I also loved how he tried to get close to Hunter again: Quinn was very hurtful towards him in the first book and Hunter did not deserve that treatment. I liked very much that their reconnection was slow (no sudden make up and forget what happened) and I adored how Hunter welcomed Weston in their lives.
I'm so sad this series ended.
Quinn and Weston's was a very emotional and beautiful story and I strongly recommend it!
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
June 28, 2024
Fixer Upper by Hannah Henry is Quinn’s story. Quinn is still feeling depressed after his divorce and fight with Hunter and Jonathon. The only joy in his life is watching his favorite streamer, Weston. Weston and Quinn flirt through the stream and soon meet and start a friends with benefits relationship. Neither one is looking for a relationship. Weston suffers from celiac disease and doesn’t think anyone would stay.
I absolutely adored these two together though there were times that Weston frustrated me with pushing Quinn away. I love the Griffin family and am sad that this is the end. I am glad that Syd got her own happy ending and I will have to read her chapter. Can I just say that I am so happy that Quinn’s ex-husband never showed up? I was so worried that he would and it was refreshing that he didn’t. I cannot wait to see what Hannah writes next.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
I absolutely adored these two together though there were times that Weston frustrated me with pushing Quinn away. I love the Griffin family and am sad that this is the end. I am glad that Syd got her own happy ending and I will have to read her chapter. Can I just say that I am so happy that Quinn’s ex-husband never showed up? I was so worried that he would and it was refreshing that he didn’t. I cannot wait to see what Hannah writes next.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
June 30, 2024
4.5/5 I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this one coming out of Starter Home; a lot of Quinn’s behaviour was very problematic there. He did make steps at the end of it to start working on things, and in Fixer Upper, we see the positive benefits of that. Part of me wanted a bit more Hunter-focussed time to balance out the investment Hunter had in Quinn in book 1, and I would have liked a bit more mention of Quinn’s doctor and/or therapist. (We got very real world with Weston and celiac, but Quinn’s health issues were much vaguer. They weren’t absent, though, but they definitely went to the background. And it was awesome to see Quinn well-medicated and coming out of his depression.)
In terms of content of what we actually did see in the book, I *adored* Weston and Quinn, and I loved all the time we got to spend with them. I don’t do live streaming, so this was a novel-for-me way for an internet connection to form. I liked how they both connected so strongly online and then took a chance in real life. I enjoyed them helping one another, supporting one another, and streaming together with a group of awesome fans. I liked how they navigated intimacy maturely with actual conversations, and how we got to see less-often-portrayed intimate preferences. Truly, they were just adorable together.
I thought the bumps in Weston feeling integrated in the Griffin family made sense given the issues with his own family, and it was awesome to see him start to feel like he belonged. This duplex honestly seems like the best possible place to live by the end.
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
In terms of content of what we actually did see in the book, I *adored* Weston and Quinn, and I loved all the time we got to spend with them. I don’t do live streaming, so this was a novel-for-me way for an internet connection to form. I liked how they both connected so strongly online and then took a chance in real life. I enjoyed them helping one another, supporting one another, and streaming together with a group of awesome fans. I liked how they navigated intimacy maturely with actual conversations, and how we got to see less-often-portrayed intimate preferences. Truly, they were just adorable together.
I thought the bumps in Weston feeling integrated in the Griffin family made sense given the issues with his own family, and it was awesome to see him start to feel like he belonged. This duplex honestly seems like the best possible place to live by the end.
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
July 6, 2024
Quinn and Weston were freaking adorable on every single page of this book - I read it so quickly and was so disappointed when it was over!
Quinn Griffin is recently divorced and is living with depression, which has been ruling his life since his break up. He’s a graphic designer and recently lost not only his full-time job, but also his passion and creativity for projects. After a blow-up fight with his best friend and his older brother, he’s trying to figure out who he is anymore and what makes him happy. One thing that’s guaranteed to make him happy every day? His favorite streamer - MidWeston.
Weston Hall is a video game and lifestyle streamer with a small but engaged community that keeps him busy. He has celiac disease and spent a lot of his younger years dealing with illness and no diagnosis, so he’s extremely cautious about managing his condition but also is a bit isolated from most people he grew up with. Streaming allows him to connect with people from his apartment, spread his infectious positivity to others and pay his medical bills. He cares a lot about his online community, but especially finds himself caring about one of his subscribers - GoodQ.
Like I said, these two are so sweet together. From their very first meet up, the chemistry and spark between them is apparent and even when they were medium-distancing it and were apart, they were longing to be back together. They’re just at ease together and it was so much fun to read. There’s so much sweetness here that it had me smiling and cheering them on all throughout their story, making it so much fun to read.
I do, however, wish there was more of Quinn and Hunter resolving things. After so much of the first book in this series revolved around their friendship, I was missing some of the Quinn and Hunter soulmate moments they talked about having but we didn’t really get to see. Other than that, I loved seeing the Griffin family again and the bonus epilogue - so perfect! Can’t wait for more from Hannah Henry soon!
Quinn Griffin is recently divorced and is living with depression, which has been ruling his life since his break up. He’s a graphic designer and recently lost not only his full-time job, but also his passion and creativity for projects. After a blow-up fight with his best friend and his older brother, he’s trying to figure out who he is anymore and what makes him happy. One thing that’s guaranteed to make him happy every day? His favorite streamer - MidWeston.
Weston Hall is a video game and lifestyle streamer with a small but engaged community that keeps him busy. He has celiac disease and spent a lot of his younger years dealing with illness and no diagnosis, so he’s extremely cautious about managing his condition but also is a bit isolated from most people he grew up with. Streaming allows him to connect with people from his apartment, spread his infectious positivity to others and pay his medical bills. He cares a lot about his online community, but especially finds himself caring about one of his subscribers - GoodQ.
Like I said, these two are so sweet together. From their very first meet up, the chemistry and spark between them is apparent and even when they were medium-distancing it and were apart, they were longing to be back together. They’re just at ease together and it was so much fun to read. There’s so much sweetness here that it had me smiling and cheering them on all throughout their story, making it so much fun to read.
I do, however, wish there was more of Quinn and Hunter resolving things. After so much of the first book in this series revolved around their friendship, I was missing some of the Quinn and Hunter soulmate moments they talked about having but we didn’t really get to see. Other than that, I loved seeing the Griffin family again and the bonus epilogue - so perfect! Can’t wait for more from Hannah Henry soon!
June 26, 2024
this was so cute!! it’s so bittersweet that we won’t be getting the griffin family anymore :( i’m gonna miss them
the think about hannah is that she never disappoints!! everything about this was so good. weston & quinn’ illness rep was done well; hunter & jonathan having a lil storyline was was great. i just loved everything about this <33
i’m SO happy quinn got his hea <3 he deserved it so much and weston is so perfect for him
now that this series is over, i can’t wait to see what we’ll get next from hannah
thank you hannah for the arc!!
the think about hannah is that she never disappoints!! everything about this was so good. weston & quinn’ illness rep was done well; hunter & jonathan having a lil storyline was was great. i just loved everything about this <33
i’m SO happy quinn got his hea <3 he deserved it so much and weston is so perfect for him
now that this series is over, i can’t wait to see what we’ll get next from hannah
thank you hannah for the arc!!
July 16, 2024
ARC Read
This was my favourite book of the series it was defiantly worth the wait. Quinn being a main-ish character in the first book made this book 1000% better even if it was at the expense of knowing less about Johnathan in the first book. I liked that we got an update on all the siblings throughout the book and that it didn't feel like information being book into the book. Quinn and Weston were so cute they made sense as a couple and I could see them lasing forever.
This was my favourite book of the series it was defiantly worth the wait. Quinn being a main-ish character in the first book made this book 1000% better even if it was at the expense of knowing less about Johnathan in the first book. I liked that we got an update on all the siblings throughout the book and that it didn't feel like information being book into the book. Quinn and Weston were so cute they made sense as a couple and I could see them lasing forever.
October 16, 2025
This one's not very interesting to me, since I understand depression via some friends who suffer it. I got to 24% before skimming in earnest, just curious enough to stay, not invested enough to take more time. I caught the good emotional bits, and skipped the repetitions--writers, reading is a LOT faster than writing is--and am glad to be done with this one.
July 2, 2024
This was such an adorable story! I loved Quinn and Weston. Great mental health rep. Low angst and of course a HEA :)
***
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review 💚
***
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review 💚
July 6, 2024
I devoured this book and I've thought about it basically daily since I've finished.
Let me just say, I was scared for Quinn's story since I started the series. I knew that there had to be growth, but I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get behind him as a character. I also didn't want him demonized for his depression and think that there can be a fine line to have that accountability and growth especially since he knew he was in the wrong. My worries were unnecessary though.
His depression was handled so well and felt so real. I loved being able to see into his mind about it and seeing how he slowly was coming back to himself and what he was doing with that time. I also thought it was an interesting take on self-isolation - he struggled with his friends and loved ones, but really leaned into online community. I feel like that's such a common experience because it's a less-intense connection in many ways and has less expectations altogether.
And for the streaming, I loved getting that insight. It's a full-time job for Weston and is treated that way and no one sees it negatively. It's also something that's clearly good for him and his health, and I love seeing creativity in work to manage health conditions and do what is ultimately best for him!
Now, the thing I really want to rave about the most: the Celiac rep! This book made me feel SEEN! I genuinely reread quite a few passages (and will continue to for eternity) because the celiac rep was so good and so real.
There are so many thoughts around gluten free food and being safe while eating out and the mental energy of researching a new restaurant someone insists on going to and having servers not understanding. The worry of being too much for anyone. The worry that love is good until you get sick and then it's a burden. I want to share this book with everyone I love to let them see even a sneak peek of how I feel and also the way that they can support me.
The language around all of it was done so well. Talking about how the bread is sad, how we have to cook food differently to make it taste the best possible, even that yeah, the food is expensive but at least we won't be sick! Seeing Weston talk about streaming being a more viable option for a career because he's able to care for himself and take a day off and not worry about all of these things, but also that stress makes it worse.
I had to put the book down a couple times because of the way Quinn (and Quinn's family) treated Weston and his Celiac. When Weston gets glutened and Quinn is immediately on his way to take care of him, even if it's just keeping him company. The way Quinn's mom made sure there would be safe food ahead of time and that it's all labeled, and immediately upon meeting Weston walking him through the food options. And how they adjusted Thanksgiving for him to be able to eat safely! It was an entirely gluten free meal!!!! to accommodate his needs and make sure that he was able to eat on the holiday, when he's always had to provide his own food or only eat the turkey. All of these things were so special and seeing them spelled out was so warm to my heart.
I cannot stop raving about this book. I have no notes - I absolutely adored all of it.
Let me just say, I was scared for Quinn's story since I started the series. I knew that there had to be growth, but I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get behind him as a character. I also didn't want him demonized for his depression and think that there can be a fine line to have that accountability and growth especially since he knew he was in the wrong. My worries were unnecessary though.
His depression was handled so well and felt so real. I loved being able to see into his mind about it and seeing how he slowly was coming back to himself and what he was doing with that time. I also thought it was an interesting take on self-isolation - he struggled with his friends and loved ones, but really leaned into online community. I feel like that's such a common experience because it's a less-intense connection in many ways and has less expectations altogether.
And for the streaming, I loved getting that insight. It's a full-time job for Weston and is treated that way and no one sees it negatively. It's also something that's clearly good for him and his health, and I love seeing creativity in work to manage health conditions and do what is ultimately best for him!
Now, the thing I really want to rave about the most: the Celiac rep! This book made me feel SEEN! I genuinely reread quite a few passages (and will continue to for eternity) because the celiac rep was so good and so real.
There are so many thoughts around gluten free food and being safe while eating out and the mental energy of researching a new restaurant someone insists on going to and having servers not understanding. The worry of being too much for anyone. The worry that love is good until you get sick and then it's a burden. I want to share this book with everyone I love to let them see even a sneak peek of how I feel and also the way that they can support me.
The language around all of it was done so well. Talking about how the bread is sad, how we have to cook food differently to make it taste the best possible, even that yeah, the food is expensive but at least we won't be sick! Seeing Weston talk about streaming being a more viable option for a career because he's able to care for himself and take a day off and not worry about all of these things, but also that stress makes it worse.
I had to put the book down a couple times because of the way Quinn (and Quinn's family) treated Weston and his Celiac. When Weston gets glutened and Quinn is immediately on his way to take care of him, even if it's just keeping him company. The way Quinn's mom made sure there would be safe food ahead of time and that it's all labeled, and immediately upon meeting Weston walking him through the food options. And how they adjusted Thanksgiving for him to be able to eat safely! It was an entirely gluten free meal!!!! to accommodate his needs and make sure that he was able to eat on the holiday, when he's always had to provide his own food or only eat the turkey. All of these things were so special and seeing them spelled out was so warm to my heart.
I cannot stop raving about this book. I have no notes - I absolutely adored all of it.
July 9, 2024
[I received an ARC for an honest review.]
Rating: 4 stars (8/10)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: online friends, streamer, depression, divorced from cheating husband, hurt/comfort, LDR, coeliac disease, reconciliation
Review:
This is the second book in the Side by Side series, and we finally get to be in Quinn's head after seeing how he pulled back and reacted to Hunter in the first book, along with Jonathan and just his whole family in general. Quinn is severely depressed at the start, and one of the only things getting him through is watching, chatting, and flirting with the streamer MidWeston. His online account, GoodQ, is a place he can feel a bit of something, and spend time with people who all love and watch MidWeston as he streams and talks to them for hours a day. When Quinn hints at the difficult time he is having in chat, MidWeston privately messages him and asks after him. One thing leads to another and Quinn finds himself on a 2 hour drive to Weston's place, where they fall in a FWB kind of arrangement, and Quinn begins making guest appearances on Weston's streams.
I really appreciated the ways that both Weston and Quinn were so considerate of each other, and how their relationship developed so sweetly and naturally. Weston does not enjoy penetrative sex, and he's been ridiculed for it in the past. Couple that with him having never been in a relationship, and his autoimmune disorder which means he can't have any trace of gluten, he's not had the best experience with other men taking him seriously or treating his needs as legitimate. Quinn does everything he can to make sure Weston doesn't need to feel unsafe, by researching brands and recipes he can use, to completely sterilising his space and making it gluten free, and organising holiday meals to include Weston, who has been kind of ostracised by his family for his needs. Weston is also a ray of sunshine in Quinn's life, and Quinn is drawn to his happiness and to the easy-going dynamic they have, as well as feeling like he is appreciated and loved. Quinn has no problem with Weston's boundaries in intimacy, and they are both just so perfect for each other.
I also appreciated the different ways that both Hunter and Jonathan responded to Quinn, and the ways they rekindled what was lost. Jonathan has always been a quietly spoken, easy-going person, and he so simply accepts Quinn's apology and they move on. Hunter and Quinn are platonic soulmates, and the hurt is a bit harder to bridge, not because they don't want to or are harbouring resentment, but because it is very difficult to get back to that place they were in before. But seeing Quinn work on himself, get the help he needs, and also seeing the impact that Weston's love and attention have on Quinn, gives Hunter the reassurance that they're also on the mend too. I really love this little family, and I have enjoyed seeing all of them get their HFNs, if not HEAs, in this series. I don't think there is any more for this series, but I still need to finish the Delay of Game series too, and I'm excited to get to Blake's book and hopefully get a glimpse of Brady in that too.
Rating: 4 stars (8/10)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: online friends, streamer, depression, divorced from cheating husband, hurt/comfort, LDR, coeliac disease, reconciliation
Review:
This is the second book in the Side by Side series, and we finally get to be in Quinn's head after seeing how he pulled back and reacted to Hunter in the first book, along with Jonathan and just his whole family in general. Quinn is severely depressed at the start, and one of the only things getting him through is watching, chatting, and flirting with the streamer MidWeston. His online account, GoodQ, is a place he can feel a bit of something, and spend time with people who all love and watch MidWeston as he streams and talks to them for hours a day. When Quinn hints at the difficult time he is having in chat, MidWeston privately messages him and asks after him. One thing leads to another and Quinn finds himself on a 2 hour drive to Weston's place, where they fall in a FWB kind of arrangement, and Quinn begins making guest appearances on Weston's streams.
I really appreciated the ways that both Weston and Quinn were so considerate of each other, and how their relationship developed so sweetly and naturally. Weston does not enjoy penetrative sex, and he's been ridiculed for it in the past. Couple that with him having never been in a relationship, and his autoimmune disorder which means he can't have any trace of gluten, he's not had the best experience with other men taking him seriously or treating his needs as legitimate. Quinn does everything he can to make sure Weston doesn't need to feel unsafe, by researching brands and recipes he can use, to completely sterilising his space and making it gluten free, and organising holiday meals to include Weston, who has been kind of ostracised by his family for his needs. Weston is also a ray of sunshine in Quinn's life, and Quinn is drawn to his happiness and to the easy-going dynamic they have, as well as feeling like he is appreciated and loved. Quinn has no problem with Weston's boundaries in intimacy, and they are both just so perfect for each other.
I also appreciated the different ways that both Hunter and Jonathan responded to Quinn, and the ways they rekindled what was lost. Jonathan has always been a quietly spoken, easy-going person, and he so simply accepts Quinn's apology and they move on. Hunter and Quinn are platonic soulmates, and the hurt is a bit harder to bridge, not because they don't want to or are harbouring resentment, but because it is very difficult to get back to that place they were in before. But seeing Quinn work on himself, get the help he needs, and also seeing the impact that Weston's love and attention have on Quinn, gives Hunter the reassurance that they're also on the mend too. I really love this little family, and I have enjoyed seeing all of them get their HFNs, if not HEAs, in this series. I don't think there is any more for this series, but I still need to finish the Delay of Game series too, and I'm excited to get to Blake's book and hopefully get a glimpse of Brady in that too.
July 8, 2024
So I confess that I came into this book with some reservations. I have been eagerly reading and enjoying this series, and after the first book (Starter Home), Quinn was not high on my favorite fictional characters list. In fact, he was kind of placed on the villain list after the way he treated Hunter. However, if a redemption story is done well I am willing to give it a try, and Quinn wasn't in the irredeemable range, so I gave him a chance. And I have to say, I'm glad I did!
Quinn is not in a good place. Reeling from his divorce and stuck in a deep depression that he can't shake, he finds solace in watching game streams, especially one guy--MidWeston, who plays a lot of cozy games and is very cute and flirty on stream. Watching him and interacting with him via the chat is the one bright spot in Quinn's life.
Weston is just barely managing to make a career out of streaming. He loves his regular viewers, and definitely has a soft spot for Quinn. When they discover that they live close to each other, they decide to meet up. Their chemistry is even better without a screen between them, but neither of them are really in a spot to have a relationship. So why do they seem to want one anyways?
This book did a lot of representation with both characters very well. Weston has Celiac disease, which is very well portrayed in this book and can cause a lot of problems that make doing everyday things, like holding down a regular job and even eating out, a huge challenge. And Quinn's depression, while hard to read at times (mostly in the first book of the series), is thoughtfully handled in a way that doesn't make excuses for all of his behavior but does help you understand him better.
I was surprised at how invested I became in them as a couple. They were both just so considerate and sweet with each other, even while they were stubbornly insisting that they weren't going to be anything serious. And their chemistry was extremely good.
This book pleasantly tugged on the heartstrings, and while I'm kind of sad to see these specific characters go, I am excited to see what the author does next!
CW: depression, divorce (before book), Celiac disease, illness, sexual content
Quinn is not in a good place. Reeling from his divorce and stuck in a deep depression that he can't shake, he finds solace in watching game streams, especially one guy--MidWeston, who plays a lot of cozy games and is very cute and flirty on stream. Watching him and interacting with him via the chat is the one bright spot in Quinn's life.
Weston is just barely managing to make a career out of streaming. He loves his regular viewers, and definitely has a soft spot for Quinn. When they discover that they live close to each other, they decide to meet up. Their chemistry is even better without a screen between them, but neither of them are really in a spot to have a relationship. So why do they seem to want one anyways?
This book did a lot of representation with both characters very well. Weston has Celiac disease, which is very well portrayed in this book and can cause a lot of problems that make doing everyday things, like holding down a regular job and even eating out, a huge challenge. And Quinn's depression, while hard to read at times (mostly in the first book of the series), is thoughtfully handled in a way that doesn't make excuses for all of his behavior but does help you understand him better.
I was surprised at how invested I became in them as a couple. They were both just so considerate and sweet with each other, even while they were stubbornly insisting that they weren't going to be anything serious. And their chemistry was extremely good.
This book pleasantly tugged on the heartstrings, and while I'm kind of sad to see these specific characters go, I am excited to see what the author does next!
CW: depression, divorce (before book), Celiac disease, illness, sexual content
May 3, 2025
Cute But Kinda Boring
Let me start by saying I did enjoy this book. It was entertaining and low angst and though almost nothing happened, I wasn’t ready to DNF. The story picks up basically right after book one ends, so it is necessary to read book one first in order to really get everything out of this book.
Quinn is hurting and still recovering from his depression and the end of his marriage. He decides to reach out to a streamer he’s been watching and interacting with and when the two discover how close they live to one another, they decide to meet.
In general I enjoyed the storyline. But let’s not pretend that Weston didn’t hold this whole story together. He was sich a different character to the others that he really kept things interesting. Not only was he dealing with his own health issues but he also was unique in his interests and his history. Plus I thought the side rep was a nice change! I’d love to read more books with characters like Weston. I think this is the first book I’ve read with a streamer as well which was cool. I’m used to camming storylines but this was a fun change.
What brought this book down for me was Quinn. I wanted his character to deal with his mental health more on page and out loud. We were told like 20 times that love and romance can’t be a fix it all for mental health but then that’s basically what the book showed. We got a snippet about Hunter going to talk to someone about his own mental health but considering one of the MCs whose entire storyline was him dealing with his mental health never once thought or talked about seeing someone was wild to me.
Quinn and Weston were cute together and I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship, but I can’t deny I wanted more.
I wish there was going to be a third book so we could hear more about both couples but I guess as all things go, they each got a nice HFN/HEA.
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Streaming, Love After Divorce, Mental Health Rep, Gluten Allergy, Side Rep, Dual POV, Pan Rep
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Relationship: MM
Let me start by saying I did enjoy this book. It was entertaining and low angst and though almost nothing happened, I wasn’t ready to DNF. The story picks up basically right after book one ends, so it is necessary to read book one first in order to really get everything out of this book.
Quinn is hurting and still recovering from his depression and the end of his marriage. He decides to reach out to a streamer he’s been watching and interacting with and when the two discover how close they live to one another, they decide to meet.
In general I enjoyed the storyline. But let’s not pretend that Weston didn’t hold this whole story together. He was sich a different character to the others that he really kept things interesting. Not only was he dealing with his own health issues but he also was unique in his interests and his history. Plus I thought the side rep was a nice change! I’d love to read more books with characters like Weston. I think this is the first book I’ve read with a streamer as well which was cool. I’m used to camming storylines but this was a fun change.
What brought this book down for me was Quinn. I wanted his character to deal with his mental health more on page and out loud. We were told like 20 times that love and romance can’t be a fix it all for mental health but then that’s basically what the book showed. We got a snippet about Hunter going to talk to someone about his own mental health but considering one of the MCs whose entire storyline was him dealing with his mental health never once thought or talked about seeing someone was wild to me.
Quinn and Weston were cute together and I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship, but I can’t deny I wanted more.
I wish there was going to be a third book so we could hear more about both couples but I guess as all things go, they each got a nice HFN/HEA.
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Streaming, Love After Divorce, Mental Health Rep, Gluten Allergy, Side Rep, Dual POV, Pan Rep
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Relationship: MM
July 27, 2024
Ok, Hannah Henry, you did it. You took a character I had firmly on my “nope, never going to forgive him” list and made me love him!
Quinn behaved badly in Starter Home and was MIA in New Development. But darn it, reading his POV shows he had the self awareness to realize he’d gone too far. Between losing his job, being eaten by guilt, and battling an almost crippling depression, he’s lying low in his parent’s condo. The only bright spot in his life in his flirty online friendship with his favorite streamer, Weston.
When they meet in real life, they just click. Weston is darling, forcing Quinn out of his comfort zone and making he laugh. He had his own health issues, and an awful family, so I loved his positivity in spite of the hand he’d been dealt.
Quinn was married and divorced, but there is a wonderful feeling of the giddiness of first love as the two grow closer - an almost emotional purity.
“He didn’t just feel good around Weston. He felt light. He felt like he was falling.”
Other thoughts:
* Quinn’s reunion with his brother Jon was lovely.
* Weston’s BFF Sienna is a keeper and excellent partner-in-crime.
* I love the practicality of a paper plate Thanksgiving. * Quinn’s family was well-meaning and welcoming, but Weston’s feelings of being overwhelmed were understandable. As were his complicated feelings about Quinn’s platonic soulmate, Hunter.
And I appreciated love didn’t cure Quinn’s depression, it took a lot of hard work, taking his meds, having a great support system, and finding a better work life balance. A+
The communication about what Weston did and didn’t like in a physical relationship was top tier. The honesty, and Quinn’s response to this conversation, won me over. All is forgiven, Quinn. The intimacy they share is sensual and emotional- and makes you appreciate long, lazy kisses.
This is another great read from Hannah, and I absolutely loved it!
Quinn behaved badly in Starter Home and was MIA in New Development. But darn it, reading his POV shows he had the self awareness to realize he’d gone too far. Between losing his job, being eaten by guilt, and battling an almost crippling depression, he’s lying low in his parent’s condo. The only bright spot in his life in his flirty online friendship with his favorite streamer, Weston.
When they meet in real life, they just click. Weston is darling, forcing Quinn out of his comfort zone and making he laugh. He had his own health issues, and an awful family, so I loved his positivity in spite of the hand he’d been dealt.
Quinn was married and divorced, but there is a wonderful feeling of the giddiness of first love as the two grow closer - an almost emotional purity.
“He didn’t just feel good around Weston. He felt light. He felt like he was falling.”
Other thoughts:
* Quinn’s reunion with his brother Jon was lovely.
* Weston’s BFF Sienna is a keeper and excellent partner-in-crime.
* I love the practicality of a paper plate Thanksgiving. * Quinn’s family was well-meaning and welcoming, but Weston’s feelings of being overwhelmed were understandable. As were his complicated feelings about Quinn’s platonic soulmate, Hunter.
And I appreciated love didn’t cure Quinn’s depression, it took a lot of hard work, taking his meds, having a great support system, and finding a better work life balance. A+
The communication about what Weston did and didn’t like in a physical relationship was top tier. The honesty, and Quinn’s response to this conversation, won me over. All is forgiven, Quinn. The intimacy they share is sensual and emotional- and makes you appreciate long, lazy kisses.
This is another great read from Hannah, and I absolutely loved it!
July 8, 2024
4+ Weston and Quinn are such cute couple & I thoroughly enjoyed reading this last part of the Side by Side duet.
In Starter Home, we see a very depressed and heartbroken Quinn and by the end of that book, he is starting to take some steps to return to himself and to find good ways to cope. One of the bright spots in his life is the community and friendship he finds via the streamer MidWeston. There is a sense of belonging there for him as well as routine and purpose, but really, it is the online friendship and flirtation that develops between Quinn and Weston that starts to bring Quinn back to life.
Their online connection transitions nicely into real life when they decide to meet. I love open their communication is - how both Quinn and Weston discuss their needs and boundaries - and how their romantic relationship grows organically from their (online) friendship.
Hannah Henry really knocks it out of the park with the celiac rep - the challenges and self-doubts that a person with chronic illness may face when trying to find and have a relationship - those feelings of being too much, not worth the effort....but Quinn (and the Griffin clan including Hunter) show up for Weston over and over again by providing him not only GF food so he can eat, but doing so in a natural way.
I loved being back with the Griffin family (please read the bonuses! Syd also gets an HEA) and it is bittersweet for me that this set of stories has concluded.
In New Development, when exchanging vows, Matthew says,"“Blake, when you gave me your heart, you gave me a home." This is really the case for all the couples in this series - Jonathan & Hunter, Brady & Cole, Quinn & Weston; they find their HEA and it becomes their home.
In Starter Home, we see a very depressed and heartbroken Quinn and by the end of that book, he is starting to take some steps to return to himself and to find good ways to cope. One of the bright spots in his life is the community and friendship he finds via the streamer MidWeston. There is a sense of belonging there for him as well as routine and purpose, but really, it is the online friendship and flirtation that develops between Quinn and Weston that starts to bring Quinn back to life.
Their online connection transitions nicely into real life when they decide to meet. I love open their communication is - how both Quinn and Weston discuss their needs and boundaries - and how their romantic relationship grows organically from their (online) friendship.
Hannah Henry really knocks it out of the park with the celiac rep - the challenges and self-doubts that a person with chronic illness may face when trying to find and have a relationship - those feelings of being too much, not worth the effort....but Quinn (and the Griffin clan including Hunter) show up for Weston over and over again by providing him not only GF food so he can eat, but doing so in a natural way.
I loved being back with the Griffin family (please read the bonuses! Syd also gets an HEA) and it is bittersweet for me that this set of stories has concluded.
In New Development, when exchanging vows, Matthew says,"“Blake, when you gave me your heart, you gave me a home." This is really the case for all the couples in this series - Jonathan & Hunter, Brady & Cole, Quinn & Weston; they find their HEA and it becomes their home.
July 8, 2024
...Quinn thought his world had ended when Lee left him, but Quinn didn't miss a man who didn't want him back. He missed his best friend. His best friend who was now dating his brother.
Fixer Upper is the final book in the Side by Side series and it was *squees in cute aggression* the most adorable thing. I devoured it and the bonus epilogue from Syd in one day!
Quinn's been having a rough go of life recently, including some unresolved drama from book 1, he's lonely, more than a little bit lost, and in the midst of a depressive episode. (The rep on that is lovely by the way.) Like so many of us Quinn turns to internet friends, were he finds a streamer Weston and a safe community in the chat.
Weston has celiac disease and some pretty shitty af family, but he thrives while streaming. When Quinn enters his chat and eventually his real life... the way they brighten each other's days, just get each other, and are supportive with no question? It's giving soul mates. Often, when people have a chronic condition, be it celiac or mental health issues others in your life often want to 'fix you' for you... which doesn't work. Weston and Quinn SEE each other and support, encourage, stand along side each other instead. Which was lovely to see.
There were parts of me that wanted to see more page time with Quinn getting back to a good space with his bestie Hunter and his siblings, but overall I adored this book! Hannah Henry has yet to disappoint and I'm excited to see what comes next from them <3
*advanced reader. thoughts and opinions my own*
Fixer Upper is the final book in the Side by Side series and it was *squees in cute aggression* the most adorable thing. I devoured it and the bonus epilogue from Syd in one day!
Quinn's been having a rough go of life recently, including some unresolved drama from book 1, he's lonely, more than a little bit lost, and in the midst of a depressive episode. (The rep on that is lovely by the way.) Like so many of us Quinn turns to internet friends, were he finds a streamer Weston and a safe community in the chat.
Weston has celiac disease and some pretty shitty af family, but he thrives while streaming. When Quinn enters his chat and eventually his real life... the way they brighten each other's days, just get each other, and are supportive with no question? It's giving soul mates. Often, when people have a chronic condition, be it celiac or mental health issues others in your life often want to 'fix you' for you... which doesn't work. Weston and Quinn SEE each other and support, encourage, stand along side each other instead. Which was lovely to see.
There were parts of me that wanted to see more page time with Quinn getting back to a good space with his bestie Hunter and his siblings, but overall I adored this book! Hannah Henry has yet to disappoint and I'm excited to see what comes next from them <3
*advanced reader. thoughts and opinions my own*
July 10, 2024
I have absolutely loved all the books in this series, but this one was truly amazing.
Quinn has been through a lot: after his devastating and unexpected divorce, he bought a duplex with his best friend Hunter, planning to remodel it together. However, pain and depression prevented him from doing that, leading him to neglect himself, his family and Hunter. Things worsened when he discovered Hunter and his older brother Jonathan had fallen in love with each other, leading to a fallout.
Quinn's only moments of joy come from the hours he spends online gaming and talking with his favourite streamer, MidWeston. They’ve been flirting for months and after an unexpected invitation, Quinn decides to meet him.
Weston is wonderful: beautiful, independent and precious. Together, they make the cutest couple. The level of physical intimacy in this book is off the charts: sweet kisses, soft touches, sitting on each other's laps and sleeping wrapped up in one another—it’s all incredibly romantic.
I adored how Quinn was understanding and respectful of Weston's sexual preferences and how he took care of him when his health issues arose.
Quinn had been quite hurtful towards Hunter in the first book which was unwarranted and I loved how Quinn began to mend his relationship with Hunter. Their slow reconnection felt authentic and I adored how Hunter welcomed Weston into their lives.
I’m so sad this series has ended. Quinn and Weston's story was very emotional and beautiful, and I strongly recommend it!
Quinn has been through a lot: after his devastating and unexpected divorce, he bought a duplex with his best friend Hunter, planning to remodel it together. However, pain and depression prevented him from doing that, leading him to neglect himself, his family and Hunter. Things worsened when he discovered Hunter and his older brother Jonathan had fallen in love with each other, leading to a fallout.
Quinn's only moments of joy come from the hours he spends online gaming and talking with his favourite streamer, MidWeston. They’ve been flirting for months and after an unexpected invitation, Quinn decides to meet him.
Weston is wonderful: beautiful, independent and precious. Together, they make the cutest couple. The level of physical intimacy in this book is off the charts: sweet kisses, soft touches, sitting on each other's laps and sleeping wrapped up in one another—it’s all incredibly romantic.
I adored how Quinn was understanding and respectful of Weston's sexual preferences and how he took care of him when his health issues arose.
Quinn had been quite hurtful towards Hunter in the first book which was unwarranted and I loved how Quinn began to mend his relationship with Hunter. Their slow reconnection felt authentic and I adored how Hunter welcomed Weston into their lives.
I’m so sad this series has ended. Quinn and Weston's story was very emotional and beautiful, and I strongly recommend it!
July 13, 2024
A well-deserved happy ever after for Quinn
After seeing Quinn suffering from clinical depression in Starter Home after his husband cheated then kicked him out, I was so happy to see him starting to recover and slowly return to life from the fog he was living through.
Weston is a sweetheart who also deserved better out of life, his coeliac disease costly and time-consuming, not to mention debilitating at times. His famaily are worse than the disease.
Connecting online over Weston's stream, Quinn finds something that makes his day more bearable and his smile return for the first time in months. Actually meeting up with Weston made his smile a more permanent presence and changed his whole life.
Weston's life changed beyond recognition too, Quinn accepting his disease without blinking and going out of his way to make Weston comfortable and happy. He couldn't believe he could be that lucky, especially when Quinn accepted his preferences in the bedroom too, without any fuss or drama.
They were just the cutest thing together, and there was no angst between them at all, just a lot of laughter and love, healing all their frayed edges.
Seeing Hunter and Jon was lovely, and the two bonus stories available from Hannah were great. The first is of Hunter's first Christmas with the Griffin Family, and the second is five years after the end of this book, where all the Griffin kids and their partners make an appearance alongside the Griffin parents, and we see them all living their HEA.
Four and a half stars.
After seeing Quinn suffering from clinical depression in Starter Home after his husband cheated then kicked him out, I was so happy to see him starting to recover and slowly return to life from the fog he was living through.
Weston is a sweetheart who also deserved better out of life, his coeliac disease costly and time-consuming, not to mention debilitating at times. His famaily are worse than the disease.
Connecting online over Weston's stream, Quinn finds something that makes his day more bearable and his smile return for the first time in months. Actually meeting up with Weston made his smile a more permanent presence and changed his whole life.
Weston's life changed beyond recognition too, Quinn accepting his disease without blinking and going out of his way to make Weston comfortable and happy. He couldn't believe he could be that lucky, especially when Quinn accepted his preferences in the bedroom too, without any fuss or drama.
They were just the cutest thing together, and there was no angst between them at all, just a lot of laughter and love, healing all their frayed edges.
Seeing Hunter and Jon was lovely, and the two bonus stories available from Hannah were great. The first is of Hunter's first Christmas with the Griffin Family, and the second is five years after the end of this book, where all the Griffin kids and their partners make an appearance alongside the Griffin parents, and we see them all living their HEA.
Four and a half stars.
June 28, 2024
Fixer Upper follows Quinn, who is struggling with a bout of depression after a nasty divorce, and Weston, a streamer he follows as they meet up in person and navigate a long-distance romance.
What worked for me:
-Really good mental health rep in that it portrays Quinn's struggles very honestly, although we don't see much about meds and therapy beyond knowing that he has access to both and uses them.
-Similarly, the impact of celiac on Weston's life is given a lot of room in the story and done well
-I love that Weston is kind of gender non-conforming and that neither MC is super ripped, the story isn't at all that
-Also love that there is no penetrative sex and it's not a big deal
What worked less for me:
-Some sections seemed very tell-not-show-y where emotional revelations or large-ish spans of time would be covered with not much internal interest in either character
-Quinn was pretty chill about being laid off and appeared to suffer zero repercussions from it
-Very low stakes; this is a personal preference but to me there just wasn't much driving the story especially towards the end because there was no conflict
All in all, this is an enjoyable read and had a lot of aspects I really liked, I just personally would have liked a little more plot and a little more interiority from the characters. I received a free ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
What worked for me:
-Really good mental health rep in that it portrays Quinn's struggles very honestly, although we don't see much about meds and therapy beyond knowing that he has access to both and uses them.
-Similarly, the impact of celiac on Weston's life is given a lot of room in the story and done well
-I love that Weston is kind of gender non-conforming and that neither MC is super ripped, the story isn't at all that
-Also love that there is no penetrative sex and it's not a big deal
What worked less for me:
-Some sections seemed very tell-not-show-y where emotional revelations or large-ish spans of time would be covered with not much internal interest in either character
-Quinn was pretty chill about being laid off and appeared to suffer zero repercussions from it
-Very low stakes; this is a personal preference but to me there just wasn't much driving the story especially towards the end because there was no conflict
All in all, this is an enjoyable read and had a lot of aspects I really liked, I just personally would have liked a little more plot and a little more interiority from the characters. I received a free ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
July 12, 2024
This is the second book about the Side by Side series but can be read as a standalone.
Quinn is going through a divorce after being left by his husband. His best friend and his brother found themselves in love, but they kept it a secret from him and after Quinn and Hunter (his friend) has a big fight and a falling out. Quinn finds himself very lonely and depressed when the book starts. He is also let go from his job. Nothing is quite working for him. The only light in the dark is the live stream he watches on a daily basis. The streamer, Weston, is very cute and he and Quinn flirts with each other online during the streams.
When Weston finds out Quinn was let go form his job, he invites Quinn to come and visit him during a live stream in case Quinn would like to start his own online stream.
Their chemistry is off the charts when they meet but both agree on just keeping it casual.
Quinn keeps visiting Weston whenever possible and after a while he realizes he wants more, while Weson seem to still just want a casual relationship.
There is some back and forth between them before they get their HEA.
This book was much less angsty than I anticipated considering Quinn being depressed and Weston dealing with celiac disease.
This book is sweet and an easy read and can be read as a standalone.
Quinn is going through a divorce after being left by his husband. His best friend and his brother found themselves in love, but they kept it a secret from him and after Quinn and Hunter (his friend) has a big fight and a falling out. Quinn finds himself very lonely and depressed when the book starts. He is also let go from his job. Nothing is quite working for him. The only light in the dark is the live stream he watches on a daily basis. The streamer, Weston, is very cute and he and Quinn flirts with each other online during the streams.
When Weston finds out Quinn was let go form his job, he invites Quinn to come and visit him during a live stream in case Quinn would like to start his own online stream.
Their chemistry is off the charts when they meet but both agree on just keeping it casual.
Quinn keeps visiting Weston whenever possible and after a while he realizes he wants more, while Weson seem to still just want a casual relationship.
There is some back and forth between them before they get their HEA.
This book was much less angsty than I anticipated considering Quinn being depressed and Weston dealing with celiac disease.
This book is sweet and an easy read and can be read as a standalone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2024
DNF @ 15%.
After reading Starter Home (which I loved), I didn’t really want to read Quinn’s book. I thought he was an asshole throwing a tantrum over his favourite toy being taken from him. But after reading Brady’s novella, I figured I might as well try and get it over with.
Now, I didn’t read the blurb, still haven’t… but maybe I wouldn’t have bothered if I had.
Online friends to lovers isn’t a trope I care for. At least these guys meet early on, though. I also don’t like reading about Internet personality type MCs (influencers, streamers, cam boys, podcasters, etc). Why? I dunno… I guess I don’t want to get off the internet and read about the internet, maybe.
And there’s been pretty much nothing but talk of streaming. I don’t know how much of it is gonna be in the book, but I already wasn’t keen on Quinn, so this isn’t helping.
And then there is Quinn’s revelation on the drive up:
Um… did he forget Hunter’s entire upbringing? Honestly, Quinn sucks. I can’t deal with this dude.
After reading Starter Home (which I loved), I didn’t really want to read Quinn’s book. I thought he was an asshole throwing a tantrum over his favourite toy being taken from him. But after reading Brady’s novella, I figured I might as well try and get it over with.
Now, I didn’t read the blurb, still haven’t… but maybe I wouldn’t have bothered if I had.
Online friends to lovers isn’t a trope I care for. At least these guys meet early on, though. I also don’t like reading about Internet personality type MCs (influencers, streamers, cam boys, podcasters, etc). Why? I dunno… I guess I don’t want to get off the internet and read about the internet, maybe.
And there’s been pretty much nothing but talk of streaming. I don’t know how much of it is gonna be in the book, but I already wasn’t keen on Quinn, so this isn’t helping.
And then there is Quinn’s revelation on the drive up:
In the aftermath of being an asshole, Quinn realized he was jealous of Hunter. Hunter never had a shortage of people who desired him, and he never settled. He didn’t get married to the first man who said the L word, and he didn’t have to pick up the pieces of his life and start over.
Um… did he forget Hunter’s entire upbringing? Honestly, Quinn sucks. I can’t deal with this dude.
July 8, 2024
4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed these characters, Weston and Quinn’s story is unique and filled with heart. I loved how they met, the flirting over Weston’s streams was super cute. The author handles Quinn’s depression really beautifully, showing how it permeates all parts of his life and impacts his relationships. When Quinn visited his favorite streamer in Duluth, their chemistry is even better in person, but neither is looking to start a relationship. Weston is working hard to make a good of his streaming business and living with celiac disease. Quinn is recently divorced, lost his job, and feels estranged from his best friend Hunter. So, they agree to a causal friendship with benefits. I really enjoyed the little bubble these two make for themselves, they are lovely together. I also really love how this series focuses on sibling relationships, really showing how important and challenging those relationships can as adults. A really wonderful series with such entertaining and endearing characters!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I really enjoyed these characters, Weston and Quinn’s story is unique and filled with heart. I loved how they met, the flirting over Weston’s streams was super cute. The author handles Quinn’s depression really beautifully, showing how it permeates all parts of his life and impacts his relationships. When Quinn visited his favorite streamer in Duluth, their chemistry is even better in person, but neither is looking to start a relationship. Weston is working hard to make a good of his streaming business and living with celiac disease. Quinn is recently divorced, lost his job, and feels estranged from his best friend Hunter. So, they agree to a causal friendship with benefits. I really enjoyed the little bubble these two make for themselves, they are lovely together. I also really love how this series focuses on sibling relationships, really showing how important and challenging those relationships can as adults. A really wonderful series with such entertaining and endearing characters!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 8, 2024
Quinn has had a rough year. Broadsided by a divorce early in the year he has been spiraling into a deep depression. He hits rock bottom when he sucker punches his brother upon learning of Jon and Hunter's relationship. Something had to give, so Quinn escapes to his parents RV in Arizona to lick his wounds. His parents send him back to Minneapolis to unpack their condo and try to pull himself together.
Quinn finds solace in a streaming broadcast staring MidWeston a gamer. Weston's easy, flirty style resonates with Quinn. Some they are messaging back and forth, and Quinn takes a trip to Duluth to meet with Weston and ends up on the show.
OMG I absolutely love Weston. He is such a gentle soul; he's just trying to survive. He has celiac, and his family just dismisses how serious it can be. His mother and sister try to hammer their religion over his head. He has also been rejected for sexual acts he doesn't want to participate in. Weston is overwhelmed by the love and support he finds with the Griffin family.
Quinn finds solace in a streaming broadcast staring MidWeston a gamer. Weston's easy, flirty style resonates with Quinn. Some they are messaging back and forth, and Quinn takes a trip to Duluth to meet with Weston and ends up on the show.
OMG I absolutely love Weston. He is such a gentle soul; he's just trying to survive. He has celiac, and his family just dismisses how serious it can be. His mother and sister try to hammer their religion over his head. He has also been rejected for sexual acts he doesn't want to participate in. Weston is overwhelmed by the love and support he finds with the Griffin family.
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