The guy of my dreams sweeps me off my feet and over my handlebars, quite literally. But our budding relationship takes a turn when my troubled past resurfaces, shattering any hope for a future. Now, I feel like a hollowed-out version of myself. Memories of piercing blue eyes and sweeping blond hair are all that remain to get me through a day.
I know I have to make peace with my past to move forward into my future. But am I strong enough?
Dash Richmond
I’m the tenth child of affluent older parents, confident, and privileged. But the future they see for me isn’t how I want to live my life. A chance encounter with a guy my polar opposite changes my path indefinitely, leading me to the life I’ve always wanted.
When he’s ripped away from me, I vow to wait for his return. Now I’m stuck in limbo, unwilling to give up on him.
Can the friction of life destroy what they shared or is your first true love like gravity—an unending universal law?
The Gravity Series is an unforgettable whirlwind romance chronicling the love of two men over three decades. Friction heats up the scene with passionate alpha males who navigate the often-rocky road to love. Love’s rarely easy, but when it’s true, it’s a battle worth fighting for.
Friction is book one in the Gravity series by Kindle Alexander. I knew going in to this series that each book would deal with a different span of time in the lives of this couple. There are no cliff hangers. Just a continuation of their story. So, I waited until all three books were out so I could get the full experience of the story all at once. This first book starts when the two are only fifteen years old and spans approximately six years. Don’t let their age sway your decision to read this. You need to experience the first part of their story to appreciate what they go through. And their first meeting is the kind of thing I live for. That first glimpse, when time stands still and you see your entire future right in front of you. This book is beautifully told, so much so that I had to message my friends and tell them they need to start this! I highlighted so many beautiful quotes, it will be hard to choose which ones to share with you.
We start in the year 2000. Beau Brooks is just turning fifteen and due to his parents bitter divorce, he is moving from Mobile, Alabama to Sea Springs, Texas with his mother. Beau never had much. And his life in Sea Springs will even be more frugal since they are starting over with practically nothing. He’ll have the summer to get used to his new life. But then, his life is turned upside down, literally, when their eyes meet. He had no idea what it meant. Only that he would never forget that moment.
Dasham “Dash” Richmond comes from the entirely opposite kind of life. He is the tenth child of very wealthy parents. He wants for nothing. He is nearly sixteen. His father is a very successful business man and is developing a huge tourist resort in Sea Springs which has the whole town upset since the small businesses are suffering. Dash’s parents have insisted that the entire family spend the summer in Sea Springs to present a “family” front to the town to try to win them over. Dash is initially not happy with this until “that” day, when he first saw him. In that split second, he saw his entire future laid out before him. And he knew that he would do whatever it took to make it come true.
“This was the most significant moment of my life. If souls were real, mine did loops around Beau’s, trying to rope us together.”
Both of these boys were good kids, always doing what they were supposed to do, supporting their family. But together, they found something else. They found the person that they felt at peace with, comfortable with, that they could talk about anything with. Beau was a little more reluctant, feeling the class differences between them, But Dash had everything mapped out. He knew that he had to have Beau in his life.
“I feel like we knew one another before we ever met. Like you’re supposed to be with me.”
Just as they thought everything was falling into place, though, they were ripped apart. I admit I cried here. My heart broke. In the time that followed, Dash never gave up hope. His love was big enough to give him the strength to hold on. He kept his sweet memories close to his heart, always knowing that somehow, his Beau would come back to him.
“Beau gave me a sense of purpose I didn’t understand. In what? Who knew? I’d figure it out as we went.”
The book is told in two parts, part one being when they are young, then progressing to a little over five years later in part two. My heart was bursting for love for these two. I adore them. They have been through so much. Now, I am ready to start the next book, Fusion, to see what is next for them. I will report back as soon as I finish. So I’ll see you on the other side.
Wow… Phew… The ugly cries are finally over, my god the heartbreaking parts will rip you apart and want to rip apart Beau’s father, grrrr… I love Beau and Dash, they’re great together but have different lives, Beau grew up on hard times, Dash had everything but they meet while Dash’s family are trying to take over the town and build big and Beau and his Mom move there to his grandparents bed and breakfast. When they see each other they click , and continue to see each other in secret, their only 15 years old and Beau’s not out to anyone but they fall in love and have sex on Dash’s 16 th birthday and not long after, something big happens and the boys are separated and don’t see each other until five years later and try again, but Beau is a mess because of what his father did to him but Dash will fight for him and never gave up and wants to make it work, Beau does too, then towards the end something came out I knew what it was all along but it wasn’t good and could cause problems, but they’ll figure it out hopefully and will find out in next book. A Must Recommended Read! Have tissues and chocolate…
5 Star Review Friction (Gravity #1) by Kindle Alexander
Whenever I pick up a Kindle Alexander book I know that the writing will be strong and the characters will pull me in and tug at my heart.
This is Dash and Beau’s story and it is one that spans years. I freely admit to crying a number of times whilst reading.
There are so many layers to this story and I was hooked from the first chapter to the last. Kindle Alexander write fantastic MM romance and are at the top of my list for authors in this genre.
I found Friction to be quite a bit different than the other books this author has written. We get to know the characters in their teenage years, and then into college age so I’d classify this first book of this series in the new adult range. It also has a high level of angst, primarily tied to family issues that are blatant but also others that are insidious and unexpected.
I liked the characters well enough. Beau is my favorite, and also the one who has to go through the most in the story so the sympathy levels for him are pretty high. Dash is great, very focused and sure of what—and who—he wants and with a specific, detailed plan on how to get it.
This is an immediate attraction story (aka insta-love), and while one could write off their relationship as a first-love/puppy love type of thing that we all know likely won’t last forever, there IS a connection between them that is obvious.
I did feel like this story was a bit drawn out, and with this being a three book series it makes me wonder if that feeling is going to continue for the other two books. For me, the angst level is much higher than I prefer so while I do want to see where things go for these two, I may put off the next books until I’m in the right frame of mind for this type of drama. The writing style also felt quite different from previous series from this author, more in line with the younger characters which is not my usual fare either.
Beau and Dash are super compatible physically, so if you’re here for the intimate aspect you definitely won’t be disappointed…and given their ages they absolutely have the stamina thing going for them.
Overall I did enjoy the story, though I’m not sure how I feel about how it ended and what it means for how the rest of the series will play out. If you’re a fan of angsty M/M new adult romance, you’ll likely want to check this one out.
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the first book in the series, and thankfully the next one is due out in a few months … because it doesn’t exactly end on a cliffhanger, but you definitely want to read on!
As with all Kindle Alexander books I’ve read, the characters are so well drawn, that I was immediately invested in the route to Beau and Dash’s future happiness. Their boyish exuberance was fun and playful, but contrasted the reality that Beau then had to face at the hands of his father. There are some plot threads which make for difficult reading, and lead to some significant surprises - but so essential to the story.
I loved the constancy, the disbelief, yet the desire, friendship and love which defined Dash and Beau’s relationship. That Dash kept the faith, and his path, waiting for his chance - delicious !
An emotional rollercoaster that takes us on a journey through love and loss. The characters are well-developed, with Beau and Dash being distinctly different boys whose paths collide in the most intense way. Beau's struggle with his past is heart-wrenching, and you can't help but root for him as he fights to overcome his personal demons. Dash's loyalty and determination to wait for his true love is touching, adding a layer of depth to the story that makes it hard to put down.
The romance between them is beautifully written, with a good balance of passion and tenderness. The chemistry between Beau and Dash leaps off the pages, and their connection feels genuine and relatable, even as they face life’s challenges. The plot is engaging, but it is the emotional depth of the characters and the overarching theme of fighting for love that makes up for it.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, compelling read for fans of romance with a deeper emotional core. If you're looking for a love story that spans time and captures the rawness of relationships, this one won't disappoint. The book ends with an open ending, and I'm very much looking forward to Fusion, book two in thw series.
I went into this book rather blindly. I knew that it was mm and by an amazing author team but that was all. I have learned that this is part of a trilogy so we will get more of these two.
Friction starts with two teens meeting-one out and one hiding. There is a lot of family drama for Beau, the boy in hiding, which is actually what brought the two together. Dash, the boy out, is highly intelligent but a bit naive. The two have some seggsy times-which I fully admit I only lightly skimmed because I have young teens-but they were not graphic given their age. More importantly, the two really have a deep connection despite vastly different backgrounds and their families fueding. Anyway, drama, a time lapse until adulthood, and then more drama ensue making for a very interesting read. We are not left with a cliffhanger but I surely want more.
Overall, I highly recommend this novel. It did seem to move a bit more quickly than other KA books but was not rushed nor cut short at all-I suspect this is because it is part of a trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Kindle Alexander has done it again with this emotional story about Beau and Dash, two young men from completely different backgrounds who meet by chance and fall in love at a young age. Beau, from a modest background, meets Dash, who comes from wealt. Despite their differences, their connection is instant and deep, proving that love at first sight really can exist. They spend the entire summer together, but just when everything seems perfect, a devastating event tears them apart for over five years.
The moment Beau reappears in Dash’s life, both have changed. They're not the same carefree boys who fell in love that summer, but Dash is determined Beau will return . The emotional intensity between these two characters had me hooked from the very beginning. I couldn't put the book down.
I was floored by the ending – it was something I didn’t see coming at all. And while the story gives us a HFN, I know there’s so much more to explore in their relationship. The wait for the second book, coming in December, feels impossible, but I have no doubt it will be worth it. I’ll definitely have tissues ready because I know Kindle Alexander never disappoints when it comes to delivering an emotional journey.
Also, Beau’s father? Let’s just say, he’s a POS who deserved exactly what he got.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The start of a new series is always interesting in that brand new characters are introduced and you learn if they will connect with you. Dash and Beau are two characters that make an instantaneous and lasting connection with the reader. Their story starts in their youth and is filled with the usual angst of teen first love. They have an instant connection that only grows with time. When life takes them in different directions their bond does fade but never completely goes out. Reunification is sweet and satisfying. However, their story is far from over and promises many ups and downs with twists and turns. Be mindful of mentions of severe depression and suicidal ideation as this does make an appearance on page as this could be triggering for some readers.
Seriously, read it! Grab some snacks, put a tissue in your pocket, and find a comfy chair. You're gonna want to read this in one setting. ❤️ 📖 Kindle only writes books to keep my emotions in check. Seriously, that's the only only reason. Total bitch.
I love Beau and Dash’s story. Some parts definitely had me a crying mess. I loved how Dash was determined that Beau was going to be back in his life. A few things I never saw coming that had me by surprise. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for the next one. I need it like now.
I normally don’t read romance where the characters are so young but my faith in Kindle Alexander’s storytelling and knowing that Friction was just the beginning of a trilogy and that the full story spanned over decades had me grabbing hold and taking the ride alongside of Beau Brooks and Dasham Richardson. Who believes in love at first sight or that you have a soulmate out in the world waiting for you to find them? Beau and Dash have both, but that doesn’t mean that life will be easy. They come from polar opposite backgrounds and upbringings but what they have in common trumps all their differences. These two have quite a few obstacles thrown in their way, but I believe in happily ever afters and I certainly hope that they can overcome everything that is thrown at them and find theirs and we will all have to wait and see what happens over the next two books to get our answers.
I’m not really sure how to review this book. It’s totally different from Kindle’s usual style of writing. The first half of the book revolved around Dash and Beau while they were fifteen. I would call this YA really…not quite my genre. The rest of the book was okay but nothing outstanding. It was overly long and somewhat boring and drawn out. I did find myself skimming occasionally. Overall just a three star read in my opinion.
What a story!!!!!!! “Friction” means conflict, animosity and a considerable amount of friction between father and son. Friction is the first book in this trilogy about the journey between two boys, Dash and Beau who come from completely different backgrounds. In the beginning, their backgrounds make no difference to them but——-
They had to separate while their hearts broke they couldn’t do anything about it.
As time grew into years their loneliness from each other gripped their soul and their hearts, they were on each other’s minds constantly- a love they hoped would always endure.
Dash will always wait for Beau no matter what is happening in their lives.
A lot is happening in this book, a lot more than what I will write here as spoilers would certainly would not be welcome. I fell into the pages from the first paragraph, drawn in completely, wonderfully written perfectly formed characters, suspenseful and intriguing throughout.
The ending blew my mind I certainly didn’t see that coming! The second book is out in December, bring it on I say!!!
The poor misguided boys who believed that love, however deep would conquer all.
They were too young to see the depths of evil so called parents would go to, to achieve their end goals, bigotry was everywhere.
Dash was the rich and sophisticated city boy, he was polished yet he was kind and gullible, despite his genius level head. He fell in love the moment his eyes landed on the beautiful 15 year old Beau, his heart was seared and there would be no going back for him now.
Beau was a country boy, he was grounded yet his fear of being found out that he liked boys darkened his world. His manipulative father would do anything to make sure Beau played in the NFL even though he refused to. Being around the guys and keeping his secret was too much to bear.
When Beau managed to get away from his evil father and move he came into Dash's world. When their eyes met his world imploded, how was he supposed to hide his feelings for the most handsome boy he had ever seen. Oh man their innocent love was a joy to watch, until cruelty came knocking on their door...
This was such a beautifully written love story that started out at 15 and continued with many ups and downs, I'm so looking forward for much more.
I’ve read this author before. This is a MM contemporary romance. The main characters are Dash and Beau. Dash is the 10th child to a very wealthy couple. Beau is the only child of a divorced couple. The main characters met when they were very young and meet again when they are young adults. Love knows no bounds and can get the couple through anything. Another amazing story from Kindle Alexander. I can’t wait for book 2 in this series.
Wow!! Kindle Alexander, you have knocked this book all the way to the moon and beyond. Beau and Dash have each experienced heartache and pain in their lives. One suspecting who is behind it and the other having no clue. I've truly enjoyed this read. Without any spoilers, you need to One click right away.
This was an amazing book. The heartache and the love radiated through out this book. Beau Brooks and Dasham Richmond were torn apart by two evil men. Can't wait to read the next book. Thank you Kindle Alexander!
Another fabulous book by Kindle Alexander. When Beau and Dash meet unexpectedly they both feel like they have met someone special. As their friendship develops they learn a lot about each other. Beau struggles with his feelings. Dash is always upbeat and hopeful. This is such a heartfelt book. Literally a love story that spans time and captures true raw emotions. I can’t wait for the second book in the series! You won’t be disappointed with this one.
A great start to a new series. Fast moving love of two young boys from different classes of society. Showcasing young love. Society’s views and over bearing parents. Thank goodness book 1 of this series isnt far away as it left us hanging for more
The only thing I knew going into this book was that it was the first in a trilogy that spans 3 decades of Dash & Beau’s relationship. I wasn’t sure how I felt reading about 2 teens having sex. I was a bit reluctant to read it.
Having said that, there was only one incident when they were teens and it was only lightly described and I was nowhere near as wigged out as I thought I might be.
Dash came from an affluent family that was disliked by a majority of the small town. Beau and his mom recently moved to town to live with his grandparents. Dash and Beau hid their relationship because Beau wasn’t out. Beau’s father found out and forced him to move in with him. Beau’s father was a horrid man. While I’m glad he got what was coming to him, it took longer than I hoped for.
When Dash and Beau reunited, it was bittersweet. Beau thought he had changed too much and that Dash was better off without him. Dash had an uphill battle trying to convince him otherwise.
I was not surprised in the least by the drama at the end. I’m excited to see what’s in store for them next.
**
This story spans 5/6 years MCs become adults around 50%
**
CW/TW:
Sexy time between minors (lightly detailed) Homophobic parent Class difference Slight manipulation
dnf at 20%—I can’t get over all the glowing reviews this book has received. Granted, it’s been a while since I’ve read a book by Alexander, but I’ve read quite a few in the past and rated most as 4’s and 5’s. I found the writing in this one to be poor and both the writing and the story were extremely juvenile.
Book 1 of 3 this is a continuous series where it follows the same couple across books.
Beau has been raised to play football, his father was a hardäss to the max. But things in Beau started to shit physically so he made a call for himself, he quit football. Which lead his parents to a divorce, sending Beau and his momma to live in Sea Springs Texas at his grandparents bed & breakfast. Only the new start he’d hope to get didn’t come with peace and quiet. It came with picket lines, and being pressured to play football again. Until Dasham Richardson became the first person to SEE him, then everything changed.
Dash came from a prestigious family, the surprise child. With his parents older and some of his siblings being old enough to be his parents. Spending the summer at his families newest resort wasn’t at all what he had planned but here he was being fawned over by all the teenage girls. It was practically all a publicity stunt to shut down the picketers that were trying to stop the expansion. None of that even mattered to Dash, he wasn’t going to follow in the footsteps of the family business. The black sheep of the family you could say was going to be a lawyer. Then his eyes landed on a local Beau Brooks, and his plans for the future were slightly rearranged.
When both of their worlds went from happy and seeing a future together to being torn apart with no contact and making their future unknown.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you Kindle for allowing me the opportunity to read the first book in this series. My heart broke for these boys. Such young love stripped away as fast as it came into existence. One giving up while the other clings to hope. One is suffering and slowly dÿing inside while the other struggles with his missing piece but still planning for the day they are reunited. ⚠️Both characters are 15/16 when they first meet. They are written mature, and nothing I would say is too cringy for their age on page. More detailed activities happen once they are in their 20’s.
This is the first book in a new trilogy, and this is Dash and Beau’s story. A chance encounter between Dash and Beau, and the sparks fly, however, when Beau’s past comes back to haunt him, will they survive? This is a well written story which is an easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, emotions, secrets, soulmates, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, haunting, and twisted, addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I’ll start off saying I should have expected the cliffhanger but for some reason I thought this was a standalone so it came as a bit of surprise…tho the ending itself wasn’t. I can’t say why it wasn’t a surprise because it’s a spoiler but you’ll see…lol! Overall, I enjoyed the sweetness and somewhat innocence of these two as boys and then the love as adults. I am looking forward to seeing how this will continue.
Elementary spelling and indintation mistakes. TV shows that weren't around during the 2001-2005 years. These are all things that threw me off thus book. I hope the 2nd book in the series is written better and proofread before publising.
Check out our full post for FRICTION on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆ Holy cow... this book hit me right in the feels. Before starting this book, I had been on a kick reading light and sweet and was NOT prepared for this book. Sweet baby Jesus. This book ripped me to pieces. I cried and cried. Ugh. I loved Beau and Dash. They just worked and you couldn't help but want them to work and everything to be okay. Dash and his confidence that he and Beau will reunite just melts my heart. We all need a Dash in our life. The angst is real in this book and everything in this story is something anyone of us could go through in real life. I am scared to read the next book but also need to see what comes next. I'll be sure to keep the tissue close.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆ This is the first book in the series, and thankfully the next one is due out in a few months… because it doesn’t exactly end on a cliffhanger, but you definitely want to read on!
As with all Kindle Alexander books I’ve read, the characters are so well drawn, that I was immediately invested in the route to Beau and Dash’s future happiness. Their boyish exuberance was fun and playful, but contrasted the reality that Beau then had to face at the hands of his father. There are some plot threads which make for difficult reading, and lead to some significant surprises – but so essential to the story.
I loved the constancy, the disbelief, yet the desire, friendship, and love which defined Dash and Beau’s relationship. That Dash kept the faith, and his path, waiting for his chance – delicious!
Another winner for me.
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆ FRICTION is the first part of a three-part series, Gravity.
Beau and Dash meet when they are teenagers. There is an instant connection between them. They see each other in secret because one is out and one is not. They have very different backgrounds. Beau has my heart, and it was hard to read at times, but I was pulling for them the entire read.
There is so much angst involved in this story. I would consider this first book a new adult story since it stays within the teenager to early twenties range. The ending had me just sighing. I rationally know more is coming but I just need for them to have the best happily ever after... right now! This was full of twists and turns, and I know Kindle Alexander has more tears to pull out of me and I can't wait. I love a book that just pulls emotion from me, and this was it. I need more, so much more!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Kindle Alexander is an auto read for me, however this time I went in blind to Friction.
Beau and Dash come across as much older than their 15 years a lot of the time, but then there were time where their youthfulness and their naivety shone through I loved them the most when they were first drawn together, lives so different but somehow they just knew.
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and in this case years can't stop the friction, the spark between them..
There are some characters that I just loathe in this story, and I am sure you will too.
Not going to lie, there may or may not have been an onion or two being cut in my vicinity as I was reading Friction
This is the first in the Gravity series and I look forward to the next two books.