Until Bax

Until Him/Her #14

by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Bax Mayson thought he had escaped the family curse—until he saw Olivia Gannon again. It’s been eight years since he last laid eyes on his best friend’s little sister, and now, fate has thrown her back into his life. As if their undeniable connection isn’t complicated enough, a mysterious threat looms, determined to tear Olivia away from him.

For Olivia, moving back home wasn’t supposed to change everything—until it did.
Running into Bax was the last thing she expected, but that one encounter sets off a whirlwind of events she couldn’t have imagined. Now, with family tensions rising, exes resurfacing, and a hidden enemy out for revenge, Olivia must figure out who—or what—they’re fighting. Because one thing is certain: she and Bax have something worth fighting for.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Family, Friends To Lovers

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2024

About the author

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose wildly popular series include Until, Until Him, Until Her, Underground Kings and Shooting Stars.

Her writing career started in an attempt to get the outrageously alpha men who resided in her head to leave her alone and has blossomed into an opportunity to share her stories with readers all over the world.

Reviews

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead


Final thoughts

The first maybe 70% of this book had me about to catch a case! Bax's past manwhoring is brought up way too many times. This is probably the only ARR couple that uses condoms straight through 🤔😑 we don't know how recent his last sexual encounter was but the way ppl reference his history it could've been the day before he met the h😤😒😔
I just don't get why it needed to be brought up so many times man, shit pmo so damn bad.
Aside from that we get the typical drama/action with the h getting into an altercation with delivery drivers, vandalism and a break in.

The last maybe 30% is what I know this author for, yes the drama was still running in the background but the H turned into the bossy, protective, possessive BBF that I expect from this author. The romance was sugary sweet and hot as hell.
The latter parts of this book, the epilogue 10 years later and the little extended epilogue where we see her brother and bestie together are what raised my rating, before that this was a 2 star read.






ARR.......imma hold your hand when I tell you this........this next generation just ain't hitting like the ogs man 😭




Thoughts while reading
Bax is a KNOWN manwhore (that's worse than a regular manwhore btw)
Since when does the H feel the pull to his one and fight it so much 🙄
Of course it takes another man's interest in her for him to act finally
Ugh Why'd she have to go after him
I can smell the trouble brewing with the brother🙄 why would you decide not to tell him you're interested in his sister man, he's your best friend (I hate the bff little sister trope for this reason)
Come on Olivia!!! How can you hear something from a bitch he used to date and just assume she's telling the truth 🙄




“I just left Bax,” he says in greeting, his tone angry. “What the fuck are you thinking, Olivia?”
“Li—”
“Let’s say that I ignore the fact that he’s my best friend, which is beyond fucked up,” he cuts me off. “But you do know he’s fucked half the women in town, right?”
Okay, that makes me want to puke, but still. “That’s not fair.”
“Not fair? What’s not fair is my little sister going behind my back and dating my best friend, who also happens to be my boss. What do you think is going to happen when he gets tired of you and cuts you off like every other chick he’s been with.

Man wtf ARR???? His manwhoring past is being smashed into my face atp! I get it ughhhhhhh
Also Liam is a hypocrite because if Bax fucked half the women he's fucked the other half 🙄
I hate when the manwhoring is right in the same town!!!!! That rep's gonna be there forever man 😒



“Yes.” I roll over to face him and tip my head back to meet his gaze. “If I didn’t know my brother’s history with women, I might be able to put my feelings aside, but I know the kind of guy he is. I know that he⁠—”
“Is thinking the same thing about you being with me,” he says softly, and my eyes slide closed.

Not her worried about her bestie being with her manwhore brother when her man is a manwhore too 😭😭😭😭😭

Man if I'd just been told he was a manwhore and it'd been left there I could've handled it but it's like every couple pages someone has to remind me like wtf is even happening right now?




I'm annoyed and bored at the same time......but I'm in a book slump so I'm powering through

*******
No cheating
Manwhore H
h was recently out of a relationship, he cheated(mind you she said her ex started talking to her while he had a girlfriend which gave me the ick because why would you even entertain someone like that😒🙄)
Some violence
Mild owd from a woman he was with for a few months some time ago. Given his history I'm just grateful that that was the only ow drama

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olivia is Bax best friends little sister who is back in town for good she's trying to move on and be closer to her family. And well, the move isn't starting off real well. A couple of dramas happen that have Bax coming into her life and helping her out. The chemistry is there, but I didn't feel the boom, really. Bax kept on pushing away, saying he couldn't date Olivia because of her brother. Which was annoying another thing that was annoying was hearing a few times about Bax past since he was a Reformed playboy and dated a lot. 🙄

Beside that, they were cute. Doing things together. Halloween dealing with the aftermath when the brother found out they were dating. The mystery person who was targeting Olivia.


No om drama/Tiny ow(an ex), no cheating, secondary character, drama, slight secondary character, sexy times, no virgins

Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶


Slowinsta
Slight age gap
26h/30sH
Push away from H
Reformed playboy
Tiny Violence
Safe sex
Praise kink
Hea
Epilogue

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia Gannon is Bax’s best friend’s sister. She is back in town with a new job and Bax Mayson can’t seem to stop thinking about her. He knows it probably won’t go over well with his friend if he pursued Olivia but when she becomes his new neighbor it might be to difficult a task to stay away. Drama, a little protection and some other small town shenanigans all merge in this sweet “I found the one” romance. Well, What a feel good read with a little mystery thrown in was just what I needed. I love when a Mayson finds their match. You also get many other characters from previous books make an appearance so yay. Told in first person and dual POV.

[Heroesinbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Bax and Olivia Stars

The original Until Series is an all time favourite of mine with Until November being one of my most frequent re reads. This series is the second generation of the original Mayson brothers - Bax is the son of Nico and Sophie (Until Nico. Olivia is the little sister of Bax's best friend , Liam. If you enjoy that trope , along with some suspense and a passionate connection , then this book has all those things. Bax definitely hooked up with a lot of people before Olivia but once he lays eyes on her after a few years , all bets are off and he is definitely a smitten kitten. Danger is lurking and there were a couple of twists I did not see coming.

I liked the secondary characters and the story kept me interested , plus I loved catching up with some of the Mayson clan.

HEA? Yes with a lovely epilogue
Cheating? No

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may just be in a funk when I read this. I’m a total mood reader and I’m struggling connecting at moment.

[Marisa (marisalynnreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars rounded up*

This is my first read from the Until Him/Her series, and um.... ma'am... where have you been hiding these books?!

Let's start with the cover... First off, I'm not a big fan of men on the cover of books, but I can not say no to the blue eyes and tatts (who can?)

Bax is absolutely swoon-worthy! I love a good small age gap and best friends sibling trope. This book gave everything, and I cannot wait to dive into the rest of the series.

Thank you The Author Agency for an ARC of this book!

[Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quickie review: 3.5-3.75 stars. I enjoyed this book. I had a good story and a cute ending. It was a little low on chemistry. So I did like it but it was nothing super special either. This author's books are consistently enjoyable when reading, but a few weeks later they seem forgettable.

[Judy Portelles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a best friend little sister romance and this did not disappoint. I loved Bax and Olivia’s chemistry so much. Bax was everything and more, he just knew he wouldn’t be able to stay away from Olivia. So good!

[Andrea Fleury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad and olivia

I adored bax. I thought he was sexy as hell. Aurora knows how to write about sexy men who ooze off the pages. All her until books are great.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

I don't know about you guys, but I live for the BOOM, so when I see Aurora Rose Reynolds has a new book coming out, I've got to get my greedy hands on it. And let me tell you, this book did not disappoint....

If there's one thing for certain, it's that I love a good forbidden romance, and this one was right up my alley. With the perfect blend of chemistry, steam, and suspense, Until Bax checked off all of my boxes. The romance was oh-so-sweet, leaving me begging for more, while the suspense had me questioning everything and kept me on my toes.

If you're looking for a well-written, instalove romance with unforgettable characters who will steal your heart and fight for what matters, you won't want to miss Until Bax.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

[Keza Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had forgotten what it feels like to feel the BOOM, but honestly, it feels freaking fantastic.

Bax had no clue who Olivia was when he spied her across the room until she walked right up to him and hugged him. Not until his best friend Liam walks up and says her name, and he realises it's his sister. Making her off limits.

Olivia moves in next door to Bax, and immediately, things start to happen to her in a series of unfortunate but dangerous events. Bax steps in and helps her fortunately. This puts them in close proximity. The danger is ever present, and thankfully for Olivia Bax is there.

The chemistry, spice and intensity of the connection between Bax and Olivia is strong, and I loved every minute of reading their story. Bax was every bit the man I had hoped for and definitely lived up to a MC that we had come to expect from one of Aurora's stories. Olivia was absolutely the same. I absolutely loved this book. I definitely recommend 👌

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had a nice, slow, burn, and then raged like an inferno! These two had an instant attraction but it took them a while to act on it. Circumstances were one thing, history was another, but it wasn’t long before they couldn’t deny it any longer. A bit of a mystery to solve, and who doesn’t react to a damsel in distress more than a protective male? Throw in a sweet dog and cat, and these two established their perfect life <3

[booklovingredhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think with every Aurora Rose Reynolds book, I fall deeper in love with her writing.

"Until Bax" was such a beautiful book and I adored Bax and Olivia. The fact that Olivia is his best friend's little sister allowed for some amazing tension between the two. There was a struggle with emotions for them to decide to be together because they never wanted to hurt anyone. Half the time I wanted to flick my Kindle at the wall because I wanted them together quicker. When they finally got together, it was the best thing ever. I adored Bax and Olivia together, their love story was one of my favourites Aurora Rose Reynolds' wrote.

The amount of suspense was enough to keep me hooked and I was trying to figure out who was stalking my girl Olivia. I will say that I did think it was someone else and was a little disappointed in who it actually was but it was only minor.

While I love this book, this universe that ARR created with every book I get sadder because I know soon it will come to an end, the second generation of Mayson's are almost complete. I don't know what I am going to do when it is all over.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Kali Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this series since the beginning and it keeps getting better and better! It will always hold a special place in my heart. <3

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to the Mayson Family and the BOOM

Aurora Rose Reynolds delivers another installment in her beloved Until Him/Her series with Until Bax. This story seamlessly blends small-town charm, family bonds, and suspenseful twists, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. Reynolds excels at crafting rich stories, and Until Bax is no exception.

Until Bax checks all the boxes for readers who gravitate to the classic romance tropes.
At its heart is the “best friend’s little sister” dynamic, paired with a swoon-worthy, reformed playboy hero. Bax is the quintessential blue-collar dreamboat—rugged, hardworking, and utterly devoted once he sets his sights on Olivia. Add in a childhood crush that evolves into undeniable chemistry, and you have a story brimming with nostalgia and passion.

Oliva, the sweet yet determined heroine, has always carried a soft spot for Bax. Watching Bax transform into a possessive alpha hero—even while fighting the BOOM—gives the story its emotional depth. Their relationship is fiery and passionate, balanced with moments of heartfelt vulnerability. While the romance takes center stage, the book weaves in suspenseful elements that keep the plot engaging. Strange things begin to occur, forcing Bax to step up and protect the woman he loves. These moments of danger heighten the stakes and showcase the strength of their connection.

Fans of the Until series will relish the familiar dynamics, while newcomers will find it an irresistible introduction to Reynolds’ world. Whether you’re a sucker for possessive alpha heroes or small-town romances with a suspenseful edge, Until Bax is a satisfying, page-turning love story that reminds us of the power of second chances and the bonds that hold us together.

With its mix of tropes, rich family dynamics, and a hero who’s equal parts protective and swoon-worthy, Until Bax is a great addition to the Until universe. It’s a story that celebrates love, loyalty, and the joy of finding your forever person.

PoP: 64%

[CourtneyS · Rating 4 out of 5]

OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
•Spice Level:  🌶🌶/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Re-Listen/Re-Read: Sure will
•Recommend: Yes
•Platform: E-book
•Trope: Best friends little sister, Insta Love, Next door Neighbors, protective alpha hero

• Thoughts:
Oh sigh..... I freaking love the Until Series, it's like a warm hug, I know I am getting an insta love, with a hero that is head over heels for his leading lady! I love this town and not only that we get to see the Mayson clan. I mean I am giddy with the first sentence.
Bax and Olivia were so cute, they were stubborn and at one point maddening to me. In the best way, of course. Ha. I have nothing but good things to say about this book. I have a plain Jane review because I don't know how else to say I love this book. It is my happy place. Bax and Olivia were a great addition to the Until Him series! I am so sad that this next generation is coming to an end.

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia is Bax’s best friends sister. She recently moved back to town to be closer to her parents. And when she runs into Bax at the bar, there is an instant attraction. But Bax knows he should stay away because she is his best friend’s sister, and she is younger than him.

But how more tempting will it be when she moves in next door to him. And it seems like Olivia is in some danger. As someone is trying to get her attention, but not in the good way. And now it’s a losing battle staying away from her, because he will do anything to protect her and find the person who is out to get her…

Another epic story from ARR. These Until books just get better and better with every book. And now it seems like it could be end ☹ This story is exactly what we expect from a Boom Story. When Bax sees Olivia again after years, he tries to deny his feelings, but The Boom was definitely in effect.

Loved their story, loved the suspense, the drama and loved being back with the Mayson clan.

If it was up to me, this series would never end 😊

[Michele A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bax is surprised to realize that Olivia has grown into a gorgeous woman that he wants to get to know again. Liam, his BFF, and he were tight growing up and they never really paid much attention to his little sister, Olivia. She realizes that she is in over her head pretty quickly when she finds herself being targeted by someone and needs Bax's help to keep safe. Bax was a stand up guy and I liked that he didn't play games. He was willing to go against his BFF and let the chips fall where they may to be with her. I understood her needing a minute to realize that they were both falling for each other. Her moving back home made some sense, but her parents did treat her like a child still (especially her mom). I did like how they stood together and took on any challenges that came their way. I liked their epilogue and the surprise revealed.

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love me a good forbidden romance and as usual, Aurora Rose Reynolds delivers!

Olivia and Bax have known each other for the majority of their lives, but have lost touch since Olivia moved away. Now she is back in town and Bax is crushing hardcore on his best friend's little sister! Olivia has always had a crush on Bax, so this is a recipe for a good time!

I loved the progression for these two and how Bax took on a protector role for her almost immediately. There are crazy things going on in Olivia's life and Bax didn't hesitate to be there for her.

Bax is an amazingly swoony character and I just need to know where I can find one of him for myself!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
Why you will love this book…

💕Small Town Romance
🔥Best Friend’s Little Sister
💕Slight Age Gap
🔥Reformed Playboy
💕Romantic Suspense-ish
🔥Childhood Crush
💕Blue Collar Hero
🔥Possessive, Alpha Hero
💕Touch Her & Die vibes

Bax Mayson thought he had escaped the family curse—until he saw Olivia Gannon again.

I loved these characters they had me hooked through out this whole book this is my first by ARR but it won’t be my last that’s for sure.. I loved how bossy , sweet and caring Bax was as with Olivia. As usual a Mayson style Olivia is in danger and Bax has to safe her.. This book is amazing a chefs kiss 😘!!

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bax! 😍🫠
He has is bad! Look out Oli girl! Bax is coming for you. ❤️❤️
While this is my first Until Series book, I’m no stranger to ARR! She has way of writing that captures your full attention and does NOT let you go. She writes the best book boyfriends.
I loved Bax and Olivia. The way he cooks her breakfast and takes care of her! 🥺🥺
He’s also a cat AND dog dad!!
Olivia was the most relatable character. I see you falling asleep with your kindle! Me too girl! I love how fierce and strong willed she was! I loved the King of Nothing reference. Yes! I saw what you did. I loved how everything was balance in this book. It wasn’t too heavy and on the spice and the suspense aspect was mixed in perfectly!
I didn’t want this book to end!

4.5⭐️/2🌶️

💕Small Town Romance
🔥Best Friend’s Little Sister
💕Slight Age Gap
🔥Reformed Playboy
💕Romantic Suspense-ish
🔥Childhood Crush
💕Blue Collar Hero
🔥Possessive, Alpha Hero
💕Touch Her & Die Vibes


Thank you ARR and The Author Agency for the ARC of this book! ❤️

[Patricia Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review Until Bax by @auroraroser

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I loved this so much that I finished it all in one day. I haven’t read any on the ones before but I am deff going to start from the beginning. The suspense and angst and wanting was soooooo good. Bax loves with all his heart even if it means losing people to do it. To Bax, Oli is with everything and more. I cannot wait to read about the whole family ✨

[Desiree Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super excited to get my hands on Aurora Rose Reynolds's newest release. Until Bax is that best friend's sister's forbidden romance mixed with a bit of suspense, family, drama, and heat. I love the relationship between Olivia and Bax and how it grows throughout the book. Reynolds knows how to write romance with likable characters in a strongly developed world. BOOM! The pace was spot-on and the flow was great. I enjoyed reading this book.

[Kassandra Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Until Him series never disappoint by Aurora Rose Reynolds. I have finished the whole book within a day. I just couldn't put it down.

Bax and Olivia was just the cutest and sweetest couple. I think they may be my favorite, but I do love July and Jax book also.

Now I am excited but also sad because I am so looking forward to Nalia book. I can't wait to see more about Nalia life.

[˚•—S—•˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bax might come of as hesitant to date his best friends little sister, but it was oh so very easy for these two to fall in love. She doesnt need a hero, but its very nice to have someone else looking out for her safety when strange things suddenly starts happening to her.

You can never go wrong when picking up a ARR-book, and I love seeing these finding their happy!

[Likebeyondbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possessive

Where can I get me a Bax, please? I'm asking for a friend! Loved this book from beginning until the end. The way Bax tried to keep his distance until he couldn't. Dont get me started on how possessive but affectionate he is. The push and pull until finally we got some action. Olivia was so relatable as a character that I truly enjoyed her sassy comebacks and her showing no fear in situations.

[Ofwitchbrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definition of a comfort read.
People that have been here since book 1 know her books are addicting as FUCK.
I wonder how come men like that don’t exist in real life.
THIS WAS SO FUCKING SWOON-WORTHY!!!!

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(5 Stars)

The read I have been waiting for, and it did not disappoint! I can't get enough of the Mayson's and their BOOMs. I will say it is a bit bittersweet as this is almost done, one more Mayson kid left to find their BOOM. We are getting some fantastic drama, danger, violence, and of course super hot naughty moments. I give Bax and Oli 5 stars.

[Nomims · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

It was ok, pure ARR with all the clichés.