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Meet You Halfway
MATEO
Have you ever had to sit by and watch the love of your life meet the love of his life? Have you had to sit there and pretend you were oh-so okay with it? Because, you know, you were supposed to have moved on by now.
Yeah right.
I am drowning and spiralling, living my life so deeply in the closet I can hardly see for all the fear and internalised hangups. My career as a top model is right within my grasp too if only I can see past my family’s judgement and disapproval and reach for it.
And then Jamie steps into my life in the most dramatic of ways, the sexy paramedic from the town next door who is about to shake things up for me in ways I never saw coming. He’s pretty much perfect in every way and I can’t fight the allure we both seem to have for each other, the one that makes me break all my rules.
But can I ever shake my heartache to let Jamie capture my heart and give him the love he deserves? He keeps telling me I’m worth it. But I don’t know if I can believe him.
Turns out nobody is immune from heartbreak, not even devastatingly gorgeous supermodels. Meet You Halfway will leave you hanging until you want to throw a punch at something, quite probably Mateo, but come for the journey anyway. He is worth it. I promise.
Have you ever had to sit by and watch the love of your life meet the love of his life? Have you had to sit there and pretend you were oh-so okay with it? Because, you know, you were supposed to have moved on by now.
Yeah right.
I am drowning and spiralling, living my life so deeply in the closet I can hardly see for all the fear and internalised hangups. My career as a top model is right within my grasp too if only I can see past my family’s judgement and disapproval and reach for it.
And then Jamie steps into my life in the most dramatic of ways, the sexy paramedic from the town next door who is about to shake things up for me in ways I never saw coming. He’s pretty much perfect in every way and I can’t fight the allure we both seem to have for each other, the one that makes me break all my rules.
But can I ever shake my heartache to let Jamie capture my heart and give him the love he deserves? He keeps telling me I’m worth it. But I don’t know if I can believe him.
Turns out nobody is immune from heartbreak, not even devastatingly gorgeous supermodels. Meet You Halfway will leave you hanging until you want to throw a punch at something, quite probably Mateo, but come for the journey anyway. He is worth it. I promise.
- GenresM M Romance
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2024
About the author
Aria Brennan
11 books37 followersAustralian girl, salt in my hair, love in the air. I write romance you can taste like summer on the beach.
By day, I pour far too much energy into daylighting as a corporate lawyer in the wine and spirits world. By night, I write to escape a reality that, frankly, can’t compete with the stories I dream up. Somewhere between surfboards and sunsets, I write the stories I wish existed.
Hailing from Adelaide, Australia, I hope this little window into my corner of the globe brings a smile, a flutter of the heart, or maybe even a bit of wanderlust.
By day, I pour far too much energy into daylighting as a corporate lawyer in the wine and spirits world. By night, I write to escape a reality that, frankly, can’t compete with the stories I dream up. Somewhere between surfboards and sunsets, I write the stories I wish existed.
Hailing from Adelaide, Australia, I hope this little window into my corner of the globe brings a smile, a flutter of the heart, or maybe even a bit of wanderlust.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 10, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I've read the last 5 books from Aria Brennan and fell in love with the beautiful covers, simplicity, totes adorbs, the aesthetic of the sea, and the adorable characters she gives us. This one unfortunately didn't quite get me there the way the other did🙁
I want to say well done to Mateo for finally waking up and seeing Jamie for who he was. I loved all that he did for him; this proves that love when it is the right thing makes you take that steep path to a life that's not only surviving but also living! Hand ups to Dante and Guilia, family it's not always about blood, and this was the best part for me.
They were cute and sexy, but not memorable..It was simple, but it took a lot of time to connect with the MC, to feel their connection.. I got a bit tired of reading that Mateo was so beautiful and had the most perfect body, but at the same time, everyone was telling him he was more than his body... Also pinning after Nick that much, and while with Jamie... Idk... The end seemed like a perfectly wrapped present, like a checklist HEA. Just an aesthetic point that this cover is not as beautiful as the others.
I'm sad about this one, but I'm totally going to read any book from her, because i need than australian oceans and her beautiful man in my life🩵
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I've read the last 5 books from Aria Brennan and fell in love with the beautiful covers, simplicity, totes adorbs, the aesthetic of the sea, and the adorable characters she gives us. This one unfortunately didn't quite get me there the way the other did🙁
I want to say well done to Mateo for finally waking up and seeing Jamie for who he was. I loved all that he did for him; this proves that love when it is the right thing makes you take that steep path to a life that's not only surviving but also living! Hand ups to Dante and Guilia, family it's not always about blood, and this was the best part for me.
They were cute and sexy, but not memorable..It was simple, but it took a lot of time to connect with the MC, to feel their connection.. I got a bit tired of reading that Mateo was so beautiful and had the most perfect body, but at the same time, everyone was telling him he was more than his body... Also pinning after Nick that much, and while with Jamie... Idk... The end seemed like a perfectly wrapped present, like a checklist HEA. Just an aesthetic point that this cover is not as beautiful as the others.
I'm sad about this one, but I'm totally going to read any book from her, because i need than australian oceans and her beautiful man in my life🩵
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2024
Niestety, drugi tom przyniósł duże rozczarowanie...
Jak pierwszy był wakacyjny, lekki i uroczy, tak drugi z założenia taki nawet być nie mógł - w końcu opowiadał historię Mateo, najlepszego przyjaciela Nicka (bohatera tomu 1), zakochanego w nim, posiadającego homofobicznych rodziców i będącego w głębokiej, głębokiej szafie. Zatem tak, spodziewałam się historii raczej smutnej, może nawet trochę łamiącej serducho, która jednak oczywiście będzie miała swój szczęśliwy koniec.
Ale tego nie dostałam. Mateo był bohaterem raczej irytującym. Nie miałam dla niego nawet letnich uczuć. Jego uwieszenie się na tym, że on kocha Nicka od 10 lat, że nawet miał szczęście być z nim przez 6 miesięcy (Nick skończył ten utajniony przez wszystkie możliwe przypadki i okoliczności związek), a Nick nie widzi, że oni są dla siebie stworzeni. Taki współczesny męczennik, który choć powinien ruszyć dalej, to rozpamiętuje tylko, jak Nick to, czy Nick tamto. Torturuje się tymi wspomnieniami, ma żal do Nicka, że ten nie reaguje, jak on przespał się z innym kolesiem (po tym, jak już od miesięcy nie są razem, a Nick znalazł swoją drugą połówkę na całe życie). Nick miał być jego wiecznością, a on Nicka. Mieli żyć razem długo i szczęśliwie. W końcu on go kocha od momentu, kiedy tylko go zobaczył mając lat 13, itd., itd. Szczerze, to był w tym wszystkim raczej żałosny...
Tyle się nasłyszeliśmy o tych niedobrych rodzicach Mateo, którzy wiadomo - Włosi, religijni - nie mogą być przecież tolerancyjni dla syna geja, który chce być modelem, bo wyznają tradycyjny model rodziny, mężczyzna ma być mężczyzną, geje są zboczeni (znacie to, dopowiedzcie sobie resztę), zatem ten musi wszystko trzymać tylko dla siebie, nie może się wychylać, nikt nie może wiedzieć o niczym, rodzice muszą myśleć, że jest grzecznym, katolickim, hetero synem. I tak słyszymy o nich, słyszymy, a na żywo widzimy ich tylko w jednej scenie, która ma może ze dwie strony, z czego każde z nich wypowiada słownie w sumie kilka krótkich zdań - resztę mówi Mateo, to jego moment buntu, kiedy wszystko wyznaje i wychodzi. Tyle. No cóż, na całą tę otoczkę, która została stworzona, spodziewałam się jednak może czegoś więcej?
Jamie był słodki, może nawet za bardzo 😉
Seksu było za dużo. Rozumiem, że niby ich nie-związek tak się rozpoczął, ale dajmy spokój, po co tyle...
Scena, w której Mateo zdaje sobie sprawę, że jednak kocha Jamiego, a nie Nicka i że najprawdopodobniej spieprzył najlepszą rzecz, która mogła mu się przytrafić, zupełnie mnie nie przekonała.
Poza tym, myślałam że mnie szlag trafi - tyle razy było wspomniane w książce, że Mateo jest piękny, przepiękny, właściwie to najpiękniejszy mężczyzna na świecie, który nawet hetero byłby w stanie przekonać do tego, że nie jest tak całkiem hetero. Że miał fantastyczne ciało, że był gorący jak diabli i że miał oliwkową skórę. Ale też wszyscy naokoło mu powtarzali, że nie jest tylko ciałem, że jest w nim dużo więcej i żeby o tym pamiętał. A potem w dialogach albo monologach wewnętrznych mówili lub myśleli, jaki on jest piękny i gorący...
Mogłabym jeszcze dużo napisać, ale już mi się nie chce 😜
Duże rozczarowanie...
Jak pierwszy był wakacyjny, lekki i uroczy, tak drugi z założenia taki nawet być nie mógł - w końcu opowiadał historię Mateo, najlepszego przyjaciela Nicka (bohatera tomu 1), zakochanego w nim, posiadającego homofobicznych rodziców i będącego w głębokiej, głębokiej szafie. Zatem tak, spodziewałam się historii raczej smutnej, może nawet trochę łamiącej serducho, która jednak oczywiście będzie miała swój szczęśliwy koniec.
Ale tego nie dostałam. Mateo był bohaterem raczej irytującym. Nie miałam dla niego nawet letnich uczuć. Jego uwieszenie się na tym, że on kocha Nicka od 10 lat, że nawet miał szczęście być z nim przez 6 miesięcy (Nick skończył ten utajniony przez wszystkie możliwe przypadki i okoliczności związek), a Nick nie widzi, że oni są dla siebie stworzeni. Taki współczesny męczennik, który choć powinien ruszyć dalej, to rozpamiętuje tylko, jak Nick to, czy Nick tamto. Torturuje się tymi wspomnieniami, ma żal do Nicka, że ten nie reaguje, jak on przespał się z innym kolesiem (po tym, jak już od miesięcy nie są razem, a Nick znalazł swoją drugą połówkę na całe życie). Nick miał być jego wiecznością, a on Nicka. Mieli żyć razem długo i szczęśliwie. W końcu on go kocha od momentu, kiedy tylko go zobaczył mając lat 13, itd., itd. Szczerze, to był w tym wszystkim raczej żałosny...
Tyle się nasłyszeliśmy o tych niedobrych rodzicach Mateo, którzy wiadomo - Włosi, religijni - nie mogą być przecież tolerancyjni dla syna geja, który chce być modelem, bo wyznają tradycyjny model rodziny, mężczyzna ma być mężczyzną, geje są zboczeni (znacie to, dopowiedzcie sobie resztę), zatem ten musi wszystko trzymać tylko dla siebie, nie może się wychylać, nikt nie może wiedzieć o niczym, rodzice muszą myśleć, że jest grzecznym, katolickim, hetero synem. I tak słyszymy o nich, słyszymy, a na żywo widzimy ich tylko w jednej scenie, która ma może ze dwie strony, z czego każde z nich wypowiada słownie w sumie kilka krótkich zdań - resztę mówi Mateo, to jego moment buntu, kiedy wszystko wyznaje i wychodzi. Tyle. No cóż, na całą tę otoczkę, która została stworzona, spodziewałam się jednak może czegoś więcej?
Jamie był słodki, może nawet za bardzo 😉
Seksu było za dużo. Rozumiem, że niby ich nie-związek tak się rozpoczął, ale dajmy spokój, po co tyle...
Scena, w której Mateo zdaje sobie sprawę, że jednak kocha Jamiego, a nie Nicka i że najprawdopodobniej spieprzył najlepszą rzecz, która mogła mu się przytrafić, zupełnie mnie nie przekonała.
Poza tym, myślałam że mnie szlag trafi - tyle razy było wspomniane w książce, że Mateo jest piękny, przepiękny, właściwie to najpiękniejszy mężczyzna na świecie, który nawet hetero byłby w stanie przekonać do tego, że nie jest tak całkiem hetero. Że miał fantastyczne ciało, że był gorący jak diabli i że miał oliwkową skórę. Ale też wszyscy naokoło mu powtarzali, że nie jest tylko ciałem, że jest w nim dużo więcej i żeby o tym pamiętał. A potem w dialogach albo monologach wewnętrznych mówili lub myśleli, jaki on jest piękny i gorący...
Mogłabym jeszcze dużo napisać, ale już mi się nie chce 😜
Duże rozczarowanie...
September 4, 2024
3.5 stars. Mateo was really unpleasant in the first book and wasn't always likeable for a lot of this either - he had some understandable reasons, but that really caused a lot of hurt for some others. His struggle with self-acceptance as a result of his upbringing was clear and made the HEA with Jamie extra special. What I did find a bit strange is the constant emphasis that Mateo was more than his looks - but his looks were referred to really often. Jamie was really sweet.
September 5, 2024
A JOURNEY OF SELF ACCEPTANCE AND FINDING YOUR TRUE SELF AND OTHER PERSON!💕
The second book of the South coast series we get Mateos side of the story regarding his hopeless unrequited love for his best friend Nick but fear not dear misunderstood Mateo, your journey to happiness is about to begin!
Mateo meets Jamie, the paramedic who changes his life the night his adoptive uncle has a heart attack and this is his story of how he struggles to find self acceptance and to be his true self with the help of a sweet, gorgeous sunshiny, patient alpha male- the total opposite of him…
“The people who love you will do so based on who you are, not who you pretend to be. Don’t be afraid of who you are. Because who you are is actually pretty great.”
I loved Jamie and how he slowly convinced Mateo to pursue his own happiness by being himself and accepting his true self- a gorgeous model who has hidden depth and not only looks!
Mateo was a very complexed character who had built many walls around his heart by having it broken by his homophobic parents time and time again and then Nick…
All he ever wanted was someone to see the real person behind his facade and to love him unconditionally…. Will that person be Jamie?…
“He had shown me a different type of relationship, a romantic one where love and trust and respect were its basis. Friendship was there too but it wasn’t what held it up.”
Their journey is not easy as there are many lessons to be learned but with the help, support and guidance of their friends and chosen family it will be worth it to see their outcome!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
The second book of the South coast series we get Mateos side of the story regarding his hopeless unrequited love for his best friend Nick but fear not dear misunderstood Mateo, your journey to happiness is about to begin!
Mateo meets Jamie, the paramedic who changes his life the night his adoptive uncle has a heart attack and this is his story of how he struggles to find self acceptance and to be his true self with the help of a sweet, gorgeous sunshiny, patient alpha male- the total opposite of him…
“The people who love you will do so based on who you are, not who you pretend to be. Don’t be afraid of who you are. Because who you are is actually pretty great.”
I loved Jamie and how he slowly convinced Mateo to pursue his own happiness by being himself and accepting his true self- a gorgeous model who has hidden depth and not only looks!
Mateo was a very complexed character who had built many walls around his heart by having it broken by his homophobic parents time and time again and then Nick…
All he ever wanted was someone to see the real person behind his facade and to love him unconditionally…. Will that person be Jamie?…
“He had shown me a different type of relationship, a romantic one where love and trust and respect were its basis. Friendship was there too but it wasn’t what held it up.”
Their journey is not easy as there are many lessons to be learned but with the help, support and guidance of their friends and chosen family it will be worth it to see their outcome!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
August 28, 2024
3.5 stars An Okay novel.
This is the first read for the author with this book knowing this is book two in the series but can be a standalone.
The story is set in New South Wales, Australia.
The book starts with digging up the past between Mateo and Nick, with Mateo pinning away for him and then their brief romance. I didn’t feel the first chapter was needed in this book as it made it a complicated mess for them, Mateo needed to move onward.
Mateo loved his best friend for 8 years but it never was reciprocated back…forever the friend.
Being a part time model he traveled a bit seeing the country as well as his main job as an architect with his uncle.
Mateo, 22 years old, meets Jamie, 27 yrs, a paramedic, when his uncle has a heart attack.
This had an amount of narrated vocals telling the story, which I’m not a fan of.
A slow start with them both hooking up but they begin having coffee dates. Mateo was semi closeted outside his friends circle largely because of his parents.
Meet you half way is a story of Mateo moving on from his ex to find new love. Although he takes his time to wake up to see something special with Jamie.
Jamie was addicted to him enough to keep seeing him but hookups weren't his style.. at all.
A good ending to the romance in which they find their HEAs, but not without a few dramas.
This is the first read for the author with this book knowing this is book two in the series but can be a standalone.
The story is set in New South Wales, Australia.
The book starts with digging up the past between Mateo and Nick, with Mateo pinning away for him and then their brief romance. I didn’t feel the first chapter was needed in this book as it made it a complicated mess for them, Mateo needed to move onward.
Mateo loved his best friend for 8 years but it never was reciprocated back…forever the friend.
Being a part time model he traveled a bit seeing the country as well as his main job as an architect with his uncle.
Mateo, 22 years old, meets Jamie, 27 yrs, a paramedic, when his uncle has a heart attack.
This had an amount of narrated vocals telling the story, which I’m not a fan of.
A slow start with them both hooking up but they begin having coffee dates. Mateo was semi closeted outside his friends circle largely because of his parents.
Meet you half way is a story of Mateo moving on from his ex to find new love. Although he takes his time to wake up to see something special with Jamie.
Jamie was addicted to him enough to keep seeing him but hookups weren't his style.. at all.
A good ending to the romance in which they find their HEAs, but not without a few dramas.
September 2, 2024
In the continuation of the first book, Mateo still feels hopelessly in love with Nick, but Nick has Ajay. Mateo meets a paramedic, Jamie and starts a fling, still in the closet and resisting his emotions. Mateo is still insecure, still hiding, still afraid to tell his parents. Jamie has to be the nicest guy in the world, is infatuated with Mateo and holds on hoping Mateo gets over Nick. I loved the romance in this book, especially the "romancing him hard:. Mateo and Jaime deserved a happily ever after. I received a copy of this book through Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.
I
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September 4, 2024
I found this author on grr. I really enjoy her work. This book is book two of the series. I enjoyed the characters I enjoyed this authors writing style. She's really very good! This story was truly amazing.
May 12, 2026
Very cute but a bit bland. Not a lot of conflict and wayyy too many repetitive sex scenes. Book 1 was better.
August 20, 2024
I enjoyed this read. Not as much as the joy that was Meet You in the Waves, but, I wanted to keep reading, despite not connecting with one MC (Mateo, who I didn’t like at all in the previous book, so, not a surprise. I still wanted to see what happened to him, despite him being mostly a wet-blanket personality). I loved the other MC, paramedic Jamie, he is a delight, and because he wanted/fell for Mateo, I was rooting for them, even though it’s hard to separate him loving the way Mateo looks from loving Mateo. The author got him there.
An aside. I’m stuck on the title spelling halfway as two words. Why? If anyone knows, please school me, and I mean that genuinely. In what usage is it two words? Adj: halfway. Adv: halfway. Meet You Halfway. I want to know what I don’t know, so, inform me in the comments if you read this and know why it’s spelled half way. This isn’t like every day/everyday where there are two different usages/spellings, is it?
AHEM. That aside. I utterly loved the previous book , Nick and Ajay’s story, Meet You in the Waves, and was curious to see what was in store for Nick’s very closeted BFF and ex-boyfriend, Mateo. They’re still friends, though, honestly? it doesn’t really feel like they are—the change in their relationship did seem to ruin the friendship, which mainly felt like Mateo pining and Nick feeling bad for him. Mateo and Nick never truly felt like close friends to me in either book, more acquaintances who respect each other and used to F, but aren’t close anymore because one still pines kinda stalkerlike hardcore for the other.
It was a tough situation for romance, because Mateo spends a good deal of the book being with Jamie but thinking about/pining for Nick, including a few times during intimacy, which ruined those moments for me. However, Jamie is so engaging and lovely, I still wanted to keep reading to see what happened.
Mateo is morose; I didn’t connect with him. He’s not unlikeable, he’s just kind of blank and sad. There was no follow up for a long time about the woman he’d been dating in the previous book as a beard, which kept nagging at me, like she wasn’t important enough to even mention until very late in the book as a side note, and that seemed a missed opportunity to help characterize Mateo and build tension.
Mateo and Jamie meet when Mateo’s found-family uncle has a heart attack and Jamie is the paramedic on the scene who helps to save him. Jamie’s immediately attracted to Mateo, the most beautiful man he (and most everyone else) has ever seen. They start as casual hookups, but, Jamie doesn’t really do that and gets emotionally involved pretty fast. But Mateo is so deep in the closet, so closed-off, getting him to have even a conversation or text exchange afterward is like pulling teeth. If not for a contrived, happen-to-run-into-each-other second meeting, they’d never have happened (a contrivance that bugged me, but, whatever).
The push-pull of Mateo also finding Jamie genuinely attractive and appealing and personable/likeable, and trying to resist his own response to Jamie, made for good romantic tension. Having him still pining over Nick had to be part of the process, and was consistent, but, it was hard to read because it seemed so pathetic, I think bc Mateo himself just feels lost, and something about his relationship for Nick never seemed strong either as friends or their time as boyfriends. That time was far briefer than I recalled from the previous book—6 months. It also isn’t clear who ended it or how it ended, which seemed a miss not to clarify from Mateo’s POV. I know from the previous book it had to do w Mateo being closeted, but, it’s odd that something so pivotal to his internal conflict isn’t ever made clear. The author did do good work showing that his pining for Nick became more of a habit than true pining, and I believed in the end that Mateo really was all there for Jamie. It was a credible journey to get there.
Mateo and Jamie are steamy together in bed, the author writes strong intimate moments. The two of them are a great match physically, and Jamie is only the second person who Mateo feels sees him for more than his body/looks and feels tenderness with in bed.
Mateo’s goal/desire to be a model is clear, though the portrayal of the modeling world seemed a bit Disney/idealized for what I’m thinking really goes on/the treatment of models. Maybe the industry has improved in these more enlightened, less sexual-harassment-tolerant times. Still, his goals were clear, and his conflict over leaving Dante/the company he’s been working for in the lurch made sense (though him working for an architecture firm with zero knowledge of architecture didn’t). Secondary characters strengthen the read; Rob, Nick, and Ajay, and Dante and his wife Giulia as Mateo’s circle, and Bill (Jamie’s paramedic partner) and…I forget his wife’s name…and their child…as Jamie’s.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and will read more of this author’s work.
HEA, closeted hero, hookups to lovers, love triangle feel with Mateo’s pining for his former lover/friend (it’s not a real triangle, just feels that way for Mateo), model hero, paramedic hero. No cheating or any others; the OM drama comes from Mateo clinging to his feelings for Nick, who has moved on entirely. Engaging read. Recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
An aside. I’m stuck on the title spelling halfway as two words. Why? If anyone knows, please school me, and I mean that genuinely. In what usage is it two words? Adj: halfway. Adv: halfway. Meet You Halfway. I want to know what I don’t know, so, inform me in the comments if you read this and know why it’s spelled half way. This isn’t like every day/everyday where there are two different usages/spellings, is it?
AHEM. That aside. I utterly loved the previous book , Nick and Ajay’s story, Meet You in the Waves, and was curious to see what was in store for Nick’s very closeted BFF and ex-boyfriend, Mateo. They’re still friends, though, honestly? it doesn’t really feel like they are—the change in their relationship did seem to ruin the friendship, which mainly felt like Mateo pining and Nick feeling bad for him. Mateo and Nick never truly felt like close friends to me in either book, more acquaintances who respect each other and used to F, but aren’t close anymore because one still pines kinda stalkerlike hardcore for the other.
It was a tough situation for romance, because Mateo spends a good deal of the book being with Jamie but thinking about/pining for Nick, including a few times during intimacy, which ruined those moments for me. However, Jamie is so engaging and lovely, I still wanted to keep reading to see what happened.
Mateo is morose; I didn’t connect with him. He’s not unlikeable, he’s just kind of blank and sad. There was no follow up for a long time about the woman he’d been dating in the previous book as a beard, which kept nagging at me, like she wasn’t important enough to even mention until very late in the book as a side note, and that seemed a missed opportunity to help characterize Mateo and build tension.
Mateo and Jamie meet when Mateo’s found-family uncle has a heart attack and Jamie is the paramedic on the scene who helps to save him. Jamie’s immediately attracted to Mateo, the most beautiful man he (and most everyone else) has ever seen. They start as casual hookups, but, Jamie doesn’t really do that and gets emotionally involved pretty fast. But Mateo is so deep in the closet, so closed-off, getting him to have even a conversation or text exchange afterward is like pulling teeth. If not for a contrived, happen-to-run-into-each-other second meeting, they’d never have happened (a contrivance that bugged me, but, whatever).
The push-pull of Mateo also finding Jamie genuinely attractive and appealing and personable/likeable, and trying to resist his own response to Jamie, made for good romantic tension. Having him still pining over Nick had to be part of the process, and was consistent, but, it was hard to read because it seemed so pathetic, I think bc Mateo himself just feels lost, and something about his relationship for Nick never seemed strong either as friends or their time as boyfriends. That time was far briefer than I recalled from the previous book—6 months. It also isn’t clear who ended it or how it ended, which seemed a miss not to clarify from Mateo’s POV. I know from the previous book it had to do w Mateo being closeted, but, it’s odd that something so pivotal to his internal conflict isn’t ever made clear. The author did do good work showing that his pining for Nick became more of a habit than true pining, and I believed in the end that Mateo really was all there for Jamie. It was a credible journey to get there.
Mateo and Jamie are steamy together in bed, the author writes strong intimate moments. The two of them are a great match physically, and Jamie is only the second person who Mateo feels sees him for more than his body/looks and feels tenderness with in bed.
Mateo’s goal/desire to be a model is clear, though the portrayal of the modeling world seemed a bit Disney/idealized for what I’m thinking really goes on/the treatment of models. Maybe the industry has improved in these more enlightened, less sexual-harassment-tolerant times. Still, his goals were clear, and his conflict over leaving Dante/the company he’s been working for in the lurch made sense (though him working for an architecture firm with zero knowledge of architecture didn’t). Secondary characters strengthen the read; Rob, Nick, and Ajay, and Dante and his wife Giulia as Mateo’s circle, and Bill (Jamie’s paramedic partner) and…I forget his wife’s name…and their child…as Jamie’s.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and will read more of this author’s work.
HEA, closeted hero, hookups to lovers, love triangle feel with Mateo’s pining for his former lover/friend (it’s not a real triangle, just feels that way for Mateo), model hero, paramedic hero. No cheating or any others; the OM drama comes from Mateo clinging to his feelings for Nick, who has moved on entirely. Engaging read. Recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
September 5, 2024
"Meet You Half Way" by Aria Brennan is another one of the many, many ARCs that I'm working my way through. This is the second book in Aria's latest duology: South Coast.
["Have you ever had to sit by and watch the love of your life meet the love of his life? Have you had to sit there and pretend you were oh-so okay with it? Because, you know, you were supposed to have moved on by now.
Yeah right.
I am drowning and spiralling, living my life so deeply in the closet I can hardly see for all the fear and internalised hangups. My career as a top model is right within my grasp too if only I can see past my family’s judgement and disapproval and reach for it.
And then Jamie steps into my life in the most dramatic of ways, the sexy paramedic from the town next door who is about to shake things up for me in ways I never saw coming. He’s pretty much perfect in every way and I can’t fight the allure we both seem to have for each other, the one that makes me break all my rules.
But can I ever shake my heartache to let Jamie capture my heart and give him the love he deserves? He keeps telling me I’m worth it. But I don’t know if I can believe him."]
It's rough when one person is all romance and commitment and the other person is all hook-up culture and anti-commitment. It almost never ends well...unless they're in a book. Then there's a mess of compromises and fluff and spice and confrontation and broken hearts. But, again, because our boys are in a book, there's also a happily ever after.
These two fell so hard so fast, but at least Jamie was aware (and okay with) his feelings. Mateo was in the dark (and in denial). I'm so glad they (eventually) worked it out and talked it out (and sexed it out), because they were made for each other.
Trigger Warnings: homophobic parents, internalized homophobia, and more
#gayromancereviews #booksprout #arcs #arcteammember #indieauthorcreative
#meetmeinthewaves #meetyouhalfway #southcoastbook #southcoastseries #ariabrennan #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Have you ever had to sit by and watch the love of your life meet the love of his life? Have you had to sit there and pretend you were oh-so okay with it? Because, you know, you were supposed to have moved on by now.
Yeah right.
I am drowning and spiralling, living my life so deeply in the closet I can hardly see for all the fear and internalised hangups. My career as a top model is right within my grasp too if only I can see past my family’s judgement and disapproval and reach for it.
And then Jamie steps into my life in the most dramatic of ways, the sexy paramedic from the town next door who is about to shake things up for me in ways I never saw coming. He’s pretty much perfect in every way and I can’t fight the allure we both seem to have for each other, the one that makes me break all my rules.
But can I ever shake my heartache to let Jamie capture my heart and give him the love he deserves? He keeps telling me I’m worth it. But I don’t know if I can believe him."]
It's rough when one person is all romance and commitment and the other person is all hook-up culture and anti-commitment. It almost never ends well...unless they're in a book. Then there's a mess of compromises and fluff and spice and confrontation and broken hearts. But, again, because our boys are in a book, there's also a happily ever after.
These two fell so hard so fast, but at least Jamie was aware (and okay with) his feelings. Mateo was in the dark (and in denial). I'm so glad they (eventually) worked it out and talked it out (and sexed it out), because they were made for each other.
Trigger Warnings: homophobic parents, internalized homophobia, and more
#gayromancereviews #booksprout #arcs #arcteammember #indieauthorcreative
#meetmeinthewaves #meetyouhalfway #southcoastbook #southcoastseries #ariabrennan #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
September 21, 2024
2.5 stars
Mateo and Jaime meet when Mateo's boss collapses at work. As one of the paramedics on duty, Jaime helps to save Dante's life, and the spark between them builds and brightens over the course of the story. However, while I found Jaime likable, Mateo irritated me. I do understand his fears, given that he's only 22 and hasn't had true supportive relationships outside of his two best friends. That whole situation with Nick was a little bit pathetic, to be honest, and the constant repetition of his fears and his lack of self-worth became tiring. As did the writer's repetition of his physical description which never failed to include his "olive skin". Let the eye-rolling commence. Mateo did not engage me nearly as much as Jaime did, and I felt truly pleased when Jaime walked away, even though I'm not normally a fan of the third act breakup. Granted, it was the wake-up call that Mateo needed, but it still felt good, for all the times he'd subtly and openly rejected Jaime, choosing to lie to himself and ignore the signs that what he had with the paramedic was different from what he had had with Nick. The story felt unnecessarily drawn out because there was so much repetition of Mateo's questioning and worrying, and the same for Jaime, who struggled to figure out how to handle this man he couldn't seem to keep his hands off. And that's the other thing... too often, this story, which is heavy on the sex, felt like situations were just being set up to allow the men to bump uglies. Half of the sex scenes could have been omitted, we'd have had the same story, and I would probably not have grown impatine with the telling.
Mateo and Jaime meet when Mateo's boss collapses at work. As one of the paramedics on duty, Jaime helps to save Dante's life, and the spark between them builds and brightens over the course of the story. However, while I found Jaime likable, Mateo irritated me. I do understand his fears, given that he's only 22 and hasn't had true supportive relationships outside of his two best friends. That whole situation with Nick was a little bit pathetic, to be honest, and the constant repetition of his fears and his lack of self-worth became tiring. As did the writer's repetition of his physical description which never failed to include his "olive skin". Let the eye-rolling commence. Mateo did not engage me nearly as much as Jaime did, and I felt truly pleased when Jaime walked away, even though I'm not normally a fan of the third act breakup. Granted, it was the wake-up call that Mateo needed, but it still felt good, for all the times he'd subtly and openly rejected Jaime, choosing to lie to himself and ignore the signs that what he had with the paramedic was different from what he had had with Nick. The story felt unnecessarily drawn out because there was so much repetition of Mateo's questioning and worrying, and the same for Jaime, who struggled to figure out how to handle this man he couldn't seem to keep his hands off. And that's the other thing... too often, this story, which is heavy on the sex, felt like situations were just being set up to allow the men to bump uglies. Half of the sex scenes could have been omitted, we'd have had the same story, and I would probably not have grown impatine with the telling.
August 31, 2024
After reading Meet You in the Waves, I couldn’t decide how I felt about Mateo having his redemption story. I was torn between wanting to wring his neck and wanting him to find his own HEA so he could leave Nick and Ajay alone. In the end, I am glad though that he got his own happy ending.
I fell in love with Jamie pretty instantly. What can I say, who doesn’t love a man in uniform! As a paramedic, he’s got that calm, patient energy, which is exactly what Mateo needed—someone steady to help him figure things out. Jamie's willingness to wait for Mateo to fully accept himself and come out was so heartwarming. I loved how he never pushed Mateo too hard, but also didn’t let himself be a doormat. He called Mateo out on his shit and gave him the push he really needed to embrace their relationship fully.
Now, Mateo... he’s such a complex character. I know some people are frustrated with him, and I get it—he spent way too much time still hung up on Nick when Jamie was right there. It wasn't fair to Jamie at all, and I get why that might annoy people. I thought he had so many layers though and I enjoyed trying to peel them back and see who he is underneath just like Jamie did. By the end of the book, I loved seeing their love grow.
One of my favourite things about this story was the whole found family dynamic, especially with Dante and his wife. They were such a solid support system for Mateo, and I loved how they never gave up on him, even when his own parents did. It was clear that Mateo needed that unconditional love, and Dante and his wife stepped up in such a big way. It brought more emotional depth to the book. Mateo’s journey was rough at times, but having Dante and his wife there made such a difference, showing that family isn’t always about who you’re born to, but who chooses to stand by you.
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to GRR for providing me with an advanced copy of the book.
I fell in love with Jamie pretty instantly. What can I say, who doesn’t love a man in uniform! As a paramedic, he’s got that calm, patient energy, which is exactly what Mateo needed—someone steady to help him figure things out. Jamie's willingness to wait for Mateo to fully accept himself and come out was so heartwarming. I loved how he never pushed Mateo too hard, but also didn’t let himself be a doormat. He called Mateo out on his shit and gave him the push he really needed to embrace their relationship fully.
Now, Mateo... he’s such a complex character. I know some people are frustrated with him, and I get it—he spent way too much time still hung up on Nick when Jamie was right there. It wasn't fair to Jamie at all, and I get why that might annoy people. I thought he had so many layers though and I enjoyed trying to peel them back and see who he is underneath just like Jamie did. By the end of the book, I loved seeing their love grow.
One of my favourite things about this story was the whole found family dynamic, especially with Dante and his wife. They were such a solid support system for Mateo, and I loved how they never gave up on him, even when his own parents did. It was clear that Mateo needed that unconditional love, and Dante and his wife stepped up in such a big way. It brought more emotional depth to the book. Mateo’s journey was rough at times, but having Dante and his wife there made such a difference, showing that family isn’t always about who you’re born to, but who chooses to stand by you.
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to GRR for providing me with an advanced copy of the book.
August 31, 2024
First, I would recommend reading the first book before reading this one just so you can get the background of Mateo. You will understand the book better if you do.
Mateo is hurt and doesn't know how to deal with the pain. He lost his one true love and cannot come to terms with it. He doesn't know how to move on or get jealous every time he sees his ex also his best friend with his new lover. He is struggling really bad and just not himself. When his adopted uncle needs to be rushed to the hospital, he meets Jamie, a paramedic who is helping keep his uncle alive. Mateo sees how attractive Jamie is and starts breaking his rules. Mateo doesn't understand it but he just goes with it.
Jamie doesn't understand Mateo at first but the more he gets him talking and then seeing him, he starts to put things together. He never expected to see or hear from Mateo again until one night he sees him in the bar with his best friends. Jamie then really understands what is going on with Mateo. Jamie has to figure out what to do before it's to late.
Mateo & Jamie have a long road ahead of them. Mateo slowly opens up and you get to know him better and won't hate him when you understand him better. He has had a hard life and no love besides his friends and adopted aunt & uncle. Jamie is just the right guy. You instantly love Jamie because of the person he is. These two don't seem like they would fit, but they do. They just need to make it work.
I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Mateo is hurt and doesn't know how to deal with the pain. He lost his one true love and cannot come to terms with it. He doesn't know how to move on or get jealous every time he sees his ex also his best friend with his new lover. He is struggling really bad and just not himself. When his adopted uncle needs to be rushed to the hospital, he meets Jamie, a paramedic who is helping keep his uncle alive. Mateo sees how attractive Jamie is and starts breaking his rules. Mateo doesn't understand it but he just goes with it.
Jamie doesn't understand Mateo at first but the more he gets him talking and then seeing him, he starts to put things together. He never expected to see or hear from Mateo again until one night he sees him in the bar with his best friends. Jamie then really understands what is going on with Mateo. Jamie has to figure out what to do before it's to late.
Mateo & Jamie have a long road ahead of them. Mateo slowly opens up and you get to know him better and won't hate him when you understand him better. He has had a hard life and no love besides his friends and adopted aunt & uncle. Jamie is just the right guy. You instantly love Jamie because of the person he is. These two don't seem like they would fit, but they do. They just need to make it work.
I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
September 8, 2024
Meet You Halfway by Aria Brennan is the 2nd book in the South Coast series. I would recommend that you read book 1 first so that you can get a good understanding of the characters and stories and how they are intertwined.
This book takes you into the life and mind of Mateo. I have to be honest and say that in the first book, I was not a fan of Mateo in the least. Thankfully, this is absolutely his redemption story and I'm here for it.
Mateo is struggling with the loss of his romantic relationship with his best friend Nick. 6 months after breaking up, Nick and Ajay are hot and heavy, and Mateo feels like he's not worthy of love, he meets Jamie, a hot paramedic who helps to save Mateo's uncle. The two have instant chemistry. However, Mateo is so guarded and afraid that his walls are up around his heart.
Jamie is able to carefully and slowly chip away at those walls, showing Mateo his worth and that he is more than a beautiful body.
This book is a great testament to self growth and acceptance and how you sometimes need the right person/people to help you do so. Jamie is a model boyfriend. He's sweet and gentle...and not so in other circumstances 🤭 The book has spice. 🙏
I enjoyed the path to this HEA. The side characters, YES NICK AND AJAY, Rob, Kat, Dane and Dee are in this book quite a bit, so that's super entertaining! Great story.
Story: 4/4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: 5/5 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂
Tropes: 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
This book takes you into the life and mind of Mateo. I have to be honest and say that in the first book, I was not a fan of Mateo in the least. Thankfully, this is absolutely his redemption story and I'm here for it.
Mateo is struggling with the loss of his romantic relationship with his best friend Nick. 6 months after breaking up, Nick and Ajay are hot and heavy, and Mateo feels like he's not worthy of love, he meets Jamie, a hot paramedic who helps to save Mateo's uncle. The two have instant chemistry. However, Mateo is so guarded and afraid that his walls are up around his heart.
Jamie is able to carefully and slowly chip away at those walls, showing Mateo his worth and that he is more than a beautiful body.
This book is a great testament to self growth and acceptance and how you sometimes need the right person/people to help you do so. Jamie is a model boyfriend. He's sweet and gentle...and not so in other circumstances 🤭 The book has spice. 🙏
I enjoyed the path to this HEA. The side characters, YES NICK AND AJAY, Rob, Kat, Dane and Dee are in this book quite a bit, so that's super entertaining! Great story.
Story: 4/4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: 5/5 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂
Tropes: 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
August 24, 2024
Meet You Halfway focuses on the challenging topic of accepting and revealing who you are rather than living a life of pretend and fear. It is an eloquently written, emotionally profound, and captivating book.
Constantly changing dynamics in the relationship between Jamie and Matteo and vivid descriptions of their emotions, doubts, and fears add tension and suspense to the story.
Matteo and Jamie are two opposites. Matteo is troubled, gloomy, seemingly unapproachable, and closeted, trying hard to maintain the image of a straight Italian guy. He is desperately trying to protect himself from rejection for who he is by pretending and hiding his identity.
Jamie is his opposite, a paramedic, a bright, outgoing guy wearing his heart on his sleeve. The attraction between the two is immediate, passionate, and irresistible. Jamie faces Matteo's struggles and fears with unconditional understanding, love, and determination to fight for him.
The author’s fluent writing style, vivid narrative, and deep insight into their thoughts and emotions bring their internal struggles to life, making their emotional journey relatable and moving.
This book is the second book in a series. Regardless, Meet You Halfway can be read as a standalone.
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of this book at no cost and have provided my honest opinion in this review.
Constantly changing dynamics in the relationship between Jamie and Matteo and vivid descriptions of their emotions, doubts, and fears add tension and suspense to the story.
Matteo and Jamie are two opposites. Matteo is troubled, gloomy, seemingly unapproachable, and closeted, trying hard to maintain the image of a straight Italian guy. He is desperately trying to protect himself from rejection for who he is by pretending and hiding his identity.
Jamie is his opposite, a paramedic, a bright, outgoing guy wearing his heart on his sleeve. The attraction between the two is immediate, passionate, and irresistible. Jamie faces Matteo's struggles and fears with unconditional understanding, love, and determination to fight for him.
The author’s fluent writing style, vivid narrative, and deep insight into their thoughts and emotions bring their internal struggles to life, making their emotional journey relatable and moving.
This book is the second book in a series. Regardless, Meet You Halfway can be read as a standalone.
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of this book at no cost and have provided my honest opinion in this review.
September 7, 2024
4+ I enjoyed this book very much and this author's books are fast becoming faves.
While I haven't yet read the first book in this duet, I'm kinda glad I started with this one because I wasn't predisposed to think any way about Mateo. I knew he wasn't pleasant in the first book, but at least in this book, I could understand his fears and why he was the way he was.
At the beginning of this book, Mateo is still filled with longing for his best friend, Nick, and still very uptight and heavily closeted. However, after his uncle Dante has a significant medical event and the paramedics are called to the scene, things began to change drastically for Mateo. One of the paramedics who helps to save Dante's life is Jamie, a wonderful, wonderful man. Slowly but surely, Jamie and Mateo get to know each other deeply and the world as he knew it will never be the same for Mateo because he realizes that he has fallen in love - for real.
The road to that realization is quite bumpy and not easy for anyone, but in the end there is the happiest of HEAs and Mateo has a lot of character growth. I had tears in my eyes for the last huge chunk of this book.
I'm a sucker for epilogues set in the future because I love to know what's happening and the ones for this book are just perfect...happy sigh :)
Thank you to GRR for this ARC - this is my honest review.
While I haven't yet read the first book in this duet, I'm kinda glad I started with this one because I wasn't predisposed to think any way about Mateo. I knew he wasn't pleasant in the first book, but at least in this book, I could understand his fears and why he was the way he was.
At the beginning of this book, Mateo is still filled with longing for his best friend, Nick, and still very uptight and heavily closeted. However, after his uncle Dante has a significant medical event and the paramedics are called to the scene, things began to change drastically for Mateo. One of the paramedics who helps to save Dante's life is Jamie, a wonderful, wonderful man. Slowly but surely, Jamie and Mateo get to know each other deeply and the world as he knew it will never be the same for Mateo because he realizes that he has fallen in love - for real.
The road to that realization is quite bumpy and not easy for anyone, but in the end there is the happiest of HEAs and Mateo has a lot of character growth. I had tears in my eyes for the last huge chunk of this book.
I'm a sucker for epilogues set in the future because I love to know what's happening and the ones for this book are just perfect...happy sigh :)
Thank you to GRR for this ARC - this is my honest review.
September 4, 2024
The difficult subject of letting your true self shine through instead of hiding behind a mask is at the heart of Meet You Halfway. It is a compelling, profoundly moving, and beautifully written novel. The story's tension and suspense are heightened by the realistic depictions of Jamie and Matteo's feelings, uncertainties, and anxieties, as well as by the dynamic changes in their relationship. Two polar opposites, Matteo and Jamie. As he strives to preserve the image of a straight Italian guy, Matteo is tormented, gloomy, seeming unapproachable, and closed off. Pretending and concealing his identity is his frantic attempt to shield himself from rejection because of his true self. In contrast, Jamie is a paramedic who is gregarious, enthusiastic, and open about his feelings. They are instantly, intensely, and irresistibly attracted to one another. Jamie loves and understands Matteo no matter what, and she is determined to speak up for him when he is scared or has problems. Their personal issues are brought to life through the author's vivid narrative, emotional insight, and fluid writing style, making their emotional journey relevant and poignant.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2024
After reading Meet You in the Waves, I had mixed feelings about Mateo’s redemption. Part of me wanted him to just move on and leave Nick and Ajay alone, but ultimately, I was glad he found his own happy ending.
Jamie won me over instantly; there’s something irresistible about a calm, patient paramedic. He was exactly what Mateo needed—steady, supportive, and willing to wait for Mateo to accept himself and come out. Jamie never pushed too hard but didn’t let Mateo walk all over him either. He called Mateo out when necessary, giving him the push to fully embrace their relationship.
Mateo is a complex character, and I understand why some readers might be frustrated with his lingering feelings for Nick. But watching Jamie peel back Mateo’s layers to reveal the man underneath was rewarding. Their relationship growth felt genuine and heartfelt.
The found family dynamic was another highlight, especially with Dante and his wife. They were a constant source of unconditional love and support for Mateo, stepping up when his own family didn’t. Their presence added emotional depth to the story, showing that real family is about those who choose to stand by you. Mateo’s journey was tough, but having them in his corner made all the difference.
Jamie won me over instantly; there’s something irresistible about a calm, patient paramedic. He was exactly what Mateo needed—steady, supportive, and willing to wait for Mateo to accept himself and come out. Jamie never pushed too hard but didn’t let Mateo walk all over him either. He called Mateo out when necessary, giving him the push to fully embrace their relationship.
Mateo is a complex character, and I understand why some readers might be frustrated with his lingering feelings for Nick. But watching Jamie peel back Mateo’s layers to reveal the man underneath was rewarding. Their relationship growth felt genuine and heartfelt.
The found family dynamic was another highlight, especially with Dante and his wife. They were a constant source of unconditional love and support for Mateo, stepping up when his own family didn’t. Their presence added emotional depth to the story, showing that real family is about those who choose to stand by you. Mateo’s journey was tough, but having them in his corner made all the difference.
September 5, 2024
Mateo will never get over his ex, who happens to be his best friend. They tried, and because of him, they failed; he wasn’t ready to fully embrace who he was because of family, society, and his own fears. He spends his time wishing he could have his ex back and being jealous of the new relationship he is in. Unable to see the forest through the tree, Mateo meets Jamie, the very hot, very sweet, and very kind EMT who finds himself drawn to Mateo. Hooking up is fun, but when it becomes a regular get thing, waking up together and spending time, feelings happen, and one of them knows what they want, and the other is lost.
OPINION: I enjoyed this story. The main characters are well-developed, and I liked getting to know them. However, the reality of the situation is a bit frustrating. There is a lot of talk about Mateo’s model looks, but then it’s not just his looks, which is a dichotomy my mind had a hard time wrapping around. That didn’t detract from the story or from the great couple trying to find their way through Mateo’s mess. You walk his path to find a Happily Ever After, and getting there was a good story. There were some great emotional moments, and the spicy scenes were spot on. It’s an enjoyable read and worth picking up.
OPINION: I enjoyed this story. The main characters are well-developed, and I liked getting to know them. However, the reality of the situation is a bit frustrating. There is a lot of talk about Mateo’s model looks, but then it’s not just his looks, which is a dichotomy my mind had a hard time wrapping around. That didn’t detract from the story or from the great couple trying to find their way through Mateo’s mess. You walk his path to find a Happily Ever After, and getting there was a good story. There were some great emotional moments, and the spicy scenes were spot on. It’s an enjoyable read and worth picking up.
August 13, 2024
Arc Review
We have met Mateo before in the first South Coast book Meet You in the Waves. He was in love with his best friends Nick. Nick found love with Ajay and, Mateo cannot let it go.
When Mateo discovers his boss Dante is having a heart attack, he calls the paramedics. Jamie is one of the paramedics on call. They take Dante to the hospital in a town an hour and half away. To get back home Jamie offers Mateo a ride back. They hook up that night.
Mateo is struggling to let Nick go, but slowly Jamie shows him that love can happen when you least expect it. Mateo has the most vile parents, who are homophobic to the core, which is why Mateo has never told them he is gay. While his parents may have disowned him, he has his found family in Dante and Giulia, they love him unconditionally.
This is the second novel by Aria Brennan in the South Coast series, and unlike the first one, this has plenty of steam. The characters were so well written, you could feel the love coming off the pages. I loved the first book, but this is even better.
“No one has ever made me want to break all my rules. No one except you, Jamie”.
We have met Mateo before in the first South Coast book Meet You in the Waves. He was in love with his best friends Nick. Nick found love with Ajay and, Mateo cannot let it go.
When Mateo discovers his boss Dante is having a heart attack, he calls the paramedics. Jamie is one of the paramedics on call. They take Dante to the hospital in a town an hour and half away. To get back home Jamie offers Mateo a ride back. They hook up that night.
Mateo is struggling to let Nick go, but slowly Jamie shows him that love can happen when you least expect it. Mateo has the most vile parents, who are homophobic to the core, which is why Mateo has never told them he is gay. While his parents may have disowned him, he has his found family in Dante and Giulia, they love him unconditionally.
This is the second novel by Aria Brennan in the South Coast series, and unlike the first one, this has plenty of steam. The characters were so well written, you could feel the love coming off the pages. I loved the first book, but this is even better.
“No one has ever made me want to break all my rules. No one except you, Jamie”.
September 5, 2024
In my opinion, Jamie is a saint! I don’t think anyone else would have put up with and persevered through Mateo’s Nick obsession. However, it turns out that Rob was right, Mateo was worth the wait and effort. Mateo rubbed me the wrong way in the first book and he started off doing the same in this book, but the author scripted his character beautifully, providing much insight into what sculpted him. I felt his nerves and his fears. I was able to understand and connect with Mateo in a way that made me emotional when I realized all the internal and external, mostly familial, barriers he struggled with.
Jamie was an amazing supporter, cheerleader, friend and lover for him. I saw the purity and strength of their connection long before Mateo did, but it was beautiful watching him come to the realization. I also enjoyed seeing his confidence grow as he discovered his strength.
I liked catching up with old characters and meeting new ones. Found families are often better than actual families. This sweet book shines a light on the fact that everyone deserves to be happy and to enjoy life.
Jamie was an amazing supporter, cheerleader, friend and lover for him. I saw the purity and strength of their connection long before Mateo did, but it was beautiful watching him come to the realization. I also enjoyed seeing his confidence grow as he discovered his strength.
I liked catching up with old characters and meeting new ones. Found families are often better than actual families. This sweet book shines a light on the fact that everyone deserves to be happy and to enjoy life.
September 1, 2024
3.5 stars
I was so looking forward to Meet You Half Way by Aria Brennan because I adored book 1. Nick and Ajay were so sweet and amazing and I loved watching them fall in love. Mateo was very hard to like in that book, but I was looking forward to seeing him redeemed in this book. However, for most of the book, I just did not like Mateo. I loved Jamie and thought he was such a great fit for Mateo. He was patient, kind, and willing to wait until Mateo realized how much he cared for him. But Mateo was too fixated on Nick and what they had together. I was glad when Jamie stood up for himself and told Mateo what he deserved. I am so happy I read this though. Loved the glimpses of Nick and Ajay, and the epilogue was great. I do wonder about Rob. He talks a lot about being straight and he has this on-again/off-again girlfriend. Is he destined to be the mc in book 3? I hope so. He looks at Nick/Ajay and Jamie/Mateo and wants that same kind of love. I hope he finds it regardless of who it is with.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
I was so looking forward to Meet You Half Way by Aria Brennan because I adored book 1. Nick and Ajay were so sweet and amazing and I loved watching them fall in love. Mateo was very hard to like in that book, but I was looking forward to seeing him redeemed in this book. However, for most of the book, I just did not like Mateo. I loved Jamie and thought he was such a great fit for Mateo. He was patient, kind, and willing to wait until Mateo realized how much he cared for him. But Mateo was too fixated on Nick and what they had together. I was glad when Jamie stood up for himself and told Mateo what he deserved. I am so happy I read this though. Loved the glimpses of Nick and Ajay, and the epilogue was great. I do wonder about Rob. He talks a lot about being straight and he has this on-again/off-again girlfriend. Is he destined to be the mc in book 3? I hope so. He looks at Nick/Ajay and Jamie/Mateo and wants that same kind of love. I hope he finds it regardless of who it is with.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
September 3, 2024
The writing in Meet You Half Way was real lovely, the author is really skilled at capturing authentic emotions in the characters. This made it very easy to get pulled into Matteo and Jamie’s story. This was an especially interesting read because I struggled with Matteo in the prior book and was hoping for a lovely redemption arc for him. Matteo is quite frustrating in his inability to put Nick in his past, the pining was honestly a lot. Jamie deserved better and I was loving it when he stands up for himself and the kind of relationship he wants. I love a good rousing speech, and the author really delivers here- a perfect catalyst for Matteo to wake up. So, yes it was a lot of frustrating pining but I loved the payoff- these two are pretty amazing together. I loved the fiery chemistry, the banter, and the real emotion that develops between them. Kudos also for the epilogue. It was honestly one of the best I’ve read for wrapping up HEAs for multiple couples, a perfect way to leave these characters.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 5, 2024
Leopard print speedos, pink front door, Millionaire's Row, the colour purple, fairy blue wrens, molecular biology, zietto
The beginning is slow as we get to know in-the-closet Mateo who's pining over his crush, Nick. The three high school best friends are roommates in small-town Esperance, AU. Both Nick and Mateo are gay, and Rob is straight but an ally.
Mateo and paramedic Jamie meet when Mateo's friend Dante suffers a health emergency. Jamie is smitten, but closeted Mateo is indifferent because he's waiting for his crush to return his feelings.
The story pace picks up when Jamie and Mateo spend more time with each other. Jamie is sweetly romantic while Mateo is aloof. But the steam between them is explosive. Except for Mateo's parents, all the characters are wonderful and loveable. I found Mateo aggravating with his hang-up and inability to see what he has with Jamie.
The focus is on the drama, with the scenery being incidental. If you can slog through the beginning, you'll find this book delightful. I recommend it.
The beginning is slow as we get to know in-the-closet Mateo who's pining over his crush, Nick. The three high school best friends are roommates in small-town Esperance, AU. Both Nick and Mateo are gay, and Rob is straight but an ally.
Mateo and paramedic Jamie meet when Mateo's friend Dante suffers a health emergency. Jamie is smitten, but closeted Mateo is indifferent because he's waiting for his crush to return his feelings.
The story pace picks up when Jamie and Mateo spend more time with each other. Jamie is sweetly romantic while Mateo is aloof. But the steam between them is explosive. Except for Mateo's parents, all the characters are wonderful and loveable. I found Mateo aggravating with his hang-up and inability to see what he has with Jamie.
The focus is on the drama, with the scenery being incidental. If you can slog through the beginning, you'll find this book delightful. I recommend it.
August 11, 2024
Mateo leads a complicated life. He’s a model, but only on the side because his parents see it as too girly, so he works with a family friend who’s like an uncle. When said uncle, Dante, has a heart attack, Mateo’s quick thinking and an ambulance to the hospital save his life.
Jamie is a paramedic who cares about his patients, but he’s wowed by Mateo’s beauty. They run into each other and hook up, but Jamie sees Mateo’s pain as he’s getting over his ex, a best friend he’s loved for years.
Slowly, Jamie’s enchantment with Mateo and Mateo’s acceptance of himself start to shift things so that he doesn’t feel he’s bad because he’s gay.
By the time Mayeo realizes what he has, Jamie has left because he doesn’t want to be second best, it’s only when Mateo’s best friends make him see he’s in love with Jamie that he goes after him.
Mateo embraces his true self, comes out to his parents, and goes into modelling full time, with Jamie fully supporting him all the way.
A lovely story about persevering and not letting the odds stand in your way.
I received this ARC for free, and am glad to provide my honest review in appreciation.
Jamie is a paramedic who cares about his patients, but he’s wowed by Mateo’s beauty. They run into each other and hook up, but Jamie sees Mateo’s pain as he’s getting over his ex, a best friend he’s loved for years.
Slowly, Jamie’s enchantment with Mateo and Mateo’s acceptance of himself start to shift things so that he doesn’t feel he’s bad because he’s gay.
By the time Mayeo realizes what he has, Jamie has left because he doesn’t want to be second best, it’s only when Mateo’s best friends make him see he’s in love with Jamie that he goes after him.
Mateo embraces his true self, comes out to his parents, and goes into modelling full time, with Jamie fully supporting him all the way.
A lovely story about persevering and not letting the odds stand in your way.
I received this ARC for free, and am glad to provide my honest review in appreciation.
August 13, 2024
I liked this book but it did not move me the way some do. The plot was an interesting one and not that unrealistic. Matteo has had two friends since he immigrated at age 13 and was deeply wanting Nick but Nick met Ajay and Matteo found that difficult. Matteo was rooming with Rob who is straight. Matteo's real problem was he was having trouble from having been judged by his homophobic parents for being a model and his inability to stand up for himself.
He finds his boss having a heart attack and one of the Paramedics, Jamie and Matteo get along and continue to meet - Jamie giving Matteo the strength to come out to his boss and ultimately to his parents (when they criticize Nick for being gay). Suddenly Matteo's career as a model and his relationship with Jamie take shape. The remainder of the book involves those developments.
I had an ARC copy from a third party with the promise of an honest review.
He finds his boss having a heart attack and one of the Paramedics, Jamie and Matteo get along and continue to meet - Jamie giving Matteo the strength to come out to his boss and ultimately to his parents (when they criticize Nick for being gay). Suddenly Matteo's career as a model and his relationship with Jamie take shape. The remainder of the book involves those developments.
I had an ARC copy from a third party with the promise of an honest review.
September 4, 2024
This is the story of Mateo, who we met in Meet Me In The Waves, and Jamie, who appears in this story as the paramedic who helps save the life of Dante, Mateo's adoptive uncle and his boss at the office where Mateo works while he waits for his modeling career to really take off.
In this book, Mateo is still pining for Nick, his best friend and ex lover/boyfriend (book 1 in the series), and much of his relationship with Jamie is colored by that aspect. Jamie fell quickly for Mateo, and although he is willing to be patient and is loving and supportive, he got to a point where he also had to stand up for himself.
It's an entertaining story. The chemistry between them is incredible, which is reflected in several steamy moments, but it's also romantic, and has some difficult moments where Mateo struggles with himself, torn between what he really wants and what he feels he must hide.
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
In this book, Mateo is still pining for Nick, his best friend and ex lover/boyfriend (book 1 in the series), and much of his relationship with Jamie is colored by that aspect. Jamie fell quickly for Mateo, and although he is willing to be patient and is loving and supportive, he got to a point where he also had to stand up for himself.
It's an entertaining story. The chemistry between them is incredible, which is reflected in several steamy moments, but it's also romantic, and has some difficult moments where Mateo struggles with himself, torn between what he really wants and what he feels he must hide.
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
August 31, 2024
Jamie was wonderful
I didn't like Mateo in Meet You In the Waves but that was the point. He was hung up on his ex boyfriend, Nick, who was falling in love with Ajay in that book. Here, he's still hung up on Nick and it wasn't much fun to read about that over and over, especially when he'd just met Jamie.
Stuck in the closet because of his homophobic parents, Mateo has support from his best friends and also his parents' friends, Dante and Guilia, who are marvellous. Paramedic Jamie was a special character, deserving of being wanted and loved, but Mateo couldn't get past Nick (and his dislike of poor Ajay, who'd done nothing wrong) to see what he had in front of him. It got really annoying.
You don't need to read the first book but it will give you a bit more background. More importantly, Nick and Ajay are a delight and I loved their story and I was so pleased they appeared here.
I didn't like Mateo in Meet You In the Waves but that was the point. He was hung up on his ex boyfriend, Nick, who was falling in love with Ajay in that book. Here, he's still hung up on Nick and it wasn't much fun to read about that over and over, especially when he'd just met Jamie.
Stuck in the closet because of his homophobic parents, Mateo has support from his best friends and also his parents' friends, Dante and Guilia, who are marvellous. Paramedic Jamie was a special character, deserving of being wanted and loved, but Mateo couldn't get past Nick (and his dislike of poor Ajay, who'd done nothing wrong) to see what he had in front of him. It got really annoying.
You don't need to read the first book but it will give you a bit more background. More importantly, Nick and Ajay are a delight and I loved their story and I was so pleased they appeared here.
August 26, 2024
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
I’ve loved everything from this author. Every book has great emotion, characters, and storyline. Meet You Half Way, by Aria Brennan, is book 2 in her South Coast series, and follows Mateo, who you meet in book 1.
I was not a huge fan of Mateo in book 1, but, man oh man—I feel in love with him in book 2. His character growth was amazing and I just wanted to hug the shit out of him. Jamie was the perfect match for Mateo—the sweetness that was missing in his life. Jamie is the definition of the word “kind.” The majority of things he does is in some way to better Mateo’s life. These two have some ups and downs, but that HEA was gorgeous! 🫶🏻
🄷🄸🄶🄷🄻🄸🄶🄷🅃🅂
☀️grumpy/sunshine
☀️model/paramedic
☀️coming out
☀️hook up to HEA
☀️spice!!
☀️all the feels
Releasing on 9/1
I’ve loved everything from this author. Every book has great emotion, characters, and storyline. Meet You Half Way, by Aria Brennan, is book 2 in her South Coast series, and follows Mateo, who you meet in book 1.
I was not a huge fan of Mateo in book 1, but, man oh man—I feel in love with him in book 2. His character growth was amazing and I just wanted to hug the shit out of him. Jamie was the perfect match for Mateo—the sweetness that was missing in his life. Jamie is the definition of the word “kind.” The majority of things he does is in some way to better Mateo’s life. These two have some ups and downs, but that HEA was gorgeous! 🫶🏻
🄷🄸🄶🄷🄻🄸🄶🄷🅃🅂
☀️grumpy/sunshine
☀️model/paramedic
☀️coming out
☀️hook up to HEA
☀️spice!!
☀️all the feels
Releasing on 9/1
September 6, 2024
Mateo and Jamie’s story was pretty good.
They during unfortunate circumstances when Mateo’s uncle has a heart attack and Jamie is one of the paramedics.
Jamie was a sweet character. He really cared for Mateo and literally gave his all to make things good between them and to make Mateo understand he deserves world and to be who he is out in the open.
Mateo was frustrating a bit. He does tell Jamie he’s getting over someone or hung up on someone else but jeeze. He was so hung up on Nick, he had this perfect man in front of him but it was all about Nick. Until it wasn’t.
They had great chemistry and the story was good and held my interest to the point when I finished I went back to read book one.
They during unfortunate circumstances when Mateo’s uncle has a heart attack and Jamie is one of the paramedics.
Jamie was a sweet character. He really cared for Mateo and literally gave his all to make things good between them and to make Mateo understand he deserves world and to be who he is out in the open.
Mateo was frustrating a bit. He does tell Jamie he’s getting over someone or hung up on someone else but jeeze. He was so hung up on Nick, he had this perfect man in front of him but it was all about Nick. Until it wasn’t.
They had great chemistry and the story was good and held my interest to the point when I finished I went back to read book one.
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