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Reset #2
By His Side
Probation officer Darien Quinn prides himself on being good at his job, but his new client is about to test his professional and personal boundaries to their limits. Felix Church is sexy, clever, and too damn manipulative for his own good. And as for his background… that’s dark enough that even Darien will struggle to look past it.
Seven years is a long time to preach your innocence to those who don’t want to listen, including Felix’s own mother. With release imminent and his future uncertain, he’s in dire need of a distraction. If anyone deserves a bit of fun, it’s him, and seducing his new PO is going to be a blast.
When an outburst of public hate brings them closer, Darien’s determined to get to the bottom of what really happened between Felix and his boyfriend eight years ago. Has his desire to see the best in people left him blind to Felix’s true nature? Or is Felix a victim in more ways than one?
Finding the answer could cost him everything. His job. His friends. And his heart.
By His Side is a steamy hurt/comfort MM romance featuring a kind hearted probation officer who doesn’t just rip up the rule book but sets it on fire, and a man with every right to be bitter who needs someone by his side, come hell or high water. Although, By His Side features characters from In His Corner, it can be read as a standalone.
Content warning for past discussion of murder and domestic abuse.
Seven years is a long time to preach your innocence to those who don’t want to listen, including Felix’s own mother. With release imminent and his future uncertain, he’s in dire need of a distraction. If anyone deserves a bit of fun, it’s him, and seducing his new PO is going to be a blast.
When an outburst of public hate brings them closer, Darien’s determined to get to the bottom of what really happened between Felix and his boyfriend eight years ago. Has his desire to see the best in people left him blind to Felix’s true nature? Or is Felix a victim in more ways than one?
Finding the answer could cost him everything. His job. His friends. And his heart.
By His Side is a steamy hurt/comfort MM romance featuring a kind hearted probation officer who doesn’t just rip up the rule book but sets it on fire, and a man with every right to be bitter who needs someone by his side, come hell or high water. Although, By His Side features characters from In His Corner, it can be read as a standalone.
Content warning for past discussion of murder and domestic abuse.
290 pages, ebook
First published November 3, 2024
41 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Day
48 books501 followersH.L Day is a teacher and a writer. She enjoys writing far too many different sub genres to stick to one thing so writes everything from rom-coms to post-apocalyptic sci-fi. It's just the way her brain works. H.L Day lives in the UK with her elderly black cat that she accidentally stole from her next door neighbour.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 30, 2024
This one is kind of on me. It says right there in the blurb that power imbalance is in play (probation officer/ ex-con), and since this is not one of my fave tropes, I tend to be demanding with it: the person in the more powerful position must be genuinely conflicted about the ethical and professional implications of their actions, and there must be some kind of consequences that are not just waived away. Not so here, unfortunately. Damien spends about 2 minutes trying to resist, and then about 2 more minutes feeling bad about it, and then just abandons any further introspection with the "in for a penny, in for a pound" logic. He does worry about being caught, but it's all about evading accountability, not wrestling with the morality of what he's doing. You can see why Felix doesn't give a shit, but Damien -- ugh. There are consequences, of a sort, but it's all so facile that it robs the relationship of any investment. Damien just kind of sucks, y'all.
Would I have liked this better if the power imbalance was done more thoughtfully? Eh, maybe. But the writing was weirdly padded, with all these sentences and asides that were completely unnecessary ("my work colleague", as opposed to . . .? "The crying had stopped. I assumed Katherine had picked Oliver up and was rocking him." Oh thank god you clarified that, I'd figured she'd smothered him). Plucking out just one or two examples is, of course, guaranteed to make me seem pedantic to the extreme, but the whole book is like that -- just too many random asides (Toyota!) that add nothing except to the word count. Oh, and Damien's brother's fiance is an ex-con who was one of Damien's clients. Don't worry about forgetting that tidbit, because it is repeated EVERY TIME the brother and/ or his fiance is referred to. At a certain point, one starts to feel patronized.
Also: raw masculinity. Masculine masculinity. Pure feral masculinity. That is so raw. And so masculine. UGH.
Also: there is a major continuity error -- if Damien really was 17 at the time of the crime Felix was convicted for, he should be no more than 25 now, not 30 as stated. This is the sort of thing that drives me nuts, because if authors put numbers in texts, then I am doing MATH, and if I am doing MATH, I expect it to be correct! Do not make me add and subtract in vain, authors!!! This will (and did) plague me the rest of the book!
Look, this is clearly an experienced, prolific author with a strong fan base and a good sense of pacing. It didn't work for me, but that's because it pretty much ran the gamut of my personal pet peeves. This could just be a case of right book, wrong reader; ymmv.
I got an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
Would I have liked this better if the power imbalance was done more thoughtfully? Eh, maybe. But the writing was weirdly padded, with all these sentences and asides that were completely unnecessary ("my work colleague", as opposed to . . .? "The crying had stopped. I assumed Katherine had picked Oliver up and was rocking him." Oh thank god you clarified that, I'd figured she'd smothered him). Plucking out just one or two examples is, of course, guaranteed to make me seem pedantic to the extreme, but the whole book is like that -- just too many random asides (Toyota!) that add nothing except to the word count. Oh, and Damien's brother's fiance is an ex-con who was one of Damien's clients. Don't worry about forgetting that tidbit, because it is repeated EVERY TIME the brother and/ or his fiance is referred to. At a certain point, one starts to feel patronized.
Also: raw masculinity. Masculine masculinity. Pure feral masculinity. That is so raw. And so masculine. UGH.
Also: there is a major continuity error -- if Damien really was 17 at the time of the crime Felix was convicted for, he should be no more than 25 now, not 30 as stated. This is the sort of thing that drives me nuts, because if authors put numbers in texts, then I am doing MATH, and if I am doing MATH, I expect it to be correct! Do not make me add and subtract in vain, authors!!! This will (and did) plague me the rest of the book!
Look, this is clearly an experienced, prolific author with a strong fan base and a good sense of pacing. It didn't work for me, but that's because it pretty much ran the gamut of my personal pet peeves. This could just be a case of right book, wrong reader; ymmv.
I got an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
October 3, 2024
I enjoyed this. I’ve wanted Darien’s book since reading about him in the first book. He’s a character who just needed a HEA.
I did think there was not enough build up between Darien and Felix before they jumped into a sexual encounter. For Darien being so by the book I thought that he broke the rules very quickly.
I hoped there would be more searching for the truth for Felix but it was strictly romance. There isn’t much angst and I did like the relationship development.
ARC received from author for review
I did think there was not enough build up between Darien and Felix before they jumped into a sexual encounter. For Darien being so by the book I thought that he broke the rules very quickly.
I hoped there would be more searching for the truth for Felix but it was strictly romance. There isn’t much angst and I did like the relationship development.
ARC received from author for review
December 10, 2024
Szczerze? To generalnie było do dupy...
Zupełnie nie podobali mi się bohaterowie...
I jeszcze kilka innych rzeczy...
Darien zyskał moja sympatię i szacunek w pierwszej części serii - w tej totalnie to wszystko stracił... Jego silna wola była równie mocna, co noworodka...
Felix... to inna bajka. Rozumiem, że odsiadka za niewinność przez 7 lat może zrobić człowiekowi wiele... Ale to, jak został przedstawiony na początku - jako koleś, który postanowił po 7 latach więzienia "pobawić się" ze swoim kuratorem i go uwieść - bo tak, w końcu na to zasłużył, wisiała jak ten przysłowiowy miecz nad całym jego późniejszym zachowaniem...
Zresztą cały ten romans zaczął się źle... jakby od środka.
Nie podobało mi się 😞
Zupełnie nie podobali mi się bohaterowie...
I jeszcze kilka innych rzeczy...
Darien zyskał moja sympatię i szacunek w pierwszej części serii - w tej totalnie to wszystko stracił... Jego silna wola była równie mocna, co noworodka...
Felix... to inna bajka. Rozumiem, że odsiadka za niewinność przez 7 lat może zrobić człowiekowi wiele... Ale to, jak został przedstawiony na początku - jako koleś, który postanowił po 7 latach więzienia "pobawić się" ze swoim kuratorem i go uwieść - bo tak, w końcu na to zasłużył, wisiała jak ten przysłowiowy miecz nad całym jego późniejszym zachowaniem...
Zresztą cały ten romans zaczął się źle... jakby od środka.
Nie podobało mi się 😞
November 23, 2024
B- / 3.5 stars rounded up.
We first met probation officer Darien Quinn in In His Corner when he asked his brother, a chef, to find a job for one of his new parolees. By His Side is a hurt/comfort romance with an element of the forbidden as Darien falls hard for his latest client, a bitter, cynical man who has spent years in prison for a crime he did not commit. I enjoyed this book a little more more than the previous one, although I’m going to level some similar criticisms – namely that the characters embark on a sexual relationship really quickly (too quickly, given their situation) and with little build-up, and the power imbalance that lies between them is never fully addressed. If you can get past those things, however, there’s a good story and a steamy, emotional romance to enjoy here.
Darien is an all-round decent bloke. He’s very good at his job and he genuinely cares about helping the men he works with to turn their lives around once they’re released from prison – although he knows that for some of them, it’s a continual round of in-and-out that will never change. At the beginning of the story, a colleague asks him to take on one of her clients while she has to take leave to deal with a family situation, and when Darien agrees, she issues a warning he finds somewhat absurd:“Don’t fall for him.” Pfft. It’s a ridiculous idea – until Darien actually meets Felix Church and realises why his colleague warned him off. Felix is gorgeous – but also prickly as hell, manipulative, and seemingly bent on unsettling Darien by flirting with him.
Felix has spent seven years inside, convicted of being an accessory to the murder of a sixteen-year-old girl. His then boyfriend, Julian, is doing time for the murder, but he threw Felix under the bus at the trial, insisting that he’d been involved as well, and that was it – the jury didn’t believe him and Felix was sent to prison. For the first few years, he’d continued to protest his innocence to anyone who would listen – but when nobody believed him he gradually stopped and instead focused on making parole as soon as possible. He quickly learned that the way to survive on the inside was to bulk up, strut about and mouth off so others know to give you a wide berth, and he’s certainly not above displaying his best no-fucks-to-give attitude to his new probation officer – or flirting with him when it becomes apparent that it annoys him. He’s entitled to have some fun after all this time and everything he’s been through – and seducing the handsome PO could be just the distraction Felix needs from thinking about his uncertain future.
Under the terms of Felix’s parole, he and Darien have to meet once a week – and a sudden, mischeivous impulse has Felix asking Darien to come to the house instead of him going to Darien’s office. Darien isn’t wild about the idea but agrees, understanding that some recently released prisoners find it difficult, initially, to go outside and be among people. When Felix, casually dressed in well-fitting jeans and T-shirt, opens the door, Darien is once again struck with just how good-looking he is, and asks himself again if coming here was really a good idea. Felix is a client, and for there to be anything more than that between them would be unprofessional and could cost Darien his job. But Felix’s particular methods of persuasion are hard to resist. Darien’s common sense and professionalism fly out the window and he proves unable to assert either of them in the face of Felix’s determination to get into his pants. It’s only the third time they’ve met, and while I kind of get Felix’s need to have a bit of fun and to feel ‘normal’ again, I just couldn’t buy Darien – who we’re repeatedly told is a superb PO - being prepared to risk his job and livelihood for a quick shag with a client.
The thing is, once the romance – as opposed to the sex – gets going, it’s pretty good, the chemistry and spark of attraction that’s been there from the start starting to morph into a deeper and genuine emotional connection between the two men. As Darien gets to know Felix better, he learns that the mouthy, sarcastic man he first met isn’t the real Felix, his don’t-fuck-with-me attitude and intimidating demeanour part of the protective shell he developed in prison. Darien is beginning to see the funny, considerate, and generous individual Felix used to be, and alongside that comes the realisation that there’s no way the Felix he knows could have been guilty of such a heinous crime. He’s clearly been the victim of a dreadful miscarriage of justice - but how are they going to prove it?
Having someone finally believe him and in him is a massive relief for Felix, who has despaired of ever proving his innocence. Even his own mother has practically disowned him, dragging her feet over deciding whether to let him come back home after his release, and then asking him to leave when the media gets wind of his presence and someone graffitis the front of her house. But with Darien at his side, Felix feels that he at last has a chance of getting his life back on track – but it’s not going to be an easy road for either of them.
I knew going in that this was an ex-con/probation officer romance, so there was bound to be some workplace-inappropriate behaviour between two people in a relationship with an inherent power imbalance. I didn’t have too much of a problem with that (Darien is also vulnerable because Felix could report him), but given how much is made of his concientiousness and integrity (which we saw in In His Corner), Darien’s easy capitulation feels very out of character. Had there been more of an emotional build-up, more development of a friendship with some underlying longing before they jumped into bed (well, onto the sofa!) together, I’d have found Darien’s behaviour easier to accept.
That’s my major quibble with the story and the main reason I haven’t awarded a higher grade, but otherwise, By His Side is an enjoyable romance with a little bit of crime drama and some insightful commentary about the way male victims of domestic violence are viewed and treated thrown in. It’s not my favourite book by H.L. Day, but I enjoyed it enough to offer a qualified recommendation.
We first met probation officer Darien Quinn in In His Corner when he asked his brother, a chef, to find a job for one of his new parolees. By His Side is a hurt/comfort romance with an element of the forbidden as Darien falls hard for his latest client, a bitter, cynical man who has spent years in prison for a crime he did not commit. I enjoyed this book a little more more than the previous one, although I’m going to level some similar criticisms – namely that the characters embark on a sexual relationship really quickly (too quickly, given their situation) and with little build-up, and the power imbalance that lies between them is never fully addressed. If you can get past those things, however, there’s a good story and a steamy, emotional romance to enjoy here.
Darien is an all-round decent bloke. He’s very good at his job and he genuinely cares about helping the men he works with to turn their lives around once they’re released from prison – although he knows that for some of them, it’s a continual round of in-and-out that will never change. At the beginning of the story, a colleague asks him to take on one of her clients while she has to take leave to deal with a family situation, and when Darien agrees, she issues a warning he finds somewhat absurd:“Don’t fall for him.” Pfft. It’s a ridiculous idea – until Darien actually meets Felix Church and realises why his colleague warned him off. Felix is gorgeous – but also prickly as hell, manipulative, and seemingly bent on unsettling Darien by flirting with him.
Felix has spent seven years inside, convicted of being an accessory to the murder of a sixteen-year-old girl. His then boyfriend, Julian, is doing time for the murder, but he threw Felix under the bus at the trial, insisting that he’d been involved as well, and that was it – the jury didn’t believe him and Felix was sent to prison. For the first few years, he’d continued to protest his innocence to anyone who would listen – but when nobody believed him he gradually stopped and instead focused on making parole as soon as possible. He quickly learned that the way to survive on the inside was to bulk up, strut about and mouth off so others know to give you a wide berth, and he’s certainly not above displaying his best no-fucks-to-give attitude to his new probation officer – or flirting with him when it becomes apparent that it annoys him. He’s entitled to have some fun after all this time and everything he’s been through – and seducing the handsome PO could be just the distraction Felix needs from thinking about his uncertain future.
Under the terms of Felix’s parole, he and Darien have to meet once a week – and a sudden, mischeivous impulse has Felix asking Darien to come to the house instead of him going to Darien’s office. Darien isn’t wild about the idea but agrees, understanding that some recently released prisoners find it difficult, initially, to go outside and be among people. When Felix, casually dressed in well-fitting jeans and T-shirt, opens the door, Darien is once again struck with just how good-looking he is, and asks himself again if coming here was really a good idea. Felix is a client, and for there to be anything more than that between them would be unprofessional and could cost Darien his job. But Felix’s particular methods of persuasion are hard to resist. Darien’s common sense and professionalism fly out the window and he proves unable to assert either of them in the face of Felix’s determination to get into his pants. It’s only the third time they’ve met, and while I kind of get Felix’s need to have a bit of fun and to feel ‘normal’ again, I just couldn’t buy Darien – who we’re repeatedly told is a superb PO - being prepared to risk his job and livelihood for a quick shag with a client.
The thing is, once the romance – as opposed to the sex – gets going, it’s pretty good, the chemistry and spark of attraction that’s been there from the start starting to morph into a deeper and genuine emotional connection between the two men. As Darien gets to know Felix better, he learns that the mouthy, sarcastic man he first met isn’t the real Felix, his don’t-fuck-with-me attitude and intimidating demeanour part of the protective shell he developed in prison. Darien is beginning to see the funny, considerate, and generous individual Felix used to be, and alongside that comes the realisation that there’s no way the Felix he knows could have been guilty of such a heinous crime. He’s clearly been the victim of a dreadful miscarriage of justice - but how are they going to prove it?
Having someone finally believe him and in him is a massive relief for Felix, who has despaired of ever proving his innocence. Even his own mother has practically disowned him, dragging her feet over deciding whether to let him come back home after his release, and then asking him to leave when the media gets wind of his presence and someone graffitis the front of her house. But with Darien at his side, Felix feels that he at last has a chance of getting his life back on track – but it’s not going to be an easy road for either of them.
I knew going in that this was an ex-con/probation officer romance, so there was bound to be some workplace-inappropriate behaviour between two people in a relationship with an inherent power imbalance. I didn’t have too much of a problem with that (Darien is also vulnerable because Felix could report him), but given how much is made of his concientiousness and integrity (which we saw in In His Corner), Darien’s easy capitulation feels very out of character. Had there been more of an emotional build-up, more development of a friendship with some underlying longing before they jumped into bed (well, onto the sofa!) together, I’d have found Darien’s behaviour easier to accept.
That’s my major quibble with the story and the main reason I haven’t awarded a higher grade, but otherwise, By His Side is an enjoyable romance with a little bit of crime drama and some insightful commentary about the way male victims of domestic violence are viewed and treated thrown in. It’s not my favourite book by H.L. Day, but I enjoyed it enough to offer a qualified recommendation.
October 3, 2024
The follow up to In His Corner this time we get to see Haydens brother Darien find his partner. Felix has spent the last seven years in prison for a crime that he didn't commit, and no one gave him the time of day to even listen to his side. Then he gets Darien Quinn as a parole officer who does just that and more for him. These two have a connection immediately that neither can deny and will throw it all on the line for each other. You get to see Hayden & Levi as they have grown in their relationship since their story. These two loveable idiots help Darien see the truth and what to do to move forward. Above all, this is a story of new beginnings with fun twists and turns that you won't see coming!
November 12, 2024
❤️ 5 stars for a gorgeous story to read.
I loved the first book of this series with all its emotions that I grabbed this one to enjoy.
Darien, 30 years, Bisexual, was a parole officer who had a new case handed to him by his colleague, with one stipulation he wasn’t to fall in love with Felix.
Felix, 31, was convicted of being an accessory to murder was sentenced to do 13 years, he didn't commit. Now out from 7 years behind bars, Darien was his P.O. that he couldn't help flirting with to have a bit a fun.
Felix goes from being in an abusive relationship to being set up to jail, not getting his $200s for passing go. Over that time he’d felt all the emotions for being behind bars, but he still professed in innocence to anyone who would listen to him, not that it got him anywhere.
A forbidden relation between them that’s 100% against the rules and Darien breaks them big time.
Hot sexy scenes with Felix in command of His Darien, but I thought it was a smoke screen to how he was really feeling. Sure he’s plenty angry for what happened with the Ex too. Scenes progress in which some of the public find out Felix is free and cause problems for him. Secrets always come out regarding their relationship. Guilty or innocent Felex finds love. No spoilers about his mystery, you’ll have to read this to see what happens with Felix and Darien.
An HEA ending for both characters in this fantastic romance.
*Also reviewed on mmbookwormreviews.com
I loved the first book of this series with all its emotions that I grabbed this one to enjoy.
Darien, 30 years, Bisexual, was a parole officer who had a new case handed to him by his colleague, with one stipulation he wasn’t to fall in love with Felix.
Felix, 31, was convicted of being an accessory to murder was sentenced to do 13 years, he didn't commit. Now out from 7 years behind bars, Darien was his P.O. that he couldn't help flirting with to have a bit a fun.
Felix goes from being in an abusive relationship to being set up to jail, not getting his $200s for passing go. Over that time he’d felt all the emotions for being behind bars, but he still professed in innocence to anyone who would listen to him, not that it got him anywhere.
A forbidden relation between them that’s 100% against the rules and Darien breaks them big time.
Hot sexy scenes with Felix in command of His Darien, but I thought it was a smoke screen to how he was really feeling. Sure he’s plenty angry for what happened with the Ex too. Scenes progress in which some of the public find out Felix is free and cause problems for him. Secrets always come out regarding their relationship. Guilty or innocent Felex finds love. No spoilers about his mystery, you’ll have to read this to see what happens with Felix and Darien.
An HEA ending for both characters in this fantastic romance.
*Also reviewed on mmbookwormreviews.com
November 1, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
By His Side is the second book in H. L. Day’s Reset series. It takes place shortly after the events in book one, and though there is clearly crossover between the books, I think this one works extremely well as a standalone. It’s set in London and features a delectable opposites attract trope. Not only are Darien and Felix theoretically on opposite sides of the law as a parole officer and ex-convict, but Darien is a pragmatic sunshine guy compared to Felix’s more mercurial volatility. The split narration was a great way to get the readers into each character’s headspace, too.
Overall, I thought this was a wonderfully engaging read. I loved the familiar trope of “wrong side of the tracks,” but Day steers well clear of sensationalized themes to focus on a wrongfully accused man trying to pick up the pieces and a hopelessly dedicated one determined to see those pieces picked up
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
By His Side is the second book in H. L. Day’s Reset series. It takes place shortly after the events in book one, and though there is clearly crossover between the books, I think this one works extremely well as a standalone. It’s set in London and features a delectable opposites attract trope. Not only are Darien and Felix theoretically on opposite sides of the law as a parole officer and ex-convict, but Darien is a pragmatic sunshine guy compared to Felix’s more mercurial volatility. The split narration was a great way to get the readers into each character’s headspace, too.
Overall, I thought this was a wonderfully engaging read. I loved the familiar trope of “wrong side of the tracks,” but Day steers well clear of sensationalized themes to focus on a wrongfully accused man trying to pick up the pieces and a hopelessly dedicated one determined to see those pieces picked up
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
October 6, 2024
By His Side is a forbidden romance between Darien, a dedicated probation officer, and Felix, an innocent man wrongfully convicted of a heinous crime. The chemistry between the two is palpable from the word go, there's a ton of UST, and when they finally get together, their forbidden love adds a great layer of tension to the story. My heart broke for Felix. He shows such real emotion throughout. Anger, vulnerability, joy, sorrow, embarrassment , the lot !! I was so glad when Darien gave him a chance. Darien's belief in Felix's innocence and his determination to seek justice for him is lovely, just done out of pure love, he provides hope for Felix, who has lost all faith in the system. I also enjoyed how Hayden and Levi's (the MCs from the previous book) presence in the story played out. It showed the strength of family bonds, looking out for and protecting Darien, as opposed to Felix's lack of support from his mother.She turned her back on Felix, and threw him out of his home! Bitch! Although there's a lot of drama and angst in the story, especially caused by Felix's bitterness at being wrongly imprisoned, there's also humour, bravery and loads of love 💕 both it and the previous book (In His Corner), are definitely worth a read.
Read
October 5, 2024I don't think it would be fair to rate something that I skimmed so much of so I won't. But I wasnt expecting a PO to be so easily swayed by lust. Yes, I'm aware it's a common thing in real life but I was expecting there to be an emotional build up that lead to the sexual acts instead of the MC basically risking his job just to get his rocks off in his...second?third? meeting with the other MC. 🤷🏼♀️
October 4, 2024
Darien & Felix
This one took me a little bit to get into but I really enjoyed it by the end. I appreciated Felix and Darien's happily ever after quite a bit.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This one took me a little bit to get into but I really enjoyed it by the end. I appreciated Felix and Darien's happily ever after quite a bit.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
November 7, 2024
I've read both of the books in the Reset series and they are both good. I loved In His Corner. I really like Day as an author but it took me by surprise just how good book #1 was. I'm not big on things with cooking in them, but it had some grit about it. By His Side is more suspend belief and go with the flow, rather than look at the actualities. If you do that, you get two interesting MCs and a contemporary gay romance storyline with a nice ending.
Blog Review-
Blog Review-
December 20, 2024
Fabulous book. I loved it! Five stars plus from me!
November 2, 2024
Great continuation of the series
In this second book we have Darien, a parole officer who falls for his new client Felix, who was wrongly accused and has been released after 7 years in prison. The attraction is immediate and mutual and builds between the two mcs. We have appearances by Hayden and Levi from book 1. I liked how the story went, slowly at first, they both had to work through things and that Darien wants to clear Felix’s name. Really enjoyed both books in the series.
In this second book we have Darien, a parole officer who falls for his new client Felix, who was wrongly accused and has been released after 7 years in prison. The attraction is immediate and mutual and builds between the two mcs. We have appearances by Hayden and Levi from book 1. I liked how the story went, slowly at first, they both had to work through things and that Darien wants to clear Felix’s name. Really enjoyed both books in the series.
October 13, 2024
Great Read
This book was so good I ended up staying awake til early morning to finish. I really felt for Felix, Seven years is a long time to lose. Darien was a good by the book officer who fell in love. He realized the injustice and stayed with Felix through think and thin. Even when it cost him so much. I absolutely loved the ending but kinda wished Julian would have gotta in more trouble.
I received an arc via grr and this is my honest review.
This book was so good I ended up staying awake til early morning to finish. I really felt for Felix, Seven years is a long time to lose. Darien was a good by the book officer who fell in love. He realized the injustice and stayed with Felix through think and thin. Even when it cost him so much. I absolutely loved the ending but kinda wished Julian would have gotta in more trouble.
I received an arc via grr and this is my honest review.
October 4, 2024
Felix and Quinn
In some regards I liked this book better than the first. I liked Felix’s story a lot more. It felt more real to something that could happen to someone in an abusive relationship. I liked the romance mostly but felt like it rushed rather quickly but soon mellowed some. Overall, a good book.
In some regards I liked this book better than the first. I liked Felix’s story a lot more. It felt more real to something that could happen to someone in an abusive relationship. I liked the romance mostly but felt like it rushed rather quickly but soon mellowed some. Overall, a good book.
October 7, 2024
More than a job.
MM, Hurt/Comfort, Forbidden Relationship, Contemporary, Romance. The second book in the series but can be read as a standalone, there are some characters in common in both stories but this doesn't affect the story. Great characters, emotional, tearjerker, steamy with a guaranteed hea.
MM, Hurt/Comfort, Forbidden Relationship, Contemporary, Romance. The second book in the series but can be read as a standalone, there are some characters in common in both stories but this doesn't affect the story. Great characters, emotional, tearjerker, steamy with a guaranteed hea.
October 6, 2024
***PLEASE call the police or a crisis hotline in your area if you are experiencing any kind of abuse, or even if you're not sure but THINK you might be!
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Ontario 211 helpline
For help getting connected to community, social, health-related and government services in your local area, contact 211 by phone or online.
The Ontario 211 phone line is free and is answered 24 hours a day all year round. You can talk to people in more than 150 languages.
To find support in your area, call:
- a provincial crisis line
- Ontario 211:
by phone at 2-1-1
Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213
Toll-free TTY: 1-888-340-1001
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Ok so yeah this was woooow. H.L. Day set up the most toothy intrigue and I could not devour this fast enough! 13% in I was bracing myself because of the intense drama...and also the ickiness of the accessory to murder rap.
Straight up i thought Darien collapsing on his career integrity was just too quick, and i didn't feel he was remorseful enough when it first happened.
These agents of law and order are put in place to uphold fundamental mechanisms that protect human rights, lives and freedoms, especially vulnerable during reentry into the community. the power dynamic was always going to be challenged, but Darien was such a solid guy and so this felt like he threw his quality away for a piece of ass, and that gave me the creeps.
RE-WRITE:
Like, i would have bought into this dynamic more if Darien was soooo compelled by Felix's "innocent" plea that he started to really look into the case... And then after spending more time with Felix, the complex layers of the injustice would be peeled back, allowing intimacy and trust to build, and a valid relationship to grow between them.
But that's just me.
Anyway, despite my feelings about the length of time it took for this power dynamic to get sexy, i really enjoyed By His Side. I thought it was gripping at times, with lots of heat and a bit of sweet. It's always heartbreaking to read about survivors of abuse having the challenges of proving it, because of the insidious nature of emotional abuse. But there was hope and healing here, and though this all took place really quickly, everyone's journey is different and it's not for me to judge anyone for their process.
I'm a fan of H.L. Day and By His Side was a thought-provoking, compelling read that wasn't perfect, but it gave crime drama movie at times and i found that aspect riveting.
Read
December 14, 2024“It’s by your side I make my home.” ~ Dave Matthews
Darien, of 'By His Side' by H.L Day, inherits two cases from his coworker while she is on maternity leave. As he studies the files, he suspects that one will be a problem: Felix Church. After seven years in prison, Felix is up for parole. His name is familiar, but Darien calls his coworker to help him place Felix. She reminds him that Felix was convicted of murdering a teenage girl eight years ago. Now Darien sees why none of his coworkers wanted to deal with it.
Seven years in prison have done nothing to keep Felix from being cynical and disillusioned, especially because he is innocent. When his new parole officer comes in, Felix is unsure what to think of him but can't resist the opportunity to have a little fun and wind him up.
Felix's demeanor and overt sexual innuendos make Darien uncomfortable, not to mention his rugged good looks, but he knows he can't show it, or he will lose control of the encounter. He tries to act indifferent but doesn't fool Felix; who knows, he has gotten to Darien. Darien manages the meeting as best he can, ending it by telling Felix he will pick him up when he is released.
Felix is surprised when Darien keeps his promise and is there to pick him up. Although his guard is up, Felix thinks Darien has his welfare in mind and might believe his innocence. Felix starts to sense that there may be something more besides their physical attraction.
As Darien dives deeper into the relationship, he realizes that, despite all of the dangers, Felix may be innocent and is being unfairly misjudged. He acknowledges the attraction, both physical and, surprisingly, emotional. No one is as surprised as he is when he realizes that Felix is the most critical person in the world to him and is prepared to be with him regardless of the consequences.
'By His Side' was a surprisingly emotional story between two unlikely men brought together by chance. Darien was a kind man who often put his feelings before his common sense. Felix was complex, with a lot going on under that tough exterior. Watching his transformation from ex-con back to the good man he was before was rewarding. Did I mention that the sex was off the charts? Thanks, H.L, for giving Darien and Felix their happy ending.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.
Darien, of 'By His Side' by H.L Day, inherits two cases from his coworker while she is on maternity leave. As he studies the files, he suspects that one will be a problem: Felix Church. After seven years in prison, Felix is up for parole. His name is familiar, but Darien calls his coworker to help him place Felix. She reminds him that Felix was convicted of murdering a teenage girl eight years ago. Now Darien sees why none of his coworkers wanted to deal with it.
Seven years in prison have done nothing to keep Felix from being cynical and disillusioned, especially because he is innocent. When his new parole officer comes in, Felix is unsure what to think of him but can't resist the opportunity to have a little fun and wind him up.
Felix's demeanor and overt sexual innuendos make Darien uncomfortable, not to mention his rugged good looks, but he knows he can't show it, or he will lose control of the encounter. He tries to act indifferent but doesn't fool Felix; who knows, he has gotten to Darien. Darien manages the meeting as best he can, ending it by telling Felix he will pick him up when he is released.
Felix is surprised when Darien keeps his promise and is there to pick him up. Although his guard is up, Felix thinks Darien has his welfare in mind and might believe his innocence. Felix starts to sense that there may be something more besides their physical attraction.
As Darien dives deeper into the relationship, he realizes that, despite all of the dangers, Felix may be innocent and is being unfairly misjudged. He acknowledges the attraction, both physical and, surprisingly, emotional. No one is as surprised as he is when he realizes that Felix is the most critical person in the world to him and is prepared to be with him regardless of the consequences.
'By His Side' was a surprisingly emotional story between two unlikely men brought together by chance. Darien was a kind man who often put his feelings before his common sense. Felix was complex, with a lot going on under that tough exterior. Watching his transformation from ex-con back to the good man he was before was rewarding. Did I mention that the sex was off the charts? Thanks, H.L, for giving Darien and Felix their happy ending.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.
October 3, 2024
This was a sweet little romance. Unfortunately, it left me feeling really dissatisfied.
I really liked the themes. They could have made for an incredible book. However, in the end it was just fluff. The main issue was that a lot of really serious things happened, a lot of characters made really significant choices, and no one experienced any real consequences for anything that happened/that they chose.
I mean,
If you’re after a really light and fluffy take on some really serious issues, this might be the book for you. Otherwise, this author might do better do stick to lighter themes.
I really liked the themes. They could have made for an incredible book. However, in the end it was just fluff. The main issue was that a lot of really serious things happened, a lot of characters made really significant choices, and no one experienced any real consequences for anything that happened/that they chose.
I mean,
If you’re after a really light and fluffy take on some really serious issues, this might be the book for you. Otherwise, this author might do better do stick to lighter themes.
October 12, 2024
Gray sweatpants for the win!! This iconic piece of clothing had me ready to read Book 2 in this series.
I saved cover guy’s ass, I mean, photo. 😉
Here we again have parole officer Darien Quinn, the book says probation officer, perhaps that is what they are called in England. Darien was featured in the previous book along with parolee Levi who Darien set up with a job at his brother, Hayden's, restaurant where Levi and Hayden fell in love.
Now, Darien has been assigned parolee Felix, who has served time for a much more serious crime than Levi's car theft. Felix has been accused and convicted of accessory to the murder of a minor.
He has proclaimed his innocence before, during, and after the trial and says that he was set up by his former abusive lover, who is in prison for life. Now, he has been paroled into Darien's care and has gone home to an unwilling parent who does not want him there, nor does the eventual lynch mob neighbors. Felix is kicked out with nowhere to go and Darien takes him in.
Felix is angry, combative, suspicious of Darien and everyone, and, is gorgeous. Darien feels the pull of his greek god masculinity and smug Felix knows it and acts on it. This demeanor covers up the unhappiness and dread of Felix. He has no idea of how to clear himself and no one believes him, not even his mother. Not even Darien, who wants to believe him.
This was such a deep subject that needed a deeper book. A lightweight MM romance did not do it that well and I thought the surprise twist was silly and a bit unbelievable.
This story and romance was along the lines of Book 1, a nice romance, but, nothing that carries you away. At least for me it didn't. Honestly, I didn't finish it. It was an okay read.
I saved cover guy’s ass, I mean, photo. 😉
Here we again have parole officer Darien Quinn, the book says probation officer, perhaps that is what they are called in England. Darien was featured in the previous book along with parolee Levi who Darien set up with a job at his brother, Hayden's, restaurant where Levi and Hayden fell in love.
Now, Darien has been assigned parolee Felix, who has served time for a much more serious crime than Levi's car theft. Felix has been accused and convicted of accessory to the murder of a minor.
He has proclaimed his innocence before, during, and after the trial and says that he was set up by his former abusive lover, who is in prison for life. Now, he has been paroled into Darien's care and has gone home to an unwilling parent who does not want him there, nor does the eventual lynch mob neighbors. Felix is kicked out with nowhere to go and Darien takes him in.
Felix is angry, combative, suspicious of Darien and everyone, and, is gorgeous. Darien feels the pull of his greek god masculinity and smug Felix knows it and acts on it. This demeanor covers up the unhappiness and dread of Felix. He has no idea of how to clear himself and no one believes him, not even his mother. Not even Darien, who wants to believe him.
This was such a deep subject that needed a deeper book. A lightweight MM romance did not do it that well and I thought the surprise twist was silly and a bit unbelievable.
This story and romance was along the lines of Book 1, a nice romance, but, nothing that carries you away. At least for me it didn't. Honestly, I didn't finish it. It was an okay read.
October 29, 2024
'It seemed Katherine was already going a bit doolally from lack of sleep. Fall for one of my clients. As if.'
I loved this book. I was completely intrigued by the premise and I like the dynamic between a convict/ex-convict and his probation officer. I loved both Darien and Felix. I liked Darien's personality- paired with Katherine's bubbily personality at the beginning (whom I absolutely loved!)- he really clicked with me. I also really liked Felix. I can't imagine going through what he did- being innocent and having no one believe him; losing seven years of his life in jail. Anyone would be angry and bitter. He certainly was difficult and tried to either rile Darien up or flirt wit him and make him blush. Darien was attracted and drawn to him from the start- and could then understand Katherine's warning not to fall for him. Despite his initial attitude, I immediately liked Felix, too.
'And I’ve already lost seven years of my life because they couldn’t get it right. Do you know how much of myself I’ve already lost? A lot. So… you’ll have to excuse me, Mr. Quinn, if I refuse to give up that last part of myself just on your say-so.”
His plan to have some fun and seduce Darien worked for what he'd intended. The chemistry and lust between them burned hot. But it also brought Darien closer emotionally. Darien asked questions. Felix claimed he was innocent, but not one person believed him. Why would Darien be any different?
I also hated both Felix's ex Julien for obvious reasons, and his mother for being so cold and closed off and not believing her only son. Not interested in listening when he tried to explain what his relationship with Julien had been like and explain what had happened. Her rejection of him hurt me.
I was hooked to this story. 5 stars.
I loved this book. I was completely intrigued by the premise and I like the dynamic between a convict/ex-convict and his probation officer. I loved both Darien and Felix. I liked Darien's personality- paired with Katherine's bubbily personality at the beginning (whom I absolutely loved!)- he really clicked with me. I also really liked Felix. I can't imagine going through what he did- being innocent and having no one believe him; losing seven years of his life in jail. Anyone would be angry and bitter. He certainly was difficult and tried to either rile Darien up or flirt wit him and make him blush. Darien was attracted and drawn to him from the start- and could then understand Katherine's warning not to fall for him. Despite his initial attitude, I immediately liked Felix, too.
'And I’ve already lost seven years of my life because they couldn’t get it right. Do you know how much of myself I’ve already lost? A lot. So… you’ll have to excuse me, Mr. Quinn, if I refuse to give up that last part of myself just on your say-so.”
His plan to have some fun and seduce Darien worked for what he'd intended. The chemistry and lust between them burned hot. But it also brought Darien closer emotionally. Darien asked questions. Felix claimed he was innocent, but not one person believed him. Why would Darien be any different?
I also hated both Felix's ex Julien for obvious reasons, and his mother for being so cold and closed off and not believing her only son. Not interested in listening when he tried to explain what his relationship with Julien had been like and explain what had happened. Her rejection of him hurt me.
I was hooked to this story. 5 stars.
October 12, 2024
By His Side is an intense forbidden romance between Darien, a dedicated probation officer, and Felix, an innocent man wrongfully convicted of a horrific crime. From the very beginning, the chemistry between them is undeniable, with plenty of unresolved sexual tension (UST) adding layers of anticipation. When they give in to their feelings, the forbidden nature of their relationship brings an added depth of tension and complexity to the story.
Felix’s emotional journey is heartbreaking and raw. His character conveys such real, human emotions—anger, vulnerability, joy, sorrow, and even embarrassment. Watching him grapple with the injustice of his situation tugs at your heartstrings, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see Darien offer him a second chance. Darien’s unwavering belief in Felix's innocence and his determination to fight for justice is rooted in pure love, bringing hope to Felix when he has lost all faith in the system.
The inclusion of Hayden and Levi, the main characters from In His Corner (the previous book in the series), added a beautiful dimension to the story. Their support of Darien highlights the strength of family bonds, especially in contrast to Felix’s relationship with his mother, who cruelly turned her back on him and even threw him out of their home.
Though the story is filled with drama and angst, particularly due to Felix's bitterness over his wrongful imprisonment, it’s also full of humour, bravery, and deep love. Both By His Side and In His Corner are powerful reads that bring plenty of emotion, romance, and heart. Highly recommended for anyone who loves stories of redemption and forbidden love.
Felix’s emotional journey is heartbreaking and raw. His character conveys such real, human emotions—anger, vulnerability, joy, sorrow, and even embarrassment. Watching him grapple with the injustice of his situation tugs at your heartstrings, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see Darien offer him a second chance. Darien’s unwavering belief in Felix's innocence and his determination to fight for justice is rooted in pure love, bringing hope to Felix when he has lost all faith in the system.
The inclusion of Hayden and Levi, the main characters from In His Corner (the previous book in the series), added a beautiful dimension to the story. Their support of Darien highlights the strength of family bonds, especially in contrast to Felix’s relationship with his mother, who cruelly turned her back on him and even threw him out of their home.
Though the story is filled with drama and angst, particularly due to Felix's bitterness over his wrongful imprisonment, it’s also full of humour, bravery, and deep love. Both By His Side and In His Corner are powerful reads that bring plenty of emotion, romance, and heart. Highly recommended for anyone who loves stories of redemption and forbidden love.
October 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I had ben looking forwards to Darien's story since he was introduced in the first book of the series. Darien is a probation officer who truly wants to help his clients and always tries to find the best in them. When a coworker unexpectedly goes on maternity leave he inherits on elf her clients that is being released from prison. Darien goes to the prison to introduce himself and inform the prisoner, Felix Church, of the change in PO's. He is both intimidated by and attracted to Felix but is determined to ignore his attraction. Felix has been in prison for seven years due to being accused of helping his older lover, Julian, get rid of the body of a 16 year old girl that Julian killed. Felix has always maintained his innocence. Felix is surprised to have a new PO and notices that Darien is attracted to him and the feeling is mutual and so Felix decides to seduce Darien. Felix is released to live with his mother. He soon makes good on his plan to seduce Darien. When Felix's mother's house in vandalized and the paparazzi show up, his mother asks him to leave. Felix calls Darien to ask where he should go and Darien has him come to his home temporarily. As they spend time together and get to really know each other, both men develop deep feelings for each other. As Felix opens up more to Darien, Darien comes to believe in his innocence and is determined to help him clear his name. This book also discusses mental and physical abuse of Felix by his ex Julian. I love this author's books and can't wait for the next one.
October 5, 2024
This is the 2nd book in the Reset series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone. This is the story of Felix Church and Darien Quinn. Felix has been in prison for seven years for a crime he swears he didn’t commit. His ex lied and got him sent to prison as his final act of abuse. Unfortunately, no one, including his mother, believes him. He is just about to be released when his Probation officer is changed. Enter Darien, his new Probation officer. When they first meet in prison, Felix is very difficult to deal with. Once released, Felix's life seems to get worse. Darien breaks the rules and gives into his lust. He believes that Felix is innocent and begins to dig through the files looking for proof. This is their story. The book is written well and easy to read. The behavior of both Darien and Felix lessened the enjoyment of this story. I wasn't as invested in their happiness as I usually am in books by this author. Nothing is wrong with the book; it is just not one of my favourites.
I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2024
By His Side
I waited a bit to write a review hoping I would find the right words…I’m still figuring it out.
There is good stuff… when the relationship gets rolling, there was minimal internal drama between Felix and Darien. There was also a realistic picture how poorly our social and justice systems treat male victims of intimate partner violence.
Buuuttt… I was very uncomfortable with how Felix and Darien started… Felix set out to seduce and Darien dropped drawers with zero resistance… despite being such a great and committed Probation Officer! I mean are we completely incapable of making a good decision when attracted to another person? I love taboo, but this was just a bit of ick for me….and the whole calculated seduction was creepy to me. Perhaps because I’m a romantic but I would have liked to see the emotional connection that creates a tough dilemma for Darien… his job or the man he loves and believes in. But nope, not for me to rewrite. The initial hook ups did serve as a catalyst to their relationship so I enjoyed last half more.
Also huge nod to seeing Levi and Hayden again.
I waited a bit to write a review hoping I would find the right words…I’m still figuring it out.
There is good stuff… when the relationship gets rolling, there was minimal internal drama between Felix and Darien. There was also a realistic picture how poorly our social and justice systems treat male victims of intimate partner violence.
Buuuttt… I was very uncomfortable with how Felix and Darien started… Felix set out to seduce and Darien dropped drawers with zero resistance… despite being such a great and committed Probation Officer! I mean are we completely incapable of making a good decision when attracted to another person? I love taboo, but this was just a bit of ick for me….and the whole calculated seduction was creepy to me. Perhaps because I’m a romantic but I would have liked to see the emotional connection that creates a tough dilemma for Darien… his job or the man he loves and believes in. But nope, not for me to rewrite. The initial hook ups did serve as a catalyst to their relationship so I enjoyed last half more.
Also huge nod to seeing Levi and Hayden again.
October 10, 2024
Sod's Law, looks like a slapped arse, vol au vents, short shrift, patata bravas
What some people will do for lust and love! Against all common sense, Darien, a probation officer, is wildly attracted to Felix, a client who's now a parolee. The attraction is reciprocated. Incredibly, Darien and Felix fall into bed, and eventually agreeing to have Felix move into Darien's home. It's madness, I say!
In spite of some potholes, they both settle into a sense of domesticity. With everything rising against Felix, Darien tries to make life and things better for Felix. Darien and Felix make a sweet and darling couple. They generate torrid steam... often
Despite seven years of incarceration, Felix maintains his innocence, with Darien believing Felix. But, Julian, Felix's ex-boyfriend, asserts that Felix is the actual murderer. Darien wonders whose truth to believe. Whodunit?
The imagery is richly descriptive and is easy to visualize. The storyline is cleverly written, moving at a good pace. It's captivating, satisfying, and very enjoyable. I recommend it.
What some people will do for lust and love! Against all common sense, Darien, a probation officer, is wildly attracted to Felix, a client who's now a parolee. The attraction is reciprocated. Incredibly, Darien and Felix fall into bed, and eventually agreeing to have Felix move into Darien's home. It's madness, I say!
In spite of some potholes, they both settle into a sense of domesticity. With everything rising against Felix, Darien tries to make life and things better for Felix. Darien and Felix make a sweet and darling couple. They generate torrid steam... often
Despite seven years of incarceration, Felix maintains his innocence, with Darien believing Felix. But, Julian, Felix's ex-boyfriend, asserts that Felix is the actual murderer. Darien wonders whose truth to believe. Whodunit?
The imagery is richly descriptive and is easy to visualize. The storyline is cleverly written, moving at a good pace. It's captivating, satisfying, and very enjoyable. I recommend it.
October 4, 2024
Bar two raises the bar on this series and reconnects us with folks from book one while showcasing new characters for this book. Darien is a probation officer who suddenly has a client, Felix, who claims his innocent but no one will listen. I love that these two had instant chemistry and attraction even if their relationship was borderline unethical, but the combination of suspense and romance drew me in as I wanted to see where this relationship was headed. A great read that was hard to put down, so I read it in one sitting. You will not be disappointed and you can enjoy even if you have not read book one (but it will be more fun if you have). I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
October 5, 2024
This was such a sweet, gripping read from start to finish. I loved Felix; he was such an interesting character with so many layers. Darien was a great match for him and I enjoyed how things played out with them. They had fantastic chemistry together and there was a lot of romance and sweetness alongside the expected angst of the subject matter. Although I haven't read book 1, I enjoyed the secondary characters and I do think the book was fine as a standalone. The pace was good and it was a great HEA. Overall, the book just left me with a smile and warm feeling when I think of Felix and Darien as such a sweet couple. I'd definitely recommend it if you like MM romance!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
October 12, 2024
I loved the first book in this series a lot, and Darien was great in that so I was interested in his story. I liked where Felix and Darien end their romance, but it definitely started out a bit sketchy. Darien is dedicated to his job and I love that he is invested and really cares, so I was rooting against a relationship- kind of hoping Felix would not be successful in seducing his PO. I did like them together though and I loved the fight to get justice for the years Felix spent in prison after his wrongful conviction. I also appreciated how the author handled Felix’s difficult relationship with his mother and that there was room for redemption and healing for mother and son.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 13, 2024
It was really unfortunate for Felix that he ended up in prison because his ex lied and he has no one willing to believe that he is innocent. He decides to have a little fun with his probation officer Darien when he gets out so he sets out to seduce him. The forbidden aspect of a relationship between these two made them have to keep things on the hush but despite that they were really good to one another. And it turned out that Darien was the ally that Felix needed. Darien was such a good guy who sees the good in folks and was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. He sets about helping Felix to uncover the truth. This made for an interesting story as they battled through various obstacles and worked to get their HEA.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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