Bond Strength

Brannon Boys #2

by Katherine McIntyre

Declan’s avoided Noah since high school. Noah’s pined for Declan just as long. However, one power outage will illuminate everything keeping them in the dark…
Declan

I can’t stand Noah Langston. Ever since my former best friend and I drifted in high school, I’ve kept my distance. I’m content sticking to my cycle—the day job, my inventions, and a string of failed dates. Well, maybe not content, but my routine is adequate. Yet recently, Noah’s appearing everywhere. At the same bars, parties, and the latest…to repair my house.

Noah

There’s only one man I’ve ever wanted more with, and he wants nothing to do with me. Even if he did though, he’s straight, and I’m tugged in so many directions I’m splitting at the seams. While I don’t know what caused the rift between me and Declan, when I get assigned on a masonry job at his house, I’m not passing up the chance to get back in his life—however I can.


And when one monster of a storm leaves me stranded at Declan’s house, I discover irrevocable truths. One: Declan never realized I was flirting all these years. Two: Declan’s not as straight as he thought. When those truths come to light, the potential that emerges could either change my life or completely destroy me.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Enemies To Lovers, Second Chance, LGBT, Forced Proximity

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

Geeky Queer Romance.

Katherine McIntyre is feisty with a big attitude despite their short stature. They write stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As a genderqueer geek who’s always stepped to their own beat, they've made it their mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.

Reviews

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

One of the rare instances where tons of smutty smoochies didn't work out for me. Happy a lot of people enjoyed this, but this just wasn't for me.

[Lionelle Pmuls (That's Slump Backwards & It's What I Do) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 beautiful Stars ⭐

ARC Read: 30/05/2025
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you Katherine McIntyre & GRR for this gift. 🥰

What to expect from this book? 🤔

🫶 MM Adult Romance 🫣 🥵🤌
👉 Estranged Childhood Friends
😑 One Sided Dislike To Lovers
🤌 Size Difference
👉 Closed Proximity
👉 Golden Retriever x Sarcastic Brat
👉 Small-Town
👌 Bratty Sarcasm As A Love Language
💖 Bi-Awakening
😏 Pinning Since Childhood
😈 Sassy Smart Mouthed
👉 Ligth BDSM
🔥 Nipple Play
👉 Rimming
🔥 Free Use
🔥 Use Me
🔥 Light Cockwarming
💥 Bondage
💥 Mark Me
🤌 Wears Glasses
☕ Tea Obsessed
👉 Must Love Dogs🐕 x Outer Space🪐
👉 Autistic Rep
👉 Family Chaos
👉 Low Angst

✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨

"Declan: The man was sunshine incarnate, and it blinded me.
And like the sunshine, he was also just as fleeting."

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Series: Brannon Boys #2

✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨

"Noah: Declan’s face was flushed, his legs spread, and the vulnerability of the position, how sinful he looked sprawled out like this, dosed me with lust. Heat flushed through me in an intense sweep, and my gasps echoed in the room, mingling with his whimpers. The tight squeeze of his hole would be my undoing, a bliss I’d never found in anyone else. He fit me perfectly, like we were inevitable. Destined."

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Format: Ebook/ARC
POV: Dual - 1st Person
Plot: 5/5

✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨

Declan: “There’s this beautiful word called no,” I said. “I like to exercise it often and indiscriminately.”

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Main Characters:
5/5 - Declan Brannon: 32yo, he/him, nicknames: Dec, beautiful. Wears glasses & has a smart-mouth and a lot of sass, is a engine
5/5 - Noah Langston.: 32yo, he/him
Side Characters: 5/5
Steam Level: 5/5
Romance: High Focus

Such an amazing book!
So easy to read, and it came at the perfect time for me. I laughed so much!
I loved Declan and Noah's chemistry and friendship.
I really appreciated how Declan’s honesty balanced Noah’s anxious nature.
It was a fun and super steamy read!

✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨

"Noah: Kissing Declan unmade me at my very fabric, my mere atoms vibrating from being in his presence. A hunger existed in the way he devoured that took me by surprise, a voracity I could fast become addicted to.
Being the sole focus of this man was a heady thing, which I’d been chasing ever since I lost it."

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Humor: High Focus
Angst: Low Focus
Cheating? No
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN/Cliffhanger HEA

✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨

Declan: “I want you to fuck me bare. If not Saturday, then soon.” I pulled away, starting toward the kitchen.
“Jesus Christ, Declan. You can’t keep dropping these bombs on me. I’ll die.”
Of what, horniness?” I glanced back, and as I’d guessed, he tugged at his balls to calm himself. A grin lifted my lips."

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Favorite character? DECLAN
This is my 3rd book by Katherine McIntyre
Enjoyment: 5/5

✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨

"Noah: I hadn't even come yet, and I was already wrecked.
Sweat beaded on my forehead from how damn good he felt. “God, you're like sin. I could fuck you every day, and it wouldn't be enough.”

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Brannon Boys Series:
1. Heat Transfer - 4 stars
2. Bond Strength - 5 stars
Next Rory’s Story:
3. Direct Nailing - Expected 06/01/2026

Brannon Boys is a Spin-off Series from the Hot Under The Collar Series:
1. Sweat Connection - Rhy & Cole’s Story
2. Hot Conduit - Theo & Lex’s Story
3. Joint Penetration - Ollie & Liam’s Story (Ollie, Declan’s Brother)


!! I don't equate fiction stories to real life. It's a matter of personal taste and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect and remember that it's just a book!!

Hope this review was helpful.
Click Here For: My Instagram Review|My StoryGraph Review|My Bookbub Review|

Where To Find My Reviews: GOODREADS|STORYGRAPH|BOOKBUB|

My Socials: LINKTR.EE|INSTAGRAM|BLUESKY|TIKTOK|FACEBOOK|TUMBLR|AO3|

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Dec and Noah’s story was so fluffy and cute. Super fast burn, as they used to be childhood besties, and zero angst.

I do wish there had been plot than spice, but what we got was still pretty great.

[San Lemonade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bond Strength by Katherine McIntyre
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars

📚 Second Book in the Brannon Boys Series
👉 Can Be Read as a Standalone

⬆️ Ebook ARC

😏 Adult MM Contemporary Romance 💕
🏡 Small Town Sweet Story
🥰 Heartwarming
👌 Cozy Read
🌈 Bi-awakening w/ Childhood Crush
🔀 Dual First-Person POV

🥰 Secretly in Love with His Best Friend 💔
😒 Bratty Sarcasm as a Love Language (🤭 Me)
🐈‍⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever Energy 🐶 VIBE
👉 Geeky Vibes x People Pleaser
🧲 Close Proximity
😤 Dislike to Love 😍 (one side)
🧲 Opposites Attract

Must love dogs...and outer space 🐾

🧲 Strong Chemistry
😏 Size Difference
🚦 Light BDSM
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn w/ Plenty of spice 🥵
🔥 Spicy Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

🐕🛠👉 Noah Langston (32), he/him.
🤓🛠💻👉 Declan (Dec) Brannon (32), he/him.

⚠️ Low Angst
👉 No Cheating Happens
⚠️ Casual Alcohol Consumption
⚠️ Disability Rep
⚠️ Autistic Rep
⚠️🚸 Teasing & Social Exclusion in High School due to Neurodivergent Behavior, non-violent (past/implied)
⚠️ Anxiety
⚠️ Panic Attack

💫 Family Chaos 🤭
👏 Solid Character Development
💯 Best Side Characters👏
🥰 Love The Ending
😍 HEA

Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars

💬 My Thoughts:

👌 Perfectly balanced between humor and spice. I smiled at the sweetest romance and laughed through a good part of the book, especially thanks to the cute, nerdy Dec and his smartass mouth.

🥵 Dec & Noah are deliciously hot... and so sweet together. They're just perfect for each other. The spice and lust between them are off the charts.

🧲 Despite Dec's doubts, the chemistry between them is undeniable, and their forced proximity quickly turns into something real. The open communication helps solidify their bond and deepen their connection.

👉 The book also includes meaningful representation. Declan is autistic, and I loved how Catherine portrayed his journey. Striking a balance between receiving support and having his space respected by those around him. His directness and transparency were chef’s kiss.
🌈 And the way his bi-awakening was handled made the story even more beautiful.

💞 Another part that stood out to me was the emotional balance between them: Noah learns how to set boundaries and stop being a people pleaser, while Dec learns to lean on someone and chase his own professional dreams. They support each other in ways that feel honest and healthy.

😂 I loved both loud and loving families (especially their siblings 🤭). They bring humor and warmth to the story and are truly delightful side characters.

▪︎FAV QUOTES▪︎

Dec:

■ '“After thirty-two years, you’ve learned my full name. I’m shocked.” I fake-clutched my pearls.
“What are you doing sitting at the bar on your own?” He plunked into the booth as if he’d been invited. My irritation simmered at the same time my skin prickled, an unfortunate occurrence that seemed to sweep in whenever he was around. Something about him set me on edge.
“Enjoying my company.”
He snorted as if I’d joked, and then reached forward, hand outstretched. I backed up so he couldn’t get to my hair. Nice try, asshole.'
...
'“This beer was a good choice.” He lifted the glass. “Is it the Libra one on tap?”
“Yeah. Scorpio hits next week,” I said, annoyed at myself now for engaging.'

Dec:

■ '“There’s this beautiful word called no,” I said. “I like to exercise it often and indiscriminately.”'

■ ... : "..."

👍Highly recommend for fans of nerdy/jock vibes small-town sweet stories.

Rory

😉 Thanks for reading hope this helps you out!

Brannon Boys Series:
1. Heat Transfer - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars (Out 10/01/2025)
2. Bond Strength - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars (Out 03/06/2025)

I received this book for free from GRR and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Isaiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

To see a full review check it out here.

Well, maybe I actually need nerdy, smart mouthed bossy bottoms. Why does McIntyre do this to me?

[Elley Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that Noah fits more with the Brannon brothers vibe than their real brother Declan does - he's basically part of the family already! I adore Declan and Noah both, and love that their biggest "flaws" fit so perfectly together... Okay, mostly Declan's directness being exactly what poor anxious people-pleaser Noah needs.

Tropes: childhood best friends, pining, nerd/jock, forced proximity, bondage kink, bi-awakening (pan-awakening?? is that a thing??), autism rep, anxiety rep, low angst, high spice

This is the second book in the Brannon Boys series, and can be read as a standalone. I can't wait to see which Brannon brother is next!!

[VicReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute low angst read

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Declan and Noah ❤️

Fast paced super fluff with a side of
Smut and it was glorious 🔥. I'd recommend for sure ❤️.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Declan, Noah
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢:  Friends to lovers, Bondage, Bi-awakening,

[K.R. Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eclectic mix of authenticity, sass, directness, swoon worthy romance and the joy of jumping in with both feet when you find your person! This story is something special.

I love the Hot Under The Collar and Brannon Boys world and I will jump at the chance to revisit any time!

This story follows Declan and Noah and of course the Brannon family chaos. I really enjoyed McIntyre's approach to Declan, his directness, his autism and his ability to jump in to his experiences with Noah with both feet. There was a delicate balance between Dec not liking change, (his autism) and his desire to accept what felt right for him and Katherine does it with respect and the perfect amount of humor! It was refreshing to see an autistic character able to accept change when it feels right (and is the right person).

Now Noah, sigh. I felt for him from the start and just wanted to wrap him up in a big hug. Pulled in so many directions, with constant anxiety and fear of disappointing people, I can relate and how Katherine wrote him with such realism he's just that more relatable.

I loved how these two made each other better and pushed each other to go for what they deserve. This is a true partnership and their connection (once realized by Declan) will set your kindle on fire as well as make you swoon.

These two are couple goals and I can't wait for more in this world and this family. With the wit, sass and smarts Katherine brings to each story, you just know Rory's is going to be a doozy!! I can't wait!!

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's just say I already know the number of times I'll be reading this book will be ridiculous. Katherine has done something that so few authors do she has a nuerospicy character that I get and understand and feel like, well, me.
Declan & Noah were best friends until high school got in the way, and they didn't know how to communicate right. Twelve years later and a storm forces these two to talk and see the truth. From the moment they know it's done, these two were made for each other. Declan says what is on his mind, so no worries of miscommunication. Whereas Noah understands it's not to be harsh, just factual.
If you have read any of Katherine's previous works, you know some sort of kink will be included, and oh boy, does she deliver. She shows how restraints can calm a chaotic mind and, being at the mercy of your partner, can be freeing. Seriously, though the heat simmers off the page, it's that well done. Can honestly say this was my favorite book to date from her just because I got the characters and understood how they worked and how finding that person just clicks, and you can just be free.

[Leilani Noack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I love Declan & Noah together because they definitely compliment each other. They found someone who loves them just for them and doesn’t want to change them. Such a cute story and I love the acceptance from both families.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bond Strength by Katherine McIntyre is the second book in her Brannon Boys series. It is the story of two best friends who lost their way together in high school but found it again after several years of misunderstandings which leads them to find the love they always had. Declan Brannon has a brilliant scientific mind but is also autistic and has some quirks that sometimes bother other people. He finds this especially true when trying to date as no girl seems to click with him and often leaves before the date ends. Noah Langston was best friends with Declan until high school when their paths split with Declan going with the nerdy crowd and Noah was a jock who was quarterback and hung with that group. He always liked Declan and tried poking him or messing with his hair as a way of flirting but Declan didn’t understand that and all he saw was Noah’s friends making fun of him, which irritated him even more so they didn’t see much of each other after that. When they were adults, Declan worked as an engineer with the company he interned with in college and Noah was a contractor who specialized in working with fixing foundations and the problems that came with them. He worked for his high school friend Brandon’s company and was often called on his day off to do jobs so he felt taken advantage of. However, one of these jobs was for cracking walls at Declan’s house and he jumped at the chance to see him more. Declan wasn’t thrilled but he knew he needed his house fixed so he gave him the job. As Noah started the work he knew that Declan was his guy and that he saw the world through a different lens and he loved that and his dry wit. He just had to figure out what went wrong and try to fix it. His chance came when a huge storm hit the town and blew a tree down over Declan’s driveway while he was there. He finally asked what went wrong and when Declan told him about his friends from high school and his bugging him he told him that he was sorry about what happened that that he was just trying to flirt with him. Declan never realized that as he always saw things at face value and once he did he jumped right in and asked for a kiss which led to a hot love scene, the first time for him with a man. They know the spark is still there and it starts exploding so they decide to date, but Noah has to get over one of his bad habits which is never saying no whenever his family or his boss asks him to do something. He has been pulled in so many directions by all of this that he hasn’t had a chance to do things he wants to do, and he wants to be with Declan. As time goes on they date, get more involved physically, and meet their families as boyfriends which everyone is happy about. They both know that they aren’t doing what they want with their lives so they move forward with making the changes they both need to make and they declare their love for each other. I really enjoyed this book. Declan is very blunt, sassy, and says what he thinks. This has hurt him in trying to start relationships in the past but Noah gets him and loves him the way he is. Noah is torn so many different ways because he wants to please everyone and always says yes to whatever they want him to do but he wants Declan more than this so he learns to say no and finds out it isn’t as hard as he thought it would be. Both men have crazy families that play a big part in the story and there is a sweet dog, Petie, who steals both of their hearts. They also know they aren’t happy with their jobs and are ready to change to be able to do what they want in the future. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about two men with one being a little quirky, who were best friends early in their lives and go different ways but have never lost the bond they first had and find a way to get back together and find the love that was always there.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this author’s books, and this one is no exception. Her characters are so vividly written, you want them for friends from the opening pages. Declan and Noah were best friends until high school when Declan fit in with the nerds while Noah was more of a people person and fit in with the jocks. Noah constantly pestered Declan through school, annoying Declan while Noah was actually trying to flirt with him. Autistic Declan doesn’t get what people are intending with their actions unless they are communicating clearly what they want or mean, so obviously Declan didn’t get the message. He interpreted it as Noah not liking him anymore, so pulled away from their long friendship, even though he missed Noah over the years. On Noah’s part, Declan was always the one for him, pining for him from the sidelines for those same years. When Declan needs some masonry work done on his house, Noah is the contractor to show up. Trapped in Declan’s house by a downed tree during a thunderstorm, the old connection comes back to life as Noah wants to know what happened all those years ago, and Declan wants to know why the teasing. Through frank, straight-forward conversation, the story comes out about then and now, specifically about dating and relationships. Neither has had many successful hookups or relationships, and in the course of the evening, kisses are exchanged, Declan figures out he’s not as straight as he thought, and things progress to the bedroom from there for a very hot and steamy encounter to solidify some lingering desires from the past.

As kids, they both “saw” each other, quirks and all, and that hasn’t changed. Along with being autistic, Declan is super smart and creative, he is very direct in saying what he wants and expects that from other people, too. He wants things spelled out, he’s sassy with a dry wit and sense of humor, always ready with a snappy comeback, and he experiences a sense of safety and comfort with Noah that he has never known before, and Noah is able to quiet the noise in his brain like no one else ever has.

Noah suffers from anxiety, especially when he has pressure put on him where he would like to say no, but he can’t bring himself to do that, increasing his stress and dissatisfaction with parts of his life. Declan listens to him in a way others in his life don’t, he soothes and challenges him in the same breath. Noah understands Declan’s humor and reactions and accepts them without comment or complaint.

In the words of the author, “They got each other, better than anyone else on the planet…….Noah was fluidity to Declan’s rigidity.” If there were two guys ever meant for each other, it is these two. Following their journey is entertaining as they both try to please each other with date ideas, second guessing choices even though they really do know each other extremely well. They also find that their bedroom kinks line up very well, and there are explicit encounters as they solidify their relationship on all levels. This book kept me engaged from beginning to end, falling in love with both characters, smiling as they rediscovered what they had when they were younger, only richer and more satisfying as adults. I would recommend this book, or any from this author, as reads that draw you in and keep you involved until the last page.

I received an advance copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[MsGarviel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an free copy of this book from GRR and the author. This review is my honest onion of the book*

Firstly, as an ND individual with crippling anxiety, I related to Declan so much from page one.

"Which meant I’d failed to pick up the cues, and she wasn’t as engaged in terraforming Mars as I’d hoped. When she’d asked me what sign I was, I thought her interest in astrology would be translatable. Clearly not."

"Maybe I should’ve looked more into astrology before taking a date to Zodiac Brewery, but no hard data existed to explain why being a Virgo meant I was anxious. I was pretty sure my anxiety started when I learned the sun would eventually die, and it never quite stopped from there."

Declan and Noah had been friends growing up but had drifted apart when Noah had become a jock and started teasing Declan, at least from his POV.  At the start of the book Declan is trying to date and just trying to find someone who accepts him for who he is but failing - something I can also very much relate to.  On the other hand, Noah had developed what he sees was an unrequited crush on Declan, who he sssumed was straight as any attempts Noah made at flirting with him had gone no where. Though, the reality was that Declan just hadn't picked up that Noah was flirting with him at all. 

"However, a prickling feeling pierced through me as if I had missed a piece of the puzzle. Which wasn’t uncommon for me, albeit no less irritating."

I did really like how they worked as a couple - Declan just wanted someone to love and accept him for who he was, and for Noah it was those differences that made him love Declan in the first place. I like how they supported each other.  Declan helping Noah mean how to put some boundaries in place so he was constantly exshausting himself by being a people pleaser and not being able go day no. And Noah by supporting Declan to achieve and chase his dreams, and to be able to be himself. I really liked the way Noah was able to help Declan during his panic attack and help quieten his brain.

"Something about his presence shut my brain down in the best way, and I craved the peace. My mind seemed to always be running, and to be able to shut off as if I powered down—goddamn."

I liked how they talked out their issues and resolved them - for example Declan had thought that Noah was teasing him because he'd started hanging around the jocks and Declan was a nerd  whereas Noah had been teasing him due to his crush as an misguided attempt to get Declan's attention. It was good to see that when they did finally talk, they had good communication which always happen in books.

This was a cute, low angst read - my only complaint is that I would have liked it to be a little longer to see their relationship develop on page once they'd gotten together.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's "Bond Strength." The second novel in Katherine McIntyre's brand new series, Brannon Boys. I'm so exited to get back into this family of crazy and chaotic brothers!!

["Declan’s avoided Noah since high school. Noah’s pined for Declan just as long. However, one power outage will illuminate everything keeping them in the dark…

Declan
I can’t stand Noah Langston. Ever since my former best friend and I drifted in high school, I’ve kept my distance. I’m content sticking to my cycle—the day job, my inventions, and a string of failed dates. Well, maybe not content, but my routine is adequate. Yet recently, Noah’s appearing everywhere. At the same bars, parties, and the latest…to repair my house.

Noah
There’s only one man I’ve ever wanted more with, and he wants nothing to do with me. Even if he did though, he’s straight, and I’m tugged in so many directions I’m splitting at the seams. While I don’t know what caused the rift between me and Declan, when I get assigned on a masonry job at his house, I’m not passing up the chance to get back in his life—however I can.
And when one monster of a storm leaves me stranded at Declan’s house, I discover irrevocable truths. One: Declan never realized I was flirting all these years. Two: Declan’s not as straight as he thought. When those truths come to light, the potential that emerges could either change my life or completely destroy me."]

What is it about autistic nerdy boys who are in love with their jock-y best friends but don't know it until the jock-y best friend admits he's been in love with the autistic nerdy one since high school that's so fucking endearing?! And vice versa; because the jock-y boy being in love with this nerdy best friend is just ad fucking adorable. These two especially.

As readers, we saw all of the signs from chapter one that Declan had/has feelings for Noah, he just didn't know how to interpret the skin tingles and warm feelings in his chest and the electric touches. He just saw Noah as his best friend, the one he's closest two, the one he can talk to about anything, the one who doesn't get annoyed about his in-depth talks about blackholes or terraforming on Mars. It was a beautiful use of dramatic irony.

I loooooved these two! They were utterly perfect together, they just had to get on that communication first. It was beautiful and epic and spicy as hell.

#grr #gayromancereview #arcs #arcteammember
#heattransfer #bondstrength #directnailling #brannonboys #brannonboysseries #katherinemcintyre #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Arcturus170 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
4.5*
Loved it. The epilogue had me so excited because I’ve been to that particular destination and it’s awe-inspiring. What a perfect idea for the ending. 🤩 I think this is one of Katherine McIntyre’s better books. Noah and Declan are incredible together—and so spicy! 😆 These guys have a long history, and despite some pivotal miscommunication, they still sync up instinctively when they run into each other. It’s a fun push and pull the whole way through.

The personality dynamics in this book caught my attention because, like Noah, I can be an anxious people-pleaser who has a difficult time saying “no” and setting boundaries. Declan has autism and often states his thoughts and observations earnestly. His guileless communication soothes Noah’s anxieties without Declan even realizing it. I love that. A friend and their husband have similar personality dynamics and I feel like this book gives me a peek into what makes them work so well together.

I love the themes of standing up for your needs and trying to be brave in the face of change. Life can beat people down and we all have to be our own best advocates, whether we know how or not. Seeing these regular guys facing their anxieties and taking one step after another to make better lives for themselves—it’s really uplifting and I’m so proud of them! Plus, I really appreciate that they each have a journey outside of their relationship. They help each other along the way and have the support of friends and family, but each one has to make their own choices.

Now, I have to say the only part of the book I struggled with is Declan’s 0 to 60 queer awakening in like, 3.7 seconds. 😅 It’s head-spinning. I really wish we had more time with Declan’s thoughts and reactions. That said, Declan’s a unique guy and it turns out he’s had more diverse experiences with women and even alone than we’d expect of a typical “straight guy.” I love his scientific approach to his potential queerness and wish we had more page time with that, as well. Queer experiments—for science! 😌🌈🔭

All of that brings me to the spice… good grief! There’s brattiness, dirty talk, restraints, free use, warming, but also care and safety and connection between these guys. Noah and Declan’s spicy scenes reminded me of one of my favorite pairings, Parker and Micah in Immersion Play. High heat and deep emotion hits just right. 🥹❤️‍🔥

I’ll read this one again!

[Bluemoonchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I thought I loved the first book in this series - if I thought nothing could top Cormac and Felix - I was incredibly wrong. I don't know how any other character in this series is going to replace Declan and Noah as my favorites. This is a a beautifuuly layered exploration of identity, healing and love that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.

The autism rep in this story is done so well, and Declan is portrayed with so much care, nuance and respect. His routines, his need for clarity, his sensory sensitivities - nothing about Dec is flattened or glossed over or dramatized for effect. Instead, we are given Declan exactly as he is and we get to share in a character experience that is deeply authentic and undeniably human. His struggles with connection and his fear of rejection invite empathy, not pity. But what truly stayed with me was how safe and seen he finally allows himself to be (again) with Noah.

Noah's anxiety over being disappointment is equally well done. His emotional overwhelm, the internal push-pull of wanting to set boundaries but not wanting to let anyone down - it all felt so genuine and real. Noah, like a lot of us, will stretch himself too thin, just to make others happy, and it takes Declan showing him how simple it can be to say 'no' for him to finally stand up for himself. His capacity for joy, and his lifelong loyalty and love of Declan, make him the ultimate in golden retriever characters. He is warm, energetic, affectionate, and endlessly patient. Noah meets Declan exactly where he is. He doesn't try to change him or "fix" him.

The planetarium date was especially sentimental for me - my husband and I had one of our first dates at that very spot (the Neag Planetarium), so I could understand exactly how special it would be.

This book is perfect for anyone looking for a soft place to land. For anyone who's ever felt like they're too much or not enough. It's about second chances, quiet bravery, and learning that love doesn't require you to be anything except who you are. As always, I cannot recommend this author's books enough, and I cannot wait for Rory's book!

[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.

Declan Brannon is working in a dead-end job, but he’s stayed with it because it’s comfortable. He doesn’t do well with change given that he is on the autism spectrum. He thinks of himself as straight but has had no luck finding a partner since they mostly tend to leave in the middle of the date. After the latest one (to whom he refers as Balthazar) leaves, his former best friend Noah Langston, whom he has hated for the last decade or so, arrives to torment him. Neither is certain what happened when they entered high school. Declan feels he was left to fend for himself when Noah took up football and made a bunch of new friends. Noah really has no idea what happened. Noah’s company (belonging to a former school pal who takes advantage of Noah’s seeming availability for work) is hired to do masonry repairs on Declan’s house. Shortly after beginning the work, Noah gets stuck at Declan’s when a freak storm appears and knocks down a tree, blocking in Noah’s truck. They deal with a minor flood in the basement and then Noah asks straight up what went wrong. It turns out to be a miscommunication and they get right down to steamy business. From there they work to attain a happy ending.

This is my second book by the author and was quite disappointed. While Noah was already out as gay, Declan had always thought of himself as straight. However, it takes him no time at all to get into sex with Noah. That steam appears to be the main thread of the story. Now I like steam as much as the next person, but I found it somewhat excessive in this book. In my view, Declan knows what he likes, even if this is his first time with a guy. There is little indication that he enjoys kink with women (except maybe once), but he totally gets off on it with Noah very early after they get back together. It becomes a recurring theme. It doesn’t even appear that they went through that decade-long break. I found the book rather difficult to read and had to take a number of breaks.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Brannon Boys series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone read. This is the story of Declan Brannon and Noah Langston. Declan is on the autism spectrum and has great difficulties picking up social cues. He is also direct and to the point. He has been on numerous dates trying to find the right person for him. The book starts with him on a date that isn't going so well. His date states that she needs to use the bathroom. Declan replies "At, first I'd thought the first dozen or so women actually had to use the restroom, but I'd cracked the code. If you want to end the date, we can do that now. You don't need to pull the disappearing-into-the-bathroom act." This sums up what you can expect from Declan. Honesty and direct. Hard to mis-communicate. But yet that did happen with Declan and Noah. In high school they drifted apart. Declan thought it was because Noah became popular and left him behind. Noah believed Declan wasn't interested in him. Noah was doing his high school version of flirting with Declan because he was afraid to lose Declan. Spoiler alert. he does anyway. As a contractor, Noah gets the contract to repair the masonry in Declan's house. When mother nature gets involved, the two are trapped by the storm together. Finally they speak honestly with each other. Noah still loves Declan and Declan is confused by Noah. This is their story. I really enjoyed how well Declan and Noah communicated with each other. I especially liked how they helped each other grow. Noah helped Declan with his inertia about job searching and Declan helped Noah with his "people pleasing" habit. It was great to see these two happy. The book is very well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Declan and Noah's romance was an entertaining and sweet journey of two former best friends rekindling their connection. Declan was the nerdy, introverted one, the guy who felt like he constantly had to don masks to fit in with the rest of the world and who'd been told he was too blunt and boring for a relationship. The way he saw the world was fascinating, and I really enjoyed his matter of fact nature and intelligent, witty banter. Noah was the golden boy, the guy who made friends everywhere he went and was so fearful of letting anyone down that he ended up spreading himself paper thin to keep everyone else happy. Noah had been crushing on Declan for ages, and though Declan labeled the restless, tongue-tied feeling he got when Noah was around as irritation, he definitely had some latent attraction to his former bestie too. The two of them were forced together when Noah took a job repairing the masonry at Declan's house, and that forced proximity was just the spark they needed to remember how much they enjoyed each other's company. I was expecting the physical side of their relationship to build slowly, but I should have known that Declan was too direct and analytical to falter at the thought of being intimate with a man. Their chemistry was excellent, and their personalities complemented each other nicely. It was easy for me to buy into the authenticity of their romance when both of them were being so open and clear about what was going on in their heads. With Declan by his side, Noah grew more confident in setting his boundaries and being more clear when he'd reached his limits. Declan, in turn, could be completely himself around Noah without fear of rejection. Add in a little family chaos and an adorable furry friend and these two were all set for a happy ending that left me feeling satisfied and content with the direction their lives were headed.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bond Strength by Katherine McIntyre was exactly what I needed — a low-angst, beautifully sweet ex-childhood best friends to lovers story that left me smiling and swooning.

Declan and Noah’s bond is one of my favourite kinds: built on history, respect, and the kind of connection that feels inevitable once they clear the air. They drifted apart years ago, but a well-timed storm (and some excellent communication from Declan!) finally brings them back together in the best way.

I loved Declan’s directness — it provided such clarity for Noah, a people-pleaser who needed that steady presence. Watching them see and accept each other fully, quirks and all, was gorgeous. Their opposites-attract dynamic really shines: Noah’s warmth balances Declan’s blunt sass perfectly, and their chemistry (both emotional and physical) is off the charts.

I also appreciated that both men had personal journeys outside of the romance. Noah learning to say “no” and stand up for himself, and Declan embracing his own identity and needs — it all felt very real and uplifting.

✨ Tropes & Highlights:
- Childhood best friends to lovers
- Opposites attract
- Queer awakening (very fast but fun!)
- Found family & supportive parents
- Direct communication & emotional growth
- SPICY scenes that are equal parts hot and tender
- Autistic rep handled with care and depth
- Dog named Petie 🐾 (adorable!)

The Brannon family is always a joy, and I loved seeing more of them here. And that epilogue — perfection! It made me emotional in the best way.

If you’re craving a low-drama, high-heart romance about two perfectly imperfect guys finding their way back to each other (with some serious steam along the way), this one’s for you. I’m already excited to return to Kennett Square for the next book!

[Tara Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY OPINION: The second book in the series was as wonderful as the first. This is an ex-friends-to-partners story that has some great guys in it.

Declan is blunt and struggles to deal with people. Which meant dating and interacting weren’t enjoyable and certainly weren’t something he wanted to do, but felt he should. After many failed dates, he was tired of the whole process. There was obviously nobody who would really get him. His family accepted him as he was, but finding another person who would understand the way he was wasn’t going to happen.

Noah didn’t flirt well and had been pining for his childhood friend his entire life, so it didn’t matter because everyone was compared to him. He knew Declan was his person, but Declan was straight, and they had grown apart over the years. Every time he looked at him, he knew. So every so often, he would catch up with his friend, the whole time Declan was annoyed, and when he was done, he would then go back to wondering what if.

Amazing what a little communication can do. When a storm forces them together and they have to actually talk about things, they find that they both feel this connection. The truth about what pulled them in different directions comes out.

This is a bi-awakening, full-stop love story with two great guys. The Brannon family is fantastic, and you want to hang out with them so much more, but you do get to interact with them some. The men feel complete with each other, and that’s all that they need. There is a good doggo, and so much spice.

I enjoyed the whole thing and am excited for book three. These are fun stories with great guys and big loving families. They fall hard and bring out the best in each other. Did I mention the spice?!

[GreenwingReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love childhood friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, and neurospicy characters, so this book was a triple-hit for me. Declan and Noah were perfect individually and together.

Somehow I missed the first book in this series, so I can safely say that this one can be read as a standalone. I loved this one and the author's writing style so much, I will absolutely be going back to read book one.

Declan and Noah were best friends in childhood but drifted apart in high school. Declan is autistic, and the author did a fantastic job in her genuine portrayal of Dec's neurospiciness. Noah is a people pleaser whose inability to say no pulled him away from Declan, despite pining for his friend since he first new what attraction was. As misguided teen boys are wont to do, Noah went about trying to show Declan his crush in all the wrong ways, which only further pushed Declan away.

As adults, Declan holds a bit of a grudge because he doesn't really understand what pulled Noah away or why his behavior toward him changed. When they're forced together by a storm, they finally have a chance to lay it all out there and get their acts together. And boy do they. Once they start communicating, they're off like a rocket and they realize that despite the years apart, they are still the ones who know each other best and love each other exactly as they are.

They each have some growth to do, but they support each other through it. Their relationship is rock solid and the story is overall low angst. I loved reading their love story and all the side characters are fantastic. Declan has a big beautiful family and I can't wait to see what his siblings get up to next.

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is the second book in the Brannon Boys series, but not necessary to have read book 1, Heat Transfer, before this one. But I think you should, if only to get a feel of the Brannon family and how they all interact with one another. And, cos, you know, I TOLD YOU TO!

Declan and Noah had been best friends at school, then they drifted apart. But now, Noah is in Declan's space all the time, his home. One storm later, and the hatred Declan has for Noah turns into something, since he never knew Declan was flirting all those years ago. Will Declan let him in, or will he crush Noah's heart?

I loved book 1, and I loved this more!

Declan and Noah are perfect for each other. Noah sees, really SEES Declan, even after all this time. He always wanted Declan, but Declan never knew, never realised. Once Noah tells him, though? All bets are off and these two jump right in! I tagged this first as a slow burn, but now, thinking about it, it really isn't. Once Noah and Declan decide to be together, they are and no one will stop them! No one tries, to be fair, but still. I loved that Declan made Noah see he has to step back from his family, not let them run all over him, and they were shocked that first time he said no!

Steamy and smexy, this is a hawt one! Emotional too, I think, but not really difficult emotions. Low angst, and I loved that.

I might stop now, for fear of gushing!

Read the books, folks, I bloody love them!

5 full and shiny stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bond Strength- Katherine McIntyre
5/5✨🌟

Must love dogs… and space
Bi awakening with childhood crush
Forced proximity
Bratty sarcasm as a love language
Loud and chaotic family

* SPOILERS *

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘹𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘥. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦.

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and I was so sad when it was over and done with. I love me some fluffy and sweet stories.

When they find out there is attraction and the reason that Noah treated Declan the way he did was because he was flirting with him, I was smitten with them and knew this was going to be so good. The way they came together because of a bad storm, I was here for it.

I’m so glad that Noah laid it out to Brandon in the end and finally found a career that he truly suited him where he was treated with respect.

The spice scenes were so steamy and that last scene was super spicy. I’m not much of tying up but the way that she writes out these scenes gets me so enthralled in these scenes.

What I truly loved was how both characters really push one another to be better and go for what they want. When Declan got Petie, I about cried!

I also loved that Noah and Brandon admitted how they felt and how they truly saw one another. The way that she described Declan was beautiful. I loved how we got to see him not wanting change or liking things a certain way due to his autism. Beautifully written!

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Queenbeereads_sugarandspice · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the premise of this book, I finished it feeling as though it was a bit rushed. I think it's because it felt as though things between Noah and Declan happened very quickly after not being friends for so long and Declan just realising his feelings.

I'd also have liked to get to know more about Declan and Noah's personalities, both separately and together. I really wanted to love them but I just didn't feel much towards either of them when I put the book down, which is a shame. I'd have loved to have seen a few more childhood memories and stories thrown in, which may have helped. I just think it needed a bit more to show us a full picture of who they both were.

Having said this, there were things about the book I really enjoyed:
• I loved that Noah was always someone who just got Declan, and never thought of him as 'weird' as others did. I also loved that Dec's family were totally on board to let him be him as well
• I loved the addition of Petie to show a different side to Noah and Dec
• The intimate scenes were well detailed and spicy
• I felt as though Declan's autism was well represented, from my fairly limited knowledge of it
• I really liked that Declan's directness helped Noah to get the courage to be able to say no to all the demands on his time.

To end, I want to add the following quote from Declan when he was talking to his sister about Noah:

"He sees all of me. It's as simple as that."

I just thought it was beautiful, so thought it was a good note to finish on!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine McIntyre writes low angst high heat romance so well. Her books are an automatic read for me and I enjoy every minute of them. Bond strength is book two in the Brannon boys series and is a standalone novel. The book features former childhood best friends Declan Brannon and Noah Langston. They grew apart in high school but still run into each other frequently. Noah is a masonry contractor and often does work with Declan’s brothers. Noah is openly gay while Declan has only ever dated women. I loved the autistic neurodivergent rep we see with Declan. I can totally relate to his matter of fact no nonsense way of communicating. Noah struggles with some mild anxiety and the boys seem to calm each other in a way no one else can. I enjoyed the bi-awakening and forced proximity trope. Noah gets trapped at Declan’s house during a storm while he is there doing work on the house. Soon the sparks begin to fly between them as Noah admits his long unrequited crush on Declan, who in true autistic fashion had no idea Noah was flirting with him all of these years. The best part of this low angst is no third act breakup. We just get to witness their blossoming relationship while rooting for them. Of course there is plenty of spice along with some safe, sane, and consensual BDSM. I loved this book and can’t wait to read Rory’s story next.

[Caroline Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited for this story from the first time I read the blurb. Declan is the least boisterous of our Brannon boys and the most secretive. But he tries his hardest to love his family as best as he can. But one person who is quite confounding to him is Noah Langston. They started out thick as thieves to enemies of sorts to discovering that they fit together in more ways than one.

Declan has managed to be the quiet, calm and still Brannon brother. He has issues with social cues and it has affected his current dating life with women. He is not shy about what he like in and out of the bedroom including making sure his peach is well filled. But Noah went from his best friend to a virtual stranger but now they were thrown back together thanks to cracks in the wall.

Noah is outgoing and the go to Langston when the they need something struggling to say no when they send up the call. Declan is the one who got away even though they never dated. He chose his one from those first years in grade and high school but unsure of how to approach him, he turns to playground torment which doesn't go over well. But they are older and wiser and he knows what he wants so when he gets to takeover a job at Declan's home, he jumps at the chance.


A power outage forces them to put their thoughts and feelings out in the open. The pay off is major and in Katherine McIntyre fashion it is hot, hot, hot! Thanks to Declan's desire for open and blunt honesty, they quickly establish this new relationship because he wants no miscommunication.

This story has some awesome interactions with family and we get to see the chaos first hand as well as great cameos of our favorite book lovers. This story has some of my favorite tropes but they are for me to know and you to find out. I loved this story and Dec and Noah are two of my new faves!! I need this on audio ASAP!

[Katriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan and Noah are so precious together! As always Kat's writing is fantastic, if you're looking for a low-angst story full of romance and terrific characters, then I highly recommend not only this book, but this series as well.

Declan has had trouble finding someone who accepts all of him, no one understands him or the way he is. The only person who ever understood left him behind years ago, or so he thought.

Noah has had a crush on Declan since they were teenagers but due to his uncomfortability with saying no, him being so social with others pulled him away from Declan. Besides, Declan's straight, right?

I love these two so much! I adored how they simultaneously support each other and compliment one another, but yet they also challenge each other to try new things, and do the things that scared them. I think their relationship is so beautiful and heartwarming. The way Declan had his bi-awakening is absolutely fabulous, he didn't freak out of have a crisis,(which would be fine if he did!) rather he calmly and casually accepted the fact he was attracted to and liked Noah.

The ending is probably my favorite part, I don't want to spoil too much but let's just say... Declan surprised Noah with an extra member of their family unit!! This is a fantastic story and I am so excited to see Rory meet his partner!