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Words We Never Said #5
Chasing You
“Playing house-husband to my best friend isn’t weird, right? Even though I’m head over heels in love with him and he doesn’t have feelings for me?”
Adele is a caretaker. Always has been, always will be. So when his lifelong best friend comes home after losing his job to a nervous breakdown and chronic illness, Adele steps in. And it’s easy enough, except for the fact that Adele has been in love with Kash for most of his life.
He’d moved on once, with a wife and kid, but all that fell apart, and now Kash is back in his life and needs him more than ever. Adele isn’t quite sure how to protect his heart while also giving his best friend what he needs, but the one thing he does know is that he won’t let Kash down.
Not now. Not ever.
Things seem a little different between them now, though. Kash is angrier, bitter, more closed off. Adele thinks it’s something he’s done, but maybe it’s not that. Maybe it’s feelings Kash is too afraid to say out loud.
Whatever the case, Adele knows he’ll protect those he loves with as much fire as the ones he puts out, and Kash is no exception to that rule. And he never will be.
Chasing You is a best friends to lovers romance, and the fifth book of the single dad series Words We Never Said. It features hurt/comfort, blanket forts, unrequited love, bad poetry, a firefighter calendar—with puppies—and the steamiest, hottest happily ever after.
Adele is a caretaker. Always has been, always will be. So when his lifelong best friend comes home after losing his job to a nervous breakdown and chronic illness, Adele steps in. And it’s easy enough, except for the fact that Adele has been in love with Kash for most of his life.
He’d moved on once, with a wife and kid, but all that fell apart, and now Kash is back in his life and needs him more than ever. Adele isn’t quite sure how to protect his heart while also giving his best friend what he needs, but the one thing he does know is that he won’t let Kash down.
Not now. Not ever.
Things seem a little different between them now, though. Kash is angrier, bitter, more closed off. Adele thinks it’s something he’s done, but maybe it’s not that. Maybe it’s feelings Kash is too afraid to say out loud.
Whatever the case, Adele knows he’ll protect those he loves with as much fire as the ones he puts out, and Kash is no exception to that rule. And he never will be.
Chasing You is a best friends to lovers romance, and the fifth book of the single dad series Words We Never Said. It features hurt/comfort, blanket forts, unrequited love, bad poetry, a firefighter calendar—with puppies—and the steamiest, hottest happily ever after.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2024
236 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
143 books1,380 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
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May 5, 2025Skip
March 30, 2025
A book about two men, who feel in love with each other at such a young age, that even years later, they couldn’t tell, because the look of love and adoration was something they’d given each other from the start and they misinterpreted that as friendship.
This was basically Buddie (firefighters, single dad) but childhood friends. I waited 64772 years for them to realise that they love each other. At least this is canon!
This was basically Buddie (firefighters, single dad) but childhood friends. I waited 64772 years for them to realise that they love each other. At least this is canon!
April 26, 2025
This book pissed me off. The whole "I love him but can't tell him" was cute for the first 20% but by the 50% mark I was absolutely hating both of them. Multiple people, I REPEAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE, told Adele that Kash had feelings for him but he still refused to believe it. You are 2 grown ass men, have a flipping conversation. I started to DNF but I've loved this series so I finished it but it was a struggle to get to the end. Gage was the best part of this book. Hope he gets a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2025
3.5 stars
December 27, 2024
Rating: 4.5
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: best friends to lovers, pining, found family
I'd been waiting for Adele's story since he was introduced in this series, and I loved seeing him get his own HEA in this emotional and swoony romance!
I adored Adele and Kash, even if they were a little frustrating at times - all that pining and lack of communicating made me want to lock them in a room until they kissed and talked... They were definitely a case of oblivious idiots to lovers, but with all the history they shared it was easy to see how neither of them wanted to do anything that might make the other one uncomfortable. It was obvious how much they loved each other, and their pining and longing really made my heart ache.
Adele became determined to woo Kash though, and I loved how fierce and protective he was. He'd always been the one his found family relied on, so his loneliness and insecurities came as a bit of a surprise to me, even if I'd always suspected there were sides that he kept hidden from the other guys. He was super dreamy and romantic with Kash, and the levels of swoon were epic with these two!
Kash's health issues were quite nerve wrecking, and E.M. Lindsey was as always fantastic at portraying disabilities and health struggles. I felt a lot for Kash, with everything he went through, and his frustration and feelings were very present and well written. Adele with his caretaking nature was with him every step he was allowed to be though, and I loved how perfect they were for each other.
Chasing You was a beautiful and moving story, full of pining and romance! It was a captivating read with a hard won HEA, and while it was frustrating at times, I loved every page of Adele and Kash's story. This whole series has a special place in my heart and I can't wait to see who else finds their way into this found family!
-
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: best friends to lovers, pining, found family
I'd been waiting for Adele's story since he was introduced in this series, and I loved seeing him get his own HEA in this emotional and swoony romance!
I adored Adele and Kash, even if they were a little frustrating at times - all that pining and lack of communicating made me want to lock them in a room until they kissed and talked... They were definitely a case of oblivious idiots to lovers, but with all the history they shared it was easy to see how neither of them wanted to do anything that might make the other one uncomfortable. It was obvious how much they loved each other, and their pining and longing really made my heart ache.
Adele became determined to woo Kash though, and I loved how fierce and protective he was. He'd always been the one his found family relied on, so his loneliness and insecurities came as a bit of a surprise to me, even if I'd always suspected there were sides that he kept hidden from the other guys. He was super dreamy and romantic with Kash, and the levels of swoon were epic with these two!
Kash's health issues were quite nerve wrecking, and E.M. Lindsey was as always fantastic at portraying disabilities and health struggles. I felt a lot for Kash, with everything he went through, and his frustration and feelings were very present and well written. Adele with his caretaking nature was with him every step he was allowed to be though, and I loved how perfect they were for each other.
Chasing You was a beautiful and moving story, full of pining and romance! It was a captivating read with a hard won HEA, and while it was frustrating at times, I loved every page of Adele and Kash's story. This whole series has a special place in my heart and I can't wait to see who else finds their way into this found family!
-
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
December 28, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Chasing You is the fifth book in E.M. Lindsey’s Words We Never Said series, featuring a group of single (and increasingly not-so-single) dads. Adele has always been the linchpin in the group, the one who brings everyone in and the glue that holds them together. So I have been eager to see him get his story and found this one really warm and sweet.
We learn pretty much immediately that Kash and Adele are madly in love and have been for years. They are lovey and cuddly and so open with each other, but they are keeping this one big secret about how they really feel romantically. I wasn’t totally clear why both men were so certain the other didn’t reciprocate their feelings, nor exactly what happened when Adele got married, but Kash has been keeping some distance to protect his heart.
I have loved Adele throughout the series and I am glad he got such a warm, loving story that fits someone who is always taking care of other people.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Chasing You is the fifth book in E.M. Lindsey’s Words We Never Said series, featuring a group of single (and increasingly not-so-single) dads. Adele has always been the linchpin in the group, the one who brings everyone in and the glue that holds them together. So I have been eager to see him get his story and found this one really warm and sweet.
We learn pretty much immediately that Kash and Adele are madly in love and have been for years. They are lovey and cuddly and so open with each other, but they are keeping this one big secret about how they really feel romantically. I wasn’t totally clear why both men were so certain the other didn’t reciprocate their feelings, nor exactly what happened when Adele got married, but Kash has been keeping some distance to protect his heart.
I have loved Adele throughout the series and I am glad he got such a warm, loving story that fits someone who is always taking care of other people.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
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August 24, 2025FREE today (August 21, 2025) on Amazon.
January 3, 2025
CWs and CNs at the end.
I have been waiting for Adele’s story from the minute we met the Dad Friend of the Single Dads Group and my god, this book was every achy, angsty feeling I wanted. If you want massive amounts of pining, two dum dums who are convinced the other couldn’t possibly love them back, the most delicious friends-to-lovers goodness and the best found family fluffiness, then run, don’t walk to read Adele and Kash’s story.
While some of the angst came from Adele’s presumed unrequited feelings for his childhood best friend, another part of this was Kash’s recent injury and the ensuing disabilities that he is trying to adjust to. As always, I appreciated how real and now nuanced this depiction was and how the two characters’ respective journeys overlapped while allowing for their individual arcs. Kash has so much he has to relearn while also dealing with the frustrations of not exactly knowing what his prognosis is. He is often frustrated, angry and scared and also desperately in love with his friend who he is convinced he can no longer have. Adele is trying to balance being a good friend and respecting his friend’s pace while still trying to watch out for him. Even though we are just meeting these characters it was so clear how much history they had and how that was conveyed to the reader while still moving the story forward. And it was so interesting to watch two people who have known each other for so long suddenly have to relearn and redefine their relationship both because they are finally admitting their feelings but also because Kash’s circumstances are different.
I also loved Adele’s teen son, Gage as well as his very precious relationship with both main characters. This whole series has explored parenthood in so many ways and I have absolutely loved the softness and tenderness that has come with that. And this book was no different.
5 massive stars for all the swoony, teary feelings in this one!
CWs: on-page chronic illness from injury; references to past emotional neglect; character dealing with possible terminal illness (no deaths in book); PTSD and PTSD recovery; internalized ablesim; on-page house fire (no serious injuries); on-page panic attacks.
CNs: This is the fifth book in the Words We Never Said MM contemporary romance series. This character appears in previous books but this book can be read as a stand alone. It contains a single dad with a teenage son, and is a friends-to-lovers, slow burn romance with several on-page sex scenes. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
I have been waiting for Adele’s story from the minute we met the Dad Friend of the Single Dads Group and my god, this book was every achy, angsty feeling I wanted. If you want massive amounts of pining, two dum dums who are convinced the other couldn’t possibly love them back, the most delicious friends-to-lovers goodness and the best found family fluffiness, then run, don’t walk to read Adele and Kash’s story.
While some of the angst came from Adele’s presumed unrequited feelings for his childhood best friend, another part of this was Kash’s recent injury and the ensuing disabilities that he is trying to adjust to. As always, I appreciated how real and now nuanced this depiction was and how the two characters’ respective journeys overlapped while allowing for their individual arcs. Kash has so much he has to relearn while also dealing with the frustrations of not exactly knowing what his prognosis is. He is often frustrated, angry and scared and also desperately in love with his friend who he is convinced he can no longer have. Adele is trying to balance being a good friend and respecting his friend’s pace while still trying to watch out for him. Even though we are just meeting these characters it was so clear how much history they had and how that was conveyed to the reader while still moving the story forward. And it was so interesting to watch two people who have known each other for so long suddenly have to relearn and redefine their relationship both because they are finally admitting their feelings but also because Kash’s circumstances are different.
I also loved Adele’s teen son, Gage as well as his very precious relationship with both main characters. This whole series has explored parenthood in so many ways and I have absolutely loved the softness and tenderness that has come with that. And this book was no different.
5 massive stars for all the swoony, teary feelings in this one!
CWs: on-page chronic illness from injury; references to past emotional neglect; character dealing with possible terminal illness (no deaths in book); PTSD and PTSD recovery; internalized ablesim; on-page house fire (no serious injuries); on-page panic attacks.
CNs: This is the fifth book in the Words We Never Said MM contemporary romance series. This character appears in previous books but this book can be read as a stand alone. It contains a single dad with a teenage son, and is a friends-to-lovers, slow burn romance with several on-page sex scenes. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
December 31, 2024
3.5
It was nice being back with the gang. I was really looking forward to this one. Seeing what the mystery guy Kash was all about and watching Adele finally get his HEA. If you’re not into pinning, and wait to man to figure out how much they love each other this is not the book for you. I love pinning and I love best friends who have loved one another since the very beginning finally figured out that they are each other’s person. It took them a while to get there, but boy wasn’t worth it. Adele he always taking care of everyone. He was the reason why I found their happily ever after so it was a cherry on top to finally see him get his...
My only complaint is this new thing that authors are doing by asking one partner to wait for the other partner while they get their act together. I’m not a fan of that. I don’t think that’s fair and you can do self growth while being in a relationship. If you aren’t growing both individually and within your relationship together, then what are you even doing? And if you can’t trust, leaning on your partner as you grow then you maybe need to rethink that relationship.
I also feel like there was time jump in the smexy department, cause how did we go from barely anything to the bathroom scene……
I love seeing Gage, and I really hope I get to read Gage and Lucas’s book one day.
For future me:
Dual POV
relationship before smexy
BIPOC rep lacking
No cheating or sharing
It was nice being back with the gang. I was really looking forward to this one. Seeing what the mystery guy Kash was all about and watching Adele finally get his HEA. If you’re not into pinning, and wait to man to figure out how much they love each other this is not the book for you. I love pinning and I love best friends who have loved one another since the very beginning finally figured out that they are each other’s person. It took them a while to get there, but boy wasn’t worth it. Adele he always taking care of everyone. He was the reason why I found their happily ever after so it was a cherry on top to finally see him get his...
My only complaint is this new thing that authors are doing by asking one partner to wait for the other partner while they get their act together. I’m not a fan of that. I don’t think that’s fair and you can do self growth while being in a relationship. If you aren’t growing both individually and within your relationship together, then what are you even doing? And if you can’t trust, leaning on your partner as you grow then you maybe need to rethink that relationship.
I also feel like there was time jump in the smexy department, cause how did we go from barely anything to the bathroom scene……
I love seeing Gage, and I really hope I get to read Gage and Lucas’s book one day.
For future me:
Dual POV
relationship before smexy
BIPOC rep lacking
No cheating or sharing
December 28, 2024
Chasing You is swoony, angsty, and Spicy. Kash and Adele are so perfect for one another, even if their resistance to show that to each other made me want to shake them at times. There are times when friends to lovers books make me want to wring the characters' and force them to see what's right in front of them, that happened here, but I can't deny that when they got together they were worth all the dancing around. Kash's medical diagnosis broke my heart for him because he felt so alone and broken, but thankfully he had Adele and Gage and they helped show him he was still part of their family no matter what.
So very good and another hit to this great series
So very good and another hit to this great series
January 18, 2025
Also kind of mid but I really wanted to read Adele and Kash’s story. I think this would have benefitted from less miscommunication (obviously) and more angst (shocker coming from me, I know). The one thing I really love about reading EM Lindsey’s books is the truly stellar disability rep. This didn’t disappoint in that aspect, but the romantic development wasn’t my favorite.
January 17, 2025
Adele and Kash have a bit of a tragic history, with a lot of pinining...like a lot!
I appreciated the more mature character, but i missed a bit the love development, as they were already in love to start with.
I appreciated the more mature character, but i missed a bit the love development, as they were already in love to start with.
January 2, 2025
How much pain and love is in this book...but everything is worth it if the end is a happy one. More hard to read than the last ones of this series, I was curious about Adele's story and I'm not disappointed. Great read.
December 30, 2024
4.5 Stars
I’ve been waiting for Adele’s story since meeting him in the first book of this series. He’s the guy who holds it all together, always there with a helping hand or words of wisdom, without him there would be no dad’s group. He’s such a great guy and I looked forward to him finally finding a love of his own. And I’m so happy with how his story played out, it was worth the wait and I think this book is my new favorite in the series. It was a beautiful story full of best friends to lovers, an insane amount of pining, hurt/comfort, and so many wonderful found family moments.
Adele and Kash have been best friends since they were young and have been through all sorts of things together. They’ve also been in love with each other for years but neither one could imagine the feelings were reciprocated so they both pined away for each other all that time. Now Kash has finally moved home but he’s dealing with health issues that leave his future uncertain. Perhaps it’s not the best time for Adele to confess his true feelings but he’s tired of waiting and is determined to woo his best friend and finally make him his.
Oh, the pining! These guys were so oblivious and it took them a while to get their stuff together but even as they were figuring it all out, they were so sweet together and so deeply in love. I don’t throw the term soulmates around very often but Adele and Kash were definitely that. They belonged together and I’m glad they finally figured that out.
The hurt/comfort vibes in this book were excellent. Adele is a natural caretaker and was so good with Kash, who was dealing with some serious health issues. But I loved that the hurt/comfort went both ways. There were times when Adele needed a shoulder to lean on and Kash took great care of him. I also loved the moments with Adele’s son, Gage. There were some wonderful scenes between Gage and Adele, Gage and Kash, and all three of them together. I loved the little family they built. And, of course, the larger found family with all the guys. This series is one of my favorite found families and I’m glad to see that it will keep growing for at least a few more books!
He was in love with Kash. He was helplessly and forever going to be in love with him. There was no saving him from that fate, and in that moment, he wondered if he could die from pining.
I’ve been waiting for Adele’s story since meeting him in the first book of this series. He’s the guy who holds it all together, always there with a helping hand or words of wisdom, without him there would be no dad’s group. He’s such a great guy and I looked forward to him finally finding a love of his own. And I’m so happy with how his story played out, it was worth the wait and I think this book is my new favorite in the series. It was a beautiful story full of best friends to lovers, an insane amount of pining, hurt/comfort, and so many wonderful found family moments.
“You deserve to be loved in whatever state your body exists.”
Adele and Kash have been best friends since they were young and have been through all sorts of things together. They’ve also been in love with each other for years but neither one could imagine the feelings were reciprocated so they both pined away for each other all that time. Now Kash has finally moved home but he’s dealing with health issues that leave his future uncertain. Perhaps it’s not the best time for Adele to confess his true feelings but he’s tired of waiting and is determined to woo his best friend and finally make him his.
Oh, the pining! These guys were so oblivious and it took them a while to get their stuff together but even as they were figuring it all out, they were so sweet together and so deeply in love. I don’t throw the term soulmates around very often but Adele and Kash were definitely that. They belonged together and I’m glad they finally figured that out.
Kash was done trying to fill the holes in himself with people who didn’t fit the right shape. Adele was it for him. He just didn’t trust it could be real and struggled to believe that those feelings could go both ways.
The hurt/comfort vibes in this book were excellent. Adele is a natural caretaker and was so good with Kash, who was dealing with some serious health issues. But I loved that the hurt/comfort went both ways. There were times when Adele needed a shoulder to lean on and Kash took great care of him. I also loved the moments with Adele’s son, Gage. There were some wonderful scenes between Gage and Adele, Gage and Kash, and all three of them together. I loved the little family they built. And, of course, the larger found family with all the guys. This series is one of my favorite found families and I’m glad to see that it will keep growing for at least a few more books!
"I want more than anything. I’m yours, okay? I’ve always been yours. I always will be.”
December 30, 2024
Kash and Adele's love story was a heartfelt and gorgeously written journey of two best friends finding their way into each other's arms after years of trying to pretend they weren't head over heels for each other. At this point in the series, I already know and love all of the single dads in town, so I was already firmly on Team "Adele needs a happy ending" when Kash arrived in town reeling from a chronic illness diagnosis. I spent the first section of their story getting to understand Kash better, and though he was by no means a perfect man, he showed me his heart in the way he loved Adele and his son Gage so completely. I'm lucky that I can only imagine what it must be like to go through the appointments, testing, and specialist visits that Kash needed to figure out what was going on with his body, and I could see how overwhelmed he was with the reality of what the rest of his life would look like. I don't fault him at all for being closed-off and angry with his situation, but it did make my heart ache to see Adele struggling with how he could best be there for the love of his life when he didn't know what was going on.
It took time for Kash to process his emotions and for the two of them to find a new normal, and despite how long they'd been friends they still fell into the trap of miscommunicating and making assumptions about what each other was thinking. I never once doubted that Adele and Kash were making decisions from a place of love--their feelings were too strong and lasting for me to ever wonder about that--but boy did they take their time to muster up the courage to change the status quo. The pining and angstiness were top-tier in this book, and the romance was definitely a slow-burn even though I knew from basically the first page that both men were in love. For me, the slow and winding journey was worth it, and I can understand why Kash and Adele were terrified to mess up their friendship with romance when they'd been each other's rock for decades. Thanks to Adele's stubbornness, or maybe the dating advice he got from the other single dads, he and Kash did get to a place where they were ready to confess their feelings for each other, but Kash needed one last push before he was ready to commit fully to Adele. I wish that last push hadn't been the literal kind, out of a burning building of all things, but there's nothing quite like a life-or-death situation to put things into perspective. In the end, Kash and Adele did end up wrapped in each other's arms, even happier and more content than I could have imagined, and with their whole community of friends and family at their backs ready to support and cheer them on for the rest of their lives.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
It took time for Kash to process his emotions and for the two of them to find a new normal, and despite how long they'd been friends they still fell into the trap of miscommunicating and making assumptions about what each other was thinking. I never once doubted that Adele and Kash were making decisions from a place of love--their feelings were too strong and lasting for me to ever wonder about that--but boy did they take their time to muster up the courage to change the status quo. The pining and angstiness were top-tier in this book, and the romance was definitely a slow-burn even though I knew from basically the first page that both men were in love. For me, the slow and winding journey was worth it, and I can understand why Kash and Adele were terrified to mess up their friendship with romance when they'd been each other's rock for decades. Thanks to Adele's stubbornness, or maybe the dating advice he got from the other single dads, he and Kash did get to a place where they were ready to confess their feelings for each other, but Kash needed one last push before he was ready to commit fully to Adele. I wish that last push hadn't been the literal kind, out of a burning building of all things, but there's nothing quite like a life-or-death situation to put things into perspective. In the end, Kash and Adele did end up wrapped in each other's arms, even happier and more content than I could have imagined, and with their whole community of friends and family at their backs ready to support and cheer them on for the rest of their lives.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
December 30, 2024
I'm going to be honest, this book took me a while to get through. Not because the writing was bad, or because the plot didn't pull me in, but because of what happens a little over halfway through the book.
SPOILER AHEAD
As someone who lost everything in a house fire recently, reading about the despair Kash, Gage, and Adele experienced when they lost their home really hit me hard. Their anguish, loss, grief, and anger are all things I've felt and still feel after losing everything in such a horrible way. It was difficult for me to read through those chapters without crying and getting worked up myself because I've been there, my family and I went through that ourselves. While this book is a work of fiction, E.M. is a fantastic author who makes sure they can make their stories and their characters as realistic and accurate as they can. And they definitely accomplished that here.
As for the main story, it was amazing! There was a ton of love between Adele and Kash, decades worth of love, but that doesn't mean their path to being a couple is easy. There was angst in this story between Kash and Adele, which considering everything that's going on with Kash's new heath diagnosis, that's understandable. I liked that they didn't get together right away, I liked that they tried to 'woo' each other in their own ways, those scenes were adorable. Even when their plans didn't go as they hoped for, they still enjoyed their time with each other.
Kash's frustration with his body is understandable and relatable, I sympathize with what he's going through. I'm glad that he has Gage and Adele, along with all of the men that have formed Adele's found family, that has become his. Not only is Kash's relationship with Adele fantastic, but his bond with Gage? Ugh! It's just adorable and endearing and SO sweet! I loved their moments together and when when Gage called Kash 'dad'? I was 'aww'ing' in my head.
I'm so excited for the next book in this story and to learn more about Ridge and his adorable daughter. I'm eagerly waiting for Gage and Lucas to get their own story/stories. I hope they eventually end up together but I'll be happy if they each get their own story if they aren't meant for each other.
Overall, another stellar book from EM Lindsey!!
SPOILER AHEAD
As someone who lost everything in a house fire recently, reading about the despair Kash, Gage, and Adele experienced when they lost their home really hit me hard. Their anguish, loss, grief, and anger are all things I've felt and still feel after losing everything in such a horrible way. It was difficult for me to read through those chapters without crying and getting worked up myself because I've been there, my family and I went through that ourselves. While this book is a work of fiction, E.M. is a fantastic author who makes sure they can make their stories and their characters as realistic and accurate as they can. And they definitely accomplished that here.
As for the main story, it was amazing! There was a ton of love between Adele and Kash, decades worth of love, but that doesn't mean their path to being a couple is easy. There was angst in this story between Kash and Adele, which considering everything that's going on with Kash's new heath diagnosis, that's understandable. I liked that they didn't get together right away, I liked that they tried to 'woo' each other in their own ways, those scenes were adorable. Even when their plans didn't go as they hoped for, they still enjoyed their time with each other.
Kash's frustration with his body is understandable and relatable, I sympathize with what he's going through. I'm glad that he has Gage and Adele, along with all of the men that have formed Adele's found family, that has become his. Not only is Kash's relationship with Adele fantastic, but his bond with Gage? Ugh! It's just adorable and endearing and SO sweet! I loved their moments together and when when Gage called Kash 'dad'? I was 'aww'ing' in my head.
I'm so excited for the next book in this story and to learn more about Ridge and his adorable daughter. I'm eagerly waiting for Gage and Lucas to get their own story/stories. I hope they eventually end up together but I'll be happy if they each get their own story if they aren't meant for each other.
Overall, another stellar book from EM Lindsey!!
December 18, 2024
5 stars
I knew Adele's story would be good, but this book went beyond all my expectations.
It has pining, communication difficulties and a little angst: they're all things I hate in romance but the author did a spectacular job in blending them perfectly into an epic love story.
Adele and Kash are soulmates who haven't find their way to each other for decades, through all the years of their friendship they have been sure that the other wasn't in love, that they could be anything but best friends. Little snippets about the past, especially about Adele's wedding, made the story painful but they also showed how much they meant for each other. Maybe they weren't physically close, but they have always been in one another's heart.
I adored how much Kash loved Gage, how he desperately wanted to be able to claim him as his son and how much Gage loved and adored him back. The three of them snuggling in bed is one of my most favourite scene of this book.
Kash's physical problems were described very well: this is nothing new, though, we all now how wonderful, sensible and thoughtful this author is regarding to men with disabilities.
About the side characters: Renato is here, hot, competent, protective as ever; Rex is the cutest thing; Bowen is amazing, I liked very much that this story made space for the brothers' relationship.
But the ones I loved the most were Gage and Lucas: gosh, their friendship is so profound, they're protective and supportive of each other, they have an easy and honest relationship.
I know E.M. Lindsey has plans for Gage in a future series and I also know that Gage and Lucas have found their balance in being just friends, but... there could be a little chance they could go from best friends to lovers? I hope so.
Lot of new characters were also introduced, like Ridge (the MC of the next book) and Fallon.
Honestly, I can wait for all their stories to come.
Absolutely recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
I knew Adele's story would be good, but this book went beyond all my expectations.
It has pining, communication difficulties and a little angst: they're all things I hate in romance but the author did a spectacular job in blending them perfectly into an epic love story.
Adele and Kash are soulmates who haven't find their way to each other for decades, through all the years of their friendship they have been sure that the other wasn't in love, that they could be anything but best friends. Little snippets about the past, especially about Adele's wedding, made the story painful but they also showed how much they meant for each other. Maybe they weren't physically close, but they have always been in one another's heart.
I adored how much Kash loved Gage, how he desperately wanted to be able to claim him as his son and how much Gage loved and adored him back. The three of them snuggling in bed is one of my most favourite scene of this book.
Kash's physical problems were described very well: this is nothing new, though, we all now how wonderful, sensible and thoughtful this author is regarding to men with disabilities.
About the side characters: Renato is here, hot, competent, protective as ever; Rex is the cutest thing; Bowen is amazing, I liked very much that this story made space for the brothers' relationship.
But the ones I loved the most were Gage and Lucas: gosh, their friendship is so profound, they're protective and supportive of each other, they have an easy and honest relationship.
I know E.M. Lindsey has plans for Gage in a future series and I also know that Gage and Lucas have found their balance in being just friends, but... there could be a little chance they could go from best friends to lovers? I hope so.
Lot of new characters were also introduced, like Ridge (the MC of the next book) and Fallon.
Honestly, I can wait for all their stories to come.
Absolutely recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
January 16, 2025
“You deserve to be loved in whatever state your body exists.”
5 Stars!
Oh the way i was WAITING for this story, i was almost afraid it was gonna come last to make us wait longer! I really enjoy this series, and this installment did not disapoint.
Adele has been in love with his best friend for most - if not all - his life, but always resigned himself to loving himn from a distance, not even confiding in his Single Dads group, now renamed Dad group since most of them when and got themselves paired up. But when Kash comes back up with health issues and - for what feels like the first time in their friendships - secrets, Adele finally decides its time to fess up and step up.
Kash is feeling raw because of some pretty intense health issues, and fears that confessing his feelings for Adele will push the firefighter to be with him "cause he feels like he has to and would do anything for him" instead of being the exact thing Adele has been dreaming about for YEARS.
I liked Adele's decision to FINALLY do something about his feelings, after newcomer Ridge and brother Bowen point out how Kash might actually also be head over heels for him. I loved how we got to see caretaker Adele in full force, and i love how we got to meet more future club members along the story. This book had me swooning all over the place. The only thing (and it wasnt big enough to remove any star power) was that im not a fan of the fact that if they had just TALKED to each other it would have been so much better, but i get the point. Also, one of my FAVORITE THINGS was how we got to see a big more of Gage, and Gage's relationship with Kash. To say they made me tear up on many occasions would not be an understatement!
This story had big idiots in love energy and i was here for it. It is a beautiful and moving story, full of pining and romance and spicy and just enough angst. E.M. Lindsey once again navigates health issues with great care. I really enjoy the way they portray disabilities and health struggles and this did not disapoint on this account.
5 Stars!
Oh the way i was WAITING for this story, i was almost afraid it was gonna come last to make us wait longer! I really enjoy this series, and this installment did not disapoint.
Adele has been in love with his best friend for most - if not all - his life, but always resigned himself to loving himn from a distance, not even confiding in his Single Dads group, now renamed Dad group since most of them when and got themselves paired up. But when Kash comes back up with health issues and - for what feels like the first time in their friendships - secrets, Adele finally decides its time to fess up and step up.
Kash is feeling raw because of some pretty intense health issues, and fears that confessing his feelings for Adele will push the firefighter to be with him "cause he feels like he has to and would do anything for him" instead of being the exact thing Adele has been dreaming about for YEARS.
I liked Adele's decision to FINALLY do something about his feelings, after newcomer Ridge and brother Bowen point out how Kash might actually also be head over heels for him. I loved how we got to see caretaker Adele in full force, and i love how we got to meet more future club members along the story. This book had me swooning all over the place. The only thing (and it wasnt big enough to remove any star power) was that im not a fan of the fact that if they had just TALKED to each other it would have been so much better, but i get the point. Also, one of my FAVORITE THINGS was how we got to see a big more of Gage, and Gage's relationship with Kash. To say they made me tear up on many occasions would not be an understatement!
This story had big idiots in love energy and i was here for it. It is a beautiful and moving story, full of pining and romance and spicy and just enough angst. E.M. Lindsey once again navigates health issues with great care. I really enjoy the way they portray disabilities and health struggles and this did not disapoint on this account.
December 31, 2024
Since nearly the beginning of the series, I have been looking forward to Adele's story, and let me tell you, Adele and Kash delivered everything I was hoping for and more. Their story was well worth the wait!
Lindsey is one of my favorite authors because their characters wrap themselves around my heart and do not let go. There is such depth to the romance and love that these characters feel, but in a way that feels real and relatable. Lindsey's characters aren't perfect and the relationships they write aren't all sunshine and rainbows. These characters deal with real problems, internally and externally. Their stories feel realistic, which makes the HEAs so much more satisfying. By the time each story is over, I am convinced the couples are going to make it for the long haul because they know how to be patient with each other and they are willing to put in the work!
For this story, Adele and Kash are best friends, despite having lived far apart for nearly 20 years. Both are firefighters and both have been harboring feelings for each other for the past couple decades that the other is unaware of and too afraid to hope for. When Kash suffers a horrible accident and is forced to face the uncertainty of life-changes he never could have anticipated, he comes home to Adele, his safe space. Adele jumps in wholeheartedly to help his friend and the man he loves.
Adele is also a singer father and is the driving force behind the single dad's club that the series is centered around, now the dad's club because most of the members have found their HEAs. But Adele knows that there is no HEA for him without Kash and he is willing to do whatever it takes for however long it takes to finally get his man.
This story has a lot of ups and downs and a lot of big emotions. Through it all, Adele and Kash are supported by their family and friends so beautifully. The ride is absolutely worth it.
Lindsey is one of my favorite authors because their characters wrap themselves around my heart and do not let go. There is such depth to the romance and love that these characters feel, but in a way that feels real and relatable. Lindsey's characters aren't perfect and the relationships they write aren't all sunshine and rainbows. These characters deal with real problems, internally and externally. Their stories feel realistic, which makes the HEAs so much more satisfying. By the time each story is over, I am convinced the couples are going to make it for the long haul because they know how to be patient with each other and they are willing to put in the work!
For this story, Adele and Kash are best friends, despite having lived far apart for nearly 20 years. Both are firefighters and both have been harboring feelings for each other for the past couple decades that the other is unaware of and too afraid to hope for. When Kash suffers a horrible accident and is forced to face the uncertainty of life-changes he never could have anticipated, he comes home to Adele, his safe space. Adele jumps in wholeheartedly to help his friend and the man he loves.
Adele is also a singer father and is the driving force behind the single dad's club that the series is centered around, now the dad's club because most of the members have found their HEAs. But Adele knows that there is no HEA for him without Kash and he is willing to do whatever it takes for however long it takes to finally get his man.
This story has a lot of ups and downs and a lot of big emotions. Through it all, Adele and Kash are supported by their family and friends so beautifully. The ride is absolutely worth it.
December 23, 2024
Finally, Adele's story
Ever since the first book, I've been waiting not so patiently for Adele to get his HEA and, oh boy, was it worth the wait.
E.M. gave us pining on an epic scale and lack of communication also on an epic scale, over two decades worth to really make Adele and Kash's HEA a very hard-fought one.
Their story had me captivated from the first page, seeing Kash come home to stay with Adele, learning a bit more about their history, and desperate to find out Kash's diagnosis and prognosis. Knowing it would be an HEA but with E.M.'s disability rep working its usual overtime, I didn't expect a miraculous recovery, but I did know that however the story went, I would love the outcome. And I most certainly did.
Adele and Gage together were so wonderful, and getting to properly watch their father/son dynamic after seeing them in the first four books was the icing on the cake but Kash's dynamic with Gage was equally wonderful and the cherry on the top. I loved the scenes with Adele and Gage, Kash and Gage, and all three of them together. They were a perfect family.
The single dads were, of course, part of their story. Seeing them being supportive was just as great as always, and Lucas and Rex were both adorable.
I'm really looking forward to the next book as Oz finds his HEA.
Ever since the first book, I've been waiting not so patiently for Adele to get his HEA and, oh boy, was it worth the wait.
E.M. gave us pining on an epic scale and lack of communication also on an epic scale, over two decades worth to really make Adele and Kash's HEA a very hard-fought one.
Their story had me captivated from the first page, seeing Kash come home to stay with Adele, learning a bit more about their history, and desperate to find out Kash's diagnosis and prognosis. Knowing it would be an HEA but with E.M.'s disability rep working its usual overtime, I didn't expect a miraculous recovery, but I did know that however the story went, I would love the outcome. And I most certainly did.
Adele and Gage together were so wonderful, and getting to properly watch their father/son dynamic after seeing them in the first four books was the icing on the cake but Kash's dynamic with Gage was equally wonderful and the cherry on the top. I loved the scenes with Adele and Gage, Kash and Gage, and all three of them together. They were a perfect family.
The single dads were, of course, part of their story. Seeing them being supportive was just as great as always, and Lucas and Rex were both adorable.
I'm really looking forward to the next book as Oz finds his HEA.
February 15, 2025
Adele is a caretaker. Always has been, always will be. So when his lifelong best friend comes home after losing his job to a nervous breakdown and chronic illness, Adele steps in. And it’s easy enough, except for the fact that Adele has been in love with Kash for most of his life. He’d moved on once, with a wife and kid, but all that fell apart, and now Kash is back in his life and needs him more than ever. Adele isn’t quite sure how to protect his heart while also giving his best friend what he needs, but the one thing he does know is that he won’t let Kash down. Not now. Not ever. Things seem a little different between them now, though. Kash is angrier, bitter, and more closed off. Adele thinks it’s something he’s done, but maybe it’s not that. Maybe it’s feelings Kash is too afraid to say out loud. Whatever the case, Adele knows he’ll protect those he loves with as much fire as the ones he puts out, and Kash is no exception to that rule. And he never will be.
I loved this story as Adele finally got his best friend back home and had the chance tobe with him in any way that he could. Kash was a complex character but it seemed that hi initial problem was his determination to do everything on his own. I loved the two characters and their interactions which were both emotional and passionate. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story as Adele finally got his best friend back home and had the chance tobe with him in any way that he could. Kash was a complex character but it seemed that hi initial problem was his determination to do everything on his own. I loved the two characters and their interactions which were both emotional and passionate. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
December 29, 2024
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Adele and Kash have a seriously beautiful and touching story. I mean they are idiots - pining for 20 years without telling each other, making themselves miserable in the process, but even still, it’s everything you could want from a story, especially an EM Lindsey story.
A few teary moments, a lot of laughs (Gage, Lucas, and Rex all steal my heart) and a whole lot of love.
Kash has been dealt a blow, but he has Adele to turn to, even if it takes him a while to really lean on him. What better way to find your way forward in a new life, than with your other half there to hold you up (sometimes literally)?
Adele never learned how to live for himself. Instead living for his son and holding on to his secret love for his best friend. It’s time he got the family he deserves.
A truly wonderful story that has my full heart.
Adele and Kash have a seriously beautiful and touching story. I mean they are idiots - pining for 20 years without telling each other, making themselves miserable in the process, but even still, it’s everything you could want from a story, especially an EM Lindsey story.
A few teary moments, a lot of laughs (Gage, Lucas, and Rex all steal my heart) and a whole lot of love.
Kash has been dealt a blow, but he has Adele to turn to, even if it takes him a while to really lean on him. What better way to find your way forward in a new life, than with your other half there to hold you up (sometimes literally)?
Adele never learned how to live for himself. Instead living for his son and holding on to his secret love for his best friend. It’s time he got the family he deserves.
A truly wonderful story that has my full heart.
December 31, 2024
Kash looked at him for a long beat. “Why are you doing this for me?” “Because I love you,” Adele said without a second of hesitation. “You’re my favorite person in the whole world, and I’m never happier than when I’m with you.”
!!! Basically soulmates are real because there’s no other words to describe Kash and Adele. This was a really enjoyable read, one thing I love about EM Lindsey is they always have such diversity amongst their characters especially characters who have disabilities. Kash is adjusting to his new normal which makes him angry and prone to lashing out, I think Kash was super relatable and his reaction to his situation was totally valid! I loved how he constantly checked himself and knew that he was lashing out at Adele because he could get away with it and told Adele not to let him off the hook so easily. I loved how down bad Adele was fr and I loved both his and Kash’s relationship with Gage. Such a wholesome family fr!
I haven’t read books 1-4 but I am definitely interested in maybe going back and reading because single dad is one of my fave tropes.
!!! Basically soulmates are real because there’s no other words to describe Kash and Adele. This was a really enjoyable read, one thing I love about EM Lindsey is they always have such diversity amongst their characters especially characters who have disabilities. Kash is adjusting to his new normal which makes him angry and prone to lashing out, I think Kash was super relatable and his reaction to his situation was totally valid! I loved how he constantly checked himself and knew that he was lashing out at Adele because he could get away with it and told Adele not to let him off the hook so easily. I loved how down bad Adele was fr and I loved both his and Kash’s relationship with Gage. Such a wholesome family fr!
I haven’t read books 1-4 but I am definitely interested in maybe going back and reading because single dad is one of my fave tropes.
December 30, 2024
Kash and Adele's love story is a heartfelt journey of two best friends who, after years of denying their feelings, finally find their way into each other's arms. The story unfolds as Kash arrives in town dealing with a chronic illness diagnosis, and the reader sees his vulnerability as he grapples with uncertainty about his future. Adele, deeply in love with him, struggles to support him while respecting his emotional barriers. The two face miscommunication and emotional hurdles, making their romance a slow-burn despite their undeniable love. Their friendship, which has lasted for decades, complicates their transition into a romantic relationship, but through patience and support from their community, they eventually open up to each other. The climax comes when Kash is pushed to confront his feelings in a life-or-death moment, leading to a heartfelt resolution where both characters find happiness together, surrounded by their loved ones. Beautifully written book and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
January 6, 2025
Another masterpiece
This is the book I have been waiting for since the first of the series, Adele has always been the Dad of the Single Dad's Group, supporting others through their challenges and new relationships and now it is his turn - and it couldn't have been better and it got me out of a bit of a reading slump I had been in.
The book had it all, emotional, funny, steamy, sweet, a bit angsty and heartbreaking - like this whole series, the theme of "found family" is strong.
Loved the reflection and reminiscing on the mischief (bad choices?!) Adele and Kash had got up to in the past as teenagers / young adults, as well as how everybody around them could see what they meant to each other, while they were oblivious to it (though it was nearly frustrating at times!).
I can't wait to read the next book in the series and I am excited about a couple of new characters that have been introduced, hoping they will get a book.
I read an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the book I have been waiting for since the first of the series, Adele has always been the Dad of the Single Dad's Group, supporting others through their challenges and new relationships and now it is his turn - and it couldn't have been better and it got me out of a bit of a reading slump I had been in.
The book had it all, emotional, funny, steamy, sweet, a bit angsty and heartbreaking - like this whole series, the theme of "found family" is strong.
Loved the reflection and reminiscing on the mischief (bad choices?!) Adele and Kash had got up to in the past as teenagers / young adults, as well as how everybody around them could see what they meant to each other, while they were oblivious to it (though it was nearly frustrating at times!).
I can't wait to read the next book in the series and I am excited about a couple of new characters that have been introduced, hoping they will get a book.
I read an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2025
Adele & Kash
This story was beautiful! What Kash is going through is something many of us will never have to face, and as much as he struggles, his strength is incredibly inspiring. The fact that he also has Adele and Gage to support him and round out his life is wonderful as well. He always knew he could count on Adele to be there for him, but never expected to find his friend having the same feelings as him. Kash's easy relationship with Gage is super sweet, and I love seeing Gage treat Kash as the second father-figure he is.
This story is a fairly slow burn overall, but I love that about this series. There's never anything missing in the storyline with these characters, and E.M Lindsey is incredible at their plot builds. As much as I know that these are romances, their stories tell far more about their lives than just their love, and I really appreciate that kind of book.
I loved Chasing You in the Words We Never Said series! It's an extraordinary addition to the series, and another fantastic story to build on the great group of guys that started as just some single dads. I'm looking forward to Ridge's story in book 6, and as many more as we can get, because I never want to let these guys go!
I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
This story was beautiful! What Kash is going through is something many of us will never have to face, and as much as he struggles, his strength is incredibly inspiring. The fact that he also has Adele and Gage to support him and round out his life is wonderful as well. He always knew he could count on Adele to be there for him, but never expected to find his friend having the same feelings as him. Kash's easy relationship with Gage is super sweet, and I love seeing Gage treat Kash as the second father-figure he is.
This story is a fairly slow burn overall, but I love that about this series. There's never anything missing in the storyline with these characters, and E.M Lindsey is incredible at their plot builds. As much as I know that these are romances, their stories tell far more about their lives than just their love, and I really appreciate that kind of book.
I loved Chasing You in the Words We Never Said series! It's an extraordinary addition to the series, and another fantastic story to build on the great group of guys that started as just some single dads. I'm looking forward to Ridge's story in book 6, and as many more as we can get, because I never want to let these guys go!
I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
January 1, 2025
Adele and Kash drove me absolutely bonkers in the best way throughout this book. Their pining was simultaneously romantic and frustrating, and while the "refusal to communicate" trope seems to have fallen out of fashion in M/M romance these days, Lindsey leans into the fantastic found family they have created with this series to give both men an incredibly supportive community (to tell them they are being dumb). Lindsey also crafts an arc that is both physically high-heat and emotionally slow-burn, which adds to the delicious tension. As always, this author treats all aspects of their characters with care, presenting physical limitations as more than a plot device or some sort of character trait. And while plenty goes wrong for these characters, the hard-won happily ever after gives me faith that this family will thrive beyond the final page of this book.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
August 25, 2025
story of Kash and Adele
This is a best friends to more romance, featuring Kash and Adele, and is book five in the Words We Never Said series.
Adele has always taken care of others, but when his lifelong best friend Kash returns home broken and bitter, he finds himself torn between protecting his heart and being the support Kash desperately needs.
This is a tender best friends-to-lovers story filled with hurt/comfort and an mutual unrequited love. Their lack of communication had me almost screaming at my kindle, but they made up for it when they finally admitted their feelings, it was all worth it.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 5 in series
MM romance
Slow burn
Best friends to more
Single dad
Firefighters
MCs in their 40s
Hurt / Comfort
Chronic illness
Caretaker x protector
Mutual unrequited love
Lack of communication
Some spicy times
Found family
HEA
This is a best friends to more romance, featuring Kash and Adele, and is book five in the Words We Never Said series.
Adele has always taken care of others, but when his lifelong best friend Kash returns home broken and bitter, he finds himself torn between protecting his heart and being the support Kash desperately needs.
This is a tender best friends-to-lovers story filled with hurt/comfort and an mutual unrequited love. Their lack of communication had me almost screaming at my kindle, but they made up for it when they finally admitted their feelings, it was all worth it.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 5 in series
MM romance
Slow burn
Best friends to more
Single dad
Firefighters
MCs in their 40s
Hurt / Comfort
Chronic illness
Caretaker x protector
Mutual unrequited love
Lack of communication
Some spicy times
Found family
HEA
December 19, 2024
I love this whole series and this group of guys but this story absolutely blew me away! I’ve been waiting for Adele’s story and it definitely did not disappoint! He is such a wonderful father, brother, and friend! Kash was just a sweetheart! My heart went out to both these men! They were definitely soul mates and it made my heart hurt for the time they had lost due to misunderstandings/miscommunication. They were absolutely precious together! Adele, Kash, and Gage made an amazing little family! It totally warmed my heart what Kash did near the end! This book had all the feels that’s for sure! Absolutely amazing story that I very highly recommend! It was so very enjoyable and I honestly couldn’t put it down! Any extra calendars laying around?!! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book
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