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Missed Steps
Kyle lost part of his leg during the summer, and with it, the rivalry with his college-long crush Mark ends in a loss.
Except...does a loss usually mean that they spend infinitely more time together than they ever did when competing? And does it mean they are closer? Know each other better? Laugh more? flirt more?
If Kyle had realised losing their rivalry would lead here, he would have given in week one. Now all he has to do is get over his shyness to ask Mark out instead of cursing at him…
Missed Steps is an 18+ light-hearted m/m college romance.
Except...does a loss usually mean that they spend infinitely more time together than they ever did when competing? And does it mean they are closer? Know each other better? Laugh more? flirt more?
If Kyle had realised losing their rivalry would lead here, he would have given in week one. Now all he has to do is get over his shyness to ask Mark out instead of cursing at him…
Missed Steps is an 18+ light-hearted m/m college romance.
343 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2024
68 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
About the author
L. Sherleen
7 books134 followersLily Sherleen writes what she loves to read: sweet coming-of-age stories with a hint of romance--where the heroes find themselves during their journey. She currently lives on the coast of Ireland with her beloved cats who keep her company while she writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
December 23, 2025
DNF
ALL THE INGREDIENTS, NONE OF THE FLAVOR 😔😔😔😔😔😔😔
I started this book feeling genuinely hopeful. The idea itself is so good and honestly it should have worked for me, but somewhere along the way it just didn’t. It ended up feeling like it wasn’t my book at all.
The biggest issue for me was how repetitive it felt. I kept feeling like I was stuck in the same scene for multiple chapters, reliving the same emotions and conversations over and over. Instead of pulling me in, it bored me and slowly made me lose interest.
The writing also felt awkward. At first I thought I would get used to it, but I never did. It kept pulling me out of the story instead of immersing me in it.
What disappointed me the most was the lack of emotional connection. The relationships between the main characters, their families, and even their friends did not feel convincing or developed. Everything felt rushed or messy, and because of that I could not relate to the characters or feel anything for them.
This story should have been heartbreaking. On paper it has everything it needs to destroy me emotionally. But instead of feeling sad or moved, I was mostly just CONFUSED.
ALL THE INGREDIENTS, NONE OF THE FLAVOR 😔😔😔😔😔😔😔
I started this book feeling genuinely hopeful. The idea itself is so good and honestly it should have worked for me, but somewhere along the way it just didn’t. It ended up feeling like it wasn’t my book at all.
The biggest issue for me was how repetitive it felt. I kept feeling like I was stuck in the same scene for multiple chapters, reliving the same emotions and conversations over and over. Instead of pulling me in, it bored me and slowly made me lose interest.
The writing also felt awkward. At first I thought I would get used to it, but I never did. It kept pulling me out of the story instead of immersing me in it.
What disappointed me the most was the lack of emotional connection. The relationships between the main characters, their families, and even their friends did not feel convincing or developed. Everything felt rushed or messy, and because of that I could not relate to the characters or feel anything for them.
This story should have been heartbreaking. On paper it has everything it needs to destroy me emotionally. But instead of feeling sad or moved, I was mostly just CONFUSED.
July 14, 2025
There are these books that are obvs imperfect but scratch a very specific itch in my brain that needs scratching and this is one of those books.
GAH, this gave me so many 🦋butterflies🦋, it’s honestly ridiculous. It’s like the author just plucked everything that does it for me from my brain and then wrote this story.
We have our MC Kyle, a snarky porcupine that gets prickly when he’s scared or feeling vulnerable (but is also able to apologise right after 🥹) who’s had a crush on his rival Mark for two damn years.
The story throws us into the middle of the college year, painting a picture of a hurt, lonely Kyle, who’s isolated himself from everyone during the summer, after being involved in an accident that’s cost him part of his leg - a circumstance he struggles with heavily.
A situation throws Kyle and Mark together and TADAAA, turns out, the crush was not one-sided. Like, at all. From there on out it’s all about the freaking Romance with a capital R and about Kyle coming more and more to terms with his disability and childhood trauma - not without the massive help and support from Mark, who’s the most caring, concerned, uber possessive, protective, grumpy-jealous book boyfriend of MY DREAMS.
Seriously, the jealousy and protectiveness almost kiiilled meeee, it was so good.
Another thing that almost killed me? THE SEXUAL TENSION, PINING, AND STEAM!! Jesus fucking Christ 🥵
That, coupled with HEAPS of gorgeous hurt/comfort and strong side characters? Just. So. Gooood 😩
Was Mark a bit much in his controlling attitude? Yup.
Took the ending an unexpected and ott turn that the book probably could have done without? Yeah.
Were there some elements of the story that stayed surface level (like, why is Mark so hard on his brother? How did Kyle’s parents die? Why is Mark so rich?)? ALSO YES!!
Did I care too much about all that? Nope 🙈
Like I said, it wasn’t perfect by all means, but it gave me all the stomach swoopings and flip-flopping feelings and in that regard it was perfect to me. 🧡 I know I’ll reread this, I’m kinda tempted to do so right now 😅
I REALLY hope there will be more books in this world! I’d LOVE to see Chris feature as a MC, maybe even with Damian? Or even Leonard?
4,5⭐️
GAH, this gave me so many 🦋butterflies🦋, it’s honestly ridiculous. It’s like the author just plucked everything that does it for me from my brain and then wrote this story.
We have our MC Kyle, a snarky porcupine that gets prickly when he’s scared or feeling vulnerable (but is also able to apologise right after 🥹) who’s had a crush on his rival Mark for two damn years.
The story throws us into the middle of the college year, painting a picture of a hurt, lonely Kyle, who’s isolated himself from everyone during the summer, after being involved in an accident that’s cost him part of his leg - a circumstance he struggles with heavily.
A situation throws Kyle and Mark together and TADAAA, turns out, the crush was not one-sided. Like, at all. From there on out it’s all about the freaking Romance with a capital R and about Kyle coming more and more to terms with his disability and childhood trauma - not without the massive help and support from Mark, who’s the most caring, concerned, uber possessive, protective, grumpy-jealous book boyfriend of MY DREAMS.
Seriously, the jealousy and protectiveness almost kiiilled meeee, it was so good.
Another thing that almost killed me? THE SEXUAL TENSION, PINING, AND STEAM!! Jesus fucking Christ 🥵
That, coupled with HEAPS of gorgeous hurt/comfort and strong side characters? Just. So. Gooood 😩
Was Mark a bit much in his controlling attitude? Yup.
Took the ending an unexpected and ott turn that the book probably could have done without? Yeah.
Were there some elements of the story that stayed surface level (like, why is Mark so hard on his brother? How did Kyle’s parents die? Why is Mark so rich?)? ALSO YES!!
Did I care too much about all that? Nope 🙈
Like I said, it wasn’t perfect by all means, but it gave me all the stomach swoopings and flip-flopping feelings and in that regard it was perfect to me. 🧡 I know I’ll reread this, I’m kinda tempted to do so right now 😅
I REALLY hope there will be more books in this world! I’d LOVE to see Chris feature as a MC, maybe even with Damian? Or even Leonard?
4,5⭐️
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June 8, 2025
4.5 stars ☆
The hand on my spine creeps up to grasp the back of my neck. The way Mark leans forward hides his actions from the rest of the room. I grunt in surprise and do my best not to groan aloud as my cock gives a firm twitch. “Mark,” I grumble, instinctively grabbing his arm.
“I swear to god, Kyle, whenever you open your pretty mouth, you drive me insane,” Mark murmurs against my ear. His fingers wind tightly through the hair at my nape.
oh my god. this was the most precious thing ever. i wasn’t sure what to expect bc this was my first book by the author and i just came across it through random browsing but i loved it so much??? i loved both mcs, the side characters, the hurt/comfort, the sweetness of it all. some parts did make me cry, but that has more to do with family (heartfelt) moments. i loved Chris!! he better get his own story bc the way he cared so much for Kyle and was such a good, overprotective brother to him? i teared up at all their moments (like ). i know this is a stretch bc we didn’t really have any scenes between them BUT THE VIBES - i think it would be interesting to see !! i’d also love to see a story between Tommy/Sebastian?? 👀 the glimpses they’ve shown here had me so curious.
also omg Mark being jealous of Leonard was the funniest shit ever. pls his jealousy went to the extent of being petty and it had me living. 🤣🤣🤣
The hand on my spine creeps up to grasp the back of my neck. The way Mark leans forward hides his actions from the rest of the room. I grunt in surprise and do my best not to groan aloud as my cock gives a firm twitch. “Mark,” I grumble, instinctively grabbing his arm.
“I swear to god, Kyle, whenever you open your pretty mouth, you drive me insane,” Mark murmurs against my ear. His fingers wind tightly through the hair at my nape.
oh my god. this was the most precious thing ever. i wasn’t sure what to expect bc this was my first book by the author and i just came across it through random browsing but i loved it so much??? i loved both mcs, the side characters, the hurt/comfort, the sweetness of it all. some parts did make me cry, but that has more to do with family (heartfelt) moments. i loved Chris!! he better get his own story bc the way he cared so much for Kyle and was such a good, overprotective brother to him? i teared up at all their moments (like ). i know this is a stretch bc we didn’t really have any scenes between them BUT THE VIBES - i think it would be interesting to see !! i’d also love to see a story between Tommy/Sebastian?? 👀 the glimpses they’ve shown here had me so curious.
also omg Mark being jealous of Leonard was the funniest shit ever. pls his jealousy went to the extent of being petty and it had me living. 🤣🤣🤣
July 18, 2025
2,5 stars.
While this clearly didn't work for me, I won't rate it lower because it wasn't bad per se. I just couldn't get into the story and there were many instances that had me rolling my eyes, hard.
Mark and his overbearing personalty weren't even the problem, knowing that Kyle clearly enjoyed Mark's attitude.
Many little things didn't add up (especially concerning Chris).
My bigger issues:
I had a hard time following all the (verbal and beyond verbal) fighting over Kyle throughout the book. It felt like an artificial set up to give the story depth when there was literally nothing to make the fights/animosity legit. They were college students in their last year (Chris even a decade older), fighting during sports over who got to help Kyle, like kindergarteners fighting in a sand box over a toy.
And the last chapters? Talk about OTT family drama that was neither needed nor plausible.
I did enjoy the moments of caretaking and the quiet instances full of love between Kyle and Mark and how much Mark cared for Kyle.
Sadly now I'm not so sure about starting Adonis.. it sounded fascinating before I read Missed Steps.
While this clearly didn't work for me, I won't rate it lower because it wasn't bad per se. I just couldn't get into the story and there were many instances that had me rolling my eyes, hard.
Mark and his overbearing personalty weren't even the problem, knowing that Kyle clearly enjoyed Mark's attitude.
Many little things didn't add up (especially concerning Chris).
My bigger issues:
I had a hard time following all the (verbal and beyond verbal) fighting over Kyle throughout the book. It felt like an artificial set up to give the story depth when there was literally nothing to make the fights/animosity legit. They were college students in their last year (Chris even a decade older), fighting during sports over who got to help Kyle, like kindergarteners fighting in a sand box over a toy.
And the last chapters? Talk about OTT family drama that was neither needed nor plausible.
I did enjoy the moments of caretaking and the quiet instances full of love between Kyle and Mark and how much Mark cared for Kyle.
Sadly now I'm not so sure about starting Adonis.. it sounded fascinating before I read Missed Steps.
August 8, 2024
ANOTHER ONE, THANK YOU *grabby hands*
L. Sherleen plucked this book straight out of my dreams. THIS is my jam, I need another dozen books just like this one now.
It had everything I always look for in a contemporary romance. Possessive, dreamy jock and his snarky, insecure disaster of a rival? Disability rep, a truckload of hurt/comfort and an even bigger truckload of found family vibes? Enemies to lovers, pining, also, did I mention the boatload of hurt/comfort????????! ALLLLLLL the sweetness, the snark, the delicious (and lightly kinky) steam my heart can wish for? Gah. I was hooked from the start, and I managed to devour this book in literally two sittings. I need more NOW *stomps feet*
Sure, "Missed Steps" isn't perfect. There were a couple of slip ups, the setting is a bit vague as well, but yeah, that didn't detract from my enjoyment at all.
I loved Kyle and Mark to absolute bits; they had me giggling and blushing from start to finish. I found Kyle absolutely fabulous: he's snarky, quick to anger, a little porcupine who strikes out for fear and when he's feeling vulnerable, but I loved seeing him slowly get better and healthier. I was so proud of him by the end of the book! And Mark: a ridiculous, caring, uber possessive, golden retriever of a man, with a very protective streak as well. I loved how gentle he was with Kyle, how respectful but also how he wasn't any of those things when the mood struck? *swoons* I also found him absolutely hilarious too, with his ridiculously endearing, grumpy jealousy. Their romance was truly top notch; I never wanted this book to end.
I'm sooooooooo hoping that the author has other books planned for this series because a few of these characters (Tommy, Sebastian, Chris, Damien?!) had "MAIN CHARACTER" stamped on their forehead.
I had an absolute blast with this book, and I can already tell the book hangover will be devastating. I need more!!!!!!!!
TWs/CWs: childhood abuse, bullying, homophobia, violence, mental health struggles.
L. Sherleen plucked this book straight out of my dreams. THIS is my jam, I need another dozen books just like this one now.
It had everything I always look for in a contemporary romance. Possessive, dreamy jock and his snarky, insecure disaster of a rival? Disability rep, a truckload of hurt/comfort and an even bigger truckload of found family vibes? Enemies to lovers, pining, also, did I mention the boatload of hurt/comfort????????! ALLLLLLL the sweetness, the snark, the delicious (and lightly kinky) steam my heart can wish for? Gah. I was hooked from the start, and I managed to devour this book in literally two sittings. I need more NOW *stomps feet*
Sure, "Missed Steps" isn't perfect. There were a couple of slip ups, the setting is a bit vague as well, but yeah, that didn't detract from my enjoyment at all.
I loved Kyle and Mark to absolute bits; they had me giggling and blushing from start to finish. I found Kyle absolutely fabulous: he's snarky, quick to anger, a little porcupine who strikes out for fear and when he's feeling vulnerable, but I loved seeing him slowly get better and healthier. I was so proud of him by the end of the book! And Mark: a ridiculous, caring, uber possessive, golden retriever of a man, with a very protective streak as well. I loved how gentle he was with Kyle, how respectful but also how he wasn't any of those things when the mood struck? *swoons* I also found him absolutely hilarious too, with his ridiculously endearing, grumpy jealousy. Their romance was truly top notch; I never wanted this book to end.
I'm sooooooooo hoping that the author has other books planned for this series because a few of these characters (Tommy, Sebastian, Chris, Damien?!) had "MAIN CHARACTER" stamped on their forehead.
I had an absolute blast with this book, and I can already tell the book hangover will be devastating. I need more!!!!!!!!
TWs/CWs: childhood abuse, bullying, homophobia, violence, mental health struggles.
June 5, 2025
this was adorable!!! very much over the top and slightly ridiculous, but so fun in the oblivious, highly entertaining way. kinda similar to "leo loves aries" in that fashion!! the two guys were crazy obsessed with one another, and there was enough of a plot to keep me going. just an easy, addictive, giggly kind of book. perfect for exam season!
December 18, 2025
**Edit** an ARC of this book was read. I believe the newest editions have had some serious edits. This review may not reflect the current edition.
Where is this book set? The UK, America? Oh, at 80% we’re informed it’s Ireland. College romance…what was I thinking.
Feels a bit choppy, editing errors, the whole thing feels both rushed yet the story is lagging.
The story is awkwardly slow and repetitive.
The drama (that would have made the book interesting) was piled into the last 25%. It’s hinted at, but really just withheld for no real gain. Teasing something 2 chapters before it happens makes it feel like the whole idea for the book hadn’t been fleshed out and it was being planned on the fly as it was written. The whole thing feels like it was a great thought but needed more planning, editing, and direction.
Also why is Mark’s behaviour okay? He’s needlessly aggressive. The energy it would take to be in a relationship with that…nope. But he’s super rich so everything works out in the end...
Where is this book set? The UK, America? Oh, at 80% we’re informed it’s Ireland. College romance…what was I thinking.
Feels a bit choppy, editing errors, the whole thing feels both rushed yet the story is lagging.
The story is awkwardly slow and repetitive.
The drama (that would have made the book interesting) was piled into the last 25%. It’s hinted at, but really just withheld for no real gain. Teasing something 2 chapters before it happens makes it feel like the whole idea for the book hadn’t been fleshed out and it was being planned on the fly as it was written. The whole thing feels like it was a great thought but needed more planning, editing, and direction.
Also why is Mark’s behaviour okay? He’s needlessly aggressive. The energy it would take to be in a relationship with that…nope. But he’s super rich so everything works out in the end...
April 29, 2025
This was literally just so wholesome I couldn't put it down.
Kyle is so precious and endearing. I loved his shyness and how Mark was completely aware that Kyle liked him and it made him snappy because he didn't know how to express those feelings. I loved how Mark was able to be both soft and and rough with him depending on the situation. The scene at the coffee shop was so cute, Mark was trying so hard to prompt Kyle and just kept missing it. Mark was so sweet on Kyle, he really was the best boyfriend. The heart-to-heart with Kyle and Chris at the end also had me so emotional omg. Chris was such a good big brother!!!
This was really great, going to reread again immediately because i feel like i didn't full appreciate all the little moments.
Also tommy/sebastian book WHEN.
Kyle is so precious and endearing. I loved his shyness and how Mark was completely aware that Kyle liked him and it made him snappy because he didn't know how to express those feelings. I loved how Mark was able to be both soft and and rough with him depending on the situation. The scene at the coffee shop was so cute, Mark was trying so hard to prompt Kyle and just kept missing it. Mark was so sweet on Kyle, he really was the best boyfriend. The heart-to-heart with Kyle and Chris at the end also had me so emotional omg. Chris was such a good big brother!!!
This was really great, going to reread again immediately because i feel like i didn't full appreciate all the little moments.
Also tommy/sebastian book WHEN.
July 31, 2024
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, BookSirens and the author, for the opportunity.
4.4 ⭐
What to expect:
📍Disability rep
📍Past trauma
📍Mental health issues
📍Long pining
📍Bantering
📍Possessiveness
📍Overprotective brother
My thoughts about the book are a bit contradictory. On one side, I enjoyed reading this greatly, I was in the mood for something with similar vibes and it checked all my marks. On the other hand, the book has many flaws: some things about the setting and background information were very ambiguous or lacking in certain places. Maybe it was intentional, but not knowing where the book was set until the latter half —and I'm still not sure it's Ireland, I just assumed that lol—was nagging me. Other things were left unsaid too, and they might not be detrimental to the story, but I do like it when everything in a book is connected and well-thought.
The 'villain' at the end was expected and his first apparition made sense and moved things forward, but the second time? It was weird and not efficient plot-wise. The third time with the usual kidnapping (that's so popular lately for reasons I don't get) made no sense, I didn't even hear his side of the story. If you keep showing the guy at least let him talk 🤣, now I'm curious about him.
Leaving those problems behind, I have to admit that the premise was amazing. I loved the disability rep and how the subject was approached. The mental health issues and the traumatic events during childhood were also well-written. In my opinion, the author did a good job being sensible and respectful while still getting things said how they wanted.
Both MCs are very human, their personalities are in synchrony with their actions and you can clearly see them as independent and interesting characters. In fact, ML doesn't have a likable personality 😂, he's a jerk with too much pride and possessiveness. But he's a consent king and has a green flag behavior when dealing with his boyfriend's disability and mental health, always giving him space and respecting his decisions even when he doesn't agree. So I accepted him with his flaws and all, and as long as MC likes him being jealous and controlling I'm okay with it.
PS: They were a hot couple🔥, and the spicy scenes were good too!
4.4 ⭐
What to expect:
📍Disability rep
📍Past trauma
📍Mental health issues
📍Long pining
📍Bantering
📍Possessiveness
📍Overprotective brother
My thoughts about the book are a bit contradictory. On one side, I enjoyed reading this greatly, I was in the mood for something with similar vibes and it checked all my marks. On the other hand, the book has many flaws: some things about the setting and background information were very ambiguous or lacking in certain places. Maybe it was intentional, but not knowing where the book was set until the latter half —and I'm still not sure it's Ireland, I just assumed that lol—was nagging me. Other things were left unsaid too, and they might not be detrimental to the story, but I do like it when everything in a book is connected and well-thought.
The 'villain' at the end was expected and his first apparition made sense and moved things forward, but the second time? It was weird and not efficient plot-wise. The third time with the usual kidnapping (that's so popular lately for reasons I don't get) made no sense, I didn't even hear his side of the story. If you keep showing the guy at least let him talk 🤣, now I'm curious about him.
Leaving those problems behind, I have to admit that the premise was amazing. I loved the disability rep and how the subject was approached. The mental health issues and the traumatic events during childhood were also well-written. In my opinion, the author did a good job being sensible and respectful while still getting things said how they wanted.
Both MCs are very human, their personalities are in synchrony with their actions and you can clearly see them as independent and interesting characters. In fact, ML doesn't have a likable personality 😂, he's a jerk with too much pride and possessiveness. But he's a consent king and has a green flag behavior when dealing with his boyfriend's disability and mental health, always giving him space and respecting his decisions even when he doesn't agree. So I accepted him with his flaws and all, and as long as MC likes him being jealous and controlling I'm okay with it.
PS: They were a hot couple🔥, and the spicy scenes were good too!
Read
July 26, 2025MILD SPOILER WARNING
This was very sweet and generally lighthearted other than a few scenes. I truly felt for Kyle and what he went through. (I didn’t get the initial ostracism from the other characters at all, though. Like we go in and out of contact with people? Being a bullying brat - as a group, no less - about it because of one summer without contact seems a bit bizarre to me.) Some plot points didn’t totally work for me or I didn’t find entirely plausible (like the final dramatic moment just didn’t seem … like I didn’t really follow how it manifested or how Mark’s brother could apparently just ‘do’ things when legally none of the rest of them could), but overall I was going ‘Awww’ for most of the book and several scenes made me smile and giggle. I do have questions about Mark and Damien, too. I felt like we got so much on Kyle’s family but not as much on Mark’s (unless I missed something!).
I think Chris was probably my favourite character after Mark, and I liked Tommy and Eddie. Honestly I felt bad for Eddie. Like I get why Kyle was wary and standoffish, but it was also uncalled for and got Eddie a lot of hate and suspicion from other characters that he didn’t deserve. Overall though, Kyle and Mark had a great dynamic and were pretty adorable together. Mark’s overprotectiveness was utterly wholesome and endearing.
Definitely going to check out more by the author!
☆ Book Reviews | Bluesky | Twitter | Threads ☆
This was very sweet and generally lighthearted other than a few scenes. I truly felt for Kyle and what he went through. (I didn’t get the initial ostracism from the other characters at all, though. Like we go in and out of contact with people? Being a bullying brat - as a group, no less - about it because of one summer without contact seems a bit bizarre to me.) Some plot points didn’t totally work for me or I didn’t find entirely plausible (like the final dramatic moment just didn’t seem … like I didn’t really follow how it manifested or how Mark’s brother could apparently just ‘do’ things when legally none of the rest of them could), but overall I was going ‘Awww’ for most of the book and several scenes made me smile and giggle. I do have questions about Mark and Damien, too. I felt like we got so much on Kyle’s family but not as much on Mark’s (unless I missed something!).
I think Chris was probably my favourite character after Mark, and I liked Tommy and Eddie. Honestly I felt bad for Eddie. Like I get why Kyle was wary and standoffish, but it was also uncalled for and got Eddie a lot of hate and suspicion from other characters that he didn’t deserve. Overall though, Kyle and Mark had a great dynamic and were pretty adorable together. Mark’s overprotectiveness was utterly wholesome and endearing.
Definitely going to check out more by the author!
☆ Book Reviews | Bluesky | Twitter | Threads ☆
August 6, 2024
Such Confusing Dialogue
I don’t really know where to start with this one. I came into this book with high hopes. Sherleen’s Adonis was one of my favorite books last year so I was eager to read whatever they would write next. This book had potential with one of the MMCs struggling with their return to college after a tragic accident caused them to lose part of their leg. I was intrigued and hopeful for a sweet HEA between the two MMCs but what I got instead was a childish, confusing, disjointed story with dialogue that often felt like it was missing a few key sentences.
Kyle and Mark were kind of cute at the beginning, but it was hard to get past their very messed up way of flirting and interacting with each other over the past two years. Mark was sweet when he was taking care of Kyle and helping his recovery but that quickly turned to an oddly possessive and cave man like presence that often didn’t even make sense. Kyle was childish and lashed out without ever talking seriously about the therapy he clearly needed for numerous reasons. And these were men that were supposed to be in their final year of college! They sounded and acted like middle school kids most of the time.
The “drama” with both of their families didn’t make much sense and with Kyle was so overly dramatic without much time to explain and explore the relationships. The one positive was Kyle’s relationship with his brother Chris but we only got one heart to heart at the very end with not enough time to really enjoy these two.
I loved Adonis too much not to give whatever Sherleen writes after this a try but whew it’s going to be hard to forget this mess.
Tropes: Bullying / Enemies to Lovers, College Romance, Recovery / Trauma, Hurt/Comfort, Grumpy/Grumpy with a hint of Sunshine
Rating: ⭐️⭐️ 2/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Relationship: MM
I don’t really know where to start with this one. I came into this book with high hopes. Sherleen’s Adonis was one of my favorite books last year so I was eager to read whatever they would write next. This book had potential with one of the MMCs struggling with their return to college after a tragic accident caused them to lose part of their leg. I was intrigued and hopeful for a sweet HEA between the two MMCs but what I got instead was a childish, confusing, disjointed story with dialogue that often felt like it was missing a few key sentences.
Kyle and Mark were kind of cute at the beginning, but it was hard to get past their very messed up way of flirting and interacting with each other over the past two years. Mark was sweet when he was taking care of Kyle and helping his recovery but that quickly turned to an oddly possessive and cave man like presence that often didn’t even make sense. Kyle was childish and lashed out without ever talking seriously about the therapy he clearly needed for numerous reasons. And these were men that were supposed to be in their final year of college! They sounded and acted like middle school kids most of the time.
The “drama” with both of their families didn’t make much sense and with Kyle was so overly dramatic without much time to explain and explore the relationships. The one positive was Kyle’s relationship with his brother Chris but we only got one heart to heart at the very end with not enough time to really enjoy these two.
I loved Adonis too much not to give whatever Sherleen writes after this a try but whew it’s going to be hard to forget this mess.
Tropes: Bullying / Enemies to Lovers, College Romance, Recovery / Trauma, Hurt/Comfort, Grumpy/Grumpy with a hint of Sunshine
Rating: ⭐️⭐️ 2/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Relationship: MM
July 24, 2025
4.5, sooo close to a 5 star read. This scratched my brain deliciously. It’s not perfect by any means but the chemistry was oooooozing off the pages.
Kyle lost his leg in an accident and has been hiding from everyone and struggling greatly, feeling like a shell of his old self. Enter his mortal enemy, Mark, who has seen through Kyle’s animosity and knows they’ve actually been violently flirting for two years instead of actually beefing.
Kyle has anger issues, heaps of childhood trauma, and a really shitty family except for his eldest brother. Mark has an insane crush, a possessive streak, but is gone for Kyle from day one. I love how things between them happened naturally once they let themselves act on their attraction.
I love a book with rich side characters who could all potentially be MCs in a next book. I really need to read about Seb and Tommy.
The ending was a bit bonkers and the hospital scene made me cringe out of my skin (not in the worst way). This was an incredibly fun read and I want more.
Kyle lost his leg in an accident and has been hiding from everyone and struggling greatly, feeling like a shell of his old self. Enter his mortal enemy, Mark, who has seen through Kyle’s animosity and knows they’ve actually been violently flirting for two years instead of actually beefing.
Kyle has anger issues, heaps of childhood trauma, and a really shitty family except for his eldest brother. Mark has an insane crush, a possessive streak, but is gone for Kyle from day one. I love how things between them happened naturally once they let themselves act on their attraction.
I love a book with rich side characters who could all potentially be MCs in a next book. I really need to read about Seb and Tommy.
The ending was a bit bonkers and the hospital scene made me cringe out of my skin (not in the worst way). This was an incredibly fun read and I want more.
September 3, 2024
loved the premise, but the execution wasn't great for me
many grammar errors + i found the MCs pretty unlikeable (even if they're self-aware, i just can't vibe with anger/control issues)
this DOES have a gorgeous cover though
many grammar errors + i found the MCs pretty unlikeable (even if they're self-aware, i just can't vibe with anger/control issues)
this DOES have a gorgeous cover though
July 27, 2025
3.75
I love when people take care of other people.
Mark was very immature with the possessiveness.
Kyle struggled with communication.
I really liked the friends and family aspect of the book.
Tommy and Mark annoying.
Kyle and Eddie annoying until the end.
It was okay.
I love when people take care of other people.
Mark was very immature with the possessiveness.
Kyle struggled with communication.
I really liked the friends and family aspect of the book.
Tommy and Mark annoying.
Kyle and Eddie annoying until the end.
It was okay.
August 27, 2025
Awwwww
Sometimes the MC’s are so insanely awesome and the love part of the story so cute it makes up for plot holes and minor consistency issues as is the case here. I am unashamed to say I adored this and would love more- Damien and Chris perhaps???
Sometimes the MC’s are so insanely awesome and the love part of the story so cute it makes up for plot holes and minor consistency issues as is the case here. I am unashamed to say I adored this and would love more- Damien and Chris perhaps???
November 9, 2025
"We weren’t fighting; we were flirting."
What can I say… I loved Mark’s over-protective and kind of obsessive behavior. Definitely one of the cutest couples I’ve read lately.
What can I say… I loved Mark’s over-protective and kind of obsessive behavior. Definitely one of the cutest couples I’ve read lately.
August 12, 2024
story of Kyle and Mark
This is a rivals to more college romance, featuring Kyle and Mark, and is a standalone book.
Kyle returns to college after an accident during the summer holidays which resulted in him losing part of his leg. No one knows. His rival, who he has had a crush on for two years and who he normally bickers with, notices something is not right. When Mark sees Kyle slip on some ice and is not be able to walk, he worms his way into Kyle’s life to take care of him. What Kyle doesn’t know is that Mark has had a crush on him for two years also.
So much happens in this book! It’s moving, emotional and a bit of a slow burn at the beginning but filled with pining and anticipation and some really funny moments. Mark is super protective and possessive of Kyle and he showers him with care and affection. Kyle shy and with Mark’s unrelenting attention, he opens up to him. They just make each other better.
One of Kyle’s brothers is super protective and there is also drama with his other brother. Please make sure you read the TWs.
Thanks to my friend Alix for recommending this book to me, I really liked it and would read it again.
Things to expect in this MM romance are:
Rivals to more
Slow-burn
Disability rep
Long term crush & pining
Past trauma
Hurt/Comfort
Virgin MC x Possessive MC
Protective brother
HEA
Read TWs
This is a rivals to more college romance, featuring Kyle and Mark, and is a standalone book.
Kyle returns to college after an accident during the summer holidays which resulted in him losing part of his leg. No one knows. His rival, who he has had a crush on for two years and who he normally bickers with, notices something is not right. When Mark sees Kyle slip on some ice and is not be able to walk, he worms his way into Kyle’s life to take care of him. What Kyle doesn’t know is that Mark has had a crush on him for two years also.
So much happens in this book! It’s moving, emotional and a bit of a slow burn at the beginning but filled with pining and anticipation and some really funny moments. Mark is super protective and possessive of Kyle and he showers him with care and affection. Kyle shy and with Mark’s unrelenting attention, he opens up to him. They just make each other better.
One of Kyle’s brothers is super protective and there is also drama with his other brother. Please make sure you read the TWs.
Thanks to my friend Alix for recommending this book to me, I really liked it and would read it again.
Things to expect in this MM romance are:
Rivals to more
Slow-burn
Disability rep
Long term crush & pining
Past trauma
Hurt/Comfort
Virgin MC x Possessive MC
Protective brother
HEA
Read TWs
February 20, 2025
I was having an issue with how to review this so I went to the reviews. I don't 100% agree with the top ones at all. While this didn't feel completely plotted out, it didn't have as many errors as other reviews state so maybe I got to it after an edit. Was the ending rushed? Maybe but not a complete issue.
I knew it was set in Ireland pretty early on and that it was college. My biggest issue is the cover. While it was what drew me to the book in the first place. Kyle is a left leg amputee. The cover is of the right leg and I had a VERY hard time with that.
I would have loved for Kyle to be a bit more comfortable in his new form but I did love how Mark was ok by it all.
I knew it was set in Ireland pretty early on and that it was college. My biggest issue is the cover. While it was what drew me to the book in the first place. Kyle is a left leg amputee. The cover is of the right leg and I had a VERY hard time with that.
I would have loved for Kyle to be a bit more comfortable in his new form but I did love how Mark was ok by it all.
August 2, 2024
Did I stay up until 1AM reading this book? Yes, I did.
The dynamic between the two heroes is absolutely perfect. They tease each other and defend each other. The dialogue is so natural and is frequently hilarious. The secondary characters are all distinct and well defined. I absolutely adored this book.
The dynamic between the two heroes is absolutely perfect. They tease each other and defend each other. The dialogue is so natural and is frequently hilarious. The secondary characters are all distinct and well defined. I absolutely adored this book.
July 16, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Kyle and Mark is sorta enemies, but that's the way they flirt. After Kyle's accident he ignores all his friends. When school starts, he doesn't tell anyone about his leg. Mark finds out, and they actually becomes friends then lovers. Kyle has trouble being around Eddie because of what happened to him because Eddie's brother. When Kyle is kidnapped by his abusive brother Roman, Eddie tries to stop it. Now everybody is friends. Kyle and Mark fell in love. Kyle is finally getting use to this prosthetic. I will recommend this book to my friends.
July 7, 2025
this started out so well! grumpy x sunshine, hurt x comfort, sort of enemies to lovers, really funny MCs, literally everything i could ever want in a book. but then the more characters were introduced, the more annoying it got. i didn’t get the (in my opinion) unnecessarily long (and kind of childish actually) beef between Mark and Tommy and also Kyle and Eddie. their dislike for each other just felt like it dragged to add more tension to the story where i would have just preferred to see more of the MCs on page.
I did appreciate that there was no big third act breakup though so points for that.
I did appreciate that there was no big third act breakup though so points for that.
April 20, 2025
This was such a cute read, honestly so easy to fly through. The writing's super straightforward and I loved how the focus stayed on the romance. The smut is tasteful and satisfying and the main characters are genuinely adorable, plus Mark is a literal green flag energy. Like so emotionally available and respectful. I love to see it.
August 30, 2024
3.5. The second half mark threw me off
September 19, 2024
Nothing happened and then too much happened that made zero sense but the ending was cute
Read
April 5, 2025DNF at about 35%. Just wasn't grabbing my attention.
July 18, 2025
I had to check to see if this was part of a series and I think the answer is no? and yet? we just get dropped into a dynamic with basically no context. I prefer that to info dumping I guess, but damn
September 10, 2024
I might even have given it more if it had been proofread...
December 30, 2025
Very sweet. But not without flaws.
For the first 22%, I was convinced this would be a 3 at most. It felt like we were thrown straight in without establishing much context.
It also read very repetitive (mark comes over, helps him with his leg, repeat!) - almost like reading someone’s diary. Felt very mundane and a chore to get through- especially as I wasn’t super invested in either Kyle or Marks character at this point.
I was eventually won over, but I think this book could’ve done with some polishing before being published.
The conflict with his brother felt a bit contrived, but I get that some conflict is necessary. Personally, I would’ve been happy to just have this book as fluff, given the trauma of Kyle losing a limb.
Overall, nothing can compare to Adonis for me, but this wasn’t bad as a contemporary :)
For the first 22%, I was convinced this would be a 3 at most. It felt like we were thrown straight in without establishing much context.
It also read very repetitive (mark comes over, helps him with his leg, repeat!) - almost like reading someone’s diary. Felt very mundane and a chore to get through- especially as I wasn’t super invested in either Kyle or Marks character at this point.
I was eventually won over, but I think this book could’ve done with some polishing before being published.
The conflict with his brother felt a bit contrived, but I get that some conflict is necessary. Personally, I would’ve been happy to just have this book as fluff, given the trauma of Kyle losing a limb.
Overall, nothing can compare to Adonis for me, but this wasn’t bad as a contemporary :)
January 17, 2025
2.75 stars
The first third of the book was so amazing it had me in tears which is usually an instant 5 stars for me. The middle of the book was good, albeit some of the character actions felt a little jarring compared to everything we've just learnt about them. But then the ending is a total shit show. It's almost like the author thought people would find a simple love story too boring so decided to throw random telenovela level drama in for no conceivable reason
Let's start off with the good: so much of this story is beautiful in the quiet. It's a love story of two men who have been at odds finding their way together. Mark's kindness allows Kyle to finally begin healing and accepting his new reality. I would have happily read an entire book just like this, I didn't need the outside noise
What needed improvement: I feel like the author really missed an opportunity to take this book to the next level by having so many key events take place off page. There is a lot of telling instead of showing. It would have made the story so much richer if we were given flashbacks to when the MCs first met, some of their feelings while they were competing, what Kyle's recovery actually looked like etc. Too much was left unsaid
What needed an editor or friend to say hell no to: the contrived random kidnapping plot. I understand the author wanted to have a plot twist moment. But this one had more plot holes than a wheel of Swiss cheese. Having his brother randomly appear just didn't make sense. Apparently he knows where they are because the insurance company sent the letter to him by mistake - but Chris can't stand him, hasn't lived there in a decade and is very protective of Kyle - there is no planet where he would have filled out insurance paperwork and accidentally put his childhood home and place of his brothers trauma as the listed address... Nevermind when the brother appears he is basically a caricature villain. I pretty much skimmed that whole thing.
The epilogue was also weird because it's kind of like Mark gets a personality transplant and becomes a bit of a walking red flag. They also decide to move in and get married at 20 after less than a year together...
The first third of the book was so amazing it had me in tears which is usually an instant 5 stars for me. The middle of the book was good, albeit some of the character actions felt a little jarring compared to everything we've just learnt about them. But then the ending is a total shit show. It's almost like the author thought people would find a simple love story too boring so decided to throw random telenovela level drama in for no conceivable reason
Let's start off with the good: so much of this story is beautiful in the quiet. It's a love story of two men who have been at odds finding their way together. Mark's kindness allows Kyle to finally begin healing and accepting his new reality. I would have happily read an entire book just like this, I didn't need the outside noise
What needed improvement: I feel like the author really missed an opportunity to take this book to the next level by having so many key events take place off page. There is a lot of telling instead of showing. It would have made the story so much richer if we were given flashbacks to when the MCs first met, some of their feelings while they were competing, what Kyle's recovery actually looked like etc. Too much was left unsaid
What needed an editor or friend to say hell no to: the contrived random kidnapping plot. I understand the author wanted to have a plot twist moment. But this one had more plot holes than a wheel of Swiss cheese. Having his brother randomly appear just didn't make sense. Apparently he knows where they are because the insurance company sent the letter to him by mistake - but Chris can't stand him, hasn't lived there in a decade and is very protective of Kyle - there is no planet where he would have filled out insurance paperwork and accidentally put his childhood home and place of his brothers trauma as the listed address... Nevermind when the brother appears he is basically a caricature villain. I pretty much skimmed that whole thing.
The epilogue was also weird because it's kind of like Mark gets a personality transplant and becomes a bit of a walking red flag. They also decide to move in and get married at 20 after less than a year together...
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