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Accidental Love #4
Just Bromantically Invested
Madden
My best friend is uptight, gorgeous, the greatest person I know … and I might be a smidge in love with him. Just a small amount. Barely worth the mention.
Which is a stupid choice on my part when the guy is straight.
Starting a landscaping company with him was the perfect mix of doing what I love and an excuse to spend time with him, only it hasn’t completely taken off yet and now he’s telling me he’s lonely.
Lonely.
Apparently having one friend in your life isn’t enough.
So I’m determined to help him find love. With someone other than me. Maybe if I can pull that off, it’ll mean my heart will finally get the message and move on.
Or finish breaking into a hundred pieces.
Same thing, right?
Penn
Being besties with an overenthusiastic, gold-hearted, nudist of a man is a challenge sometimes. Madden makes everything sunshine when he’s around.
The problem is that he hasn’t been around as much lately. We work together, sure, but he’s got his roommates and I have … no one. Just him. So I feel the distance acutely.
My one reassurance is that we have work tying us together, but when an old client calls with a proposition for us, it feels like our once solid friendship is unraveling fast.
He wants Madden to help him open a nudist resort, and if Madden’s doing that, he won’t be working with me.
I’m trying not to panic over the thought of losing him, which is a typical, common best friend reaction. Nothing out of the ordinary.
And neither is the way my body has been reacting to him lately.
Everything is totally, completely normal between us.
While there’s still an us at all.
My best friend is uptight, gorgeous, the greatest person I know … and I might be a smidge in love with him. Just a small amount. Barely worth the mention.
Which is a stupid choice on my part when the guy is straight.
Starting a landscaping company with him was the perfect mix of doing what I love and an excuse to spend time with him, only it hasn’t completely taken off yet and now he’s telling me he’s lonely.
Lonely.
Apparently having one friend in your life isn’t enough.
So I’m determined to help him find love. With someone other than me. Maybe if I can pull that off, it’ll mean my heart will finally get the message and move on.
Or finish breaking into a hundred pieces.
Same thing, right?
Penn
Being besties with an overenthusiastic, gold-hearted, nudist of a man is a challenge sometimes. Madden makes everything sunshine when he’s around.
The problem is that he hasn’t been around as much lately. We work together, sure, but he’s got his roommates and I have … no one. Just him. So I feel the distance acutely.
My one reassurance is that we have work tying us together, but when an old client calls with a proposition for us, it feels like our once solid friendship is unraveling fast.
He wants Madden to help him open a nudist resort, and if Madden’s doing that, he won’t be working with me.
I’m trying not to panic over the thought of losing him, which is a typical, common best friend reaction. Nothing out of the ordinary.
And neither is the way my body has been reacting to him lately.
Everything is totally, completely normal between us.
While there’s still an us at all.
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First published October 17, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 650 reviews
October 17, 2024
I really tried to like this book but I just couldn’t get past the endless immaturity.
I feel like I’m reading a YA book vs grown ass men owning companies.
Also Xander is a huge problem, it’s not even cute it’s frustrating and ridiculous. The fact that madden is still living with everyone too is odd, this whole book just was confusing.
Also Lana is such an odd character to add in, I am cheering for her but seriously unnecessary.
I sadly think this is it for me and this author, the writing style has gone completely downhill with the most surface level characters and highschool level issues that are never fully addressed
I feel like I’m reading a YA book vs grown ass men owning companies.
Also Xander is a huge problem, it’s not even cute it’s frustrating and ridiculous. The fact that madden is still living with everyone too is odd, this whole book just was confusing.
Also Lana is such an odd character to add in, I am cheering for her but seriously unnecessary.
I sadly think this is it for me and this author, the writing style has gone completely downhill with the most surface level characters and highschool level issues that are never fully addressed
September 30, 2024
Ok, so Madden is my absolute favourite character in this series and I loved seeing him figure out his life as well as his relationship with Penn. This actually felt completely different to the other books in the series too. Both MCs are aware of their issues and take action to work on themselves so that they can have a strong and healthy lasting relationship 😍
I really loved the respect between Madeline and Penelope. Seeing little bits of their backstory was so cute! I loved how they try things that the other loves but then have the conversation about not liking it themselves but they're more than happy to support the other in what will make them happy. I think this is by far the healthiest relationship in this series and I could easily have read so much more about them.
I also loved how things with Xander are coming to a head in the friend group, and I'm excited to see his story. I feel like it's going to be a completely different tone again and I'm expecting an emotional book, so I can't wait!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Saxon James, and this is my honest review
I really loved the respect between Madeline and Penelope. Seeing little bits of their backstory was so cute! I loved how they try things that the other loves but then have the conversation about not liking it themselves but they're more than happy to support the other in what will make them happy. I think this is by far the healthiest relationship in this series and I could easily have read so much more about them.
I also loved how things with Xander are coming to a head in the friend group, and I'm excited to see his story. I feel like it's going to be a completely different tone again and I'm expecting an emotional book, so I can't wait!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Saxon James, and this is my honest review
October 3, 2024
3.5⭐️
I was anticipating this book and it was cute!
It started off strong and I loved both Madden and Penn. They were amazing as best friends and I had high hopes.
Unfortunately I didn’t love them as a couple. Penn’s acceptance of being queer was a tad too “fast?” imo. He went from being sure he’s straight to confessing his feelings to Madden in 0.3 seconds. The miscommunication was too much considering they have known each other for so long!
What I did love, is how supportive Penn was towards all of Madden’s choices! Both of them were anxious babies and deserved some peace!
There were a few scenes that made me laugh out loud. All the Bertha boys content was priceless and I can’t wait for Xander’s book!
I was anticipating this book and it was cute!
It started off strong and I loved both Madden and Penn. They were amazing as best friends and I had high hopes.
Unfortunately I didn’t love them as a couple. Penn’s acceptance of being queer was a tad too “fast?” imo. He went from being sure he’s straight to confessing his feelings to Madden in 0.3 seconds. The miscommunication was too much considering they have known each other for so long!
What I did love, is how supportive Penn was towards all of Madden’s choices! Both of them were anxious babies and deserved some peace!
There were a few scenes that made me laugh out loud. All the Bertha boys content was priceless and I can’t wait for Xander’s book!
Read
October 20, 2024DNF 43%
Wow I just could not care less about nudism or a sloowwwww friends-to-lovers like these two with zero chemistry.
It’s the nudist stuff that’s boring me to death though.
Wow I just could not care less about nudism or a sloowwwww friends-to-lovers like these two with zero chemistry.
It’s the nudist stuff that’s boring me to death though.
October 20, 2024
Tropes: friends to lovers, found family
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: unsupportive family, nudist MMC, minor character with panic attacks
3.75 Stars
Madden and Penn have been best friends since high school, and they are 27 now. When Madden moved to Seattle, Penn followed him there and they started a business together. Penn doesn't have a lot of friends, so his whole social life is kind of all Madden. Madden lives with the Bertha crew and is very very close to his roommates and their partners, so he has a big network of very close friends. Lately, Penn has been feeling like a lower priority to Madden. And he's been lonely.
Madden decides that Penn needs a girlfriend so he won't be lonely. Madden is gay and has secretly been in love with Penn for years and years, but Penn is straight, so this is going to hurt Madden but he thinks it's necessary for Penn's happiness. Madden is a nudist / naturist and he's been on a journey towards being more himself. And this brings his relationship with Penn into a bit more conflict because Madden is pursuing a nudist business opportunity that leaves their joint business venture in the dust. And Madden being naked around him more is making him confront that he might not feel entirely platonic about Madden. Eventually, things come to a head and they hook up and they already know they love each other so they kind of enter the relationship at a very serious note, because they're already the most important person in the world to each other.
This book was overall an enjoyable low angst story. I like that things weren't just a cakewalk for them, they had to talk things out and compromise.
Madden as time went on kind of gave me the ick. He just thought of himself a little too much, things were more about what he needed than others. And it's good for his mental health that he does put himself first but it's not so attractive in a book boyfriend. Like, Penn didn't want to solve his loneliness by getting a girlfriend, he wanted friends, but Madden decided that a girlfriend was what he needed. Madden decided that he didn't want to move in with Penn both in the past and the present and he didn't consider Penn's needs in either situation. Madden wanted to take the job with Damien and give up his role in the joint business with Penn, and he was going to do that regardless of what that meant for Penn's career and life, knowing that it would have a huge impact on Penn but not making it a mutual decision. Everything was kind of like I've made a decision for me, now you make your decisions about your life with my decision in mind. I'm a very conscientious person, probably to a fault. I really think of others, and I could not relate to Madden, I would not have made choices in isolation if I cared at all about the people impacted by my choices. So it was baffling that Madden could make all these choices and impose them on the most important person to him.
Also something else that didn't quite sit right with me is Madden's secret feelings for Penn their entire friendship. I kind of wish it had been handled a little differently because to me it's like they've been living a different reality their entire friendship. It was all based on Madden not telling about his feelings, Madden wasn't being himself fully because he was hiding so much over the years. It just feels like if someone has secretly been in love with you the entire time, it just pulls the rug of your relationship with that person out from under you. It wasn't the relationship that you thought you had. Not all friends to lovers books come off that negative way, but this one did given the way that Madden expressed himself.
Some notable moments:
"Doesn’t mean I can’t mess with him a little though. Instead of heading home to grab some of my things, I go to the department store down the street and browse the costume section instead. There isn’t a huge selection to choose from, but the giant chicken suit, complete with feet, should fit well. Ish."
Xander is adorable. "“Does this mean the chicken suit is up for grabs?” Xander wonders. “Dude, what the fuck do you want with it?” Seven lets out a long-suffering groan. “Tell me you don’t want to jerk off in it?” “Of course not.” Xander scowls prettily. “I like the feathers.” “Have at it,” I tell him. He scoops it up and cuddles it in his lap."
The instant impromptu handjob at the first hint that Penn returns his feelings was intense! "Madden’s looking at me in a way he’s never looked at me before. His pupils are blown out, his jaw is tense, and his chest is moving faster than normal. My gaze catches on the way his Adam’s apple bobs. “Penn. I need you to tell me. Right now. What are you doing?”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: unsupportive family, nudist MMC, minor character with panic attacks
3.75 Stars
Madden and Penn have been best friends since high school, and they are 27 now. When Madden moved to Seattle, Penn followed him there and they started a business together. Penn doesn't have a lot of friends, so his whole social life is kind of all Madden. Madden lives with the Bertha crew and is very very close to his roommates and their partners, so he has a big network of very close friends. Lately, Penn has been feeling like a lower priority to Madden. And he's been lonely.
Madden decides that Penn needs a girlfriend so he won't be lonely. Madden is gay and has secretly been in love with Penn for years and years, but Penn is straight, so this is going to hurt Madden but he thinks it's necessary for Penn's happiness. Madden is a nudist / naturist and he's been on a journey towards being more himself. And this brings his relationship with Penn into a bit more conflict because Madden is pursuing a nudist business opportunity that leaves their joint business venture in the dust. And Madden being naked around him more is making him confront that he might not feel entirely platonic about Madden. Eventually, things come to a head and they hook up and they already know they love each other so they kind of enter the relationship at a very serious note, because they're already the most important person in the world to each other.
This book was overall an enjoyable low angst story. I like that things weren't just a cakewalk for them, they had to talk things out and compromise.
Madden as time went on kind of gave me the ick. He just thought of himself a little too much, things were more about what he needed than others. And it's good for his mental health that he does put himself first but it's not so attractive in a book boyfriend. Like, Penn didn't want to solve his loneliness by getting a girlfriend, he wanted friends, but Madden decided that a girlfriend was what he needed. Madden decided that he didn't want to move in with Penn both in the past and the present and he didn't consider Penn's needs in either situation. Madden wanted to take the job with Damien and give up his role in the joint business with Penn, and he was going to do that regardless of what that meant for Penn's career and life, knowing that it would have a huge impact on Penn but not making it a mutual decision. Everything was kind of like I've made a decision for me, now you make your decisions about your life with my decision in mind. I'm a very conscientious person, probably to a fault. I really think of others, and I could not relate to Madden, I would not have made choices in isolation if I cared at all about the people impacted by my choices. So it was baffling that Madden could make all these choices and impose them on the most important person to him.
Also something else that didn't quite sit right with me is Madden's secret feelings for Penn their entire friendship. I kind of wish it had been handled a little differently because to me it's like they've been living a different reality their entire friendship. It was all based on Madden not telling about his feelings, Madden wasn't being himself fully because he was hiding so much over the years. It just feels like if someone has secretly been in love with you the entire time, it just pulls the rug of your relationship with that person out from under you. It wasn't the relationship that you thought you had. Not all friends to lovers books come off that negative way, but this one did given the way that Madden expressed himself.
Some notable moments:
"Doesn’t mean I can’t mess with him a little though. Instead of heading home to grab some of my things, I go to the department store down the street and browse the costume section instead. There isn’t a huge selection to choose from, but the giant chicken suit, complete with feet, should fit well. Ish."
Xander is adorable. "“Does this mean the chicken suit is up for grabs?” Xander wonders. “Dude, what the fuck do you want with it?” Seven lets out a long-suffering groan. “Tell me you don’t want to jerk off in it?” “Of course not.” Xander scowls prettily. “I like the feathers.” “Have at it,” I tell him. He scoops it up and cuddles it in his lap."
The instant impromptu handjob at the first hint that Penn returns his feelings was intense! "Madden’s looking at me in a way he’s never looked at me before. His pupils are blown out, his jaw is tense, and his chest is moving faster than normal. My gaze catches on the way his Adam’s apple bobs. “Penn. I need you to tell me. Right now. What are you doing?”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2024
I think I need to call it at this point: I cant enjoy Saxon James , or any Sadenverse books anymore. I'll remember some old couples fondly but the last 6-7 books, if not more, I read from them were mediocre at best and I always regretted wasting my reading time with them. So this is it my friends...
This whole book is : gay best friend in love with his straight best friend, straight one one day suddenly gets turned on by him because he is lonely. Then they get together but are unable to communicate their boundries and wants which just ruins best friends to lovers story because if you cant even talk about basic stuff with your partner, what was the point of you being friends before? Then they have about 3-4 miscommunications and mild arguments from them, which is the whole storyline. Plus, I used to like Madden but here I though he was genuinly a bad boyfriend who was dismissive to Pen and used "but I dont want to smother you" as an excuse. Honestly I didnt think he was in danger of smothering the guy at all since he could barely meet with him. I also love found family, and codependend friends stories but when they meet their forever partner, I expect them to bring their partner to their found family, not assign separate days to them to hang out. Ignoring Pen's casual and not well thought out bi awakening, the guy is in a relationship for the first time, and risking his closest friendship for it, so I think being a little insecure about the new relationship was justified. But he basicly deals with all that by himself because he is a bad boyfriend for feeling these.
Anyways, if many miscommunations and a nudist just existing is a storyline enough for your day, might be worth a read. But I say my farewell to the whole universe here I think.
Story:⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️
Chemistry:⭐️⭐️
Ending:⭐️⭐️
Angst:⭐️⭐️
Banter:⭐️⭐️
Writing quality:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶.5
This whole book is : gay best friend in love with his straight best friend, straight one one day suddenly gets turned on by him because he is lonely. Then they get together but are unable to communicate their boundries and wants which just ruins best friends to lovers story because if you cant even talk about basic stuff with your partner, what was the point of you being friends before? Then they have about 3-4 miscommunications and mild arguments from them, which is the whole storyline. Plus, I used to like Madden but here I though he was genuinly a bad boyfriend who was dismissive to Pen and used "but I dont want to smother you" as an excuse. Honestly I didnt think he was in danger of smothering the guy at all since he could barely meet with him. I also love found family, and codependend friends stories but when they meet their forever partner, I expect them to bring their partner to their found family, not assign separate days to them to hang out. Ignoring Pen's casual and not well thought out bi awakening, the guy is in a relationship for the first time, and risking his closest friendship for it, so I think being a little insecure about the new relationship was justified. But he basicly deals with all that by himself because he is a bad boyfriend for feeling these.
Anyways, if many miscommunations and a nudist just existing is a storyline enough for your day, might be worth a read. But I say my farewell to the whole universe here I think.
Story:⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️
Chemistry:⭐️⭐️
Ending:⭐️⭐️
Angst:⭐️⭐️
Banter:⭐️⭐️
Writing quality:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶.5
October 21, 2024
Madden & Penn
Rating: 3.0 ⭐
- Best Friends-to-Lovers
- Coworkers
- Bi-awakening
- Naturist MC
- Found Family
- Codependency
- Chicken Costume Rescue
- Miscommunication
- First Times
Let me start by saying that Penn is amazing and he carried this story. It was great to see the gang throughout this book and how they were helping each other navigate through their problems. I did really like how Penn loved Madden and how he worked on himself in this story to be better for himself and expand his life past just Madden. I had the hardest time with this book because the characters didn't feel like themselves, as the ones we got glimpses of in the prior books. You couldn't really get a feel for their connection either because we got robbed of the pining Madden had from their childhood up to now. It really needed a prologue to give us a feel for how deep their connection is.
Let's talk about Madden, he was very selfish in this book and had no regard for those around him, especially Penn and their business. He was also extremely pushy about the whole nudist lifestyle, often expressing his disappointment with others. This book was the poster child for "Miscommunication" and it ran me up a wall unfortunately. These two just didn't talk to each other. Like how???? You've been best friends forever and you can't sit down and talk it out. Make it make sense, please. Thank goodness there's no third act breakup because they do get it together and talk things out, although they were kind of forced to. They were able to find a balance for their relationship when they were together and apart.
A lot is changing in the house and Xander is up next to finish out this series.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Mentions of parental rejection
- Homophobia
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: No, but Penn pretends to be dating a friend so Madden can't set him up on dates
Ages: 27 & 27
Rating: 3.0 ⭐
- Best Friends-to-Lovers
- Coworkers
- Bi-awakening
- Naturist MC
- Found Family
- Codependency
- Chicken Costume Rescue
- Miscommunication
- First Times
Let me start by saying that Penn is amazing and he carried this story. It was great to see the gang throughout this book and how they were helping each other navigate through their problems. I did really like how Penn loved Madden and how he worked on himself in this story to be better for himself and expand his life past just Madden. I had the hardest time with this book because the characters didn't feel like themselves, as the ones we got glimpses of in the prior books. You couldn't really get a feel for their connection either because we got robbed of the pining Madden had from their childhood up to now. It really needed a prologue to give us a feel for how deep their connection is.
Let's talk about Madden, he was very selfish in this book and had no regard for those around him, especially Penn and their business. He was also extremely pushy about the whole nudist lifestyle, often expressing his disappointment with others. This book was the poster child for "Miscommunication" and it ran me up a wall unfortunately. These two just didn't talk to each other. Like how???? You've been best friends forever and you can't sit down and talk it out. Make it make sense, please. Thank goodness there's no third act breakup because they do get it together and talk things out, although they were kind of forced to. They were able to find a balance for their relationship when they were together and apart.
A lot is changing in the house and Xander is up next to finish out this series.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Mentions of parental rejection
- Homophobia
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: No, but Penn pretends to be dating a friend so Madden can't set him up on dates
Ages: 27 & 27
February 19, 2025
I feel like this book would have worked better as a novella, there just wasn’t enough story to justify a whole book.
Madden and Penn get together so easily that the drama felt forced, like it was only there to create unnecessary angst. Madden has supposedly been in love with Penn forever, yet he’s hesitant about getting serious? That made absolutely zero sense.
I still don’t like Xander, so I’m not sure how much I’ll enjoy his book.
3 stars for the story, plus 1 extra for Teddy Hamilton’s voice.
Madden and Penn get together so easily that the drama felt forced, like it was only there to create unnecessary angst. Madden has supposedly been in love with Penn forever, yet he’s hesitant about getting serious? That made absolutely zero sense.
I still don’t like Xander, so I’m not sure how much I’ll enjoy his book.
3 stars for the story, plus 1 extra for Teddy Hamilton’s voice.
January 28, 2025
“Okay. So you, a straight man, got horny after getting naked with your gay bestie. Was your dick up his ass too?”
3.25 ⭐️
Okay, this is so sad because I liked Maddon in the other books but just like Seven, he was just better as a side character imo. Him and Pen, I dont know bro, but it just didnt really work for me. I also found their entire relationship building and sex life boring, which is sad. I mean this is a tragedy truly because best friends to lovers is literally my favorite trope and Saxon James let me down. Also I think Im being insensitive when I say this, but I dont get the whole nudist thing. Like cool, but it was his whole personality. We get it , you dont wanna wear clothes, I personally dont want to see your dick but hey whip that shit out if you want. Maddon needed some other fucking personality trait other then feeling like he was being oppressed the entire fucking book because people wanted not to see his dick and balls. But like I said, Im being insensitive about it, but hey bro I was just not meshing with it. He needed something else, because as a side character he was loveable but here I was just exhausted. Pen was the same, we dont really get much of him in the other books but we find that reason why which could of been fixed with a simple talk, but okay. But he also needed more of a personality. Their relationship was just boring. I needed either some swoon romance, hot fucking dirty sex that makes me wanna pull out the Rose, or some actually interesting drama or character development and I got 0. Sad days. Still if Im being objective its not a terrible book, but it just let me the fuck down because I was super excited about it. Booo.
3.25 ⭐️
Okay, this is so sad because I liked Maddon in the other books but just like Seven, he was just better as a side character imo. Him and Pen, I dont know bro, but it just didnt really work for me. I also found their entire relationship building and sex life boring, which is sad. I mean this is a tragedy truly because best friends to lovers is literally my favorite trope and Saxon James let me down. Also I think Im being insensitive when I say this, but I dont get the whole nudist thing. Like cool, but it was his whole personality. We get it , you dont wanna wear clothes, I personally dont want to see your dick but hey whip that shit out if you want. Maddon needed some other fucking personality trait other then feeling like he was being oppressed the entire fucking book because people wanted not to see his dick and balls. But like I said, Im being insensitive about it, but hey bro I was just not meshing with it. He needed something else, because as a side character he was loveable but here I was just exhausted. Pen was the same, we dont really get much of him in the other books but we find that reason why which could of been fixed with a simple talk, but okay. But he also needed more of a personality. Their relationship was just boring. I needed either some swoon romance, hot fucking dirty sex that makes me wanna pull out the Rose, or some actually interesting drama or character development and I got 0. Sad days. Still if Im being objective its not a terrible book, but it just let me the fuck down because I was super excited about it. Booo.
October 18, 2024
The most stupid book I’ve read all year 😩
dnf
October 28, 2024DNF
i skimmed most of this. just wasn’t feeling it
i skimmed most of this. just wasn’t feeling it
November 24, 2024
I didn't warm to Madden. And not because of the nudism.
Although I did appreciate that Penn was depicted as taking a moment to really consider if he'd actually be okay long term with Madden's nudism outside, and not just as something that would occur in their home.
Because it......isn't a small thing, but maybe that's projection on my end. I think this may be the first time in a while where an MC has had a thing that legitimately made me go, 'Oh.'
I just don't like Madden because he was giving 'Me, Me, Me' all the time. I know it's okay to put oneself first but I appreciate a little selflessness in romance.
He seemed to have a bit of a chip on his shoulder, about both the nudism and how badly his parents took it, which are both valid. But a lot of the time he made decisions first then told Penn after, so Penn was playing a lot of catchup in their dynamic.
That said, these two seemed to know their issues. I could argue that I didn't always love how they dealt with them, but at least they knew them.
Funny how they both are so deep in each other's pockets that Penn is dying of jealousy over the Bertha guys monopolizing Madden, while Madden overcorrects by trying to prepare for Penn finding love by wanting to oversee the process so he can have some control over it and it won't hurt so much when it happens.
Anyway. This one didn't work for me. I usually love bi-awakenings of some sort but Penn's is pushed so under the rug it may as well not have been a thing that happened.
Sigh
Although I did appreciate that Penn was depicted as taking a moment to really consider if he'd actually be okay long term with Madden's nudism outside, and not just as something that would occur in their home.
Because it......isn't a small thing, but maybe that's projection on my end. I think this may be the first time in a while where an MC has had a thing that legitimately made me go, 'Oh.'
I just don't like Madden because he was giving 'Me, Me, Me' all the time. I know it's okay to put oneself first but I appreciate a little selflessness in romance.
He seemed to have a bit of a chip on his shoulder, about both the nudism and how badly his parents took it, which are both valid. But a lot of the time he made decisions first then told Penn after, so Penn was playing a lot of catchup in their dynamic.
That said, these two seemed to know their issues. I could argue that I didn't always love how they dealt with them, but at least they knew them.
Funny how they both are so deep in each other's pockets that Penn is dying of jealousy over the Bertha guys monopolizing Madden, while Madden overcorrects by trying to prepare for Penn finding love by wanting to oversee the process so he can have some control over it and it won't hurt so much when it happens.
Anyway. This one didn't work for me. I usually love bi-awakenings of some sort but Penn's is pushed so under the rug it may as well not have been a thing that happened.
Sigh
January 8, 2025
2.2 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Format: audiobook
Narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤/5
I’m gonna be so honest, I don’t even want to think about this book anymore, enough to write a review on it.
Because tell me why Madden and Penn are best friends and don’t know how to talk to each other at all. Every other chapter was a miscommunication. Them even getting together came out of nowhere and was awkward.
The nudist aspects were a lot. I’m glad there’s representation for people who live that lifestyle, but Madden droning on and on about naturalism and nudism and everything else he preached about had me constantly rolling my eyes.
Again, them being together was AWKWARD. It was weird. I got the ick a lot. The two stars are for Teddy Hamilton and the other Bertha boys.
Give me Xander and Derek though, I’m frothing at the mouth for them.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Format: audiobook
Narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤/5
I’m gonna be so honest, I don’t even want to think about this book anymore, enough to write a review on it.
Because tell me why Madden and Penn are best friends and don’t know how to talk to each other at all. Every other chapter was a miscommunication. Them even getting together came out of nowhere and was awkward.
The nudist aspects were a lot. I’m glad there’s representation for people who live that lifestyle, but Madden droning on and on about naturalism and nudism and everything else he preached about had me constantly rolling my eyes.
Again, them being together was AWKWARD. It was weird. I got the ick a lot. The two stars are for Teddy Hamilton and the other Bertha boys.
Give me Xander and Derek though, I’m frothing at the mouth for them.
January 12, 2025
Madden & Penn have been best friends for a long time who have always been there for each other. Madden is self-aware that some of his lifestyle choices aren't for everyone and decides to step away and help build a place where his lifestyle is accepted. Penn has always been close to Madden, and when he feels him pulling away, he realizes something new about himself. Penn is aware he has a codependency issue, yet he doesn't communicate them enough with Madden, which in turn hurts him. When these two do communicate, it works when they don't.
I at times wanted to strangle them and tell them "Hey guy you've been best friends for a reason...so act like it". Madden is learning to step back and think about the things that are important to him. He's beginning to realize how much his dynamics affect all the relationships in his life. It was great to see him become aware and make better progress on many different aspects of his life...and finally find the one true love that was there all the time.
I at times wanted to strangle them and tell them "Hey guy you've been best friends for a reason...so act like it". Madden is learning to step back and think about the things that are important to him. He's beginning to realize how much his dynamics affect all the relationships in his life. It was great to see him become aware and make better progress on many different aspects of his life...and finally find the one true love that was there all the time.
October 21, 2024
I was really looking forward to this book as I’ve lovveedddd all the previous books but this just missed the mark for me. They had like 0 chemistry and it took so long for them to actually talk to each other. Kinda crazy they brushed off the cheating part so easily. Also, we get it, Mads is a nudist but him brushing off Penns feelings so easily? Not slay. But also Penn being so needy but not really at all? Didn’t really make sense at all. This story could’ve easily been so fun but it lacked the humour and easy goingness all the other books I’ve read by Saxon had. This is my first time rating anything below 3 stars and I’m generous giving it 2 since I do still enjoy the way she writes. There were some funny/sweet moments but they didn’t last past like the first 5 chapter and the story just overall kinda sucked.
I’m not sure if I’ll read Xanders story since this book fell so flat but we’ll see.
I’m not sure if I’ll read Xanders story since this book fell so flat but we’ll see.
October 3, 2024
It's not often you get a fresh take on a best friends to lovers romance but Saxon does that here with an interesting narrative that didn't go where I thought it would.
Madden is the nudist we've come to know and love in the previous Accidental Love series. He's a genuine good guy with a heart of gold and there isn't anything he won't do for his friends.
His best friend is Penn, someone who's been a bit of a mystery really up until this point, we know they've been best friends since they met at school and that they run a landscaping business together.
What we discover here is that Madden's been in love with his best friend since they met and he's finding it harder and harder to cope with those feelings.
Okay, so far sounds like the normal kind of trope narrative yes? And it is to an extent. But here's where things start to change up a bit and where I found myself eagerly wanting to see what happened next.
See, Penn gets a new neighbour, Lana, and Madden gets jealous thinking there might be a spark between them while, at the same time, Penn gets his eyes opened about how he might have sexual attraction to Madden he wasn't aware of.
Saxon then takes the two of them on a real journey that felt completely believable, it's not necessarily an overly angsty trip, but I felt there were some very honest discussions and expressions of fears that made it feel like a fresh take.
Neither of them really knows how to change up their dynamic from best friends to lovers but the encounter they have which sparks things off had such an honest emotional response that I bought into it completely.
We then get an exploration of just how hard it is to work at building a relationship when you've got so many other experiences together already.
I loved this take on the trope and was cheering and groaning along with all of Madden's Big Bertha friends, as well as wanting to give Penn a massive hug because of his insecurities.
As it's a Saxon book, you know we're getting a HEA, but the journey to reach it was excellent and one that felt truly earned.
Now I'm desperate for the final book in this series which will be Xander's and to discover if it will be nurse Derek (please it has to be!) who finally manages to break though this truly troubled young man and help him see that there might be a brighter future.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Foreword PR, I am voluntarily leaving a review
Madden is the nudist we've come to know and love in the previous Accidental Love series. He's a genuine good guy with a heart of gold and there isn't anything he won't do for his friends.
His best friend is Penn, someone who's been a bit of a mystery really up until this point, we know they've been best friends since they met at school and that they run a landscaping business together.
What we discover here is that Madden's been in love with his best friend since they met and he's finding it harder and harder to cope with those feelings.
Okay, so far sounds like the normal kind of trope narrative yes? And it is to an extent. But here's where things start to change up a bit and where I found myself eagerly wanting to see what happened next.
See, Penn gets a new neighbour, Lana, and Madden gets jealous thinking there might be a spark between them while, at the same time, Penn gets his eyes opened about how he might have sexual attraction to Madden he wasn't aware of.
Saxon then takes the two of them on a real journey that felt completely believable, it's not necessarily an overly angsty trip, but I felt there were some very honest discussions and expressions of fears that made it feel like a fresh take.
Neither of them really knows how to change up their dynamic from best friends to lovers but the encounter they have which sparks things off had such an honest emotional response that I bought into it completely.
We then get an exploration of just how hard it is to work at building a relationship when you've got so many other experiences together already.
I loved this take on the trope and was cheering and groaning along with all of Madden's Big Bertha friends, as well as wanting to give Penn a massive hug because of his insecurities.
As it's a Saxon book, you know we're getting a HEA, but the journey to reach it was excellent and one that felt truly earned.
Now I'm desperate for the final book in this series which will be Xander's and to discover if it will be nurse Derek (please it has to be!) who finally manages to break though this truly troubled young man and help him see that there might be a brighter future.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Foreword PR, I am voluntarily leaving a review
October 28, 2024
Another Bertha Boy I love!! Idk how Saxon James makes me love each of these boys every time but she does! Madden is just so damn likable and I knew he would be but I just loved him. Penn was also so cute and anxious I just wanted to give him a hug, I related to his anxieties and thoughts so much 🥺
Friends to lovers is one of my fave tropes and Madden and Penn had this tension that really just added to the story in that way that I love. All the pining from both Madden and Penn was the highlight of the story for me. Anyone with eyes could see they were in love with each other but these two (no literally EVERYONE pointed it out to them)
These two dummies eventually got it together and I love that Penn was the one to initiate the shift in their relationship. And shift it did bc these two were sooo hot 🥵 from their first kiss to their first time every sex scene was so also so intimate and emotionally driven I truly ate that shit tf up!
We also got so much time with all the other Bertha boys which I knew we would but Molly really moved up the list of characters I love in this series, he’s just so sweet and understanding of everyone 🥹
Needless to say I loved this book and I can’t wait for Xander and (hopefully) Derek, I know their book is gonna be my fave of the whole series 😍
Friends to lovers is one of my fave tropes and Madden and Penn had this tension that really just added to the story in that way that I love. All the pining from both Madden and Penn was the highlight of the story for me. Anyone with eyes could see they were in love with each other but these two (no literally EVERYONE pointed it out to them)
These two dummies eventually got it together and I love that Penn was the one to initiate the shift in their relationship. And shift it did bc these two were sooo hot 🥵 from their first kiss to their first time every sex scene was so also so intimate and emotionally driven I truly ate that shit tf up!
We also got so much time with all the other Bertha boys which I knew we would but Molly really moved up the list of characters I love in this series, he’s just so sweet and understanding of everyone 🥹
Needless to say I loved this book and I can’t wait for Xander and (hopefully) Derek, I know their book is gonna be my fave of the whole series 😍
October 2, 2024
So good!! This is book four in the Accidental Love series, and I absolutely loved it. This whole series has been so good, and it just keeps getting better. I loved Madden and Penn’s story, their relationship was just so sweet. I’ll be sad to see this series end, but man am I excited for Xander’s book!
October 4, 2024
Madden and Penn have been best friends for forever. They have cute inside jokes, nicknames and even run a business together. Madden loves Pen and Pen loves Madden, but while Madden is in love with his bestie, Penn isn't in love with him.... or is he?
Tropes include friends to lovers, biawakening, sunshine meets not-quite-as-sunshiney, and sort of forced proximity because they work together.
One thing I've really been enjoying about Saxon's writing lately is the "slice of life" type books. You feel as though you're dropped in to the lives of the Bertha Boys with a bird's eye view of what's happening. I think it shows Saxon's writing skill that you feel as though you're reading a story about relatable people who you'd want to be friends with if you could. I enjoyed Madden and Penn's story and really liked how there was enough drama to keep things interesting, but no overblown misunderstandings or nonsense. The character's actions were consistent with their ages and they felt like mature adults capable of being in a healthy relationship. I really liked how Penn dealt with his feelings of jealousy of Madden's other friends, and how Madden communicated how he was feeling about being a nudist. I really enjoy this whole series overall!
Rating: 4 stars
Angst: 2.5/5
Steam: 3/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Tropes include friends to lovers, biawakening, sunshine meets not-quite-as-sunshiney, and sort of forced proximity because they work together.
One thing I've really been enjoying about Saxon's writing lately is the "slice of life" type books. You feel as though you're dropped in to the lives of the Bertha Boys with a bird's eye view of what's happening. I think it shows Saxon's writing skill that you feel as though you're reading a story about relatable people who you'd want to be friends with if you could. I enjoyed Madden and Penn's story and really liked how there was enough drama to keep things interesting, but no overblown misunderstandings or nonsense. The character's actions were consistent with their ages and they felt like mature adults capable of being in a healthy relationship. I really liked how Penn dealt with his feelings of jealousy of Madden's other friends, and how Madden communicated how he was feeling about being a nudist. I really enjoy this whole series overall!
Rating: 4 stars
Angst: 2.5/5
Steam: 3/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
October 21, 2024
I thought I would like this more than I did.
I’ve always liked Maddens character in the other books, but in this one not so much.
Thinking that there wouldn’t be compromises in a relationship, and the whole nude thing, while I understand that it’s freeing to be naked, and if your home that’s fine or on naked beaches, but the whole being naked everywhere, people haven’t consented to seeing naked dicks swim around everywhere.
I also feel like pen did everything for madden and when he felt like he didn’t like something madden didn’t understand.
Also Xander get a fucking grip and get some help or shut the fuck up. So annoying and immature and all the people enabling him??!! Stop helping him and tell him that either he tries to get better or they won’t be there for him.
So yeah no did not enjoy it
Where is the depth? This author used to be good, and the writing too, but now it’s not even going downhill, it’s crashing into the depths of the ocean, it’s bad overall. The writing and characters are immature, and lack depth, there is no story, the sex scenes??? What is that? Thinking about everything while having sex, it’s supposed to be fiction, it’s supposed to be good sex, not whatever that was.
I’ve always liked Maddens character in the other books, but in this one not so much.
Thinking that there wouldn’t be compromises in a relationship, and the whole nude thing, while I understand that it’s freeing to be naked, and if your home that’s fine or on naked beaches, but the whole being naked everywhere, people haven’t consented to seeing naked dicks swim around everywhere.
I also feel like pen did everything for madden and when he felt like he didn’t like something madden didn’t understand.
Also Xander get a fucking grip and get some help or shut the fuck up. So annoying and immature and all the people enabling him??!! Stop helping him and tell him that either he tries to get better or they won’t be there for him.
So yeah no did not enjoy it
Where is the depth? This author used to be good, and the writing too, but now it’s not even going downhill, it’s crashing into the depths of the ocean, it’s bad overall. The writing and characters are immature, and lack depth, there is no story, the sex scenes??? What is that? Thinking about everything while having sex, it’s supposed to be fiction, it’s supposed to be good sex, not whatever that was.
September 29, 2024
Not me once again shamelessly asking Saxon to read a book early. This one sustained me for my long haul flight back to New Zealand. The woman is a saint.
THE PREMISE: Madden has been in love with his straight best friend forever. But what if he’s not as straight as he thought.
TROPES & VIBES:
- MM friends to lovers
- *it’s always been you*
- We learn a lot about nudism
- They work together
- Bertha Boys cameos (this is a Molly and Xander Stan account)
4⭐️ 2🌶️
THE PREMISE: Madden has been in love with his straight best friend forever. But what if he’s not as straight as he thought.
TROPES & VIBES:
- MM friends to lovers
- *it’s always been you*
- We learn a lot about nudism
- They work together
- Bertha Boys cameos (this is a Molly and Xander Stan account)
4⭐️ 2🌶️
October 22, 2024
This actually hurt. It didn’t feel like a romance book. I liked Madden just fine before this book but now I kind of hate him. I felt so bad for Penn. He deserved so much better. And no, he’s not needy or a dick or his feelings unreasonable. It was all Madden’s fault, he’s incredibly selfish and didn’t seem to respect or care for Penn’s feelings and wishes and boundaries. I know what it feels like to love someone way more than they love you and this book hit too close from home with this theme.
November 9, 2024
Ok.....what planet am I on right now? Seriously.... what bizarro world am I in? First, I didn't finish Forbidden Puckboy in September, and now I DNFd this one too??? THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN WITH SAXON JAMES BOOKS!!! I've LOVED all of her books! LOVED!!! So again, what bizarro world am I in right now that I've DNFd her last 2 new releases?
I'm truly at a loss! Has she run out of ideas? Is she rushing the writing? I'm not sure! This one was aw-ful! It was so bad it was actually cringeworthy! Madden was the epitome of an immature moron. I couldn't even read it! I think the time of death on this was around 30%, and that was generous!!
I'm truly at a loss! Has she run out of ideas? Is she rushing the writing? I'm not sure! This one was aw-ful! It was so bad it was actually cringeworthy! Madden was the epitome of an immature moron. I couldn't even read it! I think the time of death on this was around 30%, and that was generous!!
Read
October 14, 2024We love codependent besties, yes we do!
Our favorite little nudist finally gets his own book, and it's best friends to lovers?! Needless to say I loved this and Madden so much. Both he and Penn have been a bit of a mystery in this series, and I think not knowing what to expect from these two really made me enjoy their story so much more.
Plus it's always wonderful seeing all the Bertha boys pop up throughout the book to support Madden as he traverses his feelings for Penn. I love this series and these boys so much, and cannot wait for Xander's story!
- besties to lovers
- queer awakening
- codependency
Our favorite little nudist finally gets his own book, and it's best friends to lovers?! Needless to say I loved this and Madden so much. Both he and Penn have been a bit of a mystery in this series, and I think not knowing what to expect from these two really made me enjoy their story so much more.
Plus it's always wonderful seeing all the Bertha boys pop up throughout the book to support Madden as he traverses his feelings for Penn. I love this series and these boys so much, and cannot wait for Xander's story!
- besties to lovers
- queer awakening
- codependency
October 22, 2024
dnf @ 76%
you're best friends, can't you communicate?!? i've been saying it for a while, but i think it's time i stop trying to read sadenverse books 🥲
you're best friends, can't you communicate?!? i've been saying it for a while, but i think it's time i stop trying to read sadenverse books 🥲
October 26, 2024
3.5⭐️-3.75⭐️
This was pretty cute overall. Madden and Penn are best friends who start to explore a new side to their relationship. Madden has crushed on Penn forever, and Penn is just realizing his sexuality. Their lives are so interconnected it was interesting to see how they establish new boundaries and priorities with the changes in their dynamic.
I liked Penn because he was so supportive of Madden in everything he did, whether it be his nudist lifestyle or taking his career in a new direction. I didn't think his insecurities about his place in Madden's life were unwarranted either, but that might've been because I wasn't a huge Madden fan. I don't doubt Madden loves Penn but he never really showed it and constantly put himself before Penn's needs. He did at least recognize this and they were able to work towards a more respectful and equally supportive relationship, plus they had a sweet happy ending.
I've really loved all the books in the Accidental Love series, especially the last two. Unfortunately, Madden never really intrigued me and I was a little let down by his story. It was fine overall, but it just read a lot like a novella. Not a lot of depth with their relationship and I never really felt invested with the characters. Despite all this, the story was entertaining and an easy read. I'm very interested in Lana and her whole story. She was a really fun addition and I loved her quirkiness.
I've been looking forward to Xander's story for a while and I'm hoping it's more like the previous books in the series!
Read if you like:
• best friends to lovers
• opposites attract
• sexual awakening
•••••••••••••••••••••
This was pretty cute overall. Madden and Penn are best friends who start to explore a new side to their relationship. Madden has crushed on Penn forever, and Penn is just realizing his sexuality. Their lives are so interconnected it was interesting to see how they establish new boundaries and priorities with the changes in their dynamic.
I liked Penn because he was so supportive of Madden in everything he did, whether it be his nudist lifestyle or taking his career in a new direction. I didn't think his insecurities about his place in Madden's life were unwarranted either, but that might've been because I wasn't a huge Madden fan. I don't doubt Madden loves Penn but he never really showed it and constantly put himself before Penn's needs. He did at least recognize this and they were able to work towards a more respectful and equally supportive relationship, plus they had a sweet happy ending.
I've really loved all the books in the Accidental Love series, especially the last two. Unfortunately, Madden never really intrigued me and I was a little let down by his story. It was fine overall, but it just read a lot like a novella. Not a lot of depth with their relationship and I never really felt invested with the characters. Despite all this, the story was entertaining and an easy read. I'm very interested in Lana and her whole story. She was a really fun addition and I loved her quirkiness.
I've been looking forward to Xander's story for a while and I'm hoping it's more like the previous books in the series!
Read if you like:
• best friends to lovers
• opposites attract
• sexual awakening
•••••••••••••••••••••
October 26, 2024
I haven't been this tired of any book in a long time. I was waiting for Madden and his story.... liberated, unfettered by social norms, free. And unfortunately I experienced a huge disappointment. It's impossible to like these characters. I couldn't stand Madden's immaturity and selfishness.
"I respect him for not lying, but couldn't he have at least tried? For me?" - seriously??
I liked this series, but now I don't know if I'll be tempted to read the next book.
"I respect him for not lying, but couldn't he have at least tried? For me?" - seriously??
I liked this series, but now I don't know if I'll be tempted to read the next book.
October 20, 2024
*slightly unhinged and harsh? review but this book made me so mad so read at your own risk*
This was bad. I am not even going to try and act like it wasn’t. If I could give it no stars I would but I hate doing that. I honestly cannot think of one redeeming or good thing about this book but there is a whole lot of bad.
First, Penn and Madden were both so judgmental and overall just mean when thinking of/describing/or even interacting with other characters, Penn most of all. An example of this is how Penn thought of both Lana and Lisa. Specially when Penn said to Lana,
“Your whole personality is an icebreaker.”
Saying this to a woman he met what a day before who he could tell was nervous about not having any friends. If someone I barely knew said this to me I would’ve probably slapped them and then never spoke to them again.
And then again he thinks to himself:
“Does Lana have an off switch?”
Like wtf just say you hate her and leave her alone??? I can’t make this up either he literally acknowledged his being a judgmental jerk right after this by saying:
“And I’m being a bit of a judgmental dick.” These are just a couple of examples but he and Madden were so mean for no reason.
Second, the entire main trope of this book is miscommunication and it is used over and over again and in the absolutely dumbest ways imaginable.
Finally, if your characters or plot aren’t good then the smut at least has to be to make up for it and even that was bad.
I was genuinely forcing myself to finish this and constantly checking to see how much longer was left because I wanted it to be over.
This was bad. I am not even going to try and act like it wasn’t. If I could give it no stars I would but I hate doing that. I honestly cannot think of one redeeming or good thing about this book but there is a whole lot of bad.
First, Penn and Madden were both so judgmental and overall just mean when thinking of/describing/or even interacting with other characters, Penn most of all. An example of this is how Penn thought of both Lana and Lisa. Specially when Penn said to Lana,
“Your whole personality is an icebreaker.”
Saying this to a woman he met what a day before who he could tell was nervous about not having any friends. If someone I barely knew said this to me I would’ve probably slapped them and then never spoke to them again.
And then again he thinks to himself:
“Does Lana have an off switch?”
Like wtf just say you hate her and leave her alone??? I can’t make this up either he literally acknowledged his being a judgmental jerk right after this by saying:
“And I’m being a bit of a judgmental dick.” These are just a couple of examples but he and Madden were so mean for no reason.
Second, the entire main trope of this book is miscommunication and it is used over and over again and in the absolutely dumbest ways imaginable.
Finally, if your characters or plot aren’t good then the smut at least has to be to make up for it and even that was bad.
I was genuinely forcing myself to finish this and constantly checking to see how much longer was left because I wanted it to be over.
Read
October 25, 20243.5 It's always fun to revisit the Bertha Boys!
In this book, we witness Madden finally getting his HEA, in this case with his childhood BFF, Penn. This is one of my very favorite tropes and I was so happy to see it here. I would have loved to have seen perhaps an extended Prologue/introduction wherein we actually see them meeting and where we get a sense of Madden pining for Penn, instead of the brief recollection that Madden tells Penn. Still, I really love seeing how tight and comfortable the friendship is between Madden and Penn, so much so that Penn is very comfortable with Madden expressing his nudist self at Penn's home. Are they codependent...yes, but I love that for them. They are always there for each other. Madden is so there for Penn (though really, he is jealous) that we get a very funny scene at a coffee shop.
We also get some nice cameos with the Bertha boys, which includes some lead up to Xander's book (yay) and some nice affection and spice between Penn and Madden. I really liked Penn's character! I also though it was great to have some sapphic representation in the form of a side character. I do wish the balance of this book had been a little different, weighing more towards Penn & Madden's development of their relationship and a bit less on other themes. I would have also liked to have seen better communication between Madden and Penn as befits childhood best friends who have remained constant friends.
As usual, though, I enjoy my time in the Sadenverse and eagerly anticipate the next book!
In this book, we witness Madden finally getting his HEA, in this case with his childhood BFF, Penn. This is one of my very favorite tropes and I was so happy to see it here. I would have loved to have seen perhaps an extended Prologue/introduction wherein we actually see them meeting and where we get a sense of Madden pining for Penn, instead of the brief recollection that Madden tells Penn. Still, I really love seeing how tight and comfortable the friendship is between Madden and Penn, so much so that Penn is very comfortable with Madden expressing his nudist self at Penn's home. Are they codependent...yes, but I love that for them. They are always there for each other. Madden is so there for Penn (though really, he is jealous) that we get a very funny scene at a coffee shop.
We also get some nice cameos with the Bertha boys, which includes some lead up to Xander's book (yay) and some nice affection and spice between Penn and Madden. I really liked Penn's character! I also though it was great to have some sapphic representation in the form of a side character. I do wish the balance of this book had been a little different, weighing more towards Penn & Madden's development of their relationship and a bit less on other themes. I would have also liked to have seen better communication between Madden and Penn as befits childhood best friends who have remained constant friends.
As usual, though, I enjoy my time in the Sadenverse and eagerly anticipate the next book!
October 6, 2024
3.5⭐️
This series is one of the best when it comes to the chosen family trope. I adore the Bertha Boys with my whole heart!
Even though friends-to-lovers is my favorite, for some reason, I wasn’t particularly excited to read Madden’s story. I still enjoyed it, because like all the other books in the series, it was hilarious and cute, and I loved seeing all the characters again. But unfortunately, I never really connected with Madden and Penn. My favorite moments were when Molly, Seven and Xander appeared. Madden and Penn’s story was still entertaining, but I LOVED seeing my baby Xander so much. I can’t wait to finally read his book, I need it ASAP!
This series is one of the best when it comes to the chosen family trope. I adore the Bertha Boys with my whole heart!
Even though friends-to-lovers is my favorite, for some reason, I wasn’t particularly excited to read Madden’s story. I still enjoyed it, because like all the other books in the series, it was hilarious and cute, and I loved seeing all the characters again. But unfortunately, I never really connected with Madden and Penn. My favorite moments were when Molly, Seven and Xander appeared. Madden and Penn’s story was still entertaining, but I LOVED seeing my baby Xander so much. I can’t wait to finally read his book, I need it ASAP!
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