What do you think?
Anyone But Me
๐จ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ด๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐+ ๐ด๐ด ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐.
Oakley Farrow is your typical high school senior. He stays up late cramming for finals. He has impossible deadlines to meet. He worries about his future as graduation lurks just around the corner.
He has to defend himself from his abusive uncle.
He has to keep his sister safe.
He has to survive the constant torture from his bully, Asher Brooks - the seemingly arrogant and cruel star quarterback.
Okay, so maybe not your ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ high school senior.
But when things start to change - when Asher notices the bruises marring Oakleyโs skin, the ones he didnโt put there, and that evil gleam in his eye morphs into one of concern - one thing is for certain: his life just got a whole lot more complicated.
Oakley Farrow is your typical high school senior. He stays up late cramming for finals. He has impossible deadlines to meet. He worries about his future as graduation lurks just around the corner.
He has to defend himself from his abusive uncle.
He has to keep his sister safe.
He has to survive the constant torture from his bully, Asher Brooks - the seemingly arrogant and cruel star quarterback.
Okay, so maybe not your ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ high school senior.
But when things start to change - when Asher notices the bruises marring Oakleyโs skin, the ones he didnโt put there, and that evil gleam in his eye morphs into one of concern - one thing is for certain: his life just got a whole lot more complicated.
360 pages, Paperback
Published December 9, 2024
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July 6, 2024
MM Romance
High School Horror Show
1 Star โญ๏ธ
Iโm going to review this in list form because if not this review will be a bazillion pages long. I hated this book. This is a debut and usually Iโm a bit nicer to new authors but FFS between the errors, the egregious number of commas used per sentence and overall WTFness of this story, I just cannot. Thankfully this was a buddy read or else I might have died. ๐ซถ๐ป Shonee๐ซถ๐ป
โ Things I found ridiculous and/or annoying as fuck
๐This was marketed as a bully romanceโฆBut by 15% they were togetherโฆ๐
๐This was so OTT and ridiculous I thought my eyes were going to fall out of my head from rolling them constantly. I went into this wanting an OTT book but this was not what I had in mindโฆ
๐The โAre you clean?โ discussion before sex. How many times do we have to say how NOT acceptable that term is? Itโs โare you negative?โ
๐The way these high school boys were suddenly dirty talking kink gods ๐
๐The first sex scene was so enchanting and magical that the owls hooted, crickets chirped and even the stars twinkled as he pushed it inโฆ๐คญ๐ Then after as they almost professed their love, thunder cracked and the heavens openedโฆ๐ฆ
๐whatโs with recent books and random rim jobs in public places by people who have never done them before? Trust me when I say Asher must have had a dirty butthole if his after sex cleanup was anything to go byโฆHim and Oakley just roll over and go to sleep with cum stuck between their abs. Yuck. So Oakley giving him a surprise rim job in the janitorโs closet at school? ๐คฆ๐ปโโ๏ธ
๐Also, loved the hamburger, stuff your face truck date before surprise anal. Yum ๐ Sounds like an accident waiting to happenโฆ๐ฉ
๐The locker room sex scene before the football gameโฆHe totally had cum leaking down his thighs while he played in front of that scout lol ๐
๐The chapter POV set up was bizarre. Chapters 1-29 were only in Oakleyโs POV and chapters 30-41 were only in Asherโs POV. I needed more of Asher in the beginning because by chapter 30 it was too late. I didnโt give two fucks about him and he stayed one dimensional af due to it. And if I thought having Asherโs POV would give me some insight into him as a character or his feelings for Oakley I was dead wrong because the only reason we had his POV at all was because Oakley was mentally and physically unable to do it.
๐The fact the author said she made the choice not to include trigger warnings due to fear of spoilers and wanted readers to go to her website when this book had so much child abuse, parental and societal neglect, blackmail, kidnapping, attempted murder and even references an attempted suicide etc was selfish imo. Readers can make the choice to skip the page of triggers if they donโt want to be spoiled but for a brand new author releasing their debut to not give readers a heads up in the book itself is not a good look.
๐This author took 300 different ideas and crammed them all into the last 20% of this book which made finishing this an absolute chore. The sheer number of plot twists this had during the last 20% was in-fucking-sane. Pick one and do that one really well. Instead we had all of these:
-kidnapping
-shooting
-murder
-attempted murder
-amnesia ๐๐
-a terrible character randomly becoming amazing
-happy families!! ๐
-an accident that was actually a murder ๐
-miscommunication from hell even though Oakley should have known what was happening because they had discussed it?
-arranged marriage
-the arranged marriage chick doing shady shit because she was jealous. โIโm such a bad personโ ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ Oh boo hoo bitch ๐ป
-Asher goes from football jock to superhero crime fighter. Iโm convinced heโs actually a cat though after Oakley said โYou risked your lives for usโ ๐คญ๐
๐DID I MENTION THEY ARE IN HIGH SCHOOL?
โ Things I still donโt understand.
-How the fuck did the dad and uncle find out that Oakley and Asher were even together? This was just glossed over although maybe it was the bitchy arranged marriage chick. ๐ป๐
-There is just no way that one man, Oakleyโs uncle, could wield that much power over so many people. Oakley is beat the fuck up the entire book, looks like he got into a knock down drag out fight with a brick wall to the point people can barely look at him and youโre telling me nobody would have gone above the town sheriff? They knew this abuse was happening and could see the bruises on Oakleyโs neck and didnโt try to call the state police or CPS or anyone else???? REALLY??? He had an 8 year old sister FFS. Make it make sense.
-How the fuck did Oakleyโs uncle know where and how to hit him so heโd have amnesia? He alluded to it when talking to others before Oakley even woke up! Make it make sense. Oh wait, nothing else did so why bother? ๐
-I thought the sketches of Asher would be more important than they were.โฆThey were shown once and then nothing else. Ok?
โ The godforsaken epilogueโฆJust when I thought shit couldnโt get any worse. 5 years later so theyโre about 23? Maybe?
-Asher throws a surprise party for Oakley because his first art piece sold but Oakley has a sad look on his face.
-Asher asks why later on that night after some epic sex where he comes untouched.
-Oakley says he was hoping for a proposal so Asher ruins his own surprise he had planned to do an epic proposal and proposes right then and there. ๐
-Asher reflects on how he never expected to fall in love and have this life with Oakley blah blah blah fucking blah. But then he has this last thought which is the final sentence in the entire book!!!
โJesus, Iโm so fucking glad I pushed that kid over on his first day of school.โ ๐
Iโm just so fucking glad this book is over.
High School Horror Show
1 Star โญ๏ธ
Iโm going to review this in list form because if not this review will be a bazillion pages long. I hated this book. This is a debut and usually Iโm a bit nicer to new authors but FFS between the errors, the egregious number of commas used per sentence and overall WTFness of this story, I just cannot. Thankfully this was a buddy read or else I might have died. ๐ซถ๐ป Shonee๐ซถ๐ป
โ Things I found ridiculous and/or annoying as fuck
๐This was marketed as a bully romanceโฆBut by 15% they were togetherโฆ๐
๐This was so OTT and ridiculous I thought my eyes were going to fall out of my head from rolling them constantly. I went into this wanting an OTT book but this was not what I had in mindโฆ
๐The โAre you clean?โ discussion before sex. How many times do we have to say how NOT acceptable that term is? Itโs โare you negative?โ
๐The way these high school boys were suddenly dirty talking kink gods ๐
๐The first sex scene was so enchanting and magical that the owls hooted, crickets chirped and even the stars twinkled as he pushed it inโฆ๐คญ๐ Then after as they almost professed their love, thunder cracked and the heavens openedโฆ๐ฆ
๐whatโs with recent books and random rim jobs in public places by people who have never done them before? Trust me when I say Asher must have had a dirty butthole if his after sex cleanup was anything to go byโฆHim and Oakley just roll over and go to sleep with cum stuck between their abs. Yuck. So Oakley giving him a surprise rim job in the janitorโs closet at school? ๐คฆ๐ปโโ๏ธ
๐Also, loved the hamburger, stuff your face truck date before surprise anal. Yum ๐ Sounds like an accident waiting to happenโฆ๐ฉ
๐The locker room sex scene before the football gameโฆHe totally had cum leaking down his thighs while he played in front of that scout lol ๐
๐The chapter POV set up was bizarre. Chapters 1-29 were only in Oakleyโs POV and chapters 30-41 were only in Asherโs POV. I needed more of Asher in the beginning because by chapter 30 it was too late. I didnโt give two fucks about him and he stayed one dimensional af due to it. And if I thought having Asherโs POV would give me some insight into him as a character or his feelings for Oakley I was dead wrong because the only reason we had his POV at all was because Oakley was mentally and physically unable to do it.
๐The fact the author said she made the choice not to include trigger warnings due to fear of spoilers and wanted readers to go to her website when this book had so much child abuse, parental and societal neglect, blackmail, kidnapping, attempted murder and even references an attempted suicide etc was selfish imo. Readers can make the choice to skip the page of triggers if they donโt want to be spoiled but for a brand new author releasing their debut to not give readers a heads up in the book itself is not a good look.
๐This author took 300 different ideas and crammed them all into the last 20% of this book which made finishing this an absolute chore. The sheer number of plot twists this had during the last 20% was in-fucking-sane. Pick one and do that one really well. Instead we had all of these:
-kidnapping
-shooting
-murder
-attempted murder
-amnesia ๐๐
-a terrible character randomly becoming amazing
-happy families!! ๐
-an accident that was actually a murder ๐
-miscommunication from hell even though Oakley should have known what was happening because they had discussed it?
-arranged marriage
-the arranged marriage chick doing shady shit because she was jealous. โIโm such a bad personโ ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ Oh boo hoo bitch ๐ป
-Asher goes from football jock to superhero crime fighter. Iโm convinced heโs actually a cat though after Oakley said โYou risked your lives for usโ ๐คญ๐
๐DID I MENTION THEY ARE IN HIGH SCHOOL?
โ Things I still donโt understand.
-How the fuck did the dad and uncle find out that Oakley and Asher were even together? This was just glossed over although maybe it was the bitchy arranged marriage chick. ๐ป๐
-There is just no way that one man, Oakleyโs uncle, could wield that much power over so many people. Oakley is beat the fuck up the entire book, looks like he got into a knock down drag out fight with a brick wall to the point people can barely look at him and youโre telling me nobody would have gone above the town sheriff? They knew this abuse was happening and could see the bruises on Oakleyโs neck and didnโt try to call the state police or CPS or anyone else???? REALLY??? He had an 8 year old sister FFS. Make it make sense.
-How the fuck did Oakleyโs uncle know where and how to hit him so heโd have amnesia? He alluded to it when talking to others before Oakley even woke up! Make it make sense. Oh wait, nothing else did so why bother? ๐
-I thought the sketches of Asher would be more important than they were.โฆThey were shown once and then nothing else. Ok?
โ The godforsaken epilogueโฆJust when I thought shit couldnโt get any worse. 5 years later so theyโre about 23? Maybe?
-Asher throws a surprise party for Oakley because his first art piece sold but Oakley has a sad look on his face.
-Asher asks why later on that night after some epic sex where he comes untouched.
-Oakley says he was hoping for a proposal so Asher ruins his own surprise he had planned to do an epic proposal and proposes right then and there. ๐
-Asher reflects on how he never expected to fall in love and have this life with Oakley blah blah blah fucking blah. But then he has this last thought which is the final sentence in the entire book!!!
โJesus, Iโm so fucking glad I pushed that kid over on his first day of school.โ ๐
Iโm just so fucking glad this book is over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2024
oh god what a mess. I mean where do I even start?
first of all l, I thought this was a bully romance? We got one scene where Asher broke Oakleyโs nose and thatโs it. Thatโs constant torture ๐คก
Second: it was such a weird twist when Asher suddenly got concerned when he started noticing Oakleyโs injuries from his abusive uncle. He apparently doesnโt like anyone else hurting him โจ.
it also felt. no. It is. Instalove. I despise instalove, and in a bully romance? It ruined it for me.
next: โHe shrugs. โWhatever. At least now I know what you really think of me.โ
oh Iโm sorry Asher! Are you hurt that the guy youโve been tormenting thinks that maybe your sudden concern for his wellbeing is a prank and that youโre in fact not a genuine human being?
and Oakley felt sorry. SORRY. for hurting Asherโs feelings. It makes no sense? I guess heโs just that good of a person. There was also a lot going on with the fathers and uncles with an odd pacing that it made it exhausting to read.
I did, however, enjoy the little dominant streak that Oakley had. I always like a silent loner boy whoโs secretly a filthy mouthed top and a clingy cuddly jock duo<3
The writing also felt a little green but I do want to read a few more of the authors books before judging or putting them off altogether.
first of all l, I thought this was a bully romance? We got one scene where Asher broke Oakleyโs nose and thatโs it. Thatโs constant torture ๐คก
Second: it was such a weird twist when Asher suddenly got concerned when he started noticing Oakleyโs injuries from his abusive uncle. He apparently doesnโt like anyone else hurting him โจ.
it also felt. no. It is. Instalove. I despise instalove, and in a bully romance? It ruined it for me.
next: โHe shrugs. โWhatever. At least now I know what you really think of me.โ
oh Iโm sorry Asher! Are you hurt that the guy youโve been tormenting thinks that maybe your sudden concern for his wellbeing is a prank and that youโre in fact not a genuine human being?
and Oakley felt sorry. SORRY. for hurting Asherโs feelings. It makes no sense? I guess heโs just that good of a person. There was also a lot going on with the fathers and uncles with an odd pacing that it made it exhausting to read.
I did, however, enjoy the little dominant streak that Oakley had. I always like a silent loner boy whoโs secretly a filthy mouthed top and a clingy cuddly jock duo<3
The writing also felt a little green but I do want to read a few more of the authors books before judging or putting them off altogether.
July 5, 2024
1.75 ๐๐ (confused AF states)
It's like the author had a list of big dramatic things they've always wanted to write and threw it all into the last 25% of this book.
The last sentence at the end of the book negated all of the (minimal and barely described) growth of one of the MCs.
It's like the author had a list of big dramatic things they've always wanted to write and threw it all into the last 25% of this book.
The last sentence at the end of the book negated all of the (minimal and barely described) growth of one of the MCs.
Did Not Finish
February 10, 2025dnf @20%
this was kinda badโฆ. the low reviews iโve seen were not kidding ๐ซข
this was kinda badโฆ. the low reviews iโve seen were not kidding ๐ซข
June 15, 2024
Anyone But Me is a complicated and angsty romance between athlete Asher and quiet reserved Oakley. They have a complex relationship that is at times volatile, that quickly transforms into something more.
Oakley is a very fascinating main character who has insane amounts of responsibility after his parents' accidental death. His eight-year-old sister relies on him to keep her safe, which is further complicated by their abusive home situation.
Asher is the resident high school bully in Oakley's life, but when Asher discovers Oakley is being abused his entire demeanor changes and forces him to act and protect Oakley against even greater threats.
Overall I was very curious and captivated by this romance. It is filled with intense emotional moments with suspense trickled throughout due to the complicated situation both Asher and Oakley are in. I think their HEA is hard won and I am so glad they found one another and were able to survive and thrive together.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Oakley is a very fascinating main character who has insane amounts of responsibility after his parents' accidental death. His eight-year-old sister relies on him to keep her safe, which is further complicated by their abusive home situation.
Asher is the resident high school bully in Oakley's life, but when Asher discovers Oakley is being abused his entire demeanor changes and forces him to act and protect Oakley against even greater threats.
Overall I was very curious and captivated by this romance. It is filled with intense emotional moments with suspense trickled throughout due to the complicated situation both Asher and Oakley are in. I think their HEA is hard won and I am so glad they found one another and were able to survive and thrive together.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Read
July 8, 2024RTC but this was like if they made a Scary Movie type book for romance novels ๐ the writing and smut/dynamic slayed tho.
I'll be back with a proper review when I don't feel like I've been fucked through the ear with a screwdriver bc what in the seven hells did I just read
I'll be back with a proper review when I don't feel like I've been fucked through the ear with a screwdriver bc what in the seven hells did I just read
January 13, 2025
4.6 โญ๏ธ
Spice: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ.5/5
Format: ebook
I was a bit wary going into this because of mixed reviews, but I actually wound up really loving this.
Iโll be honest and say, the storyline is very similar to many others Iโve read before. The plot was generally very predictable. But I did really enjoy myself while reading.
I loved Oakley and Asher. Their โenemiesโ to lovers plot line was a little unbelievable and rushed a lot. I also wouldnโt label this a bully romance because there really wasnโt much of that at all. But I thought they were really cute together, and I loved how protective they both were over one another.
The spice was so so so good. The dynamics between them in all other aspects changing in the bedroom was everything. And Oakleyโs filthy mouth was insane. I wish there was more but what we did get was definitely top tier.
I just wish a few things were fleshed out a bit more. Like Asherโs parents. The conflict with his father went from 100 to 0 way too quickly. Kinda gave me whiplash. And the whole thing with Oakleyโs parents was kinda swept under the rug after it served its purpose for the story.
I did enjoy the side characters we got. Loved April, and I enjoyed seeing her form a relationship with Asher. Also really liked Hal and Sienna. And of course Mrs. S.
The writing was amazing for a debut novel. I canโt wait to read more from this author.
Spice: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ.5/5
Format: ebook
I was a bit wary going into this because of mixed reviews, but I actually wound up really loving this.
Iโll be honest and say, the storyline is very similar to many others Iโve read before. The plot was generally very predictable. But I did really enjoy myself while reading.
I loved Oakley and Asher. Their โenemiesโ to lovers plot line was a little unbelievable and rushed a lot. I also wouldnโt label this a bully romance because there really wasnโt much of that at all. But I thought they were really cute together, and I loved how protective they both were over one another.
The spice was so so so good. The dynamics between them in all other aspects changing in the bedroom was everything. And Oakleyโs filthy mouth was insane. I wish there was more but what we did get was definitely top tier.
I just wish a few things were fleshed out a bit more. Like Asherโs parents. The conflict with his father went from 100 to 0 way too quickly. Kinda gave me whiplash. And the whole thing with Oakleyโs parents was kinda swept under the rug after it served its purpose for the story.
I did enjoy the side characters we got. Loved April, and I enjoyed seeing her form a relationship with Asher. Also really liked Hal and Sienna. And of course Mrs. S.
The writing was amazing for a debut novel. I canโt wait to read more from this author.
June 16, 2024
Wow. JD Frost, you knocked this right out of the park. This book- the plot, the storyline, the chemistry, everything about this was explosive. You dug your claws all the way into me with this one, in such a fantastic way. This is an amazing debut novel.
I started reading this and I couldnโt put it down, I was so entrapped and twisted up in this capturing tale of Oakley and Asher. I was on the edge of my seat, tears pouring down my face, begging for something to give with Oakleyโs uncle.
My heart broke for Oakley and his sister, April and then I learned Asherโs home life and my fractured heart, crumbled. You moved me with this compelling novel.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this one. I loved receiving an advanced copy for my honest review.
I honestly, canโt wait for what you write next. I think Oakleyโs talented artist heart and star football player Asher will forever live free in my head. ๐ค
These two had such a hard,grueling journey to a well-deserved happy ending. Oakley and Asher have been some of my favorite boys. Thank you for trusting me with them.
Please make sure you read the trigger warnings for this one. Itโs a bit heavy and dark but so worth the read.
If you love MM romance, dark romance, bully romance, high angst, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, protective mcโs, an unexpected bottom, and a true soulmate couple, youโll love this.
I started reading this and I couldnโt put it down, I was so entrapped and twisted up in this capturing tale of Oakley and Asher. I was on the edge of my seat, tears pouring down my face, begging for something to give with Oakleyโs uncle.
My heart broke for Oakley and his sister, April and then I learned Asherโs home life and my fractured heart, crumbled. You moved me with this compelling novel.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this one. I loved receiving an advanced copy for my honest review.
I honestly, canโt wait for what you write next. I think Oakleyโs talented artist heart and star football player Asher will forever live free in my head. ๐ค
These two had such a hard,grueling journey to a well-deserved happy ending. Oakley and Asher have been some of my favorite boys. Thank you for trusting me with them.
Please make sure you read the trigger warnings for this one. Itโs a bit heavy and dark but so worth the read.
If you love MM romance, dark romance, bully romance, high angst, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, protective mcโs, an unexpected bottom, and a true soulmate couple, youโll love this.
June 23, 2024
Ok Iโm going to start by saying there was never a doubt in my mind at any point in this story that I would be rating this book anything other than 5 stars. I am so happy that this book intrigued me enough to pick it up because I absolutely loved it.
It is marketed as a bully book which I like those kind of stories but not always so I was a little weary going in. I would say this book has more bullying themes than being a bully story so if that is something that is stopping you from picking it up Iโd suggest giving it a try anyways. Between the MCs there is very minimal bullying. There is lots of violence between outside characters and the MCs but very little between the two love interests. I actually was really happy about that.
The POVs in this book are split with Oakley telling the first half of the story and Asher telling the second half. I loved everything about Oakley! He was a fantastic big brother and did everything he could to keep his sister safe. I liked how he dealt with the bullying from Asher and outside characters.
Asher was an interesting character to get to know. I wasnโt sure about him at first but I quickly fell in love with him too, especially when we started getting his POV! The chemistry and dynamic between these two was absolutely on fire!! I was not expecting it and I loved everything about it!
I will say that I did have to suspend reality for a little bit with this story. There were many things that happened in the second half when the story got more plotty that maybe didnโt make sense or probably wouldnโt have happened. But honestly I didnโt even care. I was absolutely here for all of it and it was a fantastic journey! At one point I was almost in tears!
These two had a very hard-fought HEA (at one point I had no idea how it was even going to happen)! But Iโm so happy they got it and I loved their epilogue! I am so excited to read what this author comes out with next especially as this was their debut!
It is marketed as a bully book which I like those kind of stories but not always so I was a little weary going in. I would say this book has more bullying themes than being a bully story so if that is something that is stopping you from picking it up Iโd suggest giving it a try anyways. Between the MCs there is very minimal bullying. There is lots of violence between outside characters and the MCs but very little between the two love interests. I actually was really happy about that.
The POVs in this book are split with Oakley telling the first half of the story and Asher telling the second half. I loved everything about Oakley! He was a fantastic big brother and did everything he could to keep his sister safe. I liked how he dealt with the bullying from Asher and outside characters.
Asher was an interesting character to get to know. I wasnโt sure about him at first but I quickly fell in love with him too, especially when we started getting his POV! The chemistry and dynamic between these two was absolutely on fire!! I was not expecting it and I loved everything about it!
I will say that I did have to suspend reality for a little bit with this story. There were many things that happened in the second half when the story got more plotty that maybe didnโt make sense or probably wouldnโt have happened. But honestly I didnโt even care. I was absolutely here for all of it and it was a fantastic journey! At one point I was almost in tears!
These two had a very hard-fought HEA (at one point I had no idea how it was even going to happen)! But Iโm so happy they got it and I loved their epilogue! I am so excited to read what this author comes out with next especially as this was their debut!
February 3, 2025
ะัะพัะธัะฐะฒัะธ ะดะตัั ะฟะพะปะพะฒะธะฝั ะบะฝะธะถะบะธ ั ะดัะผะฐะปะฐ ะฟะพััะฐะฒะธัะธ 3, ะฑะพ ัะบัะพ ัะตัะฝะพ, ัะพ ั ะฝะต ะดัะถะต ะปัะฑะปั ะพัั ยซััะพััะฝะบะธยป ะบะพะปะธ ะฝะฐ ะปัะดัั
ะฒะธ ะฝัะฑะธ ะพะดะธะฝ ะพะดะฝะพะณะพ ะฝะตะฝะฐะฒะธะดะธัะต ั ัะบะพัั ะฟัะธะฝะธะถัััะต, ะฐ ะทะฐ ะทะฐะบัะธัะธะผะธ ะดะฒะตัะธะผะฐ ะฒะธ ะปะตะดั ะฝะต ัััะธ ะพะดะธะฝ ะพะดะฝะพะณะพ. ะะฟัะพะดะพะฒะถ ะฒัััั ะบะฝะธะถะบะธ ะผะตะฝั ะฑัะปะพ ัะบะพะดะฐ ะัะบะปั, ะฑะพ ะฒัะต ะถ ัะฐะบะธ ะถะธัะธ ะท ะปัะดะธะฝะพั, ัะบะฐ ะฒััะผะฐ ัะธะปะฐะผะธ ั ะดััะผะธ ะฟะพะบะฐะทัั, ัะพ ะฒะพะฝะฐ ะฒะฐั ะฝะตะฝะฐะฒะธะดะธัั ั ัะต ั
ะฒะธะปัะฒะฐัะธัั ะทะฐ ะฑะตะทะฟะตะบั ัะตัััะธ, ัะต ะฒะฐะถะบะพ. ะะฐะนะณัััะต ะฒ ััะน ะบะฝะธะถัั ัะต, ัะพ ะพะดะฝะฐ ัััะพัะฐ (ะฟะพ-ัะฝัะพะผั ะฝะต ะฝะฐะทะฒะตั) ัะฟะพัะฐัะบั ะฒะฑะธะปะฐ ะฑะฐััะบัะฒ ะดััะตะน, ะฐ ะฟะพััะผ ััะผ ัะฐะผะธะผ ะดัััะผ ะฒะปะฐััะพะฒัั ะฟะตะบะปะพ, ั ะฝัั
ัะพ ะฝะต ัะพะทัะปัะดัะฒะฐะฒ ะฝะพัะผะฐะปัะฝะพ ัะต ะดัะฟ. ะัะด ะบัะฝะตัั ะบะฝะธะถะบะธ, ั ะฒ ะฟัะธะฝัะธะฟั ัะพะผั ั ะฟะพััะฐะฒะธะปะฐ 4, ััะฐะปะฐัั ะฟะพะดัั, ะฒัะด ัะบะพั ัะต ะฑัะปััะต ะท'ัะฒะธะปะพัั ะฝะตะฝะฐะฒะธััั, ััะปัะบะธ ั ะฝะต ะดัะถะต ะทัะพะทัะผัะปะฐ, ะฝะฐะฒััะพ ัะฐะผะต ะนะพะณะพ ะทะฒะธะฝัะฒะฐััะฒะฐัะธ ั ะฐัะตััะพะฒัะฒะฐัะธ ัะบัะพ ะนะพะณะพ ะฑะฐััะบะพ ะนะพะณะพ ะฒะธะทะฒะพะปะธัั? ะะต ะดัะถะต ะปะพะณััะฝะพ. ะฅะพัะฐ ัะบัะพ ัะพะฑ ะฟัะพััะพ ะบะธะฝััะธ ะฝะฐ ะฝัะพะณะพ ะฟะปัะผั ะฐ-ะปั ะฒะฑะธะฒัั. ะะตะนัะพะฝ, ะฐ-ะปั ะดัะฒัะธะฝะฐ? ะัะตัะฐ, ะฒะพะฝะฐ ะผะตะฝะต ะฒัั ะบะฝะธะถะบั ะดัะฐััะฒะฐะปะฐ, ะฐะปะต ั ะทะฝะตะฝะฐะฒะธะดัะปะฐ ัั ะฒัะพะน ะผะพะผะตะฝั, ะบะพะปะธ ะฒะพะฝะฐ ะฒะธัััะธะปะฐ ะพะฑ'ัะดะฝะฐัะธัั ะท ะดัะดัะบะพะผ ะัะบะปั. ะ ะฟัะพััะพ, ัะพะผั ะฟะพัััะนะฝะพ ะดัะฒัะธะฝะฐ ะฝะฐะผะฐะณะฐััะตัั ะฟะพัััะนะฝะพ ะทะฐะฒะพะปะพะดััะธ ัะบะธะผะพัั ั
ะปะพะฟัะตะผ, ัะบะธะน ะฝะต ั
ะพัะต ะท ะฝะตั ะทััััััะฐัะธัั? ะฆะต ัะฐะบ ะฝะตะดะพะปัะณะพ ะฒะธะณะปัะดะฐั. ะะฐััะบะพ ะัะตัะฐ ะฒะฟัะพะดะพะฒะถ ะฒัััั ะบะฝะธะถะบะธ ัะตะถ ะฑัะฒ ะณัะผะฝัะบะพะผ, ะฐะปะต ั ะฝะต ะดัะถะต ะพััะบัะฒะฐะปะฐ ัะพ ะฒัะฝ ัะบะพัั ะทะผัะฝะธัััั, ะฐะปะต ะบะพะปะธ ะัะบะปั ะฟะพะฟะฐะฒ ะฒ ะปัะบะฐัะฝั, ัะบะพัั ะฒัะฝ ััะฐะฒ ะฑัะปัั ะฐะดะตะบะฒะฐัะฝะธะผ? ะดะพ ัะฒะพะณะพ ัะธะฝะฐ, ัะฐ ั ะฒ ะบัะฝัั ัะตะถ.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
Anyone But Me started out promising, and then turned into an over the top dramatic mess. Womp!
Read
February 16, 2025DNF at 26%.
Yep, no, unfortunately this is not for me. I was really interested in the premise but it's not working *sighs* oh well.
No rating since I didn't even get to the halfway mark.
Anyone got any good hurt/comfort, high angst recs?
Yep, no, unfortunately this is not for me. I was really interested in the premise but it's not working *sighs* oh well.
No rating since I didn't even get to the halfway mark.
Anyone got any good hurt/comfort, high angst recs?
December 31, 2024
2โญ๏ธ
โDonโt you get it? I would hurt anyone for you. Anyone. All you have to do is tell me who it is.โ
The thing is, I know he would. And thatโs exactly what Iโm afraid of. Asher doesnโt deserve to have his life ruined. Not for me. I donโt know when things went from me not telling him anything because I donโt trust him, to doing it because I want to keep him safe.
โIs it so wrong for me to want to protect you?โ
โNo,โ I choke out. โItโs not. Because thatโs what Iโm doing for you, by not telling you.โ
Ever since we got Asher's POV, this turned into a complete mess, and it was SO predictable. I was really hoping the author wouldnโt use Oakleyโs amnesia as a plot twist, but nope, he lost his memory and magically got it back when Asher got shot.
Did Asherโs dad got a personality transplant? Like, when did he go from being this controlling jerk who only cared about appearances to suddenly apologizing and being totally fine with his sonโs relationship? Everyone was acting so out of character. Peyton grabbing the sketchbook to give it to Asher because she felt like it was important, how did she knew it belonged to Oakleyโs and what was inside?
There were so many other things that didnโt make sense to me, but Iโm too lazy to write them all out. The first part had potential but the second part was a total shitshow.
โDonโt you get it? I would hurt anyone for you. Anyone. All you have to do is tell me who it is.โ
The thing is, I know he would. And thatโs exactly what Iโm afraid of. Asher doesnโt deserve to have his life ruined. Not for me. I donโt know when things went from me not telling him anything because I donโt trust him, to doing it because I want to keep him safe.
โIs it so wrong for me to want to protect you?โ
โNo,โ I choke out. โItโs not. Because thatโs what Iโm doing for you, by not telling you.โ
Ever since we got Asher's POV, this turned into a complete mess, and it was SO predictable. I was really hoping the author wouldnโt use Oakleyโs amnesia as a plot twist, but nope, he lost his memory and magically got it back when Asher got shot.
Did Asherโs dad got a personality transplant? Like, when did he go from being this controlling jerk who only cared about appearances to suddenly apologizing and being totally fine with his sonโs relationship? Everyone was acting so out of character. Peyton grabbing the sketchbook to give it to Asher because she felt like it was important, how did she knew it belonged to Oakleyโs and what was inside?
There were so many other things that didnโt make sense to me, but Iโm too lazy to write them all out. The first part had potential but the second part was a total shitshow.
June 28, 2024
I love a bit of MM story telling and this one didnโt disappoint and thank you JD Frost who helped me get this downloaded when I was having issues getting it directly to my kindle. She was an absolute star.
In all honesty I wasnโt sure if I was gonna like it at the start and at first I was heading for the 3 maybe 4 stars but then something clicked today and I rocketed through about 60%. Every spare second I needed to know what was going on.
I have to say I did love the fact that even though Oakley was the one being bullied and was the weaker arty one he was the dominant one in the bedroom or storage closet.
I get why Oakley didnโt tell Asher the truth about his home life especially at the start when he wasnโt sure if it was real or not but I hated that he kept him in the dark. If he had know the second half might not have been so bad for either of them. That being said maybe if that hadnโt all happened I would have loved it so much in the end. Even with everything going wrong Asher was still determined to fight for them even though Oakley didnโt remember him.
I was hoping that the friends and family turned up for the epilogue and Asher looked all fancy that it was a surprise wedding so I was a little disappointed. But that my fault for running away with the story in my head. Although there wasnโt anything wrong with the actual ending.
Highly recommend if you like MM or bully romance. Be prepared to hate Uncle Jamie but love Asher you got into it thinking youโre gonna hate him but then donโt. Youโre supposed to love Oakley and April from the start and to be fair I did.
In all honesty I wasnโt sure if I was gonna like it at the start and at first I was heading for the 3 maybe 4 stars but then something clicked today and I rocketed through about 60%. Every spare second I needed to know what was going on.
I have to say I did love the fact that even though Oakley was the one being bullied and was the weaker arty one he was the dominant one in the bedroom or storage closet.
I get why Oakley didnโt tell Asher the truth about his home life especially at the start when he wasnโt sure if it was real or not but I hated that he kept him in the dark. If he had know the second half might not have been so bad for either of them. That being said maybe if that hadnโt all happened I would have loved it so much in the end. Even with everything going wrong Asher was still determined to fight for them even though Oakley didnโt remember him.
I was hoping that the friends and family turned up for the epilogue and Asher looked all fancy that it was a surprise wedding so I was a little disappointed. But that my fault for running away with the story in my head. Although there wasnโt anything wrong with the actual ending.
Highly recommend if you like MM or bully romance. Be prepared to hate Uncle Jamie but love Asher you got into it thinking youโre gonna hate him but then donโt. Youโre supposed to love Oakley and April from the start and to be fair I did.
Read
June 19, 2024I want to start this by saying, for her first book I thought JDs writing was very good. And thank you for my ARC.
I was intrigued and hooked right at the beginning. I absolutely ADORED April and Oakley so much. They have such an amazing sibling bond.
I unfortunately DNF Anyone But Me.. I was taken out of this story a couple times because it reminded me of another book. Sadly that just threw me off and I struggled getting back into it without just skimming. (Iโm not going to say what book, because I want you all to enjoy this story!) But of course because of that all the โangstโ I felt like I lived through it already.
Then the other point is I went in thinking this was going to be a BULLY romance, we didnโt really get to see any of the bullying. However to me it felt more like an insta like because of that.
I want to say again, this book is very well written, and I know I will in the future read another book by JD!
I was intrigued and hooked right at the beginning. I absolutely ADORED April and Oakley so much. They have such an amazing sibling bond.
I unfortunately DNF Anyone But Me.. I was taken out of this story a couple times because it reminded me of another book. Sadly that just threw me off and I struggled getting back into it without just skimming. (Iโm not going to say what book, because I want you all to enjoy this story!) But of course because of that all the โangstโ I felt like I lived through it already.
Then the other point is I went in thinking this was going to be a BULLY romance, we didnโt really get to see any of the bullying. However to me it felt more like an insta like because of that.
I want to say again, this book is very well written, and I know I will in the future read another book by JD!
March 8, 2025
4.5 Big starsโจโจโจโจ.5๏ธโฃ
All the drama, I mean all the drama. This reads like a teen TV movie with all the dressings, all the evil people all the bullying, all the crushes all the mean girls and all the impossible dreams. And all the young love and heartache.
Aaaall the drama....and I'm here for it๐
I enjoyed this๐ A lot๐ฅโฅ๏ธ๐
.
.
.
.
.
.
Now, a few points๐ค
We get told that the bullying has been harsh and on going for a year. The reason put forth by Asher was that he was confused about his feelings and wanted to stay close to Oakley without his friends knowing. So, this is internalized homophobia? And then they keep it a secret. But when everyone finds out, no one bats an eye. Given, at the time, more serious things were happening like trying to stay alive. But still, I suppose what I'm trying to say that perhaps a few little things needed polishing. But I didn't really care, I still loved the story and both Asher and Oakley were great and their HEA well deserved and perfect ๐.
All the drama, I mean all the drama. This reads like a teen TV movie with all the dressings, all the evil people all the bullying, all the crushes all the mean girls and all the impossible dreams. And all the young love and heartache.
Aaaall the drama....and I'm here for it๐
I enjoyed this๐ A lot๐ฅโฅ๏ธ๐
.
.
.
.
.
.
Now, a few points๐ค
We get told that the bullying has been harsh and on going for a year. The reason put forth by Asher was that he was confused about his feelings and wanted to stay close to Oakley without his friends knowing. So, this is internalized homophobia? And then they keep it a secret. But when everyone finds out, no one bats an eye. Given, at the time, more serious things were happening like trying to stay alive. But still, I suppose what I'm trying to say that perhaps a few little things needed polishing. But I didn't really care, I still loved the story and both Asher and Oakley were great and their HEA well deserved and perfect ๐.
July 8, 2024
Oakley and Asher
So, I didnโt hate it. But I didnโt love it either. I really liked it until about 70% when it went all telenovela on us. Like, could more bad things happen time and time again? Sheesh.
One of the main reasons I picked this book up was because I saw someone say that Asherโs switch gets flipped pretty quickly. He goes from bully to protector and we donโt get too much angst about it. Iโm all about that so I loved that aspect. And I really liked how Oakley was the dominant one between the two.
I didnโt like how this book was like a Transformers movie. Just when you think the climax of the book is happening, well, nope. We still got more to throw at you. I absolutely HATED that the author used the word โcleanโ to describe STI status. Yuck.
The epilogue though? That was delightful. A glimpse into the future that shows how happy they are. I can absolutely get behind that.
So, I didnโt hate it. But I didnโt love it either. I really liked it until about 70% when it went all telenovela on us. Like, could more bad things happen time and time again? Sheesh.
One of the main reasons I picked this book up was because I saw someone say that Asherโs switch gets flipped pretty quickly. He goes from bully to protector and we donโt get too much angst about it. Iโm all about that so I loved that aspect. And I really liked how Oakley was the dominant one between the two.
I didnโt like how this book was like a Transformers movie. Just when you think the climax of the book is happening, well, nope. We still got more to throw at you. I absolutely HATED that the author used the word โcleanโ to describe STI status. Yuck.
The epilogue though? That was delightful. A glimpse into the future that shows how happy they are. I can absolutely get behind that.
June 14, 2024
I'm trying to tackle and fight myself into a new path in life. In doing so, I've adding more things to my To Do lists and more things to my TBR lists. BUT that also means more ARCs for me! :D Here's JD Frost's "Anyone But Me." It debuts July 1, 2024.
["Oakley Farrow is your typical high school senior. He stays up late cramming for finals. He has impossible deadlines to meet. He worries about his future as graduation lurks just around the corner.
He has to defend himself from his abusive uncle.
He has to keep his sister safe.
He has to survive the constant torture from his bully, Asher Brooks - the seemingly arrogant and cruel star quarterback.
Okay, so maybe not your ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ high school senior.
But when things start to change - when Asher notices the bruises marring Oakleyโs skin, the ones he didnโt put there, and that evil gleam in his eye morphs into one of concern - one thing is for certain: his life just got a whole lot more complicated."]
Holy. Shit. This book was glorious and dark and all of the tropes but sweet and spicy and found family and true love and all of the plot twists and enemies-to-lovers and happily ever after and character redemption and justice is served. My. Fucking. God.
Trope 1 (here for it): "'Oakley...' His throat bobs on a hard swallow. When he finally tears his gaze away from my ribs, his expression is completely different. His eyes are hard, his jaw clenched. And when he speaks, his voice is angrier than I've ever heard it. 'Who did this to you?' // My entire body erupts in a violence shudder, from... the pain." Suuuuure, Oakley, "the pain." ;)
Trope 2 (here. for. it.): "His forehead settles against ind with a soft thump, our lips still touching 'You wanna know why? he murmurs. It's because I can't stand the thought of anyone hurting you okay?' His throat bobs with an audible click. 'Anyone but me.'"
Now THIS book is all of the things. It will stick with me for a while. These two, their story, their love, their fight for freedom, their happily ever after. It was beautiful.
This book isn't even out yet, and I want MORE, more of them, more of JD's stuff (but this is her first novel soooo...you should go read it and review it for her).
Trigger Warnings: physical abuse, emotional abuse, alcohol addiction, mentions of drug abuse, bullying, mentions of attempted suicide, grief, violence, gun violence, threats, offensive language, death (not of either MC), attempted murder (not between MCโs), and more
#booksprout #indieauthorcreative #arcs #arcteammember
#anyonebutme #jdfrost #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Oakley Farrow is your typical high school senior. He stays up late cramming for finals. He has impossible deadlines to meet. He worries about his future as graduation lurks just around the corner.
He has to defend himself from his abusive uncle.
He has to keep his sister safe.
He has to survive the constant torture from his bully, Asher Brooks - the seemingly arrogant and cruel star quarterback.
Okay, so maybe not your ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ high school senior.
But when things start to change - when Asher notices the bruises marring Oakleyโs skin, the ones he didnโt put there, and that evil gleam in his eye morphs into one of concern - one thing is for certain: his life just got a whole lot more complicated."]
Holy. Shit. This book was glorious and dark and all of the tropes but sweet and spicy and found family and true love and all of the plot twists and enemies-to-lovers and happily ever after and character redemption and justice is served. My. Fucking. God.
Trope 1 (here for it): "'Oakley...' His throat bobs on a hard swallow. When he finally tears his gaze away from my ribs, his expression is completely different. His eyes are hard, his jaw clenched. And when he speaks, his voice is angrier than I've ever heard it. 'Who did this to you?' // My entire body erupts in a violence shudder, from... the pain." Suuuuure, Oakley, "the pain." ;)
Trope 2 (here. for. it.): "His forehead settles against ind with a soft thump, our lips still touching 'You wanna know why? he murmurs. It's because I can't stand the thought of anyone hurting you okay?' His throat bobs with an audible click. 'Anyone but me.'"
Now THIS book is all of the things. It will stick with me for a while. These two, their story, their love, their fight for freedom, their happily ever after. It was beautiful.
This book isn't even out yet, and I want MORE, more of them, more of JD's stuff (but this is her first novel soooo...you should go read it and review it for her).
Trigger Warnings: physical abuse, emotional abuse, alcohol addiction, mentions of drug abuse, bullying, mentions of attempted suicide, grief, violence, gun violence, threats, offensive language, death (not of either MC), attempted murder (not between MCโs), and more
#booksprout #indieauthorcreative #arcs #arcteammember
#anyonebutme #jdfrost #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
July 6, 2024
Bully romance (it wasnโt) and instalove. Nope.
Very dramatic and super OTP. Felt like a soap opera through to the end. So much didnโt make sense.
The reasoning for the bullying was very weak. The reasoning for them falling in love was, also, weak. The romantic connection was extremely surface level.
Them being in high school and the spice scenes did not match up at all.
How did the uncle get away with so much? Far fetched. And how did Asher have literally no idea that he was the abuser? Frustrating.
Very dramatic and super OTP. Felt like a soap opera through to the end. So much didnโt make sense.
The reasoning for the bullying was very weak. The reasoning for them falling in love was, also, weak. The romantic connection was extremely surface level.
Them being in high school and the spice scenes did not match up at all.
How did the uncle get away with so much? Far fetched. And how did Asher have literally no idea that he was the abuser? Frustrating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2024
3.5/5โญ๏ธ 2.5/5๐ถ๏ธ
โโโข ๐ค
You know those books that have so much going on that it makes you feel all of the emotions at once but not always for a good reasonโฆ Yeah this was one of those.
At the start I felt like the writing style seemed almost immature but the more I read it become clearer. There was just way too much going on and was crammed into this one book which made it feel like things were cut and paste with no time for details.
I wasnโt a fan at the start but Iโm not going to lie and say towards the end didnโt have me holding back literal tears but it did.. it just took me a bit of skimming to get there.
All in all I enjoyed the story and the relationship between Oakley and Asher but I just feel like the author overdid it on the drama, packing in way too much ๐
โโโข ๐ค
You know those books that have so much going on that it makes you feel all of the emotions at once but not always for a good reasonโฆ Yeah this was one of those.
At the start I felt like the writing style seemed almost immature but the more I read it become clearer. There was just way too much going on and was crammed into this one book which made it feel like things were cut and paste with no time for details.
I wasnโt a fan at the start but Iโm not going to lie and say towards the end didnโt have me holding back literal tears but it did.. it just took me a bit of skimming to get there.
All in all I enjoyed the story and the relationship between Oakley and Asher but I just feel like the author overdid it on the drama, packing in way too much ๐
Read
July 7, 2024Put your hands together for... (drumroll, please!) my first 1-star read of the year
BR with Megan and Shonee
I think I would have enjoyed this seven years ago when I was still in high school but I just couldnโt be bothered at the moment. My eyes hurt more from how much I rolled them when reading this than after a night of bar hopping. Thank god I was a few drinks deep for two-thirds of this.
WHAT I DIDNโT LIKE
- All the OTT drama. It definitely wasn't my thing (high school romances arenโt my thing in general) and the only reason I didnโt DNF this is because I havenโt read one in such a long while.
- Instalust.
- No protector to be seen. The premise of this is bully turned protector but it really should have been enemies-to-lovers because I didnโt see a whole lot of protection. It was possessiveness at best.
- Attempts to kink-ify bullying. โIt wouldnโt be us if it didnโt hurtโ is literally what Oakley said and Iโm sitting here thinking, isnโt kink supposed to be pleasurable? Because you definitely seemed to hate it when Asher hit you on the head with his football or whatever it was and made you bleed all over the corridor.
- How quickly Oakley forgave Asher. I mean, all it took was Asher saying โI was a dickโ and then they were banging๐
- The reason. So basically Asher bullied Oakley because he secretly liked him and didn't want anyone else to touch him? I think the author could have gone for a bit more depth โ maybe even a history of family drama โ as the main WHY. On the whole I felt this was a little lazy.
- How quickly and easily things between Asher and his dad were resolved. Isnโt this the same man that drove your mom to the bottle? That threatened to stop funding her rehabilitation if you didnโt stop seeing Oakley?? Like, are we on the same page here? And for the author to insult our intelligence by having Oakley say โI canโt get over your dad being nice all of a suddenโ as though saying what the audience is thinking minimises that absolute clusterfuck in characterisation.
I have definitely exhausted my OTT/high school quota for the year and will be steering clear henceforth, thanks very much
BR with Megan and Shonee
I think I would have enjoyed this seven years ago when I was still in high school but I just couldnโt be bothered at the moment. My eyes hurt more from how much I rolled them when reading this than after a night of bar hopping. Thank god I was a few drinks deep for two-thirds of this.
WHAT I DIDNโT LIKE
- All the OTT drama. It definitely wasn't my thing (high school romances arenโt my thing in general) and the only reason I didnโt DNF this is because I havenโt read one in such a long while.
- Instalust.
- No protector to be seen. The premise of this is bully turned protector but it really should have been enemies-to-lovers because I didnโt see a whole lot of protection. It was possessiveness at best.
- Attempts to kink-ify bullying. โIt wouldnโt be us if it didnโt hurtโ is literally what Oakley said and Iโm sitting here thinking, isnโt kink supposed to be pleasurable? Because you definitely seemed to hate it when Asher hit you on the head with his football or whatever it was and made you bleed all over the corridor.
- How quickly Oakley forgave Asher. I mean, all it took was Asher saying โI was a dickโ and then they were banging๐
- The reason. So basically Asher bullied Oakley because he secretly liked him and didn't want anyone else to touch him? I think the author could have gone for a bit more depth โ maybe even a history of family drama โ as the main WHY. On the whole I felt this was a little lazy.
- How quickly and easily things between Asher and his dad were resolved. Isnโt this the same man that drove your mom to the bottle? That threatened to stop funding her rehabilitation if you didnโt stop seeing Oakley?? Like, are we on the same page here? And for the author to insult our intelligence by having Oakley say โI canโt get over your dad being nice all of a suddenโ as though saying what the audience is thinking minimises that absolute clusterfuck in characterisation.
I have definitely exhausted my OTT/high school quota for the year and will be steering clear henceforth, thanks very much
August 15, 2024
There are a lot of issues in the Storyline it just doesnโt work.
And I HATE Amnesia tropeโฆ but that is a me problem. There should be trigger warnings about that .. finished the book regardless but it just wasnโt my cup of tea.
And I HATE Amnesia tropeโฆ but that is a me problem. There should be trigger warnings about that .. finished the book regardless but it just wasnโt my cup of tea.
June 16, 2024
If you liked that viral meme of the injured hero showing up at the villain's door, saying "I didn't know where else to go", you'll like this bully hurt/comfort romance. After his parent's death, Oakley is just trying to make it to graduation so he can get himself and his sister away from his abusive uncle. He has nowhere safe to go - even at school he's terrorized by Asher, the bully who just doesn't seem to be able to leave him alone.
The story is what you'd expect from a bully romance, although the 'bully' storyline was shorter than I would have expected as the characters soon join forces against other more nefarious foes. Normally over the top books like this with crazy dramatic plot lines and multiple villainous characters drive me crazy but I liked this one. The characters were endearing and I was rooting for Oakley and Asher to get their HEA. The ending was satisfying and I really enjoyed the epilogue. Note, if you have triggers the content warnings for the book are on the author's website. I went in without reading them and didn't find anything triggering.
Rating: 3.75
Angst: 4/5
Steam: 3/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
"Tell me why you wanted to know who hurt me so badly. Just give me some fucking answers."
He moves towards me, quicker than I can react. His hands come up again, landing on the locker door on either side of my head, keeping me in place as his eyes bore into mine. He's panting, his breath puffing out against my lips. Thee's a flash of lightning, lighting up his face for only a split-second. But, it's enough. Enough to see the torment etched into his features, the indecision. And the burning desire in his eyes too. [...]
"You wanna know why?" he murmurs. "It's because I can't stand the thought of anyone hurting you, okay?" His throat bobs with an audible click. "Anybody but me."
The story is what you'd expect from a bully romance, although the 'bully' storyline was shorter than I would have expected as the characters soon join forces against other more nefarious foes. Normally over the top books like this with crazy dramatic plot lines and multiple villainous characters drive me crazy but I liked this one. The characters were endearing and I was rooting for Oakley and Asher to get their HEA. The ending was satisfying and I really enjoyed the epilogue. Note, if you have triggers the content warnings for the book are on the author's website. I went in without reading them and didn't find anything triggering.
Rating: 3.75
Angst: 4/5
Steam: 3/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
July 1, 2024
Reread
โพ๏ธ STARS!โญ๏ธ
3.5๐ถ๏ธ
YALL, This Reread Was FABULOUS! I Did My Reread On Audiobook, And Ket Me Tell You, The Audiobook Was PHENOMENAL! Javi Wilder & Simon Dornet Were Just Perfect As My Favorite Boys Oakley And Asher. UGH! I Didnโt Realize I Missed Them So Much But I Did I Love Them So Much And These Boys Will Always Be One Of My Favorite Couples Ever And This Book Will Always Be Be One Of My Favorite Books Ever, I Will Never Get Over This. I Cannot Wait For Jd Frosts New Book Because Sheโs Definitely One If My New Favorite Authors And This Is A DEBUT! I Cannot Wait To See What Characters She Comes Up With Next. I Will Be Rereading This Book For The Rest Of My Life๐ซถ๐
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
โพ๏ธ STARS!โญ๏ธ
4๐ถ๏ธ
GUYS! READ THIS NOW! JD Frost Is Now An Auto - Buy Author For Me. Iโm Literally Gonna Be Reading Any Books She Comes Out With. Iโve Never Been On SUCH An Emotional Rollercoaster When It Comes To Two Males Wanting To Be With Each Other. THIS BOOK! IM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK! SO BEAUTIFUL! ONE OF MY FAVORITE MM ROMANCES EVER AND ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS THIS YEAR AND ONE OF MY NEW FAVORITE BOOKS EVER. Oakley And Asher, UGH! They Are So UNDENIABLY Special To Me. Iโve Never Seen A Couple That Are Willing To Do Anything And Everything To Be With Each Other. They Are Literally SOULMATES FOR LIFE! I Love These Boys Forever And Alwaysโค๏ธโ๐ฉน I Also Loved April, She Is Such A Darling I Literally Love Her SM! OH And April And Oakleyโs Uncle, FUCK YOU! M#THERF#CKER!๐ Asherโs Parents, UGH! I LOVE THEM BOTH SM! Especially His Dad, Made SUCH An Amazing Comeback In The End I ABSOLUTELY LOVE HIM๐ซถ And The Sides Characters We Meet I Also Really Loved And They Really Impacted The Story In An Important Way. And The Ending Was ABSOLUTELY PERFECTION! Everything Ended The Way It Should Be And Also SUCH A Well Deserved HEA And I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. Anyways PLEASE READ THIS BOOK! THANK ME LATER๐๐๐๐
โพ๏ธ STARS!โญ๏ธ
3.5๐ถ๏ธ
YALL, This Reread Was FABULOUS! I Did My Reread On Audiobook, And Ket Me Tell You, The Audiobook Was PHENOMENAL! Javi Wilder & Simon Dornet Were Just Perfect As My Favorite Boys Oakley And Asher. UGH! I Didnโt Realize I Missed Them So Much But I Did I Love Them So Much And These Boys Will Always Be One Of My Favorite Couples Ever And This Book Will Always Be Be One Of My Favorite Books Ever, I Will Never Get Over This. I Cannot Wait For Jd Frosts New Book Because Sheโs Definitely One If My New Favorite Authors And This Is A DEBUT! I Cannot Wait To See What Characters She Comes Up With Next. I Will Be Rereading This Book For The Rest Of My Life๐ซถ๐
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
โพ๏ธ STARS!โญ๏ธ
4๐ถ๏ธ
GUYS! READ THIS NOW! JD Frost Is Now An Auto - Buy Author For Me. Iโm Literally Gonna Be Reading Any Books She Comes Out With. Iโve Never Been On SUCH An Emotional Rollercoaster When It Comes To Two Males Wanting To Be With Each Other. THIS BOOK! IM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK! SO BEAUTIFUL! ONE OF MY FAVORITE MM ROMANCES EVER AND ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS THIS YEAR AND ONE OF MY NEW FAVORITE BOOKS EVER. Oakley And Asher, UGH! They Are So UNDENIABLY Special To Me. Iโve Never Seen A Couple That Are Willing To Do Anything And Everything To Be With Each Other. They Are Literally SOULMATES FOR LIFE! I Love These Boys Forever And Alwaysโค๏ธโ๐ฉน I Also Loved April, She Is Such A Darling I Literally Love Her SM! OH And April And Oakleyโs Uncle, FUCK YOU! M#THERF#CKER!๐ Asherโs Parents, UGH! I LOVE THEM BOTH SM! Especially His Dad, Made SUCH An Amazing Comeback In The End I ABSOLUTELY LOVE HIM๐ซถ And The Sides Characters We Meet I Also Really Loved And They Really Impacted The Story In An Important Way. And The Ending Was ABSOLUTELY PERFECTION! Everything Ended The Way It Should Be And Also SUCH A Well Deserved HEA And I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. Anyways PLEASE READ THIS BOOK! THANK ME LATER๐๐๐๐
June 15, 2024
I havenโt read a bully romance in quite a while and felt due for one. This book delivers on bully, enemies to lovers and found family. For a debut novel I am quite impressed and will read more from this author in the future!
โขOakleyโmy sweet boy. Heโs been dealt an awful hand in life but is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his sister. He wants to be loved and trust someone but has walls built around him for good reason. He only needs to survive the abusive household heโs stuck in until graduation, when he can access his trust fund and run far, far away. All of this seems easy enough for him until Asher takes what he wants.
โขAsherโmy sweet bully. Itโs very clear that he hasnโt developed any emotional control skills and when he has feelings for Oakley his way to handle that is to behave awfully towards him. Humiliate him and physically/emotionally hurt him. Underneath all of these unacceptable behaviors is a boy who wants to be free to love and make his own life decisions. After growing up in a cold, unloving and strict household he craves the freedom to control his own life.
When Oakley and Asher give into their undeniable want for each other it is fireworks! Their chemistry is amazing and they easily fall from enemies to lovers. Oakley and Asher are both incredibly protective and caring. There are so many twists in turns in their story and they have to fight hard for their HEA.
Please check trigger warnings and be prepared to feel heartbroken before it gets better. There are very difficult parts to read but also beautiful and sweet moments throughout the book.
โขOakleyโmy sweet boy. Heโs been dealt an awful hand in life but is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his sister. He wants to be loved and trust someone but has walls built around him for good reason. He only needs to survive the abusive household heโs stuck in until graduation, when he can access his trust fund and run far, far away. All of this seems easy enough for him until Asher takes what he wants.
โขAsherโmy sweet bully. Itโs very clear that he hasnโt developed any emotional control skills and when he has feelings for Oakley his way to handle that is to behave awfully towards him. Humiliate him and physically/emotionally hurt him. Underneath all of these unacceptable behaviors is a boy who wants to be free to love and make his own life decisions. After growing up in a cold, unloving and strict household he craves the freedom to control his own life.
When Oakley and Asher give into their undeniable want for each other it is fireworks! Their chemistry is amazing and they easily fall from enemies to lovers. Oakley and Asher are both incredibly protective and caring. There are so many twists in turns in their story and they have to fight hard for their HEA.
Please check trigger warnings and be prepared to feel heartbroken before it gets better. There are very difficult parts to read but also beautiful and sweet moments throughout the book.
July 17, 2024
This was like telenovela level of camp ๐
I just don't understand why the author not go all the way out, make oakley and asher like partners in crime since the beginning, make them kill people for revenge, like it would match the energy this book have for the last half of the book.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book because we've established the relationship between oakley and asher and what's going on in their personal life, now for the second half that's when shits starts to go down, it literally turn onto a full action movies with all the plot twist and drama I just wished the first half would have the same energy as the second half of the book or vice versa like if you wanna go out just go all the way out.
We have a family drama and romance on the first half and then action movies with telenovela plot twist on the second half.
It was a page turner tho ngl.
I just don't understand why the author not go all the way out, make oakley and asher like partners in crime since the beginning, make them kill people for revenge, like it would match the energy this book have for the last half of the book.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book because we've established the relationship between oakley and asher and what's going on in their personal life, now for the second half that's when shits starts to go down, it literally turn onto a full action movies with all the plot twist and drama I just wished the first half would have the same energy as the second half of the book or vice versa like if you wanna go out just go all the way out.
We have a family drama and romance on the first half and then action movies with telenovela plot twist on the second half.
It was a page turner tho ngl.
September 14, 2024
3.5
Pretty entertaining bully romance if youโre not looking for a healthy beginning of a relationship. I enjoyed it and it did get a little emotional towards the end so i almost gave it 4 stars for making me sad but the over the top conflict just made me drop it a half star.
Loved the characters by the end but still felt like a certain character got off scott free and never got what they deserved i dont like that
Pretty entertaining bully romance if youโre not looking for a healthy beginning of a relationship. I enjoyed it and it did get a little emotional towards the end so i almost gave it 4 stars for making me sad but the over the top conflict just made me drop it a half star.
Loved the characters by the end but still felt like a certain character got off scott free and never got what they deserved i dont like that
February 28, 2025
DNF @ 40% - too instalove for a bully romance which made it boring. Thereโs no significant on-page bullying, just mentions of it in the past, and then the couple is practically together by 30%. The writing isnโt great, no desire to continue.
July 2, 2024
Oakley & Asher
Rating: 3.7 โญ
- Highschool
- First Times
- Enemies-to-Lovers
- Found Family
- Secret Relationship
- Angst
- Protective MC's
- Hurt/Comfort
- Corruption
- Jock/Artist
This is a debut book for this author and they have lots of potential. Based on the blurb, I was excited for this storyline which was overall enjoyable and a good first showing. The writing style had a nice flow to it and the story keeps you engaged throughout. From the first few pages, you are drawn directly into Oakley's horrible reality where he is fighting for his and his sisterโs survival. This book is told from both POV's but in two parts. Part 1 is only from Oakley's POV before an incident occurs, then it switches to Part 2 in only Asher's POV to continue the story out.
I want to start off by saying that the main trope listed is a bully romance, but you only get one scene at the beginning of Oakley being bullied by Asher and it's only mentioned that he's been bullying him for a year. That's kind of it, so not a bully romance in my opinion. Instead, we move right into insta-lust with these two characters and we are missing the angst that I thought would be included.
A year ago, Oakley's parents died in a hit and run accident and now him and his sister live with their estranged uncle. Oakley is focused on graduating high school in a few months, gaining access to his trust fund, and getting his sister April safely away from the town and his abusive uncle. Where you expected to see bullying between the couple throughout this book, you instead see the uncle physically abusing Oakley every chance he gets, with no repercussions because of his status in town. Asher is the hot and rich football captain that torments' him daily at school. After one of Oakley's run ins with his uncle, Asher notices the bruising and that he didn't cause it. The bully switch flips plain off as he become concerned and possessive of Oakley. Oakley starts to see Asher's vulnerable side and they start to engage in secret meetups.
Oakley is a great character that sucks you into his despair but you see his big heart, bravery, and all the responsibilities he has to bear. He does kind of flip flop on being with Asher, giving me a bit of whiplash here and there but nothing too crazy. Asher is under extreme pressure from his father to follow the path that has been set out for him. Asher just wants things with his family to go back to the way it was but his father is too far gone at this point to listen. These boys end up being each otherโs safe space and they support each other however they can while trying not to get caught. There's drama with the dad's expectations, a girl at school that wants to date Archer, and Oakley's uncle criminal activities. From the start of Part 2 to the epilogue, the suspense and violence ratchets up and keeps you on a hair trigger.
I do wish that you got more of the bully aspect and more of a genuine connection with the couple in this story. Everything about their relationship is kind of floating at the surface but never fully solid so you can't fully get into their romance. Their flipped roles within the relationship where Oakley was the dominate one when they were intimate was fun take, getting to see them both release their pent up frustrations. They're a great pairing and the side characters are fully developed, which was a nice touch. I felt bad for the towns folk that really wanted to help Oakley but couldn't without retribution. The story is sad but sprinkled in with some sweet and heated moments between the couple. You do get an epilogue for 5 years later, where you get to see where their relationship is now and how the three of them are thriving.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Abuse (physical & emotional)
- Alcohol addiction
- Mentions of drug abuse
- Mentions of bullying
- Mentions of attempted suicide (side character)
- Grief
- Violence
- Gun Violence
- Threats
- Blackmail
- Offensive language
- Mentions of parental death (past, off-page)
- Mentions of fatal car accident (past, off-page)
- Murder and Attempted murder (not between MCโs)
- Mild exhibitionism
- Kidnapping
- False arrest
- Hospital stay with head injury
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual but in two parts (Part 1 - Oakley; Part 2 - Asher)
Breakup: Yes
Cheating: No
Ages: Not given, high school seniors (18 or 19)
Rating: 3.7 โญ
- Highschool
- First Times
- Enemies-to-Lovers
- Found Family
- Secret Relationship
- Angst
- Protective MC's
- Hurt/Comfort
- Corruption
- Jock/Artist
This is a debut book for this author and they have lots of potential. Based on the blurb, I was excited for this storyline which was overall enjoyable and a good first showing. The writing style had a nice flow to it and the story keeps you engaged throughout. From the first few pages, you are drawn directly into Oakley's horrible reality where he is fighting for his and his sisterโs survival. This book is told from both POV's but in two parts. Part 1 is only from Oakley's POV before an incident occurs, then it switches to Part 2 in only Asher's POV to continue the story out.
I want to start off by saying that the main trope listed is a bully romance, but you only get one scene at the beginning of Oakley being bullied by Asher and it's only mentioned that he's been bullying him for a year. That's kind of it, so not a bully romance in my opinion. Instead, we move right into insta-lust with these two characters and we are missing the angst that I thought would be included.
A year ago, Oakley's parents died in a hit and run accident and now him and his sister live with their estranged uncle. Oakley is focused on graduating high school in a few months, gaining access to his trust fund, and getting his sister April safely away from the town and his abusive uncle. Where you expected to see bullying between the couple throughout this book, you instead see the uncle physically abusing Oakley every chance he gets, with no repercussions because of his status in town. Asher is the hot and rich football captain that torments' him daily at school. After one of Oakley's run ins with his uncle, Asher notices the bruising and that he didn't cause it. The bully switch flips plain off as he become concerned and possessive of Oakley. Oakley starts to see Asher's vulnerable side and they start to engage in secret meetups.
โJust so you know, I still hate you.โ He grins.
โGood. Thisโd be way less fun if you didnโt.โ
โNow, letโs see how quickly you can make me come.โ
Oakley is a great character that sucks you into his despair but you see his big heart, bravery, and all the responsibilities he has to bear. He does kind of flip flop on being with Asher, giving me a bit of whiplash here and there but nothing too crazy. Asher is under extreme pressure from his father to follow the path that has been set out for him. Asher just wants things with his family to go back to the way it was but his father is too far gone at this point to listen. These boys end up being each otherโs safe space and they support each other however they can while trying not to get caught. There's drama with the dad's expectations, a girl at school that wants to date Archer, and Oakley's uncle criminal activities. From the start of Part 2 to the epilogue, the suspense and violence ratchets up and keeps you on a hair trigger.
I do wish that you got more of the bully aspect and more of a genuine connection with the couple in this story. Everything about their relationship is kind of floating at the surface but never fully solid so you can't fully get into their romance. Their flipped roles within the relationship where Oakley was the dominate one when they were intimate was fun take, getting to see them both release their pent up frustrations. They're a great pairing and the side characters are fully developed, which was a nice touch. I felt bad for the towns folk that really wanted to help Oakley but couldn't without retribution. The story is sad but sprinkled in with some sweet and heated moments between the couple. You do get an epilogue for 5 years later, where you get to see where their relationship is now and how the three of them are thriving.
"Right from the start, I knew I wanted it to be this way, for Oakley to dominate me and be the one in control. Maybe itโs because Iโm sick of playing the alpha-male leader all the time or maybe itโs because Iโm just a needy little bottom. Who knows? Whatever the reason, it turns me on like nothing else being at Oakleyโs mercy."
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Abuse (physical & emotional)
- Alcohol addiction
- Mentions of drug abuse
- Mentions of bullying
- Mentions of attempted suicide (side character)
- Grief
- Violence
- Gun Violence
- Threats
- Blackmail
- Offensive language
- Mentions of parental death (past, off-page)
- Mentions of fatal car accident (past, off-page)
- Murder and Attempted murder (not between MCโs)
- Mild exhibitionism
- Kidnapping
- False arrest
- Hospital stay with head injury
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual but in two parts (Part 1 - Oakley; Part 2 - Asher)
Breakup: Yes
Cheating: No
Ages: Not given, high school seniors (18 or 19)
July 10, 2024
This book was not what I expected
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